The Spirit Qi that Zhou Kai had painstakingly gathered within his body suddenly dispersed. It was like a stone thrown into still water, creating ripples that quickly faded back into dead silence. Pfft! A mouthful of foul, clotted blood sprayed out, splattering onto the floorboards before him. Qi Condensation fourth layer. Failed again. Zhou Kai […]

Early morning, faint light filtered through the window lattice. Zhou Kai opened his eyes, his vision still somewhat blurry. The warmth beside him had long since faded; Chen Ziyi must have already gotten up. Memories of last night were somewhat chaotic, but certain fragments were exceptionally clear. That delicate body melting beneath him, from the

Inside and outside the Affairs Hall, servants and maids bustled about with brooms and rags. The ground had been washed wet and slick. Zhou Kai avoided the puddles and casually asked a sweeping servant, “Why is the Affairs Hall so busy today?” The servant looked up, saw it was Zhou Kai, and quickly bowed. “Replying

It was nearly noon when Zhou Kai finally stirred awake. The jade-like beauty beside him was still asleep, her breathing even and soft. Gazing at the snow-white skin before him, Zhou Kai savored the memories of the previous night, then glanced at the now-empty 【Available Omni-Points】. “My path to immortality is such a narrow path,

The side room of the small courtyard, usually used for storing miscellaneous items, had been cleared out by Zhou Kai to serve as his pill refining space. With a thought, a one-foot-tall, ancient-looking pill furnace appeared in the room. There were several noticeable dents and scratches on its edges and corners, and even a slight

“Ziyi, I’m going to the market district. Wait for me at home.” After tidying up a bit and carefully storing the few Qi Gathering Pills he had refined, Zhou Kai pushed the door open and left. The Chen family residence wasn’t far from the Crouching Tiger Mountain market district. Even for a Mortal, it was

When Zhou Kai returned to his small courtyard in the Chen family compound, dusk was approaching. On the table inside the house, several simple home-cooked dishes were already laid out, still steaming. A vague, indescribable emotion stirred within Zhou Kai’s heart. He was born an outcast of the immortal path. With a low-grade Spirit Root

Crouching Tiger Mountain outskirts. Hiss… The grass rustled slightly as a dark red shadow flashed past. “Here it comes!” Zhou Kai’s spirits lifted. It was one of his targets for this trip, the Red-Eyed Snake! This first-tier demonic beast was fast; its venomous fangs weren’t fatal, but they could paralyze a person long enough for

“A disciple from the Lone Goose Palace… why would they come all the way to the Heavenly Spring Sect’s territory for a fight?” Zhou Kai muttered to himself, his gaze also drawn to the white-clad woman’s figure and swordsmanship. “Top-grade Metal Spirit Root… a natural-born sword vessel…” Of course, Zhou Kai had heard of this

“Two Heavenly Spring Sect disciples are dead, and that’s not the end of it. The Sword Fairy was also severely injured…” “Sooner or later, someone will come to investigate. It’s likely the two major forces will clash. Crouching Tiger Mountain definitely won’t be peaceful. I was a witness too. This muddy water is not something

The main seat was empty, clearly indicating the guest of honor had not yet arrived. On the seats lining both sides, many of the Chen family’s stewards, deacons, and some distinguished guest elders and retainers were already seated. Zhou Kai’s gaze swept across the room and soon spotted Chen Muhui in a relatively secluded corner

Zhou Kai shook his head. Chen Muhui sneered, “Because it’s said that within the Desolate Herb Garden, there are several key medicinal herbs for refining Foundation Establishment Pills! The Heavenly Spring Sect themselves certainly don’t lack Foundation Establishment Pills, nor do they lack these herbs. The reason they don’t collect the spirit herbs we gather

Chen Xingze’s frown deepened, the suspicion in his eyes not entirely dispelled. “Oh? You heard the sounds of fighting?” “Where exactly were you on Crouching Tiger Mountain at the time? From which direction did the sounds come? Approximately how long did they last?” Zhou Kai inwardly cursed this little fox, but his face still wore

Zhou Kai’s series of deflections and counterattacks left the young woman speechless. She stared at this Chen Family Guest Elder before her. His cultivation was clearly not high, yet he spoke like a seasoned rogue, slick and slippery. Where was even a hint of the aloofness and integrity a proper alchemist should possess? This was

For the next three days, Zhou Kai fully switched into actor mode. He strictly adhered to the dull and tedious daily routine expected of a Chen Family Guest Elder. During the day, he appeared punctually at the Spirit Beast Garden. He no longer just went through the motions like before but genuinely began to work

“BANG—!” An extremely violent crashing sound exploded as the door was smashed open, splinters of wood flying everywhere. Two unfamiliar Chen family guards barged in, their eyes fierce, yet their bodies showed not the slightest fluctuation of Spirit Qi. “Ah!” Chen Ziyi let out a startled cry, staggered back several steps from the immense force,

Zhou Kai didn’t miss the chance to twist the knife. He turned toward Chen Xingze—whose face had curdled into the dark, soot-stained purple of a burnt pot—and clasped his hands with exaggerated, dripping sincerity. “I must extend my deepest thanks to the Sixth Elder! The very moment I cried out for help, there you were,

A disheveled white figure flashed out from the undergrowth like a vengeful ghost. It was Shen Hanyi! Her face was deathly pale, her breathing ragged and shallow. Her white dress was a ruin, shredded and blooming with crimson stains in a dozen places. Even the hand clutching her sword trembled with the strain of holding

At this critical moment, the situation on the battlefield shifted violently! Shen Hanyi bit the tip of her tongue, the sharp pain forcing a final, desperate surge of potential from her exhausted frame. An unnatural, feverish flush bloomed across her pale face. Hum— A low-frequency vibration rippled through the air, making space itself seem to

Zhou Kai steadied his mind, suppressing the stray, alluring thoughts drifting through his heart. Now was not the time for distractions; he had business to attend to. First, he retrieved the newly acquired storage bag from his robes—the one belonging to that unlucky fellow from the Heavenly Spring Sect. “Heh, not bad at all.” The

All the smooth, heroic lines Zhou Kai had prepared—classics like “Fair One, save your thanks,” “It was merely a lift of the hand,” or “Perhaps our meeting was written in the stars”—died instantly in his throat. What the hell? Kill three people? Stab me three times? What kind of twisted barter system is this?! Zhou

Shen Hanyi accepted the jade bottle and pulled the stopper. Inside lay two pills the size of longan fruits, radiating a soft, pulsing halo—True Condensation Pills. One possessed a particularly lustrous sheen, marking it as a superior-grade treasure. She then uncorked the second bottle. Instead of a refreshing medicinal aroma, a peculiar, dry, and heated

When the clamor of slaughter outside the cave finally died down, leaving only the mournful rustling of wind through the treetops, Zhou Kai forced himself to stand. He looked down at the gruesome wound on his left chest. “Good thing my foundation is solid… or maybe I’m just thick-skinned,” Zhou Kai grimaced. He mobilized his

The room fell into a heavy silence as Chen Ziyi supported Zhou Kai away. Chen Rulong picked up his teacup, his fingers tracing the warm porcelain as his gaze grew deep and unfathomable, lost in calculation. “Patriarch,” Chen Heming broke the silence, his voice tinged with regret. “We were too lenient when we signed that

As soon as Zhou Kai finished speaking, Wang Qiaoqiao’s pupils constricted. She leaned forward, her sudden intensity surging until it was almost tangible, pressing against his very face. “Is that true?!” The promise of “helping her achieve Foundation Establishment” carried immense weight, far exceeding anything she had previously dared to hope for. She had originally

Zhou Kai’s pace remained measured, but his senses were on high alert. A subtle gaze swept over him, lingering for a heartbeat before vanishing into the noise of the crowd. Someone is watching me. Whose people are they? Spies from the Chen Family, or hidden agents from the Wang Family? A cold glint flashed in

Steam rose in ethereal wisps, carrying waves of damp heat through the room. Inside the large wooden tub, a few stray flower petals drifted across the water’s surface, releasing a delicate, lingering fragrance. The Chen sisters sat facing one another, their fair skin glistening beneath the water’s surface. “Sister… are you truly doing well here?”

“I was fortunate enough to break through to the mid-stage of Qi Condensation, and I’ve reported it to the family at the first opportunity,” Zhou Kai said calmly. “According to our initial agreement, if I reached this stage during my tenure as a Guest Elder, I would only need to return the resources provided by

Zhao Tieshan’s breathing grew noticeably heavy, and the grin on his face became even more fervent. “I’d heard of your name before, Fellow Daoist, but I never imagined we’d become neighbors today. Fate! This is truly fate!” Zhao Tieshan leaned in, his voice taking on a seasoned, weary tone. “Fellow Daoist Zhou, as an alchemist,

Zhou Kai enjoyed a restful night’s sleep. The euphoric hum brought by his newly upgraded top-grade Spirit Root had not yet fully dissipated; his entire body felt light, agile, and brimming with untapped potential. Knock, knock, knock! He rose and pulled open the door. Standing in the morning mist was Xiao Zhang, the young clerk

Zhou Kai’s fingers tapped lightly against the tabletop, producing a steady, rhythmic sound. He sized up Wang Qiaoqiao. “A direct descendant of the Wang family, mid-grade Spirit Root, not yet twenty years old.” “From what I know, with such aptitude in the Wang family of Crouching Tiger Mountain, even if you aren’t considered top-tier, you

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, are you serious about this?” Zhou Kai gave a slight nod, offering no further words. Wang Qiaoqiao hesitated no longer. With a flip of her jade-like hand, a pitch-black short arrow, roughly a foot long, appeared in her palm. The arrow emitted no Spirit Qi fluctuations. Its shaft was covered in intricate,

That look, that tone… it was seductive to the bone, yet tinged with undeniable provocation. Zhou Kai snapped out of his reverie, looking at Chen Ziqing with a half-smile. “Little girl, trying to provoke me?” He rolled over and pressed her down again, delivering a thorough lesson with his rod. Soon, the room was once

After guiding Chen Ziyi through the basics of body cultivation, Zhou Kai watched her sit cross-legged on the meditation cushion, faint red streams of energy swirling around her. Sensing the gradually increasing vitality within her body, he nodded in satisfaction. Leaving the Chen family, moving into a new home, obtaining the Spirit Breaker arrow, and

Zhou Kai wore a troubled expression, as if Chen Xingze’s words had struck a raw nerve. “To be honest, Elder Chen,” he said, rubbing his hands together with a look of acute embarrassment, “I, Zhou Kai, have just bought my freedom from the Chen Family. I am truly strapped for cash right now. Forget five

His gaze swept over the stunned Chen Ziqing. “Since I have a way to help your sister enlighten her Spirit Root, allowing her to draw Qi into her body within nine days and stimulate her Vitality, naturally, I also have a way to improve my own Spirit Root.” Before his words had fully faded, Zhou

The young Clerk Zhang hurried forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “I’ve heard all about it. That person from the Chen family… sigh, he’s truly bullying others too far! My Young Mistress is also very worried.” Zhou Kai waved his hand dismissively. “A minor trouble, already resolved.” “My Young Mistress would like to invite Alchemist Zhou

Seeing Zhou Kai’s keen interest in Broken Wood Bay, Zhao Tieshan took another big gulp of wine. His words mingled with the scent of alcohol as he spoke. “Fellow Daoist Zhou, it seems you’re also someone who dislikes boredom. This Broken Wood Bay… it does have its interesting points.” Zhou Kai flicked his fingers, and

“Fellow Daoist Wang, my word isn’t wind. When I said I would help you enter the Calamity Abyss Valley, I meant it.” Zhou Kai leaned back, his eyes locking onto hers with a weight that made the air in the room feel heavy. “In a few days, I’m making a move personally to settle this

A cool breeze blew gently through the wilderness. Zhou Kai maintained his rapid movement, diverting a sliver of his attention to check the system panels for himself and Chen Ziyi. [Zhou Kai] [Cultivation: Qi Condensation Fourth Layer (62/400)] [Vitality: Meridian Opening Second Layer (100/200)] [Spirit Root: Metal (Low Grade 12/100), Wood (High Grade 0/900), Water

Zhou Kai caught her delicate hand, lacing his fingers through hers and giving her palm a firm, grounding squeeze. “It matters more than you think, Ziyi.” He let out a long, weary sigh. “After I managed to get into the Chen family as a Guest Elder, things stabilized, sure. But the monthly stipend for someone

The relief in the boy’s tone didn’t seem feigned. It was the raw, unfiltered desperation of a social creature finally ending a long stint of isolation. “Little brother, what should I call you?” A warm, practiced smile spread across Zhou Kai’s face, but his mind was already whirring with cold calculations. Where did this half-grown

After a brief rest, the trio set off once more. The mountain air was crisp, carrying the cool scent of pine and damp earth. Fang Lizhe, ever the chatterbox, led his horse by the reins, his luggage piled high on the beast’s back. He spoke incessantly of his “legendary” exploits since leaving home—robbing the rich,

Fu Sheng spoke with sincere emotion, his eyes filled with hope, appearing genuinely eager to recruit Zhou Kai and Chen Ziyi into his group. Zhou Kai couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. To climb higher, people truly exhausted all methods; their wisdom was indeed not low. Huddling together for warmth, gathering bits to make a fur

Zhou Kai left the inn but did not rush directly to the East Gate Courtyard. Instead, he wandered around the market for a couple of rounds. He needed to find that blockhead Fang Lizhe as soon as possible. Firstly, a miraculous technique like the Cicada Raiment Art must hold many more unknown secrets, worth delving

For a moment, many people looked up, their mouths twitching as they struggled to hold back laughter. Gao Feiyang swept a glance over his fellow disciples. Only under his oppressive authority did the junior brothers reluctantly and sparsely shout: “Senior Brother Gao… mighty! Invincible!” The shouts were scattered, dripping with perfunctory enthusiasm. Zhou Kai was

“This guy…” Zhou Kai listened to Gao Feiyang’s shouts from inside, pondering to himself. “Gao Feiyang acts flamboyantly, even somewhat eccentrically; that cloak on his back is practically a walking provocation.” “But it must be said, with his level of strength and demeanor, in this chaotic world of cultivation, it’s actually quite effective. If there’s

His expression, however, remained unchanged as he calmly said, “When traveling, safety and comfort are paramount. As long as the value matches the price, it’s nothing worth mentioning. Fellow Daoist Fu, you flatter me.” Fu Sheng’s smile widened as he gestured towards the two men behind him. “Come, Fellow Daoist Han, let me introduce you

Zhou Kai slammed heavily into the opposite wall, then slid down like a piece of paper. He felt as if all his internal organs had been displaced; stars danced before his eyes, and a sweet taste rose in his throat. He nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood. “Cough, cough, cough…” Clutching his chest,

Zhou Kai, carrying Fang Lizhe, darted through a few flashes and slipped into a secluded, deserted alley. With no one around, Zhou Kai finally set him down, leaning him against the wall. A wisp of Spirit Qi flickered at his fingertip, channeled directly into Fang Lizhe’s body. Moments later, Fang Lizhe’s eyelids fluttered, and he

“Big…” Fang Lizhe was just about to say something when Zhou Kai ruthlessly cut him off. Thud! Thud! Thud! Zhou Kai gave him no chance to speak, his fists and feet raining down like a storm. Of course, he controlled his strength, aiming his blows at the parts of Fang Lizhe’s body that were most

However, this “Young Miss” with the terrifying aura did not erupt. Gao Feiyang, perhaps accustomed to his Young Miss’s “tolerance” toward such scenes, or perhaps simply not taking that trace of killing intent to heart, instantly straightened his back another three degrees, as if the praise on the banner was also shining upon him. He

Even that impulsive brat Fang Lizhe got swept up in the heat of the moment, howling as he charged forward with his newly acquired longsword. His posture didn’t look like someone trying to catch a bird; it looked more like he was charging into battle to slay demons and monsters. “Mine! It’s mine!” One cultivator,

Gao Feiyang’s gaze swept over the remaining eleven individuals. “Congratulations to the eleven Junior Brothers and Sisters! From this moment on, you are officially Outer Sect Disciples of our Calamity Abyss Valley! Devote yourselves to cultivation henceforth, and the Great Dao lies right before your eyes!” He paused for a moment, then waved his arm

The Dragon Gate Assembly had concluded, and the clamor had long since faded. Only a few cultivators remained within Broken Wood Bay—among them, Zhou Kai, who seemed in no hurry to leave. “Husband, when shall we depart?” Chen Ziyi nestled beside Zhou Kai, her voice soft and tinged with worry. Although Broken Wood Bay appeared

The moment Zhou Kai’s voice faded, a response drifted from the forest. “Fellow Daoist Han is certainly direct. In that case, it would be petty of us to continue hiding.” A somewhat flippant voice rang out as three figures slowly emerged from the depths of the dense woods. Leading them was the scholar-like Fu Sheng,

Zhou Kai’s face had already turned pale. Seeing his Mana was insufficient, Fu Sheng curled his lips in a mocking smile. The Rotting Bone Judge’s Brush in his hand danced freely, waves of ink churning, firmly suppressing the fire dragon. “Fellow Daoist Han, your Qi Condensation fourth-layer Mana is truly unimpressive! Such a waste of

Footsteps sounded as a figure leaped down from a large tree not far away, landing gracefully and steadily. Gao Feiyang currently wore a somewhat frustrated expression, as if he had missed some exciting spectacle. He was dressed in ordinary dark blue martial attire, not wearing that iconic, flamboyant cloak—clearly, those ten glittering golden characters were

Gao Feiyang thought about it more and more, feeling it was a solid idea, and the smile on his face grew increasingly enthusiastic. “Junior Brother Zhou, Junior Sister Chen, with your talents, it’s truly a pity for you to remain in the Outer Sect.” He paused for a moment, extending an olive branch. “My Young

The night breeze was gentle, dispersing some of the bloody scent lingering in the forest. The two didn’t go far, walking for only about half an incense stick’s time before finding a sheltered, hidden hollow to rest. Zhou Kai directly emptied out the Storage Bags of Hu Yongyu, Xiong Gang, and Wu Yong all at

Zhou Kai curled his lip and cursed under his breath. “Damn system.” He had finally figured it out. Aside from the timely ding at critical moments, this lousy system was a mute gourd. Expecting it to explain itself was less likely than expecting Chen Xingze to chop off his own head and deliver it on

The woman handed the dazed man over to Master Sun, her voice soft but firm. “Uncle Sun, please take my brother to the backyard to rest.” “Yes, Miss.” Uncle Sun bowed his head respectfully. Supporting the mumbling man, he slowly shuffled toward the rear of the house. Only after their figures had completely disappeared did

Su Qingzhu raised her fair hand, and a bamboo token shot through the air toward Zhou Kai. “This is the access token for my lakeside courtyard. With this, Fellow Daoist Zhou, you may come and go as you please. When you’re not refining pills, feel free to stroll around the island and relax.” Zhou Kai

Zhou Kai, piqued by his wife’s enthusiasm, pulled Chen Ziyi outside to talk where the air was fresher. They stood by the shore of Minshan Lake. The clear waves rippled under a gentle breeze, carrying the scent of damp earth and blooming lotus. “Husband, Uncle Sun said that Brother Zhao Tieshan and Su Mingyuan used

The skinny guard, singled out by Chen Ziyi, felt a surge of humiliated fury. “You little bitch, looking down on me?!” He roared, a short blade materializing in his hand. His figure flickered as he lunged straight for Chen Ziyi’s throat. In his eyes, a little girl at the second layer of Meridian Opening was

Zhou Kai’s mind raced. No. It wasn’t a sudden confession. During the earlier battle, Uncle Sun must have been lurking in the shadows, witnessing firsthand how they had slaughtered the Fu family guards. He had been observing. Testing. Checking for any connection to the Fu family. Only after confirming that Zhou Kai and Chen Ziyi

Zhou Kai’s Divine Sense swept into the Storage Bag, scanning its contents. Two sets of Array Discs emitting a faint blue glow and several Array Flags lay quietly inside—the control artifacts for the island’s defenses. Beside them rested a Jade Slip labeled “Array Control Formula.” Deeper within, he found a trove: piles of Spirit Stones,

“Sister Lin, please,” Chen Ziyi said softly, her voice like a warm breeze. “Let’s travel using the Spirit Boat. Both you and my husband could use the rest.” Lin Zhiwei gave a slight nod. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed a small jade carving into the air. Whoosh! The jade artifact caught the

After disposing of the burly guard and his lean companion, Zhou Kai didn’t linger. He immediately led his group back to the central island of Minshan Lake, hiding safely behind the grand formation’s protective barrier. Fu Weilun, growing increasingly desperate, sent several waves of scouts to infiltrate the lake area. However, the ancient formation held

After disposing of the burly guard and his lean companion, Zhou Kai didn’t linger. He immediately led his group back to the central island of Minshan Lake, hiding safely behind the grand formation’s protective barrier. Fu Weilun, growing increasingly desperate, sent several waves of scouts to infiltrate the lake area. However, the ancient formation held

“Ah! Brother Zhou, you’re so bad! Let me down!” Chen Ziqing squealed, a coquettish protest escaping her lips. She made a symbolic struggle, her small fists lightly hammering his chest, but then buried her face deeper into his neck, nuzzling him like a contented cat. A triumphant, sly smile curled the corner of her mouth.

Zhou Kai stood in the center of the three-section courtyard, his gaze calculating as he surveyed the layout. It was time to secure his new domain. With a flick of his wrist, he deployed the “Dual-Polarity Essence Absorption” Spirit Gathering Array. Hum. The air shimmered. Instantly, the Spirit Qi within the courtyard walls thickened, becoming

With a low, controlled shout from Zhou Kai, the heavy lid of the alchemy furnace shot skyward. Whoosh! Three crystal-clear pills, swirling with dense, misty vitality, spun rapidly out of the furnace opening. Zhou Kai’s hand moved like lightning, snatching them from the air with practiced ease. He opened his palm. Each pill was perfectly

Wang Qiaoqiao’s heart constricted like a fist, but she forced her face to remain a mask of calm. “Naturally, I know.” Chen Xingze’s lips curled into a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Enough nonsense. I came today to ask you: What exactly is the origin of this Danyangzi? And how did you come to

Chen Ziqing darted over to Zhou Kai, her large, watery eyes blinking rapidly with manufactured innocence. “Oh?” Zhou Kai played along, raising an eyebrow. “What interesting thing did my little sparrow see?” “Ah, Brother Zhou, this is no small matter!” She lowered her voice to a theatrical whisper. “We saw Chen Xingze coming out of

The usual calm of Zhou Kai’s courtyard had evaporated, replaced by a thick, suffocating tension. Chen Ziyi stood outside the cultivation room, her delicate hands clenched so tightly her knuckles were white. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on the closed door as if trying to see through the wood. Beside her, Lin Zhiwei stood in

Early morning. Zhou Kai opened his eyes, feeling a refreshing clarity wash over him. Beside him, the warmth of soft jade filled his arms. The Chen sisters were still fast asleep, their faces flushed with a rosy glow of satisfaction and exhaustion. Recalling last night, a smirk tugged at Zhou Kai’s lips. The battle had

Wang Qiaoqiao’s mind raced, a chaotic storm of ambition and calculation flashing behind her eyes. Investing in a Qi Condensation alchemist with a low-grade Spirit Root is just business; gains and losses, risks and rewards coexist. But attaching myself to a Bone Forging stage powerhouse with limitless potential… this… this is a meteoric opportunity! A

[Ding! Wang Qiaoqiao’s Affection +30] Zhou Kai raised an eyebrow. Alright, she’s calculating her gains and losses again. After wavering between hope and fear, she’s finally figured things out. Inside the quiet room, as the waves of passion subsided, Wang Qiaoqiao’s mind cleared. She lay in the tangled sheets, her body still trembling slightly from

In the blink of an eye, the [Mountain Crashing Hammer] descended, threatening to smash Chen Xingze’s head into pulp. CLANG—! A metallic clangor exploded through the courtyard, sharp enough to pierce eardrums. Zhou Kai felt a tremendous force rebound from the hammer’s handle. The downward momentum of his strike was forcibly halted mid-air, as if

“Zhou… Senior Zhou, my Chen family has… has no past grievances or recent grudges with you… why… why would you commit such a vicious act?!” Chen Xingze lay broken against the wall, his breath rattling in his throat. “If you like sisters, I can give you as many as you want! Even twins… ah!” Before

The Spirit Boat carved a path through the sea of clouds, its hull shimmering with a protective cyan light. Zhou Kai was quite at ease. During the day, he basked in the sunlight at the helm, lazily guiding the boat while occasionally urging the four women to focus on their cultivation. At night, however, the

The air froze instantly. The gentle smile on Chen Ziyi’s face stiffened, her gaze turning complicated. Chen Ziqing’s pupils contracted. Her mask of fragility cracked for a split second. Inside, her thoughts were venomous: Another one? And a Cultivation Vessel at that? Is she that desperate to climb into his bed? Wang Qiaoqiao looked like

Zhou Kai was about to rummage through his storage bag for some healing pills when Wang Qiaoqiao moved faster. With a soft rustle of silk, her fair hand swept over the small table in front of her. A neat pile of bottles and talismans appeared instantly. “Sister Shen, see if these are suitable?” Wang Qiaoqiao

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Inside the quiet guest room of the inn, Shen Hanyi slowly opened her eyes. A glint of sharp, cold light flashed in their depths before instantly receding into a pool of calm. She had completely refined the medicinal potency of the three Dew Return Pills. The

The night wind was cold and gloomy as it swept over the mountain peak, carrying the scent of pine and decay. Lin Zhiwei’s delicate frame trembled uncontrollably. She bit her lower lip until it nearly bled, fear and deep-seated hatred intertwining in her eyes, threatening to consume her. “Han Cheng… Lin Zhiwei… truly, I searched

(After this segment, the protagonist should take off.) Su Moran was very happy today. Yes, extremely happy! Even though he had fallen off his horse yesterday and shattered his left shoulder, it did nothing to dampen the excitement radiating from his brows. A mere shoulder injury would heal in three or four months—how could it

[Ding! Deep Interaction with Beauty Lin Zhiwei. Divine Sense Interaction Points +10!] [Beauty: Lin Zhiwei] [Cultivation: Qi Condensation Ninth Layer (2697/2700)] [Divine Sense: 997] [Spirit Root: Earth (Low Grade 95/100)] [Affection: 100 (Unwavering)] [Point Type: Divine Sense] [Points Provided: 10] [Ding! Lin Zhiwei’s Affection has reached maximum value. Reward: 100 Omni-Interaction Points.] A series of

Zhou Kai was jolted awake by a nameless sense of foreboding. Dawn had just broken. The world outside the window was a gray, deathly stillness, like an old photograph drained of color. He instinctively checked his internal state and then his Divine Sense. The value on the panel remained a cold “500”. The only sliver

“Zhiwei, your Divine Sense has greatly increased now. Can you try to release it externally? Investigate the Su Residence, and even farther if you can.” Lin Zhiwei nodded gently. She closed her eyes as instructed. In an instant, an invisible ripple spread out from her. Her brows would occasionally furrow, then relax, as she carefully

“Zhiwei, your Divine Sense has greatly increased. Try releasing it externally. I want you to investigate the Su Residence, and then extend it as far as you can.” Lin Zhiwei nodded gently. She stood in the center of the room and closed her eyes. Hum. An invisible ripple spread out from her body, passing through

On the main street of Red Cliff Town, Lin Zhiwei followed Zhou Kai’s instructions to the letter. She feigned a clumsy stumble and crashed into a sugar-figure stall, scattering brightly painted candy dolls all over the ground. Immediately after, she “accidentally” rammed into several passersby. Zhou Kai had given her specific orders: If you see

Zhou Kai returned to his room to find Lin Zhiwei waiting by the bedside. A faint blush colored her cheeks, but her gaze was clear, composed, and unafraid. This was no longer the “A’Zhu” wrapped in the false memories of yesterday. This was the true, genuine Lin Zhiwei. “Husband,” she called softly. Zhou Kai smiled,

Another four or five days drifted by. The Soul Poison in Zhou Kai’s Consciousness Sea had been completely purged. His daily existence had settled into a rhythm so precise it bordered on ritual. During the day, he remained unwavering in his visits to Qing Shuang’s courtyard. His offensive continued, but his tactics had shifted to

Three thousand points of Comprehension! On Shen Hanyi’s status panel, the Comprehension stat—originally a staggering 5,360—had cratered to 2,360. It was a massacre; more than half her potential had evaporated in an instant. Could it be… because of our intimacy? Did taking her virginity while she was merely at the Sword Control stage cause this

Another three days passed. [Ding! Cultivation Breakthrough!] [Cultivation: Qi Condensation Level 5 (85/100)] [Vitality: Bone Forging Level 1 (220/1900)] [Comprehension: 805] The numbers on the panel shifted crisply. The experience required to ascend from Qi Condensation Level 5 had plummeted from 300 points to a mere 100. Naturally, Zhou Kai rode the momentum and broke

Zhou Kai’s Spirit Boat sat in the quiet courtyard of a relatively intact house in Red Cliff Town. With a single incantation, the vessel shuddered. Soft spiritual light cascaded from its hull as it drifted slowly into the air. “Zhiwei, let’s go,” Zhou Kai called out, leaping onto the deck. The Spirit Boat surged forward,

High above the world, the Spirit Boat cut through a churning sea of clouds. For the past three days, Zhou Kai had been inseparable from Wang Qiaoqiao. He knew this girl well—she was sharp-witted and fiercely pragmatic. Without a steady stream of sweetness and tangible profit, her loyalty would remain as shallow as a puddle.

As Zhou Kai was swatted out of the sky, color drained from the faces of the women on the Spirit Boat. “Husband!” Chen Ziyi cried out, her heart seizing. She instinctively dove toward the edge. “Brother Zhou!” Chen Ziqing’s face went white. Her large eyes filled with instant, glistening tears—a perfect picture of delicate distress.

Zhou Kai steadied his mind, his suspicions hardening into certainty. This Eldest Miss Li, who postured with such icy distance… was she hiding some rather peculiar preferences beneath that frozen exterior? Otherwise, why had that thunderous, world-ending strike suddenly lost all its bite at the very last second? His thoughts raced. The Grand Miss possessed

Zhou Kai offered a sanitized summary of the events regarding the Mysterious Nether Sub-Mirror and Li Youci’s arrival—naturally omitting the part where he had “insulted his superior” by spanking her. Once he finished, he asked, “Miss Fish, the day is still bright. Why did the Young Miss say we must wait until tomorrow to select

Li Youci stood at the base of Taiji Peak. To her, the incident with the Profound Abyss Mirror was nothing more than a minor interlude. The mirror was a rare treasure she used to gather Divine Sense to aid her cultivation; it wasn’t a tool of slaughter, nor did it harm innocents without cause. Although

Bam! A fist smashed into a Qi Condensation cultivator’s chest. The sickening sound of cracking bone was audible to everyone present. The man let out a miserable shriek, flying backward like a kite with a cut string. He slammed into the array’s light barrier and bounced back onto the dirt. Crack! Zhou Kai pivoted, delivering

The Mutual Cultivation Art truly lived up to its reputation as a balanced and harmonious Dual Cultivation technique. As the four of them merged in intimacy, Spirit Qi flowed ceaselessly between their bodies. Not only was there no depletion, but their cultivation bases actually improved. This was especially true for Zhou Kai. With his 805

The moment Li Qiwen heard his sister’s voice, his face changed faster than a Sichuan opera master. The blue killing aura in his hand vanished instantly. His entire demeanor shifted from “I will grind your bones to dust” to “Gentle and Considerate Big Brother” with the flip of a switch. “Youci! Why are you here?

Li Youci also possessed a Heavenly-grade Spirit Root! In that instant, a single thought dominated Zhou Kai’s mind: I must conquer this Eldest Miss Li. Quickly. Thoroughly. His mental abacus clattered loudly with calculations, yet his face remained a mask of perfect composure. He even managed to squeeze out an expression that balanced “pleasant surprise”

Zhou Kai’s heart stirred at her words. Is she going to teach me the No Word Scripture? That war-hammer-wielding loli, Fish Baibai, had indeed mentioned it yesterday. He quickly bowed. “Reporting to the Young Miss: Senior Sister Fish briefly mentioned it yesterday. This subordinate understands that such a secret method must never be transmitted to

Li Youci watched Zhou Kai leave, and the cave abode instantly reverted to its usual deathly, icy silence. For years, she had possessed no one truly trustworthy or capable under her command, save for her personal maid, Fish Baibai. The Lawless No Word Heavenly Scripture was forbidden knowledge. Even within the direct line of the

The interior of Material Brilliance was cavernous, yet the array of materials within was arranged with such terrifying precision that it was breathtaking. On the left, talisman papers were stacked from the humblest yellow sheets to high-grade jade papers shimmering with spiritual light. They were organized by rank, material, and size. Even the grain of

The Starfall Myriad Manifestation Hammer consisted of twelve layers. To cultivate this method, one had to temper the bones, forge the meridians, and wash the flesh with vast torrents of Vitality. The description within the manual was nothing short of terrifying: A giant hammer shaking the heavens, drawing down the power of the nine celestial

Hearing Fish Baibai’s heroic declaration, Zhou Kai laughed aloud. “Good! Then I ask for Senior Sister’s guidance today!” Before his voice had even faded, he leaped out of the cave abode. Fish Baibai followed closely. Without any visible exertion, her figure landed lightly in the clearing. She slammed the giant hammer onto the ground with

In mere moments, the relatively calm Spirit Qi atop Taiji Peak became chaotic. Boom—! A dull, thunderous roar erupted from the base of the peak. It felt as if an earth dragon were turning over, shaking the entire mountain to its core. Immediately after, a torrent of Yin Ghost Energy—so dense it was like liquid

“Grand Miss…” Zhou Kai began tentatively, noticing the dark storm brewing on her face. “Shut up!” Li Youci scolded coldly. This Zhou Kai simply didn’t know how to appreciate kindness! She, the Grand Miss, had personally bestowed the profound and rare Lawless No Word Heavenly Scripture upon him. What a supreme opportunity that was! And

Fish Baibai’s face was plastered with a wide, cheeky grin. The Young Miss had personally brought this person back. He possessed a Heaven-grade Spirit Root. His future was limitless. Fish Baibai wasn’t stupid. Of course she would be happy to befriend such a future big shot. Moreover, the Miss had explicitly ordered Zhou Kai to

Over a month ago. The sky above the Eastern Domain remained unchanged, but for some, the world had been irrevocably altered. The five great Demonic Sects—the Yin Ruins Sect, Blood Fiend Sect, Heart Corroding Gate, Heavenly Demon Ridge, and Desire Wonder Palace—had formed an unprecedented alliance. Each sect dispatched at least one Soul Formation Patriarch—legendary

Li Qiwen watched his younger sister’s silhouette vanish through the cave abode’s entrance, a blue vein throbbing ominously at his temple. This time, he was genuinely panicking. What if Zhou Kai actually managed to “root” his precious cabbage? What if he really defiled her? Just moments ago, the Peak Master of Yantian Peak—their father and

The sky was filled with a rain of light, dreamlike and illusory. Every falling droplet contained energy of the utmost purity. Zhou Kai bathed in it, feeling a current as warm as jade surging through his body, washing over his internal organs and scrubbing his limbs and bones. Under the scouring of this light rain,

That Senior Brother Gao… no, he was Martial Nephew Gao now… was truly a man of instinct. Zhou Kai shook his head with a wry smile, watching Gao Feiyang’s back disappear behind the stone door of his cave abode. He then turned and headed toward Fish Baibai’s dwelling. Next up was his own business. First,

Days slipped by like a white steed’s shadow through a crevice. Since Zhou Kai hadn’t formally joined the Calamity Abyss Valley, he was spared the sect’s mundane administrative nonsense. Taiji Peak was sparsely populated; aside from Li Youci and Fish Baibai, his cultivation was the highest. He enjoyed the peace, avoiding much of the sect’s

The mountain wall crumbled open with a deafening boom. Gao Feiyang crawled out, his face covered in ash and grime. His once-gleaming cloak was now caked in dust, its golden light significantly dimmed. He patted the dirt off his body. Though he looked wretched, his flamboyant narcissism remained completely undented. He winked at Zhou Kai.

The Universe Qi Unification Return to Truth Mysterious Canon was a masterpiece of profundity. It left the Mutual Cultivation Art Zhou Kai had previously relied upon completely in the dust. Fish Baibai’s Primordial Yin was still intact, backed by a solid foundation at the third layer of Bone Forging. Their first union was a tempestuous

After leaving Li Youci’s cave dwelling, Zhou Kai immediately ordered two martial nephews from Taiji Peak to fetch Chun Tao and Xia He from the outer sect. His thoughts, however, drifted to Shen Hanyi. Among his confidantes, Shen Hanyi was the only one with a special constitution. Her combat prowess was unmatched, her swordsmanship divine.

The night was ink-black. The usual sweeping tides of Divine Sense over Taiji Peak were absent tonight. Instead, a ghostly aura, thicker and more oppressive than usual, drifted through the mountain ridges. High above a certain spot on the summit, far beyond the reach of Zhou Kai’s Divine Sense, Li Youci stood quietly before the

The moment Zhou Kai stepped into Li Youci’s cave dwelling, a thought solidified in his mind. Li Youci never goes all out against her own people. She resists obedience but yields to defiance. The more forceful I am, the more likely I can lead her by the nose… His gaze swept across the chamber, landing

Boom! The hammer shadow and the beast soul collided with a thunderous roar. Azure radiance and black ghostly qi intertwined and detonated, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Every stone table and chair in the cave abode was flipped into the air by the blast. Zhou Kai felt a surge of immense force crash against him. His

Zhou Kai felt an overwhelming, bone-deep satisfaction. He had fantasized about this “Vile Servant Disciplines the Haughty Mistress” scenario for ages. The taste of reality? Tsk tsk. Absolutely exquisite. Inside the cave abode, Chen Ziyi, Lin Zhiwei, and Wang Qiaoqiao stood in a row. Seeing him enter, their eyes flickered with lingering fear. Zhou Kai’s

Falling Star Moon Grasping Platform, atop Solitary Cloud Cliff. The night sky was scrubbed clean, the galaxy a dazzling river of light. It felt as if one could simply reach out and pluck the cold, shimmering stars from the velvet darkness. Clouds and mist churned beneath their feet, creating an atmosphere indistinguishable from the immortal

Before long, the somewhat austere architecture of the Outer Sect Law Enforcement Hall came into view. The streak of light faded as Zhou Kai landed steadily at the entrance. Ren Zhengze was already waiting. Seeing Zhou Kai arrive, he cupped his hands. “Senior Brother Zhou, you’ve finally come.” “Junior Brother Ren, what is so urgent?”

Silence reigned within Zhou Kai’s cave abode. He held Shen Hanyi’s pale wrist in one hand, while the other pinched the Jade Universe Pill Xia Min had delivered. The pill felt warm and smooth, radiating a surge of vibrant life force. Its rich medicinal fragrance was almost tangible, invigorating his spirit with just a single

For the past three days, while Shen Hanyi was in seclusion consolidating her cultivation, Zhou Kai went completely all out. A ball of pent-up frustration burned in his chest, fueled by the deep sting Shen Hanyi’s progress had given him. When they first met at Crouching Tiger Mountain, Shen Hanyi was merely at the Sword

The Dark Cloud Soul Chasing Sedan tore through the air, leading the charge. Trailing closely behind were five streaks of light—Zhou Kai, Shen Hanyi, Fish Baibai, Gao Feiyang, and Xia Min. They moved with urgency, heading straight for Longhua Peak, the stronghold of the Song Family. Gao Feiyang couldn’t keep his mouth shut. “Hey, do

Fish Baibai blinked her large, innocent eyes. She looked at her Young Mistress, then at the aloof Sword Immortal, her little head buzzing with unknown thoughts. Quietly, she shuffled closer to Li Youci, adopting a posture that screamed, “I’m on your side, Miss!” Gao Feiyang, meanwhile, sent a sly voice transmission to Zhou Kai. “Tsk,

Before his words could fully fade, threads of verdant green light began to flow across the surface of the Chaotic Sky Hammer. It swelled against the wind. Mysterious wood-grain patterns spread rapidly across the weapon’s body. In an instant, it transformed into a colossal wooden mallet shimmering with a faint, ghostly green glow—a fusion of

Zhou Kai’s interest was piqued. He raised an eyebrow. “How so?” Gao Feiyang fished a packet of unknown powder from his Storage Bag and tossed it into the air. “Let’s walk and talk.” He clapped his dusty hands and darted off toward the horizon. “This stuff is called ‘Traceless Scent.’ Perfect for disposing of bodies

For the past few days, Zhou Kai couldn’t shake the feeling that Xia Min’s gaze had grown increasingly strange. It used to be a mix of two parts courtesy, four parts arrogance, and four parts interest. Now? Her eyes looked at him as if he were some kind of garbage. The disdain was unmistakable. To

The scent of blood in the air was faint, a mere garnish to the atmosphere. A gust of wind swept past, curling up a few withered leaves. They rustled against the stone, adding to the desolation. “This…” Gao Feiyang’s eyes widened. “There’s no one here? You have to be joking!” Zhou Kai frowned deeply. His

“This incident has little to do with the Yin Ruins Sect as a collective entity, and even less to do with the current war between the Righteous and Demonic paths,” Li Youci explained, her tone cool and analytical. “It is the personal scheme of a single Nascent Soul Elder from their sect. What he covets

Zhou Kai stared at Shen Hanyi, his mind a whirl of confusion. What was Shen Hanyi’s nature? Cold, aloof, solitary. She disliked interacting with others. Usually, her life consisted of nothing but cultivation and spending time with him. For someone with her temperament, a sense of loneliness was normal. But Li Youci? She was the

For the past two days, the atmosphere on the warship’s deck had been… strange. Zhou Kai constantly felt a chill running down his spine. Although Shen Hanyi hadn’t brought up the “Dao Companion” proposal again, the Grand Miss Li Youci would occasionally send a slap flying his way out of nowhere. “No, I can’t go

Zhou Kai opened his system panel. [Zhou Kai] [Spirit Roots: Metal (Low Grade 12/100), Wood (Heaven Grade 600/Infinite), Water (Low Grade 17/100), Fire (Low Grade 23/100)] [Omni-Interaction Points: 220] [Alchemy Interaction Points: 4120] [Spirit Root Interaction Points: 6580] [Artifact Refining Interaction Points: 0] All other interaction points had been zeroed out; he had poured everything

The rain of swords thinned, its force finally spent. Zhou Kai immediately circulated the Cicada Raiment Art, suppressing his aura to reveal only the sixth layer of Qi Condensation. Just as the disguise settled, a sharp shout rang out. “Who goes there?!” Two figures approached with blinding speed. In a few leaps, they flanked him

Zhou Kai—or rather, “Su Tai”—piloted the Spirit Boat, drifting slowly along the subterranean waterway. Three fist-sized Jade Arm Mantises were happily gnawing on golden Beast-Feeding Pills almost as big as their heads, producing a crisp, rhythmic crunch-crunch sound. “Eat. Eat your fill! Your ancestors… it took Chen Xingze ten years of blood, sweat, and tears,

All three Ice Spike Talismans missed their mark, exploding into deep pits on the riverbank and releasing waves of bone-chilling cold. Zhou Kai stood in place, his brow furrowing slightly. It just ran away? His talismans had been all bark and no bite, purely for show. Was such a drastic reaction really necessary? “Trying to

How could it be her?! How had she become like this? Zhou Kai’s heart churned with shock, his attack faltering. He stared into those frenzied yet achingly familiar eyes. In a split second, he made a decision—he had to calm her down! Without hesitation, he shed his disguise, revealing his true face, and retreated quickly

Zhou Kai stood outside the cabin, listening to the voice within—a voice feigning cold detachment. He took a moment to organize his thoughts. Li Youci’s emotions are volatile. We are both at the peak of Qi Condensation, and her Ghost Body is currently unusable… He suppressed the flicker of pity rising in his heart, replacing

After what felt like an eternity, their lips finally parted. Zhou Kai could taste a faint, lingering saltiness. It was the moisture seeping from the corners of her eyes—tears of shame, humiliation, or perhaps something far more complex. Li Youci looked as though her soul had been sucked out, or perhaps she had been struck

On the deck of the Spirit Boat, Li Youci’s cool, detached voice drifted through the air. “Zhou Kai, you seem to have learned some manners. You finally know to call yourself ‘Subordinate’?” Zhou Kai chuckled inwardly, but his tone remained respectful. “This subordinate has always belonged to the Grand Miss. When have I ever not

Zhou Kai returned to Forgetfulness River City. He stood by the bank of the great river, watching the turbid, surging waters with a grave expression. For safety, he activated the Cicada Raiment Art. His figure and features shifted rapidly, and in the blink of an eye, he wore the face of Su Tai. He suppressed

Li Yunmian led the pair toward the wordless stone stele. The closer they approached, the thicker the ancient, desolate aura became. It felt as though the air itself had solidified into amber from a forgotten epoch. Beneath the stele, the two figures grew distinct. Fu Weilun sat cross-legged, wreath in swirling poison mist. His aura

The flood of information wasn’t written text, nor was it a spoken mantra. Instead, it was a majestic cascade of imagery—vast, boundless, and spanning endless spacetime! Zhou Kai felt his Divine Sense forcibly extracted, stripped away until he was nothing more than an insignificant cicada larva, dormant in the sunless, pitch-black depths of the earth.

Boom! In an instant, the underground cavern erupted into a chaotic storm of Spirit Qi and boiling killing intent! The azure dragon spear in Li Qiwen’s hand hummed with violent intent. He thrust out, the spear moving like a coiling dragon, churning up monstrous waves of water that crashed straight toward Xue Yang. Xue Yang

Zhou Kai touched down, his chest heaving, heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird. The power of that Death Mountain Nail was truly catastrophic. Had he not just comprehended the Delusional Dao Cicada Scripture—which, when combined with the Cicada Raiment Art, allowed him to project his cicada shell externally—and layered it with the

Zhou Kai arrived outside Li Youci’s cabin. “Enter.” He pushed the door open, and a cool, faint fragrance immediately washed over him. The cabin was elegantly appointed. Li Youci sat upright inside the Dark Cloud Soul Chasing Sedan, the silk curtain half-rolled up. Her eyes tracked Zhou Kai, scrutinizing him from head to toe. “How

With a thought, a pile of miscellaneous items clattered onto the cabin floor—the spoils of war from Fu Weilun. Spirit Stones piled up into a small mountain. A rough count revealed a full sixty thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones and one thousand Middle-grade ones. A considerable windfall by any metric. Zhou Kai’s gaze swept past the

Li Qiwen listened quietly as Zhou Kai and Li Youci shared their theories regarding the Cicada Scripture and its three derivative arts. He also took note of the feud between the Fu and Lin families. After flipping through the Cicada Raiment and Cicada Tribulation booklets, he pondered for a long time before speaking. “The battlefront

As his words fell, Li Qiwen grabbed Zhou Kai. They transformed into a streak of azure light—a cyan rainbow tearing through the heavens—and vanished instantly. The velocity of a Golden Core Grandmaster was something a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator could scarcely comprehend. Zhou Kai felt the world blur into indistinct streams of color. The wind

Zhou Kai stood at the prow of the Spirit Boat, his mind churning with a thousand thoughts. With the Five Emperors Prison Suppression Sutra and the Delusional Dao Cicada Scripture, he wouldn’t need to worry about cultivation techniques for a long time. Once his realm advanced, he could even attempt to create his own path.

Zhou Kai’s gaze drifted toward the solitary pavilion standing amidst the silence. “Such a massive commotion just now, yet not a single soul comes out to greet me?” He arched a brow, his expression sharp. He expanded his Divine Sense, sweeping the area like an invisible tide. The surroundings were dead silent. Aside from himself,

“You…” Li Youci opened her mouth to scold him, but her voice betrayed her, trembling like a leaf in the wind. She stared at Zhou Kai, her heart a chaotic mess of panic and anticipation. Zhou Kai’s hand cupped her softness, his palm radiating a scorching heat that threatened to ignite her very soul. She

Chen Muhui’s face was ashen, cold sweat beading at his temples. When the sisters, Chen Ziyi and Chen Ziqing, found him and announced they would be building a courtyard for Zhou Kai within the Spirit Beast Garden, his first instinct was to capture the two traitors immediately. The former Patriarch, Chen Rulong, and the family

The Exploring Spring Flower Boat banquet? And she specifically named me to make a fearsome reputation? The five major Righteous Sects are gathering here… A thought flashed through Zhou Kai’s mind like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the trap he had just stepped into. “Holy shit. This Exploring Spring Flower Boat isn’t just a party.

Zhou Kai stepped into the plaza. Fish Baibai, sharp-eyed as ever, spotted him from a distance. She bounced on the balls of her feet, waving frantically. “Junior Brother! What took you so long?” Beside her stood Li Youci, transformed into the maid “Xia Min.” Her gaze swept over Zhou Kai—imperceptible to most, but heavy with

Every cultivator on the deck was a proud genius, a chosen scion of their sect. How could they possibly stomach Long Yufeng’s biting sarcasm? Their expressions darkened collectively, the air heavy with suppressed hostility. Li Qiwen was not an arrogant man, but he wasn’t a doormat either. His gaze settled on Su Xuan. Su Xuan

The deathly silence in the plaza was broken by an uproar even more violent than before. “The weakest disciple is challenging the strongest?” “He’s only at the third layer of Foundation Establishment! His body cultivation is barely Bone Forging third layer! Is he trying to get himself killed?” On the ship’s bow, Long Yufeng narrowed

Golden light collided violently with azure radiance, turning the sky as bright as day. Wild shockwaves of Spirit Qi scattered in all directions, shredding the thick cloud cover into tatters. Wang Yan’s gaze sharpened. “Let’s go up and watch!” Before the words had even faded, he transformed into a streak of escaping light, rocketing into

South of Crouching Tiger Mountain, the battlefield had long since lost its verdant glory. Blood and fire were woven into the soil. Corpses piled up like mountains, and demonic flames soared to the heavens, scorching the clouds. A year had passed. Since Zhou Kai decided to bring “Xia Min” and the others to the front

Li Yunmian’s fingertip traced the smooth rim of her jade cup. Her gaze was deep and unfocused, as if the clear tea reflected a future she could see all too clearly—a dead end. Two hundred and ninety years old. Golden Core fourth layer. These numbers were like two massive mountains pressing down on her shoulders,

Pfft! Gao Feiyang sprayed a mist of wine across the table, soaking half of Zhou Kai’s robes. Zhou Kai, however, didn’t even blink. He merely stared wide-eyed at his companion. “Zhou… Senior Brother Zhou, you… you’re seriously targeting the Young Miss? Do you think a Heaven’s Pride like her just gets married?” Gao Feiyang looked

The night wind howled, whipping Li Youci’s robes around her frame. The fury that had threatened to scorch the heavens and boil the seas just moments ago began to dissipate, replaced by a rising tide of panic and regret. Had she spoken too harshly? Although Zhou Kai’s actions were sometimes… less than honorable, his treatment

Zhou Kai pursued Yun Kang for two days straight, yet he hadn’t even glimpsed the man’s shadow. He stopped, stroking his chin as his eyes flickered with calculation. “If I charge in there single-handedly, what if I walk straight into an ambush? They set a trap for Wu Hongxiao, a Bone Forging Seventh Layer cultivator.

Above the battlefield, Spirit Qi erupted in violent waves, and deafening roars shook the heavens! Du Chuyao’s jade-like hands danced, weaving complex seals. One by one, Dharma Treasures of various shapes flew from her sleeves. Some expanded into towering mountains to crush her foe, others transformed into sharp golden halberds to tear through the sky,

Du Chuyao had reached her limit. Her protective spiritual light flickered like a candle in a gale. Blood spilled from the corner of her lips, her delicate body went limp, and she plummeted from the clouds. Wan Lang threw his head back and laughed maniacally. “Hahaha! Du Chuyao, to think you’d see a day like

Zhou Kai crouched beside Du Chuyao, his Divine Sense sweeping through her body. His brow furrowed slightly. Her physical injuries, both internal and external, weren’t actually that severe. That scoundrel Wan Lang had clearly planned to refine her into a Cultivation Vessel; he had pulled his punches to avoid damaging her root potential. The real

The forest was silent, save for the rustling of leaves in the wind and the occasional chirp of an insect. Zhou Kai sat propped against a large tree, keeping a healthy distance from the bonfire. Wu Hongxiao sat cross-legged between him and Du Chuyao like a diligent warden, though her expression was stiff with awkwardness.

When vision finally returned to Zhou Kai, he had no idea how long the world had been spinning. “Hiss…” He sucked a cold breath through his teeth. It felt like a stampede of demon bulls had trampled him, reversed, and trampled him again. Every joint in his body screamed with a deep, aching soreness, but

“Incredible stuff,” Wu Hongxiao praised, examining the thin mask in her hands. “With this on, even the Divine Sense of a Golden Core Grand Perfection cultivator wouldn’t be able to detect us.” Zhou Kai took his own mask. It was woven from a unique jade filament, cool to the touch. He pressed it to his

Zhou Kai tightened his grip, pulling Wu Hongxiao flush against his side. She felt a surge of fierce, scorching heat radiating from his body at the point of contact. Assuming it was just the natural output of his tyrannical physique and rapid reflexes, she didn’t give it a second thought. Around them, the battlefield was

Half a month later. A tapestry of iridescent light tore through the sky at an altitude of ten thousand zhang, swift as a startled swan. It left a brilliant, trailing streak of color as it sped toward the Crouching Tiger Mountain battle lines. Outside the protective barrier of the flying treasure, the high-altitude astral winds

“My little ones…” Three Jade Arm Mantises rested quietly on a protruding rock, their bodies now larger than a human palm. Their exoskeletons were flawless, possessing the warm, translucent quality of high-grade jade without a single blemish. Most striking were their iconic forelimb scythes—they had completely calcified into white jade, the edges flickering with a

Wu Hongxiao felt like she was decomposing from sheer boredom. She was a creature of kinetic energy, wind and fire made flesh. If she didn’t practice her spear for a day, her hands itched; if she didn’t spar for three, her skin felt too tight for her body. But now? Senior Sister Du had gone

The mountain wind howled, whipping the forest sea into surging waves of green. “That rocky valley ahead is a choke point. If they want to escape the mountains, they have to pass through it. We ambush them there.” Zhou Kai’s Divine Sense was fully extended, mapping every inch of the surrounding terrain. “Why bother with