Bang! Bang! Bang! The wooden door groaned under a violent assault, shattering the silence of the early morning. Open up! A rough voice roared like thunder. Open this damn door before I kick it in! The shouting was loud enough to choke the bark out of a nearby stray dog, sending it scampering into the […]

Qin Lu lingered in the doorway, muttering a curse against the damp air. With a heavy sigh, he grabbed the splintered remains of the door Fang Hu had kicked in. He wedged the wood against the frame—a pathetic, makeshift barrier against the slum’s night. He retreated to the edge of his bed and sat. Heart

“Another spell?!” Qin Lu stared at the [Ignition Technique] shimmering on his status panel. A jolt of realization hit him. He finally understood the mechanism behind the panel’s skill progression. “I cast Ignition Technique eleven times just now, and the counter sits at eleven. That implies a one-to-one ratio. One cast, one proficiency point…” Qin

Qin Lu stared at the dilapidated gate, feeling his head swell to the size of a bucket. He slightly opened his mouth but ultimately suppressed the urge to curse. The wooden door itself was easy enough to fix. Just replace the door panels and crossbeams. The tricky part was the array installed at the entrance

The pawnshop was decorated in an antique style. Upon entering, one was met with a tall counter, blocked by a railing above. There was a small hole in the railing, and currently, a young attendant was slumped there, dozing off. Qin Lu looked around curiously for a moment before walking up to the counter and

As his figure drew closer to The Slums, that nauseating, sickening smell assaulted his senses once more. “Pah! Pah!” Qin Lu forcefully spat twice, trying his best to hold his breath as he trudged along, the rosewood table hoisted on his shoulder. After the long night’s ordeal, the time had reached the hour of the

For several days in a row, Qin Lu stayed quietly at home. He paid no attention to the outside world, focusing solely on grinding experience. Every day was a repetitive cycle of intense grinding. He also deeply understood the principle of not biting off more than one could chew, so during this period, he concentrated

The young man’s name was Meng Chao. He usually set up a stall here as well, but he had overslept today. When he finally arrived, he found no spots left. As he wandered around, a spot happened to open up. However, seeing someone else about to claim it, he simply kicked the weakling—an early Qi

Qin Lu returned home without incident, his mouth parched. He poured himself a cup of water and downed it in one go. “Gulp, gulp, gulp…” “Buuurp—!” The cool, clear water was as refreshing as cola, chilling him to the core and lifting his spirits. The pleasant sensation made him let out a long, involuntary belch.

The Simple Method for Cultivating Spells It was said to have been written and freely distributed by a great master of divine abilities for the benefit of the lower-level cultivators in the cultivation world. It detailed in depth the various minor spells that could be practiced during the Qi Refining stage. The entire book was

Time flowed by like a slow-moving stream, and in the blink of an eye, another five days had passed. “Thump!” Qin Lu gave Cao Mo a light kick on the backside, sending him stumbling out of the house, then swiftly closed the door behind him. “You… you big-mouthed Qin Lu! You take my meat and

“Hmph, who else could it be?” Fang Hu snorted coldly, crossing his arms as he stared at Qin Lu with a frosty gaze. “Ten days are up. No need for talk. Pay up.” “Fine.” Naturally, Qin Lu hadn’t forgotten. He gave a slight nod, retrieved Spirit Stones from his robe, counted them, and handed them

The three talismans did not take long to sell. In less than two hours, they were all sold one after another. Qin Lu packed up his stall simply and got up to leave. He then went to a general store in the market, spent a catty of gold to buy some cooking seasonings like oil,

“Burp—” A full and satisfied Qin Lu let out a belch, picked a tooth with a toothpick, leaned back in his chair, clasped his hands behind his head, and stared at the ceiling beam. A faint trace of worry lingered on his face. Unconsciously, half a month had already passed since he arrived in this

Time slipped away quietly. The curtain of night withdrew as the morning sun slowly emerged from the horizon, its gentle light illuminating the entire land. Qin Lu, who had unwittingly pulled an all-nighter, only now realized that it was already dawn. Over the course of the night, he had successfully raised his cultivation level value

A few days later. In the bustling and lively Scatter Cultivator Market, Qin Lu sat before his stall, eating fresh fruit while watching the constant flow of cultivators, waiting for customers to arrive. After his recent covert inquiries, he had learned quite a bit about the market’s rules. The entire market district was under the

The quiet, deserted street in the slums took on a grim and murderous air due to the standoff between the few men present. The leader of the group, a man with inverted triangular eyes, stood relaxed, a long blade held loosely in his hand. His gaze was fierce as he stared at Qin Lu and

Qin Lu sat slumped over his table, head buried in his hands. The images wouldn’t stop. The blood. The scorched flesh. The vacant eyes. He had taken lives. Since arriving in this cultivation world, he knew this day was inevitable. It was a dog-eat-dog reality. But he hadn’t expected it so soon, and he hadn’t

Early the next morning. Qin Lu, who had slept restlessly all night, rose early. After a simple wash, he walked out of his room, feigning composure. His first destination was the remote path where yesterday’s battle had taken place, to check the scene. When Qin Lu arrived, the two corpses that had been lying in

For the next half month, Qin Lu kept to himself, rarely venturing out. The reason was naturally his fear that Fang Hu and his gang might ambush him again. To prepare for such an event, he had even devised multiple combat scenarios at home. He was guarding against anyone coming to seek revenge. But clearly,

Eight in the morning. On a main street of Wuji Market, Qin Lu walked at a steady pace, a redwood table held aloft in both hands. Bound to the tabletop with a red rope were numerous items. A closer look revealed bedding, pots, pans, bowls, utensils, food grains, books, and various materials. It was packed

The street was packed with people, shoulder to shoulder. The red sun slanted westward, its gentle light shining down on the market street, stretching everything into long, oblique shadows, including those of Qin Lu and Cao Mo. This was an extremely famous entertainment street in Wuji Market, home to the majority of the market’s pleasure-seeking

The clamorous gambling den was deliberately kept dim. Cultivators crowded around the gambling tables, shouting excitedly. “Come on, come on! Bet big to win big, bet small to win small! Place your bets and step away!” “Three sixes! Leopard! House wins all!” “Hahaha! I’ve got the Supreme Treasure this round! Who can stop me!” Many

Late at night. Qin Lu sat on a stone stool in the courtyard, leaning halfway against the stone table. He curled the fingers of his right hand and continuously flicked them towards the sky, casting the Finger Flick Technique. “Pfft!” “Pfft!” Strange bursts of force shot out from his middle finger one after another, each

Early the next morning. Qin Lu opened his eyes on time, sat up in bed, rubbed his face, and slowly stretched. Another brand new day. Since arriving in this world, free from the ravages of phones and computers, his lifestyle had gradually become more regular. Every day, aside from cultivation and drawing talismans, he found

Drawing talismans, meditating, eating, drawing talismans, meditating… After repeating this cycle a few times, it was already afternoon. Having fully restored his spiritual energy, Qin Lu stood up and stretched lazily. What was originally a dull and monotonous cultivation life didn’t seem so boring now, thanks to the numerical display of his attribute panel. Looking

Night fell, and moonlight as white as snow spilled from the horizon, illuminating the bustling Wuji Market. The gentle moonlight made the autumn night sky feel exceptionally cool. Qin Lu sat at the table in his home, burning the midnight oil by the faint light of an oil lamp. The few books he had bought

Dawn broke. Qin Lu woke to the familiar ache in his bones. He stretched his stiff limbs, grabbed a wooden bucket, and yawned as he shoved open the courtyard gate. “Time to fetch water.” As he stepped onto the dirt path, the gate to his left creaked open. A hulking youth squatted by the entrance.

The sudden appearance of Qin Lu and the other two instantly drew the attention of the three burly men inside the house. Their gazes all turned towards them. It must be said, the furious glares of three fierce-looking, menacing men were quite intimidating. This imposing aura immediately frightened Cao Mo, who quickly hid behind Qin

“Thwack!” “Thwack!” “Thwack!” The sound of a cleaver chopping continuously echoed from the courtyard. Qin Lu stood before the cutting board in his own kitchen, repeatedly bringing his cleaver down on a large piece of beast meat before him. Beast meat was different from ordinary animal flesh. Not only was it heavy, but its muscle

Watching Zhang Meng’s retreating figure gradually fade into the distance, Qin Lu’s expression remained somewhat dazed. “Was I a bit too impulsive? Seeing a beauty and losing all sense, agreeing immediately when she mentioned living together…” “What about my daily skill practice? Won’t that arouse their suspicion…” “The expenses for a family of three, isn’t

Early the next morning. Zhang Meng arrived in front of Qin Lu’s courtyard with several bundles of luggage, accompanied by the innocent-looking young child, Xiao Ziyun. Qin Lu opened the door. “Greetings, Senior!” The little one, Xiao Ziyun, immediately bowed and shouted loudly. “Ah, so well-behaved~” Qin Lu patted Xiao Ziyun’s head, his face full

Zhang Meng was very proactive about finding a job. After learning that a place was hiring, she left early the next day to go to the so-called Yueman Tower for an interview. This left Qin Lu and Xiao Ziyun at home. With nothing better to do, Qin Lu practiced his swordplay in the courtyard. The

The power of the two upgraded spells left Qin Lu extremely satisfied. Afterwards, he practiced his other skills in the forest for a bit, fumbling around for over half an hour before finally heading back towards the market. On the road. Since loose cultivators of all kinds frequently passed through this area, the surrounding fierce

After the talisman transaction, Qin Lu sold forty-two Water Qi Shields, ultimately earning ninety Spirit Stones. With the Spirit Stones in hand, the two of them began making their way to an alchemy shop. Having spent nearly two months frequenting the market, Qin Lu had long heard about the rarity of pills. Like talismans, pills

That sinister tone made every hair on Qin Lu’s body stand on end. He whirled around. A figure stood at the street corner, toying with a small dagger in hand. Spirit energy flowed along the blade, emitting a faint silvery light. The surrounding light was far too dim for Qin Lu to make out the

“Big Brother Qin, how is Cao Mo’s mother doing?” In the courtyard, Zhang Meng asked while pouring water. “After taking a pill worth over a hundred Spirit Stones, no matter how severe the injury, she should recover. From the looks of it, she should be fine now.” Qin Lu raised his cup, took a sip

With only seven Spirit Stones to his name, Qin Lu did not let Zhang Meng and her child go hungry. Early the next morning, he took the two Water Qi Shields he had drawn and went to set up a stall to sell them. After successfully selling them, he bought a good amount of talisman

Qin Lu had long heard of Wu Hao’s reputation as a smiling tiger. Seeing that very smile now, his heart tightened instantly. “Ahem!” Qin Lu cleared his throat, straightened his back, and clasped his fists. “What advice does Manager Wu have for me?” “Ah, what advice could I possibly have? It’s just that you, Brother

Qin Lu bolted back to his courtyard, sprinting as if his life depended on it. Once inside, he collapsed onto a stool in the yard and gulped down a bowl of cool water. It took a full half-hour for his racing heart to finally settle. What had happened today at Jishan Store was truly bizarre.

The next morning. The charming and alluring Zhang Meng nestled in Qin Lu’s arms, the two embracing and exchanging tender words, the atmosphere charged with an unmistakable intimacy. After chatting for a while, Zhang Meng, her face flushed bright red from being teased, quickly got up and headed to wash herself. Leaning back against the

Whoosh! A flash of sword light streaked through the air, rippling with faint spiritual power. In the courtyard, Qin Lu, stripped to the waist and wearing only a pair of shorts, was immersed in his sword practice. The [Upper Clarity Sword] danced in his hands, weaving a net of shadows. The blade hissed as it

The market street was bustling. Cao Mo trudged behind Qin Lu, carrying a large, cumbersome bundle. His expression was bitter as he complained, “Big Brother, you said you’d take me out for a stroll, and this is it? Just buying these talismans and clothes?” Cao Mo was utterly dejected. He had originally thought Qin Lu

Night had fallen. Four furtive figures crouched at a street corner, clutching gleaming broadswords as they whispered among themselves. “He Lao Liu!” one of them, a burly cultivator, growled in a low, heavy voice. “When exactly is that kid coming? We’ve already been waiting for two hours!” He Liang’s expression turned awkward. He hurriedly explained,

Staring down at He Liang’s corpse, Qin Lu felt not a single ripple of emotion in his heart. “Brother Qin, look out!” Lu Xian’s panicked warning screamed from beside him. Even without the reminder, Qin Lu sensed the tall cultivator charging at him again. It was as if he had entered bullet time; every detail

Noon. Wuji Market, Yueman Tower. It was peak mealtime. As the premier luxury restaurant in Wuji Market, the establishment was currently bustling. The five-story building was alive with activity; the main hall, private booths, and VIP rooms were packed with diners. The sounds of toasting, clinking cups, conversation, and raucous laughter filled the air without

“What exactly was going on with those people last night?” Upon hearing the question, Qin Lu pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. “I only recognized one of them. He was an enforcer for the Jishan Store. I’ve had dealings with him before.” “The Jishan Store? That gambling den? How did you get on their

# Chapter 48: The Concealment Array At the dining table. Qin Lu, Zhang Meng, and Xiao Ziyun sat around a spread of three delicate dishes and a soup, the food filling the room with mouth-watering aromas. Due to his frequent sword practice, Xiao Ziyun’s appetite had grown considerably. At the moment, the boy was entirely

The next morning arrived early. Zhang Meng rose before dawn, prepared breakfast, and then headed off to Yueman Tower for her shift once again. Watching her go, Qin Lu couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. The capitalists of the cultivation world were even more outrageous than those in his previous life; here, rest days simply

The twelfth lunar month—the bitter heart of winter. A sudden, biting gust of wind swept through the market, cutting straight through collars and chilling everyone to the bone. Qin Lu and Li Gui, sitting on the ground behind their respective stalls, instinctively tightened their robes against the cold. “This damn weather keeps getting worse. In

Joyous Lane. Southland Teahouse. At a table by the window on the second floor, Qin Lu sat across from Manager Yan. “Here, Fellow Daoist Qin, please try the spirit tea from our shop. It is a small-leaf variety from South Mountain called Bamboo Leaf Green Tea. It has the miraculous effect of refreshing the mind

# Chapter 52: Heavy Snowfall Snow drifted down from the sky like strands of rain amidst the biting wind. A sudden gust swept through, sending the flakes dancing wildly in the air. In less than a morning, the entire market district had been transformed into a world of ice and snow. It was the third

After the recent talisman transaction with the Sky Book Pavilion, Qin Lu’s savings officially broke through the four-hundred Spirit Stone mark. It felt like achieving financial freedom. Patting the heavy bag of Spirit Stones in his robe, Qin Lu hesitated no longer and stepped into a large shop on the main street. “Esteemed customer, what

“Kill! Kill! Kill!” “Cut him down for me!” “You’re seeking death!” “……” The ferocious roar of battle cries startled the loose cultivators chopping wood nearby, causing them all to look up. In the distance, out in the wilderness, twenty or so figures were locked in a vicious melee. Small flying swords danced rapidly through the

# Chapter 55: Qi Refining Fifth Layer After returning from chopping firewood, Qin Lu stopped going out, resuming his reclusive lifestyle. Two days later, at Qin Lu’s persuasion, Zhang Meng also resigned from Yueman Tower. From then on, they both stayed behind closed doors. Spending all day together within the confines of their home, the

# Chapter 56: The Black-Clad Reaper After a brief moment of contemplation, Qin Lu crouched down and began searching the corpses one by one, stripping them of anything valuable. Talismans, magical instruments, pills—he took them all. He didn’t bother examining the items closely, sweeping them directly into his 【Storage Bag】. After another moment of thought,

Qin Lu remained holed up at home for several full days. His mind was in turmoil, weighed down by heavy worries. Several times, he felt the urge to return to the scene of the crime to check for any oversights he might have missed that night. But in the end, he restrained himself. His greatest

Qin Lu remained holed up in his home for several full days. His mind was a tempest of deep anxiety. Several times, he felt the urge to return to the scene of the crime to check for any oversights he might have left behind that night, but in the end, he forcibly restrained himself. What

Time marched on, and finally, it was New Year’s Eve. 5:00 PM. Under Zhang Meng’s skillful hands, the small courtyard had taken on an entirely new look. Door gods and couplets were pasted on the courtyard gate, and red silk ribbons hung from the branches of the peach tree. Inside the house, many new items

It was the first day of the Lunar New Year. Qin Lu and Xiao Ziyun set off firecrackers in the courtyard. The sharp, echoing pops celebrated the joy and liveliness of the season, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new. Later, Zhang Meng took Xiao Ziyun to pay respects to an ancestor

Ever since hearing the rumors about the Wuji Sect’s Foundation Establishment cultivator from Cao Yunxi, Qin Lu had been on high alert. He felt these rumors weren’t baseless. Coupled with the somewhat strange behavior Zhao Yan had displayed that day, he became even more convinced of his speculation. If Sun Jing were to die, Wuji

Spirit Robes were a specific category of magical artifacts. They were crafted by Artificers, the second most lucrative profession in the cultivation world, forged through the techniques of refinement. Magical artifacts could broadly be categorized into offensive weapons, flying artifacts, Spirit Robes, array tools, and everyday implements. They truly encompassed every aspect of a cultivator’s

Joining the Wei Family certainly came with many benefits, but the risks skyrocketed alongside the advantages. In conflicts among Foundation Establishment powers, even Qin Lu’s hidden arsenal of powerful skills might prove utterly useless. For the sake of petty gains, he simply had no reason to get involved. When Nie Feng saw Qin Lu’s refusal,

Qin Lu was on his way back. He walked to the western edge of the market, near the city wall. Hiss! A faint sound suddenly came from around the corner ahead. Qin Lu’s heart skipped a beat. He stopped dead in his tracks and glanced cautiously toward the sound. “Trying to sneak away after stealing

Inside the room. Gazing at the bounty spread across the table, Qin Lu’s heart raced. These fellows’ wealth far exceeded that of the black-clad intruders from before. Just counting offensive magical artifacts, there were six in total—four first-rank lower-grade and two first-rank middle-grade. According to market prices, the secondhand value of these tools alone should

Night fell. Qin Lu had barely fallen asleep when sudden sounds of fighting erupted outside the courtyard. Startled, he quickly got up and stood in the yard, cautiously on guard, afraid that people might break into his home. Fortunately, the fighting didn’t reach him. However, the shouts and screams continued throughout the entire night, only

The Slums As the snow melted and the temperature warmed, the pervasive stench of urine once again filled the air. Cao Yunxi, his face covered in a thick beard, returned home and placed the unsold portions of beast meat in a corner of the room. He strode over to the table, picked up the water

Qin Lu’s trade in medicinal liquids went exceptionally well. In just three days, he sold out his entire stock of over a hundred bottles. His net profit exceeded six hundred Spirit Stones. Such high-profile success naturally attracted the attention of many cultivators. Even a few pill shop owners came sniffing around to inquire about his

Compared to flying artifacts, offensive artifacts were considerably cheaper. For instance, Qin Lu’s Shangqing Sword, a First Rank Low-Grade artifact, could be purchased for just fifty Spirit Stones. After browsing for quite some time, Qin Lu finally spent three hundred and eighty Spirit Stones to acquire a First Rank High-Grade magical sword. This blade measured

The primeval forest was lush and verdant, with trees stretching endlessly like the waves of an ocean. Birds and beasts scurried about as colossal trees crashed down one after another, as if a ferocious giant beast had rampaged through, trampling everything in its path. Beneath this chaos, Qin Lu moved swiftly among the trunks. In

Wuji Market In the vast plaza, a large number of cultivators had gathered, many whispering among themselves, their voices rising and falling in a constant hum. When Qin Lu arrived, he noticed a wooden stage erected in the center. On the stage stood over a dozen figures. Four of them were seated on chairs, each

The sun began its descent, bathing the entire Wuji Market in a warm, golden glow. As dinnertime approached, wisps of cooking smoke curled up from the chimneys of every household. Even cultivators had to eat. By the time Qin Lu finished wandering the market and returned home, Zhang Meng had already prepared a table full

More than half of the entertainment venues in Wuji Market were concentrated in Joyous Lane. Naturally, the tile-roofed houses hosting performance arts were also located here. Since it was morning, the courtesan cultivators who kept nocturnal hours had yet to wake. Consequently, the cloying scent of rouge and powder that usually permeated Joyous Lane had

Seeing the theater gradually descend into chaos, Qin Lu wasted no time. He quickly led Zhang Meng and her son away from the scene. On the way home, both adults took turns lecturing Xiao Ziyun. They warned him sternly not to be so reckless in the future and to always speak with caution. Hearing the

Night fell. Wuji Market once again came alive. Cultivators, having eaten and drunk their fill, headed in groups of three or five toward Joyous Lane, excitement written on their faces. As they walked, they chatted animatedly about the events of the day. As expected, the most shocking topic was the incident at Dehe Garden. An

Within Wuji Market, joining one of the four major factions meant a life free from worries about food and clothing, a rise in social status, and earning the respect of others. This was the dream of many low-level Loose Cultivators. If Qin Lu, fresh from his transmigration, had received such an invitation, he would have

For a mortal, testing for a spirit root is the single most crucial step toward becoming an immortal. During infancy, the spirit root lies dormant. It generally only becomes fully apparent after the body has grown to a certain extent, typically after the age of four. Therefore, testing can only be conducted once a child

The sudden appearance of this cultivator sent a shock through everyone present. The two Wuji Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators reacted with extreme speed, immediately drawing their magical instruments and pointing them directly at the shabby old Loose Cultivator. “Who are you?!” “Let him go!” They roared simultaneously, their figures flashing as they blocked the old

Wang Shenzhi’s interception and the subsequent disruption of the spirit root testing infuriated the Wuji Sect. Li Qingdu and Zheng Yan stormed off in anger, leaving behind a crowd of stunned onlookers. The testing concluded hastily, and the cultivators on the hillside quickly dispersed. Qin Lu stood frozen on the hillside. Zhang Meng and her

Wuji Market. The petite and delicate Feng Xi, carrying a bundle on her back and two small wooden buckets in her hands, followed closely behind a middle-aged man. Beside her was a girl of about the same age. All three carried packages, large and small, as they walked briskly along the bustling Willow Street. Feng

After assigning tasks to the three servants, Qin Lu walked toward the master’s quarters. Glancing around the brand-new courtyard, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He had moved. He now lived in a classic Siheyuan courtyard compound, covering roughly six hundred square meters. It consisted of a main house to the

Qin Lu had informed Cao Mo of his move, so the visit came as no surprise. He instructed Steward Chen to answer the door and welcome the guests. Watching Steward Chen’s efficient, retreating figure, Qin Lu couldn’t help but smile faintly. The sensation of having someone to direct was indeed quite pleasant. Ever since he

Early the next morning. Qin Lu, having woken up on time, finished his simple morning routine and began his first meditation session of the day. Through practice, he had discovered that spiritual energy in the early morning was the most active, making absorption slightly faster than at other times. “Hoo—” After two hours, Qin Lu

The days flowed by as calmly as water, half a month slipping away quietly. During this period, Qin Lu lived quite comfortably. All miscellaneous chores were handled by the servants. He enjoyed a life of being waited on, playing the part of a so-called wealthy landlord. Life was sweet. After reaching the seventh level of

Wuji Market. At Lu Xian’s home. Inside the house, Qin Lu and Lu Xian sat on opposite sides of a table, engaged in quiet conversation. After chatting for a while about recent events and exchanging pleasantries, Qin Lu finally brought up the main topic. “Old Lu, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the price

Wuji Sect. It was one of the top-tier Golden Core sects in the entire Flowing Cloud Prefecture. It owned five market towns, and the Wuji Market, located at the westernmost edge, was one of them. This time, the Wuji Sect’s Spirit Rice shipments had been robbed, resulting in one Foundation Establishment cultivator from the sect

Qin Lu walked slowly back to his home. He handed the Spirit Rice and demon beast meat given by Cao Yunxi to Steward Chen to store in the kitchen. Then, he walked over to the square table in the main room, sat down, poured himself a cup of cold tea, and drank it in one

Demonic beasts were primarily wild animals that, after absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth over many years, underwent physical mutations. This spiritual energy transformed into demonic power within their bodies, awakening and enhancing their bloodline abilities. They devoured the essence and blood of human cultivators to strengthen this power. Upon reaching certain levels,

“It seems demon beasts aren’t as powerful as imagined…” Qin Lu felt a surge of relief, and his entire body relaxed considerably. Practicing swordsmanship had greatly enhanced his physical constitution, pushing it far beyond that of an ordinary seventh-layer Qi Refining cultivator. Now, facing a mid-First-Tier demon beast felt effortless. Cao Yunxi and his wife

After simply extinguishing the flames, Cao Yunxi and his wife squatted on the ground, joyful expressions on their faces as they began to carve the beast meat. The deceased [Black Ape Beast] was even larger than the elephants Qin Lu had seen in his previous life. No wonder Cao Yunxi had said that this demon

In the dense forest, the roars and sounds of battle from numerous cultivators continuously rang out, startling nearby birds and beasts into scattering in all directions. When Qin Lu arrived, the first thing he saw was that familiar figure. It was Lu Anchen! Nearly twenty cultivators were engaged in combat in the clearing. They wielded

Through questioning, Qin Lu learned the cause of this battle. The current Spirit Rice crisis had caused the price of demon beast meat to soar. Lu Anchen, having nothing to do these past few days, brought his brothers from the “Ruyi Gang” to East Head Ridge, intending to hunt some demon beasts to make a

“Uncle Qin, what’s going on here?” Lu Anchen asked hurriedly as he ran over. Qin Lu pursed his lips, signaling for him to see for himself. “Uh…” Lu Anchen took a closer look, a look of surprise appearing on his face. “It’s Little Whip Spear—Gu Can!” In Wuji Market, Gu Can, with his cultivation at

At the market. Qin Lu arrived to meet with Cao Yunxi and his wife. The three of them paid the stall fee, found a good spot, and set up. For the couple, setting up a stall to sell meat was already a familiar routine. A long wooden board, a chopping block, a cleaver, a price

The next day. Qin Lu, who had been busy for three days on East Head Ridge, slept in for the first time in a long while. It wasn’t until Chu Xiaoyi knocked on his door with breakfast that he was finally roused from his bed. After a quick meal, Qin Lu went to the courtyard

Gu Yue remained silent, her brows furrowed as she stared at Qin Lu without a word, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Qin Lu was tense all over, his palms slightly sweaty. His right hand hung naturally at his side, already prepared for combat. He couldn’t afford to be careless. After all, the stunningly beautiful woman before

Inside the room. Feng Xi sat cross-legged on a brand-new meditation cushion, breathing rhythmically through her nose and mouth as she circulated her cultivation technique, practicing her breath control. Invisible spiritual energy drifted in from all directions, slowly flowing into her body. As the spiritual energy entered, a burning sensation immediately arose in her lower

“Hoo—” Qin Lu carefully controlled the flame in his palm, allowing the alchemy furnace to heat evenly. His expression was tense, his body rigid, and beads of sweat the size of beans slowly slid down his forehead. “Now!” Seizing the opportunity, Qin Lu activated the Object Control Technique. A medicinal ingredient levitated from the ground

Noon. Qin Lu strolled leisurely out of his residence, hands clasped behind his back as he ambled forward. According to Steward Chen’s report, the registration point for the arena competition was located at the Government Office, which served as the Wuji Sect’s local administrative hall. He hadn’t taken more than a few steps outside before

Back when Meng Chao had seized his stall, he had looked down on Qin Lu and uttered those exact words. Now, Qin Lu returned them to him verbatim. Treat others as they have treated you. For this kick, Qin Lu used eighty percent of his strength. Practicing swordsmanship had greatly increased his physical prowess; with

Joyous Lane. The second quarter of the Hour of the Goat. Qin Lu walked with his hands safely clasped behind his back, glancing casually at the shops lining both sides of the street. It was midday, and entertainment venues like chess rooms, teahouses, tile-roofed houses, and beast-fighting arenas were already bustling with activity. The various

Night draped over the city as Qin Lu strolled home, his body loose and his spirit high. The cool evening air felt good against his skin, a welcome reprieve after a long day. As he neared his own doorstep, however, he paused. The heavy gate of the neighboring Gu estate stood wide open. A young

The following morning broke with a pale, cold light. A burly, hulking figure stepped out of the market, casually tossed a flying artifact into the air, and shot toward the wilderness. He didn’t stop until he was dozens of miles away, deep within the uninhabited embrace of the forest. The man looked like a nightmare

The venue for the Market Arena Tournament lay three miles north of the main settlement, nestled within a massive geological scar. Legend held that this colossal, circular pit was formed by a fallen star. Centuries later, the Wuji Sect had terraformed the disaster site, repurposing the meteorite crater into a grand gladiatorial theater. By the

The Wuji Sect was the undisputed hegemon of the region. While many smaller sects operated independently, they existed solely at the pleasure of the Wuji Sect. When trouble arose, they ran to their overlord for protection, effectively serving as vassal states. For a grand event like the Market Arena Tournament, the Wuji Sect had naturally

Qin Lu stepped onto the arena platform with a mask of practiced indifference. Unlike his first match, which had passed with little fanfare, his entrance now drew immediate attention. A ripple of noise moved through the crowd, and to his surprise, he even heard scattered cheers. It left him completely baffled. He didn’t recognize a

Watching Jiang Yao’s dejected figure disappear into the tunnel, Qin Lu exhaled a long, heavy breath and slumped back into his chair. The herd had been culled. Of the dozens who started in this bracket, only ten fighters remained in the preparation area. The raucous energy of the early rounds had evaporated, replaced by a

The stall was modest—just two iron cauldrons belching fragrant steam and a few low wooden tables scattered on the grass. Two groups of cultivators were already hunched over their bowls, slurping loudly. Qin Lu led his group to an empty table, grinning as he spotted the young girl wiping down the surface. “Shopkeeper! Four bowls

The waiting area for the late-stage Qi Refining bracket was quiet, but Qin Lu’s mind was noisy. He sat upright in his chair, brows tightly furrowed, wrestling with a single, nagging question. Am I being too arrogant? Before today, the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. He prided himself on prudence, on survival. But the fight

Qin Lu sat in the preparation area, his expression grim. The adrenaline from his duel with Han Ziyang had faded, replaced by a cold, creeping realization. He didn’t know when it had started, but he had changed. He had become arrogant. Somewhere along the line, confidence had mutated into conceit. He had abandoned his cardinal

Inside the guest hall, the air grew heavy with secrets. Qin Lu’s hand froze mid-motion, the teacup hovering halfway to his lips. He lowered it slowly to the table, his brow furrowing as he looked up at his guest. “Are you saying there is a problem with Yang Zhen’s identity?” “Exactly!” Lu Xian’s face was

Early the next morning, Qin Lu arrived at the competition venue on time. After tossing and turning all night, he had concluded that Lu Xian was right. Withdrawing without a valid reason would likely draw the gaze of Li Qingdu. The man was known for his violent temper and ruthlessly harsh methods; if Li Qingdu

Clang! Metal shrieked against metal. Qin Lu’s face went pale as if struck by a siege hammer. His body was launched backward, flying through the air in a clumsy arc. Thud! He slammed heavily into the translucent spirit barrier surrounding the arena, sliding down to the stone floor with an uncontrolled sprawl. His opponent, Lu

Although Ancestor Zhang Zhenyuan had stormed off in a rage, the tournament formalities still had to be observed. Yang Zhen was crowned the champion, and with the title came the grand prize: two prime storefronts in the heart of Wuji Market. The Wuji Sect official responsible for presenting the deed was practically vibrating with suppressed

Wuji Market, The Government Office. Inside the council hall, the air was stagnant, heavy with suppressed rage. A privacy formation hummed softly against the walls, sealing the conversation from prying ears. Bam! An elderly cultivator with a frost-white beard slammed his palm against the mahogany table, the force of the blow rattling the tea service.

Time flowed like water. In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. Inside the master bedroom of the Qin Estate, the air was thick with the scent of spirit incense. The curling smoke created a tranquil, ethereal haze, settling the mind and sharpening focus. Qin Lu sat at his redwood desk, the talisman

Qin Lu swapped his crafting robes for fresh attire and entered the main hall, where a familiar, wiry figure awaited him. It had been a month since they last met, and Gu Can looked like he had been dragged through a desert. His skin was tanned to the color of dark bronze, and a layer

Thanks to Gu Can’s deliberate loudmouthing, the news of Gu Yue’s ascension to Foundation Establishment swept through Wuji Market like a wildfire. The fallout, however, defied Qin Lu’s expectations. The coercion and suppression he had anticipated from the four existing Foundation Establishment experts never materialized. Instead, the response was a display of exquisite social etiquette.

Qin Lu stared at the middle-aged man standing in his courtyard, his muscles coiling tight with tension. After mixing in the Wuji Market for a year, the name “Li Qingdu” was not just familiar—it was a synonym for trouble. The man was infamous for his violent temper, his high-profile arrogance, and his brutal, simple solutions

Qin Lu released a long, heavy breath, watching the faint spiritual glow settle over the repaired formation. He slapped two [Repair Talismans] onto the array’s fracture points, sealing the breach Li Qingdu had forced open. It was a temporary fix, much like his current situation, but it would hold. Retreating to his room, his gaze

The sky was a bruised purple, the sun not yet daring to breach the horizon. Qin Lu arrived at the rendezvous point outside the city with his gear packed and his senses sharp. He expected a small team. What he found was a small army. Ten cultivators stood in the pre-dawn gloom. Qin Lu scanned

A high moon presided over a tapestry of stars. The Green Leaf Boat cut through the night, its exhaust trail a streak of luminescence against the void, before finally shuddering to a halt. The distinct hum of the vessel died down, leaving only the whistling wind of the high altitude. Five days of travel ended

The three of them chatted about everything under the sun, killing time as the stars faded. Before they knew it, the sun had breached the eastern horizon. As daylight washed over the peaks, the casual conversation died away; their eyes sharpened, scanning the surroundings with renewed focus. Perhaps the “Fire Waterfall” truly was a breathtaking

Most cultivation sects maintained an ancestral hall, a sanctum housing the spirit tablets of past generations for worship. However, the more powerful factions went a step further. They safeguarded the [Soul Papers] of their elite members, assigning disciples to monitor them in shifts. Any fluctuation in the paper was reported immediately. [Soul Paper] was a

The sun blazed in the zenith, hanging like a ball of molten iron against the blue. A spirit boat tore across the sky, its hull vibrating with a high-pitched drone as its engines were pushed past their redline. It was racing at breakneck speed. As the vessel shrieked over a particular stretch of dense forest,

Upon reaching Foundation Establishment, spiritual energy erupted from the dantian like a geyser, saturating every cell and bone. The body became weightless, unbound by gravity. It was this transformation that allowed cultivators to walk on air without artifacts. However, flight burned Qi. Even a Foundation Establishment expert could not stay airborne indefinitely during high-intensity combat.

The Sect Leader of the Xuanyang Sect, a man who had held power in the Wuji Market for over a decade, died ignobly in the mud of a foreign forest. His killer, the square-jawed Elder, merely sneered. He shook the blood from his silver axe with a casual flick of his wrist, then turned to

Thud! Gu Can drove his boot into the corpse of the square-faced giant, spitting on the ground. “Stay dead, you ugly bastard! That’s what you get for looking down on us!” “Enough. Grab the loot and move. Your sister needs us.” Qin Lu dropped to a crouch, his hands moving with practiced efficiency over the

A figure streaked across the sky, catching the severed head at the apex of its arc. The handsome cultivator cradled the grisly trophy, a guttural roar tearing from his throat as tears streamed down his face. The scene was a portrait of devastating grief, enough to move a heart of stone. Gu Yue, however, had

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mountain peak in the blood-red hues of twilight. Birds returned to their nests, their calls fading into the silence of the high altitude. On the summit, shielded by a concealment formation, the eight surviving cultivators of the Wuji Market raid sat scattered across the rocks. In a

Qin Lu gripped his longsword, his knuckles white. His gaze burned into the approaching vessel, adrenaline flooding his system. The thumping of his own heart echoed in his ears like a war drum. He was ready. If this was a trap, he would take as many of them down with him as possible. But as

Five days later. The group slipped back into the Wuji Market without fanfare. To avoid drawing the gaze of other loose cultivators, Li Qingdu had issued strict orders: split up, conceal your faces, and enter in waves. They needed to keep the ripples of their expedition to a minimum. After a tense hour of navigating

Autumn bled away, surrendering the world to the bite of winter. Mid-November brought a brutal chill to Wuji Market, accompanied by heavy, goose-feather snow that smothered the streets in white. The wind was bone-piercing. Most loose cultivators, lacking the fortitude to endure the magical freeze, retreated indoors to hibernate through the season. The bustling market

Qin Manor. Main Hall. Fresh from his morning sword practice, Qin Lu had just settled into his chair, a steaming cup of spirit tea halfway to his lips, when Feng Xi burst into the room. “Master, look!” In a panic, she thrust a small, pale green pill under his nose. Qin Lu took it, his

Unfortunately, Qin Lu’s grandiose dreams of wealth were quickly dashed. Feng Xi’s first attempt at refining the [Fasting Pill] ended in disaster. The medicinal liquid destabilized, spilling out of the furnace as useless slag. Staring at the ruined mess, Feng Xi hung her head, her face pale with dejection. “Master… I am sorry. I wasted

Ten days later. Qin Lu sat cross-legged in his room, submerged in deep meditation. The spiritual energy within his dantian had reached a critical mass. It felt like a bucket filled to the absolute brim, the water tension trembling, ready to spill over with the slightest disturbance. This sensation was the hallmark of the final

A crescent moon hung in the pitch-black sky, casting a pale, sickly silver light. Pure white snowflakes drifted down in lazy spirals—light, graceful, and coldly beautiful. It was a perfect night to appreciate the winter scenery. Yet, inside a meeting room in Wuji Market, the atmosphere was suffocatingly heavy. Three men sat around a table.

Inside the quiet chamber, Qin Lu sat ensconced in a wide master’s chair, sipping tea as he listened to Steward Chen’s report. The steward detailed the latest intelligence circulating through the market with practiced efficiency. When the report concluded, Steward Chen bowed deeply, retreating from the room with the utmost reverence. Qin Lu leaned back,

After two hours of conversation at the Gu residence, Qin Lu returned to his own estate, a heavy weight settling in his chest. He retreated to his cultivation chamber, settled onto the woven rush cushion, and crossed his legs into the lotus position. Silence filled the room, but his mind was a storm of calculation.

The reasoning behind the Lu family’s invitation was simple. First, there was the bond of familiarity. Over the past year, both Lu Xian and Lu Anchen had grown close to Qin Lu. In matters of life and death, they wouldn’t leave a friend behind without a word. Second, and perhaps more importantly, was Qin Lu’s

Inside the parlor. Gu Yue listened to Qin Lu’s explanation, her brow furrowing into a tight line. “Is this credible?” Qin Lu sat rigid in his chair, his expression grave. “Absolutely. Zhu Lian is en route to Wuji Market as we speak. When he arrives, this place will be a graveyard.” Hearing this, a flicker

Below the clouds, a boundless range of mountains stretched to the horizon. Solitary peaks thrust upward from the valleys like inverted blades, their slopes sheer and unforgiving. Hidden amidst the mist, they resembled a realm of immortals untouched by mortal dust. Swoosh! A medium-sized Spirit Boat tore through the sky, trailing a thin white wake.

“Your Majesty?” Qin Lu paused, scanning the perimeter. He hadn’t expected a reigning Emperor to be residing in such a secluded mountain villa. It certainly explained the heavy military presence. But why would a monarch leave the safety of the Imperial Palace for this wilderness? Surrounded by a sea of black-armored soldiers, Qin Lu remained

The villa’s main hall was ablaze with light. Dozens of lanterns hung from the rafters, and candles lined the walls, casting a warm, golden glow over the scene. In the center of the room, two large Eight Immortals tables had been set up, groaning under the weight of a sumptuous feast. Thirteen cultivators sat around

Under the watchful eyes of over a dozen cultivators, a middle-aged man in a dragon robe stepped into the hall. He was thin, his complexion pallid. Though he walked with a straight back and a stoic face, his stiff movements betrayed a deep, underlying terror. This was the Emperor of the Great Zhou—Zhang Ju. “Greetings

Kong Shiquan was a man currently questioning his own sanity. Recently, the capital had been gripped by rumors of supernatural hauntings, culminating in several unexplained deaths within the Forbidden City. The Emperor, terrified out of his wits, had fled the palace overnight to seek refuge in the remote mountain villa. As the Commander of the

The early morning hours crept by in silence, save for the raucous laughter echoing from the villa’s courtyard. In a small pavilion, Qin Lu, Gu Can, Lu Anchen, Lu Xuan, and Cao Yunxi sat surrounded by empty wine jars, their faces flushed with intoxication. The clatter of dice and boisterous shouts filled the air. “Five

“Are you holding up?” Qin Lu asked, his voice laced with genuine concern as he eyed Feng Xi’s deathly pale complexion. “Lord, I am fine,” Feng Xi replied instantly, shaking his head. He raised both hands and waved them dismissively, desperate to prove he wasn’t a burden. Qin Lu offered a curt nod before turning

The party ventured deeper into the belly of the mountain, their footsteps echoing against the damp stone. Perhaps it was the residual heat from the spirit-infused wine they had consumed earlier, but a reckless sort of courage seemed to have taken hold of the group. They moved with a swagger, invigorated and eager for violence.

A hidden staircase wound its way deep into the earth. The passage was narrow and suffocating, twisting like a serpent’s intestine. No light penetrated this depth, and the air was thick with the scent of ancient decay and stale dust. Qin Lu and his group navigated the dark tunnel with caution. It took the time

The necrotic pressure slamming into the chamber was suffocating, a physical weight that tasted of grave soil and ancient malice. Even Qin Lu felt his skin prickle. He drew the [Seven Star Sword] in a blur of motion, the blade humming as it tasted the corrupted air. Judging by the sheer density of the aura,

CLANG! Metal met claw, showering the dim hall in a cascade of blinding sparks. Emperor Wulie’s fingernails, reinforced by a century of condensed necrotic qi, possessed a hardness rivaling a Mid-Grade magical artifact. To the shock of the onlookers, the ghost’s claws caught the blade of the [Seven Star Sword], halting the strike in mid-air.

The following morning, Qin Lu and his party departed the mountain villa precisely on schedule. The shared ordeal in the haunted tomb had forged a tighter bond among the survivors. Cao Mo, Wu Zhengtian, and Feng Xi, in particular, spent the journey huddled in the corner of the spirit boat, whispering in conspiratorial tones. Gu

“Name?” “Lu Xian, at your service. Hard shift today, eh, brother?” “Cut the crap. Where are you coming from?” “We’ve all traveled from Wuji Market.” “Purpose of entry?” “Ah, you know how it is. The Wuji Sect and the Dragon Tiger Sect are at each other’s throats. We’re refugees seeking asylum. Honestly, the journey here

Qin Lu’s new residence in the Inner City was functionally identical to his old quarters in Wuji Market. The layout followed the traditional north-south orientation, ensuring auspicious geomancy. The servants’ quarters were clustered in the south wing near the main gate, bustling with activity. This time, however, Qin Lu made a slight adjustment: Feng Xi

The shantytowns of the White Jade Market were a far cry from the squalid slums of Wuji. Here, the dwellings of the loose cultivators were arranged in orderly rows, each modest home boasting its own private courtyard. There was a sense of established dignity in the air; one could look through an open gate and

Qin Lu stood amidst the debris of the pulverized peak, laughing to himself. The power had far exceeded his expectations. “If maxing out the [Finger Flick Technique] unlocks a Wind Affinity talent, then maxing out the [Ignition Technique] should grant Fire Affinity…” His mind raced with the possibilities. “Does [Bright Light Technique] lead to Light

Time flowed like water, and months drifted by in the blink of an eye. It was a midsummer night. A gentle breeze swept through the streets, carrying a welcome coolness that chased away the lingering heat of the day’s scorching sun. Yet, in an inconspicuous courtyard within the White Jade Market, the temperature remained high—fueled

The sky had not yet brightened. Qin Lu performed a final inventory of his supplies. Satisfied, he stepped out into the pre-dawn chill of summer, heading toward the gates of the White Jade Market. To truly settle his heart—to strip away all distractions and focus entirely on the monumental task of Foundation Establishment—he had decided

For three months, Qin Lu lived the life of a hermit in the desolate wilds. His existence had been stripped down to its barest essentials: eat, sleep, cultivate, repeat. He slept on cold stone, ate flavorless pills, and spoke to no one. Without the amenities of civilization, his appearance deteriorated. His hair grew into a

Unlike the ten distinct layers of the Qi Refining stage, the Foundation Establishment realm was simpler, categorized into four broad tiers: Early, Middle, Late, and Perfection. Qin Lu was now an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator, standing on the same tier as Gu Yue. Flush with success, Qin Lu soared through the sky, his voice echoing

Upon returning to the White Jade Market, Qin Lu did not immediately barricade himself inside his new residence for secluded cultivation. Instead, after a long, restorative sleep in the comfort of his secured manor, he ventured out the very next day. His destination was specific. He needed books. His primary objective was a new cultivation

Feng Xi has been very happy recently. Her Lord, who had been away for three months, finally returned! From her observations, she noticed that his mental state had improved drastically, as if he were a completely different person. Yet, his temperament remained as gentle and peaceful as ever, which delighted her. Since Qin Lu’s return,

The White Jade Market at night was a bustling spectacle, the crowds even denser than those of Wuji Market. Because this region was far from the demon beast forests and surrounded by mortal kingdoms, the cultivators here possessed a much healthier mental state. Consequently, public order was significantly more stable. Walking the streets, one saw

That night. Qin Lu slowly lowered his hands, opened his eyes, and exhaled a long breath, concluding his final meditation session of the day. Like a pre-programmed machine, he executed his six daily cultivation cycles with rigid precision. He glanced at his attribute panel. A new entry had appeared under the previously solitary “Cultivation Techniques”

Bang! Bang! Bang! Gu Can hammered on the main gate. The knocks were rapid and aggressive, signaling the visitor’s hostility. Moments later, the gate creaked open. An Early-Stage Qi Refining cultivator peered out, annoyance etched on his face. He scanned Qin Lu and Gu Can, his tone clipped. “What business do you two Fellow Daoists

On the way back, Gu Can glanced sideways at the lifeless form of Chu Xiaoyi in Qin Lu’s arms. His expression was heavy. He knew Qin Lu treated these mortals with unusual care—perhaps excessively so. The fact that he had insisted on saving every servant during their escape from Wuji Market was proof enough. “Brother

Feng Xi lay in a deep, unnatural slumber, her chest rising and falling in a slow, fragile rhythm. The worst of her injuries had begun to knit together, mended by the potent combination of high-grade healing pills and the infusion of Qin Lu’s own spiritual energy. Her complexion had regained a faint rosiness, signaling that

Night descended. The streets of the White Jade Market surged with life once more. Countless cultivators and mortals, having eaten and drunk their fill, spilled out from the taverns to revel in the neon glow of the spirit lanterns. Qin Lu, disguised and silent, moved through the shadows like a drop of ink in water.

Miao Third Son was a guard at the Tao Family residence in the White Jade Market. At this moment, he was standing at the entrance of the Tao residence, casually chatting and shooting the breeze with a few colleagues. “Damn it, I was supposed to be off duty today, why did they call me in

Qin Lu returned to the mansion, retrieved the [Wine Gourd], took a small sip, and then gently exhaled. After a day of relentless activity, he had finally avenged Chu Xiaoyi and successfully framed a demonic beast for Tao Xi’s murder. To ensure the deception held, he had deliberately spared a cultivator to serve as a

After days of intermittent flight, Qin Lu and Feng Xi finally saw the White Jade Market appear on the horizon. The majestic, ancient city lay like a titanic beast crouching upon the earth. From the sky, its vast, orderly grid of streets and districts was breathtaking, a testament to the power and stability of the

As the challenge hung in the air, Gu Yue stepped from the manor’s threshold. Despite her delicate appearance, her presence was unyielding as she ascended to hover beside Qin Lu, meeting Kong Mengli’s gaze. Their locked stares seemed to freeze the very air between them, dropping the temperature of the street by several degrees. Whoosh!

Inside the Qin residence, Qin Lu and the Gu siblings sat facing each other in the quiet aftermath of the duel. “I truly must thank you both,” Qin Lu said, his voice heavy with sincerity. “If not for your intervention, the innocent mortals in my care would likely have been slaughtered in the crossfire.” Gu

Qin Lu poured a cup of tea and slid it across the table to Cao Yunxi. “Old Cao, what’s going on? Why the long face?” Cao Yunxi let out a heavy sigh, drained the cup in one gulp, and slumped in his chair. “Everything’s gone wrong lately. I just came to beg for a cup

Qin Lu shot out of Lu Xian’s courtyard like a rocket, soaring directly toward the Tao estate. His face was a mask of cold fury, his hand gripping the hilt of the Seven Star Sword until his knuckles turned white. Since arriving in this world, he had adhered to a simple principle: every debt has

Qin Lu stood upon the roof of the Gu manor, his gaze fixed on the distant city walls. He gripped the hilt of his sword, silently awaiting the arrival of Kong Mengli. His actions today might have seemed impulsive, but they were the result of cold, hard calculation. Previously, he had hesitated—not just out of

Qin Lu’s eyes narrowed into thin slits as he studied the woman before him. Through their brief exchange, he had gauged the depth of Kong Mengli’s reservoir. She was undoubtedly powerful, but she was not invincible. Aside from that initial, bone-jarring kick, she hadn’t managed to touch him again. His Grandmaster Soft Wind Technique allowed

Night fell like a heavy velvet curtain over the White Jade Market, but the Life-and-Death Arena was ablaze with spiritual light. It had been years since the platform had hosted a duel of this caliber. A boiling sea of cultivators poured in from every alleyway, their voices rising in a feverish din that echoed off

The air in the arena shattered. Market Master Jiang Ge’s voice had barely faded when Kong Mengli transformed into a streak of pale blue light. She drove her jade-toned longsword forward with a single, murderous intent, seeking to end the duel before the crowd could even blink. “Come then!” Qin Lu barked. His foot slammed

Qin Lu’s body blurred into a streak of silver light, launching himself forward like a bolt from a heavy ballista. The Seven Star Sword hissed through the air, its edge screaming with a piercing, high-frequency whistle. Whoosh! Despite the searing light still burning her retinas, Kong Mengli twisted her torso with unnatural instinct, the blade

“Uncle Qin! You were godlike! That was absolutely incredible!” Cao Mo waved his arms frantically, his round face flushed with pure, unadulterated joy. He looked ready to explode with excitement. Qin Lu approached, chuckling as he reached out to ruffle the little fatty’s hair. “How much did you throw down on the bet?” Cao Mo

Dawn approached. The noise and clamor of the White Jade Market had finally died down. Aside from a handful of establishments that operated through the night, most storefronts were shuttered and silent, the streets reclaimed by the shadows of pre-dawn. Yet, inside the meeting hall of the Qin residence, the lights burned bright, and the

Time flows like water; in the blink of an eye, several months had passed. Dawn broke over the White Jade Market. In a quiet alley within the western district, two mortal shop assistants arrived at a storefront, yawning as they fumbled with the locks and pushed the doors open. Just as they began their morning

“Hmm?” Qin Lu lowered the book in his hand, patiently watching the three youngsters in front of him. They were gesticulating wildly, their explanations tumbling over one another in a chaotic rush. It didn’t take long for him to piece it together. In short: they wanted to go out and court death. It was a

Fengle Restaurant. As the crown jewel of the White Jade Market, this establishment was a testament to architectural grandeur. It towered seven stories into the sky, a complex arrangement of five distinct pavilions—East, West, South, North, and Central—linked by dizzying flying bridges that spanned the open air like silk ribbons. Tonight, the complex was a

“What are you doing here? And… what happened to you?” Qin Lu asked, his voice tinged with surprise. The man before him was tall and burly, his face chiseled and cold, radiating a natural stoicism. Yet now, that face was ghastly pale, and his aura was dangerously unstable. It was none other than Qin Lu’s

[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Early Stage: 34/100] Qin Lu glanced at the floating attribute panel, a satisfied smile touching his lips. It had been four months since his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment. In that short time, his cultivation progress had already climbed to 34 percent. At this rate, he would complete the early stage and advance

Early the next morning. Radiating energy, Qin Lu stepped out of his manor and headed toward the center of the White Jade Market. Every market district operated under the oversight of a main governing sect. A central government office was always established to provide living quarters, administrative space, and cultivation chambers for the stationed disciples.

Stepping out of the central government office, Qin Lu gazed up at the sky, his mind churning. “If I’m going out there, I need to be properly prepared.” “Intelligence suggests the target is merely at Qi Condensation Perfection, but in the cultivation world, one can never be too careful. It’s safer to bring a companion.”

Liang City. A heavy gong resonated through the twilight air, followed by the rolling thud of a drum. The city gates groaned shut. On the streets, the crowds of commoners began to thin, and the bustling noise of the day faded into hushed whispers. Watching the mortals hurry home, Qin Lu leaned over and whispered,

Qin Lu unfurled the [Flying Cloud Paper]. The artifact expanded, lifting the group into the air before streaking toward the Great Lie Dynasty. En route, Qin Lu continued to debrief Yu Heng, extracting every scrap of intel about the Blood Cultivators to prepare for the coming battle. Yu Heng held nothing back. He divulged every

“Hmph.” Qin Lu let out a cold snort. In mid-air, he pivoted sharply, his body tearing through the atmosphere with such explosive acceleration that it generated a howling gale. He carved a perfect arc through the sky, the wind screaming in his wake. His target was unmistakable: the fleeing Blood Cultivator. The distance between hunter

Realizing that Lingfeng Temple was merely a satellite stronghold run by a subordinate Hall Master, Qin Lu and Gu Can decided to remain amidst the ruins. They would lay a trap, waiting for the true master to return so they could wipe out the entire cell of Blood Cultivators in one stroke. During the wait,

10 miles outside the Imperial Capital, the air in the military encampment was thick with the smell of sweat, fear, and cheap stew. Dou Wen sat cross-legged on the dirt, a piece of tattered cloth in his hand. He methodically wiped the tip of his spear, polishing the cold steel until it gleamed. Around him,

“You actually have some skill for a piece of filth.” Qin Lu stared at the middle-aged man in the red robe, his voice dripping with glacial disdain. The Blood Cultivator stood amidst the wreckage, a look of sinister amusement plastered on his face. Around him, vibrant lines of fresh blood swirled and danced like living

The sun dipped below the western horizon, painting the sky in hues of burning gold. The Wuji Market below was bathed in this resplendent light, its streets alive with the hustle and bustle of the evening rush. After parting ways with Gu Can, Qin Lu made his way alone to the market’s administrative manor. Deep

The early morning air in White Jade Market carried a biting chill. With the year-end fast approaching, the market was transformed. Perhaps due to the high population of mortals residing here, the festive atmosphere was thick and vibrant. Lanterns and colorful decorations adorned every corner, turning the cold streets into a bustling sea of celebration.

Time flowed like water, slipping quietly through the gaps between one’s fingers. In the blink of an eye, another half-year had passed. Qin Lu sat cross-legged on a prayer mat in the center of his room. His eyes were half-lidded, his spine rigid as a spear shaft. His hands rested on his knees, thumbs and

BOOM! A deafening explosion tore through the silence of the wilderness. A concentrated gale erupted from Qin Lu’s fist, spiraling into a horizontal tornado. The wind didn’t just blow; it drilled forward like a solid battering ram. Wherever the [Wind Pillar Technique] passed, ancient trees were uprooted instantly, snapping like dry twigs. Soil, stones, and

The Cao Family Estate. The courtyard, spanning several hundred square meters, exuded an air of newfound grandeur. A retinue of servants stood at the entrance, a clear signal that the master of this residence was a man of significant status and wealth. Through their tireless efforts over the past months, the Cao family had amassed

Streams of light cut through the sky above White Jade Market, all converging on the central government office. Qin Lu, flanked by the Gu siblings, joined the aerial procession. Around them, other Foundation Establishment cultivators descended with grave expressions. Everyone had heard Jiang Ge’s thunderous summons, and the activation of the Mountain Protection Array had

As the looming shadow of the beast tide drew near, Jiang Ge, the Market Master of White Jade Market, did not hesitate. His reaction was immediate and decisive. He summoned every Foundation Establishment cultivator to the central government office, using a shrewd mix of promised war spoils and appeals to the “righteousness of the cause”

Qin Lu’s public execution of the mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator had sent shockwaves through the crowd. His overwhelming strength was now obvious to all, undeniable and terrifying. As a result, he didn’t need to hunt for volunteers. They came to him. Scores of cultivators surged forward, actively begging to join his squad. They knew that

The first wave of the beast tide was a sledgehammer blow, and the eastern city wall bore the brunt of the impact. Because of this, the defenders stationed there were the elite—mostly late-stage Foundation Establishment experts. Among them, Zou Chang was the undisputed anchor of the line. Zou Chang was a mountain of a man,

Riiip! A sharp beak, glowing with terrifying Spiritual Qi, stabbed directly into the light curtain overhead. With a violent jerk, the beast tore a jagged gash in the energy barrier! Seeing its chance, the bird-shaped Demon Beast twisted its massive body and squeezed through the crack, invading the sanctuary of the market. This sudden breach

At Jiang Ge’s summons, Gu Yue glanced at Qin Lu. She gave a slight nod, her eyes conveying a silent reassurance. “Don’t worry,” she transmitted via voice projection. “I’ll go take a look. Cover the battle line for me.” “Understood,” Qin Lu replied, his expression grave. He looked up, his gaze intense. “Be careful.” Gu

Gu Yue’s opponent was a monstrosity—a Demon Beast resembling a tiger, but twisted into something far more primal. The beast’s body stretched nearly forty feet in length, a ripple of black and white stripes over corded muscle. Its limbs were thick pillars of destruction, and its twin fangs curved downward like jagged greatswords. But the

The sudden explosion and the spreading crimson fog brought the battlefield to a standstill. Blades lowered, chants died in throats, and cultivators stared toward the west, shock painted on their faces. Anyone who made a living in the White Jade Market knew the stories. When they saw that bizarre, coppery red mist, a single terrifying

Qin Lu stood in absolute silence, his gaze coldly dissecting the horde of evil cultivators before him. He quickly identified the “Brother Ge” and “Brother Pan” that the Blood Demon had mentioned earlier. But his eyes lingered on a particularly grotesque figure among them—a creature with the stature of a child, yet radiating a sinister

How… how is he this strong?! He’s already at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment! It’s only been half a year! This… this is impossible! The three remaining evil cultivators stared in shock. Right before their eyes, Qin Lu had instantly decapitated a mid-stage Foundation Establishment expert with a single sword strike. The speed and brutality