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” column:

Heaven’s Heart Sword Mantra (Proficient): 8/200

And under “Talents,” a new ability had awakened:

[Quick-Witted]

This was the reward for maxing out the Mystic Sun Mantra.

“My theory was correct. A cultivation-type talent significantly accelerates the learning of new manuals. Only three days, and the Heaven’s Heart Sword Mantra is already at ‘Proficient’…”

Qin Lu felt a surge of excitement.

With every skill he maxed, his fundamental aptitude was evolving. His trash physique was slowly transforming into that of a genius.

For instance, after awakening [Fire Affinity], his understanding of flames had deepened profoundly. Not only were his fire spells more potent, but he also gained an intuitive grasp of heat and combustion.

“If I tried alchemy now, I should be able to get started…” he murmured.

His previous failure in alchemy had always rankled him. Now, with his upgraded talents, it was time to try again.

Tap tap tap!

Hurried footsteps echoed from the corridor, interrupting his thoughts.

Qin Lu looked up. He recognized the heavy tread of Steward Chen. But why was he running?

“Lord!” Steward Chen’s panicked voice rang out from outside the door. “Immortal Master Feng is injured!”

“What?!”

Qin Lu’s expression darkened. His figure blurred, floating swiftly to the door and throwing it open.

“Explain,” he commanded, staring at the trembling steward.

“Just now,” Chen gasped, pointing toward the main entrance, “Immortal Master Feng collapsed at the gate covered in blood. I brought her inside, but she’s unconscious!”

Qin Lu didn’t wait for more. He shot toward the entrance.

There, he found Feng Xi slumped in the arms of several terrified servants. Her face was deathly pale, her hair a disheveled mess, and her favorite yellow dress was torn to shreds, soaked in blood.

“The Lord is here!”

The servants hastily made way.

Qin Lu caught Feng Xi, immediately channeling a stream of gentle spiritual power to stabilize her chaotic internal energy. He then retrieved a [Blood-Restoring Pill] and fed it to her.

Color slowly returned to her cheeks. Her eyelids fluttered open.

Seeing Qin Lu, her resolute facade crumbled. Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed his sleeve.

“Lord… please… please save Xiaoyi.”

“Xiaoyi?”

Qin Lu frowned, scanning the area. Chu Xiaoyi was missing.

“What happened?”

Feng Xi, her voice weak and broken, recounted the nightmare.

They had gone out to enjoy the festival. A scoundrel named Tao Xi had sexually harassed Xiaoyi in public, then forcibly abducted her. Feng Xi had given chase, only to be brutally beaten by the youth in the street. She had dragged her broken body back solely to deliver the news.

“Tao Xi…”

Qin Lu stood up slowly. His fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. His eyes burned with cold fury.

To beat Feng Xi so viciously. To snatch Xiaoyi in broad daylight. This person was audacious beyond belief.

“Take her to rest,” Qin Lu ordered the servants. “I will handle this.”

“Yes!”

The servants hurriedly carried Feng Xi away.

Qin Lu walked out of the courtyard gate, his mind racing.

Xiaoyi was in dire straits. Every second counted.

But he only had a name: Tao Xi. The White Jade Market was vast. He didn’t know who this person was or which faction backed him.

He needed intelligence.

And the best source for information on the local young masters was Gu Can. The youth had spent the last six months leveraging his sister’s status to party with the market’s elite.

Qin Lu arrived at the Gu estate and knocked.

An elderly servant opened the door. “Immortal Master, how may I help you?”

“Tell Gu Can that Qin Lu is here.”

“Please wait.”

Moments later, a surprised voice came from the courtyard. “Yo! Big Mouth Brother! You’re back?!”

Qin Lu turned to see Gu Can. The youth was still tanned, but his aura was strong—he had reached Qi Refining Perfection.

Since Qin Lu hadn’t told anyone about his seclusion, his sudden appearance was a surprise.

Qin Lu wasted no time on pleasantries. He quickly explained the situation.

“Tao Xi…” Gu Can stroked his chin. “Yeah, I know the name. Don’t know him well, but I know where the Tao residence is. I’ll take you.”

“Let’s go.” Qin Lu grabbed Gu Can’s arm and pulled him toward the street.

“Hey, relax. It’s just a mortal servant…” Gu Can laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

Qin Lu didn’t respond. He just walked faster.

Gu Can jogged to keep up, his curiosity piqued. “By the way, where did you vanish to for three months? Did you go fight on the Wuji Sect front lines? I heard it’s chaos over there!”

“I’m not stupid,” Qin Lu replied coldly.

“Hehe, if you ever go, call me. I want to see the action…”

Chatting casually, Gu Can led the way. Half an hour later, they arrived at the gates of the Tao residence.