Chapter 60: Demonic Beasts and Yaoguai

Creatures without awakened intelligence were called demonic beasts, while those who had achieved sapience were known as yaoguai. Yaoguai often preferred to mingle among mortals, absorbing their spiritual essence to fuel their cultivation. While mortals referred to cultivators as “people of the mountains,” these mountain dwellers were not reclusive immortals who avoided the world. They bore the responsibility of slaying monsters and safeguarding the peace of ordinary people. Even the demonic sects of the State of Yue generally refrained from attacking mortals without cause.

“Were there cultivators from other sects involved?”

Li Meng reached out, gently stroking Junior Sister Chen’s smooth, delicate cheek. Chen Lan offered him a bewitching smile, nuzzling softly against his palm. Her Affection had already reached 85, and she no longer resisted his intimacy. If Senior Brother Lü wanted to engage in Dual Cultivation with her now, would she still agree? Only Chen Lan herself knew that answer. Using Affection to measure the human heart was, at best, a helpful but unreliable guide.

“It was a local cultivation family,” she replied. “On the surface, they are polite and respectful, but who knows how they mock us in private.”

Li Meng chuckled lightly and withdrew his hand. “Others have mouths of their own, Junior Sister. Why trouble yourself over them? If you don’t hear it, let it be. If you do hear it, then they are seeking death. Just kill them and be done with it.”

The cultivation world operated on the law of the jungle. Low-level cultivators facing those of higher realms had to know their place. Disrespect was a capital offense; even if the victim’s elders were present, they would have no grounds for complaint. As long as one remained respectful, high-level cultivators rarely went out of their way to cause trouble.

Chen Lan inwardly clicked her tongue. Senior Brother Li looked so kind and benevolent, yet he spoke of killing as if it were a casual chore. Feeling somewhat sullen, she wrapped her arms around his. “It’s a pity my cultivation is so shallow. Even if I’m insulted, I just have to endure it!”

Li Meng looked at her with a knowing smile. “Junior Sister, are you and Junior Brother Lü about to enter Death Seclusion?”

If they did, it would be their second attempt at Foundation Establishment. While the Foundation Pill could preserve their lives during a failure, failing a second time usually meant the path to the Great Dao was closed to them forever.

Chen Lan nodded, resting her head against his arm. To say she wasn’t afraid would be a lie.

Li Meng patted her head. “Junior Sister, you and Junior Brother Lü shouldn’t rush. Solidify your foundation first; that is the superior strategy.” He took out a piece of Talisman Paper and began writing with a brush.

Chen Lan watched curiously as characters formed. As she read, her eyes began to shine with wonder, and her gaze toward Li Meng softened into deep tenderness. After a long while, he handed her the paper.

“Follow the steps written here. Remember, forced progress is as hollow as no progress. I hope you and Junior Brother Lü understand this principle.” With a wave of his hand, four porcelain bottles flew from his storage pouch and landed on the tea table. Chen Lan was his first woman; helping her was his way of settling the karmic bond between them. From now on, they would walk their separate paths.

A look of delight spread across Chen Lan’s face. “Senior Brother, thank you!” She leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek.

[Affection +15] [+75 Sub-profession XP] [Affection has reached maximum value. +5000 Sub-profession Experience] [A member of the opposite sex with maximum Affection now provides 100 fixed Sub-profession Experience daily] [Sub-profession Tier has advanced to Tier 3]

Advanced to Tier 3? Li Meng glanced up at the sky, a slight smile curling at the corner of his mouth. His mood was exceptionally pleasant. He hadn’t expected Chen Lan’s Affection to max out first.

Li Meng stood up. “Junior Sister, come. Let us go inside and ‘discuss the Dao’!” He grasped her slender hand and led her toward the house. Chen Lan offered another bewitching smile and swept the bottles into her sleeve.

…

The time that followed was a blur of rustling silks and whispered breaths. The air inside grew thick with a scent that was uniquely hers—a mix of floral perfume and something warmer, more intimate. Soft sighs and muffled laughter escaped through the closed door, painting a vivid picture of indulgent surrender. For Chen Lan, this was another transaction, another step toward securing her future resources, and she embraced it with a practiced, voluptuous ease that left little to the imagination. The old man and the young vixen moved in a rhythm that spoke of mutual understanding—a give and take where pleasure was both the currency and the reward.

…

Half an hour later, the door opened. Li Meng and Chen Lan emerged, her face flushed a rosy pink.

“Senior Brother, this Junior Sister will take her leave now!” She smiled brightly at him as he settled back into his reclining chair.

Li Meng stroked his beard and nodded. “Go on, Junior Sister. Do not forget my instructions.”

“I won’t. I have engraved them in my heart!” During their intimacy, Li Meng had spoken at length about cultivation. He had reached Peak Qi Condensation in less than half a year—a miracle she couldn’t explain, but she knew better than to pry.

She leaped into the air and soared away.

“Time for a short rest. No hurry at all.” Li Meng watched her vanish. The auction gathering was scheduled for the afternoon and would last until the next day.

Joyous Union Sect Market City.

The city was exceptionally lively. Spirit boats of all sizes had arrived from across the State of Zhao, parked among the surrounding forests. Major sects, cultivation families, and a vast number of rogue cultivators had gathered. Occasionally, Golden Core experts streaked across the sky in beams of multicolored light.

“So lively!”

On a main street, a burly man dressed in black martial attire looked around curiously. This was Li Meng, currently disguised by a Shapeshifting Talisman. He grinned, his gaze settling on an alluring, voluptuous figure walking ahead. She was pleasingly plump with a hint of baby fat. Judging by her aura, she was a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Her walk involved an exaggerated, seductive sway of her hips that surpassed even the disciples of the Joyous Union Sect. After giving her an appreciative look, Li Meng withdrew his gaze.