Sogen stared at the quest window hovering before him.
There was no punishment for refusing. The system would not force his hand. Yet he understood something clearly—every task it issued was a path carved toward strength.
After a moment of thought, he looked at Mr. Rudriger.
"Sir, what cultivation stage is the Ember Serpent at?"
The old man didn't pause his work.
"Peak of the Earth Realm, Fourth Stage."
Sogen's brows knitted together.
"But this town has no strong cultivators. How could anyone dare hunt such a monster?"
Mr. Rudriger let out a faint, humorless laugh.
"Those hooligans you saw before—the ones collecting 'protection fees' every month—will be the ones dealing with it. The men buying equipment earlier belong to them."
Sogen's expression changed.
"They aren't even at the Third Stage of the Earth Realm. Even if every cultivator in town joined hands, they would only be marching to their deaths."
The old man set down his hammer and finally looked at him.
"Boy, those people have bullied this town for years, yet no one resists them. If the townsfolk truly wished to be free, they could pool their money and hire a small sect to clean them out."
He paused.
"But they don't—because of Vilkan."
Sogen had heard the name before.
"Vilkan is their leader," Mr. Rudriger continued. "Mid Fourth Stage of the Earth Realm. Twenty-two years old."
Sogen remained silent.
Twenty-two and only mid Fourth Stage… that isn't impressive.
I'm already at the peak—though that's only because of the system.
His thoughts shifted, and another question rose in his mind.
"Sir," Sogen said carefully, "about the Solomon Thunder Claw… it's a Blue Grade Low-Level technique. You knew my cultivation, yet you gave it to me without warning. I could have died."
Mr. Rudriger smiled faintly.
"First—you wouldn't have died. At worst, some internal injuries. Your body is tougher than you think."
He raised a finger.
"Second, a cultivator must know his own limits. If you need others to measure danger for you, then the path of cultivation isn't yours."
Another finger rose.
"Third—this world is more vicious than any technique. The person smiling beside you today might be the one who sells your head tomorrow. Trust is a luxury. Remember that."
His tone was calm, but the weight behind it was heavy.
Sogen could only nod.
After a brief silence, he asked,
"What is the Ember Serpent's innate talent?"
"Poison Fire, Grade D," Mr. Rudriger replied.
"Its flames corrode flesh and Qi alike. One breath is enough to melt bone."
Sogen exhaled slowly.
"Then why are they so desperate to kill it? Those people don't risk their lives for the sake of the town."
"You're right," the old man said. "They want the Ember Core."
He lowered his voice.
"Vilkan's elder brother plans to use it to break through—from the peak of Earth Realm Seventh Stage into the King Realm."
Sogen frowned.
"But absorbing an Ember Core directly is impossible. And they don't have enough wealth to hire a spiritualist. How would he use it?"
Mr. Rudriger wiped the dust from his hands.
"Vilkan's brother, Kristin, belongs to the Blood Phantom Sect. A small sect, but not insignificant. He's an inner disciple and has connections with an alchemist."
He continued.
"Alchemists aren't spiritualists. They lack true spiritual power and rely on Spiritual Wood to ignite their furnaces. The pills they craft are inferior, but still useful. Most clans employ many alchemists for that reason."
Sogen listened without interrupting.
"Kristin has already gathered the materials.
The alchemist will refine an Earth Elusive Potion—a medicine that heals hidden injuries, strengthens the body, and forces a breakthrough."
Mr. Rudriger's gaze turned distant.
"Once he succeeds, those hooligans will only grow more lawless. This town will bleed."
Though his face remained indifferent, a trace of worry lingered in his voice.
Sogen lowered his head, thoughts racing.
The system shop holds many treasures, but my level is too low to purchase high-grade equipment or potions.
Still… because of the Advanced Herbs Identification Manual, I know every ingredient of the Earth Elusive Potion.
A dangerous idea formed in his mind.
If I obtain the Ember Core, the rest of the herbs can be bought from the shop.
Then his expression darkened.
But taking it would make me Kristin's enemy directly.
He let out a soft sigh.
At my current strength, I can't face him. Yet if I use the core for myself, I might gain the power to do so.
His eyes slowly sharpened.
The Ember Core must be mine.
But I must move in the shadows. If they discover me, this town will become my grave.
Sogen clenched his fists.
Preparations come first.