Sha Wenlong stared at the severed head at his feet. The lone pupil in his remaining eye trembled slightly, and his brow furrowed.
Tempering Organ killing Transforming Strength?
That wasn't a small leap—it was an entire great realm apart!
The Sect Master of Yuyang Sect was truly worthless.
But the real question was—
Where was the Witch God Sect?
The hidden followers who were supposed to be here… why hadn't they made a move?
Not only was Huang Tianrong dead, but the rest of Yuyang Sect's disciples—once the reinforcements arrived—had either been cut down on the spot or surrendered without the slightest will to resist.
"Thousand-Commander Chen, you…"
Yu Song's voice trembled.
He'd thought for sure something would go wrong—but it turned out Huang Tianrong was the one in trouble.
Qi and blood overpowering internal force—what kind of concept was that?
After a long silence, Sha Wenlong finally spoke again, tone steady and official. "Thousand-Commander Chen, well done. The undercover disciple exposed himself and nearly caused the enemy to escape. Fortunately, you slew the sect master of Yuyang Sect alone, preventing greater losses. For this mission, you've earned first merit."
"Thank you, General Sha."
Chen Sanshi clasped his fists, his face expressionless.
"We didn't collude with the Witch God Sect!"
A surviving disciple of Yuyang Sect screamed hoarsely, "You're framing us! You just want to take the Great Luo River and make it yours for profit!"
"Filthy scum!"
Yu Song kicked him twice, then pulled out a Vajra Pestle. "Then tell me, what's this? Found in your sect master's room!"
The Yuyang Sect disciples stared wide-eyed at the weapon in disbelief.
That item—it was the tool the Witch God Sect used to collect human heart blood!
"No… impossible! Master would never work with them! Third Senior Brother was his favorite—he was killed by the Witch God Sect!"
"Still denying it?" Yu Song snapped. "You ran with Huang Tianrong, didn't you? Only the guilty flee!"
He turned to the soldiers. "Take them all back to Liangzhou! Lock them in the death cells to await trial. Display the heads of Huang Tianrong and his core disciples to the public. Anyone who refuses to cooperate—treat them as Witch God Sect accomplices and kill them on sight!"
The troops obeyed and led the prisoners away.
Chen Sanshi remained still for a long moment, staring at Huang Tianrong's headless body, expression hard and grim.
It wasn't anger that held him there.
It was what he had seen.
At the moment of death, a faint trace of black qi had risen from Huang Tianrong's body—the exact same kind he had once seen on Zhang Huaimin, the Sect Master of the Seven Absolutes Sect. Only this time, it was weaker.
That was why Chen Sanshi hadn't captured him alive—he'd struck to kill. He feared that, just like Zhang Huaimin, the man would suddenly erupt with a massive power surge.
And if that happened, no one would come to save him. His own survival came first.
"But still… not a single Witch God Sect member appeared."
He couldn't make sense of it.
And Huang Tianrong hadn't seemed like he was lying. Could it be that he really hadn't colluded with the Witch God Sect—and that he had been framed?
Then where had that black qi come from?
Ciyun Temple…
A sudden thought crossed his mind.
Zhang Huaimin had been at the Meridian-Connecting Realm.
It was possible he too had attended the Dharma Assembly and drunk that strange "Spirit-Nourishing Soup."
Could that be the true source of the black qi in their bodies?
No… that didn't seem right either.
If the elixir itself contained black qi, his Qi Observation Technique should have detected it.
In any case, he needed to be far more careful with Ciyun Temple from now on.
"Sir!"
Zhao Kang jogged up to report. "We've cleaned up everything. Shall we head down the mountain?"
"Yeah."
Chen Sanshi nodded and led the troops down to regroup.
What came after wasn't his responsibility.
After the Reserve Camp secured Yuyang Sect, they conducted a full three-day and three-night search.
No evidence was found proving the sect had ties to the Witch God Sect. The final conclusion: only Huang Tianrong and a few core disciples were guilty.
Even after days of torture, the surviving disciples confessed nothing useful—dying one by one under interrogation.
In the end, the matter was closed and quietly buried.
Then came the commendations.
Inside the command tent, Sha Wenlong addressed everyone, his voice loud and formal. "Thousand-Commander Chen killed the enemy across realms—first merit for this operation. Record one Class B Military Merit and reward three thousand taels of silver."
The others fell silent.
Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu both looked sour.
It took five Class C merits to equal one Class B.
And chances like this didn't come often. Class A merit could only be earned in real war.
That meant they had no chance to compete for chief true disciple anymore.
After all, defeating a Transforming Strength expert while still in Tempering Organ—even if it was from a third-rate sect—was no easy feat. Probably only Cao Fan could match that.
"Thousand-Commander Chen, congratulations," said Lu Shuhua and Xie Sishu, stepping forward to offer stiff smiles.
It was their way of admitting defeat.
"You two shouldn't have entertained that thought in the first place," Bai Tingzhi said bluntly.
Later, as Chen Sanshi passed through the training grounds, he saw Yin Hanwen and Cao Fan practicing not far away. The moment he saw them, a deep, sharp killing intent rose within him.
This "accident" tonight—it had to be Yin Hanwen's doing.
Sha Wenlong, being Profound Manifestation Realm, couldn't be touched yet.
But Yin Hanwen—that dog—
Chen Sanshi couldn't stand the sight of him any longer.
If he let him live, who knew what kind of schemes the bastard would pull next.
Yin Hanwen was guarded by an old servant—a Meridian-Connecting Realm expert.
Chen Sanshi wasn't at Transforming Strength yet, and even if he was, killing someone of that realm openly wasn't realistic.
But what if… he used a spell?
The Sword Qi Technique!
It was a spell used by immortals. Killing a Meridian-Connecting cultivator with it should be more than possible.
Only one problem—he lacked Azure Profound Qi, or in other words, spiritual energy.
Seeking Immortals Tower.
He had to go there.
Decision made, Chen Sanshi, still covered in blood, returned home.
Siqin and Moxian were already used to it by now. They quietly prepared hot water for him to wash and change.
With his wife pregnant, it was better to be cautious—not to scare her or the child.
…
Early the next morning, just as Chen Sanshi finished washing up, Moxian came to inform him that someone was waiting outside to see him.
Standing at the gate of the residence was a young Daoist priest—it was unmistakably one from Ciyun Temple.
"Blessings of the Boundless Heavenly Lord," the young Daoist greeted respectfully. "My master is preaching today and has specially asked me to invite you."
They'd actually come knocking at his door.
What did that mean?
Did they really insist that he drink that Spirit-Nourishing Soup?
What exactly was that soup for?
"I understand," Chen Sanshi replied calmly. "Please tell True Person Qiu Mingzi that I'll certainly come when I have the time."
He couldn't refuse outright—doing so would only make them suspicious.
But what if he kept avoiding them? Would they keep coming back? And if he still didn't show up, would they resort to force?
Without a weapon, he felt terribly insecure.
And to make matters worse—
The stalking had started again.
After leaving the house, he immediately sensed that same familiar aura tailing him.
'Looks like I'll need someone to handle this.'
He spent the rest of the day buying herbs and ingredients. In the evenings, after returning from duty, he used his spare time between cultivation sessions to make a batch of beauty creams and fragrant powders—then personally delivered them to the Grand Commander's residence.
"You really do know how to please a woman, little junior brother," Rong Yanqiu teased, sniffing the faint fragrance. "These materials aren't something you can find on the market. You must've spent quite some effort. Are they for Junior Sister Li?"
Chen Sanshi shook his head. "No. They're for you, Senior Sister."
"For me?"
Rong Yanqiu blinked, then rolled her eyes. "Out with it, little brother. What do you want from me?"
"Thank you, Senior Sister."
He didn't bother with pretense and explained what he needed.
"Fine, leave it to me."
Rong Yanqiu handed the gifts to a servant. "Take these to Junior Sister Li and tell her they were made by Lord Chen himself."
Once the servant left, her expression turned cold and dangerous. She grabbed her weapon and headed out.
It didn't take long.
As expected, she soon spotted a shadowy figure tailing her junior brother from a distance.
"Swish—!"
Her iron-spiked whip lashed out suddenly.
The man panicked, drawing two short blades to block, but his movements were sluggish—his body still weakened from an old injury. After just one exchange, he staggered back, coughing blood.
"Ninth Junior Sister, it's me! Stop!" he cried.
"Third Brother?"
Rong Yanqiu's face turned even colder. "He's barely entered the sect, and you're already following him?"
"No—it's not following!"
Nie Yuan waved his hands desperately. "I was just protecting him from the shadows!"
"Do you think I'll believe that?"
She didn't waste words. The whip flared again, striking like a thunderstorm. Within moments, Nie Yuan's old wounds split open, and blood spilled from his lips.
He dropped to one knee. "Ninth Junior Sister, are you really going to kill your senior brother over a newcomer?"
"I won't kill you," Rong Yanqiu said coldly, "but…"
Her eyes were sharp as blades. "You and Eldest Brother stopped being my senior brothers long ago. Now move!"
She tightened the whip around his neck like a leash and dragged him straight to the Marquis of Wuding's residence. With one hard kick, she kicked open the gate, startling the man inside—Eldest Brother Lü Ji—who was training in the courtyard.
Lü Ji sighed deeply when he saw Nie Yuan's bloody state. He didn't need to ask; he already knew.
Still, he said in a low, steady voice, "Ninth Junior Sister, that's too much."
"Too much?"
Rong Yanqiu let out a short laugh, her tone filled with scorn. She kicked Nie Yuan aside and glared at Lü Ji. "You're the one who should be ashamed. You've actually stooped to spying on your own junior brother? No wonder Fourth Brother told me to stay longer in Liangzhou before he left—it was to keep an eye on you, you ungrateful bastard."
"I truly just wanted to protect him," Lü Ji said quietly.
"Protect him?"
Rong Yanqiu sat down in the courtyard, pouring herself a cup of tea. "Funny. Where was that protection the other night when he faced a Transforming Strength cultivator during his mission?"
"The battlefield is one thing," Lü Ji replied flatly. "Everyday life is another."
"Enough. I don't care to argue with you."
Her voice sharpened. "From now on, if I ever find out you're following Chen Sanshi again, don't blame me for turning on you. And I mean for real—life and death. Understood?"
"Alright," Lü Ji said calmly. "You have my word."
"I have no authority in Liangzhou, this is your turf," Rong Yanqiu continued. "There's someone you need to deal with for me—Sha Wenlong."
"Why? Because of the Yuyang Sect affair?"
Lü Ji frowned. "That was an accident."
"Accident?"
Rong Yanqiu sneered. "I checked. Sha Wenlong's family has been under the Yin family's patronage since his father's time. And you're calling that an accident? If he were under my command, I'd have chopped him into a dozen pieces by now."
"Junior Sister, everything requires proof—"
"I don't care about proof."
Her tone was like iron. "You have one month. Either remove him or transfer him elsewhere. If not, I'll do it myself."
"Ninth Junior Sister, don't push it too far!" Nie Yuan barked, finally unable to hold back.
Lü Ji raised a hand to silence him. "Junior Sister, I swear by Heaven—I never meant harm to our junior brother. And fine, I'll handle it. But…"
He met her eyes. "He's only just joined the sect. Why are you protecting him so fiercely?"
"I'm not protecting him," Rong Yanqiu said firmly. "I'm honoring our master's trust."
…
Chen Sanshi stopped before the largest pleasure house on Huahua Lane, gazing up at the signboard—Red Sleeve Pavilion.
Since arriving in this world, this was his first time visiting such a place.
"This way, young master, please come in!"
He'd barely paused for two breaths before two courtesans, graceful and sweetly smiling, ushered him inside.
But unlike what he'd imagined, the high-class brothel wasn't just filled with drunken revelry and indulgent laughter. Inside, art and refinement mingled with decadence. Elegant music floated through the air—each note precise and practiced, the skill behind it clearly honed through ten or twenty years of training. Poets and scholars sat together with courtesans, composing verses and exchanging witty lines.
It was vulgar and refined at once—a strange, intoxicating balance.
No wonder the capital was always full of stories about romances and rivalries between talented scholars and beautiful courtesans.
"Sir."
An old madam greeted him with a respectful smile. "Are you here looking for someone, or is this your first visit?"
"My first time," Chen Sanshi replied while glancing around.
The letter from Seeking Immortals Tower had simply told him to come here—it hadn't said whom to meet or what to do, leaving him completely in the dark.
Still, since they'd arranged this, they'd likely approach him themselves.
"Please, this way, sir."
The old madam quickly led him to a seat and began explaining the complex procedures.
As soon as he sat down, he had to "choose a tea flower," which required paying ten taels of silver—essentially the minimum entry fee. After that, if one fancied a girl to accompany him, there were separate charges.
The girls themselves were ranked by class—high, middle, and low. The most expensive, of course, were the courtesans. But money alone wasn't enough. Guests had to compose poems to impress them; only then could they win a chance to spend the night.
"That part I can do."
Chen Sanshi smirked inwardly. He still remembered countless poems from his old world—he could easily dazzle them here if he wanted.
Unfortunately, he wasn't in the mood for games.
He was here for business.
Liangzhou City might appear calm on the surface, but beneath it lay hidden dangers. Every bit of time needed to go toward strengthening himself. Leisure could wait.
Half an hour passed. Nothing happened.
Aside from paying the entrance fee, Chen Sanshi didn't spend another coin, earning several eye-rolls from the old madam.
Still, instead of anyone from Seeking Immortals Tower, he ran into familiar faces.
Sun Buqi, Yan Changqing, and a few sons of officials.
"Lord Chen! You could've told us you were coming—we could've come together!"
Yan Changqing raised his cup with a grin. "I'm quite a regular here. I can introduce you to some of the top courtesans. You'll be satisfied, I guarantee."
"Sanshi? You too?"
Sun Buqi looked stunned. "You were never this type of guy!"
"…"
Chen Sanshi sighed inwardly. Hiding was pointless. "I've been worn out from training lately. Just here to relax a bit."
He couldn't very well reveal his real purpose—Seeking Immortals Tower had to stay secret.
"Sanshi, that's not good!"
Sun Buqi scolded, frowning. "Your wife's pregnant and waiting at home! Come on, let's go hunting instead."
"?"
Chen Sanshi blinked at him. Something about this felt off.
"Sanshi!" Sun Buqi insisted. "So many people here know you. Aren't you afraid word will spread by tomorrow?"
"What's there to be afraid of?"
Chen Sanshi's tone was calm.
His master detested lechers, true, but he wasn't here for lust—he was here for Seeking Immortals Tower. His master would understand.
In this world, men visiting brothels wasn't unusual. What was there to fear?
"You… you…"
Sun Buqi grew anxious. "Sanshi, my sister's at your house taking care of your wife!"
Sun Li?
Only then did Chen Sanshi realize what had been bothering him.
Lately, everyone around him had been acting strangely.
After the apprenticeship ceremony, even his master had mentioned arranging a marriage for him. Earlier that day, Ninth Senior Sister had joked about the gift being for Sun Li. Now, hearing Sun Buqi's reaction…
Could they be trying to marry him to her?
But why?
Such things required mutual consent.
And while Sun Li was indeed beautiful…
He'd never thought about it that way.
Now wasn't the time.
"Buqi, sit down," Chen Sanshi said. "Just a drink and a song or two. We'll leave together later tonight."
"Fine," Sun Buqi agreed reluctantly. "But promise me—no staying overnight."
"You, on the other hand…"
Chen Sanshi smirked. "You sound awfully familiar with the place. A regular, are you? Maybe I should tell Master."
"Don't! Sanshi, don't you dare!"
Sun Buqi panicked. "I won't tell on you if you pretend you didn't see me, alright?"
Chen Sanshi chuckled, clinking cups with him.
By the time the hour of xu arrived, the brothel had grown livelier.
Scholars and nobles competed to bid for the chance to spend a night with the Red Sleeve Pavilion's courtesans.
The top courtesan, Ningxiang, fetched a staggering 5,000 taels of silver for a single evening. Add a bit more, and one could buy two Black-Iron Furnace Cauldrons!
And that wasn't all—Ningxiang also demanded poetry. Only those who wrote truly excellent verses and paid enough silver would even earn a chance to meet her.
Note—meet, not spend the night.
After meeting, whether one was allowed to stay depended entirely on their performance.
No one knew what she looked like, yet every man here was bewitched—as if under a spell.
A spell!
Chen Sanshi frowned slightly.
He practiced genuine techniques now. The idea that the people from Seeking Immortals Tower might use illusions wasn't far-fetched.
Could this courtesan, Ningxiang, actually be one of them?
"Miss Ningxiang, please grant me an audience!"
As time passed, one after another, poems were sent upstairs—but not a single person was called.
Frustration filled the hall. Some drunken nobles even tried to rush the stairs, only to be stopped by armed guards maintaining order.
"Brother Chen!"
Yan Changqing leaned over with a grin. "Why not give it a try? A line like 'The spring breeze proud upon my steed, I gaze on Chang'an's blossoms in a single day' would surely win her heart! I've heard, anyone invited upstairs falls utterly enthralled—three days and nights to recover, they say. Imagine that…"
That line had been left by Tang Yingke before leaving.
Chen Sanshi really didn't want to play copycat.
And if Ningxiang wasn't actually from Seeking Immortals Tower, this would be a total waste.
Just as he debated leaving—
"Gentlemen,"
A soft, familiar voice spoke beside him.
A young woman in a warm yellow dress lowered her head as she served wine and pastries. "Please enjoy, my lords. If you write a poem, perhaps my lady will favor you with her attention~"
As she turned away, she cast him a sharp, resentful glance—then made a quick face of mock disgust.
The faint glimmer of Azure Profound Qi within her body told him all he needed to know.
Who else could she be but the black-clad intruder who had broken into his home that night?
"…"
Chen Sanshi instantly understood the signal.
Clearly, they were waiting for him to act.
No matter what nonsense he wrote, she'd make sure he was called upstairs.
'Do we really have to make this so complicated?'
He sighed inwardly, deep in thought.
In the end, Chen Sanshi still called for brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. He hastily scribbled down a few verses from memory, not bothering with refinement, and handed them to the maid responsible for delivering poems upstairs.
As expected.
The maid soon returned, bowed slightly, and gestured invitingly. "Sir, Miss Ningxiang wishes to see you. Please hand over the silver first, then follow me upstairs."
Five thousand taels.
Chen Sanshi didn't have that much on him. He turned to Yan Changqing. "Brother Yan, could you lend me some silver?"
"You said you didn't know poetry!"
Yan Changqing's curiosity flared, but he still took out a silver note. "Brother Chen, when you return, you'd better tell us how it went in detail."
Under everyone's envious stares, Chen Sanshi followed the maid up the stairs.
"Yan Changqing! How could you lend him money?"
"Why not? What, Brother Buqi—are you jealous?"
"No, he promised he wouldn't stay the night."
"And that has what to do with you?"
"…"
…
Red Sleeve Pavilion had six floors—even in Liangzhou City, it was a landmark.
The higher one went, the more expensive it became. From the fourth floor upward was where the courtesans lived.
The top floor was entirely vacant—only Ningxiang herself resided there.
"Hmph! You actually dared to come!"
The maid in the warm yellow dress, hands on her hips, glared at him. "Aren't you afraid my master will avenge me?"
'If she wanted revenge, she would've done it already,' Chen Sanshi thought dryly.
He looked at the girl—most of her wounds had healed. Only a thin scar remained on her right wrist. That was strange.
With the right medicine, martial artists healed without scars.
"What are you looking at? I kept it on purpose!"
Zhao Zhao raised her wrist defiantly, eyes wide. "I left it so I wouldn't forget you! When I'm strong enough to beat you, I'll come find you for revenge!"
"Zhao Zhao, stop making a scene."
A lazy yet alluring voice floated from within.
Zhao Zhao fell silent immediately and stepped aside.
Even before entering, Chen Sanshi activated his Qi Observation Technique. Through the door, he saw a stream of Azure Profound Qi inside—stronger than Zhao Zhao's, but weaker than Sun Xiangzong's.
Since he was already here, he had no reason to hold back. He pushed open the door.
The room was softly lit, filled with curling incense smoke. Curtains swayed gently; a graceful silhouette rested beyond them.
A woman in a pale violet gown reclined elegantly on a low couch. Her cheeks glowed like peach blossoms in spring, her eyes holding a subtle charm that could stir the soul. Under the hazy veil of incense, she was the very picture of seductive grace.
If the windows had been open, even butterflies and bees would have lost themselves in madness.
Truly, "beauty as jade, words like flowers—fragrance born of grace."
Without hesitation, Chen Sanshi raised his fist and punched.
The violet-robed woman's eyes widened in surprise. She sprang lightly aside, dodging just in time.
"Boom—!"
The bed behind her exploded into splinters.
"Sir…"
Her voice trembled, soft and wounded. "Why such violence?"
Zhao Zhao immediately jumped in, pointing angrily. "Master, I told you! He's vicious! Not the hero people claim—he nearly killed your disciple last time!"
"Miss."
Chen Sanshi's voice was low and steady. "You sent people to trespass into my home without warning. Now you try to cloud my mind the moment I enter. What is your intention?"
He'd noticed the moment he stepped in—her Azure Profound Qi stirred within her body, clearly preparing to use some technique. Whatever it was, he wouldn't just stand there waiting.
Ningxiang bit her lip, looking pitiful. "I meant no harm. I merely wished to entertain the general a little. Who knew the great general would have no tenderness for women? Truly a man of the battlefield."
"Ningxiang, right?"
Chen Sanshi cut straight to the point. "What do you want with me? Speak."
The violet-clad courtesan gestured for Zhao Zhao to close the door. Then she glided gracefully to the table, pouring tea with practiced poise.
"General," she said, "are you familiar with our Seeking Immortals Tower?"
"I know a little," Chen Sanshi replied, not touching the tea. "Let's get to the point."
"You really are impatient."
Ningxiang sighed softly, then smiled faintly. "Very well. Our Seeking Immortals Tower has existed for over a thousand years, our influence spread across the land. Yet we never meddle in mortal conflicts. All we seek is to one day find the gateway to the Immortal Realm."
"The Immortal Realm…" Chen Sanshi frowned. "Does it truly exist?"
"Of course it does."
Ningxiang's tone turned serene. "Otherwise, how could there be immortal arts within our tower? Sadly, for over two thousand years, the world's spiritual energy has withered. Even with immortal techniques, it's nearly impossible to cultivate them to fruition."
So it's true—the world's qi has long decayed.
Chen Sanshi nodded slightly. "And what does any of this have to do with me?"
"At present, there are only three people in all the Great Sheng Dynasty who've achieved progress on the immortal path—His Majesty the Emperor, Grand Commander Sun Xiangzong, and the leader of the Witch God Sect."
Ningxiang continued calmly, "Among them, Grand Commander Sun has had the most contact with immortals. And since you are his final disciple…"
She smiled faintly, eyes glimmering with strange light.
"The fact that you dared to come here means the Grand Commander has given his approval. That alone proves—you are the one destined to inherit his immortal legacy. The one with the chance to touch the immortal arts… and perhaps even open the gate to the Immortal Realm itself."
"The only reason I invited the General here is for one request."
Ningxiang's voice was soft but firm. "If one day you truly step into the Immortal Realm, please take me and my disciple with you."
Chen Sanshi sighed helplessly. "Miss Ningxiang, don't you think it's a bit of a joke to talk about this with a mere Tempering Organ martial artist?"
"Martial arts and the Immortal Path are two completely different ways."
The violet-robed woman explained slowly, "In martial cultivation, I've only reached Tempering Organ Perfection. But even if a Meridian-Connecting expert stood before me, I could still kill them with ease."
She paused and smiled faintly. "But Grand Commander Sun is different. He entered the Dao through martial arts— the hardest path of all."
"As for you, General…"
Her eyes glimmered. "May I… touch your arm?"
Tempering Organ and already stepping into the Immortal Path?
Chen Sanshi recalled his senior brother once telling him that he had two possible paths before him.
So he could, in theory, begin cultivating the Immortal Path now.
Unfortunately, he didn't possess any Immortal cultivation methods. His master had entered the Dao through martial arts—he probably didn't have Immortal methods either. Otherwise, he would have already taught them.
Right now, Chen Sanshi only had a single spell technique—and no way to cultivate it.
"Don't misunderstand, General," Ningxiang said softly as she leaned closer. "I merely wish to see if your body can follow another path."
She smiled charmingly. "If it can, and you're willing to join the Seeking Immortals Tower and make a blood oath, I can personally petition the Tower Master to teach you the Immortal cultivation method."
"No need."
Chen Sanshi's tone was cold. He had no interest in joining another organization—especially one that demanded a blood oath. That never led to anything good.
"Miss Ningxiang," he said calmly, "you don't expect me to help you for nothing, do you?"
"Of course not."
Ningxiang chuckled and reached into her chest, drawing out a small embroidered pouch. "Don't look at me like that, General. Something this precious can only be kept close to one's heart for safety."
"Master!"
Zhao Zhao's face fell. "That's all the spirit sand we have left! You're really giving it to this bastard?"
"Zhao Zhao, mind your manners."
Ningxiang shot her a teasing glare. "Business must be done with sincerity, mustn't it?"
"Spirit sand?"
Chen Sanshi reached to take the pouch, but she drew her hand back with a playful pout.
"Eh~ General!"
Tilting her head, Ningxiang gave a helplessly charming look. "If you take it, you must keep your promise. Don't take everything from me and then disappear without a word."
"I'll keep my word."
Chen Sanshi didn't hesitate.
He didn't know when—if ever—he'd reach the Immortal Realm.
But right now, he could clearly feel the thick Azure Profound Qi seeping from that pouch.
Whatever was inside—he could definitely use it to cultivate his spell!
Satisfied with his answer, Ningxiang finally placed the pouch in his hand.
When he opened it, the contents glittered faintly like fireflies—fine grains of glowing sand, resembling crushed agate.
"This is Spirit Sand," the violet-robed woman explained softly. "In ancient times, when Heaven and Earth first opened, the world's spiritual energy was abundant. But for reasons unknown, it has been rapidly depleting over the past few thousand years.
"These days, people can only cultivate the martial path through mixed, impure qi.
"But to cultivate the Immortal Path, one must have spiritual energy. So the only way is to draw it from ancient relics left behind—like this Spirit Sand."
"I understand."
Chen Sanshi carefully put the pouch away.
"Oh, right."
Ningxiang's tone changed suddenly. "There may soon be trouble in Liangzhou."
"Are you referring to the Witch God Sect?" Chen Sanshi asked.
"Yes—and no."
Ningxiang walked to the window and pushed it open. Her gaze turned toward the distant Luotian Mountain Range. "There's foul qi deep within those mountains."
"Foul qi?"
Chen Sanshi's eyes narrowed as he recalled the thick black energy he'd seen surging into the sky deep in the mountains before.
So that was called foul qi?
He asked, "What's the difference between the foul qi you mentioned and the spiritual qi you spoke of earlier?"
"Both are qi of the Immortal Realm," she explained, "but foul qi is a violent, destructive force. It's not suitable for cultivation, and it doesn't usually appear naturally.
"As for the foul qi in the Luotian Mountains, we don't know where it came from. But it grows stronger every day—as if it's alive."
Her eyes darkened with concern. "The Witch God Sect has been slaughtering disciples of other sects lately. We don't know if it's connected to this, but if it is… Heaven only knows what chaos will follow."
"If you're so worried," Chen Sanshi asked, "why don't you go investigate it yourselves?"
"Of course I'd love to," Ningxiang sighed. "Such overwhelming foul qi might hide secrets of the Immortal Realm itself. But alas, I'm not that capable."
She closed the window again. "The beasts in those mountains have been twisted by the foul qi—they're terrifying. My little bit of spiritual power would be drained instantly. Maybe high-realm martial experts could handle it."
High-realm martial experts?
Chen Sanshi frowned slightly. So even cultivators can't compare to them now?
Ningxiang noticed his expression and smiled bitterly. "I'm only someone who's stepped onto the Immortal Path—not an ascended immortal. The distance between me and a true immortal is still ten thousand eight thousand li away.
"Besides, with so little spiritual energy left in this world, it's nearly impossible to advance. So, General, you must understand how precious this Spirit Sand is. Don't forget me in the future."
Chen Sanshi nodded.
So the foul beasts in the mountains were born from foul qi contamination.
But no one yet knew why the foul qi in the Luotian Mountains kept increasing year by year.
Immortal traces… maybe.
But that was something far away—something only a Profound Manifestation or Martial Saint could explore.
For now, his priorities were clear—first reach Transforming Strength, then master the Sword Qi Technique, and finally, deal with Yin Hanwen once and for all.
"Thank you, Miss Ningxiang. I'll be taking my leave."
Chen Sanshi turned toward the door.
"Wait—General, you mustn't go just yet."
Ningxiang quickly stopped him. "General, you spent five thousand taels of silver. If you walk out now and someone outside notices something strange, your identity could be exposed! Stay for one night, leave tomorrow morning. There's no rush. And if you… wish to do something else, well, that's not impossible either."
"…"
Chen Sanshi sighed. He'd already taken her things—he should at least show a little courtesy.
"Fine," he said. "But tell me—why must your Seeking Immortals Tower be hidden in a place like this?"
"A girl still has to make a living."
Ningxiang gave a helpless smile. "Do you think seeking immortality doesn't cost silver?"
Chen Sanshi didn't bother replying. He asked her to bring him a stage prop spear and began practicing in the room.
He had no interest in entangling himself with mysterious women, let alone those tied to the Immortal Path. Even if they meant no harm, there could easily be traps within traps.
The effects of the Linghe Ointment were still active. His cultivation progress hadn't fallen behind.
[Technique: Dragon Spear of Nation-Suppression – Transforming Strength (Not Initiated)]
[Progress: 71/100]
Unknowingly, he practiced until dawn. When he turned back, Ningxiang was asleep on what remained of the shattered bed, while Zhao Zhao was slumped over the table, dead to the world.
Before leaving, Chen Sanshi nudged Ningxiang awake. "Hey, return the silver."
That was five thousand taels!
He'd risked his life to kill Huang Tianrong for a bounty of that amount—there was no way he'd just leave it behind.
The spirit sand was a separate trade. The silver had nothing to do with that.
"You really want to leave without paying?"
Ningxiang's eyes flashed angrily. "General, you broke my bed and won't even leave a single copper coin behind!"
"You—when did I ever touch you?"
Chen Sanshi's patience wore thin. "I don't have time for your nonsense. I need to return to camp and check in!"
"Why so fierce~"
Ningxiang looked like she was truly frightened, fumbling through drawers before handing him a few silver notes.
Chen Sanshi tucked them into his robe and strode out without looking back.
As he descended the stairs, he faintly heard a sobbing sound behind him.
"Sigh… drama queen."
He shook his head helplessly, summoned Qianxun, and rode straight for the military city.
After roll call, news reached him.
Sha Wenlong had been transferred to the Heavenly Wolf Battalion, and a deputy from the Cloud Battalion had taken his place in the Reserve Camp.
Clearly, someone had arranged this deliberately.
But that was good news.
Having a superior secretly plotting to kill you was terrifying—especially in the military, where every order had to be obeyed, even if it meant dying on the spot.
He didn't know who had done it, but the most likely person was Ninth Senior Sister.
Just like Senior Brother Fang had said—Senior Sister Rong Yanqiu could be trusted. He'd have to thank her properly later.
…
"Was it you?"
On the training grounds, Cao Fan's voice was cold. "Don't play dumb. I mean the Yuyang Sect incident. You ordered Sha Wenlong to lure him into facing a Transforming Strength expert—to use him as your blade, didn't you?"
"Your Highness, it was me…"
Yin Hanwen explained anxiously, "I only wanted to ease Your Highness's burdens! Your life holds the weight of the entire Great Sheng Dynasty's thirty-six provinces. You can't waste it on such petty rivalry!
"Don't worry—he has no proof. Sha Wenlong is utterly loyal to us; he'll never talk. At worst, we can just wait for another chance later."
"Leave."
Cao Fan didn't scold him—his tone was calm but final. "You weren't part of the Elite Selection, and you hold no post in Liangzhou. If the Grand Commander comes back and investigates this, you won't be able to explain yourself."
"The Grand Commander might not return anytime soon. Your Highness, do you really not trust me?"
Yin Hanwen grew nervous. "Even if he finds out, I'll take full responsibility alone!"
"And you think if it points to you, it won't implicate me?"
Cao Fan frowned deeply. "Even if I defeat Chen Sanshi, I still need to earn the Grand Commander's favor. Otherwise, I'll never receive his true teachings."
"Your Highness, this is my fault."
Yin Hanwen finally understood. "I'll go. I won't stay and drag you down."
"Good."
Cao Fan patted his shoulder. "Help your father more in the future. When I've gained enough prestige in Liangzhou's army, I'll summon you back."
"I'll leave at the end of this month—once my arrow wound heals," Yin Hanwen replied.
Cao Fan said nothing more. He picked up his Azure Dragon Crescent Blade and continued training.
Lately, he'd been pushing himself nearly to exhaustion.
"Damn it!"
After leaving the grounds, Yin Hanwen smashed his fist into a wooden training post. "How could that bastard Chen cultivate Tempering Organ strong enough to kill a Transforming Strength expert? How?!
"At this rate, he'll become a real threat to His Highness. No—I can't let him live!"
He turned sharply toward an old man standing in the shadows—a Meridian-Connecting expert under his family's service. "Elder Wei, you must help me! Kill him!"
"Young Master, that can't be done," Elder Wei warned. "If anyone's killed within Liangzhou City, it'll be investigated thoroughly."
"Then we'll wait until after we leave Liangzhou. Before we go, we'll announce it publicly so everyone knows we've departed. That'll clear our name."
He gritted his teeth. "Then you'll turn back secretly, kill him, and blame it on the Witch God Sect!"
"Elder Wei, I'm counting on you!"