Chapter 52

The sect’s library was as crowded as ever, filled with cultivators quietly studying. Han Luo headed straight for the Foundation Establishment section dedicated to visualization techniques, searching for anything related to the ancient jade he had discovered.

But the process was an absolute headache.

The library had far too many books, and divine sense was prohibited for searching. That meant Han Luo had to sift through each text manually, one by one. It wasn’t until three days later that he finally stumbled upon a few scattered clues.

From what he pieced together, visualization techniques originated in ancient times when cultivators, moved by the natural world, developed methods to train their spirit through imagery. These techniques varied wildly—some centered on people, animals, plants, landscapes, even bizarre phenomena—and their power levels ranged just as drastically.

However, one thing was consistent: the more complex the world contained within the visualization, the higher its grade. If your visualization technique encompassed a whole world with mountains, rivers, structures, stars—and even sentient beings—then congratulations, you’d found an incredibly rare and powerful technique. There were even legends of people cultivating such techniques and accidentally ascending to the Immortal Realm in a flash of light.

Han Luo wasn’t sure about the immortality part, but one thing was clear: his ancient jade’s visualization world was top-tier. It had land, water, stars, buildings, and even what seemed like people—it easily outclassed the standard techniques available at the Foundation Establishment level.

Satisfied that the technique was both powerful and safe, Han Luo left the library in a good mood. On the way out, he crushed a messaging talisman addressed to Elder Yunyangzi. Inside was a small suggestion: why not install a keyword-based search formation in the library? Something that would let disciples find what they were looking for with just a single term—kind of like a cultivation version of a search engine.

He wasn’t sure if Yunyangzi would take it seriously, but it was a genuine idea. After all, not everyone had monstrous talent like him. For ordinary cultivators, saving time meant everything.

Leaving the library, Han Luo decided to visit the market district to stretch his legs and clear his mind. As usual, the place was bustling with energy. He didn’t plan to buy anything—just to wander around and relax.

That is, until he found himself standing in front of the exchange counter.

Inside, Lin Xiaolou was visibly irritated. She’d been feeling oddly restless lately—unable to focus on cultivation, emotions all over the place. And the root cause of that unease? The very man now standing in front of her.

“Han Luo, it’s been a month since I last saw you,” she pouted, arms crossed. “I thought you’d completely forgotten about your dear senior sister.”

She might not have realized it, but her tone was practically dripping with flirtation.

Han Luo, however, noticed right away. “How could I forget you, senior sister? Of everyone, you're the last person I’d forget.”

As he smiled politely, he silently pulled up Lin Xiaolou’s personal file in his mind. After the demon invasion, the sect had created a highly classified archive detailing every disciple’s full background—an initiative he had suggested and helped implement. Naturally, his friend Daniu, who worked in the records department, had given him access.

Lin Xiaolou’s file was spotless. Her parents were both Foundation Establishment cultivators currently stationed in Baicheng, working for the sect’s embassy. Lin herself was clever and decent, not a saint, but certainly no villain. A little lazy, perhaps—but since he’d talked to her last, she’d shown real signs of improvement.

In short, she was someone worth engaging with more.

“You smooth talker,” she teased, though her voice was softer now. “I bet you’ve used that line on a dozen junior sisters already.”

Han Luo quickly steered the conversation back on track. “No way, no way. I’m here for more alchemy ingredients, that’s all.”

Lin Xiaolou blinked. “You already used up what I gave you last time?”

She was genuinely surprised. He had taken over two hundred sets of materials. Even with her Foundation Establishment-level spiritual power, she couldn’t finish that many in a month. That meant this little junior brother had extraordinary talent not just in arrays, but in alchemy too.

Han Luo scratched his head sheepishly. “Senior sister, please don’t spread that around.”

Smart as ever, Lin Xiaolou caught the hint. He wants to keep a low profile. Good—I like that.

“Don’t worry,” she said, eyes glinting. “I’m not one of those gossip hounds on Piaomiao Peak. But…”

She leaned forward slightly, staring at him with a heated gaze. “How are you going to thank me? You know, senior sister doesn’t need ordinary gifts.”

Even she was shocked at her own brazenness. But her mother had always said—if you want happiness, you’ve got to reach out and grab it. And Han Luo was exactly what she wanted.

Han Luo instantly picked up on the meaning behind her words. This… is a direct flirt. Should I play along or shut it down?

He didn’t have to decide right away. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he summoned a beautiful pink pendant shaped like a dewdrop—one of the finest items in his collection.

“This is for you, senior sister,” he said, handing it over.

Lin Xiaolou’s heart thudded loudly in her chest. Is this a love token? She remembered the stories her mother used to tell about how her father wooed her—with gifts just like this.

“You can wear it if you like,” Han Luo added casually.

Still flustered, Lin Xiaolou eagerly put on the pendant, then spun around to show it off. “How does it look?”

“Beautiful,” Han Luo smiled. “Try infusing it with some spiritual energy.”

Her expression froze. She had assumed it was just a pretty ornament—there wasn’t a trace of spiritual fluctuation coming from it. Still, she trusted him. She channeled a small stream of energy into the pendant.

Instantly, a blooming pink lotus surrounded her, forming a glowing protective cocoon.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “This… is a defensive formation?!”

“A third-grade formation,” Han Luo confirmed. “Lotus Shield Array.”

Third-grade formations were rare—they corresponded to the Qi Sea stage, an entire realm above her own.

“That’s not all,” he added. “I incorporated materials to resist shock, poison, corrosion... It can reduce at least 30% of an enemy’s special attacks.”

What he didn’t tell her was that the pendant also had tracking functions and ancient bronze markings. As long as she wore it, he could monitor her anytime, anywhere.

It’s not perversion—it’s caution, he told himself. Better safe than sorry.

To Lin Xiaolou, however, this was confirmation: He likes me!

She made up her mind. Tonight, no matter what, I’m making this junior brother mine. Who cares if the melon is sweet—if I want it, I’ll pick it. And if it’s not sweet now, I’ll take it home and ripen it myself.

Just as she was about to lure him away to a more private spot, a cheerful voice interrupted them.

“Xiaolou! Han Luo! There you are!”

They turned around to see Li Jun approaching with a grin, completely oblivious to the atmosphere he had just ruined.