Great Sage

Chapter 57

In front of the bronze mirror, Han Luo had spent the whole night observing and taking notes. His efforts paid off—he gained a much deeper understanding of how to enhance the efficiency of spirit-cleansing using pills.

"Ahhh..."
Shen Xian’er yawned and stretched her tiny fists in the air.

To be honest, after five years of growth, her physique was much more developed—showing faint signs of growing into a mini-version of Chi Xiao.

"Brother, is breakfast ready?"

Indeed, for a true foodie, if the first thing you think about when you open your eyes isn’t food, then you’re just not committed enough.

"Come on, breakfast is already on the table."

Breakfast was simple but hearty: boiled eggs, fermented tofu, shredded pickled radish, seaweed strips, millet porridge, pork buns, and over a dozen types of fruit for dessert.

After stuffing herself contentedly, Shen Xian’er wanted to go play.
Luoxian Mountain was beautiful, sure, but boring—no cute rabbits, no colorful butterflies. There was so much more to do on Piao Miao Peak.

“Stop right there. You're not leaving Luoxian Mountain until you finish your spirit cleansing.”

Under a parasol tree, Han Luo continued drawing out the blueprint of a formation.

"Okay…"
Shen Xian’er obediently turned back, not daring to go against her brother.

"What are you working on, Brother?"
She was completely bored out of her mind.
No more spirit-cleansing pills, no games of house, and her senior brother spent all day buried in formations and pills like he was hiding some gorgeous lady in them.

“Brother, how many times have you gone through spirit cleansing? I heard Sister Xiao has already done it three times, even stronger than Junjun Senior Brother.”

She cuddled Xiaobai in her arms, plopped down opposite Han Luo, and made conversation like she was sharing some juicy gossip.

But Han Luo was in no mood to chat—he was in the middle of a major invention.

“Why aren’t you saying anything, Brother...?”

Xian’er was desperate for conversation. She truly couldn’t understand how her senior brother could tolerate such solitude. She could barely last a single second in silence.

Han Luo finally paused and pulled out a thin, rectangular object from his bronze ring—a little device shaped like a brick but much thinner.

"Here. Go play with this."

It was a handheld game console—a simple little device he had made out of boredom, originally meant to bait naïve young cultivators.

Inside were classics: Tetris, Tank Battle, Airplane Shooter, Super Mario... over a dozen retro games. They were all coded using illusion arrays, which were quite basic. In fact, he had even incorporated similar mechanics into his Trapping Immortal Formation, improving its strength by two entire tiers.

Shen Xian’er’s eyes lit up. Anything her brother made had to be fun. Following the user manual, she quickly immersed herself in the game, leaving Han Luo in blessed silence to focus on his work.

Ten days later…

By the time Shen Xian’er had beaten every game on the device three times over, Han Luo had completed his latest great invention.

The idea came while observing how Shen Xian’er refined the spirit-cleansing pill—slow and inefficient. The Luoxian Technique, while a solid foundation method, was clearly not designed to optimize pill refinement. And learning another method on top of it would only cause conflict.

As a result, she could only refine about 80% of the pill's power. The remaining 20%? Wasted.

Now consider ordinary cultivators—unlike Xian’er, they wouldn’t finish their first cleansing in ten days. It might take them a month, maybe six. And they’d likely leave 35% of the pill’s effects unused.

Thus, the Spirit-Cleansing Formation was born—a special formation created specifically to enhance pill absorption.

Its effects?

• It helps cultivators refine 100% of a spirit-cleansing pill.

• It boosts the effectiveness of the pill by approximately 20%.

Han Luo had designed it primarily for himself.
Talent was one thing—preparation was another. You couldn’t rely on natural gifts and ignore the details.

True strength came from precision.
Talent defined your floor. Effort defined your ceiling.
Even if his talent was most people’s limit, his master once said: If you want to compare, compare yourself to those in the heavens.

Sure, he didn’t know how powerful the ones "above" really were. But if they lived in the heavens, they couldn’t possibly be weak.

With that mindset, he called over Shen Xian’er.

“Brother, are we ready?” she asked, bright-eyed, eager for her second pill.

“Let’s begin.”
He handed her another perfect-grade Spirit-Cleansing Pill.

After taking it, Shen Xian’er sat cross-legged and focused, immediately beginning to report her sensations—like a diligent little assistant.

Han Luo felt genuinely pleased. At least all those gourmet meals weren’t wasted; she knew how to cooperate now.

"That’s all, Brother," she said at last, pulling out another packet of instant noodles.

During his closed-door refining sessions, she’d practically lived off the stuff. Oddly, the more she ate, the tastier it seemed. She even invented a new way to eat them—dry. Absolutely addictive.

Of course it was addictive.

Han Luo would never tell her he’d added a special ingredient to the noodles—something harmless, but stimulating enough to make them crave-worthy for cultivators.

“Not yet. First, try out my new Spirit-Cleansing Formation.”

He took out the formation disk and activated it under her feet.

A luminous twelve-petal pink lotus bloomed, about two meters wide.

"Sit on it. Begin refining the pill."

Shen Xian’er, curious as always, followed instructions and settled into the lotus, beginning to meditate.

Han Luo activated the formation. The pink lotus rotated slowly, bathing her in a soft white glow. That light gently helped her refine the pill’s effects.

Han Luo monitored her closely the entire time.
If anything looked off, he was ready to bolt—no way he was getting caught in an explosion.

Two hours passed.

The pink lotus gradually turned green—an indication that the refining process was complete.

What normally took ten days had just been compressed into two hours.

The Spirit-Cleansing Formation was a massive success.

Still, based on his observations, he felt there was room for improvement.

“How do you feel, Xian’er?”

Her cultivation aura had clearly grown stronger, but he wanted to hear it from her.

Xian’er opened her plump little hand. A mist of spiritual energy swirled in her palm—shockingly pure.

Han Luo immediately pulled out a testing instrument for spiritual purity.
After measuring, he confirmed it: her purity level had risen significantly, completing a second round of spirit cleansing.

“I got stronger, right?” Xian’er asked, still a little dazed. Ask her about rare cuts of meat and she’d give you a list a mile long. Ask her about cultivation? You’d be better off checking your own eyes.

“Yes, you’ve completed your second cleansing. You’re much stronger now.”

“Yay!”
She jumped up and threw a celebratory punch.

Han Luo’s eyes widened—her punch, seemingly playful, released a burst of force so intense it created a shockwave… aimed directly at him.

Chapter 56

Spirit cleansing, on paper, sounded simple enough—diluting spiritual energy to filter out what one didn’t need and retaining what was useful. Rinse and repeat. But the actual process was slow and required immense patience and precision.

"Xian’er, take it."
Han Luo handed Shen Xian’er a perfect-grade Spirit-Cleansing Pill.

Without hesitation, Shen Xian’er swallowed the pill. In her mind, there was no one more trustworthy than her senior brother—no exceptions.

Han Luo, however, looked more nervous than she was.
"Xian’er, how do you feel? Any chest tightness? Shortness of breath? Dizziness? Blurred vision? Anything at all, tell me immediately."

He already had his notebook out, ready to record.

Shen Xian’er rubbed her belly, tilted her head thoughtfully, and said, "I don’t feel anything really, just... a little hungry."

Pfft!
Han Luo almost coughed up blood.

“I raised a pig, didn’t I?! You just had ten steamed buns for breakfast! Were you a gluttonous beast in your past life?!”

Unable to contain his exasperation, he sighed. “Alright, finish your spirit cleansing first, and after that, I’ll give you something you’ve never eaten before—a legendary delicacy.”

That got her attention.

“Okay, okay!” Shen Xian’er’s eyes curved into happy crescents, like a child being promised candy for New Year’s.

“Now,” Han Luo continued, “focus. Tell me what you’re feeling.”

Shen Xian’er thought hard, poked her chubby cheek, and rubbed her belly again.
“It’s warm inside. Really comfy.”

“Good,” Han Luo nodded. That was a normal reaction and matched his expectations.

“Now circulate the Luoxian Technique to refine the pill’s energy. Once you've extracted its essence, you'll become stronger.”

Han Luo knew that no cultivator could resist the temptation of getting stronger. Mentioning the word alone would make anyone take things seriously.

“Really?” Her eyes sparkled. Getting stronger by just eating pills? Cultivation seemed so easy!

“Of course. When have I ever lied to you? Get started before the effects wear off.”

With a determined nod, Shen Xian’er sat cross-legged and began refining the pill using the Luoxian Technique.

Han Luo remained by her side the entire time, carefully recording her progress.

After two full hours, Shen Xian’er slowly opened her eyes. They sparkled like gemstones, filled with starlight.

“How do you feel?” Han Luo asked, hoping to confirm that she’d completed her first spirit cleansing.

Shen Xian’er blinked, clenched her tiny fists, and grinned.
“Brother, I feel so strong now! I could eat twenty steamed buns!”

...Han Luo was speechless.

So her motivation to become stronger... was still food.

“Brother, can I have another pill?”

Clearly feeling the benefits, Shen Xian’er was eager to continue. If she could keep getting stronger, she could eat good food forever!

“Not yet.”

Han Luo rejected her firmly.

“Please~”

She clung to his arm and began rubbing her face against it like a fluffy little dumpling.

“It won’t work.” Han Luo was unmoved. “Spirit-Cleansing Pills are a special kind of medicine. Even though your body handled the first one well, its effects are still running through you. Until you’ve fully digested it, no more pills. That means no going out, either. You stay on Luoxian Mountain and cultivate until it’s fully refined. Only then can you have the next one.”

He gave a stern warning.

Alchemy was no joke. Pills weren’t like arrays—if an array failed, the worst that could happen was an explosion. But pills? One mistake, and you could cripple your entire path of cultivation.

Han Luo had accepted the responsibility of helping his junior sister cleanse her spirit. He couldn't let anything go wrong.

After all, where else would he find such a perfectly obedient lab assistant?

Damn. I said the quiet part out loud again...

“Really?” Shen Xian’er narrowed her eyes, suspicious.

“When have I ever lied to you?” he countered.

“True. Brother’s always the best.” She beamed.

In her mind, anyone who could cook good food couldn't possibly be a bad person.

“Glad you know it. And remember—this whole spirit-cleansing business is our little secret, okay? Don’t tell anyone else. Pinky swear.”

Han Luo held out his little finger.

“Okay, okay!” Shen Xian’er happily hooked her pinky with his.

A pinky swear in this world carried the weight of an oath. Breaking it could lead to terrifying consequences.

“All done for today. Go meditate and refine the leftover effects. The sooner you finish, the sooner you’ll get your second pill.”

He was pleased with the pill’s initial results but wanted to observe more.

With the help of the Bronze Mirror, a powerful auxiliary treasure, he could monitor her condition in detail.

“Um… Brother, didn’t you say there’d be delicious food after the cleansing?” Shen Xian’er reminded him sweetly. “You promised. We pinky swore!”

Han Luo winced. How had he ended up as a full-time babysitter?

He wasn’t just overseeing her cultivation; now he had to manage her meals too.

Sigh… Well, he had used her as a test subject—it was only fair.

“Bring me your food utensils.”

At his command, Shen Xian’er placed her enchanted bowl and chopsticks on the table.

Han Luo took out a red packet from his bronze ring.

Yes. The so-called legendary delicacy was… instant noodles.

Simple to make, and one of the flavors he missed the most from his past life.

He opened a packet of braised beef-flavored noodles, placed the noodle block into the bowl, added the seasoning, and poured in hot water. Finally, he covered it with another bowl to let it steep.

“This is the legendary dish?” Shen Xian’er propped her chubby cheeks in her hands, staring wide-eyed at the bowl.

“It’s called instant noodles—a legendary delicacy. And only I know how to make it in this world.”

That much was true… unless there were other transmigrators.

“Wow!” Her eyes gleamed with greedy anticipation.

Just the thought of tasting something her brother called “legendary” made her tremble with excitement.

Gurgle.
She swallowed hard as the aroma began wafting through the bowl’s lid.

Two minutes later…

At Han Luo’s signal, she opened her food treasure. A puff of fragrant steam rose, and she was instantly enchanted.

In three bites, she polished off the noodles and even drank all the broth. If Han Luo hadn’t been there, she probably would’ve licked the bowl.

“Brother… I…”

“You can have more tomorrow. That’s it for today.”

Han Luo could see right through her.

Good things had to be savored slowly. If she had everything all at once, she’d lose interest—and probably run off the moment she got bored.

After all, in her world, food was love.

“Aww…”

Her disappointment lasted all of one second. Then she remembered she could have it again tomorrow and ran off in delight to meditate and refine the remaining pill effects.

Han Luo, meanwhile, activated the Bronze Mirror and began carefully monitoring her changes—intent on gathering as much data as possible.

Chapter 55

Han Luo returned to Luoxian Mountain without incident. As always, it was quiet and peaceful, with no visitors in sight. Shen Xian'er hadn’t returned—probably having too much fun over at Piaomiao Peak and forgetting all about her elder brother.

That was fine with him. With the little troublemaker away, he could finally focus.

Instead of heading straight to the pill furnace, he first carved out a quiet chamber next door to his alchemy room. After laying down an array for safety, he sat on a meditation cushion and pulled out the fragmented jade from his bronze ring.

Though he had done his research and confirmed that the visualization method within the jade posed no danger, he wasn’t about to drop his guard. As a precaution, he used an array to project and observe the visualization externally rather than exposing his own spiritual consciousness directly.

Why risk harm when you could still improve your spiritual power the safe way?

With that thought, he activated the jade fragment inside the array.

Once again, the vivid scenery bloomed before him—a picturesque landscape of serene mountains and clear waters. White clouds shifted lazily in the sky, while a majestic palace loomed faintly behind the mist in the distance.

Han Luo immersed himself in the scene but didn’t explore. Instead, he crouched down and quietly observed the blades of grass beneath his feet—fresh, vibrant, and full of youthful energy, straining upward to grow. It fascinated him. Across two lifetimes, he’d never once truly paused to appreciate something as simple as a single blade of grass. It made him realize just how much of life he’d missed.

He remained like that for a long time, until a subtle discomfort stirred him awake.

He calmly deactivated the eight alarm charms he had placed on his wrists, ankles, neck, hips, and abdomen—his fail-safes in case he became too absorbed in the visualization. Had those failed, his meditation cushion would have exploded, launching him into the air and breaking a water pipe to flood the room with water from Luoxian Lake. No way was he taking chances.

Thankfully, none of that happened.

Feeling the subtle changes within him, he could tell—his spiritual power had grown, roughly equivalent now to someone in the late Foundation Establishment stage. A full realm leap.

Satisfied, and silently thanking Chi Xiao for unknowingly gifting him this treasure, he left the chamber and returned to his pill room.

With his new spiritual strength and deepened understanding of the Spirit-Cleansing Pill, it was easy for him to refine ingredients seven times and produce a high-grade pill. Still, he wasn’t satisfied. That wasn’t even close to his limit.

He summoned Jiu Tong, the big yellow dog, and fed him the pill for testing before going back to work.

Eventually, he succeeded in refining a batch where the ingredients had been purified eight times—a perfect Spirit-Cleansing Pill.

Holding the pearl-like pill in his hand, with its flawless sheen and unbroken alchemical markings, Han Luo nodded in satisfaction.

"Jiu Tong."

The loyal hound bounded over, happily gobbling up the pill as Han Luo observed the effects. The dog's reaction was intense but positive. Both his cultivation level and internal spiritual energy were clearly elevated.

Han Luo jotted everything down in his notebook and removed his enchanted glasses. The pill had passed the trial run.

“Alright, time for human testing.”

He focused and refined a few more perfect pills, then pulled out a strange-looking spirit stone.

He brought it to his lips and whispered, “Xian’er, return immediately.”

Yes, this was his own invention—a sound-transmission spirit stone, a more secure version of the typical sound-transmission talisman, which could be intercepted. Though the range was limited, only Sect Master Yun Yangzi would have the ability to crack it—certainly not the other peak masters.

At Piaomiao Peak…

Shen Xian’er was in the middle of a luxurious food orgy, surrounded by a group of adoring senior sisters fawning over her like she was the sect’s mascot. Each one held a delicacy they had made themselves, trying to tempt her.

She, on the other hand, was digging in with her specialized eating tools, completely immersed in food heaven.

Suddenly, her waist pouch vibrated slightly.

Putting down her chopsticks, she wiped her oily little hands and pulled out the engraved spirit stone.

“Xian’er, return immediately.”

Upon hearing her senior brother’s voice, her eyes lit up. “Okay, got it!”

She cleaned her mouth, turned to the crowd, and cheerfully waved goodbye. “Sisters, I need to go back. I’ll come visit again next time!”

“Take the food with you!” one of the senior sisters called.

“I can’t…” Shen Xian’er looked conflicted. “My brother won’t let me bring food home. Why don’t you keep it for me? I’ll eat it when I come back next time.”

Her pure-hearted gluttony made all the senior sisters laugh affectionately. It was clear they adored her.

Back on Luoxian Mountain…

“Brother, I’m back! When’s dinner?” Shen Xian’er skipped over, cheeks pink with joy.

Han Luo looked at her fondly, pointing at the smudge of food by her mouth. “Looks like Piaomiao Peak has good food.”

Quickly wiping her mouth, Shen Xian’er giggled, “No way! Their food is terrible! Nobody can cook like you, Brother. Your food is the best in the whole wide world!”

She drew a big circle with her arms to show just how amazing he was in her heart.

“Alright, alright,” Han Luo chuckled, shaking his head. Every time she visited Piaomiao Peak, she seemed to come back a little more… expressive. The once pure and innocent girl was learning to flatter people now.

But fine. It had been a while since he himself had a proper meal.

From the mirror realm, he took out fresh ingredients and made four delicious dishes, paired with a bottle of fine wine. He and Shen Xian’er shared a cozy, satisfying meal.

After dinner, he had her go to bed early so she’d be rested before starting the Spirit-Cleansing process. This was, after all, his own junior sister. He had to be especially careful with the details.

The next day, Han Luo took out a perfect Spirit-Cleansing Pill.

It was finally time for Shen Xian’er to begin her cultivation breakthrough.

Chapter 54

"Senior Brother Li Jun," Han Luo said, declining the gift in front of him.

"Junior Brother, if you have something to say, please go ahead," Li Jun replied, still holding out the box.

In the entire Luoxian Sect, Li Jun was someone who rarely needed to offer gifts—if he so much as hinted at it, hundreds of disciples would line up to receive one. Yet now, the junior in front of him remained completely unfazed by a box of high-quality Spirit-Cleansing Pills. That level of composure and restraint confirmed to Li Jun that this was no ordinary junior. In fact, he seemed like a hidden expert. Combined with how frequently Elder Yunding had subtly mentioned Han Luo, it became clear—if Li Jun wanted to eventually become the sect leader, he would need someone like Han Luo on his side.

"Senior Brother Li Jun, when refining Spirit-Cleansing Pills, how many times do you usually purify your materials?" Han Luo asked calmly.

Though he had refined many batches himself, he had never watched others do it. This was a rare chance to exchange insights. On one hand, he did have some real questions. On the other, he wanted to lull Li Jun into a sense of comfort—make him think Han Luo was just another ordinary disciple. Feigning weakness was always a good way to make others lower their guard.

But…

He may have overestimated Li Jun’s skill in alchemy.

“Junior Brother, you really do understand alchemy…” Li Jun replied, slightly surprised.

And just like that, the two of them launched into a full-blown discussion about pill refinement, completely ignoring Lin Xiaolou, who stood off to the side, a picture of neglected beauty.

Not that she minded—just being able to watch Han Luo talk was enough to fill her with happiness. She had some basic knowledge of alchemy too, and as she listened to him explain his theories, she became more and more mesmerized. What kind of man is this Han Luo? Why is he so ridiculously talented? Even the famous Li Jun pales in comparison. No doubt about it, I have amazing taste in men!

An hour passed in deep conversation.

“Junior Brother Han Luo, please forgive my earlier rudeness,” Li Jun said sincerely.

During their exchange, he realized that he had underestimated Han Luo. His own peak, Xianding Peak, was known for its mastery of alchemy, and his master, Elder Yunding, was a renowned pill refiner. Naturally, he had thought himself above the rest.

But after hearing Han Luo’s deep insights and unique methods—particularly his take on refining Spirit-Cleansing Pills—he felt he had genuinely learned something. It even helped him resolve a bottleneck his master had told him to work through on his own. That sense of sudden clarity had been almost euphoric.

Of course, Han Luo had his own gains too.

There was a reason Li Jun was considered the number one talent in the sect. His talent wasn’t just political savvy—he had real skill and an extraordinary ability to digest and refine knowledge. While he still couldn't compare to Han Luo, Han Luo was willing to acknowledge him as the number two in Luoxian Sect. No second place—just the second.

“You two done chatting?” Lin Xiaolou finally broke in. She hadn’t wanted to interrupt, but if she didn’t stop them soon, she was afraid sparks might start flying—and not the romantic kind.

“Apologies, Senior Sister Xiaolou,” Li Jun quickly said, his smile apologetic.

Han Luo also nodded with a warm smile.

“Junior Brother Han Luo, take this.” Li Jun offered the gift once more.

From their earlier conversation, he was now convinced that Han Luo’s spiritual power was more than sufficient to refine high-grade Spirit-Cleansing Pills. His own pills were practically embarrassing by comparison. But Li Jun had a bit of pride—he couldn’t take the gift back after offering it, not without losing face.

Han Luo could sense the awkwardness. There was no need to embarrass the guy, especially after such a pleasant chat. Besides, they had no real conflict.

“Senior Brother Li Jun, didn’t you already give me a gift? Consider our conversation just now your offering,” he said, subtly giving Li Jun an easy out.

Li Jun froze for a second—when had he given a gift already? Then he caught the look in Han Luo’s eyes and realized: Ah, so he’s treating the exchange of knowledge as the real gift. Smooth.

“Haha, no, no—it was just a friendly exchange. But if you insist, I’ll give this to Senior Sister Xiaolou instead. After all, she stood here patiently listening to us blab on for so long. She deserves a reward,” Li Jun said, passing the box to her with a gracious smile.

He really was good at reading the room.

Lin Xiaolou, for her part, shamelessly pocketed the ten pills. A girl’s got to seize her blessings.

With that, the three of them picked out the materials they needed. Han Luo was meticulous, which Li Jun noted with interest but didn’t comment on. After all, from the way Han Luo made him swear an oath earlier, it was clear this junior had a very unique personality.

Once he’d finished selecting materials, Li Jun politely said his goodbyes and hurried off—he wanted to start refining pills immediately while the inspiration was fresh.

As soon as he left, Lin Xiaolou licked her lips and sauntered closer to Han Luo, looking every bit the hungry wolf eyeing a plump rabbit.

“Xiaolou.”

Elder Tie’s voice rang out.

“Ugh!” Lin Xiaolou stamped her foot in frustration. Why does someone always have to ruin the mood right when things are getting good?!

“Get over here and help,” came Tie Lao’s stern voice again.

“I’m coming~” she called out sweetly, instantly switching into professional mode. Just like that, she turned back into the charming service fairy of the exchange counter, all grace and smiles.

Han Luo, however, secretly wiped a cold sweat from his brow. If she had taken just one more step toward me, I might’ve had to strike first and take her down.

Sure, doing that might’ve exposed his real strength—but it was better than letting her get the upper hand. She was at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment realm. If they really fought, he only had a 99% chance of winning—not safe enough by his standards.

Just to be sure, he reactivated his protective guardian array before resuming his careful material selection.

Three days later, Han Luo finally finished sorting through 500 batches of Spirit-Cleansing Pill ingredients.

As he deactivated his array and looked up, he was dumbfounded.

Sitting right across from him was Lin Xiaolou, her face smudged, her hair disheveled, and her eyes half-shut from sleep deprivation.

“Senior Sister Xiaolou… are you okay?”

She looked like she’d just crawled out of some wild, scandalous situation. For someone at the Foundation Establishment stage, this was seriously over-the-top.

“I’m fine, I’m fine!” she said cheerfully, and with a shake of her shoulders, instantly transformed into her usual elegant self—rosy cheeks, perfect hair, graceful in her long robes. Her beauty was almost too dazzling.

Seriously? I just said you were being dramatic and here you go proving it again.

“Let me walk you out,” she offered sweetly.

Han Luo narrowed his eyes. She was being way too obedient. Was this really still his senior sister? Had she been possessed or something?

After she sent him off, Lin Xiaolou sighed deeply.

“Who knows when I’ll get to see him again…”

She looked a little lost.

“You picked a good one.”

Tie Lao appeared out of nowhere, startling her.

“Elder Tie!”

She had nothing but respect for the old man. He was the one who spotted her talent and brought her under his wing. While he seemed cold and strict on the outside, she knew he genuinely cared for her like a grandfather.

“Want me to give you a hand?” he said expressionlessly, deadpan humor somehow making it even funnier.

“Ahhh!” she yelped, her cheeks going bright red.

“I—I have work to do! Gotta go!”

She bolted like a child caught dating behind her parents’ backs.

Tie Lao, watching Han Luo disappear into the distance, gave a small, stiff smile and nodded. Who knows what he was thinking behind that stoic expression.

Chapter 53

The moment Li Jun appeared, Han Luo's heart skipped a beat.

To be honest, aside from briefly seeing him during the entrance trials over five years ago, they’d had no interaction whatsoever. Now, suddenly, he not only shows up unannounced but also calls Han Luo by name without hesitation? That immediately raised red flags in Han Luo’s mind.

At first, he suspected it might have been Lin Xiaolou who told Li Jun about him—but one look at her furiously puffed-up cheeks and the burning glare she shot Li Jun, as if she wanted to skin him alive for ruining something good, made him dismiss that idea.

That left only one possibility: Elder Yunding.

Perhaps after seeing that Elder Hongniang had taken Shen Xian’er as her goddaughter, Yunding couldn’t sit still any longer. It made sense that he’d send his most prized disciple, Li Jun, to get close to Han Luo.

Li Jun’s personality was similar to his master’s—opportunistic and pragmatic—but overall, he wasn’t a bad person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so well-regarded in the sect or widely accepted as the number one among the current younger generation.

“What’s so good about it? You just ruined everything,” Lin Xiaolou snapped, her expression turning cold in an instant.

She was not only Li Jun’s senior sister, but also now one of Elder Tie’s favorites in the sect. A little temper was entirely justified.

Li Jun smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. He was good at reading the room and knew when to lower himself.

“Please don’t be angry, Senior Sister. It’s my fault for interrupting.”

It was a textbook case of “don’t hit a smiling man.” Though Lin Xiaolou was still annoyed, Li Jun’s humble attitude made it difficult to stay angry.

“Fine. Then tell me—what are you here for?” she asked, still sounding disgruntled.

If this guy hadn’t popped up out of nowhere, she might already have been halfway to securing a bright future filled with sweet moments and little babies with Han Luo.

“Nothing much,” Li Jun said with a courteous smile. “Just here to collect some alchemy materials to refine a few batches of Spirit-Cleansing Pills.”

“You’re making pills too?” Lin Xiaolou looked surprised. There sure were a lot of prodigies in this generation. Most cultivators at the Qi Refining level just bought Spirit-Cleansing Pills—only a few brave geniuses actually tried to refine them themselves. This was the fourth one she’d encountered lately.

Li Jun smoothly turned the conversation. “From what I gather, Junior Brother Han Luo is also refining pills?”

Han Luo, watching Li Jun’s overly-friendly performance, silently scoffed. You already know the answer, don’t you? Why else would you suddenly show up here?

But outwardly, his face remained unreadable.

“Just dabbling, nothing major,” he replied coolly—repeating the phrase twice as a subtle hint that he didn’t feel like chatting.

Li Jun could tell that Han Luo wasn’t exactly welcoming. So, Master was right—this guy really is hard to approach.

But he still chuckled and kept the smile plastered on. “Junior Brother, it’s fate that we ran into each other today. Truth is, I’ve been looking for you these past five years.”

That sentence raised Lin Xiaolou’s eyebrows far more than it did Han Luo’s.

“Wait… you’ve been looking for him for five years?” she asked with a suspicious look. “Li Jun, you’re not… into him, are you?”

Clearly her mind had conjured up some colorful and unspeakable scenarios.

No way. The top golden boy of the sect is actually… ugh...

She shuddered at her own thoughts.

Li Jun didn’t miss a beat. He was calm as ever, and patiently explained the misunderstanding away. Lin Xiaolou listened, though she still looked like she half-doubted the whole thing.

“So Junior Brother Han Luo really did save you all during the trials?” she asked, looking to Han Luo for confirmation.

“It’s been five years. No need to bring it up again,” Han Luo said calmly, admitting it without fanfare. There was no point hiding it now—Elder Yunding clearly must’ve told Li Jun.

“Back then, Junior Brother saved us all with just a minor move. If you don’t mind, I’d like to host a small gathering at Xianding Peak tomorrow. Just a few respected disciples—nothing formal—just some food and old stories.”

Li Jun’s tone was modest. According to his master, Han Luo might actually surpass him in talent—perhaps even be on the same level as that little monster Shen Xian’er. The fact that such a prodigy had been hidden away in the sect for five years without anyone noticing? That was a major oversight on his part.

“Appreciate the thought, but I prefer peace and quiet. I’m not one for crowds,” Han Luo declined politely but firmly. The guy had been respectful—no need to be rude. He’d just keep nine layers of caution in his heart, as always.

“I understand completely,” Li Jun said with a nod. “You have my word I won’t speak of it.”

Han Luo narrowed his eyes. “Swear it.”

“Sorry?”

“You heard me,” Han Luo said, tone flat. “Swear that if you ever speak of this to anyone, you’ll go bald tomorrow and no hat, wig, or spell will ever cover it.”

Li Jun blinked, stunned. He turned to Lin Xiaolou for help, only to find her shoulders shaking with barely suppressed laughter. She was clearly enjoying this far too much.

So this is the infamous Han Luo treatment, she thought with glee.

It was a bit much, but seeing how serious Han Luo was, Li Jun had no choice but to raise his hand and make the vow.

Han Luo nodded, finally satisfied. After all, if word of this reached Chixiao, her fanatics might surround Luoxian Peak the next day. He didn’t want that mess—he had Spirit-Cleansing to focus on.

“I’ve made the vow, Junior Brother. So please, accept this.”

From his sleeve, Li Jun pulled out a green wooden box and offered it respectfully. The box was carved from the rare Cuimu wood of Xianding Peak, known for its extraordinary preservation qualities—it could keep medicinal pills fresh for up to 300 years.

Han Luo opened it.

Inside were ten thumb-sized Spirit-Cleansing Pills, gleaming with luster. Each one had faint pill patterns—top-quality within the mid-grade tier, bordering on high-grade.

“Wow, not bad,” Lin Xiaolou said, clearly impressed. With her experience, she could tell these ten pills were worth at least 3,000 spirit stones—a huge amount for anyone at the Qi Refining stage.

Han Luo examined the pills, expression neutral. He’d already refined high-grade versions himself, but there was no arrogance in his gaze.

Because he remembered what his elusive master, Wu Dao, had once told him:

“A true master always maintains the heart of an apprentice.”

There is always a higher sky. And the day you think you’ve mastered everything… may just be the day everything consumes you instead.

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.

Chapter 51

Han Luo stared at the ancient jade fragment in his hand, completely baffled.

He had always assumed the thing was defective. After all, he’d tried everything he could think of to activate it, all to no avail. So why was it reacting now?

There was only one logical explanation—his recent boost in spiritual strength. That was the one major change he’d undergone.

Still, he wasn’t about to act recklessly. He pulled out a formation disk from his bronze ring and activated a protective array, encasing himself within a shielded space. The jade's origins were too mysterious for him to take chances. As far as he knew, it had been something Chi Xiao gave him on a whim, and he had accepted it only out of politeness. Now it seemed there was more to it than met the eye.

He proceeded to test the jade using more than a dozen different methods, but none elicited any reaction. It just sat there, aloof and indifferent.

That only confirmed his theory—it responded to spiritual force.

Of course, he wasn't foolish enough to inject his own spiritual force directly into it. Tampering with unknown artifacts could easily backfire, and any injury to one’s spiritual consciousness was both difficult to heal and potentially crippling to future cultivation.

So, erring on the side of caution, he laid out a special decoy formation—his own invention—that could concentrate a portion of spiritual force into a clone or proxy.

Once the formation was activated, a translucent projection of himself shimmered into view.

He placed the jade into the formation, and when the spirit projection touched it, something incredible happened.

The fragment glowed with a dusky golden light, as though a hidden gateway had swung open. Behind it appeared a breathtaking scene—rolling mountains, clear waters, wildflowers blooming with unspoken allure, and soft grasses swaying in the breeze. It was like nature itself was whispering, “Come on in, stranger.”

Is this for real? Han Luo narrowed his eyes, instinctively on high alert.

In the distant depths of the painting-like illusion, half-veiled in mist, floated the vague outline of a majestic palace. Even through the obscuring fog, it radiated an eternal, awe-inspiring presence.

And standing before that palace… was a silhouette—a graceful woman.

Though blurry, he could sense with eerie certainty that she was looking straight at him.

“Damn…” His heart skipped a beat. Is this what falling in love feels like?

That thought came unbidden, but he couldn’t shake it. A simple fragment of jade held a gateway to such a vivid, dreamlike world? Incredible.

He examined further using his enchanted lenses. The details were astounding. The breeze brushing past him felt real. He could almost smell the wildflowers. It was as if his soul had been drawn into the scene.

Could this be a visualization method? he wondered.

Visualization techniques were powerful methods used to train spiritual force and refine the soul. The most advanced forms could even manifest terrifying spiritual techniques.

Han Luo didn’t know where this visualization came from, nor was he willing to blindly practice it. After studying it for a short while, he cautiously withdrew his consciousness.

He wasn’t about to risk damaging his soul on a hunch.

He shut down the formation and stored the jade safely. Better to check the sect archives and learn more before trying anything, he thought. Visualization techniques were typically reserved for Foundation Establishment cultivators anyway. A day or two of delay wouldn’t matter—especially not when caution was always the better part of survival.

After collecting himself, he returned to his original task: alchemy.

As he resumed refining pills, Han Luo noticed that his control over the alchemical flame had become far more precise. He could now handle five rounds of material refinement with ease, and the pills he produced were showing clearer, more defined dan marks—the intricate lines that signified high-quality pills.

Could my spiritual strength have increased again?

That didn’t make sense. He knew he’d reached a bottleneck in spiritual cultivation—advancement would require external resources or rare methods.

He paused to reflect. Was it possible he had a natural talent for spiritual force cultivation as well? Perhaps, but he suspected the jade visualization had contributed more than he realized.

He had only observed it for less than a minute, and yet the benefits were already undeniable.

This jade’s visualization must be high-grade… maybe even top-tier.

Excited but restrained, Han Luo forced himself not to rush back into it. He focused on his current goal—refining pills.

And steadily, he made progress.

A few days later, his spiritual force surged again. This time, he succeeded in performing six rounds of material refinement and produced his first high-grade Spirit Tempering Pill.

He examined it carefully with his enchanted lenses, only to shake his head in disappointment.

It was indeed a high-grade pill, but clearly a flawed one. The dan marks were awkward, forced. A true high-grade pill would have natural, fluid markings aligned with the Dao. Each one would be unique, elegant, and effortless.

“Jiu Tong!” he called.

The loyal yellow dog came bounding over.

Han Luo tossed the flawed pill into its mouth. “Eat it.”

He then resumed work.

Now that he’d breached the high-grade threshold, his technique began improving rapidly. Pill after pill emerged from his furnace—each high-grade, though most still lacked the perfect dan marks he was aiming for.

He didn’t track time.

He only stopped when his materials were depleted, and Jiu Tong—now advanced to Qi Refining Stage Seven—emerged from his breakthrough.

“Ahhh…” Han Luo stretched, bones cracking.

This time, no unexpected breakthroughs for himself. That was fine. The next major leap would be Foundation Establishment, and that required serious preparation.

Still, this short seclusion had been incredibly fruitful. He hadn’t saved a single pill for himself, but the increase in spiritual force was more than worth it.

With stronger spiritual power, I can go longer without rest, he thought. Which means I can do even more things each day.

Of course, being Han Luo, he’d still schedule time for nostalgic naps—he wasn’t about to give up the simple pleasures of life.

Exiting seclusion, he returned to the peak of Luoxian Mountain.

Shen Xian’er was gone. She’d left a note saying she went to Piaomiao Peak to play with Chi Xiao.

Han Luo wasn’t surprised. There was no stopping that mischievous girl. If she wanted to go, she’d go. Better to let her be.

Sure, she’d probably pick up some nonsense while hanging out with Chi Xiao, but one thing was certain: no one would dare bully her.

Chi Xiao’s reputation as a battle-hardened demon queen was well established across the entire sect. Even pigs would steer clear of her if they could.

Time to move.

His next stop: the sect’s library. He needed to get to the bottom of this jade fragment’s secret. If that visualization technique could really be practiced, it might prove to be a game-changing boon.

Chapter 50

Inside the alchemy chamber, the floor and walls were laid with Dustless Stone, ensuring that no speck of dust could exist in the space. Han Luo had even bathed and changed into a fresh robe before beginning—after all, pills were meant to be consumed, and hygiene came first, regardless of the effect.

He carefully laid out his ingredients on the table in front of him, then began following the prescription for Spirit Tempering Pills, dividing the herbs according to precise ratios before initiating the process.

Alchemy was notoriously difficult for cultivators at the Qi Refining stage, with two main challenges.

First, the refinement required channeling spiritual energy into flame—an alchemical fire strong enough to break down each component.

Second, it demanded powerful spiritual force to guide the fusion process. Most cultivators at this level simply didn’t have the mental capacity to pull it off.

But these hurdles weren’t a problem for Han Luo.

He had already mastered the technique of converting spiritual energy into flame and had practiced it numerous times. As for spiritual strength, thanks to his two lifetimes of experience, his mental power was at least double that of the average cultivator. It was the very reason he could outperform even a natural prodigy like Jiu Li’er in formation arts.

In fact, Han Luo could’ve been using jade slips like everyone else for learning, but he chose to stick with paper books. It was part of his long-term disguise—to hide his true mental strength and avoid drawing attention.

But today, he was done holding back.

He activated the flame control technique, and a flickering red fire appeared—gentle in temperature, almost illusory. This was no ordinary flame, but one specifically created for burning spiritual materials during alchemy.

Once the furnace reached a stable temperature, Han Luo began adding ingredients, one at a time, with meticulous care. It was his first attempt, and he was understandably nervous. He figured he'd loosen up after a few more tries.

When all the materials were inside, he sealed the furnace and released his powerful spiritual force to envelop it. The cauldron began to levitate and spin slowly.

In that moment, his mind slipped into a strange trance.

He found himself in a mystical world where every herb and component appeared magnified—like they were being observed through a divine microscope. Han Luo, as a wisp of flame, passed through them one by one, stripping away impurities and preserving only the essence.

The process lasted ten minutes, and he refined all the materials once. But that wasn’t enough—not for someone as cautious as Han Luo.

His studies had taught him that the more times a material was refined, the better the resulting pill quality. One to two times might yield a low-grade pill, three to five for mid-grade, six to eight for high-grade, and nine times could possibly create a top-grade pill.

So he started a second round of refinement.

Just as he adjusted the flame’s “position,” the furnace suddenly began trembling.

Pssshhhht!

A sound like a leaky tire escaped. The furnace lid vibrated violently, and thick, acrid black smoke poured from every crack.

Han Luo instantly triggered the five protective arrays embedded in his chest. Five green turtle-shell shields encased him in the blink of an eye. Simultaneously, his robe lit up with golden light—activating a preset emergency teleportation array. In less than a breath, he vanished from the chamber, reappearing in a backup alchemy room.

This emergency sequence was something he had practiced for months—how to respond the moment something went wrong.

Through his bronze mirror, he observed the first furnace. Thankfully, it only spewed smoke and didn’t explode.

Still, the verdict was clear: his first attempt had failed.

He returned to the room, flipped on a magical smoke extractor, and cleaned out the thick haze now hanging in the air.

Han Luo had mentally prepared for failure. He calmed himself, laid out a second set of ingredients, and repeated the process.

This time, the trance world felt more natural. With greater familiarity, he moved faster and more confidently. He stopped after refining the materials three times—he’d learned his limit, and knew that pushing to a fourth would risk another failure.

When he opened the furnace, a gentle fragrance wafted out. Inside sat a thumb-sized, mid-grade Spirit Tempering Pill.

He studied it carefully with his enchanted lenses, jotted down observations in his notebook, and… paused.

He didn’t need a mid-grade pill, wouldn’t give it to Shen Xian’er either, and wasn’t about to sell it. So what now—toss it?

It felt like a waste.

After thinking it over, he shrugged. “Fine. You get to eat it.”

Han Luo summoned a large yellow dog from his mirror world. This dog, named Jiu Tong, had been raised since birth in the mirror realm, its background absolutely clean. He planned to train it as the steward of the realm—someone to manage the internal affairs while he focused on cultivation.

He had considered using a puppet, but they always felt too unreliable. A dog, he figured, would be a much more loyal and sensible choice.

“Here, Jiu Tong, eat up.”

He rubbed the dog’s head affectionately and watched as the mutt gobbled up the pill with a bark. Despite being a spirit beast of the fifth rank, the Spirit Tempering Pill wouldn’t harm him. On the contrary—it would help refine his internal spiritual energy.

As Jiu Tong lay down to absorb the pill’s effects, Han Luo took more notes. Though Jiu Tong was technically an animal, he cultivated like a proper cultivator, using a genuine immortal technique—unlike wild beasts.

With that done, Han Luo went back to his cauldron.

His third batch went smoother. He refined the materials four times and produced another mid-grade pill—fed to Jiu Tong.

Same with the fifth batch.

By the tenth attempt, he tried a fifth refinement and failed.

Alchemy was repetitive—tedious, like debugging code or filing taxes. But Han Luo was unexpectedly enjoying himself.

Why?

Because with each success or failure, he noticed his spiritual strength slowly increasing. It was a subtle growth, but real.

On the eightieth batch, after five refinements, he finally noticed something special—tiny lines etched across the surface of the pill. These were Dan Marks, a sign of a high-grade pill.

He carefully recorded the result, then tossed the pill to Jiu Tong.

“Woof woof woof!”

The dog let out a low whimper.

Han Luo turned to look.

Jiu Tong’s eyes were bloodshot, fur bristling, and body trembling. He looked… constipated?

Actually, he was on the verge of a breakthrough.

Han Luo chuckled. No top-grade pills yet, but at least this dumb mutt is benefiting.

He tossed Jiu Tong into the mirror realm to finish his breakthrough, then began researching how to increase his own spiritual power. Five refinements was his current cap—even a thousand more batches wouldn’t change that.

Perhaps the answer was in the sect’s library.

Just as he stood up to leave, he felt a strange vibration from the bronze ring on his finger.

Inside, something stirred.

He reached in—and pulled out a fragment of an ancient jade.

Chapter 49

After dinner, something unusual happened—Shen Xian’er didn’t rush off to bed like she normally did. Instead, she obediently laid out her bedding and turned to her senior brother, eyes full of anticipation.

“Senior Brother, let’s begin the spirit tempering!”

She sounded enthusiastic and, without hesitation, began deftly removing her robes. By the time she was down to a pink belly wrap, HanLuo panicked.

“Xian’er! What are you doing?!”

He was completely baffled. Wasn’t she once a pure, sweet, ice-clean little girl? How had she turned into this after spending time on Piaomiao Peak? Just what the hell had she gone through up there?

“Spirit tempering, obviously,” she answered, tilting her head in genuine confusion.

HanLuo squinted. “Do you even know what spirit tempering is?”

“Of course I do.” Shen Xian’er raised her snow-white chin proudly. “I know lots of things.”

“Okay then,” HanLuo said, folding his arms. “Why don’t you tell me exactly what spirit tempering is?”

Shen Xian’er pressed a chubby finger to her chin and thought for a moment. “When Godmother helped Sister Chi Xiao temper her spirit, I was there. They always started by... you know… doing that thing.”

HanLuo nearly rolled his eyes.

There were many methods for spirit tempering, but the most orthodox was through the use of spirit tempering pills. As for whatever Godmother Hongniang was doing with Chi Xiao—well, she had already undergone seven rounds of tempering herself, so she was probably guiding Chi Xiao with her own spiritual energy to help her reach the same level.

“Wait a second—Xian’er, didn’t Elder Hongniang offer to help you temper your spirit?” HanLuo asked cautiously. Everyone in the sect knew how fond Elder Hongniang was of Shen Xian’er. She had practically been living on Piaomiao Peak, doted on by every female disciple there.

Shen Xian’er puffed out her cheeks and said, “Godmother said my spiritual root is too high-grade. She can’t help me. I have to do it myself.”

HanLuo nodded at first—but then froze. “Wait. Godmother?!”

“Ah—oops! I wasn’t supposed to say that!” Xian’er quickly slapped both hands over her mouth.

Oh no. Godmother had warned her not to tell anyone yet. She was only supposed to reveal it after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage!

HanLuo was speechless.

So that’s what Elder Hongniang had done—couldn’t get him, so she adopted Xian’er as her goddaughter? And now she was trying to use Xian’er’s beauty to lure him in, rope him into becoming Piaomiao Peak’s son-in-law?

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. This had all the signs of a long-game strategy. Xian’er had a seventh-grade spiritual root—without someone like HanLuo around, she’d definitely be the top talent of Luoxian Sect. Even with him here, she still shined too brightly to be ignored.

Elder Hongniang was just taking advantage of being close and acting fast.

“Well, don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone,” HanLuo said with a smile, though he was already thinking of how to gently reprogram this walking disaster of a junior sister. She was like a custom-built landmine—absolutely not safe to keep unchecked.

“Yay! I knew you were the best, Senior Brother. Let’s get started, then!” she chirped, once again reaching for her belly wrap.

“Hold it!”

HanLuo stopped her immediately.

“What’s wrong, Senior Brother? Are you… not up to it?” Shen Xian’er’s expression twisted into something strange and sharp, stabbing right into HanLuo’s pride like a dagger.

“Ahem—of course I’m fine. I just… have a different method to help you temper your spirit,” he replied firmly.

Internally, he slammed on the brakes and deflated his mental tires, making absolutely sure this girl wouldn’t accidentally start that kind of “spirit tempering.”

“Ohhh… got it.” Shen Xian’er nodded earnestly. “Will it hurt the first time? I’m scared of pain, you know.”

Pfft!

HanLuo nearly coughed up blood, spraying ten meters. Mentally, he ripped the gears and chain off the metaphorical car. Calm down, calm down—she’s just being literal. Shen Xian’er is a pure, naive child. I’m the one overthinking this. Definitely. Absolutely.

He took a deep breath. “Don’t worry, Xian’er. Leave it to me. Spirit tempering won’t hurt at all.”

“Okay!” she beamed. “Senior Brother, you’re amazing!”

Good god… HanLuo coughed again. He couldn’t tell if Xian’er was genuinely pure, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Her words were way too suspicious. Had she picked up weird habits from Chi Xiao on Piaomiao Peak?

“Senior Brother, are you sick? Maybe you should take some medicine. Sister Chi Xiao said you boys need to take care of your kidneys. I think you’ve got kidney deficiency—right, Xiaobai?”

“Meow.” Xiaobai chimed in with a snide little smirk that clearly read: So, kidney deficiency, huh?

HanLuo felt black lines spreading across his forehead. I knew it. This transformation is totally Chi Xiao’s fault. Xian’er used to be such a sweet, lovable girl, always calling me ‘Senior Brother’ with stars in her eyes. Now she’s acting like a tiny conniving minister. Must’ve been bribed with lots of treats…

“Enough. Go to sleep, and stop thinking about nonsense.”

He tried to use senior-brother authority to shut her down. It… didn’t work.

“I can’t sleep. Tell me a story? How about the one where Little Gourd Warrior battles Snow White?”

She gazed at him with sparkling eyes full of hope.

“Fine…” HanLuo sighed and activated the Sleep Formation, instantly putting her to sleep.

Gourd Warrior versus Snow White? Since when was that a bedtime story? You’re definitely not ready for that kind of content.

“You chickened out, didn’t you?” Xiaobai mocked, seizing the perfect opportunity to poke fun.

HanLuo turned to him with an evil grin.

“HanLuo, don’t you dare—!”

Xiaobai instinctively bolted, diving into Shen Xian’er’s bedding and peeking out just enough to glare. “If you touch one hair on me, I’ll tell the entire sect about your kidney deficiency! Let’s see how you show your face after that!”

HanLuo was thoroughly annoyed.

“Sure, you go ahead and tell them. But before you do… hehehe…”

Eyes narrowing into dangerous slits, he lunged at Xiaobai.

“Meow meow meow meow—!”

What followed was not suitable for children.

Three seconds later, Xiaobai lay on the ground, glaring at HanLuo like a wronged wife, full of resentment.

Ignoring him, HanLuo headed for Luoxian Lake’s central island—he needed a quiet place to refine the spirit tempering pills.

The island, surrounded by water, was unusually serene and made for the perfect alchemy retreat. There, he constructed a pill refining chamber with layered soundproofing and protective formations to ensure complete privacy.

Naturally, all of this was a decoy.

The real pill room was hidden beneath the island, accessible only via a secure tunnel. HanLuo, ever cautious, left nothing to chance.

Inside the hidden chamber, everything was meticulously arranged. He brought out the prepared pill cauldron.

It was time to begin refining the spirit tempering pills.

Chapter 48

Wudao appeared on Luoxian Mountain, and with him were Shen Xian’er and Xiaobai, both of whom had been missing for days.

“Master.”
Han Luo greeted him respectfully, though inwardly he was puzzled. In the five years he had spent in Luoxian Sect, he could count the number of times he’d seen his master on one hand. Why had he shown up now? Did something happen?

What didn’t surprise him, however, was how Wudao had made it past the mountain’s countless traps and formations without triggering a single one. After investigating, Han Luo had long suspected that his master’s true strength far exceeded the officially acknowledged mid-stage Core Formation. In fact, Wudao gave off a presence comparable to that of Yunyangzi, who was at the Nascent Soul stage. It was very possible that Wudao was hiding his true cultivation—and perhaps was even stronger than Yunyangzi himself.

“Xiao Luo, now that you’ve reached the seventh stage of Qi Refinement, it’s time to undergo spirit tempering,” Wudao said directly, revealing the purpose of his visit.

So that was it. His master had come to personally oversee his spirit tempering. Han Luo was genuinely touched.

Currently, Luoxian Sect was enjoying a rare period of peace. Many previously active figures like Li Jun and Chi Xiao had all gone quiet—because their respective masters had pulled them back to assist them through their tempering stage. After all, spirit tempering was one of the most critical foundational processes in a cultivator’s journey; the number of tempering cycles could directly affect one's future path.

That his own master had finally thought of him… Han Luo was moved almost to tears.

Master, do you even know what these five years have been like for me? If you hadn’t shown up today, I might’ve forgotten I even had a master!

Still, emotions aside, he bowed respectfully. “Yes, Master. I was just about to begin.”

Wudao nodded. “You’re different from others. I won’t be much help in your tempering, but here—this is a spirit tempering guide I wrote just for you. It may be useful.” He handed Han Luo a handwritten book.

Given Wudao’s strength, a jade slip would’ve been more convenient. But Han Luo couldn’t use those, so his master had painstakingly written it out on paper. Holding the book in his hands, Han Luo felt a rare warmth in his heart. Though his master hadn’t appeared in years, this gesture showed he still cared. Maybe… he really had just forgotten his disciple existed.

Fine, I’ll let it go. He’s still my master after all. Even if he hasn’t taught me anything or shown up for five years… what can I say? (insert shrug here)

“Master, why don’t you stay for dinner?” Han Luo asked hopefully, trying to make the most of the rare visit.

“Yes! Yes!” Shen Xian’er lit up at the mention of food. “Senior Brother’s cooking is amazing, Master, you have to try it!”

Wudao gave a faint nod—permission granted.

Han Luo took out his bronze mirror, preparing to enter the Mirror World and cook. But just as he activated it—

“Senior Brother, I’ll help!” Shen Xian’er didn’t wait for permission and tried to slip into the mirror behind him. She had long suspected that he was hiding a stockpile of delicious food inside.

“Stop.” Han Luo caught her by the collar mid-sprint, lifting her like a kitten. “You stay here with Master and don’t cause any trouble.”

To him, the Mirror World was sacred ground. If Xian’er got in there, it would be pure chaos—his garden trampled, his pantries raided. He wasn’t taking that risk.

“But I can help! I’m amazing! Even Big Sis Chi Xiao said I was the best!” Shen Xian’er puffed up with pride.

“Chi Xiao?” Han Luo’s eyes twitched. “You mean that Chi Xiao?”

“Of course. How many Chi Xiao sisters are there in the sect?” she said proudly.

No wonder you’ve gotten bold enough to try and storm my Mirror World. Hanging out with her would teach anyone bad habits.

“Let go of me, or I’ll bite you!” Shen Xian’er bared her teeth, flashing her tiny fangs. Chi Xiao had taught her to act tough when bullied—never show weakness.

Han Luo sighed. You could be eating well and living comfortably with your senior brother, but no—you had to go follow the local tyrant.

“Alright, time to teach you a lesson.”
Whack. Whack. Whack.
Three solid flicks to her forehead.

Tears welled up in her eyes instantly.

“Still want to bite me?”

“No… no…” She sniffled, looking pitiful, tears trickling down like rain. Seeing her act all soft now, Han Luo held his head. First she tries being fierce, now she’s playing the sympathy card. Too bad I’m not your average pushover.

Whack. Whack. Whack.
Three more flicks.

Now her forehead had little red marks. She held it and turned pitiful eyes toward their master.

“Master, he’s bullying me. If you don’t stop him, your beloved disciple will be beaten to death!”

Wudao didn’t even blink. Eyes closed, still resting.

Seeing no help coming, she gave up. “Fine, Senior Brother. If you’re really going to kill me, then let me at least fulfill one last wish… I want your braised pork trotters... gulp...”

It might’ve been a tragic moment—except she audibly swallowed at the mention of food, ruining the mood entirely.

“Alright, alright! I don’t even know what you and Chi Xiao have been up to. Wait here, I’ll make your damn pork trotters.” Han Luo rolled his eyes.

No wonder Master didn’t let her out of the mountain until she hit the seventh stage. If she’d left earlier, she’d still be stuck at the first.

“Heehee, Senior Brother, you’re the best!” Shen Xian’er, hearing she’d get her food, instantly perked up and obediently sat beside their master.

What a handful.

Han Luo entered the Mirror World and quickly prepared a feast—nine dishes, one soup, dessert platter, and fine wine. He spared no effort, wanting to leave a lasting impression on his rarely-seen master. After all, he couldn’t have Wudao forgetting he even had a disciple.

Shen Xian’er pulled out her own enchanted utensils while Han Luo sat beside her. Neither touched their food—they waited for Wudao.

“Eat,” Wudao finally said, picking up a piece of fish and tasting it.

Han Luo watched anxiously, hoping for a bit of praise. As a dedicated chef, he cared about his cooking’s reputation.

“Not bad,” Wudao said blandly, then went silent again.

Han Luo had hoped for more, but thinking about it, those two words were already high praise. His master rarely spoke, and “not bad” was as good as a standing ovation.

Fine, I’ll take it.

“Dig in,” Han Luo told Shen Xian’er, who was already drooling all over the table.

“Mmm!” She nodded frantically and dove in with the speed of a starving squirrel.

Midway through the meal, Wudao put down his chopsticks.

“By the way, Xiao Luo—one more thing.”
“Yes, Master?” Han Luo paused, attentive.

“Since you’re preparing to temper your spirit, help your junior sister with hers while you’re at it.”

Having said that, Wudao stood and left without waiting for a reply.

“Take care, Master~” Shen Xian’er waved with greasy hands and cheeks stuffed with food.

“…Goodbye, Master,” Han Luo muttered, feeling thoroughly scammed.

So that was the real reason for this rare visit. Not concern. Not guidance. Just to dump his junior sister on him for spirit tempering.

Suddenly, the chicken leg in his hand didn’t taste quite so good.

Every other peak had masters who nurtured their disciples like precious seedlings, offering personal guidance and support. But his master? Total free-range parenting.

Why is our master so different… our lives are so hard…

“You gonna eat that chicken leg?” Shen Xian’er asked, one hand gripping a pork trotter while her eyes hungrily fixed on his.

Han Luo was speechless. “You take it.”

He handed it over and, unable to stay mad, reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

For the future of Wudao Peak… I really am doing the most.

Chapter 47

The area outside the scripture pavilion was as bustling as ever. No one knew that demons had once tried to steal a tower there, only to be caught and wiped out in one swift operation. No one realized that, for a time, demon spies had lived right among them—perhaps as a friend, a cultivation partner, a close companion… or even the person sitting directly across from them.

It was on the third day of Han Luo’s alchemy studies that the strange event occurred. The sky was particularly gloomy that day. He had started the morning with a hearty meal: Wellington steak paired with a bottle of Laobaigan. After arriving at the scripture pavilion, he carefully settled into his usual remote corner and focused on reading The Revised Guide to Basic Alchemy, authored by none other than Elder Yunding .

His seat was tucked away, not meant to attract attention. Yet for some reason, a thin girl insisted on sitting right across from him. At first, Han Luo didn’t think much of it—after all, he was protected by five third-grade defensive formations, plus the combined concealment of his bronze mirror and ring. Unless someone at the Core Formation stage launched a surprise attack, his life wasn’t in any real danger.

But then… he noticed her breathing.

Ordinary people breathe in rhythm—inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. But this girl’s breath was uneven: sometimes short and rapid, sometimes long and drawn out—erratic like a flustered maiden or a man in poor health. She was clearly a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the fourth stage of Qi Refinement. Her breath shouldn’t be that unstable.

Han Luo, as always, chose caution. He immediately sent a message to Lei Jiu, claiming he had detected the remnants of demonic aura and requesting urgent assistance. Within moments, Lei Jiu arrived with a team. As they surrounded the girl, she shrieked and ranted like a madwoman, insisting she had just been reading quietly and demanding to know why she was being arrested. Her overreaction only confirmed Han Luo’s suspicion—something was off.

After Lei Jiu took her away, Han Luo got up and checked the spot she’d been sitting. On the table lay a book titled Complete Analysis of Spirit-Tempering Pills. Without hesitation, he snatched it up. “Tch, three days and you still hadn’t finished it. So slow.”

He relocated to a quieter corner and began studying the book. He found that alchemy, much like formation arts, was about combining materials into something greater. There was enough overlap in principles that learning the basics wasn’t too difficult. After grasping the fundamentals, Han Luo set his sights on refining Spirit-Tempering Pills.

Spiritual energy comes in many elemental types—fire, water, lightning, etc. Normally, the energy absorbed through cultivation is a chaotic mix. Spirit tempering is the process of filtering out the mismatched types and retaining only the energies that align with one’s spiritual roots. The process can be repeated up to seven times.

Generally, three to four rounds of tempering is common. Five to six is already considered exceptional. But seven? Only one person in the entire Luoxian Sect had ever achieved it: Elder Hongniang. Rumor had it that after seven temperings, spiritual energy undergoes a qualitative transformation and could even enhance the grade of one's spiritual roots.

Han Luo’s goal was to achieve seven refinements.

After three days of studying the pill’s refining process and taking thorough notes, he left the pavilion and headed to the market to buy ingredients from Senior Sister Lin Xiaolou. Having grown accustomed to cutting corners, Han Luo smoothly took the back entrance, and Xiaolou, in turn, was already used to accommodating him. She led him to a private storage room where no one would disturb them.

“Let’s get started quickly before someone finds us,” she said with a faint smile.

Lin Xiaolou was grateful to Han Luo. Without his past advice, she might still be drifting through life aimlessly. So now, if Han Luo ever needed anything, she was more than happy to help.

“Thank you, Senior Sister Xiaolou,” he said politely, grateful for how much trouble she helped him avoid. But as he adjusted his enchanted glasses, he suddenly noticed that Xiaolou… seemed different.

Her tall figure, perfectly proportioned, created a surprisingly pleasant visual impact. While her facial features weren’t extraordinary, she radiated an almost impossible warmth. Dressed in sleek black work stockings, her waist cinched tightly by a red sash, the top of her robe looked like it might explode at any moment from the strain.

Wait a minute—Han Luo felt a chill run down his spine. She’s in her thirties… how is she still developing?! Out of caution, he tweaked his enchanted lenses to get a better look.

Indeed—she had definitely grown since last time.

Could she be sick?

That must be it.

Even immortals don't just grow again in their thirties. That has to be a sign of illness.

“Junior Brother~” Xiaolou caught him staring, and instead of being upset, she looked rather pleased. She straightened up intentionally, causing her robe to creak ominously.

Han Luo, not flustered in the slightest, met her gaze head-on. Since she might be ill, it was only right to be concerned. After all, if she couldn’t continue managing the backroom inventory, he’d lose a valuable connection.

“Senior Sister, have you… been feeling unwell lately?” he asked, meaning obvious.

Xiaolou looked at him curiously. He wasn’t joking.

“Junior Brother, how did you know I wasn’t feeling well? Do you… have a solution?” she asked, smiling coyly, giving her back another seductive stretch.

Han Luo stared seriously for a full ten minutes before replying, “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. I’m not trained in medicine, so I can’t help.”

“Pfft!” Xiaolou burst out laughing at his serious face. “I was just teasing you, silly! I’ve been hanging out with some friends . They taught me a few… modern techniques. So? Obvious improvement, right?” She did a little twirl, flaunting her curves.

Han Luo rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. “Senior Sister, if you ask me… your target area is too big. You’re just asking to be hit in a fight.”

“PFFT—” Xiaolou almost coughed up blood. “You brat! Are you mocking me?!”

Hands on hips, she struck a fake angry pose. Han Luo raised both hands in surrender. Of course, he didn’t say what he was thinking: I’m just being honest. That thing’s a liability. Not to mention you’d need bigger hidden compartments just to smuggle yourself out.

He quickly got back to business, meticulously gathering all the ingredients he needed. Then, as he prepared to leave, Xiaolou looked at him playfully.

“Junior Brother, when will you invite me to your cave residence for a visit?”

She had long been fond of Han Luo’s mild-mannered, upright personality. Even if she was twenty years older, age was hardly an issue in the cultivation world. At the Foundation Establishment stage, her lifespan was over five hundred years. They had plenty of time.

Han Luo gave it some thought. “When my cultivation surpasses yours, I’ll invite you to my cave.” Luoxian Mountain was his personal base. Not even Shen Xian’er or Xiaobai were allowed to visit without swearing oaths. You could never truly know someone’s intentions—it was always better to be cautious.

Xiaolou was pleased with his answer. She stepped closer, her bright eyes locking onto his. “Then you’d better work hard and train that body well. I’ll be waiting~”

Han Luo remained calm. “Senior Sister, your drool is showing.”

Becoming cultivation partners with her wasn’t out of the question. Who doesn’t like a beautiful woman? But to feel safe, his strength needed to be absolutely superior. He would even have to find a chance to soul-search her later—just in case.

“Annoying!” Xiaolou playfully rolled her eyes and wiped the corner of her mouth.

After leaving the exchange room, Han Luo returned to Luoxian Mountain and began preparing for closed-door cultivation.

But just before he could begin—his master, Wudao, unexpectedly paid him a visit.

Chapter 46

“There’s definitely demonic energy here!” Lei Xing’s expression was grim. His strength made it easy to distinguish the nature of the aura. Upon hearing this, Lei Jiu’s guard went up immediately. “Let’s go! I want to see which suicidal demon dared to infiltrate Luoxian Sect.” Without hesitation, Lei Xing stepped forward and entered the barren mountain through a concealed entrance, with Lei Jiu following closely behind.

As they stepped into the cavern, their vision blurred, and the next moment, they found themselves standing above a vast blood lake that stretched endlessly in all directions. The sky was a dull, murky gray, as if they had stepped into a realm of eternal death and solitude.

“A maze formation!” Lei Jiu’s eyes narrowed. The presence of a maze meant the enemy had come prepared, but he sneered inwardly. “A mere maze formation dares to act up before me?” His eyes flashed with lightning as he opened his mouth and roared, “Thunder, come!”

Boom! Boom! Boom! A deep, muffled thunder echoed from within his body, as though heavenly punishment was gestating inside him. Bolts of lightning erupted from his body, crackling and slithering outward like electric snakes. Shrill screams echoed around them as the blood lake dissolved into nothingness.

“Trying to run?” Lei Jiu acted swiftly. “Thunder Chains!” Four silver chains, crackling with lightning, shot from his hands and lashed toward the fleeing demon spies. But just as the chains tightened, the captured demons chose to self-destruct, leaving behind only pools of blood. “Typical demonic behavior,” Lei Jiu muttered, retracting the chains and turning to his father.

Lei Xing remained silent, his eyes locked on a stone platform in the center of the cavern—an ancient teleportation array, clearly out of place. “An ancient teleportation array?” Han Luo, watching through the ancient bronze mirror from afar, recognized it immediately. These arrays were long obsolete due to their high spiritual stone consumption and the risk of instability during transmission. However, their unpredictable destinations made them difficult to trace.

“Father, let me destroy it!” Lei Jiu’s palm crackled with lightning, ready to obliterate the array, but Lei Xing raised a hand. “Wait.” His gaze darkened. “This is a two-way teleportation array,” he muttered. “It can be used to enter the demon’s stronghold.”

Lei Xing’s mind was racing. The sudden appearance of the Demon Race had puzzled everyone, and this was a rare lead. How could he pass up such an opportunity?

“Father, no! What if they’ve set a trap on the other side?” Lei Jiu voiced his concerns. Even though his father was a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, they were dealing with demons—beings whose methods defied common sense.

“Fear not,” Lei Xing said with resolve. “For the sake of Luoxian Sect and the Eastern Region, I will lead the charge.” He inserted a few spiritual stones into the array, preparing to activate it.

“Wait, brother!” Several voices echoed as Yunyangzi and the other four peak masters arrived, including Wudao, Han Luo’s master. “I’ll go with you,” Yunyangzi said, stepping forward. “Count me in,” Yun Qianren added, but Yunyangzi stopped him. “No.” He turned to Yunding and the others. “Once we leave, destroy the teleportation array immediately. Until we return, no one is allowed to leave the mountain.”

“Understood!” The four peak masters nodded in unison. With that, Yunyangzi and Lei Xing stepped into the teleportation array. Moments after their departure, Yunding and the others obliterated the array.

Far away, in a barren mountain…

Mo Jiu was indulging himself with a beautiful woman when he suddenly shivered. A split second later, he vanished.

“Filthy beast, where do you think you’re going?” Lei Xing’s furious roar echoed like divine thunder, shaking the entire mountain.

Mo Jiu sensed Lei Xing’s terrifying power and knew escape was impossible. “Run!” he roared, and with a loud explosion, he self-destructed, transforming into a cloud of blood mist. But within that mist—

Swish!

A streak of blood light, faster than lightning, shot toward the horizon and disappeared.

“Blood escape by burning life force…” Lei Xing muttered, his body crackling with lightning as he prepared to pursue.

“Leave him to me. You clean up this place,” Yunyangzi said calmly, stepping onto a cloud. His movements seemed slow, yet in an instant, he vanished beyond the horizon.

Lei Xing glanced at the shivering demon slaves below and raised his palm. Boom! Thunder rumbled as dark clouds gathered overhead. “Ten Thousand Thunder Judgment.”

Boom! Boom! Boom! Silver lightning dragons descended from the heavens, reducing the entire mountain to ashes.

Back on Luoxian Mountain…

Han Luo couldn’t sit still. He had no idea if Yunyangzi and Lei Xing would succeed in killing Mo Jiu. Though Mo Jiu wasn’t extremely powerful, he was from the royal lineage of the True Demon Clan, known for possessing bizarre life-saving techniques. If he escaped, tracking him down again would be nearly impossible.

Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long.

The next day.

Lei Xing returned.

After questioning his master, Wudao, Han Luo learned that Lei Xing had annihilated the demon base, wiping out every last demon except the leader. However, the fact that Mo Jiu had escaped still left Han Luo uneasy. As long as Mo Jiu was alive, he could spawn countless more demons.

“What now?”

Feeling restless, Han Luo lit three sticks of incense and prayed earnestly.
“Dear heavens, if you’re listening, please take Mo Jiu away. Don’t let him harm good people. I’m begging you.”

The following day.

Yunyangzi returned with good news. Mo Jiu had been captured and, to prevent capture, had destroyed his own soul, dying completely.

Finally!

Han Luo’s heart settled—halfway.

Why only halfway? Because they still hadn’t figured out how the demons had infiltrated the Eastern Region.

But for now, Mo Jiu’s death was a huge relief.

To celebrate, Han Luo treated himself.

He slaughtered a pig and prepared a lavish feast. “If it weren’t for my incense offering, Mo Jiu might have escaped!”

Meanwhile, Luoxian Sect organized an “Immortal Fate Event.” On the surface, it was to reward the disciples, but in reality, it was a secret operation to root out any remaining demon spies. Twelve demon spies were eventually captured, and Luoxian Peak formed a special investigation team to monitor all disciples, ensuring no more spies lurked within the sect.

Six months passed.

The demon crisis seemed to be over.

Han Luo finally felt it was safe to leave Luoxian Mountain. His first stop was the location where he had initially sensed demonic energy. This was the only spot in Luoxian Sect that made him feel uneasy. What if the demons had left some hidden tricks there?

To be safe…

Han Luo personally went to the site and set up a Bone-Grinding Array to completely refine the mountain into nothingness. The refinement lasted seven days. Even after the mountain was reduced to flat ground, he wasn’t satisfied.

He set up multiple alarm talismans and concealed traps to ensure that if anything stirred in the next hundred years, he would be notified immediately. To be extra cautious, he erected stone tablets around the site, inscribed with warnings prohibiting anyone from approaching.

Only after all this did Han Luo finally feel at ease.

“Life goes on, but I must remain cautious. No more offending troublesome enemies like the Demon Race…”

However…

In a distant forest, far from Luoxian Sect…

A deer grazed peacefully.

Suddenly—

The deer collapsed without warning, its body withering as though all its blood and flesh had been drained.

“Pfft!”

A hand burst out from the deer’s belly.

“Cough… cough…”

“Damn you, Yunyangzi… destroying my true body… I swear I’ll have my revenge!”

Mo Jiu, looking incredibly weak, emerged from the deer’s corpse.

Though Yunyangzi had destroyed his true body, Mo Jiu had prepared an escape plan—splitting his soul into two halves.

One half had perished, but the other had survived.

His strength was greatly diminished, and recovery would take at least a hundred years, but… survival was all that mattered.

“Yunyangzi…” Mo Jiu’s eyes burned with hatred.

“You think destroying the teleportation array will stop me from entering Luoxian Sect?”

Mo Jiu sneered, producing a small array plate from his palm. “With this array plate, I can enter Luoxian Sect whenever I want.”

But before he could gloat—

Buzz…

The array plate trembled violently, then—

Fwoosh!

It burst into flames, incinerating itself.

“Impossible! Who did this?” Mo Jiu’s expression twisted in rage. He activated the remnants of the array to trace the culprit.

A figure appeared in the image, and when Mo Jiu saw that familiar silhouette, his fury exploded.

“That bastard! I knew it was you!”

His rage shook his entire body, and his hands slammed into the ground, draining all life from the surrounding vegetation.

Meanwhile…

Han Luo, already leaving the area, suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

“Something still feels off…”

He stopped and looked back at the flattened site. “Better to be safe than sorry.”

He returned and set up the Bone-Grinding Array again, obliterating the site five more times before finally leaving.

In the final moments of the burning array plate, Mo Jiu caught a glimpse of Han Luo’s figure.

Though Han Luo had disguised himself, Mo Jiu’s sharp eyes recognized him instantly.

“Bastard… it’s definitely you!”

Mo Jiu’s teeth ground together so hard they nearly shattered.

“All my efforts over the past four or five years—gone. My cultivation—crippled. My life—nearly lost.”

“And it’s all because of him.”

“I swear… I will kill you. If I fail, may I be struck by heavenly thunder, devoured by ten thousand poisons, and condemned to eternal damnation.”

Han Luo had no idea that Mo Jiu was still alive… and that he had become Mo Jiu’s sworn enemy.

After dealing with the ruins, he returned to Luoxian Mountain. Five years had passed since his ten-year plan began. His understanding of formations was now solid, and he only needed to cultivate steadily from here on.

With his cultivation at the seventh level of Qi Refinement, it was time to begin Spirit Tempering. To do that, he needed Spirit Tempering Pills.

Determined to proceed, he headed to the library to study the Dao of Alchemy.

Chapter 45

Lei Xing came not only because the matter of the demons required caution but also because he wanted to grow closer to Han Luo.

With Han Luo’s talent, he was destined for greatness. Establishing a good relationship now would benefit not only himself but also his son.

In cultivation, what mattered most?

Resources.

The Eastern Region was rich, and even the Demon Race had spent a thousand years trying to break through its defenses. But as the number of cultivators increased, the competition for resources grew fiercer.

To secure resources, one needed true strength.

Han Luo had the potential to become such a powerhouse. Investing in him now might one day ensure that both he and Lei Jiu could ride his coattails to the Immortal Realm.

Of course—

He was merely cultivating a connection, not lowering himself to flattery.

“Uncle.”

“Uncle.”

Han Luo and Jiu Li’er greeted him respectfully.

“I’ve heard everything. Let’s go—show me where you sensed the demonic energy.”

Lei Xing had received a brief account of the situation from Lei Jiu.

Lei Xing and Lei Jiu began walking ahead, ready to set off.

“Uh… Uncle,” Han Luo suddenly spoke, but he made no move to follow.

“What now?”

Lei Jiu frowned, already annoyed. What’s this guy up to now?

Lei Xing also turned back with a questioning look.

“Uncle, I was thinking…” Han Luo glanced between the two of them and said carefully, “Maybe… I should just stay behind.”

His tone was firm.

This thought had been on his mind from the start.

When it came to demon incursions, the best course of action was not to get involved.

The Demon Race was infamous for their cunning and bizarre tactics. If they had the nerve to infiltrate Luoxian Sect, they were undoubtedly well-prepared.

Even with a Core Formation stage cultivator like Lei Xing leading the way, Han Luo still felt that the situation was too dangerous.

Staying out of it was the safest option.

Caution was never wrong.

The only reason he had insisted that Lei Xing come was to ensure that the demons wouldn’t escape. If they slipped away, he wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully.

Lei Jiu’s brow furrowed deeper. Lei Xing, though he said nothing, was clearly displeased.

As the future hope of Luoxian Sect, Han Luo’s actions would one day represent the sect. Just as Lu Danchen and Ye Qingqing embodied Luoxian Sect’s current prestige, Han Luo was expected to do the same in the future.

His reluctance to act now made Lei Xing worry for the sect’s future.

Among those present, only Jiu Li’er seemed to understand why Han Luo was being so cautious.

She had long noticed that her senior brother was meticulous in everything he did. If something didn’t feel right, he would stop immediately and not move forward until every detail was clear.

Perhaps… this was why her senior brother was so exceptional.

Han Luo noticed Lei Xing’s displeasure but didn’t care. He knew Lei Xing admired bold, fearless disciples, but he wasn’t going to change his principles to win approval.

“Uncle, please rest assured. I am absolutely certain that there’s demonic energy within Luoxian Sect,” Han Luo said, offering his guarantee.

Lei Xing said nothing, his expression unreadable.

“Junior brother,” Lei Jiu spoke with obvious disdain. “With Uncle Lei Xing here, what are you afraid of? Do you think he can’t protect you? Don’t forget—my father… no, I mean, Uncle Lei Xing is already at the late stage of Core Formation. Within a hundred years, he will surely break through to the Nascent Soul stage. A powerhouse like that, and you’re still worried?”

Lei Jiu had initially started to admire Han Luo.

Despite his flaws, Han Luo had shown genuine care for Luoxian Sect’s disciples. Lei Jiu could sense that his concern came from the heart, and that sincerity had earned his respect.

But now, seeing Han Luo acting so cowardly made Lei Jiu feel nothing but disappointment.

In cultivation, you can’t hide forever.

Once a disciple reached the Qi Sea stage, they would inevitably be sent to serve on the Golden Battlefield and fight the Demon Race head-on.

Would Han Luo hide behind others when that time came?

A real man should be like Lei Jiu himself—heading to the Golden Battlefield as early as the Foundation Establishment stage to temper oneself in blood and battle.

Han Luo had no idea what Lei Jiu was thinking.

And even if he did, he wouldn’t care.

When Lei Xing still didn’t speak, Han Luo sighed and added, “Uncle, it was the ancient bronze mirror that detected the demonic energy. You should go investigate. I’ll stay out of it.”

Mentioning the ancient bronze mirror was a reminder to Lei Xing—if we keep wasting time here, the demons might already be gone.

“Very well. You two can return. I’ll handle this. But remember—this matter must not be disclosed to anyone. Do you understand?”

Lei Xing finally spoke after some thought.

He could hardly blame Han Luo.

Cultivators are only human.

Fear of death was natural, and in fact, cultivators were often more fearful than mortals because they had the means to avoid death.

Han Luo was simply making the logical decision any sensible person would make.

But still—

Lei Xing had always believed that supreme geniuses should be fearless, willing to charge ahead even when no danger was present, just to prove their talent.

Only such individuals could showcase their exceptional gifts and command respect.

But geniuses like that often died young.

Ironically, it was the cautious ones—like Han Luo—who tended to live the longest.

Upon realizing this, Lei Xing found himself respecting Han Luo even more.

This kid is truly one in a million.

He knows how to stay low and avoid danger before he rises to power.

The future of Luoxian Sect truly looks promising.

“Understood, Uncle,” Han Luo replied and left with Jiu Li’er.

“Father, Han Luo is such a coward. How did he even get accepted into the sect?” Lei Jiu couldn’t hide his frustration.

Lei Xing looked at his son.

How did he get accepted?

If only you knew.

The competition to recruit Han Luo had been so fierce that several peak masters had nearly come to blows. In the end, they had to settle the matter through a formal contest.

“Jiu’er, Han Luo is no ordinary person,” Lei Xing said, his tone unusually warm as he patted his son’s shoulder.

“You may be stronger than him now, but there are many things you can learn from him.”

Lei Jiu was stunned.

His father had never spoken to him like this before.

“Back then, I was just like you,” Lei Xing continued, his voice softer than usual. “I rushed to the Golden Battlefield, believing that a man’s greatest honor was to die on the battlefield. I thought shouting the loudest was the highest form of valor.

“But after hundreds of years, I’ve come to understand something.

“Sometimes… silence holds more power than shouting.

“Jiu’er, remember—true strength doesn’t come from reckless anger. It comes from silent determination.

“And I believe you’re someone who understands that.”

Lei Jiu felt as if his body was floating.

Am I dreaming?

From childhood, his father had been a man of few words.

The phrase he heard most often was simply: “Cultivate.”

Yet in this moment, Lei Xing had said more than he had in twenty-eight years combined.

“Understood,” Lei Jiu nodded firmly, his gaze now steadier.

But as his mind calmed, his thoughts drifted back to Han Luo.

When he had been pressing Han Luo earlier, the guy had remained composed, unshaken, and unmoved.

Father’s right. Who exactly is Han Luo?

After parting ways with Jiu Li’er, Han Luo immediately returned to Luoxian Mountain.

“Phew…”

Only when he was finally seated on the stone bench under the parasol tree did he truly relax.

That was terrifying.

Demons were too dangerous. Nothing beat the safety of home.

Under the tree, he took out the ancient bronze mirror.

In the reflection, he could see everything from Lei Jiu’s perspective.

During their earlier confrontation, Han Luo had secretly planted a trace of ancient bronze spirit patterns on Lei Jiu, allowing him to monitor everything.

So he had heard every word of Lei Xing’s lecture to Lei Jiu.

A faint, amused smile spread across Han Luo’s face.

When did I become so exceptional?

Why didn’t I notice?

I’ve actually become the model child that other parents compare their kids to.

Even someone as talented as Lei Jiu was being told to learn from him.

Caution is always the right path.

Han Luo nodded to himself.

His obsession with caution only grew stronger.

As he composed himself, he watched through the ancient bronze mirror as Lei Xing and Lei Jiu approached a desolate mountain.

Chapter 44

“Senior brother… are you saying—” Jiu Li’er’s voice trailed off, her expression turning cautious as her eyes swept the surroundings.

Han Luo gave her a firm nod.

Damn it!

I knew it… I knew this would happen.

Han Luo cursed silently.

Truthfully, one of the reasons he had brought Jiu Li’er to study the Luoxian Grand Formation was not just to gain insight but because he was uneasy. He was worried the demons might somehow sneak past the formation.

The Demon Race was infamous for their bizarre and unpredictable methods. Who knew what kind of strange technique they might use to bypass the formation?

And now, it seemed his instincts had been right. Demons had actually managed to infiltrate.

“Senior brother… are you sure? You’re not making a mistake, are you?”

Jiu Li’er found it hard to believe. Part of her even wondered if her senior brother had come up with an excuse to meet her.

“There’s no mistake,” Han Luo replied, his tone unwavering. “There’s definitely demonic energy.”

“But… but the Luoxian Grand Formation is a seventh-rank array! Even Uncle Yunyangzi can’t enter or leave it easily. How could demons possibly get in?” Jiu Li’er lowered her voice and whispered, “Unless… the demons are stronger than Uncle Yunyangzi?”

“The Demon Race has all kinds of strange methods beyond what we can imagine. And the world of cultivation is vast—there are countless techniques we don’t know about. A seventh-rank formation isn’t an invincible celestial array. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Han Luo had no doubts.

After all, this information came from the ancient bronze mirror—a postnatal spiritual treasure. There was no way it would get things wrong.

They both fell silent.

Before long, someone from Luoxian Peak arrived.

The newcomer was dressed in a sleek black outfit, exuding an aura of strength and confidence.

Lei Jiu—son of Lei Xing and the top talent of Luoxian Peak’s younger generation.

Lei Jiu glanced at Han Luo and Jiu Li’er. He clearly recognized both of them.

“Come with me.”

Lei Jiu led them to a secluded forest where no one was around.

“Did you two send the message about demonic activity?” Lei Jiu’s tone was serious. He needed confirmation.

Jiu Li’er turned to Han Luo.

Han Luo scanned the silent forest around them, then pulled out a formation plate and placed it at their feet.

A soundproofing formation. One of his personal inventions to prevent eavesdropping.

Once the formation was active, he looked at Lei Jiu with a grave expression.

“Lei Jiu, we noticed demonic energy while observing the Luoxian Grand Formation. It was near the eastern section, right here.”

He took out the ancient bronze mirror, and an image appeared—showing the exact location where the demonic energy had been detected.

Lei Jiu examined the mirror carefully, then looked at Han Luo.

If it had been anyone else, he would have been skeptical.

But this was Han Luo—the one his father had repeatedly reminded him to treat with care. There had to be something special about him. He wouldn’t fabricate something this serious.

“Take me there.” Lei Jiu was ready to investigate personally.

“No.”

Han Luo’s refusal was immediate and firm.

“What did you say?”

Lei Jiu’s expression darkened.

He had never liked Han Luo.

His father had never shown him an ounce of concern, always pushing him to cultivate. Yet for some reason, he treated Han Luo with special care. Jealousy made it hard for Lei Jiu to look at him without bias.

“I said no,” Han Luo repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Do you realize,” Lei Jiu’s voice was laced with displeasure, “if there really are demons inside Luoxian Sect and they escape because of you, the consequences will be dire?”

“Of course I know,” Han Luo replied calmly. “I’ll take you there… but only if Uncle Lei Xing comes with us.”

Are you kidding me?

Demons had breached Luoxian Sect’s defenses. Who knew how many of them were lurking around? There could be traps, ambushes, or even some strange demonic tricks waiting for them.

The Luoxian Grand Formation couldn’t stop them—how could a mere early-stage Qi Sea disciple like Lei Jiu handle this?

“Father is busy. I’ll handle it.”

Lei Jiu, like his father, was confident and decisive. He didn’t like to waste time.

“No, no, no.” Han Luo shook his head vigorously.

Not happening.

Lei Jiu alone? Too unreliable.

“I’m not going if Uncle Lei Xing isn’t coming.”

Han Luo wasn’t taking any chances.

He had a deep-rooted fear of the Demon Race. And Lei Jiu? Not nearly enough insurance.

“You’re messing with me!”

Lei Jiu’s patience was wearing thin.

He was starting to think this was all a hoax. There was no way demons had breached the Luoxian Grand Formation.

“Lei Jiu, you’re wrong about me.”

Han Luo’s tone turned cold.

“I don’t have time to mess around. Call Uncle Lei Xing. If he doesn’t come, we’ll wait. But mark my words—while you’re arguing with me, those demons could be changing locations or slipping away unnoticed. And if that happens, the consequences won’t just fall on you. They’ll fall on your father, too. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if the news spread that Luoxian Sect, protected by the renowned Luoxian Grand Formation, had been infiltrated by demons without anyone noticing.”

Han Luo’s words weren’t just a bluff.

If it really got out that demons had infiltrated a top sect like Luoxian Sect, it would be a laughingstock across the cultivation world.

Even the disciples of Luoxian Sect would be too ashamed to show their faces.

Han Luo understood Lei Jiu’s hesitation.

After all, the Holy War had been raging for a thousand years, and the Demon Race had never once breached the Eastern Region. Over time, sects had naturally grown lax in their vigilance.

Not everyone lived with the constant paranoia that Han Luo did.

Lei Jiu glared at Han Luo, clearly frustrated, but Han Luo stood his ground, unwavering.

“Fine,” Lei Jiu finally relented. “I’ll swear this—if there really are demons, they’ll have to go through my dead body to harm you.”

He felt he was being more than reasonable.

And besides, he was still convinced Han Luo was overreacting.

Han Luo looked at him seriously—and shook his head again.

“Lei Jiu, I respect you. But to me, your life isn’t worth much.”

Lei Jiu’s face immediately darkened, ready to explode.

“Don’t get angry. Hear me out first.”

Han Luo raised a hand to stop him.

“Your life may not matter to me, but my life means everything to me. You can gamble with your own life, but I won’t let you gamble with mine. Don’t blame me for being cautious—I’m only doing this because I don’t want any disciples of Luoxian Sect to get hurt. If something really happens, the consequences won’t be something any of us can bear. Do you understand?”

Lei Jiu’s temper cooled slightly.

After all, he wasn’t stupid. As one of the top five talents of Luoxian Sect, he understood the stakes.

“So,” Han Luo continued, “if there’s a foolproof way to handle this, why take unnecessary risks? Being cautious isn’t a mistake.”

Han Luo would never gamble with his life.

Demons were no joke—being careless could be fatal.

Honestly, if he didn’t have to guide them, he’d already be back on Luoxian Mountain hiding safely. Why waste time arguing here?

“Han Luo’s right.”

Jiu Li’er, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up.

“At first, I didn’t quite understand senior brother’s caution, but after hearing what he said, it makes perfect sense.”

She turned to Lei Jiu.

“Lei Jiu, demons are not one of us. If they’ve infiltrated Luoxian Sect, it’s definitely with ill intent. If we encounter them, it’ll be a fight to the death. And if they have any sinister tricks that harm the other disciples… none of us want to see that happen.”

Her words reinforced Han Luo’s point.

Lei Jiu looked at the two of them, weighing their arguments carefully before finally nodding.

“You’re right. I was being careless.”

Even though he still didn’t like Han Luo, he had to admit that his concerns were valid.

He had faced demons before—he knew how dangerous they were.

From his robes, Lei Jiu pulled out a black talisman and crushed it.

Within three breaths, Lei Xing, the peak master of Lei Xing Peak, had arrived.

Chapter 43

Da Niu’s message was brief. He reported that a demon lair near Luoxian Sect had been destroyed and even attached a video as proof.

Han Luo watched the footage, but instead of feeling relieved, his unease only grew.

Mo Jiu was nowhere to be seen.

That bastard looked like the ultimate villain—cunning enough to set traps and possessing a transformation that made him ridiculously good-looking afterward.

Everyone knows that the typical cannon fodder in stories doesn’t get transformations.

And with a face that handsome, if he didn’t last at least a few more chapters, it would be a waste of the author’s effort.

As long as the big boss was still out there, Han Luo couldn’t rest easy.

Fortunately, Luoxian Sect’s grand formation was a seventh-rank array. Ordinary people couldn’t get in, and those powerful enough to bypass it wouldn’t even care about a small sect like theirs.

Still, destroying a demon lair should buy them some peace for a while.

“Damn it!” Han Luo cursed.

If only he could leave the mountain freely, he’d sweep through a hundred thousand miles around Luoxian Sect and root out every last demon. With his methods, those bastards wouldn’t be able to hide anywhere.

But there was no way.

Leaving the mountain was too risky now.

Besides, he had once vowed that unless the sky was falling, he’d stay within Luoxian Sect until he ascended to the Immortal Realm.

It was about time to go out and sharpen his skills again.

Cultivation had to continue.

Especially in the way of formations—mastering higher levels gave him a greater sense of security.

He left Luoxian Mountain through secret passage #6.

On Piaomiao Peak, Jiu Li’er sat under a cherry blossom tree, lost in thought.

It had been a month. She had already absorbed all the formation techniques they had studied together. Her senior brother should be done by now too…

But why hadn’t he come to find her?

Plucking a delicate blossom, she absentmindedly began removing the petals one by one.
“Senior brother will come today… senior brother won’t come… he’ll come… he won’t…”

Soon, only a bare stem remained, with a single petal left.

“Is he really not coming?” she murmured, her face clouded with disappointment.

A faint green light blossomed in her palm.

Miraculously, the bare stem grew fresh petals again.

Once all the petals had regrown, she started plucking them again.
“Senior brother will come today… senior brother won’t come…”

She didn’t know how long she had been at it when suddenly—

A transmission talisman flew in from the horizon and landed gently in her hand.

“Same place. Hurry.”

The moment she saw the message, her previously glum expression lit up like the blossoms in her hand.

“Quick, quick, quick!”

She dashed back to her quarters, freshened up meticulously in front of the mirror, then raced down the mountain.

At the foot of Piaomiao Peak, she looked around eagerly, but the area was silent, with no sign of Han Luo.

The message was definitely his voice. Besides, he was her only male friend in Luoxian Sect.

Just as she was starting to feel confused—

“Shh… shh… shh…”

A strange sound came from behind her. She turned around quickly.

Peeking out from behind a thick ancient tree was Han Luo, motioning for her to come over.

“Senior brother! Why are you hiding here?” she asked, running over with a bright smile.

Han Luo laughed awkwardly. “Oh, nothing… I was just wondering why Piaomiao Peak has such thick trees…”

Like hell I’m going to admit I’m hiding from that troublemaker Chi Xiao.

“Come on, let’s continue breaking formations.”

“Okay!”

And just like before, they resumed their work, studying and dismantling arrays to gain experience.

Ten days later.

The protective array of Piaomiao Peak was finally broken.

As for Wudao Peak, Han Luo had no intention of touching it.

That was his own hideout—it was too risky.

If Jiu Li’er somehow discovered his true identity, word would eventually reach Chi Xiao’s ears, and disaster would be inevitable.

To be cautious, the plan to break Wudao Peak’s formation was shelved.

“Senior brother, we’ve already broken the formations of four of the five peaks. Since we’re not going to Wudao Peak, how about we move on to the library?” Jiu Li’er suggested.

As a formation prodigy, her understanding of arrays had skyrocketed after digesting everything they had studied. She could now set up second-rank formations, which was far beyond her peers.

But more importantly…

Breaking the library’s formation meant she could spend more time with her senior brother.

“No, no.” Han Luo waved his hand mysteriously. “Actually, there’s another great array that could deepen our understanding of formations.”

Jiu Li’er tilted her head, thinking for a moment before realization struck.
“Senior brother… you mean the Luoxian Grand Formation?”

The Luoxian Grand Formation was the sect’s strongest protective array, designed by Sect Master Yun Wanli. It was a renowned seventh-rank array across the entire Eastern Region.

“But senior brother… it’s a seventh-rank formation. With our current understanding, we won’t even be able to comprehend it, let alone crack it.” Jiu Li’er hesitated.

Han Luo had considered that too, but then again, there was no harm in just looking.

After all, observing a seventh-rank formation was like watching an expert hundreds of times stronger than oneself in battle. Who knew? They might gain unexpected insights.

“Li’er, we’re just going to take a look, not actually break it. Besides, observing a seventh-rank formation only takes a little time. Who knows? We might learn something valuable.”

Han Luo had been curious about the Luoxian Grand Formation for a long time, but his lack of formation knowledge had always held him back.

Now that he could set up third-rank formations, it was time to experience the power of a seventh-rank formation firsthand.

Jiu Li’er thought it over and nodded.

She, too, was eager to see just how powerful the Luoxian Grand Formation was.

Gaining insights from such an array would undoubtedly benefit her future cultivation in formation techniques.

They set off to study the Luoxian Grand Formation.

The array was indeed a marvel.

Over the next few days, the two of them traveled across mountains and rivers, observing the formation from every angle.

Even just studying its intricacies left them in awe of the one who had set it up.

Especially for those who had already grasped the basics of formations, the Luoxian Grand Formation felt less like a mere defensive array and more like a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship.

One day, I’ll be able to create something this magnificent. Han Luo silently encouraged himself.

“Senior brother, let’s head back,” Jiu Li’er finally said.

She had gained significant insights during this period. Her previously shaky cultivation foundation had solidified, ensuring smoother progress in the future.

“Alright…” Han Luo nodded, ready to return.

But suddenly—

Without warning, Han Luo swept Jiu Li’er into his arms, cradling her delicate waist tightly.

At the same time, several speed talismans ignited beneath his feet.

Whoosh!

In an instant, Han Luo carried Jiu Li’er along a pre-planned escape route, rushing all the way back to Luoxian Sect’s bustling plaza.

When they finally came to a stop amid the crowded square, Han Luo was drenched in cold sweat.

“Huff… huff…”

“S-senior brother… w-what happened…?” Jiu Li’er’s voice was soft and trembling with shyness.

Han Luo glanced down.

“Cough… cough…”

He quickly coughed to cover up his embarrassment and gently set her down, stealthily withdrawing his hand from her waist.

Without saying a word, he crushed a black talisman in his palm.

As the talisman turned to ash and dissipated, he finally felt a little better.

Phew…

Taking a deep breath, he leaned close to Jiu Li’er’s ear and whispered three words softly:

“There’s demonic energy.”

Chapter 42

Chi Xiao descended from Piaomiao Peak with several of her fellow sisters, cutting an imposing figure like a natural leader.

“Chi Xiao!” Jiu Li’er beamed and ran up to her, hugging her arm affectionately—a clear sign of how close they were.

Chi Xiao gave her a quick once-over, then turned her gaze to Han Luo, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
“Li’er, am I interrupting something?”

At those words, Jiu Li’er’s face instantly flushed red, her entire demeanor betraying a bashful happiness.
“Don’t say that, Chi Xiao. My senior brother and I were just studying formations. It’s not what you think.”

But such a hasty explanation only confirmed Chi Xiao’s suspicions. Her matchmaker bloodline stirred to life almost instantly.

“I never said what I was thinking. So how do you know what I meant? Or could it be that you’re hiding something and worried I’ll find out?” Chi Xiao teased, reaching out and giving a firm squeeze to a certain soft spot on Jiu Li’er.

“Ah—!” Jiu Li’er squeaked, her already flushed cheeks now reddening all the way to her neck as she stood there glowing with a strange sense of joy.

“There are people here!” she whispered, flustered and not daring to glance at Han Luo.

“What’s the big deal? It’s not the first time.” Chi Xiao replied boldly, giving another firm squeeze for good measure.

Then she turned toward Han Luo.

Her crimson-gold eyes glinted as if channeling some divine technique, clearly trying to see through him.

Han Luo, sensing her probing gaze, actually felt more at ease. Last time at the marketplace, she had almost seen through his disguise. Since then, he'd taken precautions. Using the ancient bronze mirror, he had altered his appearance and aura completely.

To everyone who met him, he appeared differently—in both face and figure. Even the name “Han Luo” had been modified in subtle ways. So even if people compared notes, they’d simply assume they’d met different individuals with the same name.

Chi Xiao scrutinized him carefully, trying to uncover something unusual, but in the end, she found nothing. Still, something about him felt strangely familiar—like a vague memory she couldn’t quite place.

“Have we met somewhere before?” she asked, stepping closer and circling around him, trying to pinpoint that elusive feeling.

“Ahem…” Han Luo cleared his throat, pretending to stammer.
“N-no… no way… we… we couldn’t have… met before.”

He exaggerated the stutter so well it was actually convincing.

Chi Xiao shook her head at the sound.
The guy she was thinking of had a silver tongue—she knew that firsthand. Ugh, why am I even thinking about him?

Besides, that bastard had talent. There’s no way he’d still be stuck at the first level of Qi Refinement after four years.

And honestly—what are the odds?

With over fifty thousand disciples in Luoxian Sect, what were the chances she’d run into that guy at the foot of Piaomiao Peak of all places? And with how cautious he was, he’d never set foot near here.

“Chi Xiao, are you out on a mission?” Jiu Li’er quickly changed the subject, trying to shift attention away from Han Luo.

“Mhm, we heard there were signs of demonic activity near the sect,” one of the sisters behind Chi Xiao replied casually.

“Bai He!” Chi Xiao snapped, cutting her off. Bai He immediately shut her mouth, tongue poking out guiltily as embarrassment spread across her face.

The matter of the demons had been kept tightly under wraps. The young disciples involved in the original incident had all sworn to secrecy. Most people in Luoxian Sect still didn’t know anything about the demonic presence.

The reasons were simple—one, to avoid widespread panic; and two, to prevent the hot-blooded disciples from charging off to fight the demons. After all, many had lost family members to the Demon Race in the Holy War.

Just as I thought—things really aren’t that simple.
Han Luo now felt the urgent need to return to Luoxian Mountain immediately. Not another second to waste.

“Alright, alright,” Chi Xiao said with a grin. “I won’t disturb you two lovebirds any longer. But let me make something clear—” she stepped close to Han Luo, releasing a wave of Qi Refinement level-seven pressure, “—if you dare bully Li’er, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Han Luo feigned a nervous glance away, not daring to meet her eyes.

Ancestor, I beg you—just leave already. Why do you always have to meddle in everything?

Chi Xiao frowned, clearly unimpressed by his cowardly demeanor.
Once this mission was over, she definitely needed to have a talk with Li’er. Finding a Dao companion was fine—but at least pick someone decent. This guy looked like a total pushover. Probably not even as strong as that damned bastard! What good was he? A talking toy?

“Let’s go.”
Chi Xiao waved her hand and led her group away.

Only after she was completely out of sight did Han Luo breathe a sigh of relief. Another crisis narrowly avoided.

Jiu Li’er had watched the whole interaction carefully. Sharp as she was, she noticed something odd.
“Senior brother… you seem really afraid of Chi Xiao.”

“Who isn’t?” Han Luo shrugged. “Every male disciple in Luoxian Sect is terrified of her.”

After all, she was the kind of woman who would attack you not because you did anything wrong—but simply because she didn’t like the look on your face.

And the worst part? You couldn’t beat her.

Even worse? The more you resisted, the more excited she got.

And worst of all? The more excited she got, the harder she hit.

Plenty of disciples had been beaten so badly they couldn’t control their bodily functions, and some were still recovering in critical care.

Just thinking about Chi Xiao’s reign of terror sent a cold sweat down Han Luo’s spine.

But strangely, Jiu Li’er looked a bit pleased to see Han Luo so afraid of Chi Xiao.

“Actually, she’s really kind,” she said softly. “She takes great care of us. If anyone bullies us junior sisters, she’s the first to step in and teach those jerks a lesson.”

Jiu Li’er clearly admired Chi Xiao deeply. In fact, most of the younger generation on Piaomiao Peak felt the same.

That was also one of the reasons Chi Xiao could go toe-to-toe with someone like Li Jun.

“Right, right. She protects you by beating the crap out of us. What a rough life, being a man…” Han Luo shook his head.

Two lifetimes, both as a man—he knew the struggle all too well.

Then again, isn’t life itself just one big trial?

Jiu Li’er chuckled at his rare moment of sarcasm.
“I think you’re a good person, senior brother. Chi Xiao will realize it too—eventually.”

Han Luo glanced at her serious expression.

Child, you’re too naïve.
If Chi Xiao ever found out who I really am, not even a Da Luo Golden Immortal could stop her from chopping me to pieces.

With that chaotic encounter behind him—and confirmation that the Demon Race was indeed up to something—Han Luo parted ways with Jiu Li’er and returned to Luoxian Mountain via secret tunnel #11.

Once back, he thoroughly rechecked all the formations and traps to ensure everything was in place. Then he sent out a transmission talisman to Da Niu, instructing him to immediately report any signs of demonic activity.

Da Niu, of course, was less than thrilled to be ordered around by Han Luo.

But upon discovering a small “incentive” video tucked inside the talisman, his attitude changed completely.

He immediately responded:
“Don’t worry, big bro Han! As long as I’m around, you’ll be the first to know about any demon-related news!”

Han Luo nodded in satisfaction. He appreciated people who knew how to read the room.

Things were heating up—time to lay low again.

Perfect timing, actually. The Mirror Realm had been neglected for a while. He could use this break to tidy things up.

Time passed quietly.

One month later, Da Niu sent back a major update.

Chapter 41

Elder Yunyangzi, with his white hair and beard, sat upright in his cloud-patterned Daoist robe, exuding authority. His brows were tightly furrowed into a deep 川-shaped crease.

Glancing at those gathered before him, his tone grew stern as he spoke, “I’ve summoned you today because of a matter concerning the demons.”

His very first sentence cast a heavy atmosphere over the hall.

“Recently, there have been traces of demonic activity near villages close to Luoxian Sect. Each of you should send disciples from your respective peaks to investigate and gain some experience. But remember—safety above all else. Under no circumstances should anything happen to them.”

The elders nodded, all aware of the gravity of the situation. When it came to the demons, none dared to take things lightly.

“Senior brother, what’s the word from above?” Yunding asked, as the others turned their attention to Yunyangzi.

Shaking his head with a sigh, Yunyangzi replied, “The higher-ups have made it clear—the Golden Battlefield remains secure. There’s no way demons could have crossed the World Wall. If they’re appearing here, it means another passage exists. Investigations are already underway, and we’ve been asked to do the same. Two approaches, same goal: we must uncover how the demons have suddenly emerged.”

His expression turned grave. For the human race, the demons were their most dangerous enemy.

The holy war between the humans and demons had raged on for millennia, never once extinguished.

Everyone present had fought in the Golden Battlefield, clashing with demons. They knew better than anyone the brutal nature of their foe.

If the demons truly had found a way to bypass both the battlefield and the World Wall, infiltrating the heart of the Eastern Region, it would spell disaster for the entire human realm.

“Even the higher-ups don’t know the details?” asked Hongniang, visibly uneasy. She recalled glimpses of a future she had divined—hazy and unclear, neither good nor bad.

“This won’t be simple,” Yun Ding warned. “When sending people, make sure experienced disciples lead the team. We can’t afford a disaster.”

“I agree. Best to assign those who’ve been to the battlefield,” added Yun Qianren, for once not opposing his senior brother.

Back then, they had fought side by side in the Golden Battlefield, entrusting their lives to one another. On matters this serious, their bond remained unshakable.

“No time to waste—get to it,” Yunyangzi ordered.

The group dispersed swiftly.

Meanwhile, in a barren mountain far from Luoxian Sect, black smoke filled the air. Death loomed in every direction, and an eerie silence hung over the lifeless land.

“How’s the plan progressing?” a deep, thunderous voice echoed.

Seated atop a throne of bones, the towering figure of Mo Jiu looked down at the kneeling demon slave.

“Reporting, my lord. The plan is nearly complete. Please rest assured,” the servant replied respectfully.

“It had better be,” Mo Jiu growled, stretching his neck as a cracking sound like thunder rumbled through the hall.

“No wonder the Demon Race has spent a thousand years trying to invade the Eastern Region,” he sneered. “This land truly is heaven-sent. In just four years, my strength has grown to this extent. If we can seize Luoxian Sect and devour its spiritual veins, the True Demon Scripture will reach perfection overnight.”

He clenched his fists, eyes gleaming blood-red, his body engulfed in black demon flames. A colossal demonic apparition loomed behind him, filling the hall with its oppressive presence.

“Any word on that bastard?” Mo Jiu suddenly asked, thinking of the one who had humiliated him.

The memory of being tricked still burned with fury.

“My lord,” the demon servant trembled, “we’ve been searching continuously for the past four years, using all our spies in Luoxian Sect. But… the person you described doesn’t seem to be there.”

“Impossible!” Mo Jiu roared, rising to his feet. A violent surge of power blasted the servant backward dozens of meters.

“He’s definitely in Luoxian Sect! I can feel it! That bastard is somewhere in there, living carefree—probably chasing girls, sipping tea, chatting with friends, cultivating the Dao…”

Just imagining it made Mo Jiu’s blood boil.

“But, my lord…” the servant continued fearfully, “our informants have practically searched every disciple in the sect. No one matches your description. No one’s even heard of such a person.”

Mo Jiu sat back down, rubbing his temples.

How could this be?

How could a living person vanish into thin air?

Luoxian Sect had many disciples, but after four years of searching, to find nothing—especially someone with that kind of ability—was simply not possible.

“Keep looking. I don’t believe he can hide forever,” Mo Jiu growled, conjuring the image of Han Luo from his palm using demon flame, before crushing it with a clenched fist.

Boom!
The flame figure disintegrated into ash.

—

Back at Luoxian Sect, at the base of Qianren Peak…

Han Luo had just finished breaking through the protective formation of the peak and was digesting the insights when he suddenly shivered. A chill ran down his spine, and he trembled involuntarily.

“What the hell?” he muttered, immediately activating the five guardian formations embedded in his neck.

In an instant, five jade-green turtle shells enveloped him, startling the nearby Jiu Li’er.

“Senior brother, are you alright?”

“I’m fine… it’s nothing,” he replied, though he didn’t deactivate the formations.

How strange. As a cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Refinement, how could he randomly get chills? Was someone talking behind his back?

Who could it be?

Chi Xiao? Xiaobai?

Over the past four years, he had stayed low-key, and fewer than ten people knew who he really was. He shouldn’t have offended anyone…

He pulled out his little black notebook—his personal blacklist of people who might threaten him—and began going through it line by line.

Eventually, his gaze settled on one name: Mo Jiu.

It had been four years since the demons last stirred, and not a single sign had surfaced.

Could something be brewing again?

To be safe, better retreat to Luoxian Mountain and lay low for a while.

He tucked the notebook away and was about to leave when Jiu Li’er asked curiously, “Senior brother, Piaomiao Peak is right ahead. Why are you turning back?”

“Li’er, it’s your cultivation peak after all. Out of respect, let’s not destroy its formation,” Han Luo said with a straight face, already eager to return to his safe haven.

“No need, senior brother,” Jiu Li’er insisted. “I’ve been meaning to evaluate Piaomiao Peak’s defensive array. If there’s any flaw, it’s better to fix it now than suffer later.”

Seeing her insist, Han Luo could only sigh inwardly.

Jiu Li’er was excellent in every way—except that she was unbelievably stubborn and determined.

In their time together, he had come to sense the immense burden she carried, as if the entire Jiuli Clan rested on her shoulders.

“Alright then. Truth is, I’m a bit tired. After breaking three peak formations in a row, I need time to absorb what I’ve learned. Cultivation is about taking one step at a time—there’s no need to rush.”

He now spoke like a proper senior brother, gently advising his junior on the correct way to cultivate.

Jiu Li’er looked conflicted.

Her rapid progress in array techniques since following Han Luo made her eager to continue, but what he said wasn’t wrong either.

Too much, too fast, with no time to settle—it would harm her in the long run.

“…Okay,” she nodded. “I’ll listen to you, senior brother. Let’s return and consolidate what we’ve learned before going further.”

“Don’t be disappointed,” Han Luo smiled, patting her on the shoulder. “Once we’ve fully absorbed what we’ve studied, we’ll tackle Piaomiao Peak’s formation together.”

Just as they were about to leave, a voice echoed down from the mountain.

“Li’er, what are you doing here?”

The moment Han Luo heard that voice, his heart skipped a beat.

“Damn it,” he muttered internally. “Just how unlucky can I be?”

Chapter 40

There was no denying it—the second volume of the Nine Scrolls of Formation took far more time to comprehend than the first. It took Han Luo ten full days just to finish his first pass through it. Afterward, he borrowed the second volume of the Nine Li True Art from Jiu Li'er and began studying that as well.

Ten more days passed.

With both scrolls now thoroughly digested, Han Luo didn’t rush back home. Instead, he stayed in the Scripture Pavilion for another full month, using the time to consolidate his understanding and stabilize his mastery over both formation arts.

Only once everything was firmly rooted did he leave the Pavilion—not to return to Luoxian Mountain just yet, but to the marketplace, where he sought out Senior Sister Xiao Lou.

“Junior Brother Han, it’s been a while,” she greeted him.

She looked radiant—short hair, clear eyes, clean and sharp in her work uniform. She had the unmistakable aura of a capable woman.

“Senior Sister Xiao Lou, long time no see,” Han Luo smiled back.

His sharp eyes immediately noticed the change in the insignia on her uniform. “Congratulations on your promotion to team leader!”

“Hehe, it’s nothing really,” she replied modestly. “It’s all thanks to you. What you said to me that day opened my eyes. That insight changed everything for me. I didn’t know where you lived, or I’d have thanked you long ago.”

After hearing Han Luo’s advice a year ago, Xiao Lou had reflected all night and returned to work with renewed dedication. Half a year later, Elder Tie promoted her to team leader.

Now, she earned more spirit stones, had wider connections, and felt hopeful about the future. She understood not everyone could become an immortal, and the key was to find one’s own path. She was lucky—meeting Han Luo helped her find hers.

Han Luo hadn’t expected his words back then to change her life. Thankfully, it was for the better. If it had gone wrong, he’d have felt terrible. Mental note: don’t toss around motivational speeches lightly. Chicken soup for the soul can be risky when overdone.

After a few moments of warm chatting, Han Luo explained his reason for visiting: he needed materials to upgrade the Immortal Trapping Array to a second-rank formation.

Like last time, he had exacting standards—but thanks to Xiao Lou’s help, things went much more smoothly.

“Junior Brother, if you ever need materials, just come find me. Even if you need stars from the sky, I’ll find a way,” she said confidently, expressing her gratitude.

“I’ll be counting on you then,” Han Luo replied with a smile. After chatting a bit more, he left.

Back at Luoxian Mountain, he immediately set to work upgrading the Immortal Trapping Array.

Three months later, it was complete.

The upgrade went smoothly, without any unexpected issues. The array was now officially a second-rank formation.

To a cultivator, three months was the blink of an eye, but a few noteworthy things still occurred during that time.

Shen Xian’er reached the seventh level of the Qi Refining stage. With permission from her master, Wudao, she was now allowed to freely enter and exit Luoxian Sect. Of course, before that, Han Luo made her swear—over a delicious barbecue dinner—not to reveal any information about him or Luoxian Mountain. Xiaobai also made the same oath.

Speaking of Xiaobai, her cultivation had soared from the third to the fifth level of Qi Refining—quite a leap.

And then there was Chi Xiao, who had spent over half a year relentlessly attacking the defensive formation outside Luoxian Mountain. In a miraculous turn, her strength had reached the seventh level of Qi Refining, surpassing Li Jun to become the top among Luoxian Sect’s younger generation. Because of this breakthrough, Martial Aunt Hongniang came to retrieve her, planning to personally guide her through the vital Refining Soul and Foundation Establishment stages. She wasn’t about to let her run wild anymore.

With Shen Xian’er, Xiaobai, and Chi Xiao all gone, one might expect Han Luo to feel lonely. But in truth, life had never been more fulfilling.

He poured his entire focus into formation mastery. With his talent and constant exchanges with Jiu Li'er, he fully mastered the third volumes of both the Nine Scrolls of Formation and the Nine Li True Art. With that foundation, it took him only a few more months to upgrade the Immortal Trapping Array to third-rank strength.

A third-rank formation corresponded to the Sea of Qi stage in cultivation.

Now fully activated, the array could trap any cultivator below the Core Formation stage. Even Core Formation cultivators wouldn’t escape easily unless they forcibly broke the array with overwhelming power—something Han Luo was confident he could stall with misdirection.

Of course, this level of power was only possible thanks to the terrain of Luoxian Mountain. In a less suitable location, he wouldn’t have been able to set up such a powerful formation at his current cultivation level.

In fact, his rapid progress wasn’t just from reading—he’d gained immense hands-on experience in the field.

That "fieldwork" was his joint effort with Jiu Li'er to probe for weaknesses in the grand protective formations of the five peaks—specifically Xianding Peak and Luoxian Peak.

It all started after the two of them failed to understand the fourth formation in the Pavilion—it was far too advanced, like trying to read a divine scripture. So Han Luo suggested they instead study the peaks’ defensive arrays.

These formations were fourth-rank but had aged poorly, developing numerous vulnerabilities. With relentless effort, the two managed to identify and document them. The high-tier arrays provided a massive boost to their understanding of formation theory.

“Hahaha! Senior Brother, I heard Han Luo cracked your protective array—how embarrassing!” Yun Qianli couldn’t hide his glee.

A Core Formation cultivator’s array, broken by a Qi Refining junior? And that junior just so happened to be his longtime rival’s disciple? This was too good.

Yun Ding’s face darkened. He cursed Han Luo inwardly. Was the Scripture Pavilion’s mountain of books not enough? Why did the brat have to poke at his Xianding Peak? Rebuilding that array cost him a fortune in rare materials!

But he had to admit—Han Luo’s talent was terrifying.

“Don’t be too smug,” Yun Ding retorted. “I heard Han Luo and his little girlfriend were spotted heading toward your Qianren Peak. Who knows—your array might be next.”

“Bah! Let him try,” Yun Qianli scoffed. “I’ve made preparations. It’ll take him years to find a flaw.”

“Ahem...” Lei Xing coughed and looked at Yun Qianli. “Junior Brother, I just received word that the array on Qianren Peak has started fluctuating violently. I believe it’s already been breached.”

“What!?” Yun Qianli jumped up. “I personally checked it before I left! There wasn’t a single flaw!”

It was hard to accept. None of them were experts in formations. Only their senior brother Yun Wanli truly understood the Dao of Arrays, but he was absent. So even though their formations were high-rank, they were essentially strong on the outside but hollow within—just waiting to be cracked.

“Hahaha!” Yun Ding burst into laughter, his earlier frustration swept away.

“I’d better go check mine too,” Hongniang said calmly.

“Han Luo’s cultivation talent is already unmatched, and now his mastery of formations is proving just as monstrous,” Lei Xing muttered. “We must keep him in Luoxian Sect no matter what. And if we can’t…”

A flicker of helplessness crossed his eyes. As head of the intelligence division, he knew more about Han Luo than anyone else.

What truly set Han Luo apart wasn’t just intelligence—it was caution. Extreme, relentless caution.

Luoxian Mountain now housed a third-rank Immortal Trapping Array. But around it, he’d also placed at least ninety maze formations, seventy killing formations, fifty-five alert formations, and who knows what else.

That wasn’t even the scariest part.

According to incomplete statistics, the mountain contained over 100,000 explosive talismans, 100,000 alarm talismans, 50,000 swamp talismans... and more.

And that was just what they knew. Who could say what else might be buried?

The whole place felt like a miniature death trap. One wrong step and you’d fall into a chain of traps—each one triggering the next like a domino run.

His scouts couldn’t even get close. Several had gotten themselves trapped just approaching the area. He’d had to beg Han Luo to release them.

Thankfully, his martial nephew was a reasonable man—or his reputation would’ve been left in tatters.

While the elders bantered, Sect Master Yun Yangzi flew in from outside the hall, his face solemn.

At the sight of his expression, the joking stopped immediately.

If even Yun Yangzi was this serious, something major had just happened.

Chapter 39

"Martial Uncle."

"Martial Elder."

Han Luo and Jiu Li'er cupped their fists respectfully.

“Peak Lord, these two were caught in the act, damaging the Scripture Pavilion’s protective formation,” Big Ox reported eagerly, clearly trying to score some points.

Lei Xing looked over at Han Luo, then at Jiu Li'er.

He was familiar with Jiu Li'er—a formation genius and the beloved disciple of his junior sister, Hongniang. With her in the sect, the relationship between the Jiu Li Tribe and Luoxian Sect would only grow closer.

As for Han Luo, he was the sect's most precious talent. The future of Luoxian Sect rested squarely on his shoulders.

Seeing the two of them together gave him an odd feeling—like there was some larger scheme at play. Had Hongniang already begun taking action? If Han Luo became her disciple’s Dao companion, Hongniang would benefit immensely.

But what was he supposed to do now?

Han Luo had come right to his door—should he take the chance to build a solid connection? Even if they weren’t close, he needed to establish at least a mutually beneficial relationship.

Unfortunately, Luoxian Peak had few female disciples, and those few weren’t even in the sect at the moment.

Lei Xing's mind raced. How should he build internal ties with Han Luo?

“Peak Lord, how should we handle these two?” Big Ox asked sternly. This was a rare chance to meet the Peak Lord—he had to make a good impression, no matter what.

Han Luo remained completely calm, while Jiu Li'er looked visibly nervous. Lei Xing had a reputation for decisiveness, and his presence was naturally intimidating.

A good opportunity to build rapport, Lei Xing thought, then coughed lightly and said, “These two were actually acting under my instruction. I tasked them with discreetly investigating the integrity of the Scripture Pavilion’s formation. The materials are aging, and the formation needs maintenance to prevent any accidents.”

He didn’t know why Han Luo had actually tampered with the formation, but figured the boy had his reasons. This was his way of giving Han Luo an out—he was smart enough to understand the gesture.

Han Luo immediately took the cue. “Reporting to Martial Uncle: upon investigation, Junior Sister Jiu Li and I discovered extensive damage to the formation—aging materials, unstable foundations… if left unattended, it’s only a matter of time before the whole Pavilion explodes. If that happens, millions of valuable texts will be reduced to ashes. If Sect Master Yun Wanli finds out that the fruits of his centuries of effort were destroyed due to poor oversight, he might just storm Luoxian Sect and boil us all into soup.”

He was clearly exaggerating for effect, but it had the desired result.

Lei Xing frowned. Jiu Li’er stifled a laugh. Big Ox nearly wet himself.

“All right, all right…” Lei Xing said, helpless. This kid always had a way of making him feel chilly all over.

“I don’t know a thing about formations, but I didn’t expect the Pavilion’s array to be in such poor shape. In that case, I’ll officially assign the two of you to continue investigating the formation. As a reward, you’re both granted access to the upper levels of the Pavilion. But only you two—understand?”

It cost him nothing to say this, and with Han Luo’s potential, no one would object. Most importantly, Han Luo would now know where Lei Xing stood.

“Really?” Jiu Li’er couldn’t believe it. In the sect’s centuries of history, no one had ever heard of such a privilege.

The Pavilion’s rules were set by Sect Master Yun Wanli himself. Not even the current head, Yun Yangzi, dared to change them lightly.

And yet, a few words from Senior Brother had overturned the system.

Was Han Luo... related to Peak Lord Lei Xing?

No way—their personalities didn’t match at all!

“Little girl from the Jiu family, are you doubting my words?” Lei Xing narrowed his eyes.

“N-no, of course not! I wouldn’t dare!” Jiu Li'er panicked. Her great-grandmother had told her scary stories about Lei Xing as a child, and now she was meeting the legend in person—it was like a nightmare come true.

“All right, this matter is settled. You’re dismissed.”

Jiu Li’er was just about to leave when she noticed Han Luo wasn’t moving.

“Han Luo, anything else?” Lei Xing asked, suddenly getting a bad feeling as Han Luo smiled at him. His right eyelid twitched three times in a row.

“Well, Martial Uncle... as you know, investigating formations takes a lot of time and resources. So I was wondering if Luoxian Peak could offer some support—maybe a few spirit stones to help us out?”

Lei Xing raised an eyebrow. So that’s what you were really after, huh?

A few years ago, the Peak Lords had agreed not to offer Han Luo special resources. He had to earn everything on his own, just like any other disciple. It was a core belief: true strength came through hardship. The strongest flowers grew on the cliffs, not in greenhouses.

Big Ox was dumbfounded. This guy has guts, asking the Peak Lord for spirit stones like that. Isn't he afraid of getting smacked?

Jiu Li’er was equally stunned. Could it be that Senior Brother was really... Lei Xing’s secret son or something?

“Fine,” Lei Xing said after a brief pause.

“Big Ox, from now on you’ll assist Han Luo in his duties. Report to me monthly.”

Big Ox couldn’t believe his luck. “Yes, Peak Lord!”

He was elated. Reporting directly to the Peak Lord? His future looked bright.

“Thank you, Martial Uncle,” Han Luo said quickly. Worried Lei Xing might change his mind, he grabbed Jiu Li’er and left in a hurry. Big Ox tagged along after announcing it.

After they left, a swirl of black mist rose within the hall and condensed into a sharp-eyed young man in black—Lei Jiu, the number one disciple of Luoxian Peak’s younger generation.

“Father… this Han Luo…” he began, hesitating.

Lei Xing frowned. “What have I always taught you?”

Lei Jiu immediately stood at attention. “You taught me to mind my own business and never ask questions I shouldn’t.”

He lowered his head respectfully, feeling immense pressure from his father.

Lei Xing clasped his hands behind his back and gazed toward the direction Han Luo had gone. Just three years... and the boy’s gone from a total novice to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Jiu family's genius. The future of Luoxian Sect is anything but ordinary.

—

“Junior Brother Han Luo, just as we agreed! See you tomorrow at the Pavilion!” Big Ox waved happily as he left.

“Senior Brother, do you… know Peak Lord Lei Xing?” Jiu Li’er asked, trying to sound casual.

Something about Han Luo felt shrouded in mystery. The more she learned, the more she wanted to know.

“We met once. Not close,” Han Luo replied.

She didn’t believe him.

They’d snuck into the Pavilion, but instead of being punished, the Peak Lord had covered for them and even granted them funds? No way that was just coincidence.

“Junior Sister Li’er, can I ask you not to mention what happened tonight?”

“Of course, I understand.”

“Swear it. If you tell anyone, your face will break out in pimples, your skin will dry up like an old turtle, your formation skills will stagnate, and you’ll never get married.”

“…Fine.” Jiu Li’er was speechless but agreed.

She couldn’t understand it—Han Luo was clearly powerful, so why so cautious?

Other geniuses flaunted their strength. But this guy acted like he was scared someone might find out.

So weird.

Instead of going home, they returned to the Scripture Pavilion. Han Luo wanted to quickly study the second volume of formation theory and reinforce the Immortal Trapping Array. Jiu Li’er, naturally obsessed with formations, was just as eager.

Inside the formation section on the Foundation Establishment floor, Han Luo took out the bronze mirror to check on things at home.

Shen Xian’er and Xiaobai were both asleep. No issues there.

Chi Xiao, on the other hand, was still furiously pounding the Immortal Trapping Array, showing no signs of stopping.

According to the mirror’s alerts, she had already cracked the defensive formation again.

Time was running out.

Han Luo set the mirror aside and began studying the second scroll of the Nine Scrolls of Formation in earnest.

Chapter 38

A crack had appeared in the defensive formation of the Immortal Trapping Array, struck by none other than Chi Xiao.

Although the damage was quickly repaired, Han Luo couldn’t pretend it didn’t happen.

This had to be a joke, right? A first-rank Immortal Trapping Array should be more than enough to withstand any attacks from Qi Refining disciples. Even someone at the seventh layer shouldn’t be able to damage it.

And yet, Chi Xiao had managed to crack it.

Which meant if she kept attacking, the defensive layer of the Immortal Trapping Array might really be shattered. Fire-type cultivators truly had terrifying sustained damage output.

This was no good.

He needed to act fast. If Chi Xiao actually broke through, his life would be in serious danger. Facing off against an enraged female berserker? That was a recipe for disaster.

Han Luo left Shen Xian’er with enough food and gave her strict instructions not to wander around. He then sealed off all of Luoxian Mountain, making sure neither she nor Xiaobai would discover Chi Xiao’s presence.

With that done, he quietly slipped away through Secret Tunnel #17.

He didn’t go looking for Auntie Hong—because no matter what, the crack in the array was real. Whether Chi Xiao left or not, the damage had already been done.

So he went to the Scripture Pavilion, looking for a solution.

Within the pavilion, Han Luo had already read every book on first-rank formations he had access to. The Immortal Trapping Array at Luoxian Mountain had already been optimized to its most refined state.

To improve it further, he’d need access to higher-level knowledge—which required ascending to the Foundation Establishment stage.

But knowing his cautious personality, that breakthrough would be a long time coming. He hadn’t even started refining his spiritual marrow yet, so breaking through was out of the question for now.

As he pondered his options, he caught sight of Jiu Li’er quietly studying formation theory in the distance.

An idea struck.

"Junior Sister Li’er, long time no see,” he greeted her with a cheerful smile.

“Senior Brother Han Luo!” Jiu Li’er was visibly delighted. Had the stars actually answered her wish?

Han Luo glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then whispered, “Li’er, do you want to learn the next level of formation techniques?”

She froze, surprised by the question. “Surely you jest, Senior Brother. I don’t have the talent. My cultivation hasn’t even reached Foundation Establishment—I can’t access the next level.”

“Of course I know that. But you and I both study formation arts. And as you know, every formation has a flaw. The laws of heaven follow the cycle of nines—there’s always one part that escapes the system. That’s the hope left by the heavens.”

He wasn’t making this up. Formation theory was closely tied to the Dao, and every formation inevitably had a weakness. Even his own Immortal Trapping Array had one—it was just hidden extremely well.

Jiu Li’er’s freckled face lit up with excitement. “You mean... the Scripture Pavilion’s formation has a flaw? You want to exploit it so we can sneak into the next level?”

She didn’t know why, but the thought filled her with excitement—like she was doing something wickedly fun.

“Smart girl.” Han Luo gave her a thumbs-up.

“Have you already found the weak point?” she asked softly.

“Not yet. But if we put our two brilliant heads together, we’re bound to find it.”

Jiu Li’er hesitated. She had always longed to study the higher-level formation scrolls, especially since Han Luo’s influence had helped her fully grasp the first volume of the Nine Scrolls of Formation ahead of schedule. But her cultivation was still too low to access the next tier.

Still, she had her doubts. “But if we’re discovered... The sect rules say damaging the Scripture Pavilion’s formation could get us expelled.”

She didn’t want to be kicked out. Her entire goal in joining Luoxian Sect was to study the Nine Scrolls. According to her great-grandmother, if she could combine those scrolls with the Nine Li True Method, she could become the greatest formation master under heaven—and protect the Jiu Li Tribe.

Han Luo waved it off. “Expelled? No way. They’ll be thanking us instead.”

“Huh?”

“Think about it. If we help them find a flaw in the Pavilion’s formation, aren’t we saving them from future disaster? They’ll owe us a favor.”

Jiu Li’er tilted her head in thought. That... kind of made sense.

After all, if a flaw really did cause the formation to explode, the entire Scripture Pavilion could go up in flames. All the scrolls would be lost. That would be a huge loss.

“So? You in?”

“Alright... Let’s do it.”

Two formation geniuses teaming up—it worked like a charm. They started from the basics, examining materials and tracing them layer by layer. After half a month of careful analysis, they finally found a weak point.

And so, under the cover of a moonless night, the two slipped through the flaw and entered the next level.

“I’m going to study right away!” Jiu Li’er rushed forward in excitement.

“Wait,” Han Luo stopped her.

“But we don’t have much time—what if we get caught?” she asked, worried.

“Listen, silly girl,” he said. “How long would it take you to finish studying the second scroll?”

She thought about it. “With my current talent, it’d take at least three years of full-time study to fully grasp it.”

“Exactly. By that time, the Pavilion’s protectors would’ve long caught us. You won’t even finish reading the table of contents.”

“Then what do we do?”

“Relax. I have a plan. If this works, we’ll be able to study freely in the future without sneaking around.”

“You’re serious?” She still wasn’t entirely convinced, but she trusted him.

Sure enough, before long, the Enforcer Hall came to drag them away.

Inside the hall atop Luoxian Peak, Han Luo spoke to the guard. “Brother, do me a favor. Tell the Peak Lord of Leixing Peak that Han Luo has something important to discuss.”

The guard scoffed. “You think just anyone can meet the Peak Lord? Sit down and wait your turn.”

Maybe he was annoyed Han Luo had a girl with him.

“And what does it take to get a meeting with the Peak Lord?”

“You’d have to commit a huge offense. Something big and irredeemable. Then he’d want to see you personally.”

As the guard lectured him, Han Luo quietly produced a low-grade spirit stone.

The guard’s eyes lit up—but he quickly went back to his upright posture. “Bribing an enforcer is a serious crime! I’ll report you—”

Before he could finish, Han Luo pulled out two more stones.

“Just a little something for your trouble,” he said.

The guard, nicknamed Big Ox, hesitated. Sensing the cue, Jiu Li’er joined in sweetly, “Senior Brother, my great-grandmother always says fellow disciples are like family—we should help each other out. This isn’t bribery, you’re being too serious.”

Han Luo slipped the three stones into his hand.

Big Ox glanced between the two of them, then pocketed the bribe. “Alright, alright, I’ll go tell the Peak Lord. But don’t even think about running. I’ve got eyes like an eagle—I’ll hunt you down to the ends of the earth!”

As Big Ox left, Han Luo turned to Jiu Li’er and gave her a thumbs-up.

Not bad. Only met twice and she already understood the art of persuasion. She was a good student.

“Hehe…” Jiu Li’er giggled proudly.

“But Senior Brother, spirit stones are precious. Was it really worth it?”

“Do you think I’d waste my spirit stones?” Han Luo smirked. “Don’t worry. He’ll be useful to us later.”

Luoxian Peak oversaw all internal affairs of the sect—guard patrols, intel gathering, mission postings. Having someone inside meant access to valuable information.

He’d already recorded the bribe using a memory crystal. If Big Ox betrayed him, he could have him kicked out of the sect in minutes.

Now that he had something on him, Big Ox was basically a new informant.

Something about the inner workings of Luoxian Sect didn’t sit right with him. It never hurt to be extra cautious.

As expected, they didn’t have to wait long—Peak Lord Leixing arrived soon after.

Chapter 37

Someone’s broken into the formation?

Han Luo immediately became alert.

Luoxian Mountain was located deep within Wudao Peak, a place rarely visited by others. Who would just wander in here without a reason?

Could it be Senior Brother Du Ming or Senior Sister Lan Caicai dropping by?

He activated the bronze mirror to check who it was. But when he saw the scene inside the formation, his expression instantly darkened.

In the mirror, neither Du Ming nor Lan Caicai appeared. Instead, what he saw was a blazing red figure—Chi Xiao, clad in crimson feathered armor, wielding a massive flaming spear, and her long fiery hair billowing like a battle goddess. She was furiously bombarding the Immortal trapping Formation.

Damn it! Seriously?

Why is that woman here!?

Han Luo was speechless. Chi Xiao was the last person he wanted to deal with. She was completely uncontrollable. At least he could bribe Shen Xian’er with food to make her cooperate. Chi Xiao? No chance. There was no way to reason with her.

If she found out he was living here, Luoxian Mountain might just become her personal battleground.

But wait… how did she even know he was here?

Don’t tell me—it was that damned Aunt Hongniang!

Han Luo cursed his own carelessness. He should’ve expected this. Aunt Hongniang clearly hadn’t given up on trying to make him her daughter’s fiancé.

“You bastard Woshi Zhu! Get out here and face me!” Chi Xiao roared, slamming her flaming spear into the formation.

Boom!

A deafening explosion echoed across the valley, sending birds scattering into the sky.

Thankfully, Wudao Peak wasn’t densely populated. If this had happened anywhere else, curious onlookers would’ve swarmed in already.

Chi Xiao trembled with rage. Her face was ice cold, but her whole body radiated volcanic fury. She’d spent three months pestering her master and finally learned—through a sleepy mutter during a nap—that the guy who had fooled her was living here.

Without hesitation, she rushed over.

“You think a formation can stop me!? Just wait until I get my hands on you! I’ll skin you alive!” she screamed, her spear smashing against the barrier again and again.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The entire Immortal trapping Formation shook violently under her relentless assault, as if it might collapse at any moment.

“What a terrifying woman,” Han Luo wiped the sweat off his forehead. “Whoever marries her must have volcanoes erupting on their ancestral grave!”

But… maybe he could take advantage of this situation.

He stroked his chin as he watched Chi Xiao go berserk inside the mirror.

She possessed a fire-type spiritual root—one of the most aggressive elements.

Perfect.

Her blazing attacks could serve as an excellent test for the defensive formations within the Immortal trapping Formation.

With that thought, Han Luo calmly activated the defensive arrays and directed them toward her position.

Chi Xiao, of course, had no idea she was being used as a live test dummy. Her mind was solely focused on breaking through the formation and beating the man who had tricked her to a pulp.

She was an unexpected variable, and Han Luo hated unexpected variables. But since she was already here, there was nothing to fear.

Just in case, he pulled out a high-grade defensive formation disk—one of his own inventions—and hung it around his neck. It was called the Guardian God Formation, a purely defensive array even stronger than the ones in the Immortal trapping Formation itself.

But one wasn’t enough.

What if the first one failed?

To be safe, he took out four more and layered them all around his neck.

Feeling the weight pressing down on his shoulders, he smiled with satisfaction.

Ah… the reassuring weight of security.

With a single thought, five glowing green turtle shells encased him.

He checked his defenses: his own strength was at the seventh level of the Qi Refining Stage, five layers of Guardian God Formations, his bronze ring, and the bronze mirror. That was three solid layers of defense.

Even if Chi Xiao broke in, he had nothing to fear.

Even though she was only at the fifth level of Qi Refining, her combat ability was absurd.

As she continued her furious assault, Han Luo quietly recorded every detail in his little notebook.

He had to admit—Chi Xiao was terrifyingly strong. No wonder she was known as the number one big sister in Luoxian Sect. Her combat instincts were nearly unparalleled, rivaled perhaps only by the martial maniacs of Qianren Peak.

“I knew she was strong, but this is ridiculous…”

Still, no matter how strong she was, she was helping him test his formations for free. What more could he ask for?

As the sun began to set, Chi Xiao finally began to slow down. After an entire day of non-stop bombardment, even she was exhausted.

Han Luo thought she would finally leave.

But then, to his surprise, she pulled out a pill from her pouch, swallowed it, and sat down on the spot to recover her spiritual energy.

“You’ve got to be kidding me… she’s really planning to continue tomorrow?!”

It had already been three months since the incident. Any normal person would've let it go by now.

But not Chi Xiao. She was clearly even more fired up now that she’d encountered a new obstacle.

“You bastard! You think hiding behind this formation is enough? I swear I’ll blow it to pieces!”

Teeth gritted and eyes blazing, she began meditating to absorb the pill and restore her energy.

Once her energy recovered, she stood up, spear in hand, and resumed her assault.

“Aunt Hongniang, your disciple’s temper is something else. Even the Monkey King couldn’t handle her…” Han Luo sighed.

But since she was so eager, he figured—why not let her continue?

He opened his notebook and resumed taking notes.

“Got yourself another tool to test formations, huh?” a voice called out.

Xiaobai strolled over with a twitching tail.

Han Luo glanced back and smiled. “No need to find one—she came to me.”

“Hmph! I’m only helping because I have to obey Xian’er’s orders, not because I like it,” Xiaobai grumbled internally, still plotting revenge once her strength returned.

With Xiaobai handling the offensive formations and Chi Xiao hammering the defensive ones, Han Luo had his hands full—but he wasn't overwhelmed.

His mastery of formation theory allowed him to simultaneously operate and test both types with ease.

Days passed quickly.

After two months of diligent testing, the offensive formations were complete thanks to Xiaobai, and the defensive ones were nearly perfected under Chi Xiao’s relentless attacks.

Han Luo couldn’t help but be impressed.

Chi Xiao wasn’t just manly—she was more manly than most men. Her combat training and endurance were insane.

She even broke through from the fifth to the sixth level of Qi Refining during these two months of pure brute-force bombardment.

Han Luo had once felt a slight twinge of guilt for tricking her and taking that ancient jade during the exam.

But the moment he saw her level up, all guilt vanished.

Still, now that testing was complete, it was time to send her away. If she kept bombing the place like this, people were bound to notice.

And the last thing Han Luo wanted was a horde of Luoxian Sect’s male disciples showing up.

But as fate would have it, things never go as planned.

Freshly leveled-up, Chi Xiao’s battle aura blazed hotter than ever.

Her spear roared through the air, smashing against the formation again and again.

Crack!

A sharp sound like thunder exploded in Han Luo’s ears.

Chapter 36

The next morning, Han Luo made a breakfast of fresh soy milk and delicious pork-filled buns. After watching Shen Xian’er happily devour the meal, he smiled and asked, “Xian’er, how was it?”

“It was amazing! Senior Brother makes the best food in the whole world! Xian’er loves it the most!” she beamed with wide-eyed admiration.

In her world, being able to fly through the skies or burn mountains wasn’t impressive. To her, the strongest person was the one who could make delicious food—and that was her Senior Brother.

Han Luo decided it was time to stop hiding his intentions. “Xian’er, I’ve been researching formations. Help me test a few, and I’ll cook for you every day. Deal?”

“Really!?” Her face lit up like a blooming flower.

“Of course. You’re my Junior Sister. I’d never lie to you.”

“Okay okay okay! When do we start?” She rolled up her sleeves, eager and excited. After all, what could be better than eating her Senior Brother’s cooking every day?

“You’re not going to ask what kind of formations we’re testing?” Han Luo asked, amused.

“No need. Senior Brother is the best and would never hurt Xian’er. I trust you!” she said, all puffed-up with confidence. Beside her, Xiaobai the cat could only sigh. From her understanding of Xian’er, whoever fed her was practically family. Falling into Han Luo’s hands… truly a tribulation written in fate.

“Of course,” Han Luo chuckled. “You’re my Junior Sister. I’d never harm you.”

Thus began Xian’er’s new career as the perfect test subject. For three whole months, she helped him test countless illusion-type formations. Each one was a new wonderland to her—an entirely different world to play in. Through it all, her innocent joy never faded.

By the end of the three months, Han Luo had refined his illusion formations to near perfection, achieving what he considered the ideal setup for a Stage One Immortal trapping Formation. All that remained now were the offensive and defensive formations—which, clearly, Xian’er wasn’t suited to test.

So, he turned his gaze… to Xiaobai.

Under the parasol tree, Xiaobai was napping peacefully on the stone table when she suddenly shivered. A cold chill raced up her spine. Something was wrong.

“Xian’er, can I borrow Xiaobai for a bit?” Han Luo said with a sunny smile.

“Meow!” Xiaobai immediately turned her head and looked pitifully at Xian’er.

“Senior Brother, Xiaobai says it’s dangerous. Is that true?” Xian’er asked, her mouth still full of candied hawthorn.

“Of course not. Xiaobai is your favorite pet. I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.”

“Meow meow!”

“She says she refuses to help you—no matter what!” Xian’er translated, chomping on her snack.

Xiaobai’s smug little cat face was practically glowing. Three months ago, he bullied me. Now he wants help? Dream on.

Han Luo calmly said, “Xian’er, I know a recipe for braised pork…”

“I’ll tell Xiaobai to help you.”

Xiaobai: …

“Damn! So heartless!”

“Meow meow meow!”

Xiaobai’s face twisted in disbelief as she stared helplessly at Xian’er.

“She’s doing the pity act,” Han Luo said. “She’s hoping you’ll feel bad.”

But Xian’er was already cracking sunflower seeds, eyes misty as she stared.

“Senior Brother…”

Han Luo felt a twinge of guilt. Had she reconsidered?

“I just wanted to say… these sunflower seeds are delicious.”

Xiaobai: …

Han Luo: …

“Eat as much as you want. If you run out, just ask me.”

“Okay, Senior Brother!”

Carrying a very depressed-looking Xiaobai, Han Luo headed off for testing.

He had no intention of letting her get seriously hurt, of course. But Xiaobai’s background was clearly unusual—this was the perfect opportunity to see what she was really capable of.

He activated the first attack formation.

Inside the mirror realm, icy spears shot out toward Xiaobai. She didn’t even flinch, easily dodging with nimble footwork.

Han Luo took notes. “Ice spear concealment needs improvement…”

Landing lightly, Xiaobai was already alert for more.

Sure enough, blades shot from beneath her feet. She leapt away just in time. But a gust of wind knocked her off balance mid-air—followed by raining fireballs cutting off every escape route.

Still, she didn’t panic. A golden symbol flared on her forehead, and in an instant, she vanished—reappearing outside the blast zone, safe and sound.

Just as she relaxed, the ground beneath her exploded.

“Boom!”

Soot-covered and singed, Xiaobai looked like a burnt marshmallow. Her snow-white fur was blackened.

“Han Luo!!” she screamed in rage.

But just as she prepared to retaliate, the glow of the character disappeared.

“My spiritual energy… it’s gone! What’s that smell!?”

She sniffed her fur. “Disruption Powder!?”

It was a concoction that severed a cultivator’s connection to their spiritual energy. And just as she realized this, ghost vines wrapped around her—vines that sucked spiritual energy and, once that was gone, life force.

Han Luo stared intently at the mirror. “Come on… use your trump card.”

Xiaobai cursed under her breath, then activated a forbidden technique. Golden runes flared across her body, incinerating the ghost vines.

But it wasn’t over.

The ground roared, forming a giant stone hand that reached to crush her.

“You bastard, Han Luo! How many damn traps did you set up!?”

He sighed. “It’s just a basic 88-step combo sequence…”

Eventually, he paused the formation.

He was quite satisfied with the results. Xiaobai’s performance had far exceeded expectations, and his attack formation was now thoroughly field-tested.

Xiaobai stumbled out, charred and exhausted.

“Go take a bath. We’ll test again after dinner,” Han Luo said.

She wanted to cry.

But then… she realized her cultivation had subtly advanced.

So the little cat silently vowed: “Just wait… once I recover, I’ll make you pay, Han Luo.”

Meanwhile, Han Luo rubbed his chin. “I gave her a second-tier beast core and pumped the formation full of spiritual energy. Why is her growth still so slow? Her talent might be worse than I thought.”

He needed stronger testers.

But he didn’t want to bring in outsiders. Too risky.

Just as he was thinking this… his mirror artifact suddenly lit up.

Warning: an intruder had entered the Formation.

Chapter 35

“No need to worry. I’ve already set up a formation to keep Shen Xian’er asleep. She won’t know a thing,” Han Luo  said, sitting leisurely on a stone bench beneath the phoenix tree, sipping his tea. His gaze rested on Xiao Bai, whose feline face was filled with cautious hostility.

“You shouldn't be getting involved with Xian’er,” Xiao Bai spoke, her voice unexpectedly that of a woman’s.

Han Luo  glanced at her, completely unfazed. “And what does that have to do with you?”

“Say that again,” Xiao Bai growled, her small, delicate face twisting into something fierce, like a primordial beast trying to intimidate its prey.

Han Luo  , still as calm as ever, took another sip of tea and smirked. “You better not keep making that adorably fierce expression, or I might not be able to resist petting you.”

Xiao Bai was momentarily speechless.

“Han Luo  , you are not worthy of being near Xian’er,” she declared coldly. “Compared to her talent, you are nothing. Stay away from her—it’ll be better for you.”

“My talent?” Han Luo  chuckled, looking down at his own hand. “I don’t even know how strong I really am. What makes you think you do?”

It was true. Despite possessing a supreme-grade spiritual root, he had never seriously cultivated. Even so, his strength seemed to grow effortlessly, like a plant thriving in fertile soil. If he actually trained properly, he wasn’t sure even he could handle the results.

“You don’t know? Fine, I’ll tell you,” Xiao Bai scoffed. “You’ve been in Luoxian Sect for three years, yet you’re still at Qi Refinement Stage One. If that doesn’t prove your mediocrity, what does?”

“You might be right about that,” Han Luo  admitted with a shrug. “So what?”

“Then leave Xian’er alone,” she demanded. “She needs protection, not someone who needs her protection.”

Han Luo  smiled faintly. “And what if I don’t?”

A heavy silence followed.

“…Don’t force my hand,” Xiao Bai finally said, her sharp claws gleaming under the moonlight. “You may be a disciple of Luoxian Sect, but if I decide to teach you a lesson, no one will say anything.”

Han Luo  let out a short laugh, unimpressed. “I hate being threatened. And besides, you’re just a Qi Refinement Stage Three little white cat.”

As he spoke, he casually lifted two fingers… and snapped them down.

Xiao Bai tensed, instinctively preparing for an attack.

But nothing happened.

“Hahaha! Just messing with you,” Han Luo  burst into laughter, enjoying himself immensely.

“You’re courting death!” Xiao Bai roared.

With a whoosh, she transformed into a streak of white light and lunged straight at his face.

Yet Han Luo  remained completely still, still drinking his tea, making no attempt to dodge.

Her razor-sharp claws slashed down, aiming to scar that infuriatingly smug face—

Clang!

A metallic echo rang out as if she had struck solid steel.

Xiao Bai's eyes widened in disbelief.

What…?

She struck again, claws flashing through the air like white lightning.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Each strike bounced off an invisible barrier, producing a sharp, ringing sound.

The space around Han Luo  rippled like the surface of a calm lake, revealing an imperceptible shield—one that completely nullified her attacks.

But that wasn’t the worst part.

Before she even realized it…

She was no longer outside.

The world around her had changed.

She now stood inside a stark white prison, utterly featureless except for a single half-meter-high mirror with an ancient bronze frame standing before her.

Her ears flattened. “When did this happen?”

She hadn’t even noticed being trapped.

Yet here she was—sealed away.

On the other side of the mirror, Han Luo  smirked at her through the glass.

“Welcome,” he said, tapping the mirror.

This was one of the abilities of his Bronze Treasure Mirror—Mirror Prison.

Deep within the Mirror Realm, he had prepared special confinement cells, reinforced by temporal barriers.

Even a Nascent Soul cultivator wouldn’t be able to break free.

Of course, he doubted his Bronze Mirror was capable of capturing anyone that powerful—at least not yet.

But for now?

It was perfect for catching overconfident little white cats.

“Alright, Xiao Bai,” Han Luo  said, lazily cracking his knuckles. “From now on, you’ll answer my questions. If you refuse…”

He snapped his fingers.

Instantly, the walls of the Mirror Prison became covered with countless explosive talismans, densely packed together like a minefield.

“Then I’ll just set off ten thousand of these bad boys,” he finished with a wicked grin.

Xiao Bai’s pupils contracted sharply.

“…You’re playing with fire.”

As she spoke, a golden character appeared on her forehead meaning “King.”

A powerful, regal aura surged from her body, making her seem more like a mighty tiger than a mere cat.

But Han Luo  simply shrugged.

“I told you—I don’t like being threatened. And since you’re just a cat, I really don’t like being threatened by you.”

Reaching into his sleeve, he pulled out—

A cat teaser wand.

Xiao Bai froze.

Han Luo  ’s smirk deepened. “Hehehe… Xiao Bai, don’t blame me for this. You brought this upon yourself.”

With that, he twitched the wand.

And then—

“…W-What’s happening? Why can’t I control my body!?” Xiao Bai’s voice cracked in horror.

Her limbs moved on their own, instinctively swiping at the fluffy toy, batting at it like an actual house cat.

She pawed at the mirror, ears twitching, tail flicking, eyes locked onto the toy with laser focus.

Her dignity shattered instantly.

“STOP IT! YOU—YOU DESPICABLE HUMAN!” she shrieked, struggling against her own body.

Han Luo  grinned like a devil.

“Who’s threatening who now, huh?” he teased, flicking the wand again.

“No—No, wait! This isn’t—Agh! Damn it, stop moving, paws! STOP MOVING!” Xiao Bai desperately fought against her instincts, but the more she struggled, the more fun it felt.

Her pride cracked like thin ice.

“You still wanna threaten me?” Han Luo  asked, twirling the teaser like a villain twirling his mustache.

Xiao Bai lost it.

“STOP! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!”

“Not until you swear you won’t harm Xian’er or me,” Han Luo  declared. “Also, if you tell anyone about what happened tonight, I’ll personally give Xian’er this toy—and trust me, that girl will never stop playing with you.”

Xiao Bai shuddered violently.

She… she could already see it.

A hyperactive Shen Xian’er waving the toy around relentlessly…

Forever.

Tears of humiliation welled in her golden eyes. “FINE! I swear!”

The oath took effect immediately, binding her to the laws of the world.

Han Luo  grinned and finally released her.

The moment she reappeared, she lunged at him—only to be met with an impenetrable barrier.

BANG!

Xiao Bai bounced off like a rubber ball, tumbling back onto the ground.

She groaned, clutching her bruised nose.

Then she looked up, stunned.

“…Wait. Qi Refinement Stage Seven?!”

Han Luo  blinked. “Huh? I broke through?”

He clenched his fist. Yep. Definitely Qi Refinement Stage Seven.

“…When did that happen?”

Xiao Bai: …

Meanwhile, Han Luo  cracked his knuckles with a mischievous grin.

“You tried to scratch me, huh? Well, well… looks like it’s time to pet the cat.”

Xiao Bai’s ears flattened in horror.

“W-Wait! What are you—STAY AWAY FROM ME!”

A shadow lunged forward.

And then—

Throughout Luoxian Mountain, a desperate feline’s helpless cries echoed into the night.

Chapter 34

After breaking free from the illusion, Shen Xian'er gasped in amazement at the world before her, instantly captivated.

Who could blame her?

The once lush green grass beneath her feet had vanished, replaced by plump, fragrant sausages. The vibrant flowers had transformed into golden, crispy drumsticks. Trees had turned into towering cakes, their branches laden with an assortment of colorful, ripe fruits.

Cotton candy clouds floated lazily overhead, while roasted ducks flapped through the sky in perfect formation, leaving behind an irresistible aroma. The river had become a flowing stream of sweet nectar, and lively fish leaped joyfully into a bubbling pot of stew, filling the air with an enticing scent.

But the most dazzling sight of all was in the distance—a gigantic roasted beast leg glistening with golden oil, resting on an enormous grill, radiating a divine glow that seemed to illuminate eternity.

"Gulp..."

Shen Xian'er swallowed hard, her eyes locked onto the golden roasted meat, her steps unconsciously drawn forward as if in a trance.

This was the second illusion formation, one that manifested a person’s deepest desires.

Han Luo  , watching through his bronze mirror, couldn't help but chuckle.

He had anticipated this outcome, but still, seeing it unfold was amusing.

Her greatest wish, buried deep within her heart, turned out to be... food.

"Mine... it's all mine!"

Shen Xian'er lunged at a crispy drumstick, sinking her teeth into it with a satisfied hum.

In reality, she was munching on a flower, but to her, it tasted like the most divine chicken leg she had ever eaten.

"So delicious!"

Completely lost in the illusion, she roamed around devouring anything that looked appetizing.

Han Luo  calmly recorded the results in his notebook.

Of course, when she had eaten three flowers and was about to start gnawing on tree bark, he decided it was time to intervene.

As much as he wanted to see how far she'd go, she was still his junior sister and his primary test subject—letting her chew on trees would be crossing the line.

Under normal circumstances, if this had been an actual trapping formation, he would have laced the environment with deadly toxins.

One bite—instant death.

However, just as he was about to deactivate the array, something unexpected happened.

A new presence stirred within the formation.

It wasn’t coming from Shen Xian'er.

It was coming from the white cat on her head.

Through the bronze mirror, Han Luo  saw Xiao Bai slowly open its eyes.

Its once sleepy gaze now glowed with a deep golden hue, carrying a trace of irritation.

It tilted its head slightly, staring directly at the sky, as if it could see through the formation and was glaring at him.

Then, with a casual "Meow."

The illusion...

Shattered.

"Ah!"

Shen Xian'er blinked in confusion as the food paradise vanished, replaced once again by the mundane scenery of Luoxian Mountain.

She frowned and rubbed her stomach.

"Was I so hungry that I started hallucinating?"

The naive little girl laughed sheepishly, completely unaware that she had just been trapped in an illusion.

Shaking her head, she muttered, "Hang in there! I'll be at Senior Brother’s soon, and then I can finally eat something good!"

With newfound determination, she continued up the mountain.

At the peak of Luoxian Mountain, Han Luo  sat under the phoenix tree, gripping his notebook tightly, his brows furrowed.

"One single meow... and my illusion collapsed?"

He had initially assumed Xiao Bai was just Shen Xian’er's pet—nothing more.

But now?

Not only had it recognized the illusion, but it had also effortlessly destroyed it.

He was cautious by nature.

And right now, all his instincts screamed that this cat was not normal.

To confirm his suspicions, he activated several more illusion formations.

Each time, the result was the same.

Xiao Bai effortlessly dismantled them all.

Han Luo  ’s grip on his notebook tightened.

"This cat is definitely not ordinary. I need to investigate further."

What if it was planted by someone to get close to me?

Better to be cautious.

Xiao Bai, meanwhile, seemed annoyed by Han Luo  ’s constant use of Shen Xian'er for testing.

It showed no mercy.

Every illusion? Gone in an instant.

This led to a silent standoff between Han Luo  and Xiao Bai—an unspoken battle of wills.

Meanwhile, Shen Xian'er, completely oblivious, was having the time of her life.

Or rather, just being her usual carefree self.

She gleefully bounced up the mountain, unaware that she was walking through what should have been impenetrable barriers.

With the first trial run complete, Han Luo  deactivated all the formations.

He couldn’t deny it—using Shen Xian'er as a test subject was incredibly effective.

Not only had he gathered valuable data, but he had also deepened his understanding of formation mechanics.

Especially with Xiao Bai as an unexpected variable.

He now knew exactly where the Trapping Immortal Formation needed improvement.

As Shen Xian'er reached the mountain peak, the first thing she noticed was the mouthwatering aroma of food drifting through the air.

Her eyes lit up.

"Senior Brother! I'm here to play!"

"Come in," Han Luo  called out. "Dinner’s ready. I was waiting for you."

The moment she heard the word dinner, all traces of exhaustion vanished.

She dashed inside, her excitement palpable.

Inside the cottage, the dining table was neatly set.

Four fragrant dishes sat in perfect alignment, alongside a steaming pot of fresh white rice.

Despite her hunger, Shen Xian'er didn’t rush to eat.

She patiently waited for Han Luo  to take his seat before she followed suit.

"Go ahead," he said.

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Without hesitation, she pulled out her enchanted rice bowl and chopsticks, filled her bowl to the brim, and began eating with contentment.

Though she was clearly hungry, she didn’t gobble the food down.

She ate with a natural elegance, savoring every bite.

Han Luo  ate slowly as well, enjoying the peaceful meal.

All the while, his gaze subtly drifted toward Xiao Bai.

The cat lay motionless on the table, its pure white fur gleaming under the candlelight.

Not a single strand of its coat was out of place.

Each hair shimmered like refined jade, unnaturally pristine.

Even though its energy signature was only at Qi Refinement Third Stage, Han Luo  couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it.

"You’re not eating, Xiao Bai?" he asked casually.

"Xiao Bai has long since achieved breatharianism," Shen Xian'er answered between bites, as if this was common knowledge.

She placed her chopsticks down respectfully before continuing.

"Senior Brother, Xiao Bai is amazing! It can catch fish, climb trees, gather fruit, and even fly!"

She proudly stroked its fur, her face glowing with admiration.

"Sounds like quite a remarkable companion," Han Luo  remarked, his gaze sharpening slightly as he observed the cat.

After the meal, Shen Xian'er played with Xiao Bai on the grass, while Han Luo  sat under the phoenix tree, analyzing his formation data.

Shen Xian'er didn't understand formations.

She didn’t even know what Senior Brother was doing.

But she did know one thing—that bronze mirror of his must be filled with delicious food.

Every time he took something out of it, it was something tasty.

Therefore, based on her flawless logic, the mirror had to be a bottomless food storage treasure.

As the afternoon stretched lazily into evening, Shen Xian'er showed no intention of leaving.

Han Luo  smirked.

"Why don’t you stay the night?" he offered.

Her face lit up instantly.

"Really? Then... I’ll be intruding, Senior Brother!"

"Come on, let's go fishing. I’ll cook us some fresh fish tonight."

"Yay!"

And just like that, she happily followed him onto the boat, completely unaware that both her Senior Brother and her pet had ulterior motives of their own.

Shen Xian’er nodded eagerly like a pecking chick, bouncing excitedly behind Han Luo  .

The two of them boarded a small boat and rowed toward the center of Luoxian Lake.

"Senior Brother, you know how to fish? That’s amazing!"

"Look, look! There are fish swimming in the water!"

"Do you think fish ever choke on water? They're so incredible!"

"Senior Brother, this place is so beautiful!"

"Senior Brother..."

Han Luo  couldn’t help but marvel at her boundless energy.

It was rare for him not to get annoyed by chatter.

He was cautious, not antisocial.

Life was too lonely to go through it alone—everyone needed some companions to pass the time.

Besides, he preferred surrounding himself with people dumber than him.

Sure, they'd occasionally mess things up, turning life into one chaotic mess...

But at least it would be entertaining.

And wasn’t having fun the whole point of being alive?

Encouraged by Han Luo  , Shen Xian’er cast her line for the first time and miraculously caught a giant Qing Fish.

The process was chaotic—she panicked, fumbled, nearly fell into the lake—but she still succeeded.

That was what mattered.

Back at the cottage, Han Luo  cooked a steaming pot of fragrant fish soup, his specialty.

With their bellies full, Shen Xian’er curled up in bed, warm and satisfied, quickly drifting into sleep.

Meanwhile, Han Luo  ’s gaze shifted toward Xiao Bai.

At that moment, the white cat opened its eyes.

Golden pupils flickered under the dim candlelight, reflecting his own sharp gaze.

Their eyes met.

Without a word, Han Luo  turned and walked away.

Xiao Bai glanced at the sleeping Shen Xian’er, then silently got up...

And followed him.

Chapter 33

After sending off Han Luo  , Shen Xian'er clutched the food box tightly and ran back into her residence. She locked the door securely, placed the food box on the table, and rested her chin on her hands, staring at it intently as if trying to see through it.

"What delicious treat did Senior Brother put inside?"

She leaned in and sniffed, attempting to catch a hint of what was inside, but the box had an enchanted seal, making it completely airtight. She couldn't smell a thing.

"Maybe... I should just open it and take a peek?"

Her small hand reached toward the lid but stopped midway.

"No, no, no!" She shook her head firmly. "Senior Brother said I can only open it tomorrow. I have to listen to him."

Reluctantly, she withdrew her hand, though her face was filled with longing.

"Xiao Bai, do you think I should open it?"

She picked up the little white cat, rubbing its head affectionately.

"Meow!"

"Xiao Bai! How can you say that about Senior Brother? A bad person could never make such delicious food! Only someone who puts their heart into cooking can make something that tasty."

"Meow meow!"

"You can't just call him names! Senior Brother is really nice!"

"Meow meow meow!"

"Fine, fine, you're the best. My little Xiao Bai is the best."

Shen Xian'er stroked its soft fur as the little cat closed its eyes in contentment.

"Xiao Bai, are you hungry?"

The little cat shook its head.

"You’re not? Then why don't you help me check if the food is still warm? If it gets cold, it won’t taste as good."

Before the cat could resist, she grabbed its paw and pressed it against the food box.

Rolling its eyes, the cat sighed internally. It knew Shen Xian'er too well.

With a resigned flick of its paw—

Smack!

The food box tumbled over.

"Ah! Xiao Bai, how could—Oh! It's roast duck!"

She quickly picked up the fallen roast duck and placed it back in the food box.

"Oh no, the seal is broken! The freshness enchantment is weakening! By tomorrow, it'll go bad!"

She tapped her chin with her finger, deep in thought.

"Senior Brother, this isn't my fault. It was Xiao Bai who knocked it over! If I don’t eat it now, it'll spoil, and that would be such a waste of Senior Brother's effort. He was so thoughtful to bring this for me, how could I let his kindness go to waste?"

With that excuse settled in her heart, she gave a determined nod.

"Yes! To honor Senior Brother’s kindness, I have to eat it all!"

Once she overcame her inner struggle, everything else happened naturally.

She quickly took out her treasured rice bowl and chopsticks—both enchanted utensils—like a soldier preparing for battle.

And with the enthusiasm of a hurricane, she devoured the roast duck in no time.

Meanwhile, on his way back to Luoxian Mountain, Han Luo  held the bronze mirror in his hands, watching the scene unfold.

The mirror’s surface reflected the image of Shen Xian'er gleefully eating, completely absorbed in her food.

He couldn't help but chuckle.

Of course, the only reason he could see her was because of the ancient bronze inscription carved onto the food box. The engravings connected to his bronze mirror, allowing him to view anything within a ten-meter radius of the inscription.

What could he say?

For the sake of caution, he had to fully understand Shen Xian'er’s habits.

Pulling out a small notebook, he carefully jotted down:

"Shen Xian'er—Extreme foodie. Priority note."

Satisfied, he put away the mirror and headed home.

After returning to Luoxian Mountain, he didn’t rest immediately. Instead, he inspected the Trapping Immortal Formation, ensuring there were no flaws before the real test began.

The next morning, Shen Xian'er woke up feeling refreshed.

For the first time in three years, she had slept so well.

Maybe it was because she had eaten her fill the night before?

She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes, then started counting on her fingers—figuring out exactly how long until she could visit Senior Brother.

Time passed quickly.

As the sun set, she lay in bed, waiting for sleep to come.

"Grumble... grumble..."

Her stomach protested.

She pulled out a wild fruit and held it near her lips, hesitating.

"...But I get to see Senior Brother tomorrow. I can wait a little longer."

For once, she resisted temptation, hugging Xiao Bai tightly and trying to sleep.

The little cat drowsily opened its eyes, filled with exasperation.

A faint golden glow flickered on its forehead, forming a character—the mark of a king.

Soft golden light enveloped Shen Xian'er and the cat, radiating warmth.

At the same time, the cat’s body expanded, growing to nearly five feet long.

Shen Xian'er instinctively tightened her hug, snuggling deeper into the warm fur.

Within moments, she was fast asleep.

With the first light of dawn, Shen Xian'er leaped out of bed as if an invisible alarm clock had gone off.

She popped a Cleansing Pill into her mouth, dressed in her best floral outfit, and carefully picked out the prettiest wild fruits for a gift basket.

Hanging the basket over her arm, she happily skipped off toward Luoxian Mountain.

As soon as she stepped into the mountain’s range—

Han Luo  , who had been waiting, smirked.

"Right on time, little glutton."

Seeing the cheerful little figure approaching, he activated the Trapping Immortal Formation.

This grand formation consisted of 108 sub-arrays, categorized into three types:

• Maze formations

• Illusion formations

• Attack formations

Since this was just a test, he opted for illusionary mazes to see how well Shen Xian'er could navigate them.

The moment she crossed the boundary, she was instantly trapped.

"Wow! Luoxian Mountain looks even more beautiful than before!"

She gasped in awe, her big eyes widening as she took in the scenery.

Lush greenery stretched endlessly, birds chirped melodiously, and a gentle mist swirled around her, adding an ethereal beauty to the place.

Everything felt so perfect, so peaceful.

Completely mesmerized, she twirled, laughed, and danced like a fairy, fully embracing the dreamlike world.

At the mountain’s peak, beneath a phoenix tree, Han Luo  observed her through his bronze mirror, nodding in satisfaction.

There were countless types of illusion formations.

Some were terrifying nightmares.
Some preyed on one’s inner fears.
Some trapped people in eternal bliss until they wasted away.
Some strengthened inner demons, leading to self-destruction.

The one Shen Xian'er was in belonged to the time-dilating category—a formation where victims lost track of time until they withered away.

And judging by how much fun she was having...

She was already completely lost.

Inside the illusion, Shen Xian'er frolicked freely, giggling as she played with the wind and flowers.

She had completely forgotten the outside world.

Her spirit energy slowly began draining away.

Once that was gone, the formation would start absorbing her life force.

Without outside interference, she would be trapped forever until she died of old age.

Han Luo  calmly noted down her energy depletion rate and the stability of the formation.

Everything was proceeding perfectly.

Until—

"Grumble... grumble..."

A sudden, ominous sound echoed through the illusion.

Shen Xian'er froze.

She looked down at her stomach.

She was... hungry?

Rubbing her belly, she mumbled, "This place is nice... but I should hurry to Senior Brother. I don’t want to keep him waiting."

Without hesitation, she walked straight out of the maze.

On the mountaintop, Han Luo  sat there stiffly, notebook and pencil in hand.

"...What?"

His carefully crafted illusion was broken because she got hungry?!

He had anticipated every possible method of breaking the array.

But this...

This was not in the calculations.

Sighing, he wrote down a new note:

"Illusion formations need a hunger-resistant mechanism... otherwise, they can be broken by stomach growls."

And with that, Shen Xian'er skipped right into the next illusion—completely unaware that she had just shattered her Senior Brother's faith in formations forever.

Chapter 32

The basket was filled with wild fruits, all oddly shaped and unappealing. These were a special kind of fruit from Luo Xian Mountain, notorious for their bitter taste and terrible texture.

Han Luo  picked one up, weighing it in his hand, then looked at Shen Xian’er, who was happily munching on one as if it were a delicacy.

"Junior sister, have you been eating this for the past three years?" he asked in disbelief.

Luo Xian Sect was a prestigious sect—surely, they weren’t so poor that their disciples had to survive on wild fruit? And Shen Xian’er, with her unparalleled talent, should have been treated like a rare treasure. There was no way she had been living off this.

"Senior sister says that cultivators don’t need food to survive," Shen Xian’er explained, her voice tinged with reluctance. "She told me that if I really wanted to eat, I should only eat wild fruit. That way, over time, I’d forget the taste of good food and naturally achieve breatharianism. She went through the same thing, so I should too."

As she spoke about forgetting the taste of food, her expression dimmed slightly.

She loved food.
She believed that the happiest thing in the world was eating delicious meals.
But she also didn't want to disobey her senior sister's teachings.

So, every time she ate these awful wild fruits, she imagined them as exquisite delicacies, desperately trying to deceive herself into forgetting what real food tasted like.

Han Luo  blinked.

This…
This was definitely a scam.

Wasn’t Lan Caicai just too lazy to cook and tricking Shen Xian’er with some nonsense?

Yes, it was true that cultivators didn’t need food to survive, relying solely on spiritual energy for sustenance. But eating wouldn’t hinder cultivation either.

The only reason many cultivators chose breatharianism was to save time—every second spent eating was a second not spent cultivating.

However, Shen Xian’er was a Seventh-Grade Spiritual Root genius.

She didn’t need to desperately squeeze out every bit of time like the mediocre disciples.
Her talent ensured that as long as she trained a little, she’d make rapid progress.

The more Han Luo  thought about it, the more convinced he became—
Lan Caicai had definitely fooled Shen Xian’er just so she wouldn't have to cook for her!

Truly worthy of someone who walked the same path as Du Ming.
Completely unreliable.

"Senior brother, why aren’t you eating?" Shen Xian’er tilted her head and carefully handed him a wild fruit.

"This one tastes like chicken! I’ve been saving it!" she said earnestly.

Han Luo  was speechless.

What kind of senior sister tricks a child so badly that she starts hallucinating?

This was just a disgusting wild fruit!
How did she convince herself that it tasted like chicken?

"Senior brother, do you not like chicken? Then try this one! It tastes like fish, it’s really, really good!" she said, eagerly offering him another fruit.

She nibbled on her own, eyes shimmering with delight, as if she were enjoying a feast fit for royalty.

Han Luo  sighed.
This was the highest level of food obsession he had ever seen.

Fine.
Since she ran into me, I guess I’ll have to save her.

"Shen Xian’er, stop eating these wild fruits," he said with a mysterious smile. "Senior brother brought you something much better."

With that, he summoned his Bronze Mirror, reaching inside to retrieve a food box.

The moment it appeared, Shen Xian’er froze.

An overwhelming spiritual aura burst out of her, as if she had locked onto prey.

Her entire body tensed, her nostrils flared slightly as she sniffed the air, and her big round eyes sparkled with excitement.

Slowly—inch by inch—she scooted closer to the food box.

"Senior brother, what’s inside? It smells so good…" she whispered, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Her every sense was now completely locked onto the food box, as if afraid it might disappear.

Drool dripped down her chin, but she was too entranced to notice.

"This is my specialty dish—braised Qing Fish. A special gift just for you," Han Luo  said warmly.

He sighed dramatically.
"Honestly, I feel guilty about the test that day. I shouldn’t have left you behind. I should have taken you with me. I hope you can forgive me."

The white cat on the table rolled its eyes.

Clearly, it had seen through this man's tricks.

So cliché.

But Shen Xian’er wasn’t even listening.

"Mm! Mm! Mm! I won’t blame you, senior brother, I understand!" she said hurriedly.

Her gaze never once left the food box, and she had already swallowed multiple times.

"Good," Han Luo  chuckled. "Then this fish is my apology."

With a slow, deliberate motion, he lifted the lid.

Instantly—

An explosion of aroma filled the room.

Shen Xian’er’s pupils dilated.

Her body trembled, overwhelmed by the scent, and she nearly collapsed from excitement.

"Th-this… This is really for me?" she stammered.

She desperately tried to remain composed, but her shaking hands and twitching nose betrayed her.

She was ready to cry from happiness.

"Of course."

Han Luo  smiled like the gentle spring sun.

"Oh, right."

He reached into the Bronze Mirror again and pulled out a steaming pot of white rice.

"You need rice with fish. It makes it taste twice as good."

"Twice as good?!"

Shen Xian’er latched onto that phrase immediately, her food instincts going into overdrive.

"Go ahead, eat," Han Luo  urged.

Shen Xian’er nodded furiously, but instead of pouncing on the food, she carefully pulled out a set of exquisite utensils from her sleeve.

Not just any utensils—they were spiritual treasures.

Yes.
She had a set of high-grade, enchanted bowls and chopsticks.

Equivalent in quality to Han Luo  ’s Bronze Mirror.

It had a name—Iron Rice Bowl.

Han Luo  nearly burst out laughing.

She was so afraid of starvation that even her most precious treasure was designed for eating.

With an almost ceremonial reverence, she used her chopsticks to gently pick up a piece of fish, placing it into her mouth.

As soon as she started chewing—

Her cheeks flushed pink, then red, then a soft, glowing pink hue spread across her whole body.

Pure bliss.
The entire room seemed to come alive, as if even the air and the grass outside shared in her happiness.

She couldn’t hold back anymore.
Her head bobbed up and down, nodding faster and faster like an excited woodpecker.

Han Luo  chuckled.
It was like looking in a mirror.

Indeed, only true food lovers can recognize each other.

"Senior brother, you’re amazing!" Shen Xian’er declared between bites.

"I’ve never eaten something this delicious! If you gave me this every day, I wouldn’t even want to be a god anymore!"

"Slow down," Han Luo  said, pouring her a cup of tea.

A chef’s greatest joy was seeing someone enjoy their food.

Shen Xian’er patted her belly, sighing, "This is the best meal I’ve ever had!"

She clung to his sleeve. "Are you coming back tomorrow?"

Shen Xian’er grinned, her big, bright eyes blinking with excitement.

Her adorable expression could melt the hearts of both the young and old alike.

"Senior brother has things to do tomorrow," Han Luo  said, pausing for a moment before adding with a smile, "But if you really miss me, you can always come to Luo Xian Mountain and find me."

"Really?" Shen Xian’er’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Of course. I am your senior brother, after all."

"Alright, alright! I’ll come find you tomorrow!"

"Not tomorrow. Come the day after," Han Luo  corrected her.

"Mm! Mm!" She nodded enthusiastically, her excitement undiminished.

As Han Luo  turned to leave, Shen Xian’er trailed behind him the entire way down the mountain, her little face filled with determination.

At least a dozen times, she reminded him that he must be at home—because she would come find him.

Finally, just as they reached the foot of the mountain, Han Luo  handed her another food box, his tone serious.

"This one is for tomorrow," he said, "but you can’t open it until then."

Shen Xian’er clutched the food box like it was the greatest treasure in the world, her face beaming with satisfaction.

Hugging it tightly, she waved enthusiastically as she watched Han Luo  disappear into the distance.

Chapter 31

Shen Xian’er, known as the legendary possessor of a Seventh-Grade Spiritual Root, had become one of the most dazzling figures among the younger generation of Luo Xian Sect.

With her adorable looks and innocent nature, she had gained a massive following within the sect.

For Han Luo  , gathering information about her was incredibly easy.

• Name: Shen Xian’er

• Age: Nine

• Cultivation Level: Qi Refinement Stage, Fifth Tier

• Hobbies: Eating

• Personality: Innocent, cheerful, and endlessly energetic

Her obsession with food was as serious as Han Luo  ’s obsession with caution.

"Food, huh?"

Han Luo chuckled to himself.

He might not be the strongest cultivator, but if there was one thing he was confident about, it was cooking.

Instead of buying ingredients from the sect's market, he decided to gather them himself—

Who knew where those market ingredients came from?
What if someone tampered with them?
What if he accidentally ingested poison and had his cultivation crippled?

Especially since this meal was for his junior sister—essentially his family in the sect.

For family, he would give his utmost effort and ensure that everything was perfect.

Gathering Ingredients

Rather than heading straight into his personal realm, he rowed out to the center of Luo Xian Lake with a fishing rod in hand.

This lake was home to the elusive Qing Fish, a species famous for its incredible taste but notoriously difficult to catch.

Fortunately, Han Luo  had a secret fishing method—one he had once exchanged with an old fisherman for some cooking techniques.

Soon enough—

A fresh, five-pound Qing Fish was hooked!

"That should be enough," he murmured.

Returning to Luo Xian Mountain, he stepped into his personal realm and strolled through the vegetable garden, picking fresh green onions, chili peppers, and cilantro.

As he breathed in the earthy scent of the soil, a wave of nostalgia washed over him.

He had never tried to erase his past life’s memories—
Instead, he cherished them.

The taste of home.
The dishes his mother cooked.
The wine his father loved.

These were the things that kept him grounded in a world where he did not belong.

Cooking Begins

Returning to the kitchen, Han Luo  cleaned the fish, removed the scales, and gutted it before preparing the dish.

A simple braised Qing Fish—his signature dish and one of his childhood favorites.

The aroma soon filled the entire house, mingling with the scent of freshly steamed white rice.

Satisfied, he sealed both in a preservation formation, ensuring that their flavor would remain perfect for the next three months.

But what if Shen Xian’er didn’t like fish?

With that contingency in mind, he spent the entire day preparing eighteen different dishes, just to be safe.

When he finally looked at the table full of food, he nodded in satisfaction.

"There's no way she won't like at least one of these."

With everything ready, he left Luo Xian Mountain, following a hidden path toward San Xian Mountain, where Shen Xian’er lived.

Meeting Shen Xian’er

San Xian Mountain was modest compared to his own, but the scenery was pleasant enough.

Standing before the door, he knocked politely.

Knock, knock, knock…

The door creaked open just a tiny bit, and a round little head peeked out.

"Big brother, who are you looking for?"

Shen Xian’er’s bright, curious eyes blinked up at him, her chubby little face full of innocence.

"Hello! I’m Han Luo  , disciple of Wu Dao, the Peak Lord of Wu Dao Peak. That makes me your senior brother," he introduced himself with a polite smile.

"Ahhhhhh—!"

Shen Xian’er let out an excited squeal and flung the door open wide.

"Senior Brother! Senior Brother! I’ve heard about you from Master! I always wanted to visit you, but Master said I shouldn't disturb you while you’re cultivating! So I didn't go! But I reaaally wanted to! But Master said I had to focus on my own training and not fool around! But I don’t fool around! I’m so cute, how could I possibly fool around—"

Han Luo  blinked.

Two words popped into his head: Chatter box.

No way.
There’s no way such an adorable little girl could be such a chatter box.

He cleared his throat to regain control of the conversation.

"Ahem, Shen Xian’er, I came to visit you!"

"Yes, yes, Senior Brother, you’re right! Senior Brother, you’re so nice! Senior Brother, why is your cultivation so low? You’re only at the First Tier of Qi Refinement, not even as strong as me! That’s so strange—"

Han Luo  felt his blood pressure rising.

Maybe coming here was a mistake.

Still, he had to admit—

She really was just as innocent and gullible as his investigation suggested.

She believed everything he said without question.

What if I were an assassin?

What if I were here to kill her?

After all, her Seventh-Grade Spiritual Root had shaken the entire Eastern Domain.

Even Lu Dancheng, Luo Xian Sect’s most prominent genius, was overshadowed by her.

For someone so famous, she had no sense of self-preservation.

Seeing her as a prime example of what NOT to do, Han Luo  reminded himself to always keep a low profile.

If the world knew about his Supreme-Grade Spiritual Root, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Inside the House

Stepping inside, Han Luo  glanced around.

The house was ridiculously simple, even more barebones than his own safe house.

Understandable—
Cultivators had little need for material possessions.

"Is Lan Caicai not home?" he asked, noticing no other presence nearby.

"Mm! Senior Sister left with Senior Brother. Sometimes they don’t come home all night! And whenever she returns, she looks super exhausted. I feel so bad for her…"

Shen Xian’er sighed with genuine sympathy, stroking the little white cat in her arms.

Han Luo  ’s eyebrow twitched.

Alright.
That’s great.
No Senior Sister to interfere.*

It would be much easier to "convince" Shen Xian’er without a skeptical big sister around.

Cough.

Convince. Not manipulate.

"Ahem, Shen Xian’er, have you had dinner yet?"

"I was just about to eat! Wanna join me, Senior Brother?"

She happily skipped off to the kitchen to fetch the food.

Moments later—

She practically bounced back into the room, holding a huge bamboo basket with excitement in her eyes.

Chapter 30

As Hong Niang entered the room, both Chi Xiao and Lu Long immediately knelt.

“Master.”

Han Luo  also followed suit. “Greetings, Martial Aunt.”

“Rise.”

Hong Niang sat gracefully, exuding an ethereal presence, far removed from the earthly playfulness of Chi Xiao and Lu Long.

“Master, the mission has been completed,” Chi Xiao reported, her usual mischievous demeanor gone, replaced by deep respect for her teacher.

“Good. You may go.”

“Yes, Master.”

As they left, Chi Xiao shot Han Luo  a cryptic glance, filled with mixed emotions.

Once they were gone, Han Luo  wasted no time and got straight to the point—explaining why he had come.

—

Outside, Chi Xiao and Lu Long settled into a pavilion for a brief rest.

Lu Long was clearly holding back laughter.

She couldn’t hold it in anymore, bursting into laughter.

“What’s so funny? Share it with me,” Chi Xiao leaned in with a smirk, wrapping an arm around Lu Long’s shoulder.

“It’s nothing, really.”

“Oh?” Chi Xiao narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tell me… you’ve actually taken a liking to that Wo Shi Zhu guy? You know, he might not be the strongest, but he’s calm and composed. Most junior disciples tremble when they see me, but he didn't even flinch, not even when you were sitting right there. His heart rate didn't even change. That kind of mental fortitude is rare.”

Chi Xiao was genuinely impressed.

Luo Xian Sect truly was a place filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers.

If she ever found out that the Wo Shi Zhu she was complimenting was actually the very person she had been hunting for over a year, she would probably explode on the spot and destroy Luo Xian Sect in rage.

Lu Long looked at Chi Xiao, who was still blissfully unaware.

With a teasing smile, she said, “Sister Xiao, try saying ‘Wo Shi Zhu’ in dialect of imperial capital. You’ll notice something… interesting.”

Chi Xiao blinked in confusion but followed the instruction.

“Wo Shi Zhu, Wo Shi Zhu, Wo Shi Zhu, Wo Shi Zhu, Wo Shi… I AM A… PIG?!”

For three long seconds, there was absolute silence—as if even time itself had frozen.

Then—

BOOM!

A deafening explosion erupted as Chi Xiao obliterated the pavilion in a fit of rage.

“THAT BASTARD! HOW DARE HE MAKE A FOOL OUT OF ME! HAND ME MY SPEAR!”

Chi Xiao’s body ignited, flames roaring around her as she stormed toward Hong Niang’s meditation chamber.

Without hesitation—

BAM!

She kicked the wooden door into splinters.

But—

The room was empty.

Hong Niang and that bastard had already left.

“AAAAAAAHHHH!!!”

With nowhere to vent her fury, Chi Xiao unleashed a firestorm, scorching everything in her path.

“Sister Xiao! Don’t wreck Master’s chamber! She’ll punish you for this!” Lu Long quickly sent out vines, wrapping around Chi Xiao’s waist and dragging her away.

Somewhere on Piao Miao Peak, atop a small mountain—

BOOM!

Chi Xiao flattened the entire peak in an explosion of rage.

Lu Long sighed, shaking her head.

There was no taming her.

Still, it was precisely because of Chi Xiao’s wild and untamed nature that Lu Long had come to see her as family.

—

Meanwhile, at Piao Miao Peak’s Fire Mulberry Forest—

“Han Luo  , this entire Fire Mulberry Forest is one of our best. Even Yun Qian Ren himself has asked for it, and I refused. But today, I’ll gift it to you,” Hong Niang said warmly.

Dressed in flaming red robes, she carried an aura of nobility. Despite being hundreds of years old, she still looked no older than twenty-seven or twenty-eight, radiating mature beauty and grace.

Her every movement carried the elegance of a true celestial maiden.

Han Luo  respectfully cupped his hands. “Thank you, Martial Aunt. I will remember this kindness. If you ever need my assistance in the future, I will not refuse.”

He was more than happy to maintain a good relationship with someone like Hong Niang.

One, it meant having a strong backing in case of emergencies.
Two, as a Luo Xian Sect disciple, having good relations with high-ranking figures could only benefit him.

In fact—

Once his Trapping Immortal Array was complete, he planned to personally visit the major Peak Lords with homemade dishes.

Having connections and backup plans was never a bad idea.

Hong Niang smiled knowingly.

“Actually, there is something I’d like you to help me with.”

Han Luo  ’s heart skipped a beat.

He had a bad feeling about this.

“Please, speak.”

“It’s simple,” Hong Niang’s smile deepened. “I have three thousand disciples, and among them, one named Chi Xiao—a girl with extraordinary talent, but a volatile temper. If left unchecked, it will hinder her cultivation progress.”

Han Luo  ’s face immediately darkened.

A bad premonition came true.

“I observed you today—you’re calm and composed, the perfect counterbalance to her fiery nature.”

A sinister grin formed on Hong Niang’s lips.

“So, I’ve decided—to marry you to her. You’ll be her husband, and you’ll help guide her temper. How about it?”

Han Luo  froze.

What. The. Hell.

Chi Xiao as his wife?!

Was this a blessing or a death sentence?!

“Uh… Martial Aunt, this is an important matter. I think we should… uh, take our time to consider—OH LOOK AT THE TIME! I THINK I LEFT SOMETHING COOKING AT HOME! I MUST GO!”

Before Hong Niang could respond—

SWOOSH!

Han Luo  bolted out of the room, disappearing into the distance like his life depended on it.

If he stayed even a moment longer, he might actually get married by force.

—

Returning to Luo Xian Mountain, Han Luo  felt a deep unease.

It was as if something sinister was lurking, waiting to pounce on him.

His body reacted violently—dry heaving, cold sweat, headache… the works.

From now on, Piao Miao Peak was a place he could never set foot in again.

It was too dangerous.

Too terrifying.

For male cultivators, it was even more perilous than the Seven Great Forbidden Lands of the Cultivation World.

At that moment, he made a decision.

He would never go near Piao Miao Peak again.

It was hell on earth.

With a shudder, he forced himself to focus.

He needed to finish the Trapping Immortal Array.

A year passed.

Standing atop Luo Xian Mountain, he gazed upon the 108 fully completed sub-arrays, nodding in satisfaction.

Finally—it was done.

From today onward—

The Eighth Forbidden Land of the Cultivation World is officially established.

One day, Luo Xian Mountain would be feared across the mortal realm.

But more importantly—

Now, he could finally cultivate in peace.

Only by doing this could he finally set aside his paranoia and focus solely on cultivation.

Otherwise, he would always feel like there were a pair of mischievous eyes watching him from the shadows, sending shivers down his spine.

With his goal set, it was time to return to reality.

Turning Luo Xian Mountain into the Eighth Forbidden Land was no small feat—it was a long road ahead.

For now, the foundation was complete, but he still needed extensive testing to ensure everything was functioning properly.

And when it came to testing the formation, he definitely couldn't do it himself.

As for the people he knew in Luo Xian Sect—

The Peak Lords were out of the question.
Chi Xiao? Absolutely not.
Lu Long? They weren’t that close.
Sister Xiao? Same issue.

As for his fellow disciples—

Despite having been in Luo Xian Sect for three years, he had never met a single one of them.

However—

He suddenly recalled that three years ago, his master Wu Dao had not only taken him as a disciple but had also accepted a young girl named Shen Xian’er.

Thinking about that innocent, pure-hearted little girl, Han Luo  couldn't help but smile.

Clearly—

There was no one more suited for the job of test subject than Shen Xian’er.

Chapter 29

Leaving the safehouse, Han Luo  did his usual security check. After confirming that no one had stepped foot on Luo Xian Mountain, he retrieved two flight talismans from his Copper Ring and stuck them onto his back.

In an instant, two transparent wings materialized behind him.

Bending his knees, he prepared to soar into the sky.

Wait.

The wings seemed a bit too thin.

Without hesitation, he pulled out eleven more talismans, sticking them onto his back until he had a total of twelve transparent wings.

With careful flaps, he began to ascend.

But, being the cautious man he was, he tested flight above Luo Xian Mountain for half a day, making sure he had full control. After confirming his technique, he strapped on a custom-made parachute—just in case.

Now, he was ready.

He took off, circling Luo Xian Mountain to begin mapping the terrain.

—

Luo Xian Mountain’s Grand Formation: The Trapping Immortal Array

Unlike the Mirror Realm, Luo Xian Mountain was massive. Relying solely on formation materials wouldn’t cut it—he had to integrate the natural terrain.

This was where his formation skills would be truly tested.

A skilled formation master wouldn’t just arrange formations randomly; they would harness the land’s features, creating something far more powerful.

His choice?

A formation with an intimidatingly long name:
“The One Hundred and Eight Heavenly Stars and Earthly Fiends Supreme Nine Heavens and Ten Lands Xu Mi Trapping Immortal Array.”

Or, for simplicity’s sake:
“The Trapping Immortal Array.”

He had two main reasons for choosing it.

• The Name. Longer names always felt more powerful. A formation with a name this long couldn’t be weak, right?

• Its Versatility. This was Luo Xian Sect’s most advanced offensive-defense formation.

It consisted of 36 Heavenly Stars and 72 Earthly Fiends, forming 108 interconnected sub-formations. If one sub-formation failed, the entire array would collapse.

But, when successfully deployed, it could generate countless variations, each sub-formation functioning both independently and as part of the whole.

The best part?

It had self-repair capabilities.

—

The Missing Fire Element

Han Luo  surveyed Luo Xian Mountain, splitting it into four major regions:

• Luo Xian Mountain (Earth Element)

• Luo Xian Lake (Water Element)

• Luo Xian Waterfall (Metal Element)

• Luo Xian Forest (Wood Element)

But something was missing.

The Fire Element.

The Trapping Immortal Array relied on perfect five-element balance. If he faked the Fire Element with formation techniques, the array’s power would drop significantly—and he refused to be that careless.

How to introduce Fire into the ecosystem?

Thinking deeply, he found the perfect solution.

Half of Luo Xian Forest could be converted into a Fire-based forest!

And when it came to fire-attributed plants, one place instantly came to mind—Piao Miao Peak.

His martial aunt, Hong Niang, loved red-colored flora, and since Piao Miao Peak was mostly female disciples, its Yin-heavy energy required fire-based vegetation to balance it.

Perfect.

But there was one major problem.

Piao Miao Peak… was home to Chi Xiao.

His biggest nemesis.

If he ran into her…

“Pah! Pah! Pah!” Han Luo  shook his head furiously.

Impossible! There’s no way I’ll run into her. I won’t be that unlucky.

Just to be safe, he decided to bring some gifts for Hong Niang.

—

Local Specialties as Tribute

Entering the Mirror Realm, he headed to his vegetable farm.

Fresh tomatoes, bok choy, green beans… and, of course, he picked a generous amount of cucumbers—rich in nutrients, great for beauty and skincare.

Alongside cucumbers, he packed carrots, eggplants, and other common vegetables into a large basket, strapped it onto his back, and followed a hidden path toward Piao Miao Peak.

And then…

The worst-case scenario happened.

—

Disaster at Piao Miao Peak

Inside Hong Niang’s meditation chamber, Han Luo  sat stiffly, his hands rigidly placed on his thighs, trying hard not to break a sweat.

Across from him sat Chi Xiao and Lu Long, whispering among themselves, occasionally casting him strange glances.

Han Luo  felt like he was sitting on a bed of nails.

This wasn’t part of the plan!

Before coming, he had confirmed that Chi Xiao was out on a mission.

So why the hell was she here?!

“Junior Brother, we really are fated to meet!”

Chi Xiao folded her arms and grinned.

“…Ah.”

Han Luo  responded awkwardly.

“So? What’s with the big basket?” Chi Xiao’s gaze flicked to his back, then widened mischievously. “Oh, I see! You really took my joke seriously. You actually brought dowry gifts for Lu Long?”

Before Han Luo  could protest, she flipped open the basket, revealing its fresh vegetables.

Her eyes lit up.

Not waiting for his response, she grabbed a tomato, wiped it on her sleeve, and took a big bite.

The juice exploded in her mouth, carrying a rich, earthy aroma.

“Mm! Not bad.” She looked at him, clearly impressed. “You grew these yourself?”

Han Luo  nodded carefully, staying on high alert.

Chi Xiao smirked, then casually threw a cucumber at Lu Long.

“Here, Lu Long! This is a special ‘dowry gift’ just for you.”

Lu Long caught the cucumber, sighed, and rubbed her temples.

“Falcon, stop teasing him. Junior Brother is here to see Master.”

Still, she looked at Han Luo  , a bit curious.

“So, Junior Brother, what’s your name?”

“Right, we don’t even know your name yet.” Chi Xiao grinned, leaning closer. “Since we’re so ‘fated,’ might as well introduce yourself. Don’t worry, if anyone dares to mess with you, just drop my name. No one would dare touch you in Luo Xian Sect.”

Han Luo  thought carefully, then calmly replied:

“My name is Wo Shi Zhu.”

Chi Xiao froze for a second, then frowned.

“…That’s a weird name.”

She muttered it to herself, rolling it over in her mind.

Something felt off, but she couldn’t quite place it.

Just then, Hong Niang’s voice echoed through the chamber.

“Mission complete?”

The moment was interrupted.

Han Luo  exhaled in relief—saved by Martial Aunt.

Chapter 28

Han Luo  returned to Luo Xian Mountain and immediately checked his alarm system. After confirming everything was in order, he entered Safehouse No. 13.

The familiar scent, the familiar coziness, the familiar sense of security—nothing could compare to his own fortified hideout.

A golden palace? A silver mansion? Nothing beats your own lair.

Forget everything else—a good nap comes first.

—

After a deep and satisfying sleep, Han Luo  woke up feeling refreshed. Nothing felt better than sleeping in your own place.

After a hearty breakfast and some light stretching, it was time to get to work. The main task was fortifying Luo Xian Mountain with formations—a process that would take at least a year.

But before that…

He had another location to set up first. Taking out his Bronze Mirror, he entered the Mirror Realm.

—

The Mirror Realm was an unusual private space. It had only one entrance, with the rest being impenetrable spatial walls.

Even a Great Ascension/ Mahayana cultivator couldn’t break through. Ever since he had bonded with the Bronze Mirror, the Mirror Realm belonged entirely to him.

Standing in the vast yet enclosed world, roughly the size of five football fields, Han Luo  felt a deep sense of security.

In this world, he could use minor divine abilities, giving him more control.

Time to get started.

—

Step One: Survey the Land

Han Luo  measured every corner of the realm, taking two hours to complete.

Then, he descended to the center, setting up his workspace—a table, blueprints, pencils, rulers, calipers… all tools of precision.

He had already planned out how he wanted his personal world to be.

Three days later, after thirty revisions, the blueprint was finalized.

—

Step Two: The Soil

The current ground was as hard as iron—completely unfit for planting.

So, he scouted barren mountain peaks near Luo Xian Mountain, ensuring the soil was suitable before collecting them with the Bronze Mirror.

Soon, rich, dark soil covered the land, layered a hundred meters thick.

The scent of fresh earth filled the air, bringing back childhood memories.

At that moment, it felt as if he had returned to simpler times—carefree days spent running through his village fields.

“ Your mom’s calling you for dinner!”

Shaking off the nostalgia, he moved on to the next step.

—

Step Three: Creating Day & Night

A world needs a cycle of light and darkness, so he set up a Day-Night Alternation Array.

Twelve hours of daylight. Twelve hours of night. Just like the world he came from.

Carefully, he spent half a day constructing the formation. Once activated, the Mirror Realm transformed. The sky turned blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds.

A sun rose in the east, painting the land golden. Satisfied, he observed the effect for three days before confirming its stability.

—

Step Four: The Seasons

A proper world needed seasons, so he installed the Four Seasons Array, integrating it with the Day-Night Array.

Spring brought gentle breezes, just like the days when he nervously entered school for the first time. Summer arrived with blazing heat, its warmth hugging him like a childhood memory. Autumn followed, bringing cool winds and falling leaves. Then came Winter—cold yet crisp, bringing a sense of renewal.

After thoroughly testing each phase, he nodded in satisfaction.

—

Step Five: Dividing the Realm

He divided the land into five zones:

• Vegetable Zone

• Grain Zone

• Herb Zone

• Livestock & Aquaculture Zone

• Fruit Orchard

—

First up, the Vegetable Zone.

He carefully planted seeds he had collected over the years—tomatoes, chili peppers, green onions, cucumbers… dozens of varieties.

Why grow vegetables?

Because he missed home. Every traveler in a distant land carries a longing for familiar flavors.

Though he was now a cultivator, his mortal heart still held onto its roots. Some people tried to erase their past, hoping to reinvent themselves.

But Han Luo  ?

He treasured it. Even painful memories were part of who he was.

—

Next was the Grain Zone.

With the experience from planting vegetables, he carefully sowed wheat, corn, potatoes, soybeans, sorghum, and more.

Finding all these seeds had been a stroke of luck, but perhaps… The heavens were making it up to him.

—

The Herb Zone was different. Unlike grains and vegetables, spiritual herbs were rare.

Most of what he had collected were low-grade varieties. Still, he believed—every herb had its purpose.

Even the most precious elixirs required the most ordinary ingredients. Just like how the most intricate machines still relied on tiny screws. Being cautious never hurt.

—

The Livestock & Aquaculture Zone was next.

He divided it into two sections:

• Land animals (chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, cows, etc.)

• Water creatures (freshwater and saltwater fish, shellfish, etc.)

—

Finally, he tackled the Fruit Orchard, planting apple trees, peach trees, orange trees, and more.

The entire process took an entire month. At last, his personal paradise was complete. Hovering above the landscape, he admired his work, feeling deep satisfaction.

—

Only one thing was missing—a caretaker for the Mirror Realm.

Maybe he should ask his master to refine a puppet servant?

…No, better not.

He’d rather do it himself.

Not that he didn’t trust his master—but when it came to his own security, he preferred to be extra cautious.

—

Over the next few months, he made final adjustments:

• Constructed a two-story residence at the center.

• Installed a Spiritual Energy Conversion Array to gradually generate Qi.

• Added a Spirit Gathering Formation to the Herb and Orchard Zones.

• Set up a Barrier Array to prevent spirit energy from affecting his grains, vegetables, and livestock—he wanted normal flavors, not spirit-infused ones.

• Built rivers and a water storage system to maintain self-sufficiency.

With the five elements in balance, the Mirror Realm became a self-sustaining world.

—

The seasons passed, bringing the first harvest.

To store the food properly, he built preservation chambers enhanced by formations, ensuring fresh produce year-round.

Now, he could always enjoy fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats.

—

One evening, reclining on his rocking chair, sipping tea, and humming a tune, he felt truly content. Until, something stirred inside him. His expression stiffened.

“…Seriously?”

Yep.

You guessed it. He had broken through again.

From Qi Refinement Fifth Stage to Qi Refinement Sixth Stage. At this point, he wasn’t even surprised anymore.

Other cultivators spent years painstakingly advancing… Meanwhile, he stretched a little, planted some crops, and leveled up.

“…My cultivation path is a joke.”

Shaking his head, he sighed. It had been over a year since he last left. Time to finally go home… and renovate the place properly.