《Strongest Businessman of the Cultivation World》


 Chapter 1 My Gold Finger Is A Printer?

    "Aah, my stomach!"


    A young man in his twenties groaned as he rolled on his bed. His disheveled neck-length hair and pale, sunken cheeks made his otherwise handsome face look ghastly.


    "Wait, Bed? How am I on a Bed?"


    Ikasa sat up hurriedly. The sudden movement caused him to feel dizzy. He blinked his eyes furiously, to regain his sight. Then he scrutinized his surroundings .


    He was in a small room. The walls and floor of the room were coated with mud. On the opposite side of the room, there was a small firece below the window. It also served as a cooking station. A small table was ced adjacent to the bed. And on the table was a Printer.


    "A Printer?" Baffled by his discovery, Ikasa carefully observed it to verify his guess. It was indeed a printer - A run of a mill,ser jet paper printer.


    Ikasa got up from the bed to take a closer look at it. The Printer seemed very out of ce in this room.


    As he got up, he felt a breeze blow at his lower body. When he looked down, he was shocked. His legs were different from how he remembered them to be. For one, the skin tone was darker. And they were hairy.


    He immediately checked his hands. They were calloused and hard, very different from his soft, almost feminine hands.


    "No! It can''t be..."


    Ikasa immediately grabbed the closest thing he had for a mirror, a shiny copper te. And his fears were confirmed.


    Those intense grayish blue eyes were not his. The thick eyebrows were not his. That dastardly handsome face was definitely not his.


    If his conjectures were correct, he had transmigrated.


    "All I did was take a dump behind your shrine, God! Did you have to give this big of a punishment to me?"


    He hurried to the window to look outside. Not a single scooter or a car could be seen. There was not even a proper concrete road. But there was lots of dust and tracks of carriages.


    "No! I have really transmigrated!"


    In despair, he slumped to the ground.


    "I was a young, sessful entrepreneur on Earth. I made my Computer Peripheralspany from zero to a billion-dor business within five years. I resigned when I was 28 to enjoy the prime of my life. And I died because some fcukers decided to mess with my water?"


    The more he thought about it, the more pissed he got.


    "Those damn bastards. So what if they wanted to y a prank on me? Can they take responsibility for this transmigration?"


    Ikasa remembered the moment he had passed out. He was in one of the backwater viges of China, visiting as a tourist. He took two of the locals from the vige and went to see the Vige''s protector god, the Kuei-Shen.


    Since it was the high noon of summer, he was already feeling a bit weak and dehydrated. When he reached out to drink water, he didn''t see the sniggering youths. Soon after, their form started to show effects.


    There was no toilet in the area, and the only Tree that could shelter him from the view belonged to Kuei-Shen. Out of respect, he went as far as he could, but he couldn''t hold it in.


    He took care of his business right behind the shrine. Thexative and dehydration from earlier showed their effects, and he passed out before he could zip up his pants.


    "Hopefully, I didn''t fall into my own shit."  Ikasa sighed.


    After raging and cursing for more than an hour, he had resigned himself to his fate. He was not the type who would dwell on the things beyond his control. ''Make the most out of what''s been served'' was his mantra.


    "It is all past for now. I now have a new challenge and new world to explore."  pping his cheeks, he cheered himself up.


    As he looked at his surroundings, memories of the original owner flooded  his head. He saw a paper stuck on the wall above his bed.


    ''I will change my fate! I will change the fate of allmoners!''


    Memories of the time those words were written resurfaced.


    An adolescent teenager studied hard to read and write the words to be an Imperial Official. The way he was humiliated when he applied to be the Official Scribe at City Hall.


    The ridiculous reason the Administrative officer had used to deny him the post.


    ''Only those with pedigree are eligible to be Imperial Official.''


    The words on the paper were written when he had returned home after that shameful incident. And they had kept the previous Ikasa going.


    Ikasa picked up the stack of papers and a Book. He got another shback.


    He saw the past Ikasa burn the midnight oil to copy Books, manuals, and other documents for the influential powers of the City.


    "Hmph! Even though the pay was good, they treated this guy as Xerox machine in human form."


    Now his attention turned to the oddest object in this room, the Printer.


    He saw Ikasa reading about the Ruins in a book. He dreamed of turning his life around by selling the spoils found in Ruin. And he acted on his desire to explore the Ruins.


    Even before he had entered the ruins, arge object had mmed into his stomach. And that object was this Printer. He had hobbled home with the Printer.


    And that''s where the memory ended.


    "Looks like this is the cause of his death. Poor fellow. Didn''t even get a chance to check his spoils."


    Ikasa approached the Printer with caution. The bruise on his stomach was still aching.


    When he was a foot away from the printer, a connecting cable suddenly emerged from the device and charged towards his stomach. Ikasa tried to dodge, but he was too slow.


    The USB pin of the cable had inserted itself into the USB slot that had mysteriously appeared on his Sr Plexus. He felt as if he had heard a bell chime and a screen appeared before his eyes.


    [Wee to the Printing Interface]


    Words apanied with sound appeared in his head. He mentallymanded the screen to the next page.


    [Would you like to go through the Tutorial?]


    An additional Skip button had appeared. Out of habit, he chose Skip. And then the ramifications of what he had done registered.


    "No, No, No, Don''t skip! Back! Go Back! God Damn it!"


    But it was toote. He watched helplessly as the new screen appeared.


    The first thing that attracted his attention on a new screen was a Golden Print Button. Below it, he saw options such as Cultivation Technique Manuals and Battle Technique Manuals.


    He could also toggle the screen from the Print button to the Copy button. But the Copy button was currently grey. In the Right upper corner, he saw two numbers.<novelnext></novelnext>


    CP : 50


    BP : 50


    By zooming in on the numbers, a description of the numbers appeared.


    CP - Cultivation Points. Earned when a Printer generated cultivation manual is practiced by a cultivator.


    BP - Battle Points. Earned when a Printer generated Battle Technique manual is practiced by a cultivator.


    This was a good enough description. Ikasa zoomed out.


    He again focused on the Print button, hoping more information would pop out. Unfortunately, nothing happened. He checked the box beside of the Cultivation technique manual and selected Print.


    A confirmation message popped before him.


    [Do you want to use 2 Cultivation points for Targeted Printing?]


    Ikasa calmly chose ''No''.


    "Not gonna rush again. Never again," He muttered to himself.


    This time he selected the box in front of the Battle Technique manuals. Once again, a confirmation message popped up.


    [Do you want to use 2 Battle Points for Targeted Printing?]


    Ikasa clicked ''No'' again.


    This time Ikasa unchecked both the boxes and activated the golden Print button.


    [Ding! Detected First Time User. Activating Bonus Draw]


    [User is awarded 1 Bonus Draw]


    Millions of characters floated on the screen and disappeared before Ikasa could read them.


    [Cultivation manual ''Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength is ready to print.]


    The screen in front of him vanished, and he could see the Printer sucking in air from the Paper Tray as a pristine white paper with ck letters was printed out, one after another.


    As Ikasa marveled at the magical sight before him, the papers had resized themselves. They bound together to form a nove-sized booklet.


    On the ck background of the cover page, golden letters appeared.


    [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength]


    The manual evoked another memory. After he finished going through it, his lips twitched. He had inherited the entire knowledge Ikasa had about Cultivation and its theories. And yet he felt like cursing.


    "I know I always wished for it, but I don''t want to be unique anymore, God! Please make me like everyone else in this City and give me the ability to cultivate too!"


    Everyone had the ability to cultivate, but they couldn''t because of ack of ess to Cultivation Techniques and resources. Ikasa was the odd one. He had ess to Techniques and resources, yet, he couldn''t cultivate.


    While cursing his luck, he picked up the manual and read through it. Going through the thin booklet took him hardly a few minutes.


    "This... This is a High-Grade Cultivation manual. Much better than the low-grade or Mid-grade manuals sold in Cultivation Manual shops."


    Then a sudden thought came to his mind.


    ''Wait, this is the lowest-ranked tier-3 city. I don''t think the three big influences- the Xue Family, the Li family, or even the City Lord''s Manor have ess to High-Grade manuals.''


    "If so, selling this manual would earn me enough money to spend the rest of my life without working!"


    Cheering, he stood up with glee, as if to run out and find a buyer. That''s when he saw the paper stuck on the wall. He turned serious.


    "''I want to change my fate! I want to change the fate of allmoners!'' And I was dreaming of happily spending my life after selling one manual."


    He sneered at himself for thinking of taking an easy way out.


    "No, I can''t keep my goals so low. I am now a proud owner of Gold Finger." Ikasa said confidently, but then he gazed wistfully at the table while muttering, "Even though the Gold Finger is... A Printer."


    He didn''t dwell on it for long.


    "Anyways, I should explore the Interface a bit more."


    And Ikasa dived right back in.


    The Bold Golden print button had now turned Silver. And his points were unchanged. With the intention to explore, Ikasa once again swiped the screen to the Copy button. This time the Copy button was also Silver. Below the option, he could see a list of cultivation manuals in his possession.


    Meaning, he saw the [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] listed under the copy button. There was a familiar check box. Ikasa checked the Box and clicked the Copy Button.


    There was no confirmation box this time. Instead, the familiar sound of Air being sucked into Printer was heard. Soon Ikasa had one more copy of [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] in his hands.


    He didn''t know whether tough or cry. When he re-entered the interface, the Silver color of Copy and Print had turned White.


    He had no choice but to continue exploring. Gritting his teeth, he chose the  White Print button.


    [Do you want to use 1 Point to randomly draw Cultivation or Battle Technique?]


    After hurriedly saying No, Ikasa rubbed his nose.


    He dared not explore randomly anymore. The Points were precious, and even though he knew how to earn them, he didn''t know when he would be able to.


    "Only if there was a user manualˇ­."


    [Generating User Manual...]


    And soon a User Manual appeared before him.


    "Aarrgh!"


    He was so furious and regretful at the same time. If only he had asked for the User Manual instead of randomly clicking!

 Chapter 2 These Names

    Ikasa carefully read each and every word of the User manual. When he was finished reading, a joyous feeling arose from the bottom of his heart.


    "Not only can this Printer help me earn money, but it can also help me level upˇ­ Ahem Cultivate."


    The Cultivation Manuals created by the Printer were one-time use. After using them once, they will be destroyed. The user will, in turn, develop an instinct to cultivate ording to the correct method. This would prevent the scenario where 1 cultivation manual is shared by many.


    For every Path Forging realm Cultivation Manual used, Ikasa will receive 1 cultivation point.


    And these Cultivation Points could be used to increase his Cultivation. Ikasa needed 100 cultivation points to step into Path Forging Realm.


    "But I need 1 cultivation point to copy or draw a Cultivation Manual. How am I supposed to earn points?"


    Ikasa rubbed his head in frustration.


    "Wait. The Silver Buttons! If Golden was a First Time User Bonus and White was regr expenditure, then what was Silver?"


    Ikasa once again skimmed through the relevant sections of the User manual.


    "... On every Sunrise, the Printer will gather enough energy to Print a new manual or Copy an existing Manual without expending respective points."


    "Woo-Hoo! This basically means I have one free Random Print or a Copy every day!"


    That night Ikasa dreamed of bing the Strongest Person in the world.


    The following morning, Ikasa connected to the Printer and waited. As soon as the button turned Silver, he immediately chose Print. Rubbing his hands, he watched in anticipation as the Printer sucked in air.


    A new Manual had appeared before him. Different from the ck background of the Cultivation Manual, this one had a dark red cover.


    On this red background, silvery-white letters had appeared.


    [Gazelle Punch]


    It was actually a Punching Technique! A quick skim through the book, and he ssified it as a Mid Grade Path Forging Realm Battle Technique.


    Though a bit disappointed with Mid-Grade, he still kept it. He once again went to the Printer interface.


    As expected, Gazelle Punch had appeared below the list of Manuals avable for Copying.


    After exploring for a while, he disconnected himself from the Printer.


    He had thought all night of how he could earn money while getting other people to use his Manuals.


    The most obvious answer was to sell them.


    ''But how should I sell them? Obviously, I can''t give away samples of the manuals. That would be a one-way ticket to some Family''s Dungeon or even death.''


    Ikasa thought about what his marketing manager, Mike, would advise him to do.


    "They are precious goods. So, I should market them as rarities. Since I am selling them, I should choose a ce where my safety would be guaranteed."


    A name came to his mind. Prosperity Street!


    Every day, numerous rare and valuable goods change owners on this street. The Prestigious Families, along with the City Lord''s Manor, guaranteed the safety of the vendors.


    Their goal was simple. Encouragemoners to sell any precious object theye across instead of keeping it hidden in their house.


    Thus, it created a win-win situation for both. The seller could rest assured about his safety. And the Nobles didn''t have to go out of their way to exploitmoners and find the luxurious goods they might be hiding.


    This Prosperity street had quickly earned a reputation worthy of its name in the entire Sal City.


    "Yes, I can sell my manuals there!" He eximed happily.


    "I even have a perfect excuse for their source, having just returned from the Ruins."


    Without wasting any more time, Ikasa packed the Manuals he had. He was just about to leave when a Li Family servant came knocking.


    "Is the book our young master asked you to copy ready?"


    Only now did Ikasa remember he had taken a copying job which he had left halfway to go and explore the ruins.


    "No, not yet. I will have it ready in a couple of days."


    He waved at the servant impatiently as if swatting a fly. He didn''t even bother to turn around and face Li Chun. As one of the few literates in the City, his pride was justified.


    "You already took a whole week! You don''t want the 10 Gold coins anymore?" Enraged, the servant arrogantly asked.


    "10 Gold Coins? It paid so much?"


    Ikasa''s eyes shined. 10 Gold coins were enough for an average family to spend for a month. If he could get that amount, he won''t have to worry about food and clothing for a few months.


    Immediately, his voice turned humble, and with a big smile on his face, he turned to face the servant.


    "This Brother, I suffered an injury so I couldn''t write. Now that it is healed, I willplete the work by the day after tomorrow. Pleasee by then."


    The sudden politeness caught the errand-runner off guard. He fumbled for words.


    "Thisˇ­ Hmphˇ­  I wille on the day after tomorrow thenˇ­  You better have the workpleted." The servant turned with a ir and walked out of the small residence.


    He looked at the residence in disdain and thought, "Sucker for Money." Ptui.


    Meanwhile, Ikasa turned back to the booklets and thought, "Mere dog barking for his master." Ptui.


    For the next three days, Ikasa gave his all toplete the assigned work. The 10 gold coins reward kept him going even when his wrists pained.


    His efforts paid off.


    When the servant of the Li Family arrived three dayster, Ikasa happily collected his remuneration. When Li Chun handed him the pouch containing the gold, he carefully took the coins out before the servant.


    "1 gold coin, 2 gold coins, 3 gold coins,..." Ikasa slowly counted the coins to stoke the envy of the servant. 10 gold coins were worth a month''s sry to the servant.


    Ikasa watched amusedly as the servant tried to ignore him but still greedily eyed the gold coins in his possession.


    "Do you want a gold coin?" Ikasa asked the man while flipping a coin in the air thatnded in his palm.


    The servant eagerly nodded, thinking Ikasa was going to reward him. Contrary to his expectations, he put the gold coins in the pouch.


    "Then go and do your work. I am sure your master will pay you at the end of the month." And with that, he mmed the door in the servant''s face.<novelnext></novelnext>


    The servant''s face turned red to purple to ck. He contemted breaking the door and pummeling Ikasa.


    ''No, I can''t do that. Not only does my Eldest young master favors him, he even has connections in the City Guards. If he bs about meˇ­.''


    He shuddered at the thought. Ultimately, his rationality prevailed over his anger.


    "You shouldn''t tempt fate like that, Ikasa! If not for my Wife and Children, I would have surely killed you!"


    After threatening, he turned and walked away.


    Ikasa watched the servant leave with impotent rage from his window.


    "Hehehe, that felt good. Serves you right for looking down on a Schr!"


    Now that he had taken care of his prior duties, Ikasa was free to pursue his business n. He connected to the Printer and entered the System Interface.


    In the past two days, Ikasa had drawn two new Battle techniques -


    [Fast, Faster, Fastest] a movement technique focusing on increasing the pure running speed of the cultivator, and [Peek-a-Boo Defense] a defensive art that made upper body nigh-invincible against lower realm arts.


    He excitedly clicked the silver print button. He rubbed his hands, anticipating a new manual. But nothing changed in the interface.


    On the other hand, the Printer had started to suck in air or whatever energy it needed, and new pages were being spat out.


    Shortly after, a book formed with a familiar ck cover and golden letters. It was another [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength].


    "Huh! So the Random Print can also print an existing manual."


    Ikasa carefully kept it with his previous manuals. He now had three copies of the Cultivation Manual, [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] and 1 each of the Battle technique manuals, [Gazelle Punch], [Fast-Faster-Fastest] and [Peek-a-Boo Defense].


    "These many manuals are more than enough to start a new influential family! Too bad they are only one-time-use manuals."


    Ikasa packed the manuals in his shoulder bag and left the house. His goal was Prosperity Street in the Inner city.


    "Sal City - Inner City."


    Ikasa saw a gate with arge sign erected on it. This gate was on an uphill slope leading to an elevated teau. And on this teau, the affluents of the Sal City lived.


    Though both the outer and inner city were administered by the City Lord''s Manor, the Inner City was more defensible and protected from the frequent floods of the Yellow River.


    And the most prosperous area of Inner City was the Prosperity Street.


    The tinkling sounds of coins exchanged for goods were like music to his ears.


    He decided to get a stall in the hopes of hitting it big.


    ''I should get a Stall permit first,'' he thought as he looked at his surroundings.


    Every day, 100 permits were sold at a fixed price of 50 silver each at the administrative office on a firste, first-serve basis.


    Many times vendors, who got the license, only had a few luxury goods. They were sold as soon as they set up a stall. To recoup some of their operating costs, they resold the license.


    Ikasa spotted one such vendor. After conducting the shady deal where he paid 30 silvers, Ikasa took over his stall and spread his manuals.


    In the bright sunlight of the high morning sun, the titles of his glossy cover manuals attracted the attention of the passersby.


    He closed his eyes and assumed a sage posture while secretly watching the potential customers.


    ? He hadid his bait, and now he was just waiting for a fish to be hooked.


    Soon a curiousdy approached the stall. Her attention was attracted by the shining golden letters on the Cultivation Manual. She picked up the manual and shielded it from the sun''s rays to see the title.


    "Dumb Belle''s guide to Strength?"


    Her face immediately reddened from anger. She thought it was some sort of prank the vendor was pulling on her. But she immediately dismissed such thoughts. Since this was a public ce, there was no way the vendor would target her. That meansˇ­


    "What is the meaning of this?"


    Ikasa had seen everything thess had done. But to maintain his mysterious persona, he still kept his eyes half-closed. So he was taken aback at her sudden furious question.


    He opened his eyes and looked at her with a bit of confusion.


    "Are you calling all the female cultivators Dumb?"


    Ever since he first printed the copy, Ikasa had a feeling that there was something wrong with it. He thought it was because of the mysterious nature of the Single-Use manuals.


    Only now did he realize where that feeling came from! It pointed to neither the mystical abilities of the Printer nor the fantastic quality of the manuals; It was the name of the manuals!


    In his euphoria of receiving a golden finger, he had neglected what should be obvious. The cultivation manuals should have domineering names like Nine Cauldrons Body Art or Invincible Dragon''s Sutra.


    On the other hand, his manual was named [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength]! He was effectively asking for a beating from female cultivators.


    He can think about these matterster. First, he had to cate thisdy before him.


    "Beautiful Miss, please calm your anger. What you are holding in hand is a High-Grade Path Forging Realm Cultivation Manual. I found it in an ancient ruin during my travels. I did not choose the name for the manual. I am just a conduit for it to meet its fated owner."


    Ikasa had learned earlier on that the best lies were half-truths. He had guessed thebination of a high-quality manual with mysterious ancient ruins would cate the girl. And his guess was correct.


    The girl did calm down. In fact, the glossy cover alone was enough to disarm her.


    Just as she was about to flip through the manual and verify its authenticity, he stopped her.


    He could read the manual because he was inept at cultivating. But if thisss read the manual, it would mean that the manual was used, and it would disappear. Wouldn''t he suffer a loss?


    "Miss, this manual can only be used once! So if you want to read it, please pay first."


    The girl stopped. She stared at Ikasa as if looking at a swindler.


    "Do you think I am an Idiot? What kind of manual disappears just from looking at it?"


    "These manuals are not like the other manualsˇ­."


    But before Ikasa could finish his exnation, she had flung the manual back onto the stall and left with a huff.


    Ikasa smiled wryly as he watched the departing figure. He tidied up his stall and awaited the next customer.

 Chapter 3 Fake Cultivation Manuals?

    Ikasa had gotten over the tantrum thedy had thrown when she left his stall.


    Not long after, another customer visited the stall. This time it was a young man in his twenties.


    He first picked up the manual for [Gazelle Punch]. Shaking his head, he put it down. Next, he picked up the [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength]. Looking at the name, he frowned and put it down.


    The youngd perused the covers of the books for sale as if looking for something. But as he went through each manual, the frown on his forehead became deeper and deeper.


    Seeing his silence might backfire, Ikasa took the initiative to greet the youth.


    "Wee, Good Sir. What are you looking for? Maybe I can help you?"


    The guy looked up, and his eyes met Ikasa''s. Ikasa jolted from the contact. He felt as if a sword was pointed at him.


    "I am looking for a good movement technique."


    The youth replied, feigning a deep tone of voice. His imitation was so bad that he might as well have not tried.


    Ikasa suppressed a chortle that was about to escape. The tension from feeling his sword aura alleviated a little.


    With a straight face, he picked up a silver-covered book with a ck-colored title.


    "[Fast, Faster, Fastest] is the best movement technique I have. It is the best one I have seen in the Mid-Grade Path Forging realm."


    The customer seemed intrigued. He stretched his hand to receive the book. Ikasa handed it over. But just as he was about to flip through the manual to read the technique, Ikasa stopped him.


    "Wait! This is a Single-use manual. It will disappear as soon as you read through it. So pay up first if you want to read it."


    His restrictions triggered the man. His frown, which had subsided, made a full recovery as he stared angrily at Ikasa.


    Ikasa thought he might blow up and shout. Instead, an icy and level voice sounded in his ears.


    "Really?"


    Hearing that voice, he felt cold shivers running down his back.


    ''This is a safe ce. You won''t die again Ikasa. Get yourself together.''


    Ikasa assured himself, repeatedly, as he found the courage to look the Swordsman in the eye.


    His feeble attempts to regain hisposure failed, so Ikasa put on a brave facade. But the quiver in his voice still gave him away.


    "These manuals are all from an ancient ruin. I don''t know how or why they disappear after a single use, but that is the truth."


    The Young man bought his excuse. The ancient ruins have unearthed more strange and esoteric items than just books that disappear after one use.


    As the youth was about to ept its authenticity, a gust of wind blew some dust onto the immacte zed cover of [Fast-Faster-Fastest]. He immediately dusted away the particles that dirtied the book cover. But some damage was done.


    "You say these manuals were excavated from an ancient ruin?"


    The man asked Ikasa while looking at him with narrowed eyes. Ikasa was almost celebrating hooking his first customer when he heard this question.


    He was stumped.


    ''What if he asked which ruins? I can just refuse to tell him as it is a trade secret.'' He quickly regained his wits.


    "Yes, of course."


    Ikasa replied with confidence.


    "Can you describe how you found them? You don''t have to tell me the location of Ancient ruins; just describe the ce where you found these manuals."


    All of the Ikasa''s confidence and jubtion for making his first sale was punctured in an instant.


    Never having been to a Ruin in this world, he remembered scenes from the movies and games on Earth. He pictured himself in a pce from one of the games of his favorite buxom tomb raider.


    Once he had the image, he described it.


    "I found them in a vault of a pce. It was not veryrge, but it could still fit two fully grown men."


    "Was there dust on the floor of the vault? Cobwebs hanging from the ceiling?"


    This sudden inquiry for details threw Ikasa off.


    ''What is he trying to achieve with these questions?''


    Since dust on the vault floor fit in with the image in his mind, he replied positively.


    The sudden smirk on the youth''s face caused rms to ring in his mind. ''Did I misspeak? Did I miss something?''


    "If there was dust inside the vault, howe these manuals are spotless? Why is there no speck of dirt on the book jacket or pages?"


    Ikasa peeped at the books on his stall. Some looked clean, without any spots, while the few he had touched had smudged from his sweat.


    He immediately came up with an answer.


    "That''s because they were wrapped in a special silk cover that prevented dust, water, or air from degrading them."


    The youth had not expected this answer. He was taken aback for a moment. But only for a moment.


    "Oh, this silk cover sounds very miraculous. Where is it? May I see it?"


    Now it was Ikasa''s turn to be annoyed. He had already given up on getting a sale from this tricky customer. He half-heartedly replied to his queries.


    "I already sold them separately. Do you want to buy the manual or not?"


    The Swordsman thought for a while. Everything Ikasa said made sense. His only concern was the names and appearance. Still, he decided to purchase it.


    "Okay. How much is it?"


    He asked, reaching for his coin bag.


    "50 Gold. This is a special discount for you!"


    Ikasa excitedly announced. His eyes were glued to the man''s wallet.


    "So Cheap?!" The man eximed.


    "Who in their right mind would sell a Mid-Grade Movement technique for less than 100 Gold? As I thought, you are a fraud!"


    Ikasa had a huge question mark on his face. He couldn''t understand the youth''s reasoning.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''What the hell? Has this world not heard of special discounts? And how did I be a fraud just because I am selling it cheap?!''


    Seeing Ikasa tongue-tied, the young man sneered. Although he had his suspicions, Ikasa had convinced him. But when he heard the price, he was sure that the person selling these manuals was a swindler.


    "I didn''t imagine I would see fake goods being sold openly on Prosperity Street."


    The youth looked at Ikasa condescendingly.


    "The next time you want to peddle some fake manuals, prepare a good backstory and use aged paper if you intend to im they came from an ancient ruin."


    With a self-satisfied smirk, the youth turned and left.


    ''Fake goods, your head!''


    Ikasa was ready to explode in his seat. However, the threat of bodily harm helped him reign in his urges.


    "Low-key, stay under the radar. I just need to quietly sell my manuals and disappear." He reminded himself.


    Even though Ikasa failed to make a sale twice in a row, he was not disappointed. Because the one thing Prosperity Street did notck was Customers!


    As long as his stall was open for business, he was sure some customer with a discerning eye would make a purchase from him.


    Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, it waste afternoon. A few people had stopped by Ikasa''s stall, but none made a purchase.


    Another batch of people arrived as the sun was going down. He hoped someone in the new batch would recognize his product''s worth.


    Just as Prosperity Street weed new visitors, a new customer arrived at his stall.


    This new customer was an aged man. His grayish-white beard gave him an aura of wisdom. His silken robes indicated his wealthy background.


    Ikasa straightened his back. The discerning customer that he had been waiting for had arrived.


    He did not put up any acts; Instead, he closely watched the Old man.


    During his work, the previous Ikasa had known almost every influential figure in the city. But he didn''t remember seeing this old man.


    While he watched the old man, the man in question was focused on the booklets on the stall. His narrowed gaze peered at the books as if to deconstruct them and see through their essence.


    When he had finally seen enough, he reached down to pick up one of the manuals. But even before that, he asked Ikasa for his permission.


    "May I?"


    ''Such a well-mannered guy.'' Ikasa thought in his mind.


    He gently reminded the old man of his stall''s rules as he gave him permission.


    "Please, go ahead. But you cannot read it. It is a single-use manual."


    The Old man''s brows immediately furrowed. These one time use manuals might sound mysterious, but Old man had definitely heard of them.


    Mostly, they recorded high-tier techniques, and their realm was above Chakra Opening. Path Forging realm books that can only be used once? The Old man was intrigued by this anomaly.


    He nodded and picked up the [Gazelle Punch]. After looking at it from every angle, he had his servant fetch a ss of water. And then he poured the entire ss on the book''s cover.


    Ikasa watched the Old Man''s entric actions with bated breath.


    When the Old man poured water, Ikasa almost shouted to stop him. But then he thought about the zed cover of the book and its impervious nature.


    ''As expected, water trickled down without getting the cover wet.''


    The white bearded man smiled with satisfaction at the result.


    "Young man, you have quite an interesting booklet here. Can you tell me where you found it?"


    Hearing the praise, Ikasa was overjoyed. Still, why would he give away the source of his treasures?


    "I am d you recognize the authenticity of my goods, Mister. As for the source of the manuals, theye from a chance encounter in ruin."


    The Old Man immediately saw through the deceptive maneuver. He smiled knowingly at Ikasa. But he didn''t admonish him. Everyone was entitled to keep secrets of their own.


    "So, which cultivation manual have you used?"


    "Thisˇ­ I am actually unsuitable for cultivation. I can''t use any of these."


    This garnered a very intense reaction from the Old Man. His amiable tone immediately turned sharp.


    "You say you can''t use any of these techniques?"


    The old man said, pointing to the booksid on the table.


    Ikasa was perplexed. He couldn''t lie and say, ''Yes, he could use the manual,'' as he would be caught immediately. So, he had no other choice but to speak the truth.


    "No, I can''t use any of the manuals."


    "Then how are you so sure that they are good only for one use?"


    "Erˇ­"


    He couldn''t very well say that the user handbook said so! The Printer was his Gold Finger. To protect his secret, he had prepared answers to a few questions. And this was one of them.


    "Actually, I found a jade inscription where I found the manuals. It described how to use the manuals."


    He nodded as he listened to Ikasa''s words. The Elder had apparently bought his exnation.


    ''Whoosh,'' Ikasa wiped an imaginary sweat drop. But what the Old man did next caused him to sweat for real.


    "Mister, Stop! What are you doing?!"


    The Old man had torn a page from the [Gazelle Punch] Manual. Then he proceeded to shred it into pieces while looking disappointed.


    "My 50 Gold!"


    Ikasa yelled while holding his head in despair. Then he angrily turned towards the old man.


    "Old Mister! What is the meaning of this?"


    In spite of his desire to spit expletives on the Old Man, he held his tongue due to fear of his high status.


    "I don''t know where you came across these remarkable booklets, but they are fake."

 Chapter 4 Reputation Is A Double-Edged Sword

    "I don''t know where you came across these remarkable booklets, but they are fake."


    "What?"


    Ikasa had expected an apology or a reason for his action, but this old coot was directly using him of selling fake goods!


    "Give me a good exnation or cough up 50 gold!"


    "Audacious! Do you know who you are talking to?"


    The servant standing nearby butted in at Ikasa''s tant disrespect towards his master. Their raised voices were starting to attract the attention of the other visitors.


    The older man was clearly aware of this fact. He didn''t want to draw attention to himself. He immediately motioned his servant to be quiet.


    "Calm down, Xiao Xi. Thed is clearly distressed. Let me clear his doubts."


    Ikasa didn''t know whether tough or cry at this charade.


    ''You are the cause of my distress, you hypocritical bastard!''


    But he still tried to remain cool.


    "Please exin your actions, Mister."


    Ikasa repeated his request more politely this time. He was not doing this because he was afraid. He just wanted to present himself in a better light to all the spectators gathered around the stall.


    "Young Man, what do you know about the Single-Use Manuals?"


    Ikasa was annoyed at being questioned. He wanted tosh out, but a crowd of wealthy people was watching their dialogue. He had to y along.


    "I know that their contents disappear after they are used once."


    The Old coot smirked with satisfaction as if he expected this answer. This wasmon knowledge, and amoner like Ikasa should have ess to only this much information.


    He began to borate and show off his status as one of the higher sses of this Sal City.


    "Single-Use Manual is actually a type of spiritual imprint. It imprints knowledge in it into the mind of the user, and then it disappears."


    Ikasa was bing impatient now. He was in no mood to listen to this old coot''s nonsense, even though it might be true.


    "What does that have to do with you tearing apart my manual?"


    "Objects that hold Spiritual imprints are impervious to water and fire and are nigh indestructible. Since I could tear your manual so easily, it obviously didn''t hold any spiritual imprint."


    Ikasa panicked at the exnation. Was his gold finger really a fraud? But the mysterious way the Printer operated gave him insurmountable faith in it. So he dismissed the older man''s argument.


    "Impossible!"


    He had lost his patience by this point. He threw the thought of being low-key out of his mind. Turning to the public surrounding them, he made ast-ditch effort to prove this Ancient fossil wrong.


    "It''s your words against mine. You say they are fake; I say they are the real deal. We can easily ascertain who is correct."


    Then he turned to the gathered crowd. He put on his best salesman face.


    "Who wants a Single Use High-Grade Path Forging Realm Cultivation Manual for free? The only caveat is that you will have to use it right now, right here."


    Ikasa''s announcement caused a considerablemotion among the onlookers. High-Grade Cultivation Manuals were very rare in these backward tier-3 cities.


    ''High-Grade Cultivation Manual? Did he say High-Grade Cultivation Manual?''


    ''Don''t be fooled. Do you not recognize Master Jin Ping?''


    ''But that''s a High-Grade Cultivation Manual!''


    ''Who knows? Master Jin Ping already said it is fake!''


    Ikasa might not have recognized this esteemed person, but the affluents gathered did. He was Master Jin Ping, an appraiser of the Lotus Pavilion.


    Eyebrows furrowed with worry, he looked at the proceedings. He nodded to Xiao Xi.


    This time the servant took action upon receiving the signal. He understood his master''s intentions. If some fool volunteered, their reputation would be tarnished. So, he had to dissuade everyone.


    He targeted Ikasa, but his words were meant for the spectators.


    "Where do you think this is? This is Prosperity Street! Do you think anyone who can shop here wants your free cultivation manuals of dubious origin?"


    The servant had a point. Anyone who dared to shop here had a wealthy background. No one would foolishly risk their lives for just a free cultivation manual.


    Some people who joinedter and were tempted by the High-Grade Cultivation manual also settled down. After all, their authenticity was in question!


    His body was weighed down by the silent, judging stares of bystanders. He was nearing a breakdown. In shock, he sat on the ground, clutching his hair.


    He had almost given up when he saw City Guards approach the stall.


    "Move aside, let us throughˇ­."


    The imposing voice of the vanguard resounded. Even though the people here had deep pockets, they still had to respect the might of the City Guards.


    "What''s going on here? Why are you people gathered around a Stall?"


    As the guards were busy parting the crowd, Master Jin Ping''s servant had reached Ikasa''s side.


    "My master wants to allow you to repent. Tell us where you found these Manuals, and we will help you plead mercy with the City Guards."


    The words rumbled like lightning in his head.


    Even though Ikasa hated the Appraiser for ruining his business, he still respected him for his knowledge and character. So, when the servant threatened, it shattered that mask of wisdom and revealed the ugly face underneath.


    Ikasa lost it. He no longer cared for his positive image. He was going to punch this arrogant little shit in the face. But then he saw the Guard Captain.


    Right now, he still has a chance to get away scot-free. But if he did punch this guy in the face, the guards would have to imprison him.


    And depending on Master Jin Ping''s influence, he might live as long as 50 years to as short as 1 day in prison.<novelnext></novelnext>


    He decided to shape the narrative in his favor before Master Jin Ping, and his stooge could step in and malign his manuals in the minds of the City guards.


    "Captain Yao Han!"


    "Ikasa? What are you doing here?"


    Captain Yao Han recognized Ikasa as he was the only unaffiliated scribe in the City. Whenever City Lord needed to maintain a guise of neutrality, he would ask a third party like Ikasa to draft the documents.


    And these important documents were usually brought to Ikasa by the Guard Captains or the Commander of Guards himself.


    Hence, Ikasa was acquainted with Commander Du and every other Guard Captain.


    Of them, Guard Captain Yao Han was one of his closest acquaintances.


    Ikasa was relieved by his presence. But he instantly became vignt upon remembering who he was challenging.


    ''I don''t think there is a chance captain Yao Han will stand by me if I go against this Reputed Person. So, I should aim to escape with a p on my wrist.''


    On realizing this, he began to exin his situation such that Master Jin Ping would not find a chance to butt in.


    "Captain, I set up a stall here today hoping to sell my recent gains from an ancient ruin."


    Ikasa pointed to his stall. Yao Han immediately understood that he was one of the parties who were responsible for themotion.


    "Oh, so you are the one who was selling the High-Grade Path Forging Realm Cultivation Manual?"


    "I am not so sure about them, Captain. Ha...Haˇ­"


    Ikasaughed embarrassedly.


    Captain Yao Han had already gotten the full picture from the spectators, but he wanted to let Ikasa shape the narrative. It would let him impose the lowest possible punishment on him.


    "You see, Master Jin Ping here taught me a very expensive lesson."


    "Oh?"


    Captain Yao Han already knew of Master Jin Ping''s crime, but he didn''t expect Ikasa to report it as a ''very expensive lesson.''


    Even Master Jin Ping couldn''t help but perk his ears at the mention of his name. His face turned very strange as he heard Ikasa describe his tant transgression as ''a very expensive lesson.''


    Ikasa raised his voice to attract the attention of the increasing number of bystanders. He tried to sound as sincere as possible.


    "Yes. You see, I had brought some goods to sell without appraising or studying them further. Even though I knew for sure what they were, and they were benign, I still failed to properly inspect their background."


    Although this sounded like an admission of guilt, everyone here knew that this was not the job of temporary stall owners who only get licenses for one day.


    Uncountable goods of dubious origins circted in the market through these stalls every day. Since no one held them ountable, Ikasa was also not to be med. And his goods were much safer inparison.


    If Ikasa was a legitimate shop owner or appraiser like Master Jin Ping and he still didn''t do his due diligence before selling his manuals, he deserved to be condemned.


    As the crowd was leaning towards Ikasa, he continued with his speech.


    "I am really grateful to Master Jin Ping for today''s teachings. Since he is part of a premier organization like the Lotus Pavilion, his knowledge far surpasses mine. I will definitely remember the lesson today and prepare adequate proofs the next time."


    Even though it sickened Ikasa to say such sugary words, he had to use that sugar to trap the Old coot.


    ''Since you want to leverage your reputation to pressure me into submitting, I am going to use the same to escape unscathed.''


    Ikasa thought as he finished his story.


    "Well said, Ikasa! But it still doesn''t absolve you of the crime youmitted today!"


    Master Jin Ping took the reins in his hands. He definitely didn''t want this fish to slip from his grasp.


    ''This Shameless Old man! Why don''t you die sooner?''


    Ikasa groaned in his heart. But on the surface, he still maintained a smile.


    "I am really thankful to you, Master! You prevented my foolhardiness from causing any damage! Since I didn''t manage to sell a single copy of my books, no damage was done!"


    Master Jin Ping was stunned; he never imagined that Ikasa hadn''t sold anything throughout the day. The records were there for all to see. Since he himself had ''exposed'' Ikasa, there was no way anyone would buy manuals from him.


    "As no one was harmed due to your foolish behavior, I will impose a fine of 5 gold upon you, so you don''tmit such a mistake again."


    Captain Yao Han seized the momentary silence to dere his verdict. He didn''t even bother checking the License, or the fine would''ve ballooned to 100 Gold!


    "I am deeply ashamed of my ipetence, Captain Yao Han. I will immediately pack up and pay my fine at the administrative office."


    "Hurry up! I will escort you there myself."


    Captain Yao Han said, throwing a nce at Xiao Xi.


    As Ikasa walked home from the administrative office, he realized how easily he had fallen for the old coot''s trap. The moment he had admitted he couldn''t cultivate, he had be the prey.


    Hisck of knowledge about the product he was selling revealed a fatal weakness.


    "Thankfully, I didn''t fall for their old codger''s provocation."


    He mumbled as he thought of the consequences of his decision.


    When the guards came, if he hadined or tried to malign Master Jin Ping, he would''ve given Jin Ping the chance to act. After all, he would be defending his reputation by oppressing Ikasa.


    On the other hand, by praising Master Jin Ping, he had forced him to remain passive. As someone with status, his reputation was everything to him.


    If he had tried to oppress Ikasa using his authority, he would onlye off as petty and lower his impression in the minds of the people gathered.


    As Ikasa closed the door to his house and rested on his bed, he summed up his experiences today.


    "The senile fool forgot that the ''Reputation is a Double-Edged Sword.'' But I will never forget it."

 Chapter 5 Immortal From Afar…

    As the new day began, Ikasa had already left the humiliation of thest evening behind.


    He stood before a pail of water. He could see an unfamiliar handsome face staring back at him from the reflection in the water.


    He still missed the smaller amenities like shower and soaps that he had taken for granted in his previous life. But bathing with water he had worked so hard to fetch from a well had its own charm.


    "That life is long gone! I just need to be rich and strong enough to afford the luxuries suited to Royals!"


    And he upended the pail of water on his head, letting the water cleanse his body and soul.


    While preparing a gruel for breakfast, Ikasa was thinking about the feedback he received from the potential customers.


    He couldn''t do anything about the names of the manuals. Thetest manual he drew this morning didn''t help.


    What the hell was Nutcracker Kick? It was even a Low Grade Battle Technique. Who would buy that?


    His prices for the manuals were well below the average market price. That should''ve helped him get more customers. Instead, it raised the vignce of his customers.


    Most damning thing was hisck of knowledge about his own wares. If he had someone try out the manuals beforehand, Master Jin Ping wouldn''t have been able to put him in a pinch.


    "Maybe I should try selling my manuals in the outer cityˇ­ Residents here don''t have ess to manuals and so they will be much more weing of me."


    The more Ikasa thought about it, the more he liked the idea.


    "Damn! I am a genius!"


    Because he was in such a good mood, even the tasteless gruel tasted sweeter.


    Buoyant, Ikasa left the house. Just as he was securing the door of his home, he saw his neighbor approach him with worry.


    "Good Morning Aunty Wang! You look worriedˇ­ Did Wang San get in trouble again?"


    "My son is fine. Instead it''s you who is in trouble!"


    "Me?" He was taken aback by Aunty Wang''s words.


    "Yes, you. What did you dost night?"


    "I didn''t do anything that mightnd me in trouble."


    He conveniently skipped the conflict he had with Master Jin Pig.


    "That Li Chun was spreading rumors that you were selling fake cultivation manuals on Prosperity Street."


    This Li Chun was the Li family servant Ikasa had angered yesterday.


    ''That bastard!''


    "Aunty I was selling Cultivation Manuals on Prosperity Street yesterday. But they are real! Look, I have a High Grade Path Forging realm cultivation manual with me. Take this for Wang Mei."


    "You are not lying to me right?"


    "Why would I Aunty? You have taken care of me for so many years. I have to repay this favor somehow."


    Aunty Wang hesitantly took the manual. She was enamored by the zed cover of the book.


    And then she heard the title from Ikasa. She immediately returned the book to Ikasa.


    "Er... Ikasa, I just remembered. My husband already bought a manual for Xiao Mei."


    "But that would at best be a Low Grade Cultivation Manual, Aunty! This one is High Grade! Even Nobles don''t have High-Grade manuals!"


    "Thank you Ikasa but my husband worked so hard to get that manual. He will feel bad if we don''t use it."


    "But Auntyˇ­"


    Before Ikasa could finish his words, Aunty Wang suddenly turned her head towards her house and shouted,


    "Yes, Mei Mei. Mother ising!"


    If Ikasa was a cartoon character, question marks would circle his head. But he was not. He understood Aunty Wang was preparing an escape route for herself without making things awkward.


    Pushing her any further will only sour their rtionship. So Ikasa pretended as if he had also heard Wang Mei call for her mother.


    "Aunty, if you rethink your decision, doe over. I will reserve a copy for Wang Mei."


    "Thank You, Ikasa. I wille over if we need another cultivation manual."


    She then turned and left swiftly.


    All the great mood Ikasa had built up in the morning was ruined in an instant. If even Aunty Wang, who had known him since his childhood didn''t believe him, how was he supposed to convince other residents?


    "Damn you, Li Chun! Damn you, Master Jin Ping!"


    He huffed loudly to let his anger go. Once he calmed down, his thoughts regained some rity.


    ''Why am I approaching the parents? Why not pass my manuals to those who will make use of it?''


    At this point, Ikasa had given up on earning any gold coins from selling the manuals. He just wanted a few test subjects who would prove the manuals'' authenticity.


    ''Since I have be an infamous Fake manual seller, maybe I should disguise myself. Maybe as an Immortal?''


    Ikasaughed at the idea. He decided to dress up as a low-key Immortal.


    "As if an Immortal would ever step in this backward city"


    He sneered derisively at the notion itself.


    He first splurged his 3 gold on clothes that lookedmon but anyone with discerning eyes could tell they were expensive. He then made a mask of beast hide that covered half his face. With his get-upplete, he was ready to deceive some lolitasˇ­ Ahem, find some students.


    ¨C<novelnext></novelnext>


    Fei Yu was a healthy youngdy for her age. Her father, a city guard, doted on her and wanted to give her the best. He had prepared 100 gold to purchase the best Low-Grade Path Forging Cultivation Manual for his daughter.


    On their way to the city''s sole Cultivation Manual Store, Fei Yu''s father came across his patrolling team. Since he had lied and said he was feeling sick to get his leave, the patrolling team captain called him up to give him an earful.


    To avoid showing this ugly spectacle to his daughter he gave her a few coppers and asked her to go buy whatever novelties or snacks she wanted. As this was a familiar route for their patrolling team most of the residents recognized him and promised to look after his daughter.


    Ikasa coincidentally had arrived at the bookshop Fei Yu was in. The Bookshop was empty as always. With so few literates in the city, Ikasa wondered how the shopkeeper even earned his living.


    As Fei Yu flitted from shelf to shelf Ikasa hid in one of the obscure corners. When Fei Yu finally reached the dark corner, Ikasa stepped out from his hiding ce.


    With the sweetest voice possible he greeted the girl.


    "Hello Youngdy!"


    "Aah! Who are you? My Father is a City Guard!"


    Ikasa''s face immediately turned ck. ''Do I look like a shady person to you?'' Then he looked at the surroundings and he fit the moniker of suspicious very aptly.


    "Don''t be afraidss. I am an Immortal. I have traveled through forests and deserts to search for a suitable disciple. And you youngdy, have caught my eye."


    Fei Yu was charmed by his voice but the meaning of his words caught her by surprise. She lowered her gaze at her rounded body, then the thin figure of Ikasa. By no means did she think her physique was what the immortal wanted.


    "Don''t think you are unsuitable. Since I have found you I will definitely take you to heights unimaginable."


    Ikasa gave the generic spiel that immortals used to deceive young and innocent disciples. And it worked. Whatever doubts that had cropped up in Fei Yu''s mind were immediately dispelled. She even thought Ikasa was omniscient for being able to read her unvoiced doubts and dispel them.


    "I want to be your disciple, Master. Please ept me."


    "Being my disciple is not easy. You are merely suitable to ept my legacy. You need to prove yourself before we continue further."


    "How can I prove myself, Master?"


    "I have a Cultivation Manual with me. Learn it and reach the pinnacle of the Path Forging realm in 3 months. I will seek you out then. If you seed I will take you in as my disciple."


    He passed her the [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength]. A strange look came on her face as she read the name. She nced at the supposed immortal with suspicious eyes.


    "Don''t think that is the real name of our cultivation technique. It is actually a domineering and famous name. Mere rumors of the existence of this cultivation manual in Sal City will draw forces beyond your imagination."


    Fei Yu listened with her jaw agape. Ikasa finally sighed.


    ''Seems like I have crossed thest hurdle.''


    Just when he was about to rx, he heard a masculine voice calling for the girl in front of him.


    "Yu''er! Yu''er! Where are you?"


    "Ah, Father! I am inside, here!" Fei Yu shouted instinctively.


    Ikasa sensed a crisis. His charade was good enough to fool innocent youngdies but if her father met him it''s game over.


    "Before I ept you as my disciple I don''t want to meet any of your kin. So keep my identity and this cultivation manual a secret."


    After giving hurried instructions to Fei Yu, Ikasa immediately scurried to the dark corner. He then steadily moved out of the store avoiding Fei Yu''s father.


    Meanwhile, Fei Yu was left dumbstruck at her supposed Teacher''s hasty departure. She didn''t even have time to properly keep the Cultivation Manual before her Father reached her.


    She hid the manual behind her back as her father admonished her for wandering away from her watchers. He immediately noticed Fei Yu was hiding something behind her back.


    "Fei Yu, what are you hiding from me?"


    "I met an Immortal who said that I am suitable to be his disciple. He gave this cultivation manual to me as a test."


    "EH?"


    Fei Hun had expected all kinds of answers. But this was beyond his imagination. His breathing quickened. He was way too happy at this chance that had fallen in his daughter''sp. But suddenly he had a suspicion.


    Why would an Immortale to a backwater city like this one? And What could he be doing in a rundown book store like this?


    "Yu''er recount what exactly happened."


    And Fei Yu dutifully told everything that had happened. Her Father was her closest confidant. He didn''te under the definition of ''other people'' as far as she was concerned. She even reminded him to not spread the news of an Immortal''s existence in Sal City!


    "Yu''er show father the cultivation manual. I won''t look inside, just the cover is enough."


    Fei Yu hesitantly brought the manual from behind her to her front. She let her father take a good look at the title on the Cover. Then she immediately hid it behind her.


    The moment Fei Hun read the title, [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength], he knew who the culprit was.


    "Ikasa!"


    He immediately brought his daughter to his patrolling team which was still in the area and asked them to keep an eye on her. Then he set out to find Ikasa and give him a thrashing of his life.


    As soon as Ikasa saw the Father and Daughter pair storm out of the Bookstore, he knew his cover was blown.


    He immediately made a run for it. In hindsight, running was a bad idea. He immediately stood out among the plethora of pedestrians. Fei Hun caught his tail and began to chase after him.


    His ordinary body''s speed was no match for the enhanced body of an Intermediate Path Forging Realm Cultivator. He was soon caught and Fei Hun started to thrash him in ck and blue.


    "Help! City Guard ismitting murder!"


    This shopping district was fairly popted and since it was daytime, Ikasa''s shouts attracted even more attention. Situation was clear for everyone to see; A cultivator was hitting a normal person without pulling back his punches. If they didn''t help now it could be one of them tomorrow. Outraged, the gathered mob surrounded Fei Hun and facilitated Ikasa''s escape.


    "Really the City Guards are getting more and more arrogant."


    "They have no regard for life!"


    The angry public didn''t give Fei Hun a chance to exin himself before drowning him in condemnation.


    Ikasa, meanwhile, escaped to the worst area of the city, the slums, to nurse his wounds.

 Chapter 6 Humanity Exists In Those Untouched By Greed

    The South East area of Sal City had the worst living conditions; Even Outer City felt like paradisepared to it. City Guards had set up checkpoints along the perimeter of this area. And so many people didn''t even consider it a part of Sal City.


    This area was called the Slums.


    Slums in Sal City housed some of the most notorious characters on the wanted list of the City Guards. Some of them hadmitted crimes that vited morality. ****, Murder, Arson, Dacoity you name it and you might find a criminal who hadmitted multiple of these crimes in the slums.


    But Slums didn''t consist of just these people. There were also people who had run afoul of the officials or nobles. They possessed something they couldn''t protect and hence aroused the greed of those in positions of power.


    Those who surrendered meekly were showered with favor or at the least they were able to live a normal life; The ones who defied suffered so many hardships that the only choice for them was to hide in slums or leave the city.


    The one''s eking it out in slums were vengeful. They burned with rage; either because some official decided to exterminate their n and seize their fortune or some young master coveted the beauty of their wives, daughters, or sisters.


    These two strata were the powerful people of the slums. Thest stratum was truly helpless and pitiful. They were extremely poor families who faced a real threat of death due to hunger; There were orphans and weak ones who had lost the pirs of their family; There were also disabled ones who had lost their limbs.


    When Ikasa stumbled into the area demarcated as slums, he first came into contact with the third stratum of the people. But the scene he saw waspletely different from what he had expected.


    Five children were happily ying in the open area in the midst of haphazardly erected huts. They looked malnourished but happy. If he hadn''t seen them with his own eyes he would never believe such a description.


    Or maybe he was hallucinating. His weak body riddled with bruises couldn''t take it anymore and copsed on the ground.


    The sudden thud rmed the children. They immediately noticed Ikasa. They surrounded Ikasa while maintaining a safe distance. The three boys and two girls looked worried.


    "What should we do Brother Chu?"


    Yan Xiao asked a slightly shorter but well-built boy next to him. Chu Qing was obviously the oldest of the bunch. Even so, he was just 14 years old.


    Chu Qing was also at a loss. If it was someone they knew, they could''ve directly brought him to their hut for treatment. But he was a stranger. Living in such an unfriendly environment had heightened their wariness towards any unknown persons.


    While Chu Qing was taking his sweet time to think, the shortest girl in their group had already approached Ikasa. She sprinkled some water on his face.


    "Mister, Wake Up! This is not a ce for you to pass out!"


    Everyone was taken aback by her reckless actions. As soon as they got over the shock of what she was doing, the second girl immediately walked over and dragged the girl away.


    "Luo Qiqi, what do you think you were doing?"


    Hei Ying asked Luo Qiqi who was still struggling to free herself from the older girl''s grasp.


    "Let me GO!"


    Luo Qiqi still struggled to get away from Hei Ying. But her iling was futile. Hei Ying could be as firm as a rock when it concerned keeping the other kids in line.


    "Maybe we should bring him to Sister Ruo and let her decide."


    A new voice spoke up. Everyone turned to Pei Yuan. He was average. He was neither the tallest nor the shortest. He was also not the eldest or the youngest. If the others were not familiar with him, he might be easily forgotten. And yet his voice demanded attention.


    Everyone heard his suggestion and unanimously agreed with this course of action.


    "Yan Xiao, go, call Sister Ruo over."


    "Why do I have to go?"


    Everyone else looked at each other with a smirk.


    "Because you are the youngest."


    They said in unison.


    Yan Xiao sighed in resignation and went to call Sister Ruo.


    ˇŞ


    Some timeter, Ikasa regained his consciousness. After he blinked his eyes to get used to the darkness, he noticed unfamiliar surroundings.


    "Where am I?"


    As a wind breeze passed through the window, he noticed his clothes had been removed and his bruises were covered with a gooey yellow paste. It didn''t smell as bad as he had expected. But the texture was still revolting.


    The ache in his body had subsided considerably from the treatment. He carefully got up from the thin mat he wasying on. It pained him to use the limbs but it was manageable.


    "Hey! That guy is awake. Call Sister Ruo!"


    Ikasa heard an immature voice shout. As he turned his head he saw a short girl with dirty brown hair tied in a ponytail.


    By now he had deduced that this Sister Ruo must have been the one responsible for his treatment.


    The girl boldly walked toward him and sat beside him without a trace of fear.


    "Hey Mister, where did youe from? We found lots of shiny books in your shoulder bag. Are they storybooks?"


    Ikasa ignored her questions. He instead peered curiously at her carefree demeanor. He couldn''t help but voice the doubt in his mind.


    "Are you not afraid I might be a bad person?"


    The girl looked at him as if he was mentally retarded.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "You can''t even get up without groaning loudly. In your current state, I can beat you up before you even touch my hair."


    Ikasa was astonished by the confidence radiated by the girl.


    "Enough Qiqi. Stop bothering the guest. Go, find Hei Ying to continue your training."


    The neer ordered in a soft voice. Qiqi mischievously made a face at her but obeyed hermand.


    Ikasa stared at the entrant, enthralled. She was almost as tall as him. She was covered in dust which hid her beauty. Constant exposure to the sun had tanned her skin.


    When she smiled, Ikasa felt as if he had seen the most beautiful picture in the world.


    "Hi. My name is Xin Ruo. I am the manager of this orphanage."


    Then she waited for Ikasa to introduce himself. Ikasa was so charmed by her that he almost missed the queue.


    "I am Ikasa. You have a beautiful voice."


    Ikasa blurted before he could stop himself. When he realized what he had done he turned away embarrassedly, avoiding eye contact. When he sneaked a nce at her, he noticed a blush on her cheeks. It made her seem even more alluring.


    An awkward silence spread across the room. Both were hesitant to speak. Xin Ruo took the initiative to state the purpose of her visit.


    "How are you feeling? Do you feel better?"


    "Ah, yes. Thanks a lot for treating me. I am not hurting as much as before anymore."


    Ikasa''s eyes met hers, trying to convey the sincerity in his words.


    Another moment of silence urred as both of them studied each other. Xin Ruo looked critically at his wounds while Ikasa was just bewitched by her simple actions.


    "Ahemˇ­" Ikasa shyly cleared his throat to hide the fact that he was staring at her. This got him her attention. To avoid his embarrassment, he posed her another question that had been on his mind.


    "I thought slums were the haven of vicious criminals exiled from society. How do you and the kids survive these harsh circumstances?"


    When he had stepped foot in the slum area, Ikasa had expected to see people fighting over meager rations of food; not children ying happily! He was fully prepared to be robbed clean when he was at his weakest and yet thisdy had healed him back to health.


    This turn of events was mind-boggling!


    "My father is Red Eye."


    She answered simply. And it did exin everything! Red Eye was one of the strongest City Guard Captains, 18 years ago. His wife was one of the most beautifuldies of Sal City. Naturally, those in high positions coveted her. And one young master finally made a move.


    She was kidnapped and vited in the dungeons of the Wei Family, one of the three strongest families of Sal City. Feng Yan still did not forget his position as a City Guard and sought to seek justice through righteous procedures.


    The means of City Guards were numerous. But when it concerned Nobility, they had to tread carefully.


    The City Lord struck a deal with the Wei Family. In exchange for a lighter punishment for the culprit, Wei family had to fork over huge amounts of resources and let go of a few businesses. This was a setback eptable to the Wei family patriarch as the culprit was the only heir to his wealth.


    The Wei Family''s position fell but Feng Yan''s wife had died. His grievances were not redressed. The Commander of City Guards listened with shame when enraged Feng Yan berated him.


    Feng Yan along with five other trooppanies stormed the Wei Family manor. Still garbed in city guard uniforms they outright killed anyone who obstructed their path.


    Feng Yan fought valiantly against the Wei Family Patriarch who was at the Peak of Path Forging realm, same as him. During the fight, Feng Yan broke through to Sense Realm and crippled Wei Family Patriarch.


    He dragged the culprit behind his Wife''s death to the Inner city square and personally executed him. His horrifically twisted smile and his swollen red eyes earned him the epithet, ''Red Eye''. That day Wei Family fell from power having lost their pir of support.


    Feng Yan and all those involved in the action resigned en masse from the city guard. 40 men, bloodied and bruised, tore the insignia of City Lord''s manor from their chest, creating a huge uproar.


    And then they moved underground as their action of storming the Wei Family was the one of insubordination. The City Lord himself posted a wanted order against them to assuage the other noble families. But no one dared to im the bounty.


    And this legendary figure supported the Orphanage! No wonder Xin Ruo and the kids lived freely even though they were surrounded by hyenas.


    By the time Ikasa came out of reverie, Xin Ruo had finished her inspection of his body.


    She looked critically at his wounds and said "You will need at least another day to recover. It is alreadyte, so have dinner with us."


    She led him out to the hall where the kids had gathered with tes in their hands. In one corner a pot of watery gruel was boiling and in a tray next to it, bread was stacked.


    Xin Ruo gave Ikasa a spare te as Hei Ying distributed the bread. When Hei Ying reached the Ikasa''s te she realized they were one bread short. Just when Ikasa thought he would have to make do with watery gruel, Pei Yuan broke a piece of his bread and put it in Ikasa''s te.


    Xin Ruo smiled at Pei Yuan and followed his actions. Soon all the other kids did the same. Ikasa had enough bread pieces that were worth a whole loaf of bread!


    Ikasa looked on as the others munched happily on their smaller breads without a word ofint.


    Anyone can share when they have surplus and yet they hesitate. The meal in front of these kids was nowhere enough to fill their bellies and yet they happily shared it with a random stranger like him.


    "Humanity exists in those untouched by greedˇ­" Ikasa murmured involuntarily. He came to understand the meaning of this adage when he experienced it personally.


    "What?" Xin Ruo, who was sitting by him, asked reflexively.


    "Nothing." Ikasa replied as he surreptitiously wiped a teardrop.


    Then with a smile, he dug into the best meal he ever had.

 Chapter 7 The Perfect Advertisers

    The next day Ikasa woke up with groans. The bruises had healed considerably. Even though movement troubled him, he was fit enough to walk home.


    When he walked out, he saw a well-built man guiding Xin Ruo and the kids to exercise. Xin Ruo was rtively fine, but the kids were huffing and panting and yet no oneined.


    As Ikasa hobbled out into the open, all the gazes turned towards him. He  realized that the man must be the infamous Red Eye. His presence was fearsome and his reputation made him even more so.


    All his attention was focused on Ikasa and it unnerved him. In his nervousness, he stumbled. Yan Xiao immediately dashed to his side and supported him. The presence of the kids helped Ikasa regain hisposure.


    He joined his palms together and bowed to the man and Xin Ruo.


    "Thank you for taking care of me yesterday. I am a poor man and don''t have any gold to repay your favor but I do have these Cultivation Manual and Battle techniques. Please take them as a token of my appreciation."


    When Ikasa had entered the slums, he was prepared to lose all his belongings and his clothes. And yet no one had robbed him. Instead, he was even nursed to health. Except for the mischievous Qiqi, no one had even touched his belongings. So he offered his books to repay their debt of kindness.


    Feng Yan received the books and nced at the titles. He saw the title [Fast, Faster, Fastest] and his expression became weird. The next book in his hand was [Peek-a-Boo Defense]. His face soured. But the next title made him downright furious.


    He flung the books on the ground and approached Ikasa.


    Feng Yan took sedate but forceful steps toward Ikasa and held him by his cor. He gritted his teeth as he whispered,


    "Dumb Belle''s guide to strength?"


    Ikasa cursed the printer again for its names. He was already intimidated by the man but now that he was acting so aggressively, Ikasa couldn''t even gather his wits to talk his way out of his current predicament.


    "Iˇ­ Iˇ­ I swear it is a genuine High-Grade Path Forging Manual!"


    Ikasa blurted out loud. But this enraged the Red Eye further.


    "Who are you trying to fool, kid?"


    Xin Ruo couldn''t bear to see her Father kill someone she had worked so hard to save. She was just about to step forward when a swoosh sound appeared and the wind began to gather around Hei Ying. Everyone''s eyes turned toward this mysterious phenomenon. Even Feng Yan let Ikasa off.


    As the wind subsided Hei Ying reappeared before everyone. A book was fading away from her hands. Xin Ruo immediately rushed forward and checked up on her. But Feng Yan could sense something was off.


    "Hei Ying, Execute the Punching routine I taught you."


    Hei Ying obeyed even though she was a little tired. She wlessly performed the punch routine. But she couldn''t believe it herself! Because performing the punch routine 3 times was her limit. And she was executing the punch routine for the fourth time now!


    Eyes Shining, Feng Yan held her by her shoulders and smiled.


    "How do you feel? Do you feel tired?"


    Ikasa never imagined this fierce man would show anyone concern and care but he was proven wrong.


    "I feel great Uncle! In fact, I feel I can execute the routine 2 more times!"


    Hei Ying replied with her hands itching to test her theory.


    "Hahaha! That''s because you are now a Path Forging Realm Stage One Cultivator!"


    Ikasa had guessed Hei Ying might''ve be a cultivator. Now that Feng Yan had confirmed his suspicions, he was overjoyed. He almost shouted ''My Gold Finger is not a fraud'' but he restrained himself. That shout would''vended him in even bigger trouble.


    Seeing Hei Ying was being showered with all attention and love, Luo Qiqi rushed to the books as well. She picked up a random book and opened it. But nothing happened. Frustrated, she threw the book and picked another one. But still, nothing happened.


    "Aargh! Why are you not working you stupid book!"


    She mmed the book and went to pick up another book. But this one turned out to be a dud too. She was almost in tears. She immediately found the culprit behind this mess.


    "You! Why are your books not working?"


    Luo Qiqi asked Ikasa while showing her pointed canines as if she would bite if he couldn''t give her a satisfactory exnation.


    Ikasa had a headache. ''How would I know why they are not working?''


    But he still looked at the book in her hand. It was a battle technique [Nutcracker Kick]. He immediately remembered that the battle techniques could only be learned by the ones who could cultivate. No wonder Luo Qiqi failed to learn anything. There was only one cultivation manual here after all and it was used by Hei Ying.


    "Umˇ­ Qiqi you need to be a cultivator to learn battle techniques."


    "Then make me one!"


    "You need a cultivation manual for that. I don''t have one here but I will bring it to youter."


    Luo Qiqi still looked at him suspiciously. She had been lied to many times. However happy she was here with Xin Ruo and others, she was, after all, living in a slum. Her trust in strangers was close to zero. And Ikasa was a stranger.


    The other kids except Hei Ying had alsoe over.


    "We want a cultivation manual as well."


    Chu Qing demanded. His tone made Ikasa ufortable. He was already irritated by Luo Qiqi and now this. It was as if they took him for granted. If he didn''t do something to put these kids in their ce, they might run roughshod over him.


    "Do you think Cultivation Manuals and Battle Techniques are dirt on the street? Every one of my Cultivation Manual can be sold for at least 1000 gold coins! Every battle technique of mine is worth 100 gold coins at the least! Tell me how are you going to afford them?"


    Ikasa hissed coldly. The kids were cowed by his sudden disy of dominance. They had never even seen a gold coin before. So hearing about hundreds and thousands of gold coins shut them up.


    He had even attracted the attention of Feng Yan and Xin Ruo. Now that he had proved his Manual was genuine and eliminated the self-doubt, he was no longer on the back foot when dealing with Feng Yan.


    "How ungrateful! We saved you! We even shared our bread with you!"


    While all others were sensibly silent, only Luo Qiqi was defiant. Ikasa looked at her indifferently.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "It was not you who saved me; It was Xin Ruo and I am very grateful to her. As for bread; it is not even worth 1 copper coin. How can you ask for  cultivation manuals worth thousands of gold in exchange for it?"


    Even though Ikasa felt cruel saying these words, he still said them with a poker face. Even Xin Ruo who was in the distance felt shocked and even felt she had misjudged the person. The kids all had their heads down in shame. Only Feng Yan had a glint in his eyes.


    Seeing the kids so downcast, Ikasa couldn''t berate them anymore. The cold indifference on his face was gone and he was once again the amiable big brother.


    "Look, I am not an ungrateful person. Since I have eaten your bread I will give you guys a chance to earn the Cultivation Manuals and Battle Techniques. It might even make you rich in the future. Do you want to hear about it?"


    The despair in the kids'' eyes was immediately reced by hope. Although they were still suspicious, the dream of having a full meal every day tempted them.


    "I will provide you with Cultivation manuals and Battle Techniquesˇ­ I will even provide you with cultivation resourcesˇ­ But you will have toe with me to the city and work for me."


    Ikasa''s offer was so lucrative that all of the kids had stars in their eyes. They almost said yes immediately but one voice broke through their muddleheaded minds.


    "But what about Sister Xin Ruo?"


    Ikasa looked toward the source of the voice. It was Hei Ying who had broken through just now.


    Her question instantly brought the kids back to reality. They looked conflicted but Pei Yuan looked up resolutely and met Ikasa''s eyes.


    "I am sorry Big Brother. But we can''t abandon Sister Xin Ruo. Everything we have was given to us by her. We won''t leave her side."


    "Yes, we won''t leave Sister Xin Ruo''s side."


    Ikasa was dismayed. He had finally found people who were aware of the authenticity of his cultivation manuals. He wanted to bring them out of slums and make them work as Advertisers for his manuals and Battle Techniques. But now they refused to leave with him.


    ''What a headache.'' Sigh.


    Just as Ikasa was trying to think of a way to make kids agree, he heard footsteps behind him. A hoarse voice spoke.


    "What if your sister Xin Ruo apanies you to the city?"


    The Kids as well as Ikasa were taken aback. Ikasa looked joyously at Xin Ruo but she was also shocked.


    Ikasa winced as Feng Yan held his throbbing shoulder in a firm grip and turned him towards himself.


    "Kid, I have long wanted to send Xin Ruo and Kids to civilized society."


    His face was full of loathing towards this ''civilized society'' but anyone who knew his background understood him. Yet why did he want to send his own daughter and kids he has been raising to the ce he loathed the most?


    Feng Yan answered the question himself. He looked towards the person most deserving of his answer, his daughter.


    "Ruo''er, I can provide for you as long as I am able while you are with me. But who will look after you when I am old? Slums will not present you an opportunity to improve yourself."


    He caressed her head emotionally as he whispered,


    "Go to the City and fly! Let these kids live better lives than their parents ever lived. Go live a life better than your dad can give you!"


    Feng Yan turned his back away from her and hid his eyes behind his palm. Even Ikasa felt touched by Feng Yan''s speech, let alone Xin Ruo and Kids.


    "Dadˇ­"


    Xin Ruo hugged him from behind as she softly sobbed.


    Feng Yan gave her a moment before he softly put away her hands. Then he resolutely walked away as Xin Ruo watched his disappearing figure.


    "Go Pack up. We will leave after you are done."


    Ikasa gently reminded Xin Ruo.


    As soon as Xin Ruo and the kids had gone inside, someone grabbed Ikasa from behind and dragged him to a nearby alley. A hand covered his mouth while the other hand put his neck in a chokehold from behind.


    "Hmm not badˇ­ You are weak and rich. Xin Ruo will be able to bully you as she pleases. If possible I want to hold a wedding right now. But that girl wouldn''t agree."


    Feng Yan murmured under his breath.


    "Kid, Do you know why I am sending my precious daughter with you?"


    Then he answered the question himself without waiting for Ikasa to reply.


    "That''s because I don''t want my baby girl to fall for some hooligan from slums. So you better keep an eye on her. Understand?"


    Ikasa got a close view of the infamous swollen blood-red eyes of the Red Eye. He nodded his assent frantically while pointing to the hand that tightly covered his mouth.


    "Damn bastards want to be the son inw of I, the Red Eye? They can dream on!"


    Ikasa was struggling to breath so he started to il in the man''s grip. It drew his attention back to Ikasa. And he released him. Ikasa immediately bent over as he took inrge gulps of air.


    "You are too weak," Feng Yan whispered in disdain. "Be stronger or even the kids will bully you. Hahaha!"


    And he once again walked away.


    Ikasa was speechless as he watched this entric man walk away. When he was finally out of sight Ikasa regained his wits.


    ''Improve your life, my a$$! You don''t want a son inw freeloading off you so you are sending your daughter to freeload off me!''

 Chapter 8 Money Problems

    When Xin Ruo and the children came out with their packed luggage, Ikasa realized he had another huge problem. Where in the hell was he going to host them?


    He had a home where his bedroom, kitchen as well as living area was all in one room. But he couldn''t amodate six more people in it!


    So he would have to either purchase or rent arger house with a big enough space for kids to train.


    Renting a house meant he needed money. He checked all his pockets and the bag. Just 1 silver and 3 coppers; enough to buy food for seven people for a week but not enough to rent a house.


    ''Do I really have to take them to the city? Wouldn''t it be better if they could stay here and still work for me?''


    Ikasa''s thoughts wandered as he faced this predicament. But immediately he dismissed the idea of letting them stay in slums while they worked for him.


    Firstly, City guards would always make things difficult for people who wereing to the city from the slums.


    He could pay once to make guards look the other way but if he had to pay every time he needed Xin Ruo and kids in the City, the amount would quickly balloon. Combined with the troubles they would face, it wasn''t worth being a cheapskate.


    Another and more important reason was reputation. He wanted kids to be models for his techniques and manuals. If his buyers realized that they would be practicing the same techniques as those living in slums, his reputation would suffer a huge blow.


    While thinking, Ikasa realized it was not just him who wanted to bring Kids and Xin Ruo to the city. Even Feng Yan wanted Ikasa to bring them away. But that guy had ''forcefully reminded'' him to look after Xin Ruo and disappeared.


    ''If you wanted to marry your daughter to me at the least you could''ve given us a dowry to start a happy married life!''


    But there was no use cursing Feng Yan. As an aspiring businessman, he had to find solutions to his own problems.


    He smiled awkwardly as he met Xin Ruo''s expectant gaze.


    "Umˇ­ I am sorry but I don''t have a ce ready where I can amodate you. So you will have to stay here for some time. I wille back to fetch you when I have made sufficient preparations."


    Before Xin Ruo could answer another voice chimed in.


    "Can''t we just stay with you? I mean we have already packed our stuff and are ready to leave."


    Ikasa turned his gaze towards Luo Qiqi. He didn''t want to let these kids know that while he was showing them dreams of living in big houses and bing rich, he himself was living in sub-par conditions.


    "If it was just one or two people I could make arrangements easily. But since I have to make arrangements for six peopleˇ­"


    "Aren''t you rich? Shouldn''t your mansion have tens of rooms?"


    Luo Qiqi looked at Ikasa suspiciously. When she saw him unable to refute her words, her eyes narrowed even further.


    "Are you really rich? Or are you justˇ­?"


    "Enough, Qiqi!" Xin Ruo reproached the short girl, stopping her frompleting her sentence. Then she turned towards Ikasa. With aplicated expression, she apologized.


    "If me being by your side is going to cause troubles in your home, I''ll stay back." She looked at Ikasa expectantly. But her words had stunned Ikasa into silence.


    ''What troubles at home? I don''t have a wife?''


    Before Ikasa could exin himself, Xin Ruo turned to leave. She had assumed the brief pause he took to sort his thoughts as him being silent.


    His silence meant her assumption was correct. She had felt a spark when their eyes had met for the first time but it was not meant to be.


    She meekly said,  "You can take the kids away."  Then she looked at the kids and then at him dejectedly.


    ''Eh, what''s with that look? Why are you looking at me like a wronged wife?''


    Then he noticed the kids ready to create another scene upon hearing Xin Ruo''s deration.


    ''No, I have to clear up this misunderstanding. These girls can really make stuff up. One almost sussed out I am poor while another imagined I had wife problemsˇ­''


    Ikasa stepped forward to hold Xin Ruo''s hand to prevent her from leaving.


    "Wai..Wait! Don''t misunderstand Xin Ruo! I am not married and I don''t have a family. It''s just that my current ce really can''t house so many people."


    Ikasa had no choice but toe clean. For some reason he really didn''t want to let this girl down.


    The scene had suddenly be a bit dramatic. Like a husband was coaxing his disappointed wife. And then an innocent, ill-timedment broke the atmosphere.


    "I knew it! He is also poor! Hmph!"


    Xin Ruo looked away shyly as Ikasa let go of her hand. But the kids and Ikasa all shot a stinky re at Luo Qiqi who was still looking brazenly at Ikasa.


    Clearing his throat, Ikasa tried to dispel some of his embarrassment.


    "So, as I was saying, I really can''t amodate all of you guys at once. I''ll make arrangements for you within seven days. But for now please wait for my return here."


    To show hismitment he handed the silver coin to Xin Ruo. Then he resolutely turned and walked towards the city.


    "Do you think he wille back?" Yan Xiao asked others while smiling foolishly.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Surprisingly it was Pei Yuan, the quietest of all, who answered, "He will."


    -x-x-x-x-


    The very first thing Ikasa did, after returning to his home, was connect to the Printer. Instead of drawing a random technique, he copied the cultivation manual in his possession.


    He now had two [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] and zero Battle techniques in his possession. Why two? Because he had set aside one manual for Wang Mei at home. Including the one he just copied, he had two.


    ''Now I need to set aside 5 Cultivation Manuals for Xin Ruo and Kids. But Cultivation Manuals alone can''t be shown off. There will be no big phenomenon at Path Forging Realm when one exercises ording to cultivation manuals. So I need to pair them with Batte Techniques.''


    ''Guess I shouldn''t have left all the Battle Techniques back at Xin Ruo''s.'' Ikasa smiled ruefully.


    ''Anyways since I have already gifted them, don''t think about them. I can always use points if I need to print more of them.''


    Then he nced at the points.


    CP: 51


    BP: 50


    The Cultivation Points had increased by one!


    ''Wonderful! So my cheat really does work as it says in the manual.''


    Ikasa stopped thinking about the mechanics of how it worked and focused on the part that it did work.


    "Regretfully, Fei Yu didn''t use my manual. That''s one more manual wasted."


    Fei Yu was the chubby girl he had tried to take as his disciple. But her father had chased him away to the slums.


    Before he closed the interface, the Battle points had also increased by one. But it went unnoticed.


    He had hurried home in order to use his free chance for today. Now that he had used it up, he could feel the built-up fatigue. He had ignored his throbbing bruises to walk as fast as he could. Now the pain was back with vengeance.


    He washed up, had some warm gruel, and reapplied Xin Ruo''s gooey medicines. As hey in bed, he started to devise ideas that could earn him enough money to rent arge house.


    ''Should I take more jobs for copying books?''


    But he quickly scrapped this idea. Copying books was time-consuming work. And it did not pay so well every time.


    He had promised Xin Ruo seven days. And he had to gather at least 500 gold within this time to be able to afford the kind of house he wanted.


    ''How about Draft work? It pays well but it''s not in my hands.''


    Only if City Lord''s manor wanted to assuage the other major powers would they let a third party draft thew or agreement. But recently, Ikasa has been getting fewer and fewer of these kinds of jobs.


    ''It seems the City Lord has firmly be the strongest one in Sal City.''


    As he went through his skillsets that could help him earn gold, Ikasa was feeling distressed. None of his skills could earn him 500 gold within a week.


    When he turned his head the printer on the table covered his vision. The more he looked at it angrier he got.


    ''The cheats of other transmigrators lower the difficulty level and make their lives easier. My cheat increased the difficulty from normal to hell-mode!''


    As he looked at the printer the faces of all the people who criticized the manuals appeared.


    "Are you calling all the female cultivators Dumb?"


    The heated question of the very first customer to peruse his manuals.


    "Next time you want to peddle some fake manuals, prepare a good backstory and use aged paper if you are going to im ites from an ancient ruin."


    The ''good natured advice'' of the extra inquisitive Sword Cultivator.


    And then thest but the most annoying one, Master Jin Ping who pretended to be a sage and ruined his business.


    As the three faces continued to sh across his mind, Ikasa was suddenly struck with inspiration.


    ''Since people have problems with ''Name'' and ''Material'', what if I change both?''


    A devious grin formed on Ikasa''s face. He had already formted a n which would help him earn money as well as get revenge.


    ''Hehehe, Master Jin Ping, I aming for you.''


    He was going to use the actual cultivation technique in the Original [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] and write it down on an aged paper. Since its appearance had changed, it needed a new name as well. And he had already thought of one.

 Chapter 9 Ape’s Might Body Forging Technique

    After a brief afternoon nap, Ikasa woke up refreshed. He had already formted a n. Now it was time to put it into action.


    The very first thing he had to do was purchase the raw ingredients needed. He collected all the copper coins he had in his house.


    "94ˇ­ 95ˇ­ 96 Coppersˇ­ Hmm Not bad. I can get everything I need."


    Ikasa muttered as he sealed the money pouch.


    As Ikasa left his house thest rays of the sun fell on his face. The beautiful sunset reminded him of his balcony apartment on earth where he used to have a warm cup of tea in hand as he watched the setting sun.


    "I will build a skyscraper in this world and enjoy the sunset from its highest floor one day!" Ikasa affirmed to his heart.


    A few hourster Ikasa had already roamed the entire market in search of aged paper, but he didn''t find a single one that could satisfy his needs. In the end, he found an old Scroll holder. He purchased it at a bargain of 5 coppers.


    Soon the vendors and hawkers started to pack their wares and the market started to close. Ikasa sighed with regret.


    ''I guess I will have to use that method.''


    Back on earth, he had met one girl who ran a souvenir shop. They imed to sell historic scrolls. The paper really did look dated and ancient. Even the smell was a bit musty.


    After a coincidental one-night stand with the girl, Ikasa had discovered their secret.


    They used to seep thick yellow coarse paper in extra boiled tea for a few hours. Then dry it in the sun till it was semi-dry. They would then dust it with red dirt and let the paper dry on fire. It would make the paper crisp and excess dirt would fall off.


    To give it the musty smell they used to stuff these ready scrolls into moist earthenware for a few days.


    The girl used to make hundreds of thousands of dors from selling her ''ancient scrolls.''  Ikasa hoped to replicate her feat in another world.


    Ikasa bought cheap tea leaves, an earthen pot, and some coarsely made paper. He also scraped some dirt from the roadside. He now had the ingredients to cheat people into buying his manuals.


    When Ikasa returned home, he immediately began his procedure. As he let the paper seep into boiling tea, he studied the Cultivation Manual in his hands.


    During the Path Forging Realm, a human couldn''t sense the energy. When he exercised, he used his movements to unknowingly guide the energy through circtions in his body.


    Just like a path is formed when you repeatedly walk through a patch of grass, simrly, a path for energy is formed in your body when it circtes along a set route enough times.


    The difference between the grades of manuals determined the length of the path. Lower-grade manuals took shorter paths through the body. But the higher the grade of manuals, the longer the path.


    "Hmmˇ­ So a shorter path means easier cultivation. However, the neglected body part would be very very weak."


    While reading the basis of the ssification of manuals, Ikasa was reminded of an incident that had be quite famous in this city.


    There was a cultivator who cultivated Armstrong Cultivation Technique. He had gained fame as the strongest Path Forging cultivator because of how huge his arms were.


    It was only revealedter that the Armstrong Cultivation Technique was a Mid-grade Path Forging Manual. The technique focused entirely on creating an energy path from one palm to another palm through one''s torso.


    Once in a bid to impress a beautiful girl, he picked a fight with the guy she was with. He was kicked by the scrawny guy, who had just entered the Intermediate Path Forging realm, in his shins. Astonishingly, that muscr guy had copsed as if he were a house of cards in a single move.


    People were confounded by this oue. Both were Intermediate realm Path Forgers; then why was the fight decided in one move?


    The only difference was the scrawny guy''s manual was a high-grade manual that forged a path through the entire body. Whilst no energy path was formed in the lower body of the muscr guy and hence, he was very weak below his torso.


    This was the reason people preferred higher grade manuals over the lower grade ones.


    And Ikasa''s Manuals were even more amazing!


    The difference between the normal manuals and his manuals became very clear to Ikasa.


    Normal Manuals described a set of motions. When one moves ording to these exercises, they will guide energy on the path mentioned in the manual.


    Therger the errors while performing the exercises, therger the chances of energy deviating from the path in the manual.


    On the other hand, Ikasa''s manuals imprint the set of body movements in the user''s mind. Thus, users could move ording to them instinctively, lowering the chances for error.


    At the same time, it circtes the energy in one''s body along the path in the manual creating a very rudimentary but clear path for energy to follow.


    When the energy in one''s body had a clear path to travel on, one can be said to have entered the Path Forging realm.


    "So this is why Hei Ying broke through! This means anyone who uses my manual will break through immediately to the Path Forging realm!"


    Ikasa cheered at this amazing discovery.


    ¨C


    A night had passed and Sun was shining in the morning. Ikasa removed the Paper carefully and hung it out to dry.


    When he entered his house, he saw the Cultivation manual he had been reading by his pillow. He had fallen asleep whileparing the manuals from the printer and other normal manuals.


    "A cheat is a cheat. However much it might make my life difficult, it really is amazing!"


    Ikasa murmured appreciatively as he gazed lovingly at the Printer. He used the ''Copy'' button once again today and got another [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength].


    Once Ikasa had freshened himself and had his breakfast, he began memorizing the depictions and their descriptions in [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength].


    After practicing for some time, he could perfectly recreate the figures in the book in smaller sizes so they would fit on the scroll.


    Ikasa brought the semi-dried scroll inside and dried it on fire for a few minutes. Once it was dry enough to hold ink, he drew the motions and descriptions on it.


    He looked at his work in satisfaction. The strokes were perfect and the calligraphy impable. Then with a flourish, he added the name he had long thought of.


    ''Ape''s Might Body Forging Technique! What a great name! If this name doesn''t earn me 1000 gold the people here must be blind!''                                                                              Ikasa thought with glee.


    He already knew the dark ink would look out of ce on the paper. So he had improvised and added a few steps. He boiled thest night''s tea and let the steam waft on the paper.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Once the paper became moist, he sprinkled the dirt on it. The ink that was spreading due to the paper bing moist was immediately absorbed by the dust.


    A few hourster when the paper had absorbed the dust''s smell and color, Ikasa dried the paper on fire to make it crisp. And now thest step, storing it in a humid earthenware.


    While Ikasa was rolling the scroll, he was happy to notice that the ink had faded considerably. It had a look of an ''ancient'' scroll. Then he stored it inside the scroll holder and sealed the scroll holder in a wet earthen pot.


    For the next few days, Ikasa spent his time searching for a suitable mansion that could house seven peoplefortably while also leaving enough space for kids to y and train.


    At first, he didn''t know where and whom he should look for. So he contacted Yao Han, the guard captain. He directed him to the City Lord''s administrative office. Ikasa realized that in this world, City Lord controlled most of the real estate business.


    When he asked about renting a house, he received weird looks. Finally, Yao Han couldn''t hold himself back.


    "Brother Ikasa, what is this ''rent'' you speak of?"


    ''That exins all the weird looks!''


    Ikasa thought as he patiently exined the concept of renting. Yao Han was appalled that people would live in someone else''s house and pay that house''s owner for living there.


    Ikasa also understood that he had no choice but to outright purchase the property he wanted to live in.


    As he looked at suitable options he realized he had to choose between getting multiple adjacent houses in Outer City and getting a single humongous manor in the Inner city.


    The difference in prices was also quite significant. The multiple houses in Outer city,bined, cost just under 300 Gold.


    And yet, the single old, outdated manor in the Inner-city, city cost 700 gold. And it was a discounted price because the seller needed money urgently.


    Ikasa decided to visit both properties. The houses in Outer City belonged to vassals of the Li Family. They couldn''t pay Li family the produce they promised for the year; So the Li family had directly confiscated their houses and put them on sale.


    Each house was not thatrge with just two medium-sized rooms and a small patch for growing vegetables. These six houses were arranged in a ''U-shaped'' formation with two houses on each side. In the center were arge Banyan tree and a well.


    Ikasa was very pleased with this construction. But when he was close enough to the houses, he heard theughter of children. Even the houses were upied. He nced quizzingly at the attendant who was apanying him.


    "An elder of the Li Family ordered for families to be chased away and also stationed goons here. But the head butler of the Li family convinced the Patriarch to let these families stay here until the houses were sold or they paid the promised 150 gold."


    The attendant''s voice, tinged with admiration for the Head Butler, did not escape Ikasa''s notice. Even he felt admiration for such a kind-hearted butler but he was more amazed by his maniption skills.


    Ikasa put away the thoughts of purchasing these houses. He would purchase these only if there were no other suitable houses. If possible he didn''t want to disce these families and ruin the efforts of that Butler.


    Next, the attendant guided Ikasa to the mansion in the Inner City. On the way, Ikasa tried to glean some background information about the mansion they were going to visit.


    "The Mansion is in the western part of the inner city. After the Wei family declined many mansions and vis cropped up in their territory. This Mansion is one of them."


    "Oh? Was the Wei Family''s territory that big?" Ikasa asked in shock.


    "You know, once upon a time, the entire western Inner-city used to belong to the Wei Family. s, their pot of sins was filled and Feng Yan destroyed them."


    "They had iting and deserved what they got".


    Ikasa unknowingly clenched his fists. For some reason, he imagined a mature version of Xin Ruo surrounded by a few young masters who teased and vited her. He subconsciously gritted his teeth.


    The attendant looked at him weirdly. He hadn''t expected such an intense reaction. But he just assumed Ikasa was a man with a story.


    Ikasa was silent for the rest of the journey. He was zoned out but the sound of iron gates grating against the ground jolted him awake.


    "We are here," The attendant said with a smile.


    Soon, the caretaker of the mansion came forward to greet the duo.


    The moment they entered, the fragrance of flowers assaulted their senses. Ikasa noticed a small pond surrounded by flowers on the right. There were also a fewrge trees behind the pond.


    Directly opposite the pond, on the left side was open space. The ground was covered with grass. The path from the gate to the actual entrance of the mansion acted as the dividing line between these two areas.


    Both of these areas were concealed from the outside world by high rising walls.


    ''This would serve perfectly as training fields for kids.''


    Once he entered, he could see the chips and cracks in the sandstone walls. It indicated that the mansion was quite old and the owner didn''t care for it well enough.


    Despite that, it was structurally sound.


    "There are five bedrooms and a dedicated kitchen and a pantry. This open space can be used as a ballroom if you so desireˇ­"


    The caretaker introduced the mansion''s best features enthusiastically.


    Ikasa had seen all he needed to see. This Mansion would be good enough. Thankfully, it came with basic furniture like beds and all. So he didn''t need to spend extra to get the furniture.


    "So Ikasa, do you like this manor? Do you want me to start the purchase procedures?"


    The attendant nudged Ikasa. The caretaker also looked hopeful. Good Masters were rare after all.


    "Erˇ­ Let''s not be hasty. I will need a few days to think about it."


    ''Are you kidding me? I don''t even have 1 gold on me now! How am I supposed to pay half the sales price to initiate purchase procedures?''


    The hopes of the attendant and the caretaker were dashed. But they were not disheartened. After all, few people make impulse purchase decisions.


    After apanying the attendant to City Lord''s administrative office, Ikasa returned home.


    It was time to open the pot and let the ''ancient scroll'' re-emerge in this world.

 Chapter 10 Old Fogies

    "Ha ha ha! This looks authentic! The smell, the color, the feelˇ­ everything is perfect!"


    Ikasa eximed as he checked his version of the ''ancient scroll.''


    ''The only problem is time. Creating one copy took me 3 days! I guess I should take the premium route for these scrolls. After all, if too many of the same scrolls appear at the same time, their price will drop.'' Ikasa thought as he rolled the scroll carefully and put it back inside the holder.


    "Ikasa, are you in there?" Ikasa hurriedly hid the scroll holder when he heard the voice of Captain Yao Han. Then he opened the door and smiled at the man.


    "Good Morningˇ­" Before Ikasa could finish his greetings, Yao Han cut him off.


    "What took you so long?" Yao Han barged into the room while giving Ikasa a look of annoyance.


    "Anyways here, take these. The administrative office wants you to draft a guarantee letter for security." He pointed at the documents in his hands while motioning him to close the door.


    Ikasa helplessly closed the door. Whenever security documents needed to be drafted, a guard captain assigned to the job would arrive personally. And Yao Han was the friendliest of the bunch.


    Ikasa opened the documents to check what points he needed to include in the agreement. Before he could read further, he heard Yao Han exim.


    "What''s that?" Yao Han was standing before the printer.


    Ikasa''s heart thumped. He decided to y it cool. He got up from his seat and arrived beside Yao Han.


    "Do you remember the trip I took a week back to the ruins outside the city?"


    "Oh Yesˇ­ That''s where you found your high-grade single-use manuals too right?" Yao Han asked teasingly.


    Ikasa''s face darkened immediately but he didn''t blow up as this was just friendly ribbing.


    "I am telling you they are real! Anyways, I found this in that ruin too. Don''t know what it does but it is heavy."


    Ikasa watched with bated breath as Yao Han caressed the printer. Thankfully there was no reaction at all. The captain then turned to Ikasa and asked, "Why don''t you sell it in the auction happening a few dayster?"


    "No way! This is my souvenir from my first adventure! I will show this to my grandkids and regale them with the tales of my adventure!"


    Ikasa smiled as if imagining the future. Yao Hanughed heartily as he pped Ikasa''s back.


    "Goodman, you can dream far! You don''t even have a wife and you are thinking of grandkids!"                                                                                                                             Ikasa didn''t argue further as he had achieved his purpose and distracted Yao Han.


    Both of them moved away from the printer and took a seat on the floor. Sitting on a hard floor made of mud keeps your bum bouncy. Especially when you have no chairs.


    "Anyways hurry up, I still need to take these documents back for approval." Yao Han urged.


    "It''s you who distracted me, old man!"


    Ikasa retorted as he shuffled through the papers.


    As he looked at the documents, he realized it was not the usual agreement that needed a third party. It looked more like official paperwork of the administrative office.


    He noticed the party requesting for extra security was Lotus Pavilion. Usually, they requested more security from the City Lord only when there was a big event like an auction.


    Ikasa instinctively raised his head and asked, "There is an auction happening soon?"


    "Didn''t I just tell you about it a few minutes ago? There are still 3 days to goˇ­ If you take that big box of yours there now, maybe they would still allow you to consign it!"


    Then Yao Han lowered his voice as if he was about to reveal some confidential information.


    "I heard rich people are very willing to fork out big money for these kinds of goods. I am telling you that box will at the least sell for 500 Gold. That''s 500,000 coppers! With it, you will be set for life!"


    Ikasa smiled helplessly. He was depending on that box to make money, but not by selling it.


    "I''ll think about it," Ikasa replied patronizingly. Yao Han looked dissatisfied with his perfunctory answer. He wanted to nag Ikasa more.


    Sensing danger, Ikasa quickly tried to change topics. He pointed to documents in his hands and asked,


    "Shouldn''t this kind of work be done by the Scribe in the administrative office? Howe it ising to me?"


    Yao Han paused and sneered gloatingly.


    "That useless guy bought his mistress back home. His wife caught him and they had a big quarrel. She threw a knife at his face but he used his palms to protect it. Now he has a deep wound on his palms so he is off work this week. Expect lots of work from the City Lord''s office in theing days."


    As he saw Yao Han take joy in the two-timing scribe''s misfortune, Ikasa shook his head.


    ''Worlds might change but people are simr everywhere.''


    Seeing that Yao Han still wanted to talk to him more about the incident, he entertained him for a few more minutes. Once Yao Han had his fill, he paused and Ikasa also buried his head in legalese.


    Within an hour he had readied the required document. Yao Han checked it and verified with agreement terms. He patted Ikasa''s shoulder appreciatively.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "You really are talented, brother. Too badmoners like us can only work under someone else."


    Ikasa could only smile wistfully. It was the truth. All he could do was try his best to change this reality.


    "Anyways as usual when the documents are verified, you cane collect your payment from the administrative office." Yao Han patted his butt and left to submit the documents.


    Once Yao Han had left, Ikasa closed the door excitedly. He did have something that would fetch more than 500 gold at this auction.


    He fetched the Scroll Holder from its hiding ce. He was about to leave the house but then he paused.


    ''If that sneaky old man, Jin Ping, is the appraiser, he will definitely make trouble for me. I better cover my face like adventurers do.''


    Ikasa rummaged through his closet as he looked for the adventurer''s garb he had purchased before his trip to the ruins. He found it but it was smeared with dirt and grime.


    "Perfect! This will make my story even more believable!"


    Ikasa quickly put on the long robe with a hood that covered his face and set off to the Lotus Pavilion.


    ----


    "Good Afternoon, Mister! How can I help you?"


    The prettydy at the reception desk asked Ikasa politely. She was clearly trying to suppress her instinctive reaction to the stenching from Ikasa''s cloak. So her voice sounded unnaturally nasal.


    Ikasa smiled seeing her reaction. This was exactly the reaction he hoped for. His stench would distract people and any slip-ups that might expose his identity would go unnoticed.


    "I would like to consign a precious manual for the uing auction."


    Ikasa answered straight without bothering with pleasantries as he would normally do. At this point, he was almost leaning over the desk.


    Thedy still tried to smile and replied, "Please wait a minute, I will notify the appraiser to assess the worth of your item."


    Then she immediately left her post as she jogged to get away from the sweaty stench from Ikasa''s robe. A few minutester she came back and invited Ikasa to the upper floor where the appraisers sat.


    When Ikasa entered the room, he saw an old man on his knees enjoying tea. A long table was ced in front of him and a bag of tea leaves was on it. Ikasa recognized the man. It was none other than Master Jin Ping!


    As soon as Ikasa entered, the nose of the old man twitched and his eyebrows furrowed. But he didn''t exhibit any extreme reaction except for a mild look of displeasure.


    ''Old Fogies sure know how to keep theirposure. If his servants were here, they would have created a scene.''


    Ikasa smirked at the thought. He bowed his head slightly to show his respect and then ced the Scroll Holder on the long table and stepped back two steps.


    Master Jin Ping took out his monocle and ced it on his left eye. He carefully observed the scroll holder without touching it.


    "Where did you find this?", he questioned.


    "I found it among the goods of an abandoned caravan attacked by beasts."


    Master Jin PIng''s forehead wrinkled. It is easier to ascertain the authenticity if the goods are from a ruin. Every ruin nearby has been dated and matched to a certain power from history. But this scroll looks ancient but with an unclear background.


    Master Jin Ping picked up the scroll holder and opened it. A familiar musty smell assaulted his nose. He nodded in appreciation. When he unfurled the scroll a look of shock appeared on his face.


    "Ape''s Might Body Forging Technique! What a name!"


    Ikasa smirked inwardly. He had imagined the reaction countless times when he had penned the name. Seeing it in person brought him immense satisfaction.


    As Master Jin Ping looked through the depicted exercises and intended energy path, he eximed once again.


    "High-grade Path Forging Manual?"


    The more Master Jin Ping looked, the more he liked it. If not for his Energy Path conflicting with the one in the manual, Jin Ping might''ve used the manual for himself.


    "This manual is worth 1000 Gold. Are you willing to sell it to Lotus Pavilion?" Master Jin Ping asked.


    ''1000 gold! I had expected the prices to be in this range but to be offered outright? Maybe I can earn more if I auction it?''


    Ikasa pondered about his quandary while Master Jin Ping calmly sipped on tea. In the end, he decided against selling it directly.


    "Thank you for your appraisal, Master. But I would like to consign this manual."


    Ikasa was having a hard time maintaining a facade of politeness. But when he imagined Master Jin Ping''s reputation in shambles, he was easily able to calm himself.


    An hourter, Ikasa had left the Lotus Pavilion afterpleting the procedures for consignment. He had to pay 5% of the total selling price as a fee to Lotus Pavilion and an additional 1% to the Appraiser.


    Now all he had to do was wait for his scroll to be sold in the auction.

 Chapter 11 Someone Is Farming Rage Points?

    In the next few days, Ikasa almost ripped his hair worrying over the final sale price of the scroll. To keep himself upied, he started working on the next scroll. Unfortunately, he didn''t find another antique scroll holder for sale. But he had readied another ancient scroll.


    Finally, the day of the auction hade. Ikasa dressed in his finest clothes worth 3000 coppers. He was going to join in the fun as himself.


    When Ikasa reached the destination, he saw a queue of people. Every person in the line looked affluent. He noticed the queue was advancing at a snail''s pace. Annoyed, he couldn''t help but mumble hisints.


    "I consigned such an expensive item. Shouldn''t they have offered me a VIP pass?"


    His mumbling intrigued the person who was before him in the queue. He turned around and gave Ikasa a once over, from head to toe.


    "This Brother? What was the appraised worth of the item you consigned?"


    Ikasa met the eyes of the curious man. He seemed to be in his thirties. His sleek hair-do and fair white skin gave off an aura of dandy silky pants. But most importantly, every piece of essory on him screamed ''Wealth''.


    "Master Jin Ping appraised my item and said it was worth at least one thousand gold." Ikasa answered proudly.


    The man immediately lost interest. He gave Ikasa a look of disdain and then turned around.


    Irked by the Man''s behaviour Ikasa immediately hissed with suppressed fury, "Why are you being rude, Mister?"


    The man turned around with a look of ridicule. Hepletely ignored Ikasa''s red face and flippantly asked,


    "Do you think a thousand gold is a lot of money?"


    Ikasa was immediately dumbstruck. He wanted to reply immediately, ''Yes, it is a lot of money.'' But thinking how casually the man talked, he hesitated. Because it might be a lot for himself, but for others present here, it might be worth pennies.


    The youth didn''t wait for Ikasa to answer. He continued.


    "You see this blue silk robe I am wearing? I imported it from tier 2 Mahogany City. It alone is worth 600 gold."


    The people, ahead and behind Ikasa, in the queue had all turned to see what themotion was about. The young man''s deration shocked the spectators. Afterall, 600 gold was worth 6000 silver or 600,000 coppers.


    The Youth nced at them with a smirk. Unable to stop showing off, he continued, "This ring has the most beautiful Lapis Lazuli from the Baobab City''s volcano. It cost me just over 1000 gold. Even my underwear is made from Gold Striped-Spider''s silk worth 200 goldˇ­"


    The gazes of onlookers rapidly changed from shock to admiration to in greed. Ikasa backed away from the youth.


    When people are gathered in a crowd, they be fearless. They often do crazy shit like mob lynching. And right now it looked like they wanted to beat this guy and steal the ring from him.


    ''They might even steal the clothes on him till nothing but the underwear remainsˇ­ No scratch thatˇ­ They might not even leave underwear for him.''


    Ikasa thought as he merged into the crowd. Every unt of that person was a critical hit to his weak spot; his finances. But when he mentioned his underwear, Ikasa put him in the crazy category and stopped paying heed to his words.


    Right now, Ikasa was thinking the same thing as the crowd here; How to get his hands on that ring stealthily. But before any maverick from the crowd could make a move, the circle they had subconsciously formed around the youth was broken.


    A few goons made way for a boy in his early teens.


    "Eh? Eldest Brother, why are you here?"


    The teen asked the man in the blue silk robe with surprise.


    The man replied with arrogance oozing from his voice, "I just wanted to mingle withmoners."


    Ikasa nced at the people around. Their clothes alone might be worth the monthly expenditures of amon family. So being called Commoners to their face was equal to insulting them.


    ''Is this guy here to farm for rage points?''


    Ikasa wondered as he saw people''s gazes turn cold. He could totally believe +99, +99, +99ˇ­ appearing in the youth''s system if he really did have one.


    But still people had to reign in their anger. They recognised the teen. He was the second son of Li Family Patriarch, Li Shen. And so the Blue robed youth must be the mysterious heir who has never shown up in public, Li Fan.


    "Don''t talk nonsense brother. Come, Father is waiting for you in the VIP room."


    Li Shen eyed the angered crowd nervously as he brought his foolish elder brother to the VIP entrance. The only reason they were not attacked was the burly goons who formed a tight circle around them.


    Even though Ikasa had a minor embarrassment, he didn''t take it to heart. Because every dog has his day, and his day has yet toe.


    After this small incident, people queued up once again and this time the queue moved much faster.


    Soon Ikasa was seated in the fifth row from the stage.


    People were seated ording to the amount of gold deposited with the auction house. Nearer the seat to the stage, greater the amount deposited.


    So Ikasa''s seat was below average. There were a total of seven rows with the first two rows for VIPs.


    ''Ingenious. But If I open an auction house I will just create galleries instead of this amphitheater type of seating.''


    While Ikasa was dreaming about his future Auction house, the Host for the night stood before the podium.


    "Good Evening! I, Shan Wu, wee all of you to the first auction of the 354th year of the Holy Wood Empire. Today, we have a variety of rare goods, herbs and cultivation resources for your appraisal. Please offer them a fair price."<novelnext></novelnext>


    With a charming smile, Shan Wu began to introduce the first item of the night.


    Ikasa didn''t bid for anything as he was here only to broaden his horizons and not purchase anything. Even if he wanted to purchase something, his meagre funds of 10 gold would prevent him from getting anything of value.


    Where did these 10 golde from? They were collected from the administrative office for the draft he had made for Yao Han and Auction House.


    On the stage, Shan Wu had finished the introduction of Premium Speciality Tea from the Tier 2 Ebony City.


    "100 Silvers!"


    "120 Silvers!"


    "130 Silvers!"


    .


    .


    The Bids continued to rise higher and higher. Finally, someone managed to win the bid with 210 Silver coins.


    ''Tsk Tsk! Wastrels paid 21 gold for just 250 grams of Tea. That''s 21,000 coppers!''


    Even though this tea had a wondrous taste and effect of guiding energy more efficiently during Path Forging realm, Ikasa would still not pay 21 gold for it!


    Next few items were simrly luxurious items such as sandalwood essence oil, Rose Incense and a sculpture made of ivory.


    After an hour of waiting, the item Ikasa was waiting for was finally introduced on stage.


    "Our next item was consigned to us by an anonymous cultivator. Even though its origins are mysterious, our in-house appraiser, Master Jin Ping has verified its authenticity. This is a High Grade Path Forging Manual, Ape''s Might Body Forging Technique!"


    Shan Wu paused to let her words sink in. She smirked at the expressions of greed and anticipation as she introduced the benefits of the manual.


    "The intended Energy Path covers all the four limbs as well as the Torso. Ifpared to othermon High Grade Path Forging Manuals, the energy path of this manual is 30% longer. If you can pair it with a manual whose energy path covers neck and head, you can get a Top-Grade Path Forging Manual!"


    ''What? My printer is so amazing?''


    Even for Ikasa this information was new. He didn''t have any other High Grade Manuals topare to, so he was ignorant of its special features.


    What astonished him and the audience the most was the pairing Shan Wu mentioned. He was unaware that one could use multiple cultivation manuals to recreate the same effects as that of higher grade manuals.


    ''But it''s easier said than done. Finding multiplepatible manuals is much harder than finding a higher tiered manual. However, if you need just onepatible manual, it is still possible.''


    And that''s what caused a huge stir in the audience. After all, High Grade Manuals could still be obtained from Tier 1 cities, But Top-Grade manuals were impossible to get unless you belonged to an Empire-ss Force.


    Shan Wu cleverly let the hubbub settle.


    "The minimum worth of this manual is 4000 Silvers. Increments of no less than 100 silvers will be entertained. Please show your appreciation!"


    And the Bidding war began!


    "5000 Silvers!"


    "5500 Silvers!"


    "You cheapskates want to buy a Top Grade manual for 5500 Silvers? Dream on!"


    Someone from the second row turned to those in the back rows and yelled. Then he raised his bid directly by 2000 Silvers taking it to 7500.


    "Ha ha ha, You are no better Old Lu! 9000 Silvers!"


    Someone from the first row gave ''Old Lu'' the taste of his own medicine.


    -


    In the right corner of the first row where Li family was seated;


    "Li Shen, do you want that manual?"


    Li Fan looked at the 14 year old who couldn''t mask his excitement. If not for his father and elder brother, he would have bid for this manual at any cost.


    "Of course Big brother!" Li Shen replied with hope and expectation. But he sombered soon enough.


    "But Father will not agree. After all he is here for ''that thing.''"


    "Nothing is more important than your future, fool!" Li Fan said dotingly as he ruffled Li Shen''s hair. He then raised the bid hovering at 8000 silvers directly to 10000 silvers.


    The Li Family Patriarch nced at him with annoyance but didn''t say anything.

 Chapter 12 Appearance And Name’s Worth

    "10000 Silvers!"


    Li Fan''s bid attracted the attention of the other two major powers seated in the first row. The City Lord, Du Wen, and Patriarch of Xue Family exchanged gazes before they motioned their subordinates to raise the bid.


    "10500 Silvers!"


    "10800 Silvers!"


    Two consecutive bids from the Xue Family and City Lord''s Manor resounded in the hall.


    Li Fan clicked his tongue in annoyance but continued to raise the bid. He was determined to win this Manual.


    When Ikasa saw the Ponzi bid for his fake manual so desperately, he couldn''t suppress the gloating smirk forming on his lips.


    The battle for prestige intensified among the three powers and the bids were raised all the way to 14000 Silvers!


    The other small yers had long stopped bidding and were just enjoying the sh of egos.


    The Li Family Patriarch''s brows were furrowed. He wanted to prohibit Li Fan from raising the bid more when Li Fan whispered to him.


    "Father, promise the other two powers that you will not bid for that toy if they let us have this manual."


    The Patriarch''s face immediately darkened. He wanted to smack this boy in the head. He was calling a rare antique wanted by many powers from a Tier 3 city a ''toy.'' But his next words immediately cated his raging emotions.


    "We already have a low-grade manual focusing on head and neck. Whatever reward the Monstrous me Sect promised you, can itpare to a Top Grade manual?"


    Li Family''s Chief thought about it. After weighing the pros and cons, he was unable toe to a conclusion. Very rarely do higher tier powers ask for favors. But Top Grade manuals are even rarer.


    "Continue bidding till we hit our limit. If they still don''t give up, I''ll relinquish my rights to bid for the antique."


    "Okay." Li Fan nodded his head. Then he directly raised his next bid to 17000 silvers; The limit they had discussed beforehand.


    Silence spread through the hall. Li Family Head cursed his son in his heart while trying to maintain his calmposure. Shan Wu was still smiling as she looked expectantly at the other two powers.


    "17000 silvers, going onceˇ­"


    The Li Family Patriarch was paying close attention to the other two powers. When he saw the Chief Commander of City guards, Du Man opened his mouth to raise the bid, he knew he had no other choice.


    "City Lord Du, Patriarch Xue, please give this manual to me. I promise not to bid for the next item."


    City Lord immediately stopped Du Man from raising the bid. Even though Du Man looked a little dissatisfied he had to oblige.


    "Don''t go back on your word Family head Li"


    Patriarch Xue reminded sternly as he too stopped his underlings from raising the price.


    Shan Wu, who had intentionally taken longer pauses during her countdown, shortened them after seeing the three foxese to a consensus.


    "Congrattions to Young master Li Fan for getting a High-Grade Path Forging manual."


    ''Appearances really do matter and so does the name. I wanted to sell the same manual for 1000 silver but no one even looked at it. And here, it sold for 17 times the price.''


    Ikasa grinned from ear to ear as he saw his manual sell at a sky high price of 17000 silver, much higher than the Ten thousand silver offered by Master Jin Ping. It was even brought by the people he disliked. Things couldn''t get better.


    ''After deducting 5% consignment fees and 5% appraisal fees, I will get 15300 Silvers. I can easily buy that estate worth 7000 silvers and be left with afortable surplus.''


    Ikasa was happily calcting his gains from this auction when he felt a jolt in his chest. He immediately turned his attention towards the stage while rubbing his chest.


    What he saw stunned him. On the stage a green chipset was disyed on  a red satin cloth. He didn''t know what chipset it was, but he had a feeling it could help his printer upgrade.


    Ikasa desperately wanted to bid for the chip set. Unfortunately, circumstances didn''t allow it. The Xue Family and the City Lord''s Manor were here for this rare antique unearthed from the ruins in abandonednds near Sal City.<novelnext></novelnext>


    As soon as Shan Wu finished the introduction, City Lord Du Wen and Patriarch Xue personally started to bid.


    "20000 Silver!"


    "21000 Silver!"


    These were their opening bids. Their opening bids were so outrageous that they might as well be their final ones. And yet they raised them to outmatch each other.


    The bids increased so quickly that Shan Wu didn''t even get a chance to start a countdown. Their bidding only slowed when they reached the 35000 Silver.


    "35,500 Silvers!"


    Patriarch Xue raised the price even higher after a moment of deliberation.


    City Lord Du Wen didn''t rush to raise the bid quickly. He instead met Patriarch Xue''s gaze.


    "What did City Lord Zhen offer you that you are willing to pay this high of a  price?"


    Patriarch Xue smiled genially.


    "His offer is quite lucrative, City Lord Du. And even if he doesn''t offer me anything I would still get this antique for my Brother-inw."


    City Lord Zhen was the City Lord of Tier 3 City, Birch City and also the legally wedded husband of Xue Miao, Patriarch Xue''s younger sister.


    "36,000 Silvers!"


    City Lord Du Wen outmatched Patriarch Xue''s bid once again.


    Patriarch Xue looked at City Lord contemtively. He had to know the answer to this question.


    "Has the main branch of the Du family also set its eyes on this antique?"


    Once Patriarch Xue voiced his question he noticed the City Lord sigh. His heart sank when he heard City Lord''s answer.


    "They are in Mahogany City and yet, they specially sent me a message to be on the lookout for these kinds of treasures. If I find it, I have to get it for them."


    The Du family was based in tier 2, Mahogany city and produced numerous imperial officials. Du Wen was a member of a branch of this colossus. Patriarch Xue knew he wouldn''t be able to snatch the treasure if the Du Family wanted it but he had to try. After all, Mahogany City was very far from Sal City.


    He raised the bid to his set limit. If City Lord Du could go higher, he could only give up.


    "41,000 Silvers"


    In response a calm voice of Du Wen resounded.


    "41,300 Silvers"


    Shan Wu began her countdown for thest time tonight.


    Patriarch Xue struggled but finally chose to give up.


    "Congrattions, City Lord for winning this rare antique."


    Her words broke the spell of silence in the hall. Whispers and murmurs turned the hall boisterous. Ikasa watched with a gaping mouth as the thing he wanted was presented to City Lord for a whopping price of 41,300 silver!


    After having dinner at a banquet organized by the Lotus Pavilion for all the attendees, Ikasa collected his unspent deposit of 10 gold and made his way home.


    On the way, he just had one thought in his head.


    ''Just what was that Chipset? And Why did I feel I needed it?''

 Chapter 13 Red Eye’s Son-In-Law

    Just one day had passed since the auction was over. Ikasa hadpleted the procedures to purchase the manor worth 700 Gold in the inner city.


    "Thank Goodness, I managed to get this Mansion within seven days. I managed to keep my promise to Xin Ruo."


    Ikasa couldn''t help but smile at the thought of gentle Xin Ruo who tried to act tough. He went to clothing shops and purchased a set of clothes each for the kids and Xin Ruo.


    ''They will be entering the Inner City. It wouldn''t be good if they are seen in shabby and dirty clothes.''


    After paying 140 silver, Ikasa left the shop with arge bag.


    ˇŞ


    In the same shabby hut Xin Ruo had healed Ikasa in, five kids were sitting in a circle around her. Feng Yan was a rudimentary literate that is he was able to read and write just enough words as were necessary to function as a Guard Captain.


    He had taught Xin Ruo all he knew and now she was teaching the same to the kids.


    "That''s it for today. I want all of you to practice writing the words we learned today. If you can''t write the words I taught tomorrow, you will have to stay and clean the hut and surroundings."


    "Haha, then I don''t have to practice. Big Brother Ikasa should being today to take us all away."


    Yan Xiao said while chuckling foolishly as he ignored Xin Ruo''s warning.


    "What Big Brother Ikasa? He is a big crook! I am telling you he won''te."


    Luo Qiqi retorted sulkily. Even though she hoped in her heart that Ikasa woulde and fulfill his promise, she didn''t want to bank on that hope.


    After all, her father had promised he would be back in the evening, but he never did.


    Xin Ruo watched the kids bicker, her face shrouded in mncholy. Pei Yuan and Yan Xiao firmly believed Ikasa would return while Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi did not. Hei Ying and Xin Ruo were silent even though both of them hoped he would keep his promise.


    Just when Xin Ruo was about to stop the escting argument of kids, they heard themotion outside. The kids immediately went out with their eyes shining and Xin Ruo followed behind them.


    A few members of Red Eye''s gang were surrounding Ikasa.


    "Look brothers, another man was driven out of Sal city."


    A man with Scar on his nosemented while showing his yellowing teeth.


    "He is quite good-lookingˇ­ Were you a gigolo of some old hag? Did her husband find out?"


    Another guy with a handsome face asked sympathetically.


    Ikasa had to reply as he saw kidse out of the hut to prevent misunderstandings.


    "Don''t talk nonsense! I earn my living selling my skills, not my body!"


    ''Wait, why does that sound so wrong? It sounded so much better in my head.''


    Ikasa flinched as the alternate meaning of what he said dawned on him.


    But he was not the only one; others present also got it and it caused a round of raucousughter.


    Ikasa felt he had to rify or these kids might spout nonsense before Xin Ruo.


    "I was not driven out of the city. I am here to bring some people back to the city."


    Once the goons confirmed he was not an exile, they immediately lost interest. They were about to disperse but once again the man with a scarred nose spoke.


    "Brothers waitˇ­ Since he is in our territory, don''t you think he should pay some ''tax''?"


    The gang members all stopped and rubbed their hands in perverse delight while those not part of the gang hurriedly dispersed lest they be drawn into this mess.


    Ikasa''s face darkened. He thought Slums were nice because of hisst trip, but now he was facing another facet of the slums.


    The ruffians drew their weapons and advanced menacingly. Ikasa was intimidated by their aggressive steps.


    He had read in novels that heroes could fight 10 armed enemies, unarmed, and still kick their asses. He wanted to find these authors and pit them against these guys. He wanted to hold them by their cor and call them out on their bullshit.


    Ikasa stepped back as his legs trembled. He tried to think of a way to stop these hooligans. Then he thought of a name he could only use as ast resort.


    "Stop! You don''t know who I am!"


    "Please, tell us who might you be?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    The handsome man asked with a teasing tone.


    Ikasa took a deep breath and calmed himself.


    "I am Red Eye''s Son-in-Law!"


    Ikasa was delighted to see the shock on the faces of these low lives. But unbeknownst to him, two faces watching the scene changed color. One darkened while another reddened.


    Red Eye''s eyebrow twitched and he cracked his knuckles. He ordered a short stout man before him.


    "Bastard, he really dares to call himself my Son-In-Law! Break his legs!"


    "Father!" Xin Ruo called out to Feng Yan reproachfully.


    "Hmph! Beat him up. But if any of his bones are broken, I''ll break yours."


    Feng Yan threatened the shortie and shooed him. Then he turned towards Xin Ruo who was still giving him a look of disapproval.


    "Don''t look at me like that! That look stopped working ever since you started mooching money off me."


    Xin Ruo had a look of shock. Shouldn''t you cherish your daughter? Why are you throwing cold hard truths in her face!


    Meanwhile, Ikasa, who was getting beaten up, cursed Red Eye.


    ''Isn''t Red Eye the most dangerous man in the slums? Most dangerous my ass! His name can''t even deter these hooligans!''


    "Aiyooo! Not there!" Ikasa yelled as he protected his balls from a vicious kick from the handsome man.


    "Enough!" Red Eye showed himself as he emerged from the crowd.


    The hooligans immediately stopped their kicks and punches and parted to make way for Red Eye.


    "You are bold to im you are my Son-In-Law! But do you dare to be my real Son-inw?"


    Feng Yan asked with a smirk. Ikasa was so in pain that he was confused as to which part he should massage first.


    After a few minutes, the pain subsided and Ikasa looked up at Feng Yan''s smirking face. He had understood by now that these goons were being ordered by Feng Yan. This was probably his final show of force.


    He then looked at Xin Ruo who was standing beside Feng Yan. Her wheatish face tinged with red but still feignedposure.


    "As long as she is willing, I am too." Ikasa grinned which came out as a half grimace.


    "Red Eye, Are you serious?" The Handsome Man looked at Red Eye with disbelief. He couldn''t believe Red Eye, this demon father was willing to let his daughter marry this weak guy!


    "Then whom should I marry her to? You, A Nymphomaniac? Or that hook nose over there?" The Handsome man floundered for a retort but he couldn''te up with any suitable one.


    The guy with a nose that looked like a witch stood gobsmacked. Why are you dragging me in your family feud?


    Before things got any further, Xin Ruo stepped forth.


    "Dad, I am not going to marry anyone just yet!"


    "You will only be happy after you have eaten up all my savings!" Feng Yan mumbled under his breath.


    "What did you say?" Xin Ruo looked at him with a dangerous glint in her eyes.


    "Noˇ­ Nothing! Go take Ikasa inside and tend to his injuries. I will handle things out here." And he escaped.


    Inside the Hut, Xin Ruo gently applied her yellow gooey paste to Ikasa''s injuries.


    "I am sorry. My Dad can be too much sometimes. Also, don''t take his words seriously."


    Ikasa tried to smile to assuage her worries.


    "Don''t worry. He is just being protective of his precious daughter."


    ''And I will let my Father-in-Law experience my pain as soon as I am as strong as him.''


    He  gifted the clothes he had purchased for Xin Ruo and the kids to them and asked them to don the clothes immediately.


    As Ikasa, Xin Ruo, and the kids departed to the city, one man surreptitiously wiped his eyes. He thought he might never see his daughter again, but fate had different ns.

 Chapter 14 A Spectacular Advertisement

    "Wow! So Big!"


    Luo Qiqi eximed as they entered the gates of their new home.


    Feeling Smug, Ikasa teasingly asked Luo Qiqi, "Do You believe your Brother Ikasa is rich now?"


    "No."


    And she left to catch up with the others.


    "You little devilˇ­" Ikasa called out to her with mock anger. The only reply he got was ??.


    "Don''t take her mischief to heart. She is just trying to cover her emotions while trying to be happy-go-lucky. She has gotten so used to ying truant, that she has actually be naughty."


    Xin Ruo, who was walking with Ikasa, exined.


    "You don''t have to be so careful with me. I understand these kids. I lost my parents early in my life too. Even though I didn''t grow up in an environment as harsh as yours, I have had my share of problems."


    Xin Ruo looked at Ikasa, surprised by his confession. Ikasa was staring straight ahead, avoiding eye contact. He didn''t want her sympathy. Right now, he wanted her to see him as someone she didn''t need to guard against.


    Soon everyone was settled in their new home. Their disbelief had turned into excitement. Ikasa gave everyone time to adjust to their new surroundings. He himself also needed time to get used to this new house.


    It was also his first day here after all!


    When the sun rose the next day, everyone was gathered on the grounds. The Kids were looking forward to the Cultivation manuals Ikasa had promised them.


    But Ikasa was nowhere to be seen. They could only perform their exercise half-heartedly.


    Meanwhile, Ikasa had already used today''s chance to get one more copy of [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength]. He lovingly caressed the stack of seven books, all of which were the cultivation manuals.


    Then he heard themotion from the training grounds. Under the soft glow of the Sun, the kids were practicing the punching routine diligently.


    "Since Feng Yan is not around I thought these kids would growx and stop training. I am d that is not the case." Ikasa murmured as he sipped his morning cup of tea.


    Then he looked at the stack of Manuals on his desk.


    "I guess I should prepare a spectacr advertisement for my product"


    ¨C


    When the kids returned sweaty and tired from exercise, they were greeted by a delicious smell wafting from the kitchen.


    The kids looked at each other. They had simr greedy looks in their eyes. Just when they were about to sneak into the kitchen to steal food, Ikasa spotted them.


    "Go wash up first! Thene and join me for breakfast in the dining room."


    Yan Xiao turned red while Chu Qing had a defiant look in his eyes. Pei Yuan was stoic as ever. But Luo Qiqi clicked her tongue in annoyance as she followed the other kids to their rooms.


    "Tsk, Spoilsport" Ikasa heard her whisper as she passed by his side.


    ''This Tsundere!''


    Ikasa noticed the absence of Xin Ruo and Hei Ying. So he wandered to the training grounds looking for them. There, he saw them sparring. Xin Ruo''s moves were unorthodox as she dodged Hei Ying''s punches.


    ''Eh, why do those punching movements look familiar?''


    Hei Ying was going low and suddenly punching up rapidly.


    "That Punch! That looks like the Gazelle Punch!"


    Ikasa looked with astonishment as Xin Ruo trained Hei Ying while correcting her ws. He decided to seek out Hei Yingter to learn from her experience and returned without disturbing the duo.


    Soon Hei Ying and Xin Ruo finished their training. They too freshened up and joined Ikasa at the dining table.


    The breakfast was a thick porridge of semolina cooked with tomatoes, onions, and chilies.


    The meat was a luxury as Animal Husbandry had not developed well. But tomatoes and chilies grew in the backyard while Onions were a specialty product of Sal City''s Farnds.


    When Ikasa ate a spoonful of the dish, he was reminded of the ''Upma'' he had in India during his travels. All this dishcked was a few peanuts to make itplete.


    Ikasa was d to see kids enjoy their food as they dived in with apleteck of table manners. When Ikasa''s eyes met Xin Ruo, she gave an embarrassed smile as she clumsily tried to emte Ikasa''s actions of eating with a spoon.


    Everyone only stopped when the food prepared was finished. The Caretaker looked aghast as the kids emptied even the extra portions he had prepared for himself and his family.


    The full stomachs lulled everyone on the table into silence. Then Chu Qing''s burp broke it causing everyone smiled.


    "How are we supposed to advertise for you?"


    "When are you giving me the manual you promised?"


    Hei Ying and Luo Qiqi spoke at the same time. Hei Ying''s tone was polite and that of gratitude, while Luo Qiqi was one rude brat who was acting spoiled.


    ''This Brat! She may be the cutest one of these kids but if I don''t correct her rudeness, she will provoke endless troubles for me.''


    He pointedly ignored Luo Qiqi and addressed Hei Ying.


    "Today is the weekly market day. You kids just need to dress well and follow my instructions after we head there. So get ready and meet me by the entrance in an hour." And then Ikasa stood up to leave.


    "Hey, what about my Manual?" Luo Qiqi immediately demanded loudly.


    Ikasa still didn''t look at her but he answered.


    "I don''t like to speak to rude brats. Maybe if you asked politelyˇ­"


    When he still didn''t hear anything after a few seconds, he decisively started walking toward his room.


    "Stupid Uncle. Just say you don''t have the manual if you don''t have it. Why pretend?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa almost stopped andshed out, but he controlled himself. If he had a System, he would get notifications like;


    [You have been taunted.]


    [With great mental fortitude, you have ovee the taunts'' effects.]


    ¨C


    Almost every city in the Holy Wood Empire had a day for weekly markets. These Markets were special as Merchants from neighboring cities, Vigers from nearby viges as well as Adventurers; all gathered to sell their wares.


    Merchants traded in the specialty products of the cities they traveled from. Vigers sold excess farm produce and some crude handicrafts. And Adventurers sold animal carcasses or live animals they managed to capture.


    Thus, weekly markets were the only ce wheremoners could get meat and specialty products.


    Ikasa and his group attracted the attention of marketgoers because of their clothes. He stood at the intersection where the threenes of the marketce met.


    He distributed the one cultivation manual each to the kids and asked them to use the manuals on his signal.


    He then stood on a makeshift stage made of wooden boxes and started attracting the attention of people.


    "Attention all Market Goers. I wee you all to see a revolutionary Cultivation Manual that lets you break through to the Path Forging Realm as soon as you use it!"


    People were intrigued by Ikasa''s ims and a crowd soon formed around Ikasa and his entourage.


    "Do you think such a miraculous thing exists?"


    "I think he is just making tall ims."


    "But see his confidence. I don''t think he is faking it."


    "All Conmen are good at exuding confidence. Don''t fall for it."


    "Then why are you here?"


    "I am just here to watch the spectacle!"


    Ikasa could hear the whispers and murmurs from the crowd. Rather than believing, more people were skeptical of his ims.


    Ikasa''s lips curled upwards as he saw the numerous adventurers and merchants in the crowd gathered.


    "Don''t believe my words. Believe your eyes! These four children have yet to set foot on the path of cultivation."


    Immediately Luo Qiqi, Yan Xiao, Chu Qing, and Pei Yuan stood up.


    "If any of the veteran Path Forgers are present here, pleasee on stage and help me verify my ims."


    Soon a few people stepped up. Two were very well built middle-aged men and the other two were older men with greying hair and pot bellies.


    All four of them had checked the pulses of each one of the kids for signs of energy path. Then one of the older men with a potbelly stepped forward.


    "I, Su Ma of Horse Trading Group concur with this gentleman''s ims. These children are ordinary mortals who have yet to step on the path of cultivation."


    The name Su Ma immediately caused the crowd to go wild.


    "Horse Trading group? The only supplier of Horse Beasts in our County?"


    "Wow! Look at his belly! He must be a bigshot in the Group!"


    The other three men also backed Ikasa and Su Ma. Each one of these people had a great identity but was not as illustrious as Su Ma. Ikasa let the whispers die down.


    With an excited expression and exaggerated gestures, he pointed toward the children.


    "What you are going to witness now is nothing short of a miracle! As soon as these children learn from my cultivation manual, they will immediately be Path Forging Realm Cultivators."


    Ikasa signaled the kids to open their manuals.


    *Swoosh*


    One after another, vortexes formed around the kids fluttering their clothes and giving them a radiant glow. Ikasa watched the gaping mouths of spectators with glee.


    ''This demonstration is going to spread my name in every nook and cranny of this city and even some surrounding cities.''


    As soon as the glow subsided, he took the stage.


    "These Kids have stepped into the Path Forging Realm."


    Ikasa''s words broke the silence. People still couldn''t believe their eyes.


    "I invite the Seniors to check the realm of the kids again."


    Even before Ikasa had finished his words, Su Ma was before Yan Xiao, checking his pulse. Other dignitaries were also before other kids.


    "Theyˇ­ They have really forged a path for energy!"


    With fervent eyes, Su Ma turned his gaze towards Ikasa.


    "Youˇ­ How did Youˇ­?"


    Everyone had their eyes now on Ikasa. The happenings at the intersection had attracted the attention of other market-goers as well.


    With a smirk, Ikasa started to advertise his product.


    "This was possible only due to my single-use cultivation manual. This manual works for every mortal. Today I will sell two of these amazing manuals to the highest bidder. Please show your appreciation."

 Chapter 15 Sold!

    Ikasa''s announcement immediately received an explosive response from the audience.


    "Did I hear it right? He is auctioning those manuals now?"


    "Tsk! If I had known about it earlier, I wouldn''t have splurged all my earnings."


    These were the reactions of themoners who would not be able topete with the big-name merchants present here. They either left dejectedly or stayed to watch the show.


    On the other hand, the merchants were frantically asking their subordinates to collect all the funds left in their ounts while Mercenary group leaders were pooling together their earnings to get one more member of their group into the Path Forging Realm.


    Ikasa didn''t wait for them to gather their funds. He was not doing this auction to earn more from the rich. Rather he wanted to spread the word of his astonishing manuals amongst themoners.


    "Let me introduce these wondrous Cultivation Manuals to you..."


    He was controlling the public with his words. The mere mention of the grade of manual drew gasps from the crowd. The name drew a few suspicious gazes.


    Ikasa tried to be objective by mentioning both the pros and cons of the manual. But how could it lower people''s enthusiasm when the demonstration was so shocking!


    After giving a few minutes for the whispers to die down, Ikasa raised the book in his hand high.


    "I have set the base price for this book at 100 Silvers. Those who want to own this treasure, state your price!"


    "1000 Silvers"


    "1200 Silvers!"


    "2000 Silvers!"


    These were the prices mostmoners could afford. Once the prices started to go above 3000 Silvers, Merchants began to call their bids.


    "5000 Silver!"


    "8000 Silver!"


    "10000 Silver!"


    When this bid was called upon, silence reigned. Even Ikasa forgot to countdown. Regaining his senses he excitedly awarded the book to the winning bid of 10000 Silver.


    ''Really Auctioning is the way to go. What I was going to sell for 100 Gold sold for 1000 Gold!''


    His second manual also sold for 860 Gold. These two manuals had earned him more than what he had earned from auctioning one fake manual. And it was even an impromptu auction!


    But now that his urgent financial needs were fulfilled, he no longer wanted to cater only to those with money. He wanted to sell more of his manuals so he could earn CP and raise his cultivation level.


    "In the next week''s Bazaar, I will sell one cultivation manual to one lucky person for 100 Silver on the condition he or she uses it immediately. I hope you show your support next week!"


    With a polite bow, Ikasa dispersed the crowd.


    Soon Ikasa andpany were back on their way home. The Kids who were under intense scrutiny had rxed and went back to being their boisterous selves.


    Even Xin Ruo was nervous as it was her first time on stage but she managed to pull through.


    Xin Ruo was amazed at the speed Ikasa had gathered the crowd. And he didn''t even give any time for kids to prepare themselves. It was a miracle that things turned out so well.


    "So how was your first experience being on stage?"


    Ikasa asked as they entered through the gates of their mansion.


    After spending their entire trip in silence, the sudden question caught Xin Ruo off guard.


    "Huh?... It was terrifyingˇ­ but nice."


    Ikasa looked at her with appreciative eyes.


    "I am d you liked it. Starting next week, I hope you will look after the lucky draw winner announcements."


    Xin Ruo immediately panicked. Her face scrunched.


    "Did you not hear the part where I said I was terrified?"


    "I did. But didn''t you like all the attention from being on stage? Focus on that. Fear will leave you after a few times on stage."


    Ikasa replied nonchntly. He paced forward to catch up with the rowdy kids who were celebrating their debut.


    "...You saw that right? I was awesome!" Luo Qiqi eximed proudly.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Not just you, We were all awesome!" Chu Qing corrected her jovially.


    "Okay Okay! We were all awesome! Did you see the old man''s gaping mouth? It was wide enough to fit a whole Watermelon!" Luo Qiqi continued with her story.


    Even Pei Yuan and Yan Xiao who were a step behind the two were smiling ear to ear. Ikasa was gratified to see such a happy scene.


    He purposefully stayed a step behind so as to not disturb their harmony. But the next words from Chu Qing turned hisplexion dark.


    "Say we performed so well today. Should we ask for some gold from Brother Ikasa?" Chu Qing''s proposition caused Luo Qiqi''s eyes to shine while Pei Yuan and Yan Xiao''s smiles froze.


    ''Not copper, not silver but straight to Gold! This guy has a big appetite!''


    Even though Ikasa had earned quite a sum of gold it was not for these guys to squander. He still had to train them in battle techniques and set up a shop and this meager amount of about 2000 Gold was nowhere enough for that.


    He immediately moved to ce his hands on Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi''s shoulders to make them aware of his presence. The grotesque smile on his face scared the plotting kids.


    "You kids did so well today! I am impressed! How about I leave the auctioning process of manuals to you kids starting next week? You can even get some gold asmission."


    Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi''s faces turned ashen. They were scared stiff on the stage. If not for the presence of Xin Ruo and Ikasa they might''ve even fled from the scene. How could they ept Ikasa''s proposal?


    "N-No Brother Ikasa. How could we? You were the star of the show!"


    Chu Qing praised freely.


    "Yes, yes you were awesome Brother Ikasa! You even sold those cheap manuals for 10000 Silvers!" Luo Qiqi chimed in.


    Ikasa flicked Luo Qiqi''s head.


    "Stop spouting nonsense. Just because you guys got those cultivation manuals for free doesn''t mean they are cheap."


    Then he looked all the kids in the eye and solemnly advised, "Remember, I have given you a chance worth 1000 gold! So make sure to train hard and grow stronger, okay?"


    As Ikasa looked at the subtle worshipping looks of the kids, he couldn''t help but smile.


    ''Feelings of Gratitude? Sold!''


    After giving the kids a pep talk, Ikasa brought Hei Ying and Xin Ruo to his Study. It was about time he learned firsthand how the user of his manual feels.


    "Hei Ying, even though I discovered and brought back these manuals, I can''t use them. So can you recount how you felt when you first broke through?"


    Hei Ying looked at Xin Ruo and seeing Xin Ruo give her a nod of encouragement, she recited her experience.


    "When I used the manual, it was as if I was in a different space. My body performed the movements depicted in the manual rapidly and before I knew it, I could sense the energy circte in my body."


    Ikasa had conjectured a scenario very simr to this about the breakthrough in his mind. He was d to have it verified.


    "Do you feel it is easier to advance your cultivation?"


    "Yes, as long as I canplete the exercise in a certain period of time, I will be able to advance. Since I already have the postures embedded in my muscle memory, it is easier for me to advance."


    Ikasa nodded while smiling. His steepled fingers touched his chin while his elbows rested on the table. He looked just like a Principal who was interrogating a topper.


    "And what about the Gazelle Punch? How did it feel to use the battle technique?"


    Hei Ying closed her eyes as if to remember that feeling. When she opened it again there was a glow in her eyes. Ikasa noticed this anomaly but didn''tment on it.


    "When I used the Battle Technique, I was in the body of someone else. I shared his experience when he used the technique. I was able to learn the energy utilization method but if I want to master it, I have to experience the technique on my own."


    "Thank You, Hei Ying. You can go now"


    Ikasa then turned to Xin Ruo. He had realized that the key to controlling the kidsy with Xin Ruo.


    ? "Xin Ruo, I am grateful for all you have done for the kids. I have another huge favor to ask of you today."


    Xin Ruo looked like she wanted to interrupt but he didn''t give her a chance. He then presented to her the Cultivation Manual and all the other battle techniques.


    "Please learn all of these and keep on guiding the kids to the correct path."


    Xin Ruo''s lips quivered. Her raw emotion was visible in her eyes. She didn''t say anything but epted Ikasa''s praise and gifts and left the room.


    When the door clicked shut, a smile formed on Ikasa''s face.


    "''I value and care for you'' card? Sold!"

 Chapter 16 Challengers Arena

    "Hey, have you heard of Ikasa''s manuals?"


    "Of course! Who hasn''t heard about them? As long as you can get one, you can be a Cultivator for sure!"


    Exactly a month had passed since Ikasa first auctioned his manual at the weekly Bazaar. Since then, he had be the talk of the town.


    In the first week, people dismissed the ims of the witnesses as rumors and exaggerations. But most of them still went to the second auction at the weekly Bazaar, hoping they would get lucky.


    In the Bazaar they became the spectators of the miracle. They saw a person they knew breakthrough on the spot after using the manual. They saw the rich bid thousands of silver to buy the other two copies of the same manual.


    Any doubts they had were quashed and they became the mouth publicists of Ikasa''s Cultivation Manuals.


    In the subsequent weeks, Ikasa''s manuals continued to be sold for exorbitant amounts. There was not a single person in the outer city who didn''t know of Ikasa''s Manuals.


    They either believed in the testimonies of the spectators or discarded Ikasa as a conman but his manuals had indeed be renowned in the Sal City.


    And yet none of the inner city dwellers thought highly of Ikasa''s manuals. And the reason was obvious; Ikasa''s disastrous debut on the Prosperity Street.


    Even his ie of about a thousand gold per week was not enough to prompt those truly powerful into action. Since Ikasa only sold three cultivation manuals per week, it was not enough to affect the business of the only official Cultivation Manual Store in the city.


    But this status quo might change today. Because Ikasa had an announcement to make.


    ˇŞ


    "Wee everyone to the fourth Lucky draw of Ikasa''s Manuals! Today''s Grand Prize is a bit different. Not only can you purchase the Cultivation Manual, but also win a Battle Technique manual!"


    Xin Ruo had lost her stage fright after hosting the Lucky Draw the first time. Since then she was bing better and better as an anchor. It was as if she was born to be a host!


    Her enthusiastic charisma infected the crowd. They were even more hyped by the prospect of receiving the battle technique manual for free!


    Xin Ruo wisely let them enjoy the few brief moments of fantasy as there would be only one winner.


    Meanwhile, Ikasa observed the proceedings from the side. He was proud of how much she had changed in just a month.


    After a brief makeover, Xin Ruo now possessed both, beauty and charm. Combined with her improving skills, Ikasa had no doubt she would be the number one hostess as soon as she received a suitable tform.


    As the crowd''s excited whispers died down, Xin Ruo began to speak.


    "I request all of you who are eligible to move to the designated area. I repeat only those who can use the manual on the spot and can pay 100 silver are eligible for this Lucky Draw."


    Once everyone moved into the fenced area outside the market, Xin Ruo spoke the lines she had rehearsed a thousand times.


    "As they say that the Bird''s droppings bring wealth. So who better to choose a lucky winner for us than the said birds?"


    "We will conduct the auction for the other two manuals during the next hour. Within that time, whoever the bird poops on first, will be the winner of this Lucky draw!"


    This brilliant bird poop idea was of course the brainchild of Ikasa. During the first Lucky Draw, Ikasa wasted time and money writing the names of entrants on a piece of paper and then randomly pick one of them from the giant bowl.


    Just the paper and ink used were worth nearly three gold coins! And even the wealthy merchants and mercenaries shamelessly registered as entrants!


    During that contest, a bird pooped on Yan Xiao. While he was being made fun of by the other kids,  Ikasa was reminded of the superstition back on earth.


    ''If a bird poops on you, it is considered to be your lucky day.''


    And a light bulb was lit in his head. After the first Lucky draw was over, Ikasa surveyed the surroundings of the marketce and found a few areas where there were lots of bird droppings.


    One of these areas was a rtivelyrge open space; a perfect venue for amodatingrge crowds. When Ikasa asked around, he was informed of the flock of birds that passed over this area every evening.


    And hence, the n for the bird''s poop lucky draw was formed.


    Xin Ruo still remembered the day Ikasa had told her of this n.


    "Is this really a good idea? I know bird''s droppings are good luck but stillˇ­?"


    "Do you have a better idea?"


    "...."


    "Do you remember, I had to spend four hours writing the names of all the participantsst time? Many of our big customers who were there for auction left during that period."


    "Yes, I remember. I am sorry. I can take over the writing work this time?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "That''s not the point! It cost us 3 gold worth of writing supplies and our precious time. But if we use this method, it costs us nothing!"


    "But stillˇ­ Wouldn''t those merchants and mercenaries feel offended if we use this method?"


    "Tell me again who are we doing this for? Who is our target group for the lucky draws?"


    "The uninitiatedmoners?"


    "Exactly! So if those merchants and mercenaries disdain to participate in this type of lucky draw, who will benefit?"


    "Themoners? Haha, Ikasa you are a genius!"


    And they both shared a big fat grin at the moment.


    While Xin Ruo was lost in thoughts, Ikasa had taken over the auctioning procedures.


    About an hourter, Ikasa had sold his manuals for 478 Gold and 503 Gold each. The Lucky draw winner was also chosen and it was time to award him the battle technique.


    "Now I call Su Che, our winner of tonight''s Lucky Draw contest, to the stage to receive his reward."


    Ikasa had agonized over which technique to use as a reward. He had finally settled on the technique he printed this morning, [The Backhand].


    A diminutive young man came to the stage. There was arge spot due to fresh pigeon shit on his balding forehead. But instead of wiping it, he wore it with pride.


    Ikasa gave him two books, [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] and [The Backhand].


    He wouldn''t be a qualified merchant if he didn''t advertise his wares. So he began to introduce histest product, [The Backhand].


    "This is thetest Battle technique we havee across. This is a Low-grade palm technique, but its energy utilization is not any inferior to a mid-grade path forging realm battle technique."


    "While studying this technique, we have discovered that this technique is only one half of the whole. If it can be paired with its other half the, [The Forehand], its might will increase manyfold and even exceed the Mid Grade standard."


    Ikasa then turned to Su Che and ced his right hand on his shoulder. In a voice filled with goodwill, he said, "I hope you canplete this technique."


    After sending Su Che down the stage, Ikasa once again turned to address the audience. He tried to make himself look sad and his voice was infused with regret.


    " With deep regret, I want to inform you that this will be thest time I auction these amazing manuals. As you know I found them in an ancient ruin and there were only a few of them, which I sold to you."


    Ikasa took a brief pause to let his news sink in. He observed as the expressions of people changed from joy to dismay. Only the ones who managed to get the cultivation manuals had a smile on their faces.


    He could even see the faces of theirpetitors turn red with anger. Before the enraged ones could take some drastic steps, Ikasa decided to throw in another piece of information.


    "I didn''t dere this news before the start of the auction because I wanted to sell my manuals at a fair price."


    The merchants were not fooled but the mercenaries and Commoners looked at Ikasa with fond gazes.


    "He truly cares about us."


    "He even sold the manuals he obtained from the ruins to themoners. Others would have sold them at the auction house to those nobles."


    The merchants sitting in the back rolled their eyes. One of them wanted to shout at the people praising Ikasa.


    "Nobles think these are fake, that''s why he is selling them here, you fools!"


    But since he was one of the beneficiaries of this misunderstanding, he kept his mouth shut.


    Ikasa basked in the goodwill that people showered on him. When the people were done getting emotional, he dropped another bomb.


    "Even though I don''t have any Cultivation Manuals, I do have a few Battle Technique Manuals with me."


    Ikasa''s deration caused the eyes of people to shine again. They had seen Su Che master the energy utilization method in an instant. So the worth of these Battle Technique manuals was not below the Cultivation Manuals.


    "We have decided to hold a Challenger''s Arena a month from now at the City Hall''s training grounds."


    He pushed Hei Ying and the other kids to the front.


    "These five will ept challenges from anyone below the Stage 6 of the Path Forging realm. Anyone who defeats them will receive a Battle Technique of his choice!"


    "I hope all of youe and win these fabulous prizes!"

 Chapter 17 Training

    The bombshell Ikasa had dropped yesterday had managed to spread the explosive news all over Sal city. It had even managed to prate into the inner city and attracted the attention of the residents.


    After all, they deemed going to the Bazaar in the outer city beneath their station. But the City Hall''s grounds were where all of their major events were held. It was essentially their backyard! So how could they not be intrigued?


    In the social gatherings of the wealthy, the topic of Ikasa''s manuals was brought up frequently. But only a few could believe the existence of such extraordinary manuals.


    Most of the others put their trust in Master Jin Ping. After all, he had vouched with his reputation on the line that Ikasa''s manuals on the Prosperity street were fake.


    While the citizens were in an uproar, the culprit who had caused the uproar was busy training with the kids.


    Their Drill Sergeant was Xin Ruo. Ikasa had gifted her an exquisite cane which was perfect for training and taming notorious humans and horses. When he gifted the cane, he never thought he would be the first to be on the receiving end of it.


    "Get up! It is not even the 43rd pushup!"


    Xin Ruo yelled at Ikasa who was struggling to push himself up from the ground.


    "*pant*... But I reallyˇ­*pant*... At my limits."


    "Look at Luo Qiqi! She is younger than you and yet she is at her 79th pushup. How can you call yourself a man!"


    Ikasa threw a nasty nce at the little devil. She responded by exaggerating the movements of push up while loudly calling out 80!


    "You can''tpare cultivators and non-cultivators! She can easily do a hundred more pushups, I can''t!"


    Xin Ruo paused for a second then she softened her stance.


    "Give me ten more pushups and you can rest."


    Ikasa looked at Xin Ruo pleadingly. He didn''t have the strength to lift his arms much less the entire body.


    *Swoosh Thwack*


    The cane once againnded on his buttocks. Ikasa threw a resentful nce at the sniggering kids. His trembling arms did their best to push his body up.


    Ikasa cursed as his body once again slumped on the ground.


    ''Damn it! Whose brilliant idea was this again? Oh, it was mine. But I am sure those naughty kids egged me on!''


    While Ikasa was catching a breather, another canended on his bum. His whole body was aching. So his bum was almost numb to any kind of pain.


    He looked annoyedly at the cane in his vision.


    ''Of all the gifts I could give, why did I give a cane? And how did sweet and nice Xin Ruo be such a devil as an instructor!''


    Then he once again pushed his body against the ground.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''Never! I am nevering to the training grounds with Xin Ruo again!''


    After struggling for a few minutes, Ikasa finallypleted 50 pushups. If it was just 50 pushups, he wouldn''t have suffered this badly. It was the exercise before that had drained him.


    30 Laps around the training grounds! 50 Squats! 50 Sit-ups! 20 pull-ups. For Ikasa, who had not exercised in a long time, this was hell!


    But it was not just his body that was aching. His ego had taken an even worse hit. Even before Xin Ruo and kids became cultivators, they were capable of this much and some more!


    He resolved to absolve this embarrassment by training daily. Just not under her.


    After Ikasa went inside, the kids continued to train their battle techniques under the watch of Xin Ruo. He watched from the door as she gracefully corrected the punching routines of the kids.


    While he was resting, the caretaker brought arge spoonful of medicinal paste and warm milk. This medicinal paste was the handiwork of the sole Medicine Master of Sal City.


    It was made from 64 different ingredients which consisted of herbs, rare earth metals, and even some parts of animals. Its taste was nothing to brag about but its effects were undeniable.


    Medicine Master Hao attained his fame by using this particr mixture to help people cleanse their bodies and strengthen their bones. This paste increased the effects of energy cirction by 20%.


    Anyone without sufficient clout in the city wouldn''t even be able to see Master Hao. And if they wanted the paste, it was impossible without paying a hefty premium.


    Ikasa had spent a whopping sum of three thousand gold coins to purchase arge jar of this paste. That was thirty thousand silver! Three hundred thousand coppers!


    And effects were indeed apparent. The kids were breaking through a level almost every week!


    Hei Ying was the highest leveled one at stage 5 of Path Forging Realm. Pei Yuan and Luo Qiqi trailed behind her at stage 4. Yan Xiao and Chu Qing were at stage 3.


    Xin Ruo had also crossed the hurdle of stage 3 and stepped into stage 4. Ikasa was gratified to know that all the money he spent was well worth it. Regardless of how beneficial the paste was for kids, it didn''t stop him from eating a spoonful of it.


    He had hopes that he would somehow break through without help from the Printer.


    As Ikasa was soaking in the hot bath, he could see kids trying to use their battle techniques. They were proficient in their actions but usage was sloppy.


    Even Xin Ruo could only do so much to help improve their techniques. What was most important was they needed actualbat experience. Combat experience gained from fighting against wild beasts and other humans.


    Ikasa and Xin Ruo were both useless on this front. If the kids faced some problem beyond their strength, they could die. Hence, they needed a safety.


    After mulling over this for a long, he thought of hiring a mercenary group for protection. But then again, their strengths would exceed Xin Ruo and the kids. If they turned hostile, things would go south quickly.


    Left with no option, Ikasa arrived at a conclusion.


    ''I guess I will have to ask for help from Father-in-Law.''

 Chapter 18 Conundrum

    As the first rays of sunshine shone on his face, Ikasa opened his eyes to a new day. He washed his face and immediately connected to the printer.


    He happily noted the increased number of Cultivation Points and Battle Points.


    His CP was at 71 points. He scratched his head in confusion. He could ount for seventy points. He initially had 50 points and then he sold 14 Cultivation manuals through auction and Lucky Draws.


    The rest 6 were used by Xin Ruo and the kids. So where did that extra manuale from? Think as hard he might, he couldn''t remember.


    "Let it be. Anyways, an extra point is a good thing."


    He looked at the BP. 67. He could ount for twelve. But the other 5 were mysteries.


    Just as Ikasa was pondering the case of extra points, Yan Xiao knocked on his door.


    "Brother Ikasa, are you ready? Everyone is waiting for you for breakfast."


    "You guys start, I''ll be down in a minute."


    He disconnected and hurriedly put on some clothes. After trying to tame his crazy bed hair with some water, he gave up and went downstairs with an ahoge sticking up.


    As usual, the kids were bursting with energy. They used their excess energy to chomp down even more food.


    When Ikasa took his seat, Xin Ruo passed him a te. She noticed his still sleepy eyes. With a hint of concern she asked,


    "Did you not sleep wellst night? We can postpone our schedule if you want to rest more."


    He suppressed the yawn that was trying to escape on hearing her question.


    "No need. I just need a bath to wake me up. We don''t have to change our schedule for that."


    Waving away Xin Ruo''s concerns, he dug into the food. She looked at him skeptically but didn''tment further.


    As if remembering something, Ikasa stopped eating and turned to Xin Ruo.


    "By the way, did you send the Battle Technique Manuals to your father?"


    "Yes, I did. He asked us to meet near the West Gate of the City at noon."


    He slowly resumed eating. He was remembering the interaction he had with Feng Yan and the events leading to it.


    A few days ago, Ikasa had proposed a training expedition to Xin Ruo. He had told her of his worries and asked if she could invite her father along.


    Surprisingly, Feng Yan had agreed immediately. He just had two conditions, he will pick the ce to train and follow all of his instructions.


    The instant approval from Feng Yan caused rm bells to ring in Ikasa''s head. Feng Yan he knew was a greedy person. He wouldn''t just agree without seeking any profits. He had to have an ulterior motive.


    Even Xin Ruo, the blood daughter of the man himself, couldn''t believe he would agree so easily. Ikasa and Xin Ruo both gathered their wits together and finally epted the reality.


    A big smile crept onto their lips. Feng Yan who was observing them both hid his smile behind the cup of tea. They immediately started to n their itinerary. Once they had decided on the date and time of departure, Ikasa and Xin Ruo stood up to leave.


    When they were just out of the door, they heard Feng Yan''s voice.


    "Send me the Battle Technique Manuals you have taught the Kids."


    A smile bloomed on Ikasa''s face while Xin Ruo fumed. Now, this was the Feng Yan he knew.


    "Dad, how can you be so unreasonable? Do you know how coveted those manuals are?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan threw her an annoyed look and proceeded to ignore her. He looked intently at Ikasa, awaiting his answer.


    "Three. I can give you three Battle Technique Manuals."


    "You are misunderstanding something. I don''t want them for my own benefit. If I don''t know what the kids are training in, how can I choose the best training spots for them?"


    Ikasa''s lips twitched. Xin Ruo covered her face in embarrassment. How can a man act so greedy and shamelessly and still threaten in a righteous tone?


    ''This old coot is quite difficult to deal with. There is no problem in giving him the manuals. But if I agree too easily, it will raise some ufortable questions I don''t want to answer right now.''


    After some back and forth and plenty of hemming and hawing, Ikasa acquiesced to Feng Yan''s request.


    "Old man, I am only agreeing because we will be family. You have decided to give me your precious daughter. How can I be stingy?"


    Seeing the color change on Feng Yan''s face gave him immense satisfaction. Thankfully, she had left earlier, or even if Ikasa had ten more lives he wouldn''t dare to posture in front of Feng Yan, especially using Xin Ruo''s name.


    "Father-In-Law, I''ll leave first. I''ll have Xin Ruo send over the manuals by tomorrow."


    And Ikasa fled from the room before Feng Yan could inflict bodily harm on him.


    "This Kid! He has the strength of an ant but a tiger''s courage. Anyways, it''s a good thing I found someborers. It will be easier to look for it now with more manpower."


    On the way back Ikasa still thought, that Feng Yan had agreed to their proposal a bit too easily. He had noticed the old man''s glee the moment Xin Ruo had mentioned the training trip.


    ''Maybe I am overthinking things. After all, that bastard did extort five Battle Technique Manuals from me.''


    But that doubt was persistently troubling Ikasa. Even now, when a day and night had passed since Feng Yan promised to bring everyone on a training expedition, he had been unable to solve this conundrum.


    He couldn''t focus on his breakfast because of it. All things considered, he was entrusting the safety of himself and the kids to that man.


    ''I need to stop being so paranoid. So what if this is a Cultivation world. People are still people. It''s not like I am disabled who can''t run away if Feng Yan has something nefarious nned! Buck Up, Ikasa! Buck Up!''


    The breakfast ended and everyone went back to prepare all their necessities for the journey. When everyone came back down, Ikasa could see the positive excitement on the faces of the kids. Their enthusiasm infected him.


    And he decided to take a leap of faith and boarded the carriage with them.


    "Coachman, head south from here!"


    Feng Yan had boarded the carriage at the West Gate as promised. He had immediately taken the reins over, directing the coachman while keeping others in suspense.


    Xin Ruo finally couldn''t bear it. She voiced the question on everyone''s mind.


    "Dad, where are we going?"


    "Be patient. You''ll see it soon. We are almost there!" Feng Yan shouted from beside the Coachman.


    "You said the same an hour ago!"


    Luo Qiqi grumpily voiced her opinion. Feng Yan opened the small window from which only his eyes were visible. As their eyes met, Luo Qiqi shrunk back into her seat. Then Feng Yan''s forceful voice resounded through the carriage.


    "I said, BE PATIENT" and he mmed the window shut.


    Ikasa was once again doubting the sanity of this man.


    ''Was entrusting our safety to him really a good decision?''

 Chapter 19 Venturing Into The Ruins

    The rhythmic sound of the clip-clop was the only sound heard in the carriage after the outburst of Feng Yan. No one had uttered a word. They had be so ustomed to the sound of horse''s hooves, that they immediately sensed the carriageing to a halt.


    "From here on we will proceed on foot."


    Feng Yan called from outside.


    The Kids sighed in relief and quickly jumped out of the carriage. Ikasa and Xin Ruo had to collect their luggage before deboarding.


    "Do you see that hill to your right? Our destination is beyond that hillock."


    Feng Yan was pointing the route to the kids. When Ikasa gazed in the direction of his finger, he gasped.


    Feng Yan noticed the reaction. He looked at him questioningly.


    "I have been here. Isn''t there a ruin beyond that hill?"


    Ikasa counter questioned Feng Yan.


    "You know of the ruins? This makes my job easier."


    "But those ruins are dangerous!"


    Feng Yan narrowed his gaze at him. Taking a step closer, he asked, "And who says so?"


    "Thest time I was hereˇ­"


    He didn''t let Ikasa finish. Instead, Feng Yan dismissed his worries with a wave of his hand.


    "The fact a weakling like you was able to survive and remain unharmed proves this ce is not dangerous."


    Ikasa felt extremely insulted at Feng Yan''s loathful tone. But he had to endure for some more time. The day he breaks through to Sense Realm is the day he will pay back Feng Yan for all the humiliation.


    While they walked on the narrow footpath, Feng Yan was exining the popr information about these ruins to the kids.


    "There are two different kinds of ruins in this world. Some were excavated, and hence can be traced in the history of this world. But some ruins, like this one, appeared out of nowhere."


    He looked at the gazes of adoration on the kids'' faces with satisfaction. But he didn''t have any more information that would let him act cool. So he changed the topic.


    "Anyways I am not a schr so I don''t care about the origin of the ruins. All I care about are treasures within. This ruin''s outer area has been explored and it is safe."


    He directed thest part at Ikasa and Xin Ruo who had been acting anxiously since he mentioned ruins.


    "Recently, a group of monkeys has taken residence in this outer area. And as part of the training, you kids will fight against those monkeys."


    While talking, the group had already reached the top of the hill. They had a clear view of the ruins. When Ikasa got an aerial view of the ruins, he was astonished by what he saw.


    There were two huge triangr areas with a circr area in the middle. The outer areas looked like arrows'' tail ends, just a bit more rounded.


    ''Doesn''t that look like a Hexagon shaped Starship?''


    It would be too much to call it a starship when it was clearly built with stone and not Metal.


    Meanwhile, Feng Yan continued to exin.


    "You see those two triangr-shaped areas? Those are the outer areas and the rest of the area is the inner area. We are going to the one on the right, where the monkeys are."


    The group set off once again. Throughout the journey, Feng Yan was exining the weaknesses and strengths of the Monkeys. He told them about the things to watch out for as well as the general mischievous nature of Monkeys.


    "Do you know why I chose monkeys to train you against?"


    The kids shook their heads.


    "Because they possess almost human-like intelligence and they will improve during the battle. So if you don''t improve and beat them overwhelmingly, they will continue to bother you."


    Then Feng Yan looked towards the setting sun and muttered under his breath, "Just Like humans."


    Taking a deep breath, he released a sigh. Turning towards the kids, he gave a toothy grin.


    "So, who would like to go first?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    The kids looked at each other in trepidation. Feng Yan''s grave tone had spooked them. And his toothy grin was downright vicious. Even after a few minutes had passed, no one had volunteered.


    Seeing the kids dilly-dallying even after a few minutes, Feng Yan gave Xin Ruo a disapproving re; As if she was the reason for theck of courage in these kids.


    Hei Ying saw this exchange and stepped forward to save Xin Ruo from further embarrassment.


    Feng Yan smiled at her approvingly. He threw a disdainful nce at the three boys in the group and then at Ikasa. Without saying a word, he led Hei Ying to the gates of the outer area.


    The Outer Area was a rtively open area with few built-up structures. There were a few half-broken pirs but their shape was triangr instead of circr.


    The Monkeys had taken residence in the watchtower rooms on the walls of these ruins. There were plenty of fruit trees inside and outside of the ruins.


    And most importantly, the young and old of the group were safe from predators like Pythons.


    Feng Yan brought Hei Ying to a rtively dark and deserted corner near the inner area.


    "Wait here. I''ll be back." And Feng Yan disappeared.


    Soon Ikasa and the rest of the gang also arrived near Hei Ying. They found a safe corner to hide and watch the training process. Minutester, they heard a ruckus on the walls. It died down as suddenly as it had started.


    Feng Yan returned as the shrieks of monkeys were dying down. He was holding arge monkey by his neck. He threw the monkey a few meters away from Hei Ying and stood by to watch out for idents.


    "Don''t treat that monkey as a sparring partner; Treat it like it is a deathly foe."


    And then Feng Yan threw a pinch of red powder on the monkey''s face.


    The monkey, who was watching the two humans warily, suddenly turned aggressive. He jumped towards Hei Ying, trying to scratch her face.


    She panicked and retreated in fear while shielding her face. The primate continued its furious onught by trying to grab her hand. His bared canines suggested he was about to bite and break her arms.


    And it almost seeded. Just as it was about to sink its teeth in her arms, Feng Yan grabbed the monkey by its scruff and pulled it back.


    The monkey iled and shrieked, trying to break free of his grasp. But to no avail. His hold was perfect. The Monkey''s arms couldn''t even reach Feng Yan to inflict any damage on him.


    After he had subdued the Monkey, he turned to Hei Ying. His face showed his obvious displeasure.


    "What were you doing? Did you learn my Punching routine only to practice in the morning? Did you learn the Movement technique just to run faster on the streets? What about Gazelle Punch? I didn''t even see you try to execute it!"


    Feng Yan went on a tirade about the obvious mistakes Hei Ying had made. After giving her an earful, he once again unleashed the beast and disappeared from its sight.


    Hei Ying was ready this time. She dodged to the side as the monkey leaped towards her. She executed the side punches in her punching routine, hitting the monkey''s right shoulder.


    After the first few punches hadnded, Monkey avoided the rest by creating distance between them. It seemed as if it was about to escape.


    Feng Yan once again threw a pinch of the red powder on the monkey''s face. As soon as he inhaled it, it went into a frenzy. It stopped trying to escape and charged toward Hei Ying.


    Since the monkey was on its four limbs, Hei Ying judged she would have to punch low. But when it reached her it once again stood up on its hind legs. Its forelimbs were raised high as it brought them down to smash Hei Ying''s shoulders.


    The punch she had prepared did hit Monkey in its stomach but it didn''t do much damage to it. She backed away, trying to reduce the damage from the smashing attack. But she was toote.


    The monkey''s forelimbs connected with her shoulders, sending a wave of pain through her arms. The numbness that followed made it difficult for her to block another simr attack.


    Ikasa and the gang had growncent as they watched Hei Ying faceoff against the monkey. Since Feng Yan had saved her the first time, they were assured of her safety.


    But suddenly, the monkey grew even more enraged andnded two consecutive hits on her. And Feng Yan had still not stepped in to stop the fight.


    The Monkey had changed its stance and it was once again about to scratch her face. Ikasa expected Feng Yan to once again jump in before things became ugly, but he didn''t move an inch.


    Ikasa watched with horror as the monkey scratched the right cheek of Hei Ying, leaving three deep gashes. Drops of blood trickled down through the gap of her hand that was covering the wound.


    Pain and fear registered in her mind as she looked at her blood-soaked hand. She backed away quickly trying to get away from the monster that had harmed her. In her haste, she stumbled and fell giving the beast a chance to attack once more.


    "Nooo!" She cried loudly as she covered her face and curled up to protect her vitals.


    Only now did Feng Yan move to protect the vulnerable form of Hei Ying.

 Chapter 20 Wake-Up Call

    "Why? Why didn''t you stop the monkey sooner?"


    Ikasa questioned with barely suppressed fury.


    The atmosphere of the group had turned dreary and depressing after the ident Hei Ying had. The starless night didn''t help. When everyone sat around the small campfire, Ikasa couldn''t contain his rage.


    Feng Yan didn''t answer right away. His eyes gazed onto every person sitting in the circle around the fire. Some avoided his eyes, some stared back defiantly.


    But one thing was certain. Everyone had turned distant from Feng Yan. Even his own daughter was avoiding him.


    Feng Yan sneered derisively. No one had ever dared question him like this his entire life. And now he was being judged, by the people he had raised; by the individual he was trying to help.


    It disgusted him but he felt these snowkes needed a p of reality.


    "Just because you spent a few months sheltered in a mansion, did you forget everything I taught you? Did you forget the cruelties of reality?"


    The kids lowered their heads as every word of Feng Yan hit them hard. They had indeed pretended to leave the misery of slums behind. They had forgotten the first lesson Feng Yan had taught them; ''In this world, if you want something, you have to fight tooth and nail for it!.''


    Feng Yan''s eyes turned to Xin Ruo.


    "Did you forget the days when you went hungry when I was not around? Did you forget how youbored trying to put food on each one of these kids'' tes?"


    "When I sent you to the city, I didn''t want you to live sheltered lives; I wanted you to improve your skills and live better lives."


    Xin Ruo lowered her head in embarrassment after this scolding. She subconsciously looked at Ikasa who was still fuming at being ignored.


    Feng Yan caught Xin Ruo''s nce. It caused his eyes to turn red with anger.


    "Do you think this weakling, who can''t even protect himself, can shelter you for the rest of your lives? True, he has some business skills. He will earn lots of money. He will attract some noble''s envy and then be cut like the fat littlemb he is."


    Xin Ruo was shocked by the wordsing out of her Father''s mouth. She knew what had happened to her mother. She knew how helpless her father felt about the matter.


    So she had never expected her father to speak such ominous words in front of the person he had entrusted his daughter to.


    Ikasa could hear the words but he was too consumed with rage to make sense of them. His nails dug into his palms and his teeth gnashed on each other. His body trembled with adrenaline.


    "Weakling am I? Fat littlemb for nobles to cut, huh? Today I will show you I am not amb who will go down without a fight."


    Feng Yan smiled. He mocked Ikasa.


    "It is easier to move your mouth than your limbs."


    Ikasa had had enough. He charged at Feng Yan, intending to punch him in the face. But Feng Yan grabbed his outstretched arm and threw him on the ground as if he was a ragdoll.


    Still holding on to his arm, Feng Yan stepped on the connecting shoulder. His red eyes met Ikasa''s unflinching gaze.


    "You are still too green to be facing off against me."


    A hideous smile graced Feng Yan''s face. He slowly increased the pressure on the shoulder as he pulled  Ikasa''s arm.


    Ikasa stopped the whimpers and moans from escaping his mouth. He still red back at Feng Yan.


    Feng Yan''s smile widened as he put even more pressure on the shoulder. Ikasa was now experiencing firsthand, the reason why Red Eye was so feared.


    His face contorted in pain but he didn''t avert his gaze. He still adamantly stared into those cruel red eyes.


    Red Eye removed the leg abruptly and was going to stomp on Ikasa''s shoulder. Fear shed through Ikasa''s eyes but he didn''t break eye contact.


    "Father!" Xin Ruo''s timely yell brought some rity back to Feng Yan''s mind. The stompnded inches away from the shoulder, causing a small ring of dust to form.


    Feng Yan pulled Ikasa upright. He patted the dirt off Ikasa''s shoulder. His tone had softened a bit.


    "With the strength, you have right now, you can''t even hold any of these kids ountable, let alone me. Just remember, I have cared for those kids longer than you."


    He then left to take a stroll to cool his head.


    Ikasa was still standing in daze. He was mulling Feng Yan''s words in his head. He realized the truth in every word of Feng Yan.


    ''I have 71 CP. I just need 29 more before I can be a cultivator. But even then I would be far from being able to beat the likes of Feng Yan.''


    As he was beating himself over his weakness, he felt a handnd gently on his shoulder. Ikasa turned to face the owner of the hand, Xin Ruo.


    "I am sorry. My Fatherˇ­"


    "He was right. I am just a juicymb in the eyes of nobles. But what can I do to change this? How am I worthy of protecting you? Protecting the kids?"


    His helpless expression annoyed Xin Ruo. She didn''t want to see this attitude from someone she thought of as her man.


    "Even though you can''t forge a path, it doesn''t mean you can''t train your body! You can exercise to improve your physique; fight to hone your reflexes."


    For every suggestion, she came one step closer. Her demeanor became more domineering after every step.


    When her face was just a palm''s length away from Ikasa''s, she whispered, "A good, skilled fighter can even take down a veteran Path Forger!"


    She then turned to face away from him.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "So, don''t just whine about being weak. Do something about it!"


    Her words struck Ikasa like lightning. He watched her figure enter the camp they had set while her words kept resounding in his ears.


    ''Do something about it!''


    When hey on his bed, he kept on thinking about the incidents that happened during the day.


    ''This is not Earth where adults will always be there to protect children. Hell, not even on Earth the safety of children was guaranteed.''


    But he still couldn''t forget the fear in Hei Ying''s eyes as the Monkey scratched her.


    "In the end, I am just too weakˇ­"


    ˇŞ


    The next day, even before the morning sun shone on the faces of Ikasa andpany, they were awakened by the monkey shrieks.


    Feng Yan was back and he had brought two monkeys with him.


    He didn''t give them time to prepare and directly unleashed the Monkeys. Xin Ruo was the quickest to get her bearings. She stepped forward to meet the monkeys'' assault.


    The other kids were still not ready to face off against the monkeys. They stayed behind in the safety of their camp. Ikasa was facing the dilemma of foolishly charging into battle or wisely waiting in the camp.


    But his choice was taken away. One of the Monkeys eluded Xin Ruo and charged at the kids.


    Everyone, including Ikasa, subconsciously turned towards Hei Ying, expecting her to stop the monkey. Hei Ying, though traumatized from yesterday, was still the highest staged amongst them all.


    When Ikasa realized what he did, there were no adjectives to describe the disgust he felt for himself. That''s when he had a realization.


    ''I am weak physically because I am weak mentally! I am expecting a 13-year-old girl to protect me when she was traumatized by the same monster recently! Every breath I take while living such a life is a waste of air!''


    He steeled his heart and jumped before the monkey, covering the kids behind him. Feng Yan looked at Ikasa in surprise but he didn''t interfere.


    The Monkey slowed but didn''t stop until it reached Ikasa. Then it pped him in the face. Not scratched but pped. He was stunned by the sudden change in attacking tactics.


    He slow reaction allowed another p tond on his face. When he recovered, he straight away punched the monkey in the face while taking a boxing stance.


    The monkey bared his fangs, threatening Ikasa, but it backpedaled. Its intentions were clear, it wanted to escape since the effect of the powder had worn off.


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa intently. He seemed to be asking whether he wanted to continue the fight or let the monkey escape.


    Ikasa took a deep breath and nodded affirmatively. Feng Yan threw a pinch of powder toward the monkey that was preparing to escape.


    The monkey became aggressive once again. He leaped towards the kids, thinking they were the weak ones Ikasa was protecting. But, he intercepted it. He jabbed the monkey in its jaws, enraging it further.


    The monkey then began its furious onught. It shrieked as it neared him. It furiously swiped at Ikasa, not caring whether itnded on the chest, hands, or face.


    He mimicked the actions of Peek-a-Boo defense skill. Since his arms were not strengthened with energy, every swipe left a deep scratch.


    Little by little, his whole body turned bloody. There were no major wounds but many small cuts. He wanted to give up and retreat. But once he turned his head, he saw the scar on Hei Ying''s face. It renewed his vigor to stay and endure.


    Instead of giving up, he tried to find openings in Monkey''s defense so that he could counterattack. But each time, his attack was foiled. The monkey was too agile and Ikasa too slow.


    A few minutester, he found an opening. He punched as hard as he could and managed to hit the monkey''s sternum. But it allowed the monkey to open up threerge gashes on his chest.


    Ikasa was feeling weak from the blood loss now. But he still had no intention of asking Feng Yan for help. Xin Ruo was too busy with her own monkey to pay him any attention.


    In the end, he stumbled and was about to fall, when Yan Xiao and Pei Yuan charged out. Yan Xiao supported Ikasa while Pei Yuan distracted the monkey.


    He led the monkey to where Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi were standing.


    "Chu Qing, Now!"


    Chu Qing instantly used the Peek-a-Boo defense technique and stood before Luo Qiqi. Since he was able to reinforce his arms with energy, Monkey''s scratches were merely itching his arms.


    Luo Qiqi stealthily went behind the monkey and aimed at the Monkey''s behind.


    "Nutcracker Kick!"


    Her shout rmed the monkey. It turned to face Luo Qiqi. It was the worst decision the monkey could''ve made. Because her kick cracked the nuts, ending the lineage of this monkey.


    Every male who saw the scene winced with sympathy. The monkey was on the ground shrieking in pain. Its cries rmed the monkey who was battling against Xin Ruo.


    The effect of Feng Yan''s powder was wearing off so it was close to regaining its sanity but the tragic cries elerated the process. The cries invoked primal fear in the monkey and it turned tail and ran before Feng Yan could dose it with another pinch of powder.


    The tense kids rxed as one monkeyy infirm and another fled. Then they cheered with joy. Xin Ruo ran back to the kids to check on their injuries; instead, she found a bloody, scratched Ikasa.


    Feng Yan approached the haggard group, delight in his eyes and amusement on his lips.


    "Good job kids! I would''ve thrown your big brother Ikasa to the monkeys long ago if that''s what it took for you to find courage."

 Chapter 21 The Purpose

    "Good job kids! I would''ve thrown your big brother Ikasa to the monkeys long ago if that''s what it took you to find courage."


    Six pairs of eyes simultaneously turned to re at Feng Yan. Xin Ruo tended to Ikasa''s wounds and forced him to rest for the day.


    After the harrowing experience of the morning, the kids were much more prepared to spar against the monkeys. Feng Yan was very happy to see this improvement.


    But every now and then the kids would make silly mistakes.


    "Pei Yuan, you dolt! Just because you can run fast doesn''t mean you should move far away from the monkey! How are you going to defeat it if you are so damn far from it?"


    But seeing Pei Yuan still confused, Feng Yan nced at Ikasa contemtively. Ikasa suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine. He got into the role of good assistant in a blink of an eye.


    "Pei Yuan, if you run away too far, what if the monkey changes its target? What if it attacks me or someone else? Do you want to see us injured?"


    Pei Yuan shook his head vehemently.


    "Then you need to keep a safe distance from the enemy but it should not be too far. If it suddenly decides to go after others, you can attack it and save others."


    When Pei Yuan''s performance improved significantly, Ikasa looked at Feng Yan. His gaze seems to be saying; You see that''s how you teach.


    Feng Yan in return gave him a deadpan stare, and Ikasa''s confidence deted like a balloon.


    The training proceeded smoothly for the next few days. Even though none of the kids had beaten the monkeys decisively, they were much better at dealing with them now.


    Whenever they felt like giving up, Feng Yan would threaten to sic monkeys on Ikasa and Hei Ying.


    Things were looking better for kids, now that they had started to get into a routine. Kids even started to rx and enjoy their duels with the monkeys.


    This didn''t sit well with Feng Yan as he didn''t bring the kids out here to rx, but to give them a sense of crisis. He decided to shake things up, and his target was Hei Ying.


    He didn''t force Hei Ying to participate in duels against the monkeys but he didn''t want her cowering behind others for the rest of her time too.


    Every time Hei Ying''s turn came, Chu Qing or Yan Xiao would use Peek-a-Boo defense to prevent monkey''s attacks from reaching her.


    If she were to be paired with Pei Yuan, he would run circles around the monkey using his superior speed, thanks to [Fast-Faster-Fastest].


    Pairing her with Luo Qiqi was out of the question, as Xin Ruo would jump in at the slightest sign of danger.


    To circumvent this overbearing protection, Feng Yan brought three monkeys to their training camp today. He let Chu Qing and Yan Xiao deal with one monkey each.


    Pei Yuan and Xin Ruo were tasked to keep an eye on them. When the monkeys had led the four of them far away, Feng Yan sed thest monkey on Luo Qiqi and Hei Ying.


    This was the same monkey that had scratched Hei Ying''s face.


    As the monkey suddenly jumped on her, Luo Qiqi froze. Hei Ying''s body was trembling in the face of this threat. The monkey leaped closer to Luo Qiqi and was about to p her face.


    But Hei Ying, who had been through a simr experience, thought it was going to scratch Luo Qiqi. Rage overcame her fear and she stood before Luo Qiqi.


    Seeing a taller human before him the monkey straightened his posture and made himself lookrger. But that was the opening Hei Ying needed.


    She executed the Gazelle Punch. A white light glowed on her fist and it connected with the lower jaw of the monkey. The monkey was knocked out. In a single punch, Hei Ying had defeated the cause of her nightmares.


    Feng Yan smiled widely as he saw her look at her fist in disbelief. Luo Qiqi also regained her wits and hugged Hei Ying with joy.


    "Sister Ying, you did it! You defeated it in a single punch!"


    Feng Yan came out of the hiding spot. He caressed the stunned Hei Ying''s head and smiled at her, his eyes radiating warmth.


    "Rey the battle just now in your head; See how you beat it. It was not just a lucky coincidence."


    Themotion here had attracted the attention of the four who were chasing after the escaping monkeys. Ikasa also came out to see what themotion was about.


    Hei Ying''s feat of defeating the monkey had renewed everyone''spetitive spirits. They did their best topletely subdue the monkey.


    By the end of the day, everyone seeded except Ikasa. But no one begrudged him for his failure.


    That evening, when everyone was celebrating the sessful training aplishments, two people were missing from the campfire.


    Feng Yan and Ikasa.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa looked from afar as the orange light of fire illuminated a corner of the Outer area of ruins. The cheers of the kids disturbed the silence of the night. He had a genuine smile on his face as he rejoiced in the aplishments of the kids.


    But he wouldn''t be human if envy didn''t mar his pure joy.


    "When will I get to be as strong as them? Will they be much ahead by the time I catch up?"


    Ikasa turned his eyes away lest his gloom sullies the innocence of the kids. He looked towards the entrance to the ruins. There he noticed a peculiarity. A guy dressed in greyish ck clothes was sneaking towards the Inner area.


    ''Is he going after Xin Ruo and kids? Should I warn them? No, I shouldn''t panic. I need to see what exactly his intentions areˇ­ ''


    He sneaked behind him, always keeping him in his visual range. When they had almost reached the Inner area wall, Ikasa could see the bright light from the campfire to his right.


    "Thankfully, this guy is going to the left."


    Ikasa followed the guy to a dimly lit corner. A man holding a torch was waiting for him. The ck-robed man removed the cloth covering his face.


    In the light of the torch, Ikasa clearly saw the man''s face. A gasp escaped his mouth.


    "Handsome guy from the Slums?"


    In the dead silence of the night, any noise would be noticeable. And Ikasa''s gasp was detected by the two having a rendezvous. They vigntly turned to look at their surroundings. But they didn''t find anything.


    Ikasa had hidden inside the crack of the Inner area''s broken wall. He could clearly hear the conversation between the two.


    "Did you check the underground market?"


    The man holding the torch questioned. The moment Ikasa heard his voice, he recognized him. It was none other than Feng Yan.


    "Yes. They said they will buy it for at least 1000 gold."


    "What about the news? What are the chances?"


    "Fifty percent. If we do manage to sweep the area, we should be able to find it."


    "Are you sure it''s not in there?"


    Ikasa didn''t know where Feng Yan was pointing to but he guessed he meant the inner area.


    "Trust me Red Eye. Or else don''t work with me."


    Feng Yan released a deep sigh.


    "Wu Nan, you are a sly bastard. Would you trust yourself?"


    For the first time in the conversation, he heard the name Wu Nan. He figured that the Handsome guy was named Wu Nan.


    "Hahaha! But in your group of morons and fools, only I am cunning enough to contact ''The Underworld.'' Isn''t that the reason why you keep me around Red Eye?"


    The way Wu Nan whispered ''The Underworld'' let Ikasa recognize the solemnity of this entity. Even Feng Yan quietened at the mention of their name.


    Ikasa became curious about the identity of this ''Underworld'' but both of them didn''t borate on it. The silence stretched as the distant sounds of cheers andughter were the only ones heard.


    "How did your n go? Do you think they are good enough now?"


    Wu Nan asked as another round of raucousughter was heard in the distance. Ikasa''s ears perked as this answered the question that had troubled him.


    "The Kids are ready. They can sweep the outer area. We will focus on the King."


    ''Damn! So that''s why Feng Yan agreed! He wants something that''s in the ruins! He intends to use us as manualbor to search for it.''


    Ikasa''s eyes brightened as he found the answer that made him uneasy around Feng Yan. He took sce in the fact that they were not being forced to do some dangerous work.


    But as this conversation had answered some of his questions, it had raised even more daunting questions.


    What was ''The Underworld?''  Who was the King?


    And most importantly, what was Feng Yan looking for?

 Chapter 22 Lure

    The next day everyone woke upte. Xin Ruo allowed them some well-deserved rest after the results they had shown in the past week.


    When everyone was excited to start another day of fighting monkeys, Feng Yan appeared before them empty-handed. Even though Feng Yan was empty-handed, the kids didn''t lower their guard. Instead, they had heightened their vignce.


    This was all the result of the devious means Feng Yan had used to prevent the kids from rxing their vignce. He had sed the monkeys on them at many unexpected moments.


    While eating, while sleeping; still none were as unlucky as Chu Qing. Feng Yan had released Monkey on him while he was out for a poop.


    Even now they still expected Monkeys to jump on them even though Feng Yan was not carrying any.


    Feng Yan was pleased with the vignce the kids had shown.


    "You can rx. Today I am going to train you in another aspect of being a cultivator."


    But instead of rxing, the Kids became more guarded. Ikasa even wondered whether this was the result of training or mental trauma.


    "I said rx!" Feng Yan yelled.


    "Yes, Sir!" All the kids stood stiffly in their position focusing their attention on Feng Yan instead of searching for threats in the surroundings. After all, the biggest threat was right in front of them.


    Feng Yan took out a small booklet and passed it to Pei Yuan.


    "Look at the pictures in the book carefully. I want you to memorize the items in there and look for them when you search the other Outer Areater."


    Everyone huddled around the book. There were images and short descriptions of the items depicted.


    When Ikasa skimmed through it, he recognized most of the items. There were stars with five arms, motherboards, chipsets, and numerous other things which techies could identify precisely.


    What amazed him was he also saw a Wifi Dongle in the images. He furrowed his eyebrows in puzzlement.


    ''Is there inte in this world?''


    But seeing the amazing feats of his Printer as well as the chipset sold in auction, Ikasa no longer discarded this thought.


    When Ikasa closed the book after looking at all the images, he heard Feng Yan''s instructions.


    "Xin Ruo, you take the kids to the outer area on the other side to search for any one of the items in the book. Ikasa, you stay at the junction of the two outer areas and the inner area and manage themunications between them and me."


    Xin Ruo and the kids nodded in eptance. Ikasa, who was still curious aboutst night''s conversation, probed Feng Yan.


    "Will you be on standby in case an ident happens or do you have some other ns?"


    Feng Yan gave him a careful look. Ikasa''s mask of curiosity didn''t crumble under his scrutiny.


    "I will sweep this outer zone."


    Feng Yan gave Ikasa a meaningful nce and then dispersed the group.


    ¨C


    Ikasa apanied Xin Ruo and the kids to therge gap in the outer area''s wall near their campsite. They would have to circle all the way to the other outer area''s gate from outside the ruins.


    "Xin Ruo, if you see any unusual people or creatures, immediately call for me. I will bring Feng Yan over to rescue as soon as possible."


    "You, too. Be careful alright?"


    Seeing her genuine caring eyes, Ikasa deliberated whether to warn Xin Ruo about her father and his aplice. He chose not to but still decided to give her a heads up in case an unexpected situation arises.


    "Yes. Now listen to me. If you hear amotioning from this side, don''t panic ande over okay? Your dad is strong enough to protect himself as well as me, but if he has to protect kids too he might have an ident."


    Xin Ruo''s eyes narrowed. She was already suspecting something.  She was usually a naive and charmingdy, but one cannot forget she grew up in some of the harshest possible conditions.


    "Tell me what''s up. I can be of help."


    Sweat drops formed on Ikasa''s head as he thought of a way to assuage her worries. He cooked up a lie that would seem closest to the truth.


    "Don''t worry. I heard your dad was nning to raid the monkeys''  homes. It might cause them to chase after him and cause a lot of noise. So don''te over before I call for you. And look after the kids."


    Xin Ruo visibly rxed. What Ikasa said fit with her dad''s personality. And his words were also very reasonable. She left with the kids after reminding Ikasa to be safe once again.


    As Ikasa watched Xin Ruo leave, he was filled with trepidation and excitement about what was toe.


    ¨C


    *Ke Ke* *shriek*


    "Why the hell are the monkeys causing so much fuss?"


    Ikasa muttered as he yawned and stretched his body. Then suddenly he became alert as a thought came to his mind.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''Don''t tell me Feng Yan really went to raid the Monkeys'' homes!''


    Ikasa was currently at the right corner of the outer area. The source of cacophony was the left wall, where the only intact watchtower of this area was.


    Curiosity pushed Ikasa into motion. He stealthily crept towards the Left wall to get a better view of what was happening.


    Even before he could get visuals on Feng Yan he saw Wu Nan running towards the Inner area''s barrier. He quickly hid himself.


    What he saw caused his eyes to widen with amazement. Wu Nan had disappeared as soon as he had touched the Barrier!


    Ikasa waited for a few moments. Seeing no changes, he approached the wall with caution. For the first time, he studied the wall up close.


    Though the wall was made of beige sandstone, dirt had umted on it over the years, turning it brown. Every stone in the wall was rectangr with identical size and shape; as if it was not stone but bricks made in a factory.


    When Ikasa reached the ce Wu Nan had disappeared, he discovered an anomaly. In the mix of rectangr stones, there was a single square stone.


    Ikasa raised his hand to touch it but retracted it quickly. He was curious about whaty beyond but he was more worried about his safety. The threat was not only the unknown ruin but also Wu Nan.


    ''Should I or should I not?''


    ___


    Soon after Feng Yan set out in the morning, he met up with Wu Nan.


    "Are you sure you want to do this?"


    Wu Nan asked with apprehension. Feng Yan nodded affirmatively.


    "Can you handle so many of them at once?"


    Feng Yan looked straight ahead at the monkeys who were climbing and jumping from the Watchtower''s wall. They had truly turned it into their home.


    "If I had to fight them, I wouldn''t be confident. But I can distract them for however long you want."


    "Okay then. You lure all of them out and I will sneak inside."


    "What about the Monkey King? Can you handle it?"


    Wu Nan smirked in response.


    "I have something special nned for it."


    When Feng Yan looked at him in question, Wu Nan did not answer. Feng Yan didn''t press for the answer either.


    "I am going. Be ready to sneak in."


    Feng Yan reminded Wu Nan, before running up, on the wall. He proceeded to spread a pinch of the red powder to get the monkeys to focus on him. He proceeded to gather all the monkeys in the area.


    Once he reached the entrance to the watchtower, every monkey in the vicinity was chasing after him. Before he could escape, he noticed an open pouch of red powder fly over his head andnd inside the watchtower.


    Momentster, a roar sounded from inside.


    "That fucking bastard!"


    Feng Yan cursed as he weaved his way out while leading the frenzied monkeys out. Feng Yan still thought everything was going ording to n. However, his expression changed when he saw Wu Nan run away from the watchtower, toward the Inner Area.


    "Die well Feng Yan! I''ll take good care of Xin Ruo!"


    Hearing those words, Feng Yan realized he had been tricked. He stopped stalling for time and instead chased after Wu Nan. He was just about to escape from the encirclement of the monkeys when he felt a dangerous aura.


    The Monkey King had arrived!


    Feng Yan abandoned all thoughts of defense and brutally broke through the lines of many monkeys. He sped up and increased distance but to no avail. The monkeys were stilling after him.


    And leading the chase was the Monkey King itself!


    ¨C


    When Ikasa was contemting whether he should go inside the Inner area of the ruins or not, he saw a dust cloud in the distance. Even before he saw Feng Yan, he noticed the horde of monkeys.


    And in the lead, he saw arger than average red-faced monkey wearing a crown of bird feathers.


    "RUN"


    Ikasa detected Feng Yan only after hearing him shout. Seeing Feng Yan change directions to avoid endangering him, he yelled,


    "Come here, quickly! I found the entrance to the Inner Area of Ruins!"

 Chapter 23 Specimen 1k3a

    In a room that looked very much like a medieval period dungeon, two bright lights shed. As the light faded, crumpled figures of two people could be seen.


    "Urghˇ­"


    Feng Yan immediately puked.


    "Hey, if you want to puke at least go further away from me!"


    When Feng Yan didn''t, he moved away from Feng Yan.


    "Can''t even handle teleportation. Hmph! Weakling!"


    Ikasa took great pleasure in teasing Feng Yan. After all the times Feng Yan had called him weakling, it felt good to be able to retaliate.


    Feng Yan wiped his mouth and shot Ikasa a stinky re. He rubbed his stomach and muttered, " I don''t want to feel that kind of weightlessness again."


    When teleporting, they felt a peculiar weightless feeling in the stomach. Ikasa was very familiar with that feeling. It was the same sensation you get when a ne takes off ornds.


    In fact, Ikasa was addicted to it after having so many flight miles on his card.


    "But it feels really good. If possible, I want to feel it again." Ikasa replied to Feng Yan''s murmur with a longing in his voice.


    Feng Yan assumed Ikasa was mocking him. He retorted in a scathing tone, "Wait till you reach the Sense Realm; that sensation will be multiplied two-fold."


    Ikasa turned toward Feng Yan with sparkling eyes and asked,                      "Truly? You are not joking right?"


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa as if looking at a Madman. He turned and shook his head and uttered a single word.


    "Weirdo!"


    Ikasa was going to pester Feng Yan more, but his gaze was attracted by a new source of light in the room. A circr tform had lit up as soon as Ikasa had stepped into its vicinity.


    "I think you need to prepare yourself to teleport once more, Father-In-Law."


    Ikasa could barely suppress the smile at the thought of another teleportation.


    Feng Yan groaned at the thought. He thought of postponing his inevitable fate, even if a little. He remembered Wu Nan''s whereabouts were still unknown.


    "By the way, did you see a humane near the Inner area before I arrived?"


    "Oh, Wu Nan? Yeah, he entered the Inner area before us. I found the entrance by observing him."


    Feng Yan stared at Ikasa. When Ikasa noticed his stare, he met Feng Yan''s gaze. Then Feng Yan''s emotionless voice echoed in the room.


    "So it was youˇ­ Last Nightˇ­"


    Ikasa noticed the weird atmosphere in the room. He let the silence answer for himself.


    Feng Yan let out a long sigh. He looked as if he had just deliberated ande to a difficult decision.


    "Say, old man, what is ''The Underworld''?"


    Hearing the flippant tone, Feng Yan almost choked on his saliva.


    "Shhhˇ­ Don''t speak of their name."


    Feng Yan surveyed his surroundings as if he had done it countless times. Ikasa had never seen him act so paranoid.


    "It is an extremely exclusive ck market. If you utter their name in the wrong ce, you might get in trouble with the Empire as well as the Underworld."


    "Huh, so it''s just a ck market. Looks like I was getting anxious for no reason."


    "The ignorant are fearless."


    Ikasa didn''t pay any heed to the obvious warning. Anyways he had no intention of even uttering the name ''The Underworld,'' let alone contacting them.


    "C''mon old man, we need to go now before Wu Nan takes all the goodies for himself."


    Wu Nan''s name caused Feng Yan''s expression to turn savage. With his fists clenched, he joined Ikasa as they stepped onto the Teleportation ring.


    ˇŞ


    "Hahaha! That old fool thinks he can find something good in Monkey King''s den. As ifˇ­ Everything good must be here, in this Inner area."                        Wu Nan scoffed in ridicule as he stepped on the Teleportation ring.


    Fast forward to one hour into the future, the present.


    "What the hell? Why is there nothing here? Where are my treasures?"


    Wu Nan had ransacked the entire room. He couldn''t find anything except a few big boxes that won''t open, no matter how he tried. They were so heavy that he couldn''t even lift them.<novelnext></novelnext>


    He banged those boxes trying to open them, but to no avail. While he was finding a suitable rock to try and break open the box, he discovered a strange discus stuck between a box and the wall.


    When he picked it up, he noticed it was much lighter than he thought. He picked it up and swung it on the box. His hand hurt from the rebound.


    As for the box; It didn''t even leave a dent or a scratch.


    Just as he was about to smash the box again, a blue light shed in the room. Wu Nan stopped his actions and prepared to attack the neers.


    ˇŞ


    Ikasa and Feng Yan had not even gotten rid of the bright light when a human holding a palm-sized disc charged toward them. His target obviously was Feng Yan.


    Ikasa was ignored as a harmless being by the attacker. When Ikasa''s eyes finally adjusted to the dim light, he recognized their assant as Wu Nan.


    Wu Nan''s first swing missed thanks to the instinctive side step by Feng Yan. Even So, Wu Nan perceived Feng Yan''s disorientation. He kept up his barrage of attacks hoping to make the most out of this advantageous situation.


    Feng Yan did his best to dodge the attacks relying on his heightened senses but they were also the cause of his long period of disorientation.


    He dodged once more as Wu Nan''s swing barely missed his head. And then the queasy feeling from the teleportation came back.


    "Blergghhhˇ­"


    Feng Yan retched all over Wu Nan. Wu Nan froze for a moment. He looked at the gooey yellow liquid covering his body and yelled, livid with rage. He didn''t stop his attack, instead, he mmed the discus with even more gusto toward Feng Yan''s head.


    Feng Yan heaved for breath as he felt another wave rising up. He turned to Wu Nan and spewed the content on him once again. Wu Nan braved the projectile vomit tond his attack on Feng Yan''s lowered head.


    The discus hit the back of Feng Yan''s neck, hard. The impact, luckily or unluckily, depending on perspective, managed to knock out Feng Yan. The discus slipped from Wu Nan''s vomit-covered hands and rolled to Ikasa''s feet.


    Ikasa looked at the discus that was stopped by his shoe and lowered his raised fist. He cheerily waved as if he wasn''t just about to sneak attack Wu Nan.


    "Brother Handsome, you are amazing you managed to take down Feng Yan, that old coot. You even found out how to enter this ce. I admire youˇ­"


    "Shut up!"


    Wu Nan looked at Ikasa murderously. Now that the bigger threat was knocked out, it was time to take care of the small fry.


    He stepped leisurely towards Ikasa, intending to y with him before finishing him. He had once participated in beating up Ikasa, so he knew exactly how weak this guy was.


    Ikasa panicked, seeing through Wu Nan''s intentions. He picked up the discus and outstretched his other hand.


    "Wu Nan, don''te closer or you won''t like the consequences."


    Ikasa said as he backed away for every step Wu Nan took forward. When he tried to take another step back, Ikasa hit the solid wall.


    Left with no choice, Ikasa brought both of his hands together near his chest. He joined his hands together with the discus held vertically between them.


    "Brother Wu Nan! We have no prior enmity. If you can let me go, I am willing to offer you 1000 gold. Aren''t you here just for gold?"


    His intentions were obvious; He was going to beg for mercy while stalling for time. He just hoped Feng Yan woulde back to his senses soon.


    Wu Nan didn''t stop his advancement. Ikasa grew more desperate and that''s when he saw the symbol on the Discus. The triangle that had be the universal symbol for ''y/start'' on Earth.


    Ikasa clicked the symbol hoping for a miracle to happen. A ding sounded from the discus. A hologram projection of a hunched old man appeared and Ikasa was scanned from head to toe.


    Then the blue light spread across the room scanning everything else, including Wu Nan.


    [Detected specimen 1k3a, detected a nuisance. Initiating clean upˇ­]


    The same blue light that had scanned Ikasa and Wu Nan formed a beam of light and entered Ikasa''s USB slot on his chest.


    Even though the actual USB slot didn''t appear, Ikasa instinctively knew it was the same spot where the printer connected to his body.


    Then it was as if Ikasa turned bystander in his own body. He could see everything that was happening outside. Still, he was unable to feel any of the sensations. He couldn''t feel his mmy hands or the wall that his back was pressed against. All he could see was Wu Nan.


    Wu Nan grew apprehensive as he saw the Ikasa''s eyes sh blue. He rushed forth with a punch ready to smash in Ikasa''s face.


    Ikasa watched with dread as the powerful punch approached him. He couldn''t even feel his body, let alone move it. He closed his eyes in anticipation of uing pain, but he never felt it.


    After opening his eyes he saw a lightning blue energy de dissipate from his right hand and Wu Nan''s headless body falling back with a thump.


    Before Ikasa could process the indirect killing of Wu Nan by his hands, the short old man appeared before him. His image was turning blurry as if there was interference in the signal.


    [Sanctuaryˇ­. breached. ˇ­.arriving soon. Energy gathering eleration is needed. ETA - 80 years.]


    And Ikasa was once again back in control of his body. He copsed onto his knees as he processed everything. It seemed as if the Old man was still trying to say something but no new messages appeared in his head.


    Then the hologram dissipated and the central part of the discus popped up, revealing the hiddenpartment inside.

 Chapter 24 Heart To Heart

    Ikasa sat on the floor, lost for words. He could see the decapitated head of Wu Nan a few feet away from him. He could feel the lifeless eyes staring at him; the horrified face added to the gravitas of the situation.


    As he looked at the blood on his hands, he was forced to acknowledge that he would have to kill to survive. And yet that was not the most terrifying part.


    He was forced to question his humanity. Something he hadn''t doubted before. It scared him witless that he might someday turn emotionless like today and massacre Xin Ruo and the kids. Or other innocent people.


    After all, no human has a USB drive in his chest. Despite knowing the fact, he had rolled along with it, thinking it was one of the oddities of this world or his perk as a transmigrator.


    The old man in the hologram had called him specimen 1k3a. And he waspelled to address these strange things about him.


    Then there was another side of him who wanted to deny it. Remain ignorant. This side forced him to challenge the very premise of his fears.


    ''But was that old man talking about me? It could have been Wu Nan. Or even Feng Yan. Unless I have solid proof, I won''t ept that I am specimen 1k3a.''


    Keeping his head buried like an ostrich wouldn''t help him. Nevertheless, at the moment, he had more pressing matters.


    He turned his attention to the message the old man had for him.


    ''He mentioned a sanctuary. Was it breached? Or was he asking me to breach it? Also, who or what is arriving in eighty years? What did he mean by elerating the gathering of energy?''


    "Maybe what''s inside the discus can answer some of my questions."


    Ikasa picked up the discus and emptied the secret slot.


    ''A Pen drive? No, this looks more like a Wifi dongle!''


    Ikasa plugged it into his chest, but nothing happened. He got no response at all. He removed it and clenched the fist holding the dongle.


    ''Why couldn''t you give me more information, old man? What is happening? What am I supposed to do?''


    While Ikasa was contemting the numerous questions the Old Man had left for him, Feng Yan woke up.


    He looked around only to notice Ikasa. He was sitting on his knees right before the pool of blood formed by the beheaded body of Wu Nan.


    When he approached Ikasa, he noticed his listless eyes. Feng Yan''s mood grew somber. He walked up to Ikasa and reassuringly held his shoulder.


    Ikasa looked up at him, confused, as his chain of thoughts was broken.


    "The first kill is always difficult to get over."


    The chaos of thoughts in Ikasa''s mind immediately cleared. The words, for some reason, struck a deeply buried feeling in his heart.


    The scene where his body killed Wu Nan shed through his mind. The repressed emotions were given a vent.


    How he missed his life on the Earth! There he was never put in harm''s way to the point he might lose his life. He never had to raise his hand to defend himself. His hands were not tainted with someone''s blood.


    Tears welled up in his eyes as he remembered all the good and the bad about his life on the Earth. Normally, he would suppress tears to prevent anyone from seeing him as weak. But today, he let them flow.


    Because every teardrop that trickled down reaffirmed his identity as a Human.


    Feng Yan stood beside him, supporting him silently with his presence. Once Ikasa''s tears had dried up, Feng Yan patted his shoulders.


    They walked to one of therge boxes away from the corpse and sat down, leaning on the box. Both of them sat in silence, not knowing what for.


    Ikasa suddenly let out a chortle as he thought of his dreams. He had an intense urge to share them.


    "Old Man, do you know I wanted to be the richest man in this world when I started my business?"


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa as his image was cemented as a weirdo in his mind. There was puke to his right and a corpse to his left. This most certainly was not the ce to be having this talk. And still, he replied.


    "You know only the strong can protect their wealth."<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I do. One day I will be the strongest Businessman this world has ever seen. I will be stronger so that I never have to face a dangerous situation like today."


    "On your way to the top, you will be forced to face many dangers. Many humans will perish directly or indirectly because of you."


    This was not a warning, nor was it dissuasion. It was a simple statement with an implied question; Will you be able to handle it?


    Ikasa sighed as his gaze turned to look at the corpse.


    ''Was what happened today really so bad? This guy tried to get rid of Feng Yan and attempted to kill me. Wouldn''t the world be a better ce without such people?''


    The smile that was on his face while talking about his dreams vanished. His tone matched the strength and seriousness of his resolve.


    "I know I will cause many deaths. Some of them may be innocent; some might have families. But I will make sure that the blood on my hands will be far less than the blood that would''ve been spilled otherwise."


    Feng Yan looked surprised. He was not expecting such raw eptance of reality from Ikasa. Especially, after the grief he had disyed moments earlier for the murder of Wu Nan.


    And he appreciated Ikasa more for it.


    "Do you know why I chose you for Xin Ruo?"


    "Wasn''t it to freeload off me? How did you say it?"


    Then he tried to mimic Feng Yan when he had warned himself.


    "Kid, You are rich and weak. Xin Ruo will be able to bully you easily."


    If Ikasa expected to see Feng Yan embarrassed, he would have to try much harder. Except for Xin Ruo, no one could make him bashful. The thick face he had was not just for show.


    "Haha! That was one of the reasons. The other is because I saw fire in you. The way you schooled kids with sticks and carrots, I knew you would make a damn good leader if you survived."


    Ikasa''s cheeks flushed from the unexpected praise. Then he saw the amused expression on Feng Yan''s face, and he once again gained the look of a proper gentleman.


    Feng Yan looked straight ahead, his eyes unfocused. A storm was raging in his mind and heart.


    "18 years ago, I was not strong enough to save my wife. But today, I can destroy anyone in Sal City who dares to think about my precious daughter. Despite that, I cannot be seen with my daughter. Do you know why?"


    "Because those big families will start targeting you. If they cannot get you, they will go after Xin Ruo."


    Ikasa said with gritted teeth. Feng Yan nodded sadly.


    "Then why don''t you change the cities? Why not go to Birch city?"


    "Because I am not alone. We were Fourty people when we left the city guards that night. Some of them still have families in the city. Others moved to slums with their families."


    "A number of those passed away. Few who had no filial responsibilities left to start anew in other cities. But none of them has betrayed me. So I do everything I can to put food on their tes; to repay my debt of gratitude."


    Ikasa could sympathize with Feng Yan''s story. It is not easy to give up everything and follow their leader to avenge a vendetta that would have terrible consequences for themselves.


    And if they were going to do that for anyone, Feng Yan was the best choice seeing how he was treating them.


    They both sat in silence for a few more minutes.


    "If you have recovered, should we go now?"


    "Do you think I am a weakling like you? I was waiting for you to recover."


    Feng Yan retorted with contempt. They stood on the Teleporter and arrived at the previous room.

 Chapter 25 Energy Efficiency Star

    "Old man, take this Discus. I''ll keep the Dongle. If we find anything good, you will get the first pick."


    Ikasa said as he distributed the loot. Feng Yan looked at the discus with aplicated expression.


    "Fine."


    He sighed after pausing for a moment and exited the ruins. Ikasa followed close behind. They had not gone far when they came across a group of monkeys.


    Feng Yan was irritated because of what had happened in the Inner Area. His hands were itching to Fight.


    Ikasa shared the sentiment.  Monkeys were nothingpared to Wu Nan. He even had the protection of Feng Yan.


    Their eyes met and both saw the fighting spirit in each other''s eyes.


    "Let''s take care of the monkeys and join up with Xin Ruo."


    Feng Yan charged at the group. Instead of scattering and fleeing, the monkeys actually held their ground. They ganged up on Feng Yan. Ikasa arrived to pull one of the monkeys away.


    These monkeys were not berserk. So their fighting style was very different. They preferred ps to scratches.


    A quarter of an hour passed, and Feng Yan had subdued the monkeys. Ikasa looked a bit worse, but he had also held the monkey in a stalemate.


    Just when they thought they had cleared the final obstacle, the monkeys started beating their chests, and their shrieks echoed in the area.


    A cloud of dust was once again rising in the distant left. The reinforcements called by the monkeys wereing soon. Feng Yan''s expression changed.


    "Run to the Inner Area!"


    Even though the distance was short, Ikasa''s lower speed dragged  Feng Yan behind. Since the Foes were non-lethal, Feng Yan did not mind giving him a helping hand whenever he was almost encircled.


    They were a few meters away from the entrance when the Monkey King jumped down from the Inner Area''s Wall. It immediately engaged Feng Yan.


    Other Monkeys pounced on Ikasa. They both abandoned their fights and hurried to the teleporter Brick.


    The monkey king was still close in pursuit. Ikasa couldn''t hep but ask,


    "Why the hell is that Big Monkey still here? What did you do, Old Man? Did you steal his child or screw his wife?"


    "Mind your words kid! I am not into bestiality."


    "So you stole his child?"


    Ikasa touched the square tile as soon as he had thest word. Feng Yan followed close after.


    Both of them sprawled on the floor huffing and puffing. They had numerous bruises on their bodies, and their clothes were torn in multiple ces.


    "Tsk... If only I wasn''t burdened with a weaklingˇ­ Even one of the kids would be better than you."


    "Aren''t you strong, old man? Then why were you also beaten up by that monkey with a feather crown?"


    Both of them looked at each other while lying on the floor. They looked at each other''s identically swollen faces from the ps from the monkeys and turned their heads away.


    "Before, I thought you were just weak physically; Didn''t expect you to be an ignorant fool too."


    Feng Yan''s weak voice echoed in the silent chamber.


    "What was that old man? If I got pped by a monkey, didn''t you get pped by that big monkey too?"


    Feng Yan couldn''t take it any longer. His face was red from anger. He roared, "That was the Monkey King, you imbecile! A proper Spiritual Beast!"


    Ikasa didn''t want to give in to the old man''s insults. He pretended to clean his ears with his pinky finger.


    "What''s so great about it? Isn''t it just a monkey that can cultivate? Like you?"


    A few minutester, Ikasa''s face was twice as swollen as before. Feng Yan didn''t take kindly to beingpared to a Monkey. Although it was the Monkey King, it was still a monkey.


    When Feng Yan had calmed down, he exined the difference between Humans and Spiritual Beasts.


    "As you saw Humans in the Path Forging realm can only be as strong as those ordinary Monkeys. And when Beasts be Spiritual they be even stronger."


    "So you are saying a Sense realm Cultivator like you can''t defeat it."


    Feng Yan wanted to give Ikasa a beating once again but what he had said was true.


    "Yes, I can''t. A human sense realm cannot beat a spiritual beast in a fight."


    Ikasa had never expected a candid admission of defeat from Feng Yan.


    He felt a sense of crisis. Even when Feng Yan was unconscious, his mere presence had given Ikasa hope to go against Wu Nan.


    Now his strongest reliance was saying he wouldn''t be able to take care of the greatest threat they were facing.


    "Old Man now is not the time to joke. You really can''t take care of that monkey?"


    Feng Yan shook his head helplessly.


    "Why?"


    "Because Humans in the Sense realm have yet to actively use the natural energy to enhance their bodies."


    Ikasa still had a confused look on his face. So Feng Yan borated his exnation.


    "Humans, in the initial stages of Sense Realm, improve their five physical senses. Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue, and skin. These senses help to increase your connection to the physical world and the natural energy in the surroundings."<novelnext></novelnext>


    "When you can circte this natural energy in your body and locate the chakras, you enter the Chakra Sensing realm."


    Ikasa understood the part about being able to absorb and circte but Feng Yan said nothing about the storage.


    He expressed his doubt.


    "There are seven major chakras in our body and 114 minor chakras. These Chakras store the natural energy once you locate and open them. But that''s Chakra Opening realm and, even I am not aware of the specifics."


    Ikasa thought about the information he received.


    "Old man but this still doesn''t exin why Spiritual beasts are stronger? Shouldn''t Sense realm experts be able to battle against beasts since they have heightened senses?"


    Feng Yan looked annoyed as his meditation was disturbed once again by Ikasa. But since Ikasa was someone he had decided to support, he had to go all the way.


    "Spiritual Beasts condense natural energy and enhance their body actively and passively from the moment they can be spiritualˇ­ "


    "And what do you mean by bing spiritual?"


    "They gain a basic knowledge of how to manipte Natural energy. Their technique is even stronger than the Top Grade Manuals of the Human race. Now if you want to know more, don''t interrupt."


    Feng Yan barked, seeing Ikasa ready to disrupt his flow again.


    "So, the spiritual beasts use the energy to enhance their body''s strength. A Sense realm martial artist can see, hear and feel better than the beast but his body cannot react in time as it is much weaker than the beasts."


    "Are there cultivation stages for Spiritual Beasts too?"


    Ikasa questioned as soon as Feng Yan finished his exnation.


    "Yes, there must beˇ­  but I only know the condensation stage as that is the highest level of beasts I have met."


    Seeing Ikasa once again immersed in thought, Feng Yan closed his eyes to meditate.


    "Old man, since you can''t beat the Monkey king, we should start looking for another exit."


    Feng Yan''s meditation was disturbed once again. He red at Ikasa with bloodshot eyes.


    "Okay Okayˇ­  I will look for another exit myself."


    "Grumpy Old man," Ikasa muttered as he began his search for an exit. In spite of searching every nook and cranny, he could not find another teleporter.


    He returned to the only teleportation tform in the room and examined it closely. The bright blue light pricked his eyes but he found a dial that he assumed controlled the Teleporter.


    He spun the dial a little to the left and the color changed to yellow, and the farther he spun, the darker the shade became till it turned red.


    Then he spun it clockwise till it was the brilliant shade of sky blue again.


    When the color had changed to yellow, Ikasa had a feeling that he would be lost in Spacestorm if he tried to teleport now. When it was red, he felt fatal danger, as if his body might be shredded to pieces.


    With this info on hand, he very carefully spun the dial. He remembered the exact number of turns made till he found a new blue coordinate.


    "Old Man,e here! I found another new room!"


    On having his meditation disturbed for the umpteenth time, Feng Yan groaned.


    "You better not be lying, or you will see why those nobles dread me."


    He grumbled as he stepped onto the teleporter.


    They regained their vision after the bright sh of light. Ikasa and Feng Yan were amazed at the sight before them.


    "How... Why are you guys here?"


    Ikasa asked, his confoundment in his voice.


    Xin Ruo looked away in embarrassment. The kids looked at each other with amusement.


    Luo Qiqi took this chance to expose their strict teacher before her father and Ikasa.


    "Sister Xin Ruo was nagging us to keep up with our studies. She assigned us areas of the Inner ruin''s wall and told us to practice our alphabet. While Sister Xin Ruo was paying attention to us, Yan Xiao disappeared after writing a single letter on the wall."


    Since Luo Qiqi had taken the lead, others also started adding on to the events that happenedter.


    "Sister Xin Ruo panicked when we couldn''t find Yan Xiao even after searching all over the area." Chu Qing continued.


    "It was hriousˇ­  Had Hei Ying not pointed out that Yan Xiao teleported, I think Sister Xin Ruo would''ve gone mad."


    Ikasa didn''t think Pei Yuan had such a mischievous side to him. But that prank was truly awful. He patted Xin Ruo''s back sympathetically and consoled her.


    "The fact you turned hysterical means you cared. They will understand that in due time."


    After a cursory greeting, Feng Yan went to explore the room. While Ikasa was listening to the kids'' chatter, he was busy studying the podium in the center. It held the treasure he was here for; The Energy Efficiency Star!


    When Feng Yan tried to open the box his movements were captured by Chu Qing''s hawkish eyes.


    "Uncle Yan is trying to take the treasure!"


    His shout attracted everyone''s attention. All eyes turned to Feng Yan. And then the small transparent box in his hands.


    There was a small golden star. It was the size of a baby''s thumb. The star''s five-pointed arms were covered with swirling energy.


    Ikasa sucked in a deep breath. Because he identified the star.

 Chapter 26 Around The Body In 80 Breaths

    "This Energy Efficiency Starˇ­ I want it."


    Ikasa looked resolutely toward Feng Yan.


    "I already conceded the Dongle to you. Don''t reach for a mile when offered an inch."


    "But it is our treasure. We discovered it first!"


    A third voice chimed as it broke the tense stand-off between Feng Yan and Ikasa.


    Feng Yan red at Chu Qing, annoyed by his interruption. Ikasa looked on with amusement. He could see the makings of a money-grubbing ghost in him.


    Xin Ruo knew Feng Yan was about to blow up. She intervened quickly and pulled the kids back.


    "Let''s leave the negotiations to Big Brother Ikasa. I am sure he won''t let us be wronged." Then she pointedly looked at Feng Yan, making her displeasure clear.


    Feng Yan was left speechless by his daughter.


    ''I raised you for twenty-four years! And you are siding with this bastard whom you didn''t know a few months ago?''


    He controlled his anger. As long as this guy is good to him and his daughter, everything is well and good.


    He turned his head to look at Ikasa. He could see the resolve in his eyes to get his hands on the Energy Efficiency Star. But he could not give up either. Hisrades in arms were waiting for him to turn their lives around once again.


    Ikasa saw the hesitation mixed with unwillingness in Feng Yan''s eyes. He was reminded of the conversation he had a few hours ago.


    ''He is not doing this just for himself.''


    Ikasa remembered the reason Feng Yan had stayed back. He decided to negotiate with him.


    "What are you going to do with it? Aren''t you just going to sell it? I''ll offer you double the price!"


    "Double the price! Are you sure?"


    ''The Underworld'' had promised 1000 gold for any of the treasures on the list. Feng Yan knew Ikasa was aware of the price. Yet, he had offered double it.


    ''Just how rich is this guy?'' Feng Yan thought to himself.


    Though Feng Yan was a Guard Captain, he was still amoner. His monthly sry was around thirty gold. After that fateful night, he moved to the slums. There earning even a gold coin was difficult, let alone a thousand.


    A few months back, even Ikasa assumed a thousand gold to be a huge sum. So it was natural Feng Yan, who had spent thest 18 years in slums, was shocked by his offer.


    "Yes, I am very sure. I want to help you do more for your brothers."


    While Ikasa''s words reflected his intentions, his true thoughts were different.


    ''An Energy Efficiency Star for 2000 gold; I am getting a huge bargain! These things are sold for at least 3000 gold at the auctions.''


    Feng Yan pondered for a while. He saw Xin Ruo staring daggers at him. A sum of 1000 gold. It was arge sum enough to rehabilitate all of the families. He decided not to be greedy.


    "Forget it. Even if I did get the Star, I won''t be able to sell it to them since we killed the contact. I''ll sell it to you for the original price."


    Ikasa smiled widely and shook hands on the deal. He promised to send money over as soon as they returned to the city.


    Finished with their training, they made haste towards the city.


    The two men were very excited to reach the city as soon as possible. They kept urging the coachman to speed up, much to Xin Ruo''s chagrin.


    She breathed a sigh of relief only when the carriage stopped in front of the Mansion. While she was taking care of her jittery knees, Ikasa had excitedly rushed inside with Feng Yan following behind.


    Before she had reached the entrance, Feng Yan came out with three bags in his hands and a broad grin on his face.


    When he was before Xin Ruo, he gave her a quick hug. Holding her at an arm''s length, he looked appreciatively at her. Then his gaze turned to the window through which Ikasa''s figure could be seen.


    "Haha, You have truly found me a good son-inw."


    Xin Ruo turned red from anger and embarrassment. She sputtered when she noticed Ikasa looking at themotion outside.


    She avoided his gaze while focusing on Feng Yan and hissed, "Who found you a Son inw? Don''t talk nonsense, you old codger."


    Feng Yan lightly smacked her forehead.


    "Don''t learn bad habits from that bastard!"


    Secondster, he changed his tone.


    "Since my good son-inw gave me extra 500 gold, what good things should I buy for your uncles and aunties?"


    Xin Ruo looked scandalized at the thought Feng Yan had extorted money from Ikasa. But then again, Ikasa looked unharmed and happy. So it was probably him who had acted with extravagance and given away 500 Gold.


    She shook her head in resignation. Before she went inside with the kids, she decided to give final advice to her father.


    "Don''t splurge it all on booze."


    "Tskˇ­ I raised you in vain. This unfilial daughter even thinks her father is a drunkard."


    At being called unfilial, Xin Ruo was triggered. She came back down from the stairs and coldly hissed in her father''s face.


    "Who spent nights awake, drinking alcohol, just so his eyes would stay bloodshot? Who was it who said if he didn''t have bloodshot eyes he wouldn''t be identified as Red Eye anymore?"


    She threw a barrage of questions. Feng Yan hurried to cover her mouth.


    "Hey Hey Hey! Now don''t expose your father''s secrets."


    Then he furtively nced at the kids and Ikasa. Both of them seemed like they didn''t hear anything.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I couldn''t treat you the best back then but didn''t I find you a husband with this nice mansion?"


    Xin Ruo looked at Feng Yan with narrowed eyes.


    "Did you not just say that I found you ''a very good Son-In-Law''?"


    "Then you denied it. So the credit is mine!"


    "Ugh! You are impossible!"


    And then she stormed off into the mansion.


    Feng Yan watched with a smile the departing figure of his daughter. He then waved once at the kids and Ikasa and walked out while whistling a tune only he knew.


    ˇŞ


    Ikasa closed the window after he saw Feng Yan go out of the gates of the Mansion.


    ''Finally! That old coot took forever to leave.''


    Although the exchange of father and daughter was entertaining, he was impatient to explore the mystery of the Energy Efficiency Star.


    He had to wait because the old coot was in Sense Realm. He would pick up on any unusual phenomenon caused by the usage of the Energy Efficiency Star.


    If his little bit of impatience led to his secret being exposed, he would be unworthy of being called a businessman.


    Ikasa carefully unlocked the transparent case of the Energy Efficiency Star. Hepared it to the golden yellow star embedded in a red semicircr strip on the Printer.


    ''As expected. They are the same!''


    Ikasa thought as he brought the star closer to one of the four remaining empty slots. The Star was sucked in and a vortex of energy gathered around the Printer.


    When the vortex subsided, the red strip had two stars instead of one. The Printer''s color had changed to dark grey, different from the matte ck it was before.


    When Ikasa connected, he felt nothing had changed. The User Interface was still the same old.


    He skipped the greetings from the interface and checked the points.


    CP: 76


    BP: 73


    The battle points had increased since Feng Yan had used five of his manuals. He had also given one Movement Technique Manual to Hei Ying. He nned to give everyone else one as well.


    So all 73 BP were ounted for. But there were 5 extra CP. Ikasa decided to read the User Manualter to check the cause of this anomaly.


    Ikasa toggled back to the Print button from the current Copy button.


    "Huh? Golden Print? Is this because of the Energy Efficiency Star?"


    His eyes lit up with joy. He now knew that the Golden Print button was like a lottery, with the best prize pool. As the User''s energy improved, so would the levels of the manuals avable for printing.


    He prayed to his lucky god once and clicked the Print Button.


    The familiar phenomenon of the air being sucked through the paper tray at the back appeared, and the printer started to print a new manual.


    Ikasa had kept his eyes closed this entire time and had not even looked at the name of the manual he had drawn.


    A few momentster, a book with a shining golden cover was sitting on his desk. He picked it up and read the cerulean blue-colored title embossed on the cover.


    "Around the Body in 80 Breaths."


    His hands trembled, and he mmed the book back on the table.


    "Fcuk this! Can I get a single book with a normal name?"


    Dissatisfied with the name, he still read through the manual. When he finished arranging the intended energy path of this manual, his eyes turned as big as saucers.


    ''Thisˇ­ this is insane!''


    There were hundred and eight postures depicted on the pages. Thirteen types of breathing techniques toplement those postures were also described in the book.


    The energy path ovepped on each and every blood vessel in the human body. This meant it would strengthen every tissue, every cell of the Human Body!


    ''If anyone is sessful in cultivating this manual, wouldn''t he be as strong as a Condensation-Stage Spiritual beast in Path Forging Realm itself?''


    He quickly reviewed the manual. He could trace the energy path shown in Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength in this technique''s energy path.


    ''So Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength might be an offshoot of this Cultivation manual.''


    Ikasa quickly turned to the Copy button to get a few more prints of this manual. He was going to let Xin Ruo and the Kids practice this manual from now on.


    When he selected the [Around the Body in 80 Breaths] as a target for copying, he received new options that were not avable before.


    [Copy x1] [Copy x100]


    He selected [Copyx100].


    ''Anyways, I don''t have 100 CP. Hence, the printer cannot create 100 copies.''


    Or so he thought.


    [Would you like to use 50 CP to create a Hundred-Use manual?]

 Chapter 27 First Bank Of The Cultivation World

    "What 100 uses for just 50CP? Doesn''t that mean that for every 50 CP I spend, I can get back 100 CP!"


    Without wasting any more time, Ikasa checked if this applied to other Manuals as well.


    "Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength? Yes, the x100 option is open. Nutcracker Kick? This one also has it. Fast-Faster-Fastest? Yep!"


    His eyes gleamed with ecstasy, and he cheered loudly.


    "Hahaha! Now I can open a shop without having to worry about running out of manuals."


    He printed five more copies of [Around the Body in 80 Breaths] without worrying about the points. He also printed four more [Fast-Faster-Fastest] manuals for other kids.


    The punching routine taught by Feng Yan fulfilled all the basic attacking necessities of the kids. A good movement technique and a special technique to excel in; that''s all they need to truly shine.


    Ikasa printed [The Backhand] for Yan Xiao. He and Chu Qing were the only ones without an exclusive attacking technique.


    Yan Xiao''srge palms made him suitable for this palm/p technique. Chu Qing''s sturdy build was more suitable to be developed as a defender.


    Before disconnecting from the Printer, Ikasa went through the relevant sections on upgrades.


    The energy absorption and utilization capability of the Printer are dependent on the Energy Efficiency Starˇ­.


    ''So, each Energy Efficiency Star gives 1 chance to randomly print or copy. Since I have two stars, it is like getting 2 points in either CP or BP.


    This means I don''t have to use my chances to randomly print or copy existing manuals every day. Instead, I can use the two chances to use the targeted print feature once!''


    Now, only the case of extra 5CP was left. Ikasa nced through the upgrade section for any useful info.  His search bore fruit.


    "So after the extra energy absorbed by the printer upgrades silver button to gold button. And after that, whatever is left is stored in the form of CP or BP."


    Ikasa did mental calctions. He was away for two weeks. A week''s worth of energy was exhausted to form a golden button. Then why is there only 5 CP and not 7?


    ''Anyway, it is a good thing. So, let it be.''


    And he disconnected from the Printer.


    ˇŞ


    The sun was setting outside when Ikasa heard amotion outside his room. He opened the door and was greeted by the sight of Chu Qing and the others.


    "Brother Ikasa, we are here to get our share of the treasure we discovered."


    Chu Qing took the lead to state their purpose of visit. On the way back, he pestered Ikasa throughout the journey. The teenage boy had sessfully extracted a promise from Ikasa that he would give them a share in the form of Gold coins.


    Ikasa rubbed his head. He had promised to get Chu Qing to shut up. He didn''t expect him to bring everyone here to cash in on his promise.


    "Big Brother, you will not renege on your word now, right?"


    Chu Qing asked slyly, smiling.


    "Of course not! You guys did a great job. I will give you guys 100 gold each!"


    He brought out the pouch filled with gold coins. The eyes of these innocent kids glimmered with excitement. Chu Qing wiped the drool and extended his hand to receive the money bag when Ikasa took it back.


    "Now that I think about it, 500 gold is a veryrge sum. Since you guys are still young and immature, what if you lose it? Or worse, what if someone steals it from you?"


    Chu Qing''s eyes narrowed. He was about to retort but Ikasa didn''t give him a chance to.


    "How about I act as your treasurer and keep these gold coins for you? When you need anything, juste to me. I will get it for you."


    Chu Qing grew flustered.


    "No, absolutely notˇ­"


    "Chu Qing, listen to your Big Brother Ikasa. He gets us everything we need. So, it is not a bad idea to keep the gold coins with him."


    Xin Ruo entered as if it was her queue.


    "Brother Chu Qing, why don''t we listen to sister Xin Ruo?"


    Yan Xiao asked, hesitating a little.


    "How can you say that, Yan Xiao? Did you not want to eat Kebabs? How will you buy them without any money?"


    Luo Qiqi hissed at Yan Xiao.


    "You want to eat Kebabs? Why didn''t you say so earlier? They don''t even cost 50 coppers, why do you need to carry 500 gold around for it? If you want to eat them, I will ask caretaker Han to buy them for you."<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Really?"


    Yan Xiao asked excitedly. Ikasa ruffled his hair with a smile and nodded.


    "I also want the sugar-spun candy they have in the weekly market. Also the Sweet and salty jujubes at the western gateˇ­"


    Luo Qiqi listed the delicacies she wanted to taste with their locations. Ikasa nodded as he listened to the long list.


    ''Did I find a little Foodie along with a Money Grubber?''


    Chu Qing''s face fell when Ikasa acquiesced to all of Luo Qiqi and Yan Xiao''s demands. He looked at the other two hoping to get their support. Ikasa noticed his gaze.


    "Do you two want anything as well?"


    Pei Yuan and Hei Ying acted as if they were silent bystanders. They knew they wouldn''t be getting a single gold from this cunning fox of a Big Brother. They might as well add in whatever novelties they desired or delicacies they wanted to try.


    And the list grew longer. Ikasa asked Caretaker Han to take note of each item and bring it home by the night. Then he wrote 100 gold on five pieces of paper and signed below.


    "Here. This note signifies I am holding 100 gold for each of you. Because you guys wanted to use this money to buy the items you listed, I will deduct the expenses incurred from your deposited amount."


    The kids'' expressions changed. They hurried to remove any unnecessary items from the list. He smiled as he saw kids scratching their heads about what to add to the list and what to remove.


    He was reminded of his time on Earth. He had to think hard to maintain a healthy bnce between expenditure and bank ount.


    ''Now that I think of it, shouldn''t this be considered the first bank of this cultivation world? Even though this form is very rudimentary, I can poprize it. But for that, my name must be known all over the empire.''


    As he fantasized, Ikasa noticed Chu Qing sulking in a corner.


    ''Since this guy likes gold so much, let''s develop his skill tree in that direction.''


    "Chu Qing, I have an offer for you. If you look after the finances of the house as well as their expenditure, I will pay you 20 coppers every week."


    Chu Qing thought for a moment. He shook his head.


    "Twenty coppers is nothing. I am ready to work for one gold."


    "Just say you don''t want to do it. Why bother to reject my offer by raising the price so high?"


    "Twenty coppers are too low. Give me at least 5 silvers."


    "Hiring an experienced ountant might be cheaper, I think?"


    Chu Qing gritted his teeth.


    "One Silver! I won''t agree to any less."


    "I might as well do them myself."


    Ikasa retorted and turned to walk away. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Chu Qing biting his lip, on the verge of crying. But he didn''t utter a single word and held back the tears.


    Ikasa took pity on the poord and gave him a way out.


    "Look, I will give you one silver as your weekly wage."


    Shine returned to his eyes immediately and the tears that were welling up were nowhere to be seen. Then his eyes narrowed as he voiced his suspicion.


    "Seriously? You won''t go back on your words?"


    His expression changed so fast that Ikasa even doubted his decision.


    ''Am I choosing the wrong skill tree for him? Should he be an actor?''


    Ikasa shook his head to throw the useless thoughts out.


    "Listen to me first. You will make a lot of mistakes in the beginning and I will have to review and correct everything you have done. I will charge 80 coppers as my consultation fee during that period."


    Chu Qing tried to protest against this arrangement. But Ikasa shushed him and continued.


    "Once you can do everything on your own, without mistakes, I will stop taking consultation fees. If you don''t make any mistakes, I will even raise your sry to 2 silver."


    All of Chu Qing''s worries were reced by the joy of earning two silver every week in the near future. He agreed on the spot to Ikasa''s proposal.


    Ikasa smiled at his naivety. Because he would soone to know how hard it is to keep track of every coin being spent.

 Chapter 28 Yep, Definitely A Human

    In a dark room illuminated by moonlight, a figure was tossing and turning on the bed. His covers were kicked off on the ground and his body was covered in sweat.


    The peaceful night''s silence was broken by the screams of this individual.


    "NO! Noˇ­"


    Ikasa sat upon his bed, his eyes wide open. His mouth still uttered the word ''no.'' He took in his surroundings and breathed a sigh of relief.


    ''So it was just a nightmare.''


    He poured himself a ss of water and closed his eyes reying the nightmare.


    It was the scene of thest moments of Wu Nan. But if it was just Wu Nan, he wouldn''t call it a nightmare. Wu Nan turned into  Xin Ruo, Feng Yan, and the Kids; even Yao Han and the two boys who gave himxatives reced Wu Nan.


    And Ikasa beheaded them all. The gazes of pain, betrayal, rage, and usations pricked his conscience. It was all because he had buried the question of his humanity.


    ''Am I some freak robot or an actual living human?''


    He shook his head and looked outside. The full moon in the sky reflected in the pond outside creating an illusion of two moons.


    ''Maybe a stroll outside will clear my head.''


    Ikasa put on his robe and headed to the pond. The warm night air was slowly cooling and turning chilly. He enjoyed the gentle breeze that brushed against his face.


    He reached the orchard near the pond and that''s when he heard it.


    "Gudgugud.."


    Bubbles appeared on the surface of theke. Startled, Ikasa hid in the darkness offered by the trees in the orchard. He watched cautiously as a figure emerged from the water.


    Brown locks of hair spread behind her as the figure swam towards the shore near him. Only now did he notice the clothing ced on therge rock.


    When he focused back on the person, she had emergedpletely from the water. She was none other than Xin Ruo.


    She shook her head and her dense ck hair followed suit. The water detached and formed droplets that reflected the moonlight on the star of the show.


    Her facial features were exquisite; a straight pointed nose, brown almond eyes, and plump cherry red lips. What more can a man ask for?


    But today, his attention was captured not by her soft cheeks. Instead, his eyes refused to look away from a single drop that trickled down her chin.


    He wanted to be that drop. Look down, into the deep ravine formed by her soft mounds. And then jump into that valley.


    Make a way down through her generous breasts. Maybe even give her pink nipples a flick.


    As the drop slowly crossed the valley, clinging to the side of her mature and full peak, his heartbeat elerated. He could imagine the smooth softness of those breasts as the drop was joined by many fellow droplets rolling down from them.


    Leaving the enticing peaks behind, the droplet began his journey into the tanned, tnds of this beauty''s abdomen.


    ''I want to mark this patch of skin with his kisses and caresses.''


    He gulped at the thought.


    His heart almost skipped a beat when the droplet almost fell into her deep belly button.


    ''Will its journey end here? Will it not get to see the ultimate treasure of this body?''


    His worries were for naught as the drop narrowly avoided that disaster and raced down from her slender waist, into the gulf formed by her thighs.


    Ikasa sighed in regret at the demise of this drop, but his eyes followed countless other drops rushing down on her long, lean legs. These divine legs were a feast for the eyes.


    She walked to the rock where her clothing was. Her every step sent a wave down her firm bosom. Her gentle sway of hips caused his heart to be swayed.


    He gulped as she bent to pick up her clothes. Her bouncy heart-shaped rear was presented to him by her action. His tongue swirled on his dry lips at the sight of the treasure cave hidden within.


    Then she disappeared behind the rock and he let out a sigh of disappointment. He looked down at his erection.


    ''I want her right now, but I don''t want a passion for one night to ruin our budding romance.''


    As the thought shed through his mind, he was reminded of his biology ss.


    "... one of the characteristics that make living beings ''living'' is the urge to procreate."


    One of the major representative symptoms of this urge was arousal. And he had experienced it in this body. He looked down at his tent and smiled.


    "Yep, I am definitely a Human."


    He had found his sce.


    ˇŞ<novelnext></novelnext>


    The next morning, Ikasa met with Xin Ruo and the kids before they began their training. He distributed the newly printed [Around the Body in 80 Breaths] among the kids.


    "These are upgrades to your current cultivation manual. This technique is peerless even in the Top Grade Path Forging Realm manuals."


    He saw the excitement on the kids'' faces while Xin Ruo looked stunned. He was very much satisfied with their reactions. Perceiving their impatience, he handed the manuals to them.


    "I won''t say much, just use them and experience their power yourself."


    Energy Vortexesrger than the one caused by [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] formed around everyone. They alsosted for a much longer time.


    The whirlpool caused by his high-grade manualsted for about ten minutes. On the other hand, the energy vortex formed by the new manual had still not subsided after twenty minutes.


    The cocoons formed around them due to the presence of excess energy were broken after half an hour. Ikasa had started his exercises for the day while he waited for them to digest their gains.


    "What? My cultivation fell back to stage 1 of the Path Forging realm!"


    He heard Hei Ying exim as he was finishing his seventhp around the grounds. Concerned, he hurried to where the group was standing.


    "I also regressed to stage 1!"


    "Me tooˇ­"


    Chu Qing and Yan Xiao expressed their woes.


    "Boo hooˇ­ I am also in stage 1 now. Say was this some evil scheme of Brother Ikasa? Is he using this method to catch up to us?"


    *Thwack*


    Ikasa heard Luo Qiqi''s false usations and couldn''t help but give a light smack on the back of her head. She turned to see who dared smack her head but turned obedient seeing who it was.


    At this moment, the energy vortex around Xin Ruo also faded. The kids gathered around Xin Ruo toin about their lowered Cultivation Stages. Hearing theirints, she felt her body''s condition.


    As a result,  she discovered an anomaly. She performed all the battle techniques she knew one after another. Even then she didn''t even break a sweat.


    "This is strange. My cultivation stage is much lower but I feel stronger than when I was at stage 5."


    Ikasa was watching Xin Ruo go through every battle technique. He was amazed and pleased with her progress. He had an idea as to why everyone''s cultivation regressed.


    He might''ve not been able to cultivate but he had read many books and umted lots of theories over the years. He stepped forward to clear the confusion.


    "Since you guys learned a new Energy Cultivation Manual, new paths have opened for your energy. Your older energy path is just a fraction of this extended pathway. So naturally, your cultivation has fallen as you have yet to clear the new pathway."


    Everyone had a look as if they had a revtion. They looked at Ikasa with admiration.


    "Big Brother Ikasa is so smart!"


    Yan Xiao said with stars in his eyes. Ikasa''s chest expanded with pride. And it was quickly shriveled by Chu Qing''s words.


    "He is a miser and a cheater, but he is smart."


    ''This money-hungry ghost is still holding a grudge.''


    Ikasa quickly changed the subject.


    "The Challenger''s Arena is just two weeks away. You guys need to practice your battle techniques well so that you can show them off on stage."


    "Will we really be able to do well? What if we fail?"


    Pei Yuan was the most afraid of going on stage.


    "Weren''t you guys confident when I first asked you? Why are you getting cold feet now? Anyways, winning or losing doesn''t matter. All you have to do is show off your battle techniques."


    "But brother Ikasa our cultivation stage fellˇ­"


    Pei Yuan''s jitters spread to others as well.


    "Didn''t you hear your sister Xin Ruo? Even if her cultivation stage fell, she is stronger than before. The same is the case with you guys. Don''t worry too much. Spar with sister Xin Ruo and practice yourbat skills. You will be fine."


    The kids were still in doubt. It was time for a dose of a pep talk.


    "Remember you are the Strongest Path Forging realm cultivators in this city, thanks to yours truly!"


    And Ikasa gave an borate bow and stumbled in the process.


    His over-the-top acting brought a smile to the tense kids. He picked himself up as he thought, ''Mission Aplished!''

 Chapter 29 Preparation

    The countdown to the Challenger''s Arena had begun. The kids were training diligently under Xin Ruo. They had gotten increasingly proficient in using their own Battle Techniques.


    Every spar against Xin Ruo exposed their shorings and they worked hard to rectify them before the big event. They also sparred against each other and rekindled theirpetitive spirit.


    Each and every one of them had mastered one specific battle technique. Even though everyone had learned the [Fast, Faster, Fastest], no one could execute it as fluently as Pei Yuan. His grace and unpredictability made the movement technique shine.


    Hei Ying was the master of jabs and punches. She had taken Feng Yan''s teachings and seamlessly merged her battle technique, [Gazelle Punch], into them.


    Luo Qiqi, that vicious little devil preferred [Nutcracker kick]. Her short stature meant even her highest kick wouldn''t hit any of the other kid''s heads, let alone some adults. But the Nutcracker Kick focused on the lower half of the body and she made full use of this technique''s advantage.


    Chu Qing had a sturdy body despite not having eaten proper three meals a day. He also preferred making as little movement as possible while facing his opponents. The [Peek-a-Boo] defensive techniqueplemented very well with his nature.


    Last but not least, Yan Xiao. He learned [The Backhand] just a few days ago, but he had already imprinted every other kid''s cheek with his p. His foolishugh disarms the enemy and the unexpected backhand guarantees a ko. His training with the monkeys had helped him time his ps better.


    While the Kids were busy training their techniques, Ikasa was creating a stockpile of manuals. He had already amassed 21 copies of [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength].


    The Energy Efficiency Star was like timely rain in a drought. He made use of the two chances every day to copy the Battle Techniques in his possession. Even though he was tempted to use the Targeted Printing Function, he didn''t.


    The best battle technique manual he could get right now with the Targeted printing was a Mid Grade Manual. Because the cap of Targeted Printing was set ording to the User''s cultivation it wouldn''t be wise of him to waste two points.


    Ikasa looked at the date. Ten days left until Challenger''s Arena.


    ''I should go and reserve the training grounds now. I also need to book a storefront near the administrative office.''


    ¨C


    The City Hall had many departments. One of them managed the City Guards. The training grounds also came under the purview of this department. Ikasa was now visiting this department to purchase the rights to use the grounds.


    When he entered the building, the receptionist almost cried out with joy.


    "Ikasa! you are here atst! Do you know how stressful thest few days have been? Those from Lotus Pavilion havee almost every day to book training grounds for the first day of the next month."


    Ikasa was unsettled by the news. Due to concern, his voice went an octave higher.


    "Then is that day still open for reservation?"


    Ikasa had a verbal agreement with the receptionist regarding this matter. He had not gone through any formal procedures since he did not think there would be any problem getting the grounds. And this hindsight might cost him severely this time.


    "No, that date is already booked." The receptionist said with a serious tone.


    "Ohˇ­" Ikasa said glumly. Then a thought shed through his head.


    ''If it is already booked, then what was with that excited reception? Why did it seem like she was waiting for me?''


    He looked at the receptionist with suspicion. Her lips twitched and her facade broke.


    "You should thank Commander Du. He reserved the grounds under his name and asked me to collect payment from you."


    He thanked his lucky stars that the previous Ikasa had left a good impression on Commander Du. It was an insignificant favor for him, but it had saved Ikasa''s hide.


    He readily paid the 100 Gold as charges for using the ground. The receipt was issued and his name was added to the registry book. Now he could check off one of his tasks from his To-Do list.


    The next thing on his list was finding a Store. He moved to the real estate department of the City Hall.


    One of the agents apanied Ikasa to tour the avable shops in the vicinity.


    The very first shop they visited was facing the training grounds. These grounds spanned a huge area. Half of this area was in the inner city and the rest was in the outer city.


    The shop was near the gate of the inner city. But since the shop itself was in the outer city it was essible to the majority ofmoners.


    "This is a fabulous location!" Ikasa eximed.


    "This is indeed a good ce... if your customers aremoners?" The attendant exined while trying to gauge Ikasa''s exact requirements.


    He wanted to dip his fingers in both pies; Nobles as well asmoners. So he just smiled but didn''t borate.


    He motioned to the agent to open the lock on the door.


    "Let''s take a look at the shop''s interior?"


    The attendant found the right key and unlocked the lock. He opened the twin doors and revealed the dusty counter behind them.


    The store itself was small. At most two people could sitfortably behind the counter. There were two horizontal shelves with fourpartments each to showcase the shop''s wares.


    "This shop is small but it is perfect for selling novelty and rare products. It does not have any ce to store goods so it remained closed even after so long."


    The agent exined the reason behind the unclean interior.


    The more Ikasa looked at the shop, the more he liked it. For him, the problem of no storage space was not a problem at all.


    He had a limited number of manuals. All of them would fit inside the counter table and the shelves behind. Since he liked the store, it was time to check taxes.


    "What is the tax rate on this shop?"


    All themercial buildings in Sal City were owned by the City Lord. The Shopkeepers could use the shops by paying the City lord a certain amount of tax.


    The tax brackets were divided into three rings; 20, 30%, and 40%.<novelnext></novelnext>


    The shops farthest from the inner city were charged 20% of total transactions. Those inside the inner city were charged 30%.


    "This shop is located near the inner city but is in the outer city. So the Tax rate is 40% of the transactions here."


    The attendant told Ikasa after going through the documents.


    Ikasa rubbed his chin. He liked the shop very much but the tax rate was too high.


    "Are there any other shops in the vicinity in the lower tax bracket?"


    He asked while checking the list of shops and their locations. The agent closed his eyes and pinched his nose bridge as if trying to remember something.


    A few momentster, he snapped his fingers.


    "Yes, I remembered. There is one shop facing the training grounds in the inner city. The tax charged on this shop is 30%."


    Ikasa dismissed the shop the moment he heard inner city. If the majority of his customer base can''t even visit his shop, what was the point of having it?


    He was only able to go in and out of the Inner city because he was acquainted with the guards due to his identity as a scribe. Or else he would also be stuck outside forever.


    ''30% or 40% really doesn''t matter since whatever I gain is pure profit anyways.''


    He decided on the shop they were currently in and informed the agent to proceed with the formalities.


    Ikasa hired two people to repair any damages to the shop and clean it before he returned to the City Hall.


    The attendant brought him to the scribe. The Scribe was a middle-aged man with greying hair. He had a long scar on his palm.


    Ikasa realized this was the two-timing scribe Yao Han was telling him about.


    The Scribe took out a prepared contract and began reading the terms to him in a droning monotonous voice.


    "You agree to pay 100 Gold as a deposit. If there are any damages to the shop, the charges will be borne by you. Or this deposit will be confiscated."


    "Actually, I can read the contract myself."


    Ikasa stretched his hands to take the contract. But the Scribe swatted his hand away and gave him a stinky re.


    He continued to read as if nothing had happened.


    "If you fail to pay taxes for two consecutive months or falsify your transactions, your assets will be seized. Furthermore, you will be punished with imprisonment. Do you agree?"


    Ikasa replied affirmatively.


    "Put your thumb here."


    He dipped his thumb in the bowl full of blood and imprinted his thumb on the paper. He felt a mysterious connection form between himself and the contract paper.


    He may have written numerous contracts but he had never been part of one. His chain of thoughts was broken by the annoying hiss of the Scribe before him.


    "Just because you can read and write doesn''t mean you can usurp me as the official scribe. Don''t forget you are still a low-born dog without any backing."


    ''So this guy was pissed about me taking over his work during his absence.''


    Ikasa did the same jobs as this Scribe, twice as efficiently, and earned his monthly sry of 300 gold within a week.


    Naturally, the guy felt threatened.


    Since his contract was already concluded, he didn''t have to listen to this insecure bastard''s whinings.


    He stood up and looked down on the stodgy man. He scanned the man from head to toe.


    "Maybe you won''t lose your job if you think with your head instead of your dick."


    And he turned around and left with a ir, living behind a very livid scribe.


    ˇŞ-


    The Arena was just a week away, and rumors about the incredible rewards of the Arena spread through the city. People rushed to Ikasa''s store to register their names for the Arena.


    Xin Ruo took down the names of the applicants inside the store while Luo Qiqi helped grind ink. Ikasa was out creating rumors and spreading the word about his big event.


    Chu Qing, Hei Ying, and Pei Yuan were tasked with checking the cultivation levels of the people applying. Yan Xiao yelled the rules to the crowd of people gathered before the store.


    Avaricious Chu Qing had a crazy idea when he saw people gathered to try to bribe the kids. He abandoned his post of checking cultivation and set up a stall before the shop.


    Every person who passed Hei Ying and Pei Yuan''s inspections had to pay one silver as an entry fee to Chu Qing. Only then was he allowed to enter to have his name registered.


    In this way, he had turned a free event into a paid event.


    ''Too bad. Brother Ikasa has set a limit of a hundred contestants.''


    Chu Qing sighed as he pocketed the ill-earned 100 silver.

 Chapter 30 Deduct 50 Silver For Overacting!

    The day of the Arena arrived. On the empty training grounds, a makeshift stadium had been erected with the power of money. Commoners and Aristocrats alike made a beeline towards the stadium.


    To amodate the rich, Ikasa had to reserve a whole stand. Commander Du had specifically asked him to create a seating arrangement befitting City Lord.


    And hence the entire stand for affluents had to be decoratedvishly. That one stand, by itself, cost more than the other five stands. He was d to see the money well spent as all the seats were filled before the appointed time.


    The Sun had risen fully in the east. Meaning it was the time to start the show. Ikasa entered the ring, and all the eyes were focused on him. People strained their ears to hear every word he uttered.


    "What a fine morning Ladies and Gentlemen! I wee you all to this Challenger''s Arena Contest. I organized this arena to let my Battle Technique manuals find worthy owners. And I am overwhelmed and gratified by the response we received."


    Ikasa turned and bowed to all six stands. His humility appeased the Nobles while winning the hearts of themoners.


    He already noticed the crowd ncing at the Fighters assembling in one corner. He addressed the popr sentiment and cut his speech short.


    "I know everyone is impatient to see thebat skills of our Sal City''s Path Forgers. So without further ado, let''s start this event. To exin the rules of this event, I invite Ms. Xin Ruo!"


    Ikasa pped, and the crowd followed suit as Xin Ruo dressed in a beautiful red gown took the stage. Her melodious voice resounded through the arena.


    "Although there are many martial artists at Stage 6 and below of Path Forging realm, we could only take in the first 100 who registered. I apologize to all those who didn''t get a chance."


    Ikasa watched on, amused, as the crowd was swayed by her words.


    "If such beauty is apologizing, which bastard can hold a grudge?"


    "I was hundred and first. That kid even took my silver. But Goddess Xin Ruo came out and said there are no more spots left."


    "Hmph! Fools dancing on her fingersˇ­ But she has such smooth sunkissed skin."


    Xin Ruo paused until the crowd settled down.


    "There are 30 special gold coins hidden in this stadium. All hundred contestants will enter the ring at once. After half an hour, those who possess the coin  will qualify to enter the actual Challenger''s Arena contest."


    She raised one of the Special Coins up into the air. Most of the people present couldn''t see anything, but the contestants, who were closer, clearly saw the coin''s appearance.


    The circr coin was carved with the name Ikasa. That''s all there was to know about it.


    "Contestants can snatch the coin from other contestants. They can fight and maim each other. But killing each other is prohibited. Vitors will be disqualified and judged before the City Lord."


    She took a long pause to let her warning sink in. During this time, she withdrew from the ring. When she was back in the stands, she threw the coin in her hand into the ring.


    As the coin flipping through airnded in the ring, her voice fell into everyone''s ears.


    "Let the contest begin!"


    Like bulls stampeding out of their pens, the contestants charged into the arena. Their aim? The very first special coin.


    As more and more coins were discovered, the treasure hunt turned into a battle royale. Sitting in the stands, people cheered for every drop of blood spilled. Family members winced if the source was their loved ones.


    The idea behind holding this battle royale was to wear down or eliminate the strongest opponents. If one gets a coin, the mob would attack him to seize it back.


    There was no way to create deterrence. Since everyone was in the Intermediate Path Forging realm, no one could convincingly overpower others.


    Also, killing people was prohibited; Hence, even the slightly weaker ones dared to bite the strong.


    In a corner of the noble''s stand, Ikasa and Xin Ruo pointed out particrly tough opponents to the kids.


    This was another advantage of this phase of the tournament. The kids would get a preview of their possible opponents, boosting their morale.


    "See that tall baldie? He is good at leg techniques. So try to get close to him and attack his upper body."


    "Sister Xin Ruo look! That guy is so strong! He took down two people with two punches. Ah! Nevermind. He fell down after just one kick to his shin."


    "Don''t underestimate that skinny guy. He probably practices a High-Grade Cultivation Manual."


    Xin Ruo warned the kids as she saw the skinny guy punch another one out. Ikasa''s attention was drawn by the serious tone of her voice.


    "That''s Xue Ni! Why is the son of the Xue Family elder here? Kids, be careful of him, okay?"


    Time flew and the incense lit to keep track of time was almost burnedpletely.


    "Only 5 minutes left for thepetition to end!"


    Xin Ruo announced, causing the battles below to turn even more bloody. The people waiting for thest stretch joined to snatch the coins from their existing owners.


    In this frenzy, Xue Ni fell and lost the coin. Ikasa sighed a breath of relief. Almost every strong person had been eliminated. Those who were still in the fight were worn down and exhausted.


    Ikasa turned to look at the burning stick of incense. But instead, he saw perverse smirks on some faces.


    He was reminded that these Nobles love when Commoners fight like dogs for limited resources. And what was happening in the ring below was no different.<novelnext></novelnext>


    He felt disgusted with himself for being a catalyst in fulfilling these nobles'' depraved desires.


    Xin Ruo turned to Ikasa when he still did not signal her to end the battles below. She saw him trembling with fury while his eyes were shut tight.


    She touched his hands, her eyebrows questioning the cause for his fury. He took a deep breath and centered himself. Shaking his head he told her to proceed as nned.


    "Time is up! Please separate and maintain a distance of two arms from each other."


    Everyone stopped unwillingly. They stepped away from each other.


    "Everyone who obtained the Coin, raise it above your heads ande forward."


    Once the winners were separated she bowed to all of them.


    "I thank all of you for participating. Apprentices of Medicine Master Hao will tend to your wounds backstage. Pleasee this way."


    Xin Ruo led the remaining 70 people to the apprentices of the Medicine Master. Ikasa stepped in to take the reins.


    "I congratte all of you for securing the coin. With that coin, you can challenge one of them." He pointed toward the Kids.


    "If you win, the Battle Technique they use will be your reward. Everyone will only get one chance, so make sure to make the most out of it."


    Ikasa motioned one of the Kids toe forward. Chu Qing came to the front.


    "Hello! My name is Chu Qing. I use the defensive battle technique, [Peek-a-Boo Defense]. Does anyone wants to challenge me and witness the power of this Battle Technique?"


    His deration was met with silence. All thirty of the winners were tired and injured. Anyone who stepped up now would obviously be at a disadvantage.


    The challengers fidgeted, but no one came forward. Seeing this situation, Ikasa discreetly raised his finger.


    He had already anticipated such a situation. He had hired five of the weaker contestants to act on his orders. The promise of twenty gold coins was too lucrative, and they had readily agreed to his suggestion.


    How did he make sure that they would enter the top 30 despite being weak?


    The number of coins hidden in the arena was five less than announced. These missing five coins were on the people he hired when they entered the arena.


    Even if they were discovered, he had a perfect exnation. Since the coins hidden on their person were also within the arena, it did not count as bias. Thankfully, they mixed in well, and he didn''t have to exin.


    And now he was asking one of those people to challenge Chu Qing.


    A man with a long thin mustache but no beard came forth. He cupped his fist and bowed to Chu Qing.


    "Greetings! I, Ma Peng, want to test the defense of your battle technique."


    "Please, try your best!"


    Chu Qing responded in kind.


    In the stands, Ikasa was fuming as Chu Qing deviated from the rehearsed lines. ''It''s ''go easy on me'' not ''try your best''!''


    The challenge began, and Chu Qing took a horse stance; Ready to activate his skill at a moment''s notice. Ma Peng also took an offensive posture.


    As soon as the referee''s raised hand went down, Ma Peng winked at Ikasa and charged!


    He aimed a punch at Chu Qing''s face. It was blocked easily. On his next maneuver, he sent a round kick targeting Chu Qing''s waist. Chu Qing took a step back, and the kick didn''t even touch his clothes.


    In a few seconds, Ma Peng and Chu Qing had exchanged several such moves. The audience was quite entertained by the pure skill they had shown.


    "It is time to take this to the next level!"


    Ma Peng''s shout raised the expectations of the spectators. Even Chu Qing heightened his guard.


    He rushed at full speed. Within a few breaths, he was before Chu Qing. His hand was ready to jab at his jaw.


    Chu Qing instinctively used the [Peek-a-Boo Defense]. Ma Peng''s jab hit his strengthened arms. And then Ma Peng took multiple steps back and directly rolled on the ground.


    "Aaah! So strong! I hit him, but his technique shattered my arm!"


    He writhed on the ground as if in extreme pain. Sometimes he held his right arm, the other time his left arm. Amusingly enough, his left arm had not even touched Chu Qing.


    Chu Qing looked at his arms in confusion.


    ''Was this technique this strong?''


    But Ikasa and those with discerning eyes were not fooled. His face darkened further when Ma Peng continued shouting loudly about how powerful the technique was.


    He made a mental note; ''Deduct 50 silver for overacting!''

 Chapter 31 The Real Challengers

    Ma Peng''s performance had boosted the morale of the Challengers. At the same time, it also brought the authenticity of the challengers and this whole arena to question.


    Ikasa sighed and shook his head. What was done is done.  At least the spectators were enjoying themselves. He continued ording to n and recalled Chu Qing.


    When Luo Qiqi came on stage, many of the contestants had recovered from their fatigue. Seeing the girl''s short stature, they were stunned and looked at Ikasa.


    She was flustered by the tant disregard the challengers showed her. When she was introducing herself, she forgot the two words Ikasa had told her a hundred times; ''Be Humble.''


    "You think I am a shorty, eh? Thene up here! I''ll show you what Nutcracker Kick is!"


    She said with her usual bared fangs. The challengers looked at each other. They were angered by the provocation, but the case here was unusual. Victory did not bring any glory while the loss carried with it the burden of shame.


    Yet, to some people, material gains are far more important than immaterial concepts like reputation and fame. Mo Ju, the girl who confronted Luo Qiqi, was one of those people.


    Ikasa recognized the girl. She was the first person who had visited his stall on the prosperity street and left in a huff. All because he was unwilling to let her peruse the manual.


    "I am Mo Ju, a disciple of Sky Bird Sect. I am eager to experience the prowess of your Nutcracker Kick."


    Mo Ju introduced herself with cupped fists, and Luo Qiqi replied in kind. Ikasa sighed a breath of relief at this normal interaction.


    As soon as the match began, Mo Ju was forced to face a barrage of kicks. Qiqi did not give her a chance to mount a counterattack. But Mo Ju was also not to be underestimated.


    Despite being surrounded by kicks, she managed to dodge all of them with her efforts. When one unfortunate kick almost caused Luo Qiqi to tumble, Mo Ju chortled.


    "What do you think of Swallow''s Fleeting Steps technique of my Sky Bird Sect?"


    Her question enlightened the people watching.


    "No wonder she was able to dodge all those fierce kicks."


    "So she was using a movement technique all along!"


    "Hey, where is this Sky Bird Sect?"


    "No idea. This is the first time I am hearing of them."


    Luo Qiqi picked herself up from the ground. Mo Ju rushed to send her sprawling on the ground again. But Luo Qiqi was ready.


    "If you are Fast, I am Faster!"


    She dodged and reached the other end of the ring within seconds. Then she turned around and charged at the defenseless back of Mo Ju. She sent a high jump kick smashing towards her back.


    The Swallow''s Fleeting Steps excelled at dodging, but momentum generated by the straight-line eleration from Fast-Faster-Fastest was no joke. Mo Ju lost her footing, trying to avoid the destructive kick.


    Luo Qiqi front-rolled as shended to mitigate the strain on her legs. She turned around and used the nutcracker kick, aiming at Mo Ju''s knees.


    Mo Ju had regained her bnce but it was toote to dodge. She tried to meet the kick with a kick, but that was a fatal mistake.


    Crack! Two stunning legs collided against each other, and suddenly the beautiful scene turned horrendous.


    "Aaaargh!"


    A heart-wrenching scream of agony resounded through the stadium. Mo Ju held her leg and copsed on the ground. Her shins had broken in two.


    Silence reigned in the stadium. The audience who were just talking andughing a few minutes ago, all quietened.


    Even during the battle royale, no one had suffered irrecoverable injuries. Mo Ju was the first one. Luo Qiqi panicked and looked at Ikasa for reassurance.


    Ikasa signaled to her that everything will be okay. He hurried the medics to bring Mo Ju to Medicine Master Hao.


    It was not that people had not seen injuries like this. They might''ve seen worse or in some cases, experienced it.


    The reason for the silence was the gut-wrenching scream of Mo Ju. It somehow resonated with the people and made them empathize with her pain.


    Once Mo Ju was taken out of the Arena, excited chatter returned.


    "That girl is so strong even though she is so young."


    "I thought she would be done for after her High jump kick failed. She made a superbeback."


    While those in the stands were enjoying the show, the challengers were sweating bullets. Their backs were cold from the battle prowess shown by the two so far.


    Next, Hei Ying came to the ring. She followed Ikasa''s instructions to the letter. His smile widened seeing her conduct.


    ''No wonder, Feng Yan favors her.''


    Hei Ying''s demure behavior helped the challengers regain their wits. They mistook her politeness for weakness, and several of the challengers stepped forward at the same time.


    Huo Bao was the fastest of all, and he reached the ring before the others.


    "Hello, I am Huo Bao. Please go easy on me."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Hei Ying also cupped her fists humbly.


    As soon as the match started, Huo Bao rushed to attack first. Hei Ying did not y around and started off with Gazelle Punch.


    One solid thwack and Huo Bao was on the ground unconscious. His eyes had rolled to the back of his head. The punch had hit him in the lower jaws.


    Just a moment ago, the viewers were still chatting about who would be the victor of this match. Even before their spections were over, the match had been decided and the victor was before them.


    Those who were siding with Huo Bao swallowed their words. As Hei Ying went back, only one thought was prevalent in the arena; Is there no one ordinary among those five kids?


    Pei Yuan entered the ring after Hei Ying. The challengers and onlookers watched with bated breath as he introduced himself.


    When they heard his specialty was Movement technique, they sighed in relief. Many of them gathered the courage to challenge him once more.


    Quan Fen prided himself for his swift punches. He wanted aplementary movement technique to close the distance between him and his target.


    From the description, the Fast-Faster-Fastest seemed like a very good apaniment to his Battle technique, Illusory Fists. He was also confident about taking on Pei Yuan.


    So he bravely stepped up to Pei Yuan''s challenge. Once the battle began, he started to regret his decision.


    Pei Yuan ran circles around Quan Fen, maintaining a safe distance. As soon as Quan Fen let his guard down, Pei Yuan would smack his head or pull his pants.


    It was as if he was prey and Pei Yuan, a predator. Quan Fen couldn''t even touch the hem of Pei Yuan''s robe.


    Even his famed Illusory fists couldn''t harm Pei Yuan. It was at that moment he realized that if the defeats of others were painful, his defeat would be humiliating.


    He was exhausted from activating Illusory Fists, and he copsed to the ground. Pei Yuan had not evennded a fatal blow, and Quan Fen was out.


    The challengers all paid a silent tribute to Quan Fen''s self-esteem, which was killed in action today. They all made a note to not pick Pei Yuan for the next round.


    Even though the challengers were traumatized by the defeats they suffered, the veteran Path Forgers watching these battles had the time of their lives.


    "Did you see the way he turned? That was ingenious of him to elerate while turning."


    "Yes. His skill level is much higher than that little girl who could only use the technique to get raw speed."


    "Ha! You are talking as if you could do any better. That little girl would still wipe the floor with you."


    When these whispers fell on Ikasa''s ears, his lips twitched.


    ''It seems these oldies will be the founding members of Fan Clubs for these kids!''


    Once Pei Yuan returned to the stands, Yan Xiao jumped into the ring.


    "Hello. I am Yan Xiao." Then he looked at Xin Ruo and Ikasa with pitiful eyes.


    "Iˇ­ I forgot my lines."


    A wave ofughter spread through the stands. Even the challengers couldn''t help but smile. Xin Ruo turned red from embarrassment. She felt embarrassed on behalf of Yan Xiao.


    Ikasa''s brain overclocked and he came down to join Yan Xiao. He lightly flicked his forehead. Then he caressed Yan Xiao''s back.


    "I am sorry you had to see this. Our Yan Xiao gets stage fright. So please forgive him. As for his Battle Technique, he uses a Palm Technique called The Backhand."


    Then he looked at Yan Xiao with concern and asked, "Are you ready to ept challenges? If you don''t want to, we can make other arrangements."


    "No! I only forgot my lines because of sister Qiqi. I still want to fight!" He replied with a sheepish grin.


    His confidence was admirable, but it didn''t intimidate any of the Challengers. Even though they were fooled four times in a row, humans had a short memory when a great reward was dangling before them.


    What if all of the earlier ones seemed easy targets but were too strong to handle? I don''t believe every one of those kids is this strong!


    These kinds of thoughts were circting through every challenger''s mind. This fluke mentality was humanity''s fatal w but the hope that emerged from it was also the greatest strength.


    Even so, few dared to act on that hope. Mao Zhong was one of those guys. He decided to try his mettle against the youngest of the kids, hoping his inexperience would lead to his downfall.


    Both took their positions; Mao Zhong readied his legs to kick while Yan Xiao put both of his palms on his shoulder and made an X.


    Mao Zhong closed the distance and began kicking without giving Yan Xiao a chance to counterattack. He was following Luo Qiqi''s strategy. But he chose the wrong opponent.


    Yan Xiao saw through the attack and sidestepped most of the kicks while closing the distance even further. Once Mao Zhong was within the attacking range, he smiled and yelled, "Monkey p!"


    His backhanded pnded on the left cheek of Mao Zhong, and he spun on the spot. As soon as he regained his bearing another p fell on his right cheek, sending him spinning again.


    When Mao Zhong got his senses back, he saw another ping through his squinting eyes. The pain and humiliation came rushing to him.


    Though unwilling, he still shouted, "Iˇ­ I give up!"


    But he was toote. The p sent him for another spin, and he fainted on the spot.

 Chapter 32 The Store Is Open!

    "Monsters! They are monsters!"


    One of the challengers voiced the words every other participant was thinking in their mind. They had lost any hope of actually winning the Battle Technique manuals through this arena.


    Even when Chu Qing came out, no one dared to challenge him. Ikasa noticed their discouraged attitudes. He brought all the kids into the arena.


    "If you do not want to challenge Chu Qing, you can duel with any one of them. Whom do you want to fight?"


    The participants still did note forth. But they did not relinquish their rights to challenge either. The kids had left a deep impression. They were afraid other kids might also have some tricks to make their defeat painful as well as embarrassing.


    Ikasa thought about using the other actors he had hired but the situation would not change.


    ''I guess it is time to end this arena!''


    He took the stage and drew the attention of all the people present.


    "While the Contestants are deliberating their strategies, I have an announcement to make. Everyone here has heard of my incredible manuals. I had found them in ancient ruins I will not disclose the location of."


    Then he lowered his voice as if he was revealing a big secret.


    "In those ruins, I had another chance encounter. A will left by a Sage taught me the method of creating these Single-Use manuals. To benefit the entire city of Sal, I will be selling these manuals in my store located across the street for a nominal cost of 100 Gold. Please give my store your patronage."


    His announcement caused a wave of uproar. Themoners grew excited at the prospect of cheap high-grade manuals while the big families had an expression of greed.


    "Haha! Even my son can have a high-grade manual now."


    "Yes, he is truly a great man. Even the Mid-Grade Cultivation Manuals cost 300 Gold and yet he is selling his High-Grade manuals for 100 Gold."


    "He is the benefactor of all themoners of Sal City. But will he be able to survive those influential families'' greed?"


    Simr conversations were happening in all the stands where ordinary citizens of Sal city were seated. The discussions among the residents of the inner city were very different.


    "Check if he has any background."


    "Look if he has made any deals with other families for exclusive usage rights."


    "Keep an eye on him. Find out who those kids and that girl with him areˇ­ "


    Instructions like these were passed to numerous butlers and servants apanying their masters in the aristocrats'' stand.


    It was obvious that none of these instructions were well-meaning.


    Commander Du who heard every word that was said sighed in frustration.


    "First you offended the Lotus Pavilion and now you have aroused the greed of all these bastard nobles. Even I cannot help you."


    Yao Han, who was sitting beside themander, looked worried. He gave a suggestion that caused Commander Du''s eyes to light up.


    "Commander, how about we procure some Battle Technique Manuals and Cultivation Manuals for our new division? It will indirectly provide Ikasa protection..."


    "...and our new division will be stronger than any other private force in the city. Yes, let''s do it this way."


    Du Man understood Yao Han''s line of thought. He pped the man''s back with jubnce.


    "Very good, Captain Yao! I think you should lead this division."


    Captain Yao Han humbly epted the offer.


    Once he had found the means to aplish his task, Commander Du looked for a hooded man in the crowd ofmoners. He couldn''t find him so he closed his eyes and thought to himself, ''Feng Yan, I have done my best. Rest is in his hands.''


    Ikasa knew he would be on the target list as soon as he announced his secret. But he also knew that the families would not move right away.


    They will spend some time checking his background and use carrots to seize his secret. Only if he resisted would they resort to sticks.


    But right now he could not worry about it anymore. Questions from stands and challengers were thrown at him.


    "Which manuals will be avable for sale?"


    "I will sale the High-Grade Cultivation Manual, [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength] and all the Battle techniques used by them."


    When Ikasa answered this question the Challengers began to give up their right to duel. Instead, they began to ask Ikasa to sell the Battle Technique Manuals.


    "I would like to buy one [Fast-Faster-Fastest] manual."


    "Give me one [Peek-a-Boo Defense]"<novelnext></novelnext>


    ˇ­.


    The twenty-five contestants, all crowded around him to ce their demands. Seeing this the members of the Li Family, Xue Family, and even the other smaller families couldn''t sit still.


    They too sent their representatives to register their orders. When the situation got out of hand, Xin Ruo escorted Ikasa from the rowdy crowd and brought him to the stands.


    "Everyone Listen Up! I can only make two of either Battle Technique Manuals or Cultivation Technique manuals every day. So please register your name and the manual you want at the store." He yelled the instruction at the top of his lungs, twice.


    Then as he was going to end the arena, Xin Ruo added some new instructions.


    "Orders with lower quantities will be fulfilled with priority!"


    Ikasa almost palmed his face. Xin Ruo had taken his words as truth and chose a convenient way for him. She was looking out for him but it had actually foiled his ns.


    If he received a big order of 100 or more manuals, he could use the x100 function for the first time. It was the most economic way to earn CP or BP.


    But he couldn''t contradict her before such a huge audience. So he yed along. Either way, he was going to earn the cultivation points.


    When they reached their Store, there was a long line of customers waiting for the doors to be opened. Many had not even waited for Ikasa''s closing words and had lined up here.


    He sent Chu Qing to purchase Threerge rolls of paper as well as some inkstones.


    Luo Qiqi and Pei Yuan were tasked with grinding ink. Chu Qing and Hei Ying were responsible for maintaining order. Yan Xiao shouted at the top of his lungs to remind everyone in the line of the rules.


    With preparations done, Ikasa opened the doors to the shop for the very first time.


    As soon as people could see the figures of Ikasa and Xin Ruo behind the open doors, all hell broke loose.


    "I want one Cultivation Manual for my daughter!"


    "Please, give me one movement technique manual."


    The ones who lined up earlier scrambled to get their orders registered. Since they were buying for themselves or their near and dear ones, their purchases were usually in the single digits.


    Another group of people represented the ones who frequented the wilds. They wanted a number of different manuals to cover their weaknesses and enhance their strengths.


    "We want six of Peek-a-Boo Defense manuals for our Adventurer''s group."


    "Three Nutcracker Kicks and two Cultivation Manuals for the Blood de mercenaries!"


    And then there were the trouble makers. They assumed themoners would bow to their whims. One such person was a servant belonging to some prestigious family.


    "Move out of the way! My young master sent me to purchase all the manuals you have in store!"


    His words generated public outrage. The people in front pushed him all the way to the back. The name of his Family did not cow the vicious mercenaries. Instead, his pompous talks triggered them.


    "Beat this little piece of crap!"


    "How dare he take our opportunities from us!"


    The gathered mob took vented their frustrations on the servant. They were unafraid of the consequences as no one would be able to track them.


    But Ikasa was scared by this reckless mob. If the blood of someone from the Inner-city was spilled before his store, it would be the perfect reason for those arrogant families to act.


    "Chu Qing, Hei Ying rescue that servant and throw him near the Inner City''s gate."


    Ikasa immediately took action to save his ass. Once this small hurdle was taken care of, other servants did not dare to cross the line. They were cowed by the ferocious gazes of the crowd.


    ''Really, when people are together, they can do crazy shit without fear!''


    Ikasa wiped the drops of sweat on his forehead and went back to selling the manuals.


    Soon, every manual avable was sold. And yet the line had not shortened by even 1/3rds.


    "There is no way these people would leave empty-handed."


    Xin Ruo stated while sping her hands nervously. Putting up an ''Out of Stock'' sign was not an option. The strong would then target the weak who stood in line for hours to get their hands on the manual.


    Ikasa smiled and showed her the rolls of paper.


    "We will now start taking the Pre-orders. Are you ready to write till you can''t feel your arms anymore?"

 Chapter 33 Operating Expenditure

    An hourter he was swamped with orders and the prepared manuals were sold out. Ikasa and Xin Ruo rubbed their wrists as they looked at the long roll of paper filled with names.


    Chu Qing tallied the number of manuals sold and money received.


    "We have sold 25 Cultivation Manuals and 13 Battle Techniques. After deducting the operating costs and taxes, you have made a profit of 2267 Gold."


    Ikasa paused mid rub. He narrowed his eyes at Chu Qing.


    "This store does not have any operating costs. Where did my 130 silver go?"


    Chu Qing nervously shifted his weight.


    "Paper and inkstones cost 30 silverˇ­"


    "And where did the rest of 100 silver go?"


    "Since we helped you in the arena and shop, we paid ourselves 20 silver each."


    The rest of the kids had gathered behind Chu Qing and nodded their heads like hens pecking at grains. He couldn''t help but smile at this cute sight. Xin Ruo, on the other hand, was staring daggers at Chu Qing for taking money without permission.


    "Since you guys are still young and immature that money will be held in deposit with me. So put those coins back in the pouch."


    They emptied their pockets with dejection. Only Chu Qing was the one smiling. Yan Xiao noticed this and asked,


    "Brother Chu Qing, why are you so happy? We didn''t get the money contrary to what you said."


    "We got the money, fool. Even though Brother Ikasa is holding it, as long as we want, we can get it."


    Xin Ruo, who had heard everything, was ready to explode, but Ikasa calmed her.


    "Bring me your deposit slips so that I can amend the amount."


    The Kids stood frozen. They couldn''t find their deposit slips. How could these kids take care of small pieces of paper while going through numerous activities every day?


    "No deposit slips? Does that mean you are giving up your savings to me?"


    "Big Brother Ikasa you can''t do this!"


    Luo Qiqi was the first to lodge her protest. Her aggrieved voice and teary eyes would evoke sympathy from anyone. Other than Chu Qing, all the other kids gathered around Ikasa pleading for a solution.


    Chu Qing was still busy finding his deposit slip. He searched through all his sleeves. In the end, he epted the grim reality. He had indeed lost the slip.


    "Since you all are my dear ones, I will offer to make you new slips for a nominal charge of 10 silver per slip."


    Outraged, Chu Qing raised his voice against Ikasa''s exorbitant charges.


    "Why do you need 10 silver to just write on that piece of paper?"


    "My bank, my rules."


    "Are you willing to pay him this high of charges?" Chu Qing turned his attention to the other kids.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Are you asking them to give up more than 1000 silver for mere 10 silver coins?" Ikasa questioned back.


    The kids hurriedly shook their heads before Chu Qing could answer.


    "Brother Ikasa, make one deposit slip for me!"


    "Me too"


    "Me, three"


    "Me, four"


    Everyone turned to look at Chu Qing. He knew he had lost this battle. Sighing in resignation, he added, "Me, five"


    Ikasa happily made five notes with deposits showing 100 Gold and 10 silver. He handed the slips to the Kids. But before they pocketed them, he stopped them.


    "You kids are always ying around. What if you lose these deposit slips too? Wouldn''t you guys have to pay me 10 silver to make new ones again?"


    The kids looked at the slips in their hands with conflicted looks.


    "Brother Ikasa, how about we deposit these deposit slips with you?"


    Pei Yuan had a brilliant idea. If they gave the slips to Ikasa for safekeeping, he would have to rece them without charge if he ever lost them.


    If the children could think of this, how could he be ignorant of such obvious detail?


    "You cannot. I can only keep your money. Your deposit slips are not money. But I can offer you a Locker facility for just 5 silvers."


    "Too expensive!"


    Chu Qing eximed upon hearing the offer. The other kids also hesitated. Ikasa decided to pitch his product to sweeten the deal.


    "If you guys lose your deposit slips again, you will have to pay 10 silver to get new ones. But If you ce them in my locker, they are my responsibility, and you will not be charged with anything. So, you will actually be saving 5 silvers by getting my locker facility."


    Everyone, even Chu Qing, reluctantly gave back the deposit slips to Ikasa. He subtracted another 5 silvers from the amount written on the paper and kept it in his pocket.


    Now the kids had 5 silver for helping out in the store, an amount that was eptable to Ikasa. But he had to do something to prevent another misappropriation of funds by Chu Qing.


    He handed a pouch filled with 300 silver to Xin Ruo.


    "Originally, I was going to award kids with 50 silver each for their performance in the Arena today. But since they paid themselves, they saved me 150 silver. And you have helped me a lot, so this 150 silver bonus should also go to you."


    Chu Qing turned pale. The kids red at him as he suddenly turned from a hero who earned them 20 silvers to the viin who cost them 30 silvers.


    Xin Ruo covered her smile with her hand but Ikasa had no such reservation. He smiled openly and put an arm around Chu Qing''s shoulders and led him outside.


    "Kid, you are smart. But use that cleverness to earn money for us, not fleece money out of me. Got it?"


    What could poor Chu Qing do but ept the reality?

 Chapter 34 Breakthrough At Last!

    "There are 47 preorders for Cultivation Manuals and 76 for Battle Techniques."


    Xin Ruo read the register to Ikasa. She looked at him with concern.


    "Will you be able toplete them within a month as you promised?"


    "Yes. They will bepleted by the promised date for sure."


    Her face scrunched with worry upon hearing Ikasa''s confident answer.


    "You don''t have to push yourself so hard. My father told me how difficult it is to make spiritual imprints. They are rare for a reason after all."


    Ikasa rubbed his nose bridge as he thought of how best to handle this situation. He wasn''t willing to expose his Printer but he didn''t want Xin Ruo to do something unnecessary out of worry either.


    In the end, he decided to y it cool and coax her.


    "Haha! Just that? Don''t worry about it then. The method that I learned is very efficient. I only need to concentrate and rest for a night to recover all my energy."


    Xin Ruo still looked suspicious. She didn''t entirely buy his words.


    "Look, I made those 21 Cultivation Technique Manuals we sold today in thest few weeks. Did I ever look tired to you?"


    She shook her head, a hint of relief appearing on her face.


    Ikasa suddenly thought of his impending breakthrough. How will he exin it to Xin Ruo and others who enquire?


    So he decided to weave a tale around his ability to create spiritual imprints and his cultivation method.


    He lowered his volume and took a step closer to her.


    "Actually, let me tell you my secret. The method to create these manuals is rted to my cultivation technique. The more manuals I create, the faster my cultivation will grow."


    At this revtion, she became visibly shocked. She looked at him contemtively.


    "I thought you couldn''t cultivate?"


    Ikasa scoffed at her question.


    "Everyone can cultivate. So how can I be an exception? It''s just that my method of training is unique. You have to keep this a secret for me, alright? Don''t let anyone, not even kids or your father, know."


    Then he turned to go to his room. On his way up the stairs, he suddenly remembered Xin Ruo''s deration at the end of the arena. He had to inform her of his ability to prevent such mishaps in the future.


    "Also, if you receive arge order of 100 manuals or more, ept it."


    "But it will take you more than a month to finish it!"


    "No, it won''t. I can also make a hundred-use manual. It is actually more efficient for me to create a hundred-use manual than hundred single-use manuals. And the break to recover my energy is also shorter."


    "Then why don''t you make only the hundred-use manuals? We can ask people to share them!"


    "Hahaha! Xin Ruo, you are a genius! This is a great idea but I don''t think people will be willing to share at this stage. Because we have no backing and might disappear anytime, they don''t trust us. So, focus on getting a big client for now."


    As Ikasa ascended the stairs, he was thinking about Xin Ruo''s suggestion.


    ''This girl even thought of group-buying when such a concept doesn''t even exist in this city. She is truly a girl way ahead of her times.''


    He entered his room and called Caretaker Han. He issued him strict instructions to not let anyone disturb him, may whatever happen.


    Then he secured the door and rubbed his hands in glee.


    "After so long, I will break through today!"


    He connected to Printer and was pleased to see his 100 CP.


    ''Now, how do I cultivate?''


    He thought while searching for an option for a breakthrough in the interface. When he couldn''t find it, he opened the User Manual to the relevant section.


    Step 1: Select the Cultivation Technique you want to use from the list of avable techniques.


    Ikasa followed the picture and found the dropdown list different from the one that appeared below the Copy or Print buttons.


    "I will obviously choose the best technique I have, [Around the Body in 80 Breaths]".


    After selecting the technique, the next few steps were fairly intuitive. A plus sign appeared next to the technique and Ikasa clicked it.


    Instantly, he was short of 100 CP. He was transported to white space and heard a notification sound. Then a female robotic voice sounded in his mind.


    [Initiating Creation of Energy Channelsˇ­]


    [Initiation Sessful]


    [Creating Energy Channelsˇ­]


    A loading bar with percentage written above it appeared below the text.


    ''Creating Energy Channels? Is that the reason why I was unable to cultivate?''


    He remembered reading an obscure theory in a tome City Lord''s manor had sent for copying. ording to the Tome, every living being has two bodies; One Spiritual and the other Physical.


    Just like a Physical Body has blood vessels spread throughout, Energy channels knit a web throughout the Spiritual body. The feedback from the energy circting in the channel strengthens the Spirit.


    The Spiritual body, in turn, nourishes the Physique. As only a strong Physical Body can support a strong Spirit.


    While he was thinking about the theory, the percentage on the loading bar increased. When it reached 15%, he felt a jolt of current pass through his body.


    It started at the USB port at his sr plexus and traveled through his heart, lungs, stomach, and then spread to all his limbs. After traveling through each and every tissue and cell of his body, the current subsided in his brain.


    "Huhuhuˇ­ That feels sofortable. I need more of this"


    Ikasa enjoyed the mild numbing sensation the current brought. The current revitalized him.


    Every five percent increase in the loading bar sent electricity traversing across his body. It grew stronger subsequently.


    He started to grow ufortable when the Loading bar reached 60%. By the time it exceeded 90%, he felt excruciating pain as the current coursed through his body.


    "Aaaaˇ­.mmmphhh"


    As the pain grew unbearable, he buried his face in a pillow to let out his screams of anguish. He kept his screams muffled lest someone barge into the room out of worry.


    A whileter, the loading bar reached a hundred, and his suffering ended. He panted, taking inrge gulps of air. His body had burns all over, and his skin had cracked in several spots.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Then another ding sounded.


    [Creation of Energy Channelspleted.]


    [Clearing Energy Pathˇ­]


    [Error 010: Insufficient Resources.]


    When he noticed the system interface had returned to the usual one. After a bit of exploration, he discovered a new screen in addition to Copy and Print menu screens.


    On this screen, he saw four bars.


    ''Isn''t this the symbol forwork on a mobile phone?''


    He scrolled down to look for any clues. Below the symbol was a button. Under that button, Ikasa could see some numbers. 1/230.


    When he zoomed in on the numbers, a description exining the numbers popped up.


    [This Cultivation technique needs 230 cirction cycles to clear the Complete Energy Path. Each cirction requires 1 CP.]


    ''Hmm! So I need 230 CP to break through to the Sense realm. Not bad! It is much less than my estimated number.''


    He wanted to get up and check the strength of his upgraded body. s! His body was still numbed from the powerful electric shocks.


    Ikasa struggled to move his limbs but to no avail. Then he saw something incredible happening to his body.


    He saw the burned skin peel away, revealing new skin underneath. The cracked skin was also mending, leaving behind only the splotches of dark, dried blood.


    ''So the paralysis is also numbing my pain and elerating my healing process!''


    While his body was immobilized, his brain entered the hyperactive mode. His thoughts drifted to various different questions.


    ''Why did the symbol look like the Mobile Network Bars?''


    ''Is it connected to the WiFi dongle I have?''


    ''Can I also cultivate the Battle Techniques simrly?''


    Some questions like these were worth pondering over. Then there were other thoughts.


    ''Did that electric current enhance my sperm count orpletely fry my future babies?''


    ''Did the hardness of my wood also increase?''


    ''Should it be called Lightning-struck wood now?''


    These thoughts deserved to be scrapped.


    These kinds of random thoughts kept buzzing through his brain. Embarrassed by his own thoughts, he made a swatting motion to shoo them away.


    "Oh?" Surprised, he paused mid-action. He looked at his hand and tried to sit up.


    "Yes! I can move again!"


    He immediately opened the drawer on his bedside dressing table. Taking out the woolen sock inside the drawer, he grinned deviously.


    ''Let''s test out my theory!''


    He took out the WiFi dongle hidden in the sock and inserted it into his USB port. This time the dongle had a response.


    [Initializing. . .]


    [Insufficient Energy Source]


    [Readjusting parameters to Path Forging Realm]


    [Range limited to 1 meter]


    [Connectivity limited to 1 device]


    He became speechless after seeing the ridiculous amount of coverage area. Even the connecting cable of the Printer could extend to 2.5 meters! Is this the dongle''s way of saying, ''You are too weak to even use me, bro!''


    [Do you want to search for devices nearby?]


    "Yes!"


    Ikasa had an incredulous expression as a circle of energy formed around him. It shrank and expanded over and over again. He walked closer to the Printer so that it was within the range of the energy circle.


    As soon as he was within the range, he heard a beep.


    [Device detectedˇ­]


    [Do you want to connect to the Cloud Printer?]


    Once again, he replied with a ''Yes.'' The LED shing on the WiFi dongle turned green. It shot a ray of light to the Energy Efficiency Stars on the Printer. They also shed green for a moment and reverted to the Golden color.


    [Device registered sessfully.]


    [You have gained remote ess to Cloud Printer.]


    A new interface appeared before Ikasa. In the list of connected devices, he saw Cloud Printer. There was a green circle next to it.


    He chose the Cloud Printer, and Vo! The Printer''s interface opened before him!


    Since he was from Earth, this technology was nothing new to him. And hence, it was easier to ept for him.


    "But if a native of this world were to see thisˇ­ kukuku"


    Ikasa imagined Feng Yan''s reaction to this technology.


    "I bet that guy would freak out and try to break open this Printer!"


    He moved back, to sit on the bed. When he re-tried to open the interface, he couldn''t open it. The green circle near the Printer had also turned grey. He tried to select the Printer.


    [Device not in range. Device disconnected.]


    He looked speechlessly at the Printer right before his eyes. The distance between him and the Printer had indeed exceeded one meter.


    "Damn it! Even after Breakthrough, I am still useless!"

 Chapter 35 Who Is The Leak?

    In the courtyard of the Li Family, Li Shen had finished his exercise. He looked at his hands with furrowed eyebrows.


    "I have corrected my posture and performed the movements exactly as shown in Ape''s Might Body Forging Technique. Even so, why am I still unable to break through into the Path Forging Realm?"


    Li Fan, his elder brother, handed him a towel to wipe his sweaty body. He consoled him, "Don''t worry. It is a High-Grade Cultivation Manual. Naturally, its difficulty will be higher. You will be able to breakthrough in due time."


    "But I am the second son of the Li Family Patriarch! I receive the best resources avable in the family. And yet, I haven''t broken through after training for two months?"


    Li Shen vented his frustration to his big brother. He had heard numerous taunts from the elders as well as their descendants. Some Elders had even demanded the technique for their descendants, iming it was wasted on him.


    He looked with pitiful eyes toward his brother.


    "Didn''t you always say I am a genius? Someone born to cultivate? Could it be that you are wrong? Could it be that I am really a useless fool as those Elders say?"


    Li Fan caressed Li Shen''s hair gently.


    "Do not even think of such thoughts! You are a genius. One technique does not change that. If this technique doesn''t work, we will find another one. But never doubt yourself."


    Then he got up and offered Li Shen a hand.


    "C''mon! Right now you are in no state to cultivate. Let''s take a stroll around our estate. Maybe that will refresh your mood."


    The two brothers set off.


    While strolling through their enormous grounds, they arrived near the servant''s quarters. They noticed a figure practicing martial arts in the front yard.


    "Shen''er isn''t that posture the thirteenth diagram in your Ape''s Might Body Forging Technique?"


    Li Fan asked Li Shen, pointing to the figure before them.


    Li Shen was dumbfounded at this discovery. He hurriedly checked his pockets to confirm the presence of his Martial Arts Scroll. He absently replied still captivated by the figure.


    "Yes, it is."


    The man changed his posture again. Li Shen''s eyes widened because he recognized the movement. His voice sounded a pitch higher as he eximed, "That! That was the 14th move in the Ape''s might body forging technique!"


    Li Fan grimly nodded. He looked at the servant that was following them.


    "Li Wu, You know what to do."


    The figure in the front yard was none other than Li Chun performing his daily exercises. Suddenly he heard a bellow directed at him.


    "Li Chun, how dare you steal the Second Young Master''s cultivation technique?"


    Li Chun paused in his exercise mid-way. He turned to scold the servant using him.


    "What nonsense are you spoutˇ­?"


    His words died on his lips when he saw the two figures behind the servant.


    "First Young master! Second Young Master! This humble Li Chun greets you."


    Li Fan sneered at his greetings.


    "Still not confessing? Li Wu, break his legs!"


    Li Wu immediately raised his stick to act on his master''s order. Li Chun''s face turned pale. Without wasting time, he dropped to his knees and grabbed the Second Young Master''s robe.


    "Shaoye, I have been your loyal servant for a decade now. Please believe me. I have not stolen your Cultivation Technique. I haven''t even seen you practice it! So how can I possibly steal it?"


    Li Shen stopped Li Wu from striking. Li Chun was his assigned servant after all, and he knew his habits and tendencies. He was not the type to steal.


    "Li Chun, tell me the truth. Where did you learn your Cultivation Technique?"


    Li Chun turned to Li Fan.


    "Young Master, do you remember you sent me to buy some books from the Outer City a few months ago?"


    "Li Chun, do you want to die?"


    Li Fan exploded with rage. He strangled Li Chun to shut him up while nervously eying his younger brother.


    Li Chun looked at his Second Young Master pleadingly as he struggled to free himself. His face was slowly turning blue, and his veins were showing.


    "Brother, let him go. At least let him finish what he has to say! Maybe he found his Cultivation Technique in that Bookstore?"


    Li Fan calmed down. He released Li Chun with a threat.


    "One wrong word andˇ­"


    Li Chun rubbed his neck and looked at Li Shen with gratitude.


    "Young Master is wise and merciful."


    "Stop ttering. Speak, where did you find your Cultivation Technique?"


    Li Fan interrupted. Li Chun threw him a fearful nce and recounted how he got his Cultivation method.


    "When I was returning from the store, I found a book with a shiny cover thrown in the alley. I opened it with curiosity, and shortly after, I was in Path Forging Realm! There was even a set of movements to follow for practicing further in my head."


    Li Shen and Li Fan exchanged knowing nces.


    "And what was the name of this book?"


    "Second Young Master, you know I can''t read words."


    Li Chun smiled helplessly.


    "Then describe how that book looked." Li Fanmanded from the side.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "The Book''s cover was all ck. The title was golden-colored..."


    "Enough! Come with us to the Patriarch."


    Li Fan did not wait for Li Chun''s answer. Instead, he dragged Li Shen and hurried to the Main branch''s courtyard.


    ˇŞ


    "So you are saying the Cultivation Technique that we bought for 1700 gold and the one selling for 100 gold out there is the same?"


    Li Family''s Patriarch, Li Lei roared in fury. His rage was directed toward the prodigal son, Li Fan.


    He had given up on a precious artifact that would''ve helped him build ties with Monstrous me Sect to purchase this manual.


    The gold spent was not that big of a deal. It was arge amount, but it could be earned back. But the reputation of the Li family would be in the gutters if word of this incident got out.


    "What would other families think when they learn we are treasuring and using the same technique that any dog on the street can buy? How can we maintain our status as one of the three great powers of Sal City?"


    Li Lei paced with agitation while Li Fan and Li Shen kept their heads down.


    "Father, we should go to Lotus Pavilion and demand an exnation. It is they who duped us. It is only natural that they take the me."


    Li Lei stopped and took a good look at his eldest son. He had spoken the words he wanted to hear. Instead of praising him, he turned and walked to the door. Hemanded as he opened the door.


    " Bring the Scroll and Li Chun. We are going to get our due."


    Soon, the quartet of Li Lei, Li Fan, Li Shen, and Li Chun was in the Lotus Pavilion. The manager of Lotus Pavilion, Lian Hua, personally came out to greet them.


    "Patriarch Li, First Young Master, Second Young Master! What an honor! How can I serve you today?"


    "Manager Lian, we are here to seek an exnation! We suspect you have auctioned and sold a duplicate manual to us!"


    Li Fan hissed. His voice was not loud enough for everyone to hear, but it had indeed attracted everyone''s attention.


    Lian Hua paled at the usation. Upon furtively ncing at her surroundings, she saw eyes watching them. She immediately led the group to one of the most luxurious VIP rooms. An attendant was sent to call for Master Jin Ping as soon as they sat down.


    "Young Master Li, what are you saying? We never sell duplicate items. Our products are all verified and certified by reputed appraisers like Master Jin Ping."


    "Then how do you exin this?"


    Li Fan exined the entire incident that happened with Li Chun. They even asked him to give them a demonstration.


    Throughout this conversation Patriarch Li was silent, treating Lian Hua as air. Speaking in terms of status, Patriarch Li and Manager Lian Hua were near equals. Yet he did not even greet her.


    He also let Li Fan handle everything while he stayed a silent spectator. His actions let Manager Lian Hua realize how grave this incident was. If not handled carefully, this might cause a permanent rift to form between Li Family and Lotus Pavilion.


    "Is it not possible that Li Chun picked up another book that coincidentally looks the same as Ikasa''s manuals?"


    Li Fan gave her a deadpan stare. Even Lian Hua did not believe the words that came out of her mouth. The room devolved into awkward silence.


    This silence was broken with the entry of Master Jin Ping. Manager Lian Hua got up and thrust the Scroll holder and the Certificate of Authenticity before Master Jin Ping.


    "Is this the same manual mentioned in this Certificate, Master Jin?"


    The old man failed to read the situation and took his time cleaning his hands before slowly opening the scroll holder. As he unfurled the scroll, the title that had left a deep impression on him came into view.


    "Ape''s Might Body Forging Manual! Yes, this is the technique mentioned in the certificate."


    Lian Hua panicked. She hoped Master Jin Ping would deny that the technique on the scroll and technique on the certificate were the same.


    "Are they really the same? How can you decide just from the title? Check if the depictions are correct?"


    Master Jin noticed Manager''s abnormal behavior. So, he proceeded to take a closer look at the energy path intended and the exercises for it.


    He sighed with admiration.


    "No matter how many times I look at it, I can''t help but admire this fabulous method for cultivating."


    He carefully rolled the scroll and put it back in the holder.


    "Yes, that is the Cultivation manual I certified."


    When he noticed his words met with silence instead of the usual ttery, he noticed something amiss. Even the manager looked at him like he had just spelled her death sentence.


    ''Old Man, since you can''t read the situation, you better be my scapegoat!''


    Lian Hua decided to push the entire me on the appraiser. And rightly so, as it was his job to verify the goods.


    "Master Jin, can you please tell our guests the origin of this Manual?"


    However dumb he might be, Master Jin Ping perceived that the dispute was about the manual he had authenticated. He still remembered the Adventurer''s words about the origin of the manual.


    Nheless, uttering those same words here would mean exposing the dubious origins of the manual.


    ''I should just fabricate a story of its origin. Anyways no one will be able to ascertain the veracity of my ims.''


    "Ahemˇ­ This manuales from the ruins near Mahogany City. ording to data gathered, these ruins belong to the Holy Wood dynasty''s branch family, the Lin family. They used to name their techniques after the beast they were inspired by."


    Everything he said about the ruins and the Lin Family was true. Except this technique did not originate there.


    ''But no one will know?'' Master Jin Pingughed internally while maintaining the charade of a wise old man.


    Even Li Fan couldn''t find any way to refute his words. At this moment, Li Lei thundered. He mmed his palm on table and voiced his frustration.


    "If this manual is authentic, then why are simr manuals being sold to those lowborn for a paltry sum? Who leaked the manual?"

 Chapter 36 The Blame Game

    "If this manual is authentic, then why are simr manuals being sold to those lowborn for a paltry sum? Who leaked the manual?"


    Stunned by his outburst, the old man looked at Li Lei with awe. He understood that things were not as easy as he thought. Feeling helpless, he nced at the Manager.


    "Manager Lian, this... What happened?"


    Only now did Manager Lian fill in Master Jin on the whole incident.


    ''Pig teammate! What kind of pig teammate are you who pits your own ally!''


    The old master couldn''t help but curse Lian Hua. If he had known the whole incident beforehand, he would''ve denied ever seeing this manual!


    Now he had even gone ahead and fabricated a story of its origin.


    When he looked at the angry guests as well as displeased Lian Hua, he realized his precarious position.


    ''There is no way out of this mess. I will have to push the me on Ikasa to salvage this situation.''


    The Old man cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the people present. Then he began to badmouth Ikasa in a self-righteous manner.


    "Patriarch Li, I know that Ikasa, the one who is selling your cultivation technique. A few months ago, I had exposed him on Prosperity street while he was peddling some fake manuals. I see that he still hasn''t changed his crooked ways."


    If it was two months ago, no one would dare question his words. But in the past two months, Ikasa''s manuals had gained fame across the entirety of Sal City.


    Even Master Jin Ping had heard of it and tried to sabotage his rising momentum. He had tried spreading rumors of the incident on Prosperity Street. But only those, who have yet to witness the fantastical manuals in person, believed them.


    And that included most of the residents of the inner city. At this point, even they doubted the authenticity of these rumors. After all, in the Arena, they had witnessed the poprity and demand of the manuals.


    With such a reputation to back on, Master Jin Ping''s words failed to convince anyone. Not even Lian Hua dared to believe his words.


    Master Jin Ping sweated bullets. Then he suddenly remembered a minute detail. He grabbed it as if he had found a lifeline.


    "Didn''t Ikasa say he has learned a Spiritual Imprint technique?"


    Although Li Fan was not present in the Arena, he did hear news about it. He nodded in affirmation while his eyes expressed his confusion.


    "What does his Spiritual Imprint technique have to do with our Manual? Unless..."


    A wild thought passed through his head. His eyes brightened as he thought about it.


    The appraiser smiled as he saw a seed of doubt take root in Li Fan''s mind.


    "Yes. Someone must have leaked your technique to Ikasa. As for who that someone is, why don''t we ask the man himself?"


    An identical devious grin formed on Li Fan and Master Jin Ping''s lips.


    Manager Lian Hua and Patriarch Li exchanged nces on hearing this conversation. Both of their eyes shone with a vicious glint. They had found someone to take the fall for them.


    While this conspiracy against Ikasa was cooking in Lotus Pavilion, his store weed a prestigious guest.


    "Commander Du! Wee, wee! How generous of you to grace our humble store with your presence!"


    He weed the Commander of City Guards and arranged a chair for him to sit on. Since Ikasa''s shop was newly opened, it didn''t even have a chair. Borrowing a chair from a distant shop for Commander expressed his respect for him.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Commander Du, what would you like to have? I am sorry I can''t offer anything fancy other than the beverages avable in the vicinity."


    Ikasa was bending over backwards for two reasons. Commander Du had already saved his hide by booking the Training grounds in his name for the Arena.


    The second reason was more cunning. He was trying to project Commander Du and hence the City Lord''s manor as his backers. If this perception solidifies in people''s minds, he wouldn''t have to worry about anyone threatening him.


    "Haha! I wille to enjoy your hospitality at ater time. Right now, I am here for business."


    Hearing the word business piqued his interest. Even Xin Ruo became more attentive.


    Commander Du noticed these changes right away. He smirked as he thought of Feng Yan''s words.


    ''It''s as if they are peas in a pod, made for each other.''


    He took a deep breath andposed his thoughts before exining his purpose of visit.


    "I am creating a new division of the City Guard to maintain order in the inner city. Can I count on you to provide the Battle Techniques and cultivation manuals for this new 100 men strong force?"


    Xin Ruo and Ikasa exchanged nces with joy evident on their faces.


    "Yes! Of course! We''d be honored to be of help to City Guards in any way possible."


    Xin Ruo answered with enthusiasm dripping from her words. It was his cue to pitch their new Hundred-use manuals to Commander Du.


    Before Ikasa could open his mouth, a loud shout outside his shop disturbed their conversation.


    "Ikasa, I am here to put an end to your nefarious deeds. If you don''t stop swindling people today, I don''t mind handing you over to the City Guards!"


    Master Jin Ping shouted warnings from a block away.


    However, the rest of his group was not happy with his impromptu behavior. They kept silent only because they wanted to maintain their prestige.


    Ikasa came out of his shop to face the provocation, he was greeted with the sight of bystanders gathering and whispering about him.


    "Who is that old man?"


    "That''s Master Jin Ping, a reputed appraiser!"


    "Why is he saying that Ikasa swindled people? Does that mean his goods are fake?"


    "I don''t think so. He might be talking about something else."


    Ikasa smiled when he heard themoners express their trust in his manuals. He turned to look at the Old Man who was here to ruin his business. Once again.


    His eyes narrowed when he noticed the entourage behind Master Jin Ping. A disdainful smirk formed on his lips as he saw them approach his shop.


    ''Old Man, I have waited for this day for so long! I prepared and scrapped so many strategies! This is the moment I will see you fall from grace!''


    He schooled his expressions and put on a ttering smile as he hurried forward to greet the neers.


    "Patriarch Li, Manager Lian Hua! And the two young masters of the Li family are also here! What a fortune I have!"

 Chapter 37 Provocation

    "Patriarch Li, Manager Lian Hua! And the two young masters of the Li family are also here! What a fortune I have!"


    Nobody missed how Ikasa had ignored Master Jin Ping. The people gathered could already imagine the sparks flying between the two.


    ''This Brat really thinks he has be a bigshot after selling a few manuals? Never mind. His arrogance will notst long.''


    Master Jin Ping put on a somber expression. He was here to y the role of a warrior of justice today. In a righteous tone, he startedying usations on Ikasa.


    "I caught you selling fake manuals on Prosperity street once. Back then, you acted humbly and seemed like you would change your ways, so I spared you."


    Out of the corner of his eye, he gauged the audience''s reaction to his usations. They looked shocked and started to whisper amongst themselves.


    ''As expected of gullible fools.''


    He suppressed the small smirk forming on his face at this thought. Then he continued with his act.


    Shaking his head, he paced before the crowd, agitation and regret on his face.


    "I should''ve known a leopard''s spots don''t change. A dog''s tail cannot be straightened. You have stopped peddling fake manuals; But how dare you sell stolen Cultivation Technique?"


    His roar reached most of the shops in the vicinity. The number ballooned as people gathered to see what themotion was about.


    When the masses heard Jin Ping''s words, they were shocked. Even the Customers of Ikasa who hade to receive their books looked at Ikasa with doubt.


    "He has been selling a stolen cultivation technique?"


    "I wonder whose technique he stole?"


    "Don''t you see Li Family and Lotus Pavilion''s Manager there? It mighte from them."


    "Noˇ­  they are genuine big shots! They can kill me... no... my entire family just to keep their Cultivation technique a secret."


    The speaker had his face drained of blood. Hearing his words, others around him also started to shake in their boots.


    Ikasa heard these discussions and frowned. If this kind of fear spreads, it will not be good for his business.


    ''Hmph! Since you want to make me into a Viin, then I will act as a Viin. A viin who will ruin your career and life.''


    Ikasa gritted his teeth and bellowed with conviction.


    "Master Jin Ping! You are making tall ims without proof. Just because you are a reputed figure doesn''t mean I will listen to your usations quietly! Where is your evidence?"


    Ikasa made his stand. His calm and collected demeanor plus the logical arguments won him crowd''s support.


    "Yes! Where is the evidence?"


    "Isn''t that appraiser despicable? using our benefactor with baseless ims!"


    "Is he really a reputed figure? He looks like a conman instead of Ikasa!"


    The old man looked astonished at Ikasa''s newfound confidence. He had expected him to fold by just seeing the lineup of dignitaries. When even the public supported his adversary, he was shocked.


    Manager Lian Hua had a bad feeling about this whole affair. But it was already toote. Master Jin Ping arrived before Ikasa and waved a scroll holder in his face.


    "Haha! You want proof? Here is your proof!"


    Master Jin Ping took out a Scroll holder and removed a Scroll from it. To exin the significance of the scroll, he turned to the crowd.


    "This scroll contains a High-Grade Path Forging realm technique, Ape''s Might Body Forging Manual. It was discovered in an ancient ruin near Mahogany City."


    With ttery in his tone, he pointed to Patriarch Li.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Patriarch Li bought this Scroll for a high price at our biannual auction."


    This drew gasps from the crowd. Some of them sympathized with Ikasa while others gloated over his misfortune.


    "So both Li Family and Lotus Pavilion are involved in this!"


    "Doomed! Ikasa is doomed! And all those who have used Ikasa''s manuals will also be persecuted."


    "See, how smart your husband is? This is why I did not buy his stolen techniques!"


    Master Jin Ping looked around happily as this was the effect he wanted. Contrary to his glee, Patriarch Li was fuming. He wished to keep what had happened a secret.


    Then, Ikasa''s voice resounded through the crowd. It poured water on Master Jin Ping''s parade.


    "You have talked a lot. Yet, nothing proves I am the thief. In fact, this scroll is a defective product!"


    Manger Lian Hua and Patriarch Li reacted to his deration with a sharp gaze. But the old fox ridiculed his im and even dared to advise him sanctimoniously.


    "Hahaha! Just because you can talk doesn''t mean you can spout nonsense..."


    Ikasa straight up tuned out the old man''s bberings. Instead, he turned to Manager Lian.


    "Madame Lian, how did this scroll end up at the auction house?"


    All eyes turned to her, eager to hear her answer. Even Patriarch Li wanted to know it.


    Being an experienced manager, she had indeed done her homework. She had inquired about the circumstances the scroll arrived at the Auction House.


    "The scroll was consigned with us by a nameless adventurer."


    Ikasa pretended to think and loudly muttered, "Could it be him?"


    His question intrigued everyone. Embarrassed, he provided an exnation.


    "As everyone knows, I have learned the art of creating Spiritual Imprints. But I need to be able to perfectly draw the depictions before imbuing them with energy."


    He stared nkly into space as if reminiscing about the past. But words flowed out of his mouth.


    "I practiced my art and made numerous such scrolls till I mastered the depictions. During this time, I ran out of resources and couldn''t afford to purchase more."


    When uttering his next words, he acted as if distressed.


    I am ashamed to say this, but when I was short on money, I sold one of the best scrolls at the market for 5 silver to a nameless adventurer."


    His act earned him the empathy of the crowd. But Manager Lian Hua and the group were not buying it.


    She coldly asked, "And this same adventurer consigned the scroll with us. Is that what you want to say?"


    Ikasa nodded in affirmation.


    Li Fan''s heart thumped at his answer. His thoughts were going haywire.


    ''If news spreads of how I purchased something worth 5 silver for an exorbitant amount of 17,000 silver, Li Family will be theughing stock of the entire city!''


    In order to prevent this scenario, he took action.


    "How can you prove that this is the scroll you sold at the market?"


    Li Fan interjected, his voice exuding confidence he was not feeling at the moment.

 Chapter 38 The Double-Edged Sword Cuts

    "How can you prove that this is the scroll you sold at the market?"


    Li Fan interjected, his tone sharp.


    Ikasa smiled at the question as if he had expected it. He evenly answered after taking a brief pause.


    "When I sold the scroll, there was no name on it. The adventurer requested me to title the manual ''Ape''s Might Body Forging Manual''. It was a very odd request, so I remember it.


    The people gathered murmured in agreement. Though frustrating, Li Fan had to ept the answer. He couldn''t find a loophole to exploit in the reply.


    At this moment, the Old Man proposed another outrageous theory to discredit Ikasa.  He knew if he couldn''t frame Ikasa for theft, he will be the one to lose his credibility.


    "You could''ve juste up with this exnation after hearing me say the nameˇ­"


    Ikasa didn''t let the old man finish his words. He reached into his robe and pulled out two other scrolls which looked simr to the one sold in the auction.


    "This is my proof!"  These two scrolls were made in the same batch as the first ''ancient scroll''. He no longer needed to sell them as he earned enough from auctioning the printed manuals in the weekly market.


    "Manager Lian, Patriarch Li, please check them and see if they look and feel the same."


    Master Jin Ping fumbled for words. He wanted to refute but he couldn''t find an opening. So he stubbornly stuck to his usation.


    "It still does not prove that you did not steal this technique!"


    Ikasa ignored his chatter and waited for Lian Hua and Li Lei''s verdict.


    They could tell at a nce that the scrolls were the same in every way except for the name. Though they couldn''t agree as their reputations were on the line, theplicated expression on their faces said everything.


    Ikasa took that as his cue and rebutted the Old codger.


    "Is old age getting to you, Master Jin? If all the cultivation manuals originated from me, that means this technique belonged to me in the first ce!"


    Then he raised his voice and made a shocking im.


    "You have been using me of theft. But in fact, your Lotus Pavilion has defrauded the Li Family by selling them this defective manual!"


    His words sounded like a thunderp. However, the implications stunned the people. The people from Lotus Pavilion stood shell-shocked.


    "What? Even the famed Lotus Pavilion can do such things?"


    "It was obviously their fault but they dared to frame someone else for their mistakes!"


    When these words fell in Li Fan''s ears, he heaved a sigh of relief. At least the people were focused on Lotus Pavilion.


    Lian Hua and other attendants stared murderously at Ikasa. He knew he couldn''t let them stew in their anger any longer.


    The stage was set. Public opinion was in his favor. Angered manager Lian Hua needed a vent. All he had to do now was strike while the iron is hot. And Ikasa did just that.


    "Although the good name of Lotus Pavilion is tarnished by this incident, This is not the fault of Manager Lian Hua or any other attendant. No, the fault for this incident lies with a single person. Their Appraiser, Master Jin Ping!"


    After the tirade, Ikasa pointed his finger at Master Jin Ping.


    People present turned to re at the old man in white robes. The gazes of powerhouses like Manger Lian Hua and Patriarch Li sent shivers down his spine.


    The old man turned red from anger and shame. He immediately blew up when the thing he feared came to be!


    "Don''t go pointing fingers at people, Ikasa! The culprit is clearly you who is circting these kinds of defective manuals!"


    Ikasaughed derisively at his absurd im.


    "Master Jin, aren''t you an appraiser? Isn''t your job to differentiate real from fake? Then how did you not realize this scroll was a fake antique!"


    The old man''s face fell when his ws were pointed out. Ikasa then addressed the old coot''s employer.


    "Manager Lian, this old fraudster has relied on half-truths and Lotus Pavilion''s reputation to suppress many people."


    His voice turned emotional. As if he was narrating a very traumatic experience.


    "On the prosperity street, he imed my manuals were a sham. People naively believed him, since he unted his status as Lotus Pavilion''s appraiser. Shortly after he had ruined my business, his servant threatened me, asking to hand over the manuals."


    His expression turned resolute but his voice touched the crowd.


    "He must have oppressed many people, just like me. Please do us justice!"


    Lian Hua red at Master Jin Ping with displeasure.


    Master Jin floundered for words to refute. He was so angry and flustered that he couldn''t form a coherent reply.


    "You said you couldn''t use any of the manuals for sale! Since you couldn''t use them, why should others trust you and use them?"


    Ikasa looked at the people in the crowd. They all seemed to be new faces.


    "Did I say that? Don''t put words in my mouth, Master Jin! I said, I used one manual and broke through!"


    Master Jin stood with gaping jaws at Ikasa''s tant lie. He was going to protest and expose his lies when Ikasa turned to Madame Lian.


    "Madame Lian, you are a veteran Path Forger. Please check if the Energy Path in my body corresponds to Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength?"


    Ikasa extended his hand to Lian Hua. Her cultivation realm was enough to sense the highlighted energy path, but not enough to discover all the other paths.


    She felt his pulse and realized the energy flow was exactly the same as she had found on Li Chun. Sighing in resignation, she dered her findings.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Yes. His Energy path is indeed the same as that in his cultivation manual."


    Madame Lian''s deration started amotion within the crowd. Stories of how Master Jin had swindled or suppressed them began to be exchanged.


    "Once, I brought a jade hairpin to Master Jin for appraisal. He said it was worthless and offered me 2 silver. Later, I saw Xue Family''s young mistress brag about buying it from Master Jin for 300 Gold."


    "This is nothing! I found some Bullcrab grass in my field. So I brought them  to Lotus Pavilion for appraisal. He offered 10 silver per stalk but I refused to sell. Later that night, his servant Xiao Xi, came and forcefully took away all eight stalks."


    "He threatened to have me jailed.."


    "He ruined my wares because I didn''t sell them at the price he wantedˇ­"


    Madame Lian grew angrier as she heard a few of the stories themoners were sharing. This had all been going on under her nose.


    "See Madame Lian? This kind of person is a tumor growing on Lotus Pavilion."


    Ikasa''s words incited the crowd. Their stories grew more and more outrageous.


    "I brought my wife to be appraised. And Master Jin said she was First-ss beauty and demanded to have one night with herˇ­"


    "I brought my son to be appraised and he said he was a once in a century genius. He wanted to enve him, but I fought with Master Jin and bravely rescued my son!"


    Hearing the stories, his lips twitched.


    "Everyone, don''t you think this kind of person deserves to be put behind bars?"


    "Yes, he should be put behind bars!"


    "Jail him! Arrest him! Apprehend him!"


    Master Jin Ping grew flustered. At the rate things were going, he would be imprisoned for real.


    He was still confident in his worth. Manager Lian Hua wouldn''t be able to find another individual as knowledgeable as him. She wouldn''t be able to discard him.


    And that gave him the confidence to threaten Ikasa even in this situation.


    "Ikasa, don''t go overboard! Don''t forget I am the one and only appraiser of Sal City''s Lotus Pavilion! Who dares to imprison me?"


    Manager Lian Hua exploded with rage when she heard his boastful threat.


    "Aftermitting so many misdeeds, you still dare to use Lotus Pavilion''s name? Have you no shame? Starting from this moment, Jin Ping is no longer a member of Lotus Pavilion!"


    The Old man aged a decade in an instant. His face turned white from fright.


    "N-No you can''t do this! You won''t find anyone as good an appraiser as meˇ­ Lotus Pavilion is nothing without me! "


    "You still dare curse, you old coot?"


    Madame Lian rolled her sleeves and was ready to enter the fray herself.


    Ikasa stopped her from recklessly doing something she would regretter. This action emboldened Jin Ping.


    "I have done many favors to powerful people in this city. One Lotus Pavilion is nothing. No one can touch my hair in Sal City, let alone imprison me!"


    The crazedughter intimidated the crowd. Even Madame Lian had to ept the truth in his words.


    "He probably has other prestigious people backing him."


    "Then what will happen to us? Weined against him earlier."


    Those who had let their mouths run tried to hide in the crowd trying to make themselves as small as possible.


    A cute girl of about six years of age tugged at her father''s shivering hand.


    "Is there no one who would punish that bad old man?"


    Her voice was heard by everyone as the crowd had turned silent. Naturally, the man in question also heard her. He looked towards the girl and with a hideous grin eximed, "Ha! no one can touch me!"


    "Not even him?"


    Ikasa pointed to Commander Du who had just arrived with Xin Ruo.  People''s eyes lit up with hope. On the other hand, the light in the old man''s eyes was reced with despair.


    "Jin Ping, You will be tried before the City Lord for defrauding and coercing the citizens of Sal City."


    The old man copsed to the ground. Even though he was a Veteran Path Forger, there was no way he could fight these many people and still escape.


    Commander Du then turned to address the uneasy people who were just threatened by the appraiser.


    "Rest assured everyone. This fraudster will spend the rest of his days behind bars and you won''t have to worry about anyone seeking revenge on his behalf."


    After his reassurance, Commander Du escorted Jin Ping to the City Lord''s Manor.


    As he watched that old man leave without his arrogance and dignity, Ikasa felt vindicated. He had returned the grudge many folds. Master Jin Ping had only ruined his Business but he had ruined his entire career.


    Truly, Reputation is a Double-Edged Sword!


    The stronger it is, the harder it is to wield. And when it cuts, it destroys life.

 Chapter 39 Aftermath

    After Master Jin Ping was taken away, Patriarch Li and Manager Lian faced each other to deal with the aftermath.


    She bowed ny degrees to express her sincerity.


    "Patriarch Li, I apologize for all the trouble you had to go through because of my negligence."


    Though Li Lei still treated her with aloofness, he nodded his head to acknowledge her apology.


    "Mere words are not enough, Manager Lian. My brother lost precious three months while trying to practice ording to that defective manual. You need topensate him."


    Taken aback by his angry words, Lian Hua looked at him and smiled.


    "Of course, Young Heir Li. Lotus Pavilion will refund the entire amount of the purchase to Li Family. We will also find the best High-Grade Technique and present it to the Second Young Master as our repentance."


    Li Fan nodded in satisfaction. Patriarch Li was also pleased with her goodwill offering.


    "I hope Lotus Pavilion keeps their word."


    Li Lei cupped his fist and turned with a ir of his robes. Li Fan and Li Shen also cupped their fists and followed after their Patriarch.


    Lian Hua''s eyes followed the departing Li Family until they disappeared behind the crowd. She then scanned the crowd.


    There were many people from various influences as well asmoners in the crowd gathered here. The Lotus Pavilion had lost its trust because of Master Jin Ping. She took a deep breath and came to a decision.


    "I would like to apologize to all of you for whatever troubles you had to endure because of our ex-employee. In the wake of today''s events, the Lotus Pavilion will be closed for internal restructuring. When we reopen, we hope to be the premier destination for all of you."


    She bowed to the crowd and mouthed ''Thank You'' to Ikasa. Then she took her people and left the scene.


    Xin Ruo noticed her actions. Befuddled, she asked Ikasa.


    "Did she just say thank you?"


    Ikasa was equally confused by the Thank You.


    "Maybe she is grateful that I exposed Master Jin Ping?"


    Even he didn''t believe what he said. But there was no other exnation. His attention was quickly drawn to the crowd gathered around his store. A thought passed through his mind.


    ''A Businessman never lets go of a single opportunity to earn money and advertise his product. If so, where would I find such a crowd for free?''


    He attracted everyone''s attention.


    "Everyone! We defeated Old Man Jin Ping only because we were united! When wee together, many things out of our reach be essible.


    I know, for many of you, 100 Gold is arge sum. That''s why you can get a chance to cultivate at a price as low as 10 Gold!


    I present to you, the hundred-use Cultivation Manual! One of these manuals can be used by a Hundred people to instantly step into Path Forging Realm. And its cost? Only 1000 Gold!"


    He finished the advertisement and looked at the hundreds of eyes glimmering with hope. On every head, he imagined a ''+1'', and it made him giddy with joy.<novelnext></novelnext>


    While he was happily counting his unhatched chickens, Xin Ruo arrived and added a sentence to his spiel.


    "Even Commander Du has ced an order. What are you waiting for? Go, find yourself 99 other partners!"


    That single sentence had much more persuading power than anything Ikasa could say to convince these people. Moment Xin Ruo uttered ''Commander Du'', people frantically started searching for partners.


    ''This is like getting a Celebrity endorsement; That too, for free!''


    He saw people forming groups and parties. Excitement was clear in their eyes as they searched for their acquaintances, friends, or even rtives in the crowd.


    "Chu Feng, You are here too! Come, join our group."


    "Ma Peng, don''t you want a manual for your younger sister? Join us so we can all save money."


    As more and more people started roping in people, he could clearly distinguish between the organized sector like Adventure groups and Mercenary organizations and the unorganized ordinary citizens.


    "We already have 30 people. Need 70 more! Only those who can pay upfront should apply."


    Mercenary groups and adventurers had already formed a system, and they quickly adapted and created Manual Sharing Parties. It was themoners who were struggling toe together.


    "I only have seven gold and need one ce. Old Ba, can''t I pay you the three gold coinster?"


    "We already decided everyone pays for their own spot. So, why do we have to pay for Bu Fang''s spot as well?"


    "Hey, do you know anyone who would join our group? We still need 80 people."


    Such scenes urred in most of the groups formed by the ordinary peasants.


    While watching, the two realized that Commoners were only teaming up with people they knew. Thus, they weren''t able to gather enough people to form a group of a Hundred.


    "Maybe, we should sell a single chance per person tomoners through our store. That way, they won''t have to go through the trouble of finding groups to join."


    Xin Ruo suggested. Ikasa agreed wholeheartedly with her observation.


    "As soon as we deliver the Commander Du''s goods, we will be considered City Lord''s people. Then even if those from aristocracye, we can make them follow the rules of our store."


    Ikasa and Xin Ruo shared a grin. They waited for the first group toe and ce their order. At this point, the crowd had thinned considerably, and it was getting harder to find suitable partners.


    "By the way, what are the terms of our agreement with Commander Du?"


    While Ikasa went out to deal with Master Jin Ping, Xin Ruo introduced Commander Du to their techniques. At first, Commander Du wanted to step out and lend Ikasa a helping hand.


    However, when he realized that Lotus Pavilion and Li Family were also involved in the matter, he decided to stay in and talk terms of sale with her.


    "We have received arge order. One Hundred-Use Cultivation manuals and two Hundred-Use Battle Technique Manuals. Commander Du even generously offered us 10% higher than the market price for priority privilege. Untilˇ­"


    She looked at Ikasa with usatory eyes.

 Chapter 40 The Intricacies Of A Decision

    "Until I came and gave a nket discount of 20% on everything, right?"


    Hepleted her sentence. A smile formed on his lips when he saw her pouting. She looked cute with her puffed-up cheeks and lower lip pushed outward.


    "This was the first-ever deal I negotiated. And I even argued to get more benefits for us. Why did you give him such a big discount? That too, when he didn''t even help you against Patriarch Li and Manager Lian!"


    "Think hard of the situation back there. What would have happened if Commander Du had stepped out? Now tell me whether Commander helped us or not?"


    Xin Ruo was lost in her own mind as she reyed the events that transpired in the morning. In the meantime, Ikasa observed her.


    Her dark hair was shining in the afternoon glow of the sun. A strand of hair hade loose from her simple ponytail. She pushed that annoying strand of hair behind her ear. As she realized the crux of the matter, her pearly white teeth bit her ruby red lip.


    Mesmerized by this scene, Ikasa blurted the first word that came to his mind.


    "Sexy!"


    Xin Ruo blushed at his sudden slip of the tongue. She turned her head to look away from him. Ikasa also awkwardly scratched his head. He saw the alluring red spread to her neck from the corner of his eyes.


    To break the ice, he cleared his throat and returned to their previous topic.


    "Did you find the answer?"


    Xin Ruo also recovered andposed herself. She put her conclusions before Ikasa.


    "If Commander hade out to help you, the matter would''ve blown up. Patriarch Li and Manager Lian would''ve demanded that City Lord be the judge. It would''ve been impossible to resolve with just the arrest of Appraiser Jin Ping."


    Ikasa nodded, approving her chain of thought.


    "Very good. But you are missing the point. Commander Du''s inaction actually saved me."


    "How?"


    "If the matter was brought before the City Lord, what would''ve happened?"


    "The City Lord would''ve judged the matterˇ­"


    Seeing Xin Ruo''s confusion, Ikasa shook his head.


    "The matter would no longer be about who is in the wrong and who is in the right. But who can offer the most benefits and punishing whom would lead to least consequences."


    Her mouth gaped open as she saw the entire picture. She frowned and looked at Ikasa with worry as the implications set in.


    "Wouldn''t that meanˇ­"


    "Yes. I would''ve been the one to be punished. Since I don''t have impressive support, punishing me has the least consequences."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa sighed as he exposed his vulnerable side to Xin Ruo.


    "But wouldn''t Commander Du protect you?"


    "Why would he? He is City Lord''s subordinate. He wouldn''t publicly go against him. And even if he did argue my case sessfully, City Lord will not let go of such a juicy piece of meat. One of the conditions for my freedom would be the method to create Spiritual Imprints."


    Her mind was overwhelmed as she discovered the many considerations behind one simple action. Then she thought about the agreement they had formed with Commander Du and became anxious.


    "Wait! Wouldn''t the City Lord''s Manor take over our shop, if we rely on them?"


    "Our Shop, huh?"


    Ikasa asked with a teasing tone, and Xin Ruo blushed at her gaffe. He didn''t embarrass her further and assuaged her.


    "We are not relying on City Lord''s Manor per se; We are in a business rtionship. Using this rtionship, we are only borrowing the City Lord''s name to act fierce."


    "So if someone dide after usˇ­"


    "If it is a small fry, Commander Du will help us warn them. In the event, that either of the two prestigious families acts, we are on our own."


    The callousness with which Ikasa uttered those words did not lessen their severity.


    The atmosphere turned solemn when the shallowness of this business''s foundation registered in their mind. They went through different scenarios where they would have to fend off the covetous families. Sadly, they failed in every one.


    The depressing atmosphere was broken by their first customer for the Hundred-Use Manual.


    "Hello! We would like to order one Hundred-Use Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength!"


    Three well-built men knocked on the Shop''s counter. Shrugging off her gloom, Xin Ruo jumped into action.


    "Wee! One hundred-use manual is 1000 Gold. To preorder, you need to deposit 100 or more gold. Should I note you down?"


    The three men looked at each other and came to a consensus. They didn''t know they would have to pay a deposit to ce an order. But they didn''t hesitate to ce it anyway.


    That was the first and thest group who pre-ordered the Hundred-Use manual for the day. When the sun started setting in the west, Ikasa called out to Xin Ruo.


    "Let''s pack up. I don''t think anyone wille to register for regr manuals anymore."


    While they were closing the shop, they saw a figure run towards them from the inner city. It was none other than Caretaker Han!


    Caretaker Han was red-faced and out of breath. His limbs were trembling. He still did not rest. Instead, he delivered a message in his quivering voice.


    "Master, they are holding the Kids hostage!"

 Chapter 41 Hostages

    "Those damn bastards! Do they really think I, Li Fan, am a fool?"


    With a loud crash, another pot was broken into pieces. The room was littered with broken pieces of various porcin objects.


    The maid standing outside the room flinched as she heard another pot break. She was soon joined by another one who hade to check up on Li Fan. When they heard another loud cracking from the room, the two maids looked worriedly at the closed door.


    "How long has he been like that?"


    "He came back from the Elder Hall and turned violent."


    "I heard the Patriarch rebuked him severely before the elders."


    "Just a few days ago, the Elders were ming the First Young Master for ruining their deal with the Monstrous me Sect"


    "Really? The Elders have never dared to raise a voice against the First Young Master before!"


    The two maids were whispering to each other. One of the maids had a fresh palm print on her cheek. They shut their mouths when they heard footsteps approach the door.


    The door clicked, and Li Fan emerged from the room. Blood was oozing from the numerous open cuts on his palm.


    He pointed to the one he had pped.


    "You, go call the Umbra."


    He turned to the other maid and motioned her to tend to his wound.


    "Was Li Shen here?"


    Li Fan asked the maid.


    "No, Shaoye. But Li Chun came to inform you that the Second Young Master is going into closed-door training. It willst for a month."


    Li Fan''s eyes misted as he thought of his younger brother. Lotus Pavilion had delivered a Medium-Grade Path Forging Realm manual that fits perfectly with Ikasa''s cultivation manual. In order to vindicate himself, Li Shen had vowed tobine the two and create a brand new Top-Grade Cultivation Technique for Li Family.


    "I hope you seed inbining the two techniquesˇ­"


    Li Fan closed his eyes and wished well for his brother. The other maid returned while he was still thinking of his brother.


    "Master, the Umbra is here."


    Li Fan opened his eyes and saw a figure covered from head to toe in ck.


    He nodded his head in greeting.


    "Yin Ying, bring twelve of your men. We are going to im somepensation from the culprit behind this whole mess."


    His eyes shed with a vicious glint as he mentionedpensation.


    Soon a group of fourteen people dressed in ck departed from the Li Family estate. Their destination? A small mansion on the western side of the inner city.


    ˇŞ


    On the grounds of Ikasa''s mansion, the children were enjoying their free time.


    "Tag, You are it, Qiqi!"


    "No! Why is everyone tagging only me when you can tag anyone else? I am not ying anymore!"


    She grumbled as she plopped her butt on a rock near the pond.


    "Let''s take a break?" Hei Ying suggested.


    Everyone nodded and found rocks to rest their butts on. A few moments passed in silence.


    "It was fun ying tag using our movement technique."


    Yan Xiao chimed with a grin. Others nodded with a cheerful smile.


    "We used to y all the time when we were in slums. Now, Sister Ruo only nags at us all day to study or train."


    "Qiqi, go train. Yan Xiao, memorize the words. Chu Qing, don''t take money without permission. h h hˇ­"


    Luo Qiqi imitated Xin Ruo''s nagging voice and garnered a round ofughter.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I like brother Ikasa but it is as if big sister changed because of him."


    Yan Xiao mumbled, unsure of how to feel about the change.


    "Hmph! What''s there to like about him? He just treats us as workers. He did not even give us any remuneration!"


    Everyone red at Chu Qing. Although they might have someints, they did like Ikasa. Hei Ying spoke up to defend him.


    "He has spent thousands of gold coins for us. And except for Arena, we haven''t even done anything useful for him. Why do you want him to pay you?"


    "He earned thousands of gold from that event. And we fought in the arena with our lives on the line. Shouldn''t we get a good reward for it?"


    Chu Qing fumed at Hei Ying. He was blinded by the amount Ikasa was earning and forgot about his contribution to earning it.


    p p p!


    "I didn''t know Ikasa was earning gold in thousands. Looks like this is a very fat sheep. Don''t you agree, Yin Ying?"


    The Kids panicked as they saw several unidentified people in ck surround them.


    Chu Qing might butt heads with Ikasa, but he knew who were allies and who were enemies. He immediately took a defensive stance and covered the other kids behind him.


    Yan Xiao joined him in defending while others became ready to attack.


    Li Fan clicked his tongue seeing the formation. It might be impressive for others but the people he had brought were part of a specially trained force.


    "Capture them, Yin Ying. Make sure not to harm them."


    The men behind him leaped into action. Each of the kids faced two of the men. Outnumbered, the children fell at disadvantage.


    "Fight us one on one if you dare, cowards!"


    Chu Qing roared in anger as he saw Pei Yuan being surrounded by four men. No one replied or even paid any heed to his provocation.


    Instead, Yin Ying joined the fray and Chu Qing''s situation also became disadvantageous.


    Momentster, Pei Yuan and Luo Qiqi were captured and subdued. Chu Qing''s arm was broken. While trying to save Chu Qing, Hei Ying and Yan Xiao were knocked out.


    Li Fan brought them into the mansion. He quickly found Caretaker Han.


    "Don''t even think of trying to resist. It might cost one of them their lives."


    After having him tied up with the kids, he ordered his men to ransack the mansion. Shortly after, Yin Ying reported her gains.


    "Master, we found two pouches with 500 gold in each of them."


    "That''s it? Any secret manuals? Secret Compartments?"


    "None, Master."


    "Useless!" He fumed as he paced in the entryway.


    "At least I got my hands on these kids." He consoled himself as he looked at the unconscious teenagers tied with rope.


    With a vicious grin, he patted Yan Xiao''s cheeks.


    "Let''s see if your Big brother Ikasa values you enough to hand over his secret."


    Li Fan released Caretaker Han.


    "Deliver my message to Ikasa. If he isn''t here in an hour, he will not see these kids alive again."


    As if remembering something he paused and added,


    "If you arrive here with City Guards, your family won''t be alive to see tomorrow''s Sun. Now get going."


    He shooed the elder man away.


    Understanding the importance of time, Caretaker Han made haste to reach Ikasa.

 Chapter 42 Bluffmaster

    "Master, they are holding the children hostage."


    "What?"


    Ikasa nked out for a second. Then with an urgent voice, he asked,


    "Who are they? How many of them are in the mansion?"


    "I don''t know who they are. But one of them is called Yin Ying. There were ten people inside the mansion, all dressed in ck. If there are any outside the mansion, I don''t know about them."


    Ikasa rubbed his nose bridge as he tried to think of a solution.


    "Master, we should hurry up. They said they willˇ­ they will kill the kids and my family if we don''t return within an hour."


    "How dare they threaten the kids?" Xin Ruo exploded with rage.


    She seemed ready to storm into the mansion and unleash her wrath upon the perpetrators.


    Ikasa gently embraced her and rubbed her back to calm her down. He whispered in her ears, "Contact your father."


    He then said in a louder voice.


    "Calm down. They are after my manuals. I will go and check the situation."


    "I wille with you." Xin Ruo insisted with concern in her eyes.


    "No, it is too dangerous. You won''t be able to help much anyway."


    Then he turned to Caretaker Han.


    "Let''s hurry back to the mansion."


    On the way back, Caretaker Han filled in Ikasa with all the details he could remember. The more he heard about them, the more he felt this was the handiwork of a scion from one of the prestigious families.


    ''Maybe it is Li Fan. I crossed paths with him earlier today. He must be here for revenge.''


    He remembered his previous meeting with him, the one at the Auction house. If he had to define Li Fan in a phrase, he would use, ''boastful yet calcting''.


    A n took form in his mind as he thought of how to resolve this situation.


    Unbeknownst to him, they had already walked through the city and arrived before the mansion. He sent Caretaker Han in first while he took his time to prepare himself.


    Once he was ready he leisurely stepped inside.


    "Wee, Ikasa! We were waiting for you."


    As soon as Ikasa stepped foot into the hall of his mansion, Li Fan''s voice sounded in his ears. He saw Li Fan lying on his favorite couch, his head resting on a woman''sp.


    When Li Fan saw Ikasa standing stiff, he joked.


    "Please, take a seat and make yourselffortable. Treat this ce like your home!"


    It garnered a round ofughter from his subordinates. The reaction they expected, the outburst of rage, it never came.


    Ikasa did not show them any reaction on his face. Under his robe was a different story. He had clenched his fists to the point where veins in his forearm bulged.


    ''Chill, Ikasa. Just act as you had rehearsed on the way here. Feng Yan will be here soon.''


    Without a change in his expression, he took a deep breath and unclenched his balled fists. With confidence oozing from his every step, he went ahead and took a seat on the one-seater beside the couch.


    This sudden change in demeanor caught Li Fan off guard. His subordinates cracked knuckles to intimidate Ikasa. But he was having none of that.


    He poured himself a cup of tea. Then as an afterthought, he offered the beverage to his uninvited guests.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Tea?"


    Li Fan sat up, gobsmacked at his behavior. He looked up to check whether his men saw the same thing he did. And indeed, his men were also showing varying degrees of confusion.


    Ikasa sipped the tea and put the cup down. Then he folded his hands and leaned back into the sofa. His actions were the embodiment of rxation.


    He acted as if people he cared about, though tied and unconscious, were not a few feet away. No hostile intruders were surrounding him. His actions disregarded the face and coercion of one of the most powerful heirs in the City.


    "Ikasa, it looks like you don''t care about them at all! They are suffering, yet, you have the leisure to drink tea and rx."


    Li Fan snarled, annoyed by the man''s calm face that did not have even the slightest hint of panic.


    ''Good, I riled him up. Time to make him doubt himself.''


    Ikasa schooled his expression to prevent Li Fan from picking up the tiniest bit of clue.


    "I am calm because I know their identities. And you had the guts to harm them."


    Ikasa pped mockingly. Then he leaned closer to Li Fan and whispered.


    "Do you know as a consequence of this, the Li Family might cease to exist by tomorrow night?"


    The minions of the Li Family did not take kindly to this threat. A goon standing beside Ikasa held him up by his cor.


    "With your puny Initial Path Forging Realm cultivation base?"


    Ikasa smiled at Li Fan and ignored the grunt.


    "Are they all this dumb?" He asked Li Fan with nonchnce.


    His calm spooked Li Fan. He second-guessed himself.


    ''Do they really have a special identity? Am I making a mistake? No, even if the kids are special, this bastard has to pay!''


    Li Fan was barely holding back his fury. He motioned the goon to put Ikasa down and also asked him to release the kids.


    Ikasa smirked as he realized his n was working.


    But Li Fan''s words took the wind out of his sails.


    "Wipe that smirk off your face. The kids have a special identity. Not you. I know your history like the back of my hand. After all, I was yourrgest customer back then."


    ''Shiit! There goes my n of bluffing my way out of this mess.''


    He cursed. He thought hard, trying to remember everything about Li Fan. He tried to recall the names of the books he copied for him.


    ''Brother, take me to Bed''?


    ''My Younger Brother is Super Handsome''?


    ''I want to spank you, Dear Brother''?


    ''Damn, I was copying such books for this pervert! Wait, why do all of them sound incestuous?''


    Ikasa looked at Li Fan with suspicion.


    Li Fan ignored Ikasa''s gaze. Instead, he held Ikasa by his cor.


    "Now, let''s talk. Are you willing to divulge your secrets or should I pry them from your mouth?"

 Chapter 43 Deal With The Devil

    "Now, let''s talk. Are you willing to divulge your secrets or should I pry them from your mouth?"


    "Li Fan, don''t go overboard. Do you think I just chanced upon those kids? They were entrusted to me! Do you dare suffer their wrath if something happens to me?"


    Li Fan sneered. He grabbed Ikasa by his cor and pulled him close. So close, that their noses were almost touching each other.


    "No one can save you today."


    "If even a hair of mine is missing, I can guarantee everyone in this room will die."


    Ikasa sneered with no intention of backing down. A slight quiver crept into his speech, but it made his charade seem more real.


    Li Fan released him and took a few steps back. Ikasa could see him rapidly clench and unclench his fists as he paced in the room.


    "No, You have to face the consequences for making a fool of us, the Li Family! The Old fools who wagged their tails when they saw me, dared to reprimand me. All because of you!"


    His outburst ended with a finger pointed at Ikasa. Their eyes met. They saw the conviction and unwillingness to admit defeat in each other''s gaze.


    "You either give up your secrets or your dignity. If you don''t talk, I swear I''ll break every bone in your body."


    He gestured to goons nearby to hold Ikasa in ce.


    "Even if I give you my method, where will you find a person with a special physique like me?"


    Li Fan stopped the grunts. He half believed what Ikasa said. If it was so easy to create spiritual imprints, then everyone would be making one. But his resolve to get his hands on the secret couldn''t be undermined so easily.


    "Nheless, I want your method."


    Ikasa dismissively waved his hand.


    "Can''t give."


    Infuriated, Li Fan ordered, "Break his arm."


    "Aah, Young Master Li Fan, wait! Don''t you just want a stable supply of manuals? I can provide you with that."


    Ikasa panicked as the grunt held the arm he was waving dismissively in a vice grip. The grunt waited for an answer from his superior.


    Li Fan smiled viciously upon seeing Ikasa''s panic.


    "I changed my mind. I will just force you to give up your Imprinting method."


    His words meant ''go-ahead'' for theckey. With a pop, that grunt dislocated Ikasa''s shoulder.


    "AAAHHH!"


    "You are very sensitive, huh? Should I go for the knee next?"


    Li Fan asked with a perverse smile.


    Ikasa realized this was the moment of do-or-die. If he couldn''t scare Li Fan, a fate worse than death awaited him. He decided to do what most viins love to do, threaten the dearest person.


    "Li Fan, if you harm me one more time, I willmit suicide. And when I die the entire Li Family will be buried with me! Your dearest brother will make a fine corpse, right?"


    Li Fan couldn''t control his anger at the mention of his brother. His hand moved on its own and punched Ikasa in the face.


    ''Yes, I hit his nerve.''


    Ikasa''s smile widened. His teeth were red from his own blood.


    "I am still giving you onest chance. Make a deal with me. I will provide the manuals. You will sell them."


    Li Fan controlled his rising anger. He tried to think with a calm mind. The deal was the only way to gain any benefit from this situation.


    While Li Fan was taking his time to think about the deal, Ikasa noticed two silhouettes near the window. He made eye contact with Xin Ruo and shook his head.


    The two figures dived into the decorative shrubs and disappeared from the view.


    Li Fan had finallye to a decision.


    "Fine. We''ll do it your way. I will sell the manuals, you make them. We''ll divide profits 50:50."


    "I don''t have a problem with profit sharing. But I have two conditions."


    Li Fan scoffed in response.


    "You are in no condition to be dictating terms."


    Ikasa sneered.


    "Actually, I am. You just have to obey me. The Guardian of the kids just arrived. If I didn''t stop him, All four of you would''ve been dead by now."


    Li Fan''s expression changed. He looked at Yin Ying in askance.


    "I saw him shake his head, Master. I think he was signaling someone."


    Li Fan believed Ikasa now. He felt a chill go down his spine. He suddenly had a doubt.


    "Then why didn''t you let him take action?"


    Ikasa snorted with derision.


    "Don''t think your life is precious. Killing you is too much of a hassle. The ytime of those kids will end early, and their training will begin sooner. I am doing this for their sake."


    He heard true conviction in Ikasa''s voice when he talked about the well-being of the children.


    Hence, he was convinced by this answer. The life of a prestigious family''s heir was insignificantpared to the happiness of the kids? He could only imagine how prominent their background might be.


    Li Fan personally helped Ikasa put the limp shoulder back in ce.


    "Son of Bi*ch!"


    A cry of anguish sounded in the hall. He rotated his shoulder to adjust his difort. After taking a sip of his tea, Ikasa raised two of his fingers.


    "The two conditions are fairly easy. Firstly, you will give the chance to use my manual to all the citizens of Sal City, evenmoners. Each usage of manual should cost less than 20 Gold."


    Li Fan immediately raised his voice in protest.


    "Impossible! We won''t cater tomoners. And selling them manuals for so cheap? Not a single one of those ancient fossils in Elder Hall will agree!"


    Ikasa stepped closer and whispered near his ear. Seducing him with the lure of money.


    "Think about it, there are ten thousandmoners in Sal City alone. If you can earn 10 gold from each one of them, that is 100,000 Gold! One million silver! Does the amount of 10 million coppers not excite you?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Li Fan''s eyes shone with greed. His drool was dripping along his chin.


    Ikasa was like a devil whispering sweet promises and showing a bright future, all the while preparing a knife in the dark.


    Li Fan wiped the drool while pretending to be in control.


    "I will think about it. What is your second condition?"


    "Our cooperation will begin after I have fulfilled the two prior orders. And you will not get a profit share from them."


    Li fan felt both of the conditions were very reasonable. His mind was so upied with the potential profits that he failed to assess any risks.


    "Let''s shake hands on the deal then."


    "To sessful cooperation!"


    "To our prosperity!"


    After concluding the deal, Ikasa bade the uninvited guests goodbye. His face was clouded with anger, helplessness, and gloom as he looked at the departing backs of Li Fan and others.


    The moment the ck clothes of those abominable Li Family stooges were out of sight, he rushed to Chu Qing''s room.


    In the room, the kids and Feng Yan were circling around the Bed. Xin Ruo was applying medicine to the broken arm of Chu Qing.


    "How is he?"


    A hoarse voice asked, attracting everyone''s attention to the speaker.


    "Fortunately, the bone is intact. He should recover within ten days."


    Feng Yan answered Ikasa.


    Then he brought him away and pinched his shoulder muscles. Ikasa lost all sensation in his shoulder. He looked questioningly at Feng Yan but he had already turned to watch Xin Ruo heal Chu Qing.


    The numbness slowly wore off. When it did wear offpletely, even the minor difort from the dislocated shoulder disappeared.


    Xin Ruo finished wrapping Chu Qing''s arm in a splint. Foul smell of medicine permeated in the room.


    It was dinner time when she finished tending to Chu Qing and other''s injuries.


    Still, even after the treatment was over, no one was in the mood to eat. The Kids spent the rest of the evening sulking and ming themselves.


    Luo Qiqi had lost her mischievous smile. Hei Ying, whose eyes always shine with hope, was looking nkly at Chu Qing. Pei Yuan leaned on the wall in a corner, his eyes filled with impotent rage.


    Ikasa and Xin Ruo wanted to go over and console them numerous times, but Feng Yan stopped them.


    "This is a phase. They will only emerge stronger after this."


    Whatever Feng Yan said made sense. But Ikasa and Xin Ruo couldn''t just sit and watch the silent tears flow from Yan Xiao''s eyes. They left the room and went outside to breathe in the fresh air.


    "Where did you learn your medical skills?"


    Ikasa inquired, trying to break the ufortable silence.


    "My Motherˇ­ She had summarized all her knowledge in her diary."


    Her voice choked thinking of her.


    He cursed himself for asking the question. Today, they had suffered one trauma. He had gone and dug up another ordeal from her past. He tried to think of a way to remedy his blunder.


    "Was she a practitioner of medicine?"


    "Yes. She was scouted by Medicine Master Charaka but she refused because she was pregnant with me."


    She replied with pride apparent in her tone.


    "Medicine Master Charaka?"


    "He is a renowned master from a distantnd. His skills of mending skin and bones are on an entirely different levelpared to masters here."


    Ikasa saw a glow in her eyes when she spoke about this Master. He noted her genuine passion.


    "Are you interested in learning the art of medicine?"


    The light in her eyes dimmed, and her face also turned glum.


    "Even if I want to, how will I learn? Who will teach me?"


    "Don''t worry. I will find a way to make your dreame true."


    "Just like you found a way today?"


    Her words sounded passive-aggressive. It was as if she was pleased and displeased with Ikasa at the same time.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I saw you shake hands with that bastard!"


    Xin Ruo replied with a huff. Ikasa realized that his actions had caused a misunderstanding.


    "It''s not as you thinkˇ­"


    Ikasa proceeded to exin all the events that happened after his arrival. Sheughed at his heroic bluffs. Her face scrunched with worry when Ikasa got hurt.


    When she heard about the deal, her expression becameplicated. She was proud of Ikasa for obtaining benefits even in such a bad situation. But she was also saddened by how helpless they were now.


    Any day their bluff might be exposed. And when it does, they would have to face the reckoning. She gently held his hand and gave it a squeeze, reassuring him.


    Ikasa saw the emotions sh in her eyes. Even though her squeeze assured him of her support, he was still afraid of the unknown future.


    Back on earth, he had faced countless business decisions. He had dealt with big corporations, sharky investors, and belligerent unions. But never was his life in danger if he failed.


    He would lose some profits. But not his life.


    When he doubted himself, he would confide with Donna, his secretary.


    At this moment, he needed a Donna, a confidant of sorts. Someone who will listen. So, he turned to Xin Ruo.


    He voiced the nagging thought that was eating him inside.


    "Xin Ruo, did I make a deal with the devil?"

 Chapter 44 Fulfilling Orders

    "One [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength], one [Peek-a-Boo Defense], and one [Fast-Faster-Fastest]. The order for Commander Du isplete."


    Ikasa checked the orders from Du Man on his list and looked at the remaining points.


    CP:  2


    BP: 19


    ''Now only the manuals for the Adventurer party and Li Fan are left. I should go and deliver these first.''


    On his way out, he noticed the Kids. They were practicing their fighting skills diligently. The incident of three days ago had left a deep impact on them.  Only when Chu Qing joined them for training did smiles return to their lips.


    "They have shed some of their naivety andxness."


    Xin Ruo chimed when she saw Ikasa observe the kids from the door. He nodded at her in greeting and continued to watch the kids.


    Mixed emotions welled up in his eyes. Guilt, for exposing them to danger, and Pride at how they had ovee their anguish.


    He didn''t know how to feel about this change in their behavior and attitude.


    "Is this what parenthood is like?"


    He wondered as he waved at the kids and Xin Ruo on his way out of the mansion.


    The young man walked out of the gates of the manor with a resolve; a resolve to shelter these kids from any further danger.


    Walking at a brisk pace, he soon reached the vast training grounds reserved for the City Guards. He entered the barracks built at the entrance and found Commander Du.


    "Ikasa! You are here earlier than I expected! Did you make all three manuals so soon?"


    "Of course, Commander. How else would I face you otherwise?"


    "Good! Good! Come, the new division of our City Guards is training in the grounds over there. Let''s boost their morale with your manuals."


    Commander Du led the way to the training grounds in Inner City. Ikasa looked at the strapping young men practicing their punches with shining eyes.


    Each one of them was punching at the same time and in the same directions. Their routine changed from punches to kicks to footwork.


    Every action taken was calcted with the same amount of force behind it.


    Ikasa awed by their synchronicity, couldn''t help but exim.


    "Amazing! Their moves are inplete sync!"


    The trainer in charge of training the future guards puffed his chest upon hearing thepliment. A few trainees, distracted by the sudden exmation, looked to see who had intruded upon their training session.


    Their momentarypse in attention messed up the entire division''s order.


    Upon seeing their moves be disorganized from hearing thepliment, Du Man frowned.


    "It''s too early to be proud. You haven''t performed before the City Lord yet."


    Commander Du admonished. The Trainer turned red and lowered his head from shame. He red at his charges and disciplined them for embarrassing him.


    The two men engaged in small talk while waiting for the rookies to finish the exercise. A quarter of an hourter, hundred men were standing in neat rows before them.


    "Your promised High-grade Cultivation Techniques are here. Come here, one after another, to receive it."


    The future guards followed their leader''s orders to the letter. The first one came and opened the book.


    As soon as he touched the first page, air swooshed around him. He returned the book and closed his eyes to receive the energy imprint.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Once the book was passed to the next man, he felt a simr sensation.


    The three men observing the situation could see air whirling around the people who opened the book and received a spiritual imprint.


    As the manual was passed through the soldiers, it thinned considerably. When the hundredth trainee used it, the book disappeared.


    Ikasa peeked to see the Trainer and Commander Du''s reaction. He nodded with satisfaction on seeing their mouths wide open. An intense gust of wind blowing on his face drew his attention to the giant cyclone forming before them.


    The hundred energy vortexes hadbined to form a huge cyclone. The wind blowing had be strong, and it was bing harder to keep their footing.


    "Head inside the barracks!"


    Commander Du ordered Ikasa and the trainer while leading the way himself.


    "What about the Cadets?"


    "They should be safe since they are in the eye of the storm."


    Ikasa assured the Trainer as they hurried to reach the shelter. Once they reached the barracks, they could see the cyclone in its entirety.


    "Marvelous!"


    Commander Du eximed at the phenomenon caused by the manual. The trainer couldn''t believe his eyes.


    "Marvelous indeed! If someone told me this, whatever this is, was caused by a hundred people breaking through to the Path Forging realm at once, I would never trust his words."


    He floundered for words to describe the swirling tower of wind touching the skies.


    The person standing behind them was instead concerned by the darkening sky.


    Clouds were gathering near the typhoon of energy. A lightning bolt shed across the heavens like a divine dragon.


    The trainer immediately recognized these urrences as precursors of a natural wonder, desired and feared by many.


    "This is an Energy Storm! Commander, shouldn''t  we be bringing them inside?"


    The Trainer asked with worry creeping in his voice.


    Du Man turned to Ikasa. He didn''t want any mishap to happen to his force. But he also didn''t want to disturb them while theyprehended the technique.


    Ikasa missed the questioning nce as he was too busy worrying about something else.


    ''Thirty breaths is roughly one minute.''  Ikasa counted his fingers.


    ''The first guy used the manual twenty minutes ago. Why isn''t he out yet?''


    "Ikasa?"


    Commander Du called out to draw his attention.


    "Yes?" Ikasa answered absently. He was still focused on counting his breaths.


    "Should we bring them inside? Will it affect theirprehension of the technique?"


    Ikasa fidgeted under Commander Du''s gaze but did not reply straight away. He counted his fingers, again and again, to be sure of the time.


    Before he could answer, the Commander''s attention was drawn by something else.

 Chapter 45 Energy Storm

    "Commander, it''s raining!"


    The trainer eximed. He bustled to find an empty container and ce it in the rain. The drops gathering in the container glowed with greenish-blue light.


    Commander Du picked up the container and sipped on the few drops gathered inside. His eyes lit up when he finished the drops.


    "It is Energy-infused Water! Haha! Trainer Feng, ce as many containers as possible in the rain. We need to collect this treasure!"


    "Yes, Leader!" Trainer Feng got to work.


    Ikasa was shocked by Commander Du''s words.


    "Is that really the Energy-infused Water? The one that can clear the Energy Path 50% faster upon consumption?"


    When the leader of guards nodded in affirmation, his mouth hit the floor. He needed such treasure to alleviate the kid''s glumness and support their practice.


    "Brother Ikasa is really my lucky star! First, I got incredible techniques, and now this treasure."


    Du Man excitedly pped Ikasa''s shoulders. He saw the rain fall on the paved ground and disappear between the cracks. A look of disappointment shed in his eyes.


    "It''s a pity that these grounds are paved. If this was a farm, it would''ve turned into treasurednd for growing spirit medicine. What a waste!"


    While Commander Du was rambling about the losses, Ikasa gathered his courage.


    "Commander, can you give me a few bottles of Energy-infused water?"


    The ramblings stopped instantly. The man turned his head away to avoid meeting Ikasa''s expectant gaze.


    With an awkward expression, he said, "I would''ve given it to you if there was a surplus.  But this much is insufficient for internal consumption."


    Ikasa looked at the man with a deadpan stare, but in his head, he couldn''t help but curse the man.


    ''Shameless! One man can only drink 10 drops of this water at max. When the rain stops, the 50 pots will collect at least 100-120 drops each.  And this will be insufficient for internal consumption? Just say you want money, you greedy pig!''


    He decided to test his theory and see if he would agree to sell.


    "Commander, I don''t mean to take advantage of you. I will exchange the Fast-Faster-Fastest Manual for two pots with 100 drops each."


    "Deal!"


    Du Man shook Ikasa''s hand enthusiastically. He agreed so quickly that Ikasa almost regretted the deal.


    People inside the cyclone slowly woke up, and the energy cocoons around them faded. The clouds also receded in the sky.


    "Let''s go Ikasa. We still need to distribute the Battle Technique manuals."


    Commander Du brought Ikasa to the front by his arm.


    "What? I am in the intermediate stage of Path Forging Realm?"


    "I am at the 3rd stage!"


    "Are all his manuals so awesome? I was not even a cultivator sometime ago, and now I am already at stage 2!"


    "Me too!"


    Almost all of the hundred had advanced into Stage 2 of the Path Forging Realm and many had even broken through to Stage 3.


    Some geniuses had taken this opportunity to advance to Stage 4 of the Path Forging realm and be Intermediate Path Forgers.


    These words fell on the ears of Trainer Feng and Commander Du. When their eyes met, they knew what exactly the other was thinking.


    ''The energy storm couldn''t be the cause of this. It is often fatal to cultivators.''


    ''This means his manuals are the reason for their advancement.''<novelnext></novelnext>


    Once they thought of this possibility, their reverence for Ikasa and his manuals skyrocketed. They looked at him with admiring gazes.


    "Brother Ikasa, your manuals are truly heaven-defying!"


    Commander Du sighed with wonderment.


    "Indeed! I have never seen a cultivator breakthrough from just using the manual, let alone advance several stages!"


    Trainer Feng seconded his superior while apuding in his own way.


    Ikasa received theirpliments with a smile. Even though he epted their praises calmly, he himself was confused as to what happened.


    ''Maybe it was the Energy Storm?''


    He didn''t dwell on the matter for long and proceeded to pass on his Battle Techniques.


    When the thick books were passed around, Du Man was constantly looking for signs of another energy vortex. To his dismay, there was no shocking phenomenon this time.


    Ikasa noticed his antiques and grinned at his foolish hopes.


    ''As if the energy storm was formed by my manuals...''


    A few minutester, all the people had learned the skills. Some were practicing punching through each other''s strengthened defenses. Others were running, utilizing the movement technique to its full potential.


    "Good! Very Good! Good block! Good maneuver!"


    Du Man eximed while pping his hands. His eyes darted from one person to another. Mirth spilled from them as he kept on repeating the word ''Good.''


    Once he had seen enough, he led Ikasa to the Barracks.


    "Here you go! 2000 Gold as promised. And 200 drops of Energy-infused Water."


    Ikasa was puzzled by the sum offered.


    "Commander we agreed on 800 gold per manual. This is 400 gold more than promised?"


    Du Man smiled kindly at him.


    "Yes, we agreed on 800 gold. But your manual also performed better than expected. So take it. You deserve those extra coins."


    Commander Du grabbed Ikasa''s hand and ced the pouch on it forcefully.


    ''Shameless!'' Ikasa cursed the man in his heart.


    ''If you had to train all your 100 soldiers to Stage 2, it would cost you at least a few months and 5000 gold. And yet you are sending me off with just 400 gold?''


    Ikasa wanted to spit out the facts and storm out of here. But he controlled himself. The entire point of providing manuals to the City Guards was to gain their protection. He couldn''t give up on it for momentary gains.


    Still, he didn''t want to stay in thepany of this conscienceless man any longer. He nodded with a forced smile to show his appreciation.


    While receiving the pouch, he surreptitiously weighed it. The weight felt right for the amount, so he hung it on his belt.


    After hastily bidding the man farewell, Ikasa hurried back home.


    On the way, all he could think of was the points he gained today and the strange Energy Storm.


    ''Was that Energy Storm really created by my manuals? Or was that a coincidence?''


    He decided to test his theory at ater date when he was strong enough to guard his secret. He was sure Commander Du will not divulge such a piece of valuable information easily. So he could rest assured on that front.


    When he returned home, he looked at his list where Commander Du''s name was crossed.


    ''Now I only have to deliver one more cultivation manual and then my cooperation with Li Fan will begin.''

 Chapter 46 Co-Operation

    "Did you hear? In the Li Family''s store, a single use of a High-Grade manual is going only for 200 silver!"


    "Yes, I heard they are buying from Ikasa''s store and selling it to usmoners for double the price."


    "Did you see his store open in thest few weeks? Obviously, the Li family has taken over that business."


    "Shh! Just thank our lucky stars that they are even selling to us. And 200 silver is still a reasonably cheap price."


    "In Ikasa''s store, we had to look for a group before buying. Here anyone can go and use the manual after paying."


    Li Fan smirked as he heard people gossip outside the store. Within three weeks, he had earned a profit of 5000 gold. And at the current speed of sales, he expected the profits to rise above 10000 gold.


    "Sir, we are out of manuals to use."


    The storekeeper reported.


    "Go and get the next batch of manuals from Ikasa."


    He threw a money pouch containing 2000 gold to his servant.


    While the Servant was headed to Ikasa''s Mansion, the owner weed an important guest.


    "Wee! The young miss of the Xue family has decided to grace this humble one with her presence. It is my lucky day indeed."


    Ikasa bowed his head slightly as he weed the twosses to his living room.


    "Mr. Ikasa is indeed as charismatic as rumored."


    "Hearing such words from a beauty like you, I feel ttered."


    Ikasa led Xue Mi and her maid to the living room. Once they were seated and the tea served, the battle of wills resumed. Ikasa leisurely sipped his tea while waiting for Xue Mi to speak.


    When she did not speak even after the tea in his cup was finished, he became restless. To center himself, Ikasa observed her.


    His eyes took in her features. Her glowing skin was smooth like jade, without any blemishes. Her phoenix-shaped eyes evoked his admiration. Cherry red lips contrasted nicely against her fairness.


    She grew ufortable under his gaze. To break the ice, she restarted the conversation.


    "Mr. Ikasa must be a busy person. Am I keeping you away from something?"


    Her eyes avoided him when she spoke.


    ''So, she is still a greenhorn in such matters.'' He inferred


    "Hahaha! You jest! If the graceful young miss of the Xue family asks this question, which fool would say yes?"


    Ikasa replied teasingly. Xue Mi blushed a little butposed herself. The maid beside her frowned at his tone.


    "Mr. Ikasa, please don''t tease me. I will be straightforward. I am here to make a deal with you on behalf of the Xue Family."


    ''Thought so.'' Ikasa smiled.


    "What kind of deal does Xue Family want to make with me?"


    "We hope to get exclusive selling rights of your Battle Technique Manuals."


    "Oh?!" Ikasa was taken aback by the demand. He expected them toe for the Cultivation Manuals. Covering up his surprise, he continued to probe.


    "Given your history with the Li Family, I thought you would go after the Cultivation Manuals. After all, that was your domain originally."


    Xue Mi narrowed her eyes. She pondered over his implied provocation and carefully worded her reply.


    "They took our Cultivation resource market. We took their Grain supply chain and other necessity stores. At present, we are on amicable terms."


    With eyes narrowed, she uttered her words in a cold voice.


    "Do you, perhaps, want to see the two familiespete for your manuals, Mr. Ikasa?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Hearing her measured words, Ikasa sighed. She made it clear that the Xue Family had repaid its grudges. Although she had used the word ''amicable'', it might mean that there was a temporary truce between the two families.


    And her question at the end was a simple and in threat. Both, Li Family and Xue Family, will not tolerate him if the answer was ''Yes.''


    His eyes rested on her naive, doll-like face.


    ''Tskˇ­ Despite looking like that she is not gullible at all.''


    She might be a veteran in such negotiations, but she had already exposed her weakness earlier. Even the slightest flirtatiousment caused her to fluster.


    He straightened his posture and met her eyes.


    ''As expected. She avoided eye contact. But I cannot push her too far.''


    "Why would I want the two families topete? If both families are on friendly terms, then my safety will be guaranteed by both of you."


    Ikasa dismissed the threat in her earlier question.


    "Mr. Ikasa has a unique perspective. I admire your vision."


    She mustered her courage to look at Ikasa andpliment him.


    "Miss Xue has a silver tongue. What kind of deal structure do you propose?"


    "All of your Battle Techniques will be exclusively sold through our stores in Sal City. We will take 70% of the profits and pay you the rest 30%."


    The deal was obviously uneptable. He decided to take a strong position by bringing up his deal with Li Family.


    "I share 50% of profits in my deal with Li Family. I am sure they will offer me the same deal for my Battle Technique manuals."


    Xue Mi smirked. It was as if a cat had got a mouse.


    "Your deal is with Li Fan, not Li Family. The Elders of the Li Family are moring to reduce your share to a mere 10%. What we are offering is much more generous inparison."


    This news sent shivers down his spine. He remembered he had not made any official contract with the Li Family for the sole purpose of reneging on the deal when he was strong enough.


    Then in the past week, he had tasted the sweetness of being a hands-off storekeeper.


    ''No, I have growncent. It''s about time I practice my battle techniques. Before that, let''s deal with this girl first.''


    "Hahaha!, Ms. Xue, Li Fan is the sessor of the Li Family. The Elders may move their mouths as much as they want, but he will not change our deal."


    He rxed back into his seat. And steepled his fingers before his chest.


    "If the Xue family wants to use this news to threaten me, I do not wee your presence."


    Xue Mi tried to think of a way out. This deal was very important to the Family. If they fail to secure this deal, even their remaining market share of Cultivation Resources would be taken over by the Li''s.


    "Mr. Ikasa, your deal with Li Fan is in jeopardy. It is only a matter of time before the Li Family turns on you. Wouldn''t it be better to have us as a backup?"


    Ikasa detected a hint of anxiousness and desperation in her voice. By leaning forward, he indicated his interest in her suggestion. He noticed a hint of anticipation in her eyes.


    He replied to her suggestion with a question of his own.


    "Ms. Xue, are you implying that the Xue family will back me if I go against the Li Family?"


    Xue Mi again looked at her maid with helplessness. The maid gave her a nod of encouragement.


    Usually, she would not dare to discuss matters of this magnitude. But her father had assigned this task to her, and she was determined toplete it.


    She decided to disclose a piece of information known only to the top echelon of Sal City.


    "Mr. Ikasa, if you really take on Li Family, it won''t just be the Li Family you face but the City Lord''s Manor as well!"


    "What?!"

 Chapter 47 The Embarassing Breakthroughs

    "What?!"


    It was Ikasa''s turn to be shocked. His hand shivered and some tea spilled from the cup. It gave him time topose himself.


    Xue Mi''s eyes shined when she saw his reaction. A bit of levity returned to her tone. She thought she could use this information to pressurize Ikasa into epting her deal.


    "Did you not know this? Back when the Patriarch Wei was killed, the Li''s allied with City Lord Du to uproot their whole family. Their alliance is still strong."


    He looked at her with a grave expression.


    "Ms. Xue, thank you for the information. This is a very strong reason for me to not deal with the Xue Family."


    "What? Why?" Xue Mi was startled by Ikasa''s deration.


    "As of this moment, I am still safe because Patriarch Li does not consider me a threat. My cooperation with Li Fan is also sessful because of this. The moment I sign a contract with you, they will get a legitimate reason to act against me."


    Ikasa calmly exined his reasoning to the girl before him. Then he posed a valid question that would decide the fate of this deal.


    "Since you cannot guarantee the safety of me and my people, why should I agree to your request?"


    Xue Mi had an urge to palm her face. Her n to force Ikasa backfired. He had used the information she had given to wriggle out of her trap. But she was not willing to let him escape so easily.


    In her haste, she missed the ghost of a smirk on Ikasa''s lips.


    "If Li familyes for you, we may not be able to back you outright. However, I can personally guarantee you and your people a safe passage to Birch City."


    She offered something Ikasa desperately wanted. A chance to start anew in a new city. Once he heard the news of the Li Family and City Lord''s collusion, he knew it was impossible for an individual like him to operate in this City.


    ''I cannot fight against City Lord as well as the Li Family. It''d be better to start anew in Birch City.''


    He had made up his mind; now all he needed was an incentive. He sighed and looked at Xue Mi''s anxious face.


    "Ms. Xue, I am touched by your willingness to offer me a way out. Still, this deal is disadvantageous for me. If you raise my profit share to 40%, we can immediately begin our cooperation."


    Xue Mi''s face turned ecstatic.


    "Forty percent? Done! I will prepare a contract as soon as possible."


    Ikasa was surprised by her jubnce.


    ''Was that the number she was aiming for all along?''


    He did not regret agreeing to that number. After all, his main goal was to spread his manuals. Earning gold would help in expanding his reach.


    "Mr. Ikasa, will you draw up our contract?"


    "Sure, Miss Xue. I will prepare the contract ording to the terms we agreed upon. You just need to procure the Mystique Blood to seal the contract."


    An hourter, Ikasa and Xue Mi imprinted their thumbprints on the contract. A connection signifying a sessful contract formed between them.


    "I hope to get my first batch of all Battle Techniques by next week."


    Xue Mi requested. Ikasa nodded in agreement.


    "Mr. Ikasa, to our happy co-operation!"


    Xue Mi said with cupped fists. Ikasa also imitated her actions.


    "Happy Cooperation, Ms. Xue!"


    She bid Ikasa farewell and left now that her mission here was aplished. Unbeknownst to her, a figure saw her exit the gates of Ikasa''s manor.


    "Why was Xue Family''s young miss here? I should report this to the Young Master."


    Li Wu murmured as he entered Ikasa''s Manor.


    "Master Ikasa! I am here to get another batch. Is it ready?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Li Wu stated his purpose as soon as he came face to face with Ikasa. Of all the Li Family Servants, Ikasa liked this one for his straightforwardness.


    "He has already sold 5 Hundred-Use manuals!"


    Ikasa eximed as he took out two thick, glossy ck-covered books from his bookshelf in the living room. Li Wu had no change in his expression.


    "Here, I have prepared two manuals for you. Did you bring my share?"


    Li Wu handed over the heavy pouch hanging on his waist.


    "Young Master asked you to prepare two more manuals for next week. Is it possible?"


    "As long as you give money, everything is possible."


    Ikasa said while weighing the bag in his hands.


    Li Wu epted the answer and bowed on his way out.


    Once he had sent off his visitors, Ikasa returned to his room. He connected to the Printer. Recently he had a new obsession; watching his CP go up every few hours.


    When he began cooperation with Li Fan, he realized his CP had a cap. His cultivation points would not increase beyond a specific number.


    He was still in the first stage of the Path Forging realm at that time. And his cap was fixed at 110 points. As he came to know about this max value, he used CP to run his Cultivation cycles.


    He still remembered the embarrassingly long fart he had let out after using 10 CP. And a few secondster, he had entered the second stage of the Path Forging Realm! His max cap had also increased by 10, making it 120 Points.


    In the subsequent days, he continued to use points to circte along his energy paths. After another 10 points, he was in the 3rd stage.


    Since then, whenever the points neared the capped value, he added them to his Cultivation.


    Current stats on the interface showed 148 points in CP. His cap had increased to 180 CP. Within three weeks, he had be a Veteran Path Forger of Stage 8 from a small Stage 1 ant.


    "It took me 10 points for every upgrade during the initial stage of Path forging realm. For the intermediate stage, the number increased to 20. And now in the Advanced Path Forging Realm, I need 30 for each stage."


    He rubbed his hands in joy as he spent 30 points to advance to Stage 9 of the Path forging realm.


    The moment he finished cirction for the 30th time, he started sweating profusely. His stomach began to feel ufortable.


    His Urinary dder was also full suddenly. He ran to the washroom to excrete the waste his body was producing.


    This processsted for half an hour. During this time, his excretory process made noises like *purrrt put purput PLAT*.


    Caretaker Han was concerned by these firecracker-like noisesing from the Lavatory. Still, he didn''t dare investigate because it was the master of the mansion inside.


    When Ikasa emerged from the toilet, he looked disheveled and drained. And yet his eyes were energetic like never before.


    "Caretaker Han, draw a bath for me!"


    Ikasa ordered. His mind euphoric from the breakthrough, he submerged himself in the giant pail of water. As he scrubbed off the impurities on his body, he couldn''t help butpare himself to the natives of this world.


    ''Xin Ruo and the kids started earlier than me and yet they are still in Stage 5 or 6 of the Path Forging Realm. They were only able to advance so fast because of the Energy-infused Water I got for them.''


    "Truly, a Cheat is a Cheat!"


    Heid his head back on the edge of his tub. When he took a deep whiff, he smelt a foul stench. As he looked for the source of the smell, his attention was drawn to the turbid water.


    It brought back his memories of the breakthrough.


    His process of breaking through was unusual and embarrassing. What with Farts and Diarrhea and stinky sweat, he had experienced what they would call a thorough cleansing in Martial Arts Novels.


    This led him to one important question.


    "The technique that kids and I practice are the same; then why am I the only one who suffered this embarrassing situation?"

 Chapter 48 Battle Technique: Chop

    The Young man returned to his room after a refreshing bath. He still wondered why he was the only one to suffer such embarrassing breakthroughs.


    "Is it because I am advancing too fast? The kids perform their exercises daily. They do it at most once or twice. So, are their impurities being cleansed through their sweat every day?"


    He pondered over his theory. It was sound in reasoning.


    "It must be so."


    He epted the logic. There was no other suitable reason he could think of to prove otherwise. He thenpared their situation to his.


    "Compared to the numerous cycles the kids have to undergo, my energy path is cleared by one stage when I circte energy just 30 times."


    "And even for those 30 times, I used 30 CP to circte energy, all at the same time. Did all of my impurities get pushed out through every open hole at once because of this?"


    Ikasa guessed while putting on clothes. This conjecture made sense to him.


    ''I''ll only know whether I am right or wrong when I try it out. I will slowly umte my cycles and not dump CP for the next breakthrough.


    He removed the flower vase ced on his Printer. This vase had yed a very important part in fooling the Li family''s goons. After all, no one expects an invaluable object to be treated as a perch.


    As soon as he connected to the Printer, he was greeted with a notification.


    [Congrattions! You have unlocked the Sense Realm Manuals.]


    "Noice!" Ikasa eximed, imitating one of his favorite characters.


    In an ecstatic mood, he looked up the list of manuals only to find there was no new addition. His face fell at the discovery.


    ''I got excited about nothing. The device didn''t give me a new manual!''


    Then he switched to the Print Page. The Golden Print button beckoned Ikasa.


    "After umting for a week, you better give me a High-Grade Battle Technique!"


    He murmured and pressed the Print icon.


    "Please at least High Grade! Holy Father, Virgin Mother, Lord of Beasts, King of Skiesˇ­ Whoever is listening, give me a Top-Grade Battle Technique!"


    Ikasa begged with palms sped in each other. He watched with anticipation as the book formed before him.


    "This Blood Red Coverˇ­ This is one ominous-looking book!"


    Ikasa picked up the book and skimmed through it. A wide smile bloomed on his face, and his eyes widened with joy.


    "Yes! A High-Grade Battle Technique, Chop!"


    He ced it on the pile of manuals he had collected in the past week. His eyes roamed through the names of Battle Techniques in the pile. He picked up the book on top.


    "The Forehand is an apaniment to The Backhand. If Yan Xiao trains well in it, it can disy powerparable to High-Grade Battle Technique."


    Then he proceeded to go through the other books.


    "Jab. Low-Grade; Useless. Sweeping Kick, Mid-Grade; Meh!..."


    He discarded the books that he did not like into another pile. These books could only be used to pad up his list of manuals. Then he came across another Mid Grade Manual that caught his attention.


    "Swift Attack, Mid-Grade."


    He went through its description.


    "Using superior speed, attack and retreat swiftly."


    He ced it in the ''useful pile.''


    "Judging from the description, this book looks like made for Pei Yuan. Until I can get a better grade manual for him,  I guess he can train with this skill temporarily."


    The rest of the books were Mid-Grade or Low-Grade. Ikasa was not even interested in wasting his BP to print out a few of them for advertising purposes.


    ''I used Targeted Printing every day just to end up with these trashy techniques. Why couldn''t I get Better techniques?''


    Ikasa thought with frustration as he mmed the bunch of books on the table. His gaze drifted to his first High-Grade Manual, and he smiled lovingly.


    "Anyhow, I now have one that I can spend my BP on!"


    He went to the list of manuals and pressed the [ + ] sign next to ''Chop''. Instantly, he lost 5 BP.


    He was suddenly in a lean muscled man''s body. His body may be thin but the muscles contained an explosive power. The man was facing off against a grandpa with a long beard but no mustache.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Chop"


    Ikasa''s body made a move. His four fingers were aligned, and his thumb was in the palm of his hand. With one swift motion, his arm made a vertical swing, and his palm connected with the enemy''s cor bone.


    He heard an audibly loud snap, and the old man''s vicle had broken in the skirmish.


    The scene changed.


    In this new scene, the same man was fighting multiple opponents. He used his superb footwork as well as precise arm and hand movements tond a chop on each opponent''s throat. Either killing them or making them unconscious.


    During the entire process, Ikasa could feel the strength coursing through his arm. It was not just pure physical power. The strong offense was supported by the energy gathered in the palm.


    This Energy was constantly circting through the body and a change in the movement of the hand altered its flow.


    This was simr to how one cultivated. The only difference was this energy only gathered for a short period of time and did not remove any debris in the channel.


    "So that''s why Battle Techniques need to be paired with appropriate Cultivation techniques!"


    If someone who has cleared an energy path through his arms learns a Kicking technique, it would bring minimal enhancement to the technique''s power.


    On contrary, learning a Punching Technique meant his energy flow would not be hindered by debris in the energy path. Hence his punch will be thrice as powerful as his kick.


    The vision ended, and Ikasa returned to his own body. He tried to imitate the man''s actions. His movements were clumsy but correct. After a few tries, he got the hang of it.


    On his next try, his hand made a swoosh sound. His Chop was powerful enough to make swishing sounds.


    Strength coursed from his arm to his palm. When he felt the power, he was reminded of the Karate masters back on Earth.


    To get sponsorship from his Company some martial dojos had given Karate demonstrations. They could easily break a stack of 5 to 10 tiles.


    Jealous of their arm strength, he had denied them the sponsorship.


    But now he possessed much more strength than any one of them.


    "Bring me a stack of 50 tiles, and I can also break it!"


    He eximed with joy mixed with arrogance. Thankfully, no one heard him. The feat he boasted of was impossible unless he could actively use energy.


    He mimicked the man''s fighting style and dueled against an imaginary enemy.


    "Hye-ha!"


    As he battled a mock opponent, he experienced a euphoria he had nevere across on Earth.


    "Damn! This feels great!"


    The battle of wits is exhrating, but fighting hands-on had a different joy.


    His eyes shone with greed as he looked at the other battle techniques on the table.


    ''Should I learn the other Battle Techniques too? No, Only High-grade or better is worth investing my BP in.''


    He shook his head and stored the manuals on his bookshelf. He continued to increase his proficiency with Chop.


    While he was engrossed in his delight, Li Wu reported what he had seen at Ikasa''s to Li Fan.


    "Young Master, I saw Xue Family''s Young misse out of Manual Maker''s mansion."


    Li Fan''s smile was reced by a frown. He put down the book in his hand and queried further.


    "Was she alone? Did you find out why she was there?"


    Li Wu lowered his head, not daring to meet his master''s eyes.


    "She was with her maid. I couldn''t find anyone to enquire about her purpose of visit."


    Though dissatisfied with the answer, Li Fan dismissed the servant. He fell into deep thought.


    ''Is Xue Family making a move? Or do they know the identity of the person behind Ikasa?''


    Li Fan pped twice. This was the signal calling for the maid attending to Li Fan. Once she entered, he asked her to contact the person who could answer his questions.


    "Call Umbra."

 Chapter 49 Exposure

    "Do you know who the kids that fought in the arena were?"


    "No, why do you ask?"


    "A servant from the Li family just asked me about them."


    Two city guards were chatting while patrolling the periphery of the city. Their conversation fell on the ears of Feng Yan, who was squatting in the square where temporary Farmhands gathered.


    rm bells rang in his mind. As the supposed guardian of the Kids, he was privy to what happened between Li Fan and Ikasa. He spat out the de of grass he was chewing on and walked away from the scene.


    ''Damn Ikasa! This bastard can''t stay lowkey at all.''


    He cursed as he evaded the city guards near the gates of the inner city.


    He quickly made his way to Ikasa''s residence.


    Soon, he was standing before his destination.


    As he stood before therge doors, he had a thought.


    "If Xin Ruo or the Kids find out about the Search operation being conducted by Li Fan, they would worry needlessly."


    He decided to not knock on the door and started looking for alternate entrances.


    Then he saw themp burning in Ikasa''s room through his open window. He tiptoed his way to the window and jumped inside.


    Startled by the sudden intruder, Ikasa attacked him without even verifying his identity.


    His very first attack was a horizontal chop aimed at Feng Yan''s neck. Feng Yan narrowly avoided it.


    The next vertical chop was swifter than the previous one and it almost hit Feng Yan''s shoulder. Shocked by the power behind those chops, cold sweat rolled down from his forehead.


    He removed the scarf covering his face and identified himself.


    "Wait, it''s me!"


    Ikasa stopped in his tracks and he blurted.


    "Why are you here?"


    Then he hastily closed the window and whispered with urgency,


    "And why the hell did you sneak into my room?"


    Feng Yan was still stupefied by the sudden strength Ikasa had disyed. If not for his Sense Realm cultivation base, he would''ve been unconscious on the floor.


    "How the fcuk did you get so strong?" Feng Yan counter-questioned.


    Ikasa merely twitched his lips, not intending to answer his question at all.


    Feng Yan''s thought of various exnations but none of them fit.


    Before his thoughts could drift, he remembered the actual reason he was here.


    In a frosty voice, he asked Ikasa, "What did you do?"


    "What do you mean by that?" Ikasa asked, puzzled by Feng Yan''s sudden anger.


    "You know what I mean. Yesterday I visited Li Family''s cultivation store. That fool, Li Fan, was giddy with joy as he put the coins in his purse. And this morning, suddenly Li Family servants are all over the city, investigating the background of the Kids!"


    Ikasa turned pale on hearing the news. What he feared wasing to pass. Feng Yan noticed the change in his expression. But it did not quell his fury.


    "That inert idiot will not take an action without reason. So tell me, what did you do to provoke him?"


    Ikasa took a deep breath. Feng Yan might''ve known the kids longer, but they were his responsibility now. If Li Fan came again, Ikasa had the confidence to silence him.


    The problem was the Li Family behind Li Fan. To deal with them, he would need Feng Yan''s help. Hence he decided toe clean.


    "I made a deal with Xue Mi."


    "What? Youˇ­ Youˇ­"


    Feng Yan''s eyes widened with shock. He sputtered for words and turned away to avoid tearing Ikasa a new one. He couldn''t understand why he would try to bnce on two stones.


    "Dealing with Xue Family while cooperating with Li Fan is no different than ying with fire."


    Feng Yan hissed with restrained rage. He took a few deep breaths and decided to give him a chance to exin.


    After calming himself, he looked into his eyes.


    "So, Why?"


    Ikasa walked to his bed and sat on the edge. He folded his hands before his chest as he answered.


    "They promised me something I couldn''t refuse."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan still stared at him, without a speck of emotion in his eyes. His eyes expected Ikasa to borate.


    Ikasaplied. This was a golden chance to firmly tie Feng Yan to his wagon.


    "They offered a chance to start over in Birch City. A chance for you, all your brothers, and their families."


    Feng Yan expected the Xue family to coerce Ikasa with their power or lure him with money, prestige, or woman. Heck, he even suspected that Ikasa had agreed because the Xue family had promised to engage Xue Mi with him.


    In the 14 million possibilities he imagined, not even once did he think Ikasa would sacrifice his lucrative business for him and his brothers.


    ''For eighteen years, we have lived a life worse than that of dogs. And we will finally get an opportunity to end this suffering.''


    His eyes misted at the mere thought of it. All his anger disappeared into thin air.


    Ikasa did not expect such a huge reaction from Feng Yan. He knew Feng Yan always wanted to find a way out of Sal City. As the intercity transport was controlled by the Big three families, it was impossible for him to bring nearly forty families of his brothers away.


    ''Since Xue Mi has promised me, I can surely bring a strong bodyguard like Feng Yan when I start anew in Birch City. His brothers can even be a part of my private force.''


    His thoughts wandered while he gave Feng Yan time topose himself. Once Feng Yan had gathered his wits, he realized the offer was too good to be true.


    "Okay, speak. What kind of deal did the Xue Family force down your throat?"


    "They wanted exclusive rights to sell my Battle Techniques in Sal City."


    Ikasa replied nonchntly.


    "That''s it?"  Feng Yan asked doubtfully. Ikasa''s indifference had made him underestimate the significance of their demand.


    Ikasa grinned at his ignorance.


    "Old Man, that is a business worth hundreds of thousand Gold coins. Do you understand how big of a sum that is?"


    Stunned by the number, his mouth gaped open. He couldn''t even process howrge the amount was.


    "Hundreds of thousand gold coins? Are you sure you are talking about gold and not copper coins?"


    He asked, wanting to confirm he had not heard wrong.


    Ikasa tapped his chin with a mischievous smile on his lips. He took a few seconds to let Feng Yan settle down.


    "Nope! It is in Gold coins. The business would be worth millions in terms of Copper coins."


    "Milˇ­ Millions?!"


    Feng Yan plopped down on the bed. He who had never seen a Thousand gold till he met Ikasa, was suddenly heard of trade worth Hundreds of thousand gold.


    And Ikasa had given up on this business just so he and his brothers could start over in a new city.


    "Ikasa, don''t give up on such arge business for us. Give me a thousand gold; No, Ten thousand gold, and I wille out to protect you. Let''s see who dares to touch you!"


    Ikasa couldn''t believe what he was hearing. Speechless! He was left speechless by the shamelessness of this old man. Then he exploded.


    "You damned old coot! Do you think you are a Chakra Opening realm expert who can deter everyone? Or are you the Governor of this Deciduous County?"


    Ikasa seethed with fury. He had thousands of expletives to hurl at this old man. But he calmed himself.


    Feng Yan snapped out of his daydream after a p of reality. Still, he was unwilling to let Ikasa make this sacrifice for himself.


    "But why give up?"


    Feng Yan asked with dejection in his voice. He was disheartened by his own ipetence as well as the cruelty of the nobles.


    Ikasa understood his reluctance. He consoled his Father-in-Law candidate.


    "Don''t forget, the greatest asset of this business is me. If the Xue family can create a business worth a million silver using my manuals in Sal city, we can do the same in Birch city."


    Light returned to Feng Yan''s eyes. He put aside his guilt and looked forward to the future. To have a secure and prosperous future, first, they needed to deal with the threat before them.


    "So, what are your ns? How do you n to deal with the Li Family?"


    "Not Li Family, Li Fan. The Last time he only saw the teaser. This time we will show him the entire movie."


    Ikasa smirked as he thought of the pitiful face of Li Fan, begging for mercy.


    "What teaser? What Movie? Speak clearly, so that I can understand."


    Feng Yan barked, destroying the atmosphere Ikasa worked hard to create. Ikasa put a hand on Feng Yan''s shoulder. Feng Yan glowered at him for his transgression. But Ikasa did not relent.


    He looked into Feng Yan''s eyes and said, "This time, we will put the fear of the name Red Eye in his heart."


    He removed his hand and turned to look out at the beautiful waxing moon.


    "We will leave an indelible impression in his mind. He should be so scared that if he sees the kids, he will give them a wide berth."

 Chapter 50 Exposed

    "They used to live in slums?"


    Li Fan stood up from the chair. His movement was so forceful that the chair toppled from the recoil. He paced back and forth a few times, asionally looking at the servant to find any signs of falsehood. He could find none.


    The servant kept his head bowed, his chin touching his chest. His arms were folded before his crotch, and his shoulders slumped. A clear sign of absolute servitude.


    Li Fan would not doubt an individual this servile, not even in his dreams. And yet, this person had hidden an important fact from his master.


    The children in question were under the protection of the notorious criminal, Red Eye. The same Red Eye who had killed Wei Family Patriarch and executed his son in the crowded square, to avenge his wife.


    The whole story about the kids living in slums still sounded like a sham to Li Fan. But a little more digging had yielded results. The Kids had indeed lived in the slums.


    When his people asked ordinary folks, they were told that the kids were cared for by someone who looked like Xin Ruo. The samess who has now be the goddess in the hearts of many.


    Li Fan realized by now that he had been yed. His ego took a hit. Every piece of news was like a salt rub on his wounded pride.


    "That bastard! How dare he y me!" Li Fan fumed with rage. He flung the chair across the room, shattering it to smithereens.


    ? When he calmed down, heughed at the sheer idiocy of his fear that night.


    "Hahaha! I had him under my thumb, and I still fell for his ploy."


    But then his hystericalughter turned to chilly tranquility. He was not the one to take such an insult lying down.


    Staring murderously ahead, he clenched his fists.


    "Ikasa, it is time for you to depart from this world. Yin Ying, get your best men. We are going, now."


    Yin Ying wanted to say something to dissuade him from rushing to a decision. Nevertheless, she kept mum. Because, when she had looked into his eyes, she knew her words would fall on deaf ears.


    She obediently followed her young master to a ce that was no different than a dragon''sir in her mind.


    When the members of Umbra departed from Li estate, Feng Yan had just moved into an empty room in the Ikasa''s mansion.


    Ikasa would have never dared to invite him for a stay if not for the dire situation they were in.


    When the two met in his study, Ikasa exined the detailed n to Feng Yan.


    "Are sure Li Fan will back off after knowing my identity?"


    Feng Yan asked skeptically. He knew he was not that influential of a bigshot, who could scare Li Fan witless.


    "As far as I know him, he would. In addition, I had fed him that special identity bullshit. He might connect dots ande up with some terrifying  alternate reality himself."


    Ikasa dismissed Feng Yan''s worries. He had lost exactly three hairs and a night''s sleep worrying over this problem himself. He was in no mood to engage in what-ifs.


    Instead, thinking about a n B was a much more productive use of his time. Speaking of n B, Ikasa was reminded of the task he had assigned to Feng Yan.


    "How many of your people are ready to move? Are they prepared to leave at a moment''s notice?"


    Ikasa asked while organizing his papers. Feng Yan sighed in response.


    "Only 32 of the 51 of them agreed. Not all of them want to start anew in a new city."


    Ikasa looked up in surprise.


    "Why? Didn''t you say they are living a harsh life in the slums?"


    Feng Yan raised his hands in frustration.


    "I bring them food and clothing. But yes, their living conditions are bad."


    Ikasa shook his head, understanding Feng Yan''s chagrin.


    "Okay, then 32 it isˇ­"


    Before he could finish his sentence, he heard a loud bang.


    Feng Yan and Ikasa met each other''s eyes. They shared a grim smile.


    "It is time to face the music."


    When they reached downstairs, the entire living room was a mess. The Kids were bravely holding off the grunts while Xin Ruo faced Yin Ying, the number one of the Umbra.


    On the other side of the room, Li Fan was leisurely sitting on the sofa, enjoying the fights around him. Two goons were by his side, protecting him.


    "We''ll move ording to n."


    Ikasa mouthed to Feng Yan, and he jumped into action. Feng Yan nodded and covered his face before rushing to his daughter''s side.


    ˇŞ--


    Xin Ruo and Yin Ying were evenly matched despite the multiple-stage difference between the two.


    Yin Ying specialized in assassinations. In a frontal confrontation, she lost her advantage. If that was not enough, she had to capture her target alive, and without causing significant harm.


    Even though handicapped, what could she do except obey her master?<novelnext></novelnext>


    Due to the odds stacked against her, Xin Ruo was able to match her skilled opponent. She was going toe to toe against someone who had vast fighting experience.


    She threw a punch aiming at Yin Ying''s right boob. Her opponent''s lithe body dodged it effortlessly. Yin Ying stepped back and suddenly attacked Xin Ruo''s exposed left side with a kick.


    Xin Ruo bent over from the kick that hit her in the floating rib. Just when Yin Ying was preparing to hold her in a headlock, she saw Feng Yan rushing toward her.


    Danger! Her instincts yelled to her. This was not an opponent to be treated with callousness.


    Yin Ying paused to take out her dagger. Feng Yan was not her target, so she could kill him. But her momentary pause cost her.


    ''Gazelle Punch''


    A powerful punch hit her in the jaw. She lost her orientation for a second.


    Xin Ruo made use of the brief moment tounch aeback. She sent a flurry of kicks at her dazed opponent.


    Yin Ying dodged and deflected most of the kicks despite being disoriented. Still, a well-ced kick to her knees made her lose her bnce and fall on the floor.


    Xin Ruo aimed a Nutcracker Kick at her fallen opponent''s elbow. As the kick connected to the elbow, she shouted,


    "This for Chu Qing, you bi*ch!"


    With a loud crack, the hand holding the dagger went limp. Anyone could see the whites of the broken bones of her upper arm.


    To her credit, Yin Ying did not let a moan escape even after facing such a grievous injury. Her eyes were lit with anger. She tried to get back up and fight back.


    Xin Ruo was not going to give her a chance toe back. She rushed and kneed her throat, making her unconscious.


    Within seconds, the fight was over. Astonished, Feng Yan looked at his daughter in a new light.


    He did not even get a chance to intervene before his 6th-stage daughter had taken down a 9th-stage Pinnacle Path Forger.


    The Kids were injected with stimnts seeing their big sister take down the strongest opponent they had faced to date. With renewed vigor, theyunched a new barrage of attacks.


    Even though they were inexperienced in fights, their random attacks packed a punch due to their Top Grade Cultivation Manual.


    "Qiqi, get this guy!"


    Chu Qing yelled as he locked one of the grunts in ce, with his arms.


    "I aming!"


    Qiqi charged toward the grunt aiming at his family''s jewels.


    "Nutcracker Kick!"


    She yelled when she was at arm''s length from connecting with her target.


    Even before the kick connected, the grunt screamed from the fear of the uing agony.


    With a loud ''thuupp'', Luo Qiqi ended the poor guy''s lineage.


    "Aaaaaarrrrrghhhhh"


    His mournful screech brought the battle to a standstill. Yan Xiao took this chance to double p his opponent with a Forehand and a Backhand.


    This guy fainted from the buzzing the impact caused in his head.


    Pei Yuan took advantage of the mayhem to undo the knot of the belt of the grunt he was fighting against. The belt was the only thing keeping his pants in ce.


    Once it was undone, the pants slid down. His opponent tripped on the pants that bunched up at his ankles and fell face first. His pretty white bum was exposed for his peers to view.


    While others were holding off the grunts, Ikasa silently sneaked to the mastermind behind this attack. With Feng Yan joining the battle, the situation had taken a turn for the worse.


    Unable to tolerate this, Li Fan ordered the grunts protecting him to take care of the pesky kids.


    ''Yes. Send them away.''


    Ikasa cheered in his mind as he saw grunts try to reign in the unorthodox kids.


    He reached the pir beside the couch where Li Fan was sitting. But he couldn''t find a chance to approach him without being noticed.


    Without the protection of his guards, Li Fan had raised his vignce. He was surveying his surroundings and the battles at the same time.


    Suddenly, Ikasa noticed Li Fan swallow a mouthful of saliva. He was ogling something intently. When Ikasa followed his line of sight, he saw two plump white buns exposed to everyone.


    He smirked and rushed to Li Fan. He followed the movements of the High-Grade technique, Chop, andnded a hit on the back of his neck.


    His eyes, enjoying the booty a few seconds ago, turned to look at his assant. But before they could see the attacker, they rolled back in his head.


    Then his taut body slumped in his seat. Ikasa yelled the signal he had discussed with Feng Yan beforehand.


    "He''s out!"


    And now Feng Yan unleashed his full power on the miserableckeys of the Li Family.

 Chapter 51 Hes Dead

    Cleaning up the grunts didn''t take long. Each one of the intruders was rounded up and tied with ropes in one corner of the hall.


    Ikasa had carried Li Fan to the Pantry and tied him to a chair. It was time for the interrogation to begin.


    He sshed a ss of cold water on Li Fan''s face. They received no reaction from him. Let alone waking up, he did not even twitch his eyelids. He stayed still, slumped in the chair as if a corpse!


    Ikasa had a bad premonition. He touched Li Fan''s carotid artery. There was no pulse.


    ''No, I must have missed his artery.''


    He tried touching his wrist. No pulse again. He put his finger under his nose. There was no sign of him breathing.


    Ikasa plopped in the chair opposite with a thump. His eyes stared into space, wondering where he went wrong.


    Feng Yan grew worried when he heard no sounding from the room after the muted thump. Concerned, Feng Yan entered the room without waiting for Ikasa''s call.


    Ikasa looked up to meet his eyes. His eyes had a glimmer of hope.


    "Do you know any methods of faking death?"


    Feng Yan was startled by his question. He thought hard, but couldn''t think of any.


    "I don''t seem to know any. Why do you ask?"


    In a listless tone, he announced to Feng Yan, "He''s dead."


    Feng Yan''s eyes widened.


    "What happened to the n of scaring him into submission? How could you just kill him!"


    The coolheaded Feng Yan lost his calm. He couldn''t help but scold Ikasa.


    "I didn''t kill him. He just died."


    Ikasa mumbled, avoiding Feng Yan''s gaze.


    He closed the distance and urgently mouthed, "How?"


    Ikasa got up from his chair and began to rant animatedly.


    "I don''t know, how. Who knew he was this weak? Couldn''t even take one Chop of mine! Had I known, I wouldn''t have used the technique against him!"


    He vented his frustration to Feng Yan. His tone was aggrieved as if Li Fan was the one who had wronged him by being too weak.


    Feng Yan''s lips twitched as he was conflicted about whether tough or cry. He felt like smacking Ikasa for acting like a pitiful guy who deserved his sympathy.


    "Bastard, it''s not he who is weak. It''s you who is too strong! Absolutes know what you did to increase your strength to Pinnacle Path Forging realm in just 3 weeks."


    Feng Yan felt a bit better after yelling at him. He consoled himself and calmed down.


    Ikasa smiled sheepishly at his admonishment. Then the truth of Li Fan''s death sank in. He silently mourned for the capable worker who had helped him earn a profit of 300 CP.


    "Get your act together. This is not the time to be mourning a dead enemy. If you don''t get your shit together, you will join him in the underworld soon."


    Ikasa opened his eyes, and a shine had returned to them. He took a minute to go over his n B.


    "Old Man, you should get your people ready to leave. I will immediately go and get a permit to use the Xue Family''s ship."


    "What about him?" Feng Yan pointed to the corpse still tied to the chair.


    "I think he deserves to dissipate in nature. And the people that came with himˇ­ take care of them too."


    Feng Yan balked at Ikasa''s sudden change of attitude towards killing. He was a bit ufortable with the change. He asked again to be sure.


    "Are you sure you want toˇ­?"


    Feng Yan mimicked the action of slicing the neck. He heard a long sigh escape Ikasa''s mouth.


    "If any of them want to join us, take them in. As for those who are unwilling? They should show their loyalty by following their master to the grave."


    Feng Yan nodded and took his leave.


    Ikasa was left alone in the room with a corpse to keep himpany.


    He looked at the stiff and pale face of Li Fan. A rueful smile emerged on his face.


    "Who knew killing people was so easy? As long as I think of them as mobs in a game and not actual human lives, their life or death does not affect me at all."


    He untied the corpse and burned it in the giant ovens of the kitchen. After today, he wouldn''t be using them anyway.


    When he returned to the hall, Li Fan''s people were nowhere to be seen. Xin Ruo was checking up on the boisterous kids. When she noticed him, she beamed at him joyously.


    Her worry-free smile brought him immense pleasure. He approached them after returning her with a grin.


    The gloom shrouding his heart faded as the cheerfulness of kids shined on it. He went up to them and gave each one of them a bear hug.


    "You guys were awesome today! I will fulfill any one of your wishes as long as it is something I can do."


    The kids immediately circled him and started listing their wishes at once. It was not every day that Ikasa offered to grant their wishes. They wanted to get their request in before he changed his mind.


    "I want a thousand gold. Not in the bank, but in my hands."


    Who could it be but the greedy ghost, Chu Qing?<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I want to eat the special dumplings they are selling at Four Seasons Restaurant."


    Hungry Ghost, Luo Qiqi chimed in.


    "I want a dagger; like the one that old woman in ck had."


    Pei Yuan''s request surprised him. He thought of his regr behavior and his request did not seem so odd.


    ''Judging from his personality, maybe being an Assasin would suit him.''


    "I also want to eat the sweet and sour meatballs only sold to VIPs of Four Seasons Restaurant."


    Before Hei Ying and Yan Xiao could think of a suitable reward, Luo Qiqi listed a few more delicacies.


    Ikasa had a headache from Luo Qiqi''s second request.


    ''Where does she even get her info from? To even know the dishes sold to the VIPs in the Four Seasons Restaurant!''


    He pondered over this riddle. He did not deny the request outright. At this moment, he had to act like nothing had happened in the Pantry.


    "Hei Ying, Yan Xiao, Do you not want anything?"


    The two were still in deep thought and had not decided on anything.


    Hei Ying opened her mouth to speak, but the wordsing from them surprised Ikasa.


    "I will reserve my request for now. Just remember you owe me a favor, Big Brother."


    Ikasa was taken aback by her business-like tone. From the corner of his vision, he saw Xin Ruo smile proudly beside him. He smiled and nodded to Hei Ying. Next, he turned to Yan Xiao.


    "I will also save my wish, for now, Big brother."


    He smiled, scratching his head.


    Ikasa considered everyone''s requests. Each one of them is fulfible.  Some requests, like the ones from Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi, needed him toe up with a clever solution.


    When he looked at the hopeful and expectant faces of the kids, he promised them their wishes right away.


    "Xin Ruo, please make a list of their wishes. I will decide the order once Ie back."


    Then he whispered in her ear, "Don''t forget to add your wish to that list, okay?"


    Ikasa left the mansion with a smile on his face. But as he approached the gate, the smile faded. Although interacting with the kids brought him joy, it was not the sole reason he did it.


    He also had to assure them that everything was alright. And what better way to distract them than having them focus on their rewards?


    As Ikasa hailed a carriage to bring him to the Xue Family Manor, he was thinking about Li Fan.


    ''It''s been four hours since Li Fan went missing, and there are still no signs of movement from Li Estate. Should I be thankful that Li Fan was greedy and always kept his ns to himself?''


    He looked out from the window of his carriage. The guards patrolled as usual. Servants of the affluent were rushing to finish their errands before thest of the sunlight was extinguished.


    No one was aware that the young heir of an influential Family had perished and the murderer was roaming the streets in open.


    ''I hope his mysterious demise remains a mystery long enough for me to get out of this city.''


    He indulged in wishful thinking. Then the carriage came to a halt, breaking his chain of thought. When he deboarded, he was greeted by an awe-inspiring sight of a humongous pagoda-style building.


    He approached the guards and stated his name and purpose. He was immediately led to the second floor.


    When Ikasa entered, the elderly men and women turned their eyes to look at him. At the head of them all, a middle-aged man with a thin ck and white beard sat in an ornate chair.


    Xue Mi obediently stood beside this man, her head held high. But she did not give a feeling of arrogance or pride; Rather, her attitude was warm and weing, making it hard to fault her.


    When their eyes met, Xue Mi immediately broke their eye contact. Most of the elders missed this exchange, but those who noticed? They smiled mischievously.


    "The man of the hour hase to our Xue Family. Are we not even going to offer him a seat?"


    An olddy admonished the staring elders and invited Ikasa inside. Her words had no effect as the judging gazes of the elders didn''t move away.


    Ikasa was at a loss. If he knew he would be intruding on an Elder''s Gathering of the Xue Family, he''d have waited outside.


    After a few minutes of silence, the Patriarch of Xue n, Xue Ren leaned forward and peered into his eyes.


    "The doorkeeper says you have a proposal for us?"


    Ikasa took a deep breath. His next words would decide whether the Xue Family will be a friend or foe.


    "Yes. Patriarch Xue. I am here to offer the business of Cultivation Manuals to you. If you offer the same terms as the Battle Techniques, I am even willing to sign an exclusive deal with you."


    His eyes alternated between the Patriarch and Xue Mi as he spoke. The Elders did not miss this and misunderstood the reason for his presence.


    "What happened to your deal with Li Fan?"


    Xue Mi asked while trying to suppress her smirk. Ikasa had used that deal to devalue the deal she was offering. Naturally, she had a few grievances in her heart.


    Ikasa let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes for a second. When he opened them, there was pain and anger in them.


    He sinctly replied, "He''s dead. To me."

 Chapter 52 Weaving A Tale With Truth And Lies

    "He is dead to me."


    The words uttered carried numerous implications. And every Elder interpreted them in their own way. Some thought Ikasa might''ve been betrayed by Li Fan. Others expected Li Fan had used high-handed means to deal with him.


    Xue Ren narrowed his eyes at Ikasa. He was adept at reading people, a trait Xue Mi had inherited.


    They noticed the anger and grief that shed in his eyes when he answered the question. Xue Mi and Xue Ren exchanged nces. They had arrived at the same conclusion.


    Ikasa was betrayed by Li Fan. In what way? They had to find out.


    They waited for one of the hot-headed elders to take the lead. And as they expected, an Elder, sitting in the 3rd seat on the right, pped his palm on the table.


    "That is a very offensive statement about an heir of one of the prestigious families."


    Ikasa looked at him with dead eyes. His face did not show any expression.


    "And why do you care about the Li Family''s Heir?"


    The grey-haired Elder tripped on his words. He was ready to scold and make Ikasa retract his words, but he couldn''t justify doing this for the opposing family''s child.


    The cleverly emphasized ''Li family''s Heir'', took the wind out of this Elder''s sail. Other elders grew cautious when they realized they were dealing with a wolf in sheep''s clothes.


    "I understand you are aggrieved by him. But he is still the sessor of a Prestigious Family equal to ours. You should afford him the same amount of respect you would give our Xue Mi."


    The First Elder spoke up to break the awkward silence and defend the Fifth Elder''s stance. All the other elders rxed a bit.


    "For me, Young master Li was my friend first before he was a sessor to the Li Family. I have copied many forbidden love stories for his pleasure. That''s why his betrayal hurt even more. I apologize if I disrespected him and offended any of your sensibilities."


    After an agitative rant, he lowered his head to show remorse. Away from the eyes of elders, a small smile had formed on his lips.


    ''Half-truth + nder + A white lie + A sincere apology. Thisbination should be enough to make these old fogies baffled and curious while evoking sympathy.''


    He could not raise his head to look at the people in the room, but urgent whispers and barely hushed exmations let him know his n had worked as intended.


    Ikasa had thrown the elders, who had yet to recover from his first explosive assertion, into disarray with one single juicy piece of information. rmed by this, Patriarch Xue watched him with vignt eyes.


    He decided to take the reins into his hands.


    "Mr. Ikasa, you say Young Master Li Fan betrayed you. Can you discuss the details of what happened?"


    He used the proper titles for both people involved. Ikasa felt like he was facing an interrogation. Unfortunately, it was unavoidable. He had to answer them to their satisfaction till he could win their trust and backing.


    When he entered the room, he was nervous because it had been ages since anyone had interviewed him. His anxiety also stemmed from the fact that this was the world of cultivators.


    As he got into the flow, he realized this was no different from fooling his board or investors. And now, he was facing the equivalent of his secondrgest shareholder. The one whose vote might make or break his deal.


    "Patriarch Xue, I would rather not delve into details. The respected personage here, might not believe it and use me of maligning Young Master Li Fan."


    Rule No.1 of feeding news: Shroud it in secrecy. If you try to publicize the actual news, no one would pay it any heed.


    However, the moment it bes public that you are hiding the information, people be curious and start paying attention.


    This was the case with the old fogies before him. They considered themselves knowledgeable in Sal City. Now a piece of information about their rival family''s heir was dangling before them. Without any exception, they were hooked.


    "You jest, young friend. How could recounting your story of betrayal be considered bad-mouthing someone? Feel free to speak."


    The Second Elder issued a free pass to Ikasa. Every other person except the First Elder and the Patriarch were looking at him eagerly.


    If not for the attention focused on him, Ikasa would have grinned ear to ear.


    "Do not begrudge me for saying this, but Young Master Li Fan has some unique tastes. He prefers men, especially teenagers around the age of his brother, over any beautiful women."


    At this shocking piece of news, jaws hit the floor. Even Patriarch Xue was startled by his words. Only the First Elder maintained hisposure.


    When he took in their reactions, he reaffirmed his guess.


    ''This world really is prejudiced against Homosexuality. I do not care whether one is homosexual or not, as long as no one has ideas about my chrysanthemum.''


    His cheeks clenched at the thought. He continued his story to prevent his mind from wandering.


    "As you know, my charges include three young men of a simr age as that of Second Young Master Li Shen. Young Master Li Fan had ideas about them. I dissuaded him numerous times. And yet, todayˇ­"


    Ikasa drew in a longbored breath to make his story seem more real. It was easy for him to act this way. Just the thought of ''what could''ve happened if they were not strong enough'' made him short of breath.


    He told the tale he had rehearsed in his head a thousand times.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "... And today, he decided to make a move on them. Thankfully, the guardian appointed by their n rebuffed him."


    "Hold on! Guardian? ns backing the kids?"


    The First Elder asked with a dignified expression. He fell into the trap Ikasa hadid in his exnation.


    "Yes, A Sense realm martial artist always guards them."


    Expressions of everyone in the room grew somber. Out of thousands of Cultivators, there were only Seven who reached Sense Realm in the entire Sal City.


    These seven formed the apex of the power pyramid of the Sal City and were the mainstay of their forces.


    And someone who wasparable to the top powerhouses of this City was babysitting kids who were supposedly out to experience the world.


    Two of the Seven powerhouses sitting in the room, the First Elder and Patriarch Xue, became much more attentive to what Ikasa had to say.


    Ikasa noticed the subtle change in mood. Still, he continued to harp about Li Fan, instead of giving the two the information they desired.


    "I persuaded Li Fan, many times, to give up on the youngds. I even disclosed their special identity to him. But he did not believe me and did what he did."


    Ikasa rubbed his nose bridge in frustration while gauging the reactions of everyone. The old men and women were listening to him seriously instead of treating him as someone to get theirtest gossip from.


    "If the Chakra Opening Realm Expert, who entrusted me with the kids, got wind of this incident, my life would be forfeit."


    At the mention of the Chakra Opening realm expert, everyone let out a collective gasp. The First Elder and Patriarch Xue exchanged nces.


    They wanted to dig deeper, but they were afraid of offending the County level powerhouse.


    Ikasa recounted the incident as rehearsed.


    "I am just grateful that his n was foiled. Or else not only the Li family, but the entire Sal City might also have to pay the price."


    His dreadful words painted the horrifying picture of what might happen if they really did offend that Chakra Opening Realm cultivator.


    The entire room was now caught in his rhythm. After all, none of the people present would ever dare to lie about having the backing of a Chakra Opening Expert.


    It was time he put forth his real demand. He carefully chose his words. He had to make sure they sounded rming but not threatening.


    "As you know, if one Path Forging Realm faces off against a Sense Realm Expert, he will be crushed. But if ten Path Forgers attack simultaneously, the result will be in question."


    Everyone agreed with his statement. He then told the people in the room about the supposed threat he had received.


    "When Li Fan left, he threatened to return with the full force of the Li Family to get what he wanted. If that happens, the Sense Realm Guardian alone will not be able to stop them. You can imagine the consequences in case something happens to the kids."


    When they heard his words, the Elders were reminded of one important fact. Even though they were Cultivators, they were not much better than the mortals.


    Before Cultivators learned to actively use the energy, they are only slightly stronger than ordinary people. As for Sense Realm, they can dominate the battle using their heightened reflexes. But if someone gets in a lucky hit, they would still fall.


    This was the reason the so-called big families may suppress people but they did not dare go overboard. If the masses raised their pitchforks against them, there was a real possibility of being overthrown overnight.


    Hence, they all had their own militia to deter such attempts. When Ikasa talked about the Li Family''s full force, he was talking about this Militia.


    Almost everyone in the room had connected the dots. They were waiting for the one with the most authority to speak.


    "What do you expect of us?"


    Patriarch Xue asked tersely. He was feeling threatened by the backing Ikasa had revealed. But he was still doubting the actual existence of the people he mentioned.


    Ikasa smiled with sadness in his eyes. He was immersed in his own tale. But that made his acting seem real.


    "The first person to die if anything happens to them is me. So I don''t want to alert that person and lower his impression of me."


    Patriarch Xue nodded at his reasoning. Still, he had not received the answer to his question.


    "The best way for me to avoid confronting Li Fan is to leave this City. So, I would like to take Ms. Xue up on her offer."


    In the next instant, everyone trained their eyes on Xue Mi to hear about their deal.


    She looked around the room. Her unflinching gaze met each and every Elder as she said,


    "I promised Mr. Ikasa and his people a safe passage to Birch City using our fleet of ships."

 Chapter 53 Symbiotic Or Parasitic

    "I promised Mr. Ikasa and his people a safe passage to Birch City using our fleet of ships."


    Xue Mi spoke with confidence, daring anyone to challenge her decision.


    ''So this is why she is good at negotiations, but bes embarrassed when flirted with. She has been practicing her skills on old fogies!''


    Ikasa realized. He felt reassured by her confidence. On the other side of the table, Patriarch Xue also breathed a sigh of relief.


    He had thought of many disastrous demands Ikasa could make; Asking Xue Family to stand against Li Family, Taking over some business of Xue Family, or asking for Xue Mi''s hand in marriage.


    ''Maybe the matrimony might not be such a bad idea,'' Patriarch Xue thought as he rubbed his smooth chin while waiting for Xue Mi to answer.


    That is why he was oddly disappointed yet relieved when he heard the agreed-upon terms. Without even needing to consider it, he immediately agreed to the request.


    "We can easily fulfill your request. Is there anything else you need?"


    Ikasa looked at the setting sun outside. It was nearing his dinner time. He was reminded of the wishlist.


    "Isn''t The Four Seasons Restaurant, Xue Family''s business? Can I book a VIP room for tonight?"


    VIP rooms were exclusive to the Prestigious Families of this City. To get one, he would have to bribe quite a few people and even then, there was no guarantee he would get it.


    Since the Patriarch of the Xue Family was the one asking, he could ept this small favor and reciprocate it in the future.


    The Patriarch did not answer but he looked at the beautifuldy sitting to his left. Her face may have wrinkled due to time, but her skin still had a healthy glow.


    ''Judging from her sharp facial features and cold aura, she might be a tsundere.''


    Ikasa mused while waiting for her answer.


    "I will open a room for you, Mr. Ikasa. And of course, this meal will be on the house."


    Patriarch Xue nodded, approving of her gesture.


    "Someone will contact you with the details of your Ship. I assume you want to leave the city sooner rather thanter, correct?"


    Ikasa nodded.


    "I have sixty people with me. So please provide me with a ship that can bring all of us with our cargo to Birch City."


    Patriarch Xue took a moment to think. That''s when the third elder chimed in.


    "We can offer the Sinking for use. It has not been in use since we captured it."


    Then he turned to Ikasa and exined when he saw his sour face from hearing the name.


    "Sinking is a wordy on the words Sin King and sinking. It is a pirate ship that has sunk many of the merchant''s vessels."


    It was still not a satisfactory solution, but beggars can''t be choosers.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Now that we have found a solution to your problem, let''s talk about your proposal to give us Cultivation manual business."


    The Fourth Elder, who was a middle-aged woman with a shrewd face, spoke.


    "It is exactly as I said. If you are willing to offer me a 60/40 ratio like the one for Battle Technique Manuals, you can have exclusive ess to my manuals."


    "We cannot offer you forty percent just for providing the manuals. Please give us a reasonable offer."


    The Fourth elder argued and downyed Ikasa''s importance to the deal.


    "You sure make good jokes, Elder. Without my manuals, you won''t have anything to sell. So I should be the one to demand Sixty percent instead of Forty. Considering it is you who will do the sales work, I gave you face and offered arger share of sixty percent."


    Ikasa very bluntly expressed that he was the one with cards. If Xue Family wanted a deal, they better y ording to his rules.


    They had reached a stalemate, and all the other elders were looking with interest. The First Elder and Patriarch Xue stared at Fourth Elder, and she crumbled under pressure.


    "Mr. Ikasa, in order for our cooperation to be sessful, the deal should be mutually beneficial. How about a 70-30 distribution? We keep 70 percent and offer you 30 percent?"


    Ikasa took a second to think about it and shook his head.


    "Elder, you are right. Our deal should be symbiotic to be sessful. If you force my profits to below 40 percent, you are being parasitic in this deal."


    The both of them stewed in silence, neither willing to back down. Fourth Elder was visibly tense. Ikasa was also feeling the heat, but his years of experience kicked in. Thus, he managed to stay calm.


    At this time, another female voice spoke up on behalf of the Xue Family.


    "You had the Li family as a risk factor back then. Now you are free of that burden but we will be facing them now. Shouldn''t you give us that extra 10%?"


    Xue Mi teamed up with the Fourth Elder to secure a better deal for her family.


    Ikasa thought for a while and relented. He would have to lose the entire customer base of Sal City if he didn''t budge. It is better to earn 30% of gold and a continuous supply of Cultivation Points.


    Still, he wouldn''t be Ikasa if he did not secure some extra benefits for himself.


    "Fine. In return, you have topensate me with a Mansion for my residence in Birch City."


    Xue Mi looked to her father. His eyebrows were furrowed. He was calcting the profits and risks.


    Ikasa decided to throw in his mansion in Sal City to sweeten the deal as he will not be needing it.


    "Fine, Deal!"


    Patriarch Xue agreed to let go of one of his properties in Birch City. After some small talk to acquaint himself with other Elders, Ikasa took his leave.


    When Ikasa was boarding a carriage, Feng Yan was having trouble coaxing some of the stubborn families. They were not responding well to his attempts of persuasion.

 Chapter 54 Persuasion

    "Why are you being so rockheaded? There is nothing of value here, in these slums. You cannot improve or make any sort of progress. So why not join Ikasa and go to Birch City for a fresh start?"


    Feng Yan queried, trying to understand why these people were so reluctant to leave these abominable lives behind.


    The people before him were the families of his brothers who had suffered for the past Eighteen years. Even though half of them had shown willingness to apany him, the other half were stubbornly refusing.


    After stewing in silence for a while, the wife of one of the ex-guardsmen spoke up. Her agitation was apparent on her face.


    "All those years ago, because of one impulsive decision of my husband, we ended up in this state. Now that we have some semnce of stability atst, why do you want to uproot our lives and follow some rich, stuck-up brat?"


    At this moment, many people in favor of leaving with Ikasa red at her. However, after her emotional appeal, some of the people who were willing to leave also doubted their decision.


    Feng Yan looked at her semi-clean, threadbare gown. Her thin frame looked like it might be blown by the wind at any instant.


    Seeing his silence, the people in favor of staying also started to protest against the decision to move.


    "We have abundant food and clothing after so many years. We have already suffered enough. Why should we abandon what we deserve and go to some unknown city?"


    "My brother died because he believed in you. Are you running away because this ce reminds you of him?"


    His eyes, filled with sorrow, roamed over simrly thin frames of other protesting family members. He was hit by a bout of guilt. He couldn''t help but question himself.


    ''I led them into this mess. What right do I have to make a choice for them?''


    That''s when Feng Yan perceived a figure had walked closer and stood beside him.


    "One, I am rich, but I am not some stuck-up brat. Two, what you are thinking of as stability is just stagnancy. It willst as long as you have some gold. When you run out of gold, your lives will be more miserable than now."


    Ikasa spoke to break their delusions. He noticed the ones protesting were all family members. Most of the men and women of working age were ring at those speaking against leaving.


    Feng Yan was startled by Ikasa''s presence. He eximed with surprise, "How? Why are you here?"


    "I just secured our way out. Since I was close by, I decided toe and see if I can help you convince them."


    ''And good thing I came. Because they are clearly guilt-tripping my poor father-inw.''


    Ikasa''s presence attracted everyone''s attention. His clothes were normal for the upper echelon of the City but in these Slums? He stood out like a Celestial amongst mortals.


    "He is Ikasa?"


    "They say he is Feng Yan''s Son-In-Law."


    "Damn, My goddess Xin Ruoˇ­ (T_T)"


    While the males were concerned about their goddess, females were taken in by his looks.


    "Look at his clothes he definitely looks like a Rich Man."


    "Leave his clothes, look at his face. He is so handsome!"


    Ikasa preened like a peacock after being called handsome for the first time in this world.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''No matter how good-looking you are, your halo of handsomeness only activates after you be rich or powerful.''


    Even though most of thements he heard were positive, many of the protesters were not happy with his presence.


    "He is the one who wants to take us to Birch City?"


    "Absolutes know what magic he cast on Feng Yan to turn him into his puppet."


    "I heard he ns to turn us all into his ves."


    Outrageous rumors spread amongst the crowd like wildfire. Even people who were ready to leave with Feng Yan looked at Ikasa with suspicion.


    Feng Yan couldn''t take it anymore. He roared, letting people see the fearful side of the infamous Red Eye.


    "Who dares to nder our benefactor?"


    Everyone quieted down. Many of them mouthed the word ''benefactor'' to each other, inquiring what Feng Yan meant. But no one dared to question the angry man before them.


    Once the crowd had settled down, Ikasa took the lead.


    "I understand many of you might have misgivings about my intentions, but I am doing this only because Feng Yan cares about you."


    He turned to Feng Yan and rebuked him gently.


    "Old Man, they are unwilling toe with us. Why must we force them? Let them live the rest of their lives as they want."


    He turned to the rest of the people who had agreed toe with Feng Yan.


    "To those who want to start anew, we wee anyone willing toe with us. If you are willing to work for me, I will take care of your food and shelter. You will also receive a monthly sry of 5 gold."


    Many pairs of eyes lit up at Ikasa''s proposal. One of the reasons for their reluctance was resolved, just like that.


    Seeing so many people eager to join him, Ikasa smiled from ear to ear. He had to make a list of his future subordinates. But when he looked at the setting sun, he realized he didn''t have much time to stay here. Also, looking at the number of people who were looking at him with shining eyes, he decided he didn''t have the will to write either.


    ''Why should I do everything myself? Since they are my future subordinates, it doesn''t matter if I test them with a small task right?''


    He thought to himself as he justified the clever way he found to avoidbor. He raised his voice and asked,


    "Does anyone here know how to write?"


    His question was responded with confused looks and hushed whispers. He searched the crowd to see if anyone possessed the skill he required.


    His attention was attracted by one of the middle-aged men who had raised his hand.


    The man parted the crowd and came forward and said,


    "I do."

 Chapter 55 A Family Outing

    "I do."


    Ikasa looked him up and down. His head was balding and he looked like he had a thick figure that was starved to thinness.


    Feng Yan seemed surprised to see him.


    "Chu Kuang! Are you leaving your gambling den atst?"


    Heughed while caressing his own hairless head.


    "Haha, I have yed and wasted my life for long enough. Now that there is a chance to get out of this hell, I need to grab it with both of my hands."


    Feng Yan introduced the guy to Ikasa.


    "He was my Vice-Captain before he was promoted to be the captain of his own team. Don''t be fooled by his current appearance. He is also close to breaking through to Sense Realm."


    ''I found a diamond in the rough!''


    His heart jumped with joy. He cupped his fists to greet the man.


    "I never expected such a powerful person to be hiding in the slums."


    He said with a genuine smile. Feng Yan smacked Ikasa''s head lightly.


    "If I, a powerhouse in Sense realm, is eking it out in the slums, why can''t he be doing the same?"


    "You are an infamous criminal, Red Eye. He is an innocent follower. Naturally, he should be able to find many jobs."


    Feng Yan nodded as if his vanity was satisfied by the answer, and his pride appeased.


    ''Old man, I am not praising you! Your skin is just too damn thick.''


    Ikasa ignored Feng Yan''s antics and focused on Chu Kuang.


    "Uncle Chu, please write down the names of every person here who is willing to follow us to Birch City."


    He tossed him a gold coin.


    "Here. Buy the writing necessities and spend the rest on whatever you want."


    Chu Kuang''s eyes shined, and he quickly pocketed the coin. Feng Yan narrowed his eyes at his action and warned him with an ''I am watching you'' gesture.


    After tossing the coin, Ikasa turned to the people.


    "Everyone who wants to go with us, register your name with Uncle Chu. If you are good at something, you will get a higher sry. We will be back tomorrow. So those who are registering, be ready to leave tomorrow."


    After saying his piece, he invited Feng Yan to the waiting carriage. They were going to the Four Seasons Restaurant.


    An hourter, the group of eight was sitting in the VIP area on the highest floor of the restaurant. Ikasa was selecting the dishes from the menu. Feng Yan looked visibly ufortable at the beautiful waitress'' stare.


    The kids took in their ambiance with awe and wonder. They looked at the eastern flood dragons cleverly designed as the supporting pirs. The moon pearls embedded in the mouths as dragon balls amazed them. They could not believe that those pebble-sized pearls could emit light without any heat.


    All the kids were busy looking at the decor with curiosity except Luo Qiqi. She was stealthily ncing at the dishes being served from the kitchen and enquiring about them in a hushed voice.


    To a foodie like her, this was her heaven. If all the saliva she had gulped could be gathered, it would easily fill up a bucket. And this was excluding the drool that dripped from the corner of her mouth!


    Her eyes shined every time a dish was sent out from the kitchen. When the waitress served it on a table downstairs, her face would sour. When another dish went downstairs her stomach growled.


    In the silence of the table, the rumble was heard by everyone. Her face flushed with embarrassment. She angrily looked at Ikasa who was still reading the menu.


    "Big Brother, order quickly! What''s taking you so long?"


    Ikasa was reading through the name to find any dish with a name that resembled what Luo Qiqi wanted.


    ''Where are the dumplings? Where is the sweet and sour meatball?''


    Ikasa looked through the list of dishes baffled by the names. These names were even weirder than the names of his manuals!


    He called the waitress to ask for help. But then he saw the hungry, hopeful faces looking at him, pleading to be fed. He changed his mind.


    ''I''ll know what the dish is when I look at them anyway. Since I don''t have to pay, let''s unleash the little beastsˇ­ Ahem, kids.''


    "Miss, bring me one of everything on the menu!"


    The waitress looked at the party of eight and then looked at the 32 dishes on the menu.


    "Are you sure, Sir?"


    "Yes, bring one of each dish. Don''t worry, I can afford it."


    By ''I can afford it'', Ikasa meant Xue Family can afford it. After all, this meal was on them.


    The waitress closed the door behind her. Once she was gone, Feng Yan let out a sigh of relief. He was constantly under the fear that someone would recognize him.


    To his relief, his fears were unfounded. After 18 years, unless he roamed on the street shouting he was Red Eye, no one would recognize his scraggly bearded face or his sunken eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>


    As they waited for the food, Feng Yan and Ikasa exchanged a nce. It was time to broach the subject of their impending move to Birch City.


    "Kidsˇ­"


    "Xin Ruo "


    Feng Yan and Ikasa spoke at the same time. They looked at each other and Feng Yan motioned to Ikasa to continue.


    Their exchange was seen by the kids and Xin Ruo. They had an inkling that they were about to receive some very serious news concerning the events that took ce today.


    "First of all, I would like to congratte you all, for sessfully defending our home."


    Ikasa started by clinking the sses with the kids. After the children were secure in their prowess, he started to move to the serious subject.


    "Today''s attack was not totally unexpected. It was anticipated by me and your Father a few days ago. And we expect the Li Family to attack again."


    Xin Ruo glowered at the two men for hiding this important information from her.


    Ikasa chose to ignore her stare and continued with his speech.


    "In lieu of this, we have decided to move to Birch City. We will depart tomorrow afternoon. So be ready."


    Annoyed at being ignored, Xin Ruo cleared her throat to draw his attention.


    "Ahem."


    Ikasa could pretend not to see her re but now he was forced to look in her eyes.


    "Why did you choose Birch City? Why not Beech City?"


    He had expected this question toe sooner orter. But he had never expected Xin Ruo to be the one questioning him.


    After Xue Mi had proposed a deal to move to Birch City, Ikasa had done some reading on Birch City.


    Even after going through every source avable to him, he couldn''t find a reliable source detailing the power structure of Birch City.


    Atst, he had to rely on his predecessor''s memories and investigate for himself when he reached Birch City.


    For now, he was going to use the knowledge he inherited to answer Xin Ruo''s queries.


    "Firstly, the deal I have secured only offers us a way to Birch City. We don''t have a choice but to reach Birch City before nning further."


    "Second, If we decide to do business in Birch City, we have an ally, City Lord Zhen, to back us up. He needs our help to stand tall against the Hu n so it will be a mutually beneficial rtion unlike the one with Li Fan."


    "And you asked why not Beech City? Your Father can tell you the answer better than me."


    Ikasa and Xin Ruo turned to Feng Yan. The kids noticed something amiss and started paying attention to the conversation between adults.


    "Beech city has be chaotic without any semnce of order. The City Lord went missing in the anomalous space that opened up near the City and since then Mercenary groups have taken charge of the City."


    Ikasa had heard of such rumors but Feng Yan, who regrly mingled with mercenaries, knew better. So he let him exin the gravity of the situation.


    "We are not an established force with enough power to be safe in that City. Do you still think we should consider Beech City?"


    Ikasa challenged Xin Ruo. She faltered and couldn''t form an eptable reason. From the beginning, it was not about the decision itself, it was about her being left out of the process.


    Now that she had made her dissatisfaction known, he could think of a way to appease her. But he would notpromise with being challenged as the decision-maker.


    Before the atmosphere could grow any tenser, the waitress arrived with tes of food. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    The kids turned their attention to the delicious aroma emanating from the food. Even adults on the table couldn''t help but take another whiff.


    The waitress served the food to the guests and began to introduce the dishes.


    "This is the first dish on the menu, Rainbow on the te."


    While others looked at it with fascination, Ikasa frowned.


    ''I am paying 3000 coppers for Yangzhou Fried Rice?! Even in the Mamy restaurant, it costs less than 300 coppers!''


    The waitress put the other dishes on the table.


    "This is the Rooster praying to the Heavens. This dish, next to it, is Earth''s Blessing, a specialty dish of our restaurant. Its fillings consist of precious roots like 10-year-old Ginseng, Ginger, Blood-replenishing roots, and Luobo roots."


    Ikasa tranted her fancy names to the names of foods he knew.


    Rooster praying to the Heavens was nothing but Roast Chicken. The Earth''s blessing was a dumpling with an unusual filling.


    When the waitress lifted the cloche from the next dish, Luo Qiqi eximed.


    "Sweet and Sour Meatballs!"

 Chapter 56 He Appreciates My Dishes!

    When the waitress lifted the cloche from the next dish, Luo Qiqi eximed.


    "Sweet and Sour Meatballs!"


    The waitress smiled and corrected her.


    "This is the VIP exclusive dish, The Last Wish. We use the meat of a Spiritual beast, the Three-eyed Boar, to prepare this dish."


    "Is this the same species as the hog from the folk tales?"


    Ikasa probed the waitress.


    "Yes, Sir." She nodded in affirmation.


    "What story, Ikasa-ge?" Yan Xiao asked with curiosity. Other kids were also interested in learning more about it.


    "ording to folklore, an ancestor of these beasts gave up her life willingly to save her babies. When she learned she was to be killed and cooked, she requested the hunters to make her into a dish with conflicting vors to reflect herst emotions."


    p! p!


    A middle-aged man came to the table from the kitchen entrance.


    "I am d I cooked for a knowledgeable patron today."


    He bowed respectfully. His words were apliment as well as his introduction.


    "I hope you like my interpretation of this folktale. I represent the mother''s love for her baby as the sweet vor of this dish. The sourness is from her reluctance to part from it."


    Ikasa looked at the delicious meatballs wafting steam before him. The ze from the sauce glowed in the light of moon pearls. They were cooked to a perfect reddish-brown color to preserve the meat''s vor and chewiness.


    Everyone except Yan Xiao gulped hard.


    "I have yet to try the vor. So, I cannotment on it. But the dish looks appetizing."


    Ikasaplimented the Chef.


    "Yes, of course. Please enjoy your meal. Patrons who can appreciate the story behind the dish are indeed rare and always wee."


    After a bow, the Chef and the waitress made themselves scarce.


    Everyone picked up their cutlery to dig in, but Yan Xiao had tears streaming from his eyes. His gaze was fixated on the meatballs.


    Ikasa understood the reason behind his sadness.


    "Don''t cry! That was just a story. These meatballs are made from some hog who was harassing the farmers. By eating him, we are just following thews of nature."


    Ikasa patted Yan Xiao on his back, urging him to taste the delicacies.


    "Really? We are not eating somebody''s mom, are we?"


    Yan Xiao inquired after wiping his tears with the back of his hands.


    "Really... Now eat quickly, or those ravenous ghosts will eat up everything!"


    Ikasa said, pointing to the four children and one oldie. When Yan Xiao started to eat, he also picked up his chopsticks. Watching everyoneugh and eat together, he felt like this was his family.


    ''In this world, I have no one except for them. And they have no one except me.''


    An hourter, the battle waged on food ended. The tes were squeaky clean, and the warriors were satisfied.


    Chu Qing let out a burp while caressing his stomach. His burp was the beginning of a burping contest. Feng Yan won it with an overwhelming brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp.


    When the waitress came to the table to collect the check, Xin Ruo hid her face in embarrassment.


    "Sir, this is your bill. A total of 1457 gold."


    Ikasa waved her off.


    "It''s fine. Your Sixth Elder said the meal is on the house."


    The waitress looked at him with suspicion. She didn''t dare offend the guest of the Elder, but the bill amount was also high.


    ''Are thepanions of this uncouth guy really her guests? I should check in with the Elder.''


    By uncouth, she naturally meant Feng Yan. She remembered the instructions. They only mentioned opening the VIP room for Mr. Ikasa. She decided to stall for time by offering desserts.


    "Mr. Ikasa, please wait for a while. I will send youplimentary desserts. Since you are the guests of Sixth Elder, we should at least do this much."


    She escaped before Ikasa could deny or ept her request. She ordered the kitchens to prepare some simple rice puddings and went to find the Elder.


    During the evenings, when the Four Seasons Restaurant is busiest, the Sixth Elder would personallye to the Restaurant. She would not go out to entertain any guests. Only in the case of disputes, did she step in to mediate them.


    The waitress found the Elder lounging in her chair while popping a grape in her mouth. Without wasting time, she recounted the incident in the VIP room.


    When Elder Xue heard the waitress mention ''Mr. Ikasa'', she immediately gave her permission to waive off his charges.


    "But... Elder, the bill amount is 1457 Gold!"


    "What? Theziness disappeared from her eyes, and she jumped up to snatch the bill from the waitress'' hand.


    "This bastard! He ate away our profit for this month! How did one person eat so much?"


    She asked the waitress.


    "He was not alone. There were five kids, ady, and a disheveled old man with him."


    "Damn it!"


    She yelled, punching her fist on her other palm. If it was anyone else, she could act shamelessly and say that the offer of the ''On the House'' meal was for Ikasa alone.


    But at the moment, he was being apanied by the kids with special identities.


    ''Since the kids are here, maybe the Sense Realm expert is here too? Could it be that old man? Or is it thedy?''<novelnext></novelnext>


    Once this thought came, she let go of the idea of collecting gold from him. Instead, she decided to do a meritorious service by confirming whether Ikasa''s ims about the Sense Realm Guardian were true or not.


    "Did they order anything else that is yet to be served?"


    The waitress shook her head.


    "No, they didn''t. However, I offered themplimentary desserts to stall for time."


    Sixth Elder patted her back and beamed.


    "You did well. I will serve those desserts along with you. Come."


    She led the way to the kitchens to collect the desserts.


    "Elder! Is there some problem? Did a customerin?"


    The Chef panicked at the presence of his immediate superior, who usually stays as far from the kitchen as possible.


    "We are just here to confirm something. Make two rice puddings for the VIPs extra sweet."


    The Chef looked puzzled but did as ordered.


    Soon Sixth Elder was carrying the two extra sweet rice puddings herself while the waitress brought the rest of the bowls in a tray.


    When they entered the VIP room, Ikasa stood up to show his respect.


    "Elder, you didn''t have toe to greet us. And you are even serving food! This is too much!"


    Ikasa eximed. He became vignt of her sudden visit and guessed her motives. Thankfully, there was no reliable way to identify a Sense Realm Expert. At least, he didn''t know of one.


    "I just came to greet you and these kids."


    The Sixth Elder said while surreptitiously cing the bowls before the father and daughter seated near the entrance. The waitress also came and served everyone else.


    ''As I expected. She is here to find the Guardian.''  Ikasa mused when he saw her serve neither him nor the kids, but the other two unknowns.


    ''But how will a bowl of rice pudding help her identify a Sense Realm expert?''


    He saw her smile and stand by the door.


    "Please try our Chef''s humble dessert, The Sweetness of the Origins."


    She invited everyone to taste while focusing on the two she had served personally.


    As soon as Ikasa and the kids took a mouthful of the Rice Pudding, they were captured by the slight sweetness and light vors of the rice.


    The experience for Xin Ruo was not so good. When Xin Ruo took a spoonful, the sweetness of the sugar overpowered any vor of the rice she might''ve tasted. She frowned, but the pudding was still good enough to be eaten.


    However, for Feng Yan, it was torture. As a Sense Realm cultivator, he was extra sensitive to tastes. He had limatized his taste buds to Salty, sour, bitter, and othermon vors. But getting used to sweetness was hard as Sugar was a luxuriousmodity selling for 10 gold per bag.


    When he tasted the overpowering sweetness, his face contorted with nausea. The already extra sweet pudding''s sweetness was amplified by two times due to his cultivation.


    He swallowed it with difficulty but did not touch the rest of the pudding.


    Sixth Elder was watching this with interest. She jubntly looked at Feng Yan''s reaction and concluded, ''He is the Sense Realm Expert!''


    She asked with concern.


    "Sir, is the pudding not to your liking?"


    Feng Yan looked at the pudding reluctantly and said, "It is too sweet for my taste."


    She called for a waitress and instructed her to prepare a new pudding with much less sugar.


    After everyone was done with their desserts, they met the Chef, the waitress, and the Elder in the lobby near the entrance of the restaurant.


    The Chef enthusiastically greeted Ikasa.


    "Mr. Ikasa, you must be a special person for our Elder to send you off in person. It is my honor to serve a guest like you who appreciates my delicacies. When youe next time, your meal will be on us."


    He felt two res bore into his head. But he kept a smiling face.


    "Sure, Sure! The Four Seasons Restaurant is truly as generous as it is reputable. I will definitely take you up on the offer."


    On Ikasa''s words, Sixth Elder and the waitress paled. Their re intensified.


    Ikasa bade farewell to the ecstatic Chef and left with his group.


    Back at the entrance, Sixth Elder glowered at the Chef.


    "Did you enjoy serving him very much?"


    The Chef was confused by her questioning. He replied honestly. "Yes, I did."


    "Then you should pay for his meal today."


    "Of course, I can afford one meal. Give me the bill. Let me see just how much stingy our Elder is."


    She sneered and motioned to the waitress. When the waitress thrust the bill in his hands, the Chef trembled with fright.


    "What the hell? Fourteen Thousand Silver? Did he bring a starving ghost with him?"


    When he saw the Elder turn to leave, he went on his knees and bawled.


    "Forgive me, Elder! I apologize for my insolence! It will take me more than a year''s sry to foot this bill!"


    She turned and said, "I''ll forgive you this time. but next time he eats a free meal here, it is on you."


    The Chef''s back shivered with fright. He whispered to the empty air.


    "Ikasa, you better not show up at this restaurant again, or I will die with you!"

 Chapter 57 Agitated Xin Ruo

    "I can understand if you keep things from the kids. But why hide this from me? Am I untrustworthy? Or am I nobody in your eyes?"


    Xin Ruo stormed into Ikasa''s room as soon as they returned to the Mansion. All her life, she had been sheltered by Feng Yan. She had just breathed in some fresh air when another man she thought was important to her was sheltering her.


    Their protection was a gilded cage. Xin Ruo was like a cuckoo bird kept safe from the world in this cage. It was made out of love and intended to protect her, but it was a cage nheless.


    When she did not receive any answer, she looked at him with eyes filled with hope, begging him to answer her.


    "We didn''t tell you so you wouldn''t worry needlessly," Ikasa answered under her relentless gaze.


    This was the answer she had expected from him. Though it was not the one she wanted to hear.


    She looked into his eyes and verbalized her expectations of him. Her clear earnest voice tried to make him understand her side.


    "I don''t need you to protect me. I want you to tell me when you need help. Share your problem so that I can be of help to you. You should just treat me like you would treat any other employee."


    She saw him puzzle over why she was being so adamant. His eyes were looking at her but also looking at a different person altogether.


    ''He seems to be reminiscing about someone important to him.'' She realized.


    After a few seconds, Xin Ruo saw him close his eyes and sigh deeply. She looked expectantly at him, waiting for his decision.


    Ikasa finally opened his mouth to speak.  But what he said was not what she wanted to hear.


    "Xin Ruo, I promise to give you more information. But you cannot do anything like what you did today. I am not your father. I will not ept your overstepping of the boundaries."


    ''What?''


    She turned red with rage. Emotions she had been suppressing since this afternoon burst out like a volcano.


    "Overstepped my boundaries? Is questioning you overstepping the boundaries? Is knowing how much thought you have given this sudden shift... Excessive?"


    Her voice, filled with anguish, turned louder with every question. After expending her energy, she leaned on the wall and slid down until her bottom rested on the floor.


    She pulled her knees close to her chest. A tear rolled down her cheek. It took her some time to gather courage, but she finally gazed up and met his eyes. Her voice choked up as she spoke.


    "I hope you see my point of view, Ikasa. I felt helpless when the people from Li Family attacked. When I fought a trained assassin three stages higher than me, I didn''t know if I would see any of you again."


    After a brief pause, she decided to share the reason for her adamance.


    "My father kept me in the dark as well and pulled all sorts of dangerous stunts."


    She red at him with using eyes and said, "You did the same today. What was worse is that he knew about it, but I didn''t."


    After taking a long,bored breath to suppress her sob, she found the strength in herself to continue. Her helplessness clear on her face, she tried to exin why she needed to know.


    "If I knew about your n, I could prepare myself. Find ways to help reduce risk. This would be my way of not feeling like a useless burden."


    In the end, she had bared her heart to Ikasa.


    Realizing this, she buried her head between her knees. Xin Ruo did not want to see what kind of expression he made upon seeing her vulnerability.


    After she had vented her grievance, a few seconds passed in silence. Xin Ruo felt warmth of his arms wrap around her shoulders. Her heartbeat quickened at his touch.


    "I am sorry you had to go through this ordeal. I will not lie and say this won''t happen again. All I can say is we will be better prepared."


    After apologizing and reassuring her, he addressed another point of her argument.


    "You took down a trained fighter three stages higher than you. You were brave and wise. If this is what a useless burden is like, I want more of such burdens on my team."


    A slight snort escaped her nose, but she smiled at the joke.


    After giving a quick rub on her back, the hand retracted. She missed the warmth but knew this was not appropriate.


    "As for overstepping boundaries, I encourage you to ask me your queries. Question my decisions. But it needs to happen when we are alone."<novelnext></novelnext>


    His soothing voice now had a sharp edge to it. Xin Ruo knew she was in the wrong and deserved this uing chastisement.


    "When you interrogated me today, it was not because you wanted to know; it was because you wanted to embarrass me. Did you really believe I do things without thinking?"


    She squeaked in embarrassment. Her meek voice was so low that Ikasa had to lean over to hear her reply.


    "No. But you took a decision and involved my father, but not me. Before my father arrived, you used to tell me everything. Yet, you excluded me from such an important decision. So, I was jealous and angry. I am sorry."


    Heughed at her answer.


    "As I said earlier, we just wanted to protect you." He said, caressing her hair.


    "And as you said earlier, you are not my father. So, you don''t need to protect me." She lightly swatted away his hand that was caressing her hair.


    "What does being a father have to do with it? I wanted to look after you, so I did." Ikasa said as if expressing a matter of fact.


    "Then you will repeat what you did today again in the future. I don''t need you to safeguard me from the information!"  Xin Ruo grew agitated at his nonchnce and refuted his argument.


    "No, I won''t. Even though I feel obligated to guard you, to keep from you the things that might worry you, I respect your choice more."


    "Thank You." She whispered, a sense of relief washing over her.


    They both sat in silence, asionally peeking at each other and avoiding eye contact when caught. Both had something to say but didn''t know how to articte the feelings in their hearts.


    At one point, their eyes met, and this time, they continued to look into each other''s eyes. Xin Ruo took in his intense greyish eyes. Without realizing, she was leaning toward him.


    She could see the me, reflected in his eyes, grow bigger and bigger, and their lips almost touched.


    Knock! Knock!


    The silent trance they were in was broken by the knock on the door.


    Ikasa didn''t get up. Instead, he shouted from where he sat, annoyance clear in his voice.


    "Who is it?"


    "It''s me, Feng Yan. I have brought Yin Ying."


    Hearing it was Yin Ying, he was confused.


    "Why would she be here?" He mumbled as he got up to open the door.


    Xin Ruo suddenly palmed her forehead, drawing Ikasa''s attention.


    "Now, what did you do?" He asked in an exasperated tone.


    "I forgot to tell you about one piece of news."


    "What is it?"


    "I subverted Yin Ying and most of her men to our side."


    Ikasa''s eyes widened with joy. He excitedly held her shoulders and pecked her on the cheek.


    "You are awesome, Xin Ruo! Why didn''t you tell me sooner?"


    She blushed crimson from the sudden intimate gesture. Her brain went nk unable to process what had happened. So, when she heard his question, she blurted the first words that came to her mind.


    "I just wanted to give you a taste of your medicine."


    Realizing what she had said, she bit her lower lip. Before Ikasa could start scolding her, she escaped from the other door of the room.


    Ikasa shook his head, half in amusement and half in exasperation. And then he opened the door for Feng Yan.

 Chapter 58 An Idea To Form A Private Force

    "Who was that?"


    As soon as the door opened, Feng Yan asked Ikasa. He believed he had heard his daughter behind the door.


    Ikasa had nothing to hide and admitted it frankly.


    "It was Xin Ruo. She was here to berate me for colluding in a foolhardy n with you."


    Ikasa turned the tables on Feng Yan. He raised his eyebrow at Feng Yan to use him of not disciplining his daughter enough.


    Feng Yan''s hard stance immediately softened. He cleared his throat to prevent the atmosphere from bing awkward.


    "Ahem. I brought her here for the introduction," Feng Yan said, indicating the figure covered in ck behind him.


    His attention was drawn to her right hand wrapped in a splint that hung before her bountiful chest. Her face was still covered by a ck scarf leaving only her eyes visible.


    When his eyes met hers, he saw dejection and resignation in them. Still, he couldn''t sympathize with Yin Ying because she was the number one henchman of his foe.


    "Hello, Yin Ying. I heard you''ve decided to work for me?"


    Ikasa asked while sitting on the bedfortably while she was still awkwardly standing by the door. He had not even invited her inside.


    Feng Yan, who waited outside, gave him a stink eye for behaving like a dick to the pitiful woman. Yet, he did not say anything. He understood this was a power y to make her understand her new position.


    Yin Ying sighed and epted her new fate. She answered Ikasa''s question with a nod of affirmation.


    "What was that? I didn''t hear you?"


    Ikasa turned his head and cupped his ears. The action was obvious in its intent to humiliate Yin Ying, who did not ept defeat and still clung to her pride.


    Anger and embarrassment bubbled inside Yin Ying. Even Feng Yan wanted to hit this obnoxious Ikasa with a solid punch.


    Ikasa repeated the question earlier. He made it clear that he wouldn''t stop unless he heard a vocalized answer.


    Yin Ying finally let go of herst shred of dignity and answered, "Yes, Sir."


    A teardrop rolled down from her eye unknowingly. It hurt her much more than the pain in her broken arm.


    And Ikasa knew this. But he also knew that to build something new, he had to tear her down to her foundations. To start a new rtionship with him, she had to first ept her loss.


    Ikasa straightened his posture. He was no longer leaningzily on the stack of pillows. His demeanor had changed entirely from before.


    If he was mocking her before, now he was serious. He invited her in and offered her a seat by the table.


    "I appreciate your skills, Yin Ying. However, I am also biased against you because you attacked my people and me twice with yourte master."


    He stood up and looked down at her seated figure. His eyes bored into her as he asked, almost hissed his question.


    "So, tell me, why should I believe your act of surrender?"


    This was the first time she saw the fierce and domineering side of her new master. She peeked at Feng Yan, who was standing guard outside.


    The puzzle of why a Sense realm martial artist followed this weak-looking guy was solved in her mind.


    His act was genuinely fearful, but it had yet to have substance behind it. He couldn''t pressurize her when he could not utilize his presence as a high-level martial arts master.


    However, it was only a matter of time before this tiger cub would grow up and be the king of beasts.


    While she was lost in her thoughts, Ikasa grew impatient from herck of attention.


    He was reminded of the pressure Feng Yan had exerted on him when he had first met him. The pressure he had seen from the master whose body he had inhabited when learning the chop.


    He channeled his rage at her disobedience and focused it on her. His method had an immediate effect.


    She was jolted out of her reverie. The thought of no substance was discarded as her face was drained of blood. She looked fearfully at Ikasa, who was glowering at her.


    She was reminded of the question he had asked. Without thinking, she said the things in her mind.


    "Because I have nowhere else to go! My men and I were bought by Li Fan from a ve trader. He controlled us with our Soul Shards. Had we betrayed him, we would not be alive to speak to you."


    She sobbed hard as her cold facade crumbled. She had hidden this information from Feng Yan and others, afraid they would find her soul shard and bring her under control.


    Yet she had given in after thebination of humiliation, anger, and fear.


    "We have found a new lease on life now that our bonds with the soul shards are weakening. At this time, going back to Li Family without their Young Master is the same asmitting suicide."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Once the gates to her dam of frustrations were opened, she let out all she had kept in her heart.


    "Then your woman came and tempted my men with more powerful Cultivation methods and Battle techniques. She imed she could defeat me because of her superior techniques. And the foolish people fell for it."


    The derisive snort told how she felt about the whole event.


    "They begged me to ept her offer to serve you. Serve under you. And I was forced into epting her conditions. So don''t think I am serving you because I want to! I am doing this for my men, my foolish colleagues."


    She red pointedly at Ikasa and portrayed her weakness as her strength. She threatened that if he pushed too hard, she might retaliate.


    Ikasa was taken aback by her outburst. He gleaned much valuable information from her uninterrupted rant.


    ''There are ways to enve someone through the Soul shards or whatever that is.'' Then his thoughts turned to the aggrieved woman.


    ''I can only control her if I threaten her men. To make her work for me wholeheartedly, I need to win her respect.''


    "I understand you have been through some very tough times, and you don''t want to be enved again. So, I will give you an opportunity to break free of those shackles."


    Yin Ying looked up at Ikasa, half skeptical and half hopeful. Her distrustful nature was evident from her ever-covered face. Even after it was drenched wet from her tear drops, she had not removed her facial covering.


    "Work for me. I don''t care if you keep your guard up against me as long as youplete assigned tasks to my satisfaction. You will not be a ve but a paid employee. And when you feel you can trust me, remove that mask and show me your face."


    Then he called Feng Yan in.


    "Can you please ask Xin Ruo to give her a spare set of clothes and take her to Medicine Master Hao in the morning?"


    Yin Ying knew of the reputation of Medicine Master Hao. She was touched by the gesture, but it was not enough to make her believe Ikasa. And neither did Ikasa expect her to disclose her closely guarded secrets.


    But this was just a gesture, a first step to building a bridge of trust.


    Once Feng Yan had sent Yin Ying away, he returned to the room. Ikasa was pacing, his steps erratic. Sometimes he moved in a straight line; other times, he moved like the knight on a chess board.


    He turned to his most reliable support and began to tell him about his ns for the future.


    "Old man, we failed in Sal City because we didn''t have a force that could contend against the Prestigious Families. I don''t want a repeat of the same in Birch City. We need enough power to make the City Lord treat us seriously."


    Feng Yan listened attentively. He had a vague idea of where this was going. Still, he waited for Ikasa to finish.


    Ikasa made another round around his bed and looked into Feng Yan''s eyes.


    "Can you form a militia of a hundred strong men for me? I will provide a Top Grade Cultivation Manual and any type of Battle Technique you want. All I want in return is their undivided loyalty."


    Feng Yan was having trouble believing what he heard. He could not digest the fact that Ikasa promised to provide a Top Grade manual, not a High-Grade manual.


    Ikasa snapped his fingers to bring him back to the present.


    "Yes! Of course, yes! I am willing to train such a force for you."


    His energetic voice boomed in the silence of the night.


    "Calm your horses, Old man. You have to find those hundred men yourself..." Seeing Feng Yan ready to jump on the fresh new people joining them today, Ikasa forbid his ambitions from gaining ground.


    "... And no, you can''t take men from Yin Ying''s force. I have different ns for them."


    Feng Yan reigned in his enthusiasm. Just the thought of how powerful the battle force made with top-grade cultivation technique had sent him over the moon.


    "Also, keep an eye on our newest member. I don''t trust her. And don''t fall for her pitiful looks."


    Ikasa warned Feng Yan. God knows how starved he was for a women''spany after his stay in the slums. And Yin Ying certainly had a figure to spark someone''s imagination.


    Feng Yan opened his mouth to refute.


    "I would neverˇ­."


    But Ikasa shut him up with one single sentence.


    "I saw you ring at me before."


    Feng Yan gave him another stinky eye and turned to leave. Before he could go out of the door, he heard Ikasa''s voice.


    "Be ready to go to the slums in the morning. I need to see how capable your brothers are."

 Chapter 59 Philanthropy And Stagnancy

    The following day, when Ikasa and Feng Yan reached the slums, they saw two groups of people facing off against each other.


    Of the two groups, one was led by Chu Kuang. Ikasa noticed many familiar faces in the group.


    Scarface, who was part of Feng Yan''s Gang. Hook-Nosed Guy, who waspeting for Xin Ruo''s courtship.


    The other two whose names he didn''t know but whose faces he remembered from his second visit to slums when he received special treatment and a warning.


    Back then, he was so weak. And now, these people had all agreed to follow him.


    The other group was led by a woman. It mainly consisted of the family members who had spoken against leaving for Birch City.


    As they neared the location of the confrontation, the words being exchanged became clearer.


    "How long do you want us to decay in this hellhole? Just because you don''t want to leave doesn''t mean you can stop us from leaving!"


    One of the youths from the Pro-migration group yelled.


    "You unfilial son, are you really going to leave the ce of our ancestors? The city where our family has lived for generations?"


    A man approaching his sunset years scolded. His voice was echoed by many from the Anti-migration group.


    "Our ancestors lived there, in the Outer City. Not this dump. Since I am not wee there, I say we move to a new ce where we will be treated as humans."


    It did not go down well with the son of the user. His rebuttal was based on cold, hard facts. Youths who were pro-migration echoed his sentiments.


    When Chu Kuang saw Feng Yan and Ikasa, he hurried to their side. He saw Feng Yan furrowed his brows. Ikasa, on the other hand, was viewing the situation critically.


    "Didn''t you say their living conditions are horrible?"


    He turned to look at Feng Yan and asked. Feng Yan himself was pondering the same question.


    "Just take a look around!"


    He waved his hand with agitation.


    "Most of these people live in huts, over there. See the thatched roofs? They can''t protect them from the rains or the sun. The thin walls are non-existent when it gets cold."


    Ikasa followed Feng Yan''s hands and took in the surroundings. He agreed with his assessment.


    ''Those are not the only problems,'' Ikasa thought.


    His senses had been assaulted by a foul stench of decay and feces. He found the source to be a crudely builttrine pit behind the huts.


    Flies and other insects were buzzing around in the entire area of slums.


    "Many of them die from hunger or disease. Even though I did my best to provide these people with at least two simple meals and clothing once a year, it is nowhere near enough."


    Feng Yan sighed with frustration. If he could see the problems, could the one suffering them not see them? And yet, why were they still resisting?


    He couldn''t solve their problem until he could understand them.


    Ikasa noticed the issue was not only about migration when he visited yesterday. Instead, it was about the reluctance to move out of their bubble of delusion.<novelnext></novelnext>


    He realized this was the ssic case of ''Phnthropy leading to Stagnancy''.


    For years, Feng Yan had provided for these people. While they did nothing for him. He had basically spoon-fed them.


    Initially, they might''ve wanted to stand on their own feet and improve their lifestyle. After a few setbacks, many of them lost their drive.


    During this time, they got used to relying on Feng Yan for necessities. And this led them to ept their poverty. They now had the security of food and clothing, and they were unwilling to give up this stability.


    Charity is a two-way road. If Feng Yan had expected them to work with him to earn their living, maybe they wouldn''t have turned out like this.


    As he identified the crux of their unwillingness to leave, he decided to make Feng Yan acknowledge this bitter truth. Speaking bluntly against a hard-headed man like Feng Yan would be counter-productive. So, he let Feng Yan do the work and see the results himself.


    "Did you tell them you would be leaving for Birch City as well?"


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa sharply.


    "How can I leave when they would be left behind?"


    Ikasa rubbed his nose bridge in frustration.


    ''As expected. The problem is on both sides.''


    "Listen to me. Try telling those people that you will be leaving with me as well. If they still want to stay, I will make suitable arrangements for them."


    Feng Yan could only sigh and do as Ikasa said.


    Chu Kuang heard their conversation. He had a few insider news to report, but he held on to it. He also wanted to see his employer''s skills in resolving problems.


    The two men watched as Feng Yan went to the quarreling groups and acted as a mediator. Once they had calmed down enough, he made his shocking deration.


    "After thinking about this issue overnight, I have decided. I will apany these young people and start anew in Birch City."


    The pro-migration group cheered with joy while anxiety set in amongst the anti-migration group.


    "Didn''t he say he would respect our decision yesterday?"


    "But did he say he will stay with us if we don''t go?"


    "How will we survive without him and the other young ones?"


    "I told you, we shouldn''t have let him work alone just because he is a Sense Realm martial artist! What will we do without him?"


    The freeloading men and women, who had relied on Feng Yan and others in recent years, panicked. The women who had livedparatively morefortable lives than the working youths were oblivious to their hardships.


    Still, they knew one thing.


    Once Feng Yan left, theirfortable lives would be over. He provided not only food and clothing but also security. None of the low lives in the slums had ever bothered the people in this group.


    The name of Red Eye was enough to deter them.

 Chapter 60 Second Chance

    The thought of Feng Yan''s departure lit a fire under their buttocks. It sshed a bucket of cold water in their faces.


    In all these years, the one person they had relied on and then mooched off of was now leaving. How would these people right their ships without the anchor named Feng Yan?


    So, they started to do their best to hold Feng Yan back. To keep him with them, so they could continue toze around.


    "Uncle Feng, how can you leave us behind? When my brother passed away, you promised him you would take care of me."


    The same woman, who had mocked Feng Yan using her brother''s name yesterday, was now crying out his name to gain sympathy.


    Even though she might look good after a clean-up, Ikasa put her on his cklist. She was of the ideal age to be working, yet her only skill was throwing her dead brother''s name around for her benefit.


    He hated people like her the most.


    After her, many in the anti-migration group started to cry foul or acted pitiful to prevent Feng Yan from leaving. When he didn''t retract his statement, people began to curse him for abandoning them.


    Feng Yan began to see the true face of the people he had considered his family for all these years. Their curses hurt but realizing that he was the one who made them this way hurt even more.


    Chu Kuang saw the range of emotions on Feng Yan''s face. He saw him frown with disappointment. Then his face contorted in agony after listening to curses from those he considered his family.


    He turned to Ikasa, looking at him as if he was looking at a miracle worker.


    After spending years with these people, he had only seen their true faces yesterday. Last night, these people called him a fool for even considering following this man to a new city instead of living a life of stability andfort with them.


    And now, the same people were in a panic because of him. Ikasa had done in a few minutes what he and many of his brothers who had left failed to do in thest few years:


    Make Feng Yan realize his idea of altruism was toxic. He was being treated like a sucker.


    Once themotion died, Ikasa went to Feng Yan and patted his shoulder.


    "The brothers you did this for, they were all good people. Even the people in front of you were good in the past. However, the time has changed them. They are no longer the brothers you knew."


    He turned to look at both the groups.


    "If any of you are still thinking of leeching off him, you can forget that. I have no sympathy for you. Nheless, as his formerrades-in-arms, I am willing to offer you a fair chance to start again. Come to Birch City and work for me."


    "However, be warned. Your conditions will not be the same as those who signed up with Chu Kuang. I will provide shelter, but you have to buy food. Any loafers will not be tolerated, and they will be on the streets before they could exin theircence."


    Ikasa sternly warned those freeloaders who thought they had another chance to mooch on another sucker. Then he brought Feng Yan and Chu Kuang with him to the carriage.


    "Uncle Chu, make another list ofters. And let everyone be ready to depart at noon. Later, distribute the clothes I have brought for everyone, prioritizing those on the list."


    After issuing the set of instructions, he saw Chu Kuang hesitating to ask a question.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Speak up, Uncle Chu. Don''t hesitate to ask if you have questions about anything."


    "How did you know they were freeloading off his goodwill?"


    Chu Kuang asked hesitantly while looking at Feng Yan. Ikasa smiled and gave a sidelong nce to Feng Yan. He was maintaining a stoic face.


    Ikasa thought back to the times in the Ruins when he had first heard of these brothers from Feng Yan.


    "When I first heard from my Father-inw that he was providing for these people for the past 18 years, I admired him. But I didn''t think he was feeding them with a spoon."


    "I offered to bring them with us to Birch City; there was a mixed reaction. And it was understandable as the fear of the unknown."


    "However, when I arrived here, I saw two very different types of people. Some people had a fire in their eyes, wanting to improve their situation. While others had lost their drive. They had given up and solely intended to live off the ones who were earning."


    "And these people were leeches. I recognized them at a nce."


    His eyes became cloudy as he reminisced about the situations he had seen on Earth.


    ''Because I had seen them in my orphanage,pany, and many homeless shelters back then.''


    Chu Kuang looked at Ikasa with respect. Astonished by his eye for people, he admired him.


    His next question was prompted by his act of giving them a second chance.


    "Why did you offer to bring them with you even after knowing their past deeds?"


    Ikasa smiled. He looked at Feng Yan. He looked straight ahead, but his ears were taking in every word.


    "It''s simple. As I said, these people were not always like they are now. They deserved a second chance to make amends. If I did not give them a chance, he would not me me, but he will always have regret in his heart."


    Ikasa said, pointing to the man walking beside him.


    Chu Kuang looked at Feng Yan, who had suddenly increased his walking pace and left both of them behind. He knew Feng Yan didn''t want to show either of them his weak side.


    ''If there was an affinity bar, it would show affinity with Chu Kuang and Feng Yan at maximum.''


    Ikasa mused as he looked at the adoration in his new subordinate''s eyes. He enjoyed it for a few moments. Remembering his time constraints, he left Chu Kuang with onest reminder.


    "Uncle Chu, make sure to meet us at the docks at noon."

 Chapter 61 Aboard The Sin King

    As the sun leaned towards the west, the former pirate ship, Sin King, also began its journey to Birch City.


    In one of therger cabins of the ship, four people were going through the list of potential talents. Chu Kuang was justifying the inclusion of numerous but different young men and women on his talent list.


    "See this, Commander! He is already at the Sixth stage of the Path Forging realm even after suffering from ack of wealth and guidance!"


    "And I told you, Chu Kuang, it does not matter! Their current cultivation base will disappear once they have used the top grade manuals."


    Feng Yan denied the inclusion of another youth on the talent list.


    "He reached the Sixth Stage all because of his hard work. Do you not think if we give him appropriate support, he will reach Sense Realm soon?"


    Ikasa couldn''t take it anymore. In an attempt to remind Chu Kuang of his requirements, he interrupted their conversation.


    "Uncle Chu read me the names and talents of people we have included in the list."


    Chu Kuang looked puzzled but did as he was told.


    "Tang Ping. Used to deal with beast hides for his adventure group. Bu Fan. A Culinary talent."


    Chu Kuang read the only two names on the list. He had an inkling of what his new employer might be looking for.


    "You must be clear by now why we chose only these two candidates of the five you proposed."


    Ikasa enlightened Chu Kuang.


    With a surprised expression, Chu Kuang asked the other three, "Are you really not looking for any cultivation talent?"


    Ikasa shook his head and justified his decision.


    "No. That''s not the case. Their current speed of cultivating cannot bepared to the cultivation speed after using my manuals. So I am not in a hurry to judge their talent for Cultivation."


    Then he looked Chu Kuang in the eye.


    "The same goes for you too, Uncle Chu. If you are willing to start over, you can also have a Top Grade manual. In that case, your limit won''t just be the Sense Realm. You can go much higher."


    Under the three gazes trained on him, he replied with uncertainty.


    "I... I will think about it."


    Ikasa epted his hesitating answer.


    "Take your time. You have until he gathers a team of hundred men."


    Ikasa informed Chu Kuang.


    "Is it possible for my father as well? To start over and ovee limits?"


    Xin Ruo asked from the seat beside him.


    "He already broke into the Sense realm. Unless and until I advance to that realm, I can''t help him. To imprint Sense Realm techniques, I need the powerbase of Sense Realm."


    Feng Yan snorted at Ikasa''s exnation. When both Ikasa and his daughter red at him, he exined.


    "I don''t need anybody''s help to advance. This bastard is already making me work to the bones even though he is weaker than me. I don''t dare imagine what he will do to me if I regress and he bes stronger!"


    "Pfft!"


    Xin Ruo hid her chortle behind her hand, but it was heard by everyone. They looked at her strangely.


    "He has only behaved this way with me till now. It''s good to see he is opening up to you."


    She exined to Ikasa. Feng Yan crossed his hands before his chest and looked away from everyone''s gazes.


    "Really, as they grow senile, they be more and more childish!"


    Ikasa eximed upon seeing Feng Yan''s behavior.


    Feng Yan turned to glower at him.


    "Who are you calling Senile? You want a beating?"


    "Bring it on, you Senile Old man!"


    They rolled their sleeves and were ready to have a showdown right then and there. Chu Kuang, unused to this kind of scene, sweated bullets.


    At this moment, Xin Ruo intervened.


    "Father! Ikasa! Behave."


    The two looked at Xin Ruo and at each other. They had seen the look in Xin Ruo''s eyes that promised lots of earshing. Both of them flinched at the possibility.


    If there was one thing more terrifying than angry Xin Ruo, it was being trapped on a boat with a nagging Xin Ruo.


    The two men agreed on this fact.


    "Truce?"


    Ikasa extended his hand.


    "Truce."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan dly epted it.


    Chu Kuang wiped the sweat off his forehead. He looked with admiration at the little girl he had watched grow. The way she handled the two dangerous variables, Feng Yan and Ikasa, with ease won his approval.


    Once Ikasa and Feng Yan had settled down, they returned to the list.


    Chu Kunag read the names and talents while Feng Yan or Ikasa rejected or approved them.


    "Qin Kang, Fourth Stageˇ­"


    "No."


    "Su Jian, Archery."


    "Put him in Reserves."


    After going through the list, they found three more of the desired talents.


    He Bei was one of the adventurers who learned about herb picking from his experience in the wilds. He was popr among adventure groups taking on Medicine Master Hao''smissions.


    Gao Hu learned to capture the birds with abination of excellent traps and mating calls for the indigenous species. Ikasa chose him not for his hunting abilities but vocal skills.


    ''I will turn him into a Singer! After all, what kind of Businessman would I be if I didn''t have a few artists under my patronage?''


    Andstly, they added the name, Cai Wei. She was a rare animal whisperer. She imed to be able to talk to mice in the Slums. However, it was hard to believe for all four of them.


    Animal Whisperers were that rare!


    "Let''s decide after we have concrete proof of her talent, okay? Till then, I''ll add her to the reserve list."


    Ikasa said while adding her name to another parchment that consisted of ''Cultivation talents'' suggested by Chu Kuang and a few others.


    After going through the list of people apanying them, they dispersed to take charge of their respective personnel.


    Feng Yan gathered the 30-something youths who would be part of his hundred men team. The ship''s deck was nowhere big enough for them to practice, but he began to hammer some ground rules in their heads.


    Chu Kuang was in charge of misceneous people; The ones who had no particr skill. He was going to try and train them in some of the life professions and see what sticks.


    The future servants, maids, butlers, waiters, and shopkeepers woulde from these people.


    Xin Ruo was assigned to manage the kids and Ikasa''s schedule. After her outburst the other day, he had vowed to turn her into his ''Donna'' in the Cultivation world.


    She had all the necessary qualities. With a little more experience and knowledge, she would definitely surpass his secretary in the previous world.


    Ikasa leaned on the ship''s railing, happy with how things had been arranged. While he was enjoying thest of the evening''s sunlight, a sailor from Xue Family came to him with a message.


    "Mister, Ms. Xue wants toe on board to greet you. Should we halt for their ship?"


    "Yes. Wait for her." Ikasa answered the sailor.


    As the owner of the ship they were in, Xue Mi had already shown enough courtesy by asking for his permission. Denying her would be in rude and ruin all the efforts he had put into building good rtions.


    The sails were rolled up, and the Sin King slowly came to a halt. Another small ship appeared on the horizon.


    This ship was three times smaller than the enormous Pirate Ship they were in. However, when Ikasa looked closer, he could see the mboyance oozing from the small ship.


    ''This ship might be 1/3rd of Sin king in size, but its worth might be three times that of this pirate ship.'' Ikasa mused.


    If Ikasa had topare the ships in modern terms, the Sin King was a passenger''s vessel built for a specific purpose. On the other hand, the boat Xue Mi was in could be said to be a million-dor yacht.


    ''I want one of these. I couldn''t get it on Earth. But I will ensure to get myself a luxurious yacht in Cultivation World.''


    The nks wereid, and Xue Mi gracefully got on the former pirate ship.


    Ikasa, like the gentleman he was, went forward to give her a hand as she stepped on board.


    "Fancy seeing you here, Miss Xue! Couldn''t bear to part from me?"


    He asked in a jovial tone. Xue Mi did not shy away from the joke, but the pink rising on her cheeks gave away her embarrassment.


    "Mister Ikasa is in the mood to joke, but I have an urgent request to make of you."


    Ikasa became serious about hearing her words. He knew the Xue Family woulde to collect their debt of favor. He didn''t think they would knock on his door so soon.


    He took a few steps towards the edge of the ship and rested his forearms on the ship''s risings. His gaze focused on the water of the Yellow River, turning yellowish-orange from the sunlight.


    "What request does Xue Family have for me, Miss Xue?"


    He asked in an indifferent voice. Since the Xue family was willing to treat his deal as a simple trade of favors, he had no intention of keeping his hand of friendship extended.


    After he hadpleted their favor, he would not owe them anything.


    Xue Mi understood his change in demeanor. She regretted intercepting Ikasa on his journey. However, the matter at hand could not wait.


    She could only amend their rtionster.


    "Mr. Ikasa, I apologize for the sudden request. But we have no other choice. The Xue Family implores you to support the City Lord Zhen in the uing Tribute Tournament."

 Chapter 62 Origins Of The Tribute Tournament

    "The Tribute tournament?"


    Ikasa uttered the unfamiliar words aloud, trying to remember if his predecessor had any memories of this event. He drew a nk.


    Xue Mi took a seat on one of the nks beside Ikasa as the wobbly ship restarted its journey.


    "To exin the origin of this tournament, you should understand the recent history of powers in Birch City."


    She began exining when she noticed Ikasa was unfamiliar with the mentioned tournament. He paid rapt attention to her words. When she stopped to see if Ikasa followed, he signaled her to go on.


    "As you know, there are two major powers in Birch City. The City Lord and the Hu n. However, these are politically active powers. The economy of the City is controlled by another power in the dark. That power is the Monstrous me Sect."


    Xue Mi paused to let her words sink in. She observed Ikasa''s frown. The lines on his forehead had bunched together.


    Ikasa ignored her tant stare and verbalized the question in his mind.


    "Don''t the Sects and Schools stay away from the power struggles? Aren''t they afraid of inviting the ire of the Imperial Court?"


    She looked away with guilt before answering the question.


    "Usually, yes. This case is an exception. Seven years ago, when Uncle Zhen was appointed to the position of City Lord, he was the one who approached the Monstrous me Sect for support."


    Ikasa shook his head at the poor decision City Lord had taken. He remembered one of the excerpts from the book about n governance his predecessor had copied.


    ''...Never approach the Sects and Schools in this world for anything. Not only do they have deep foundations that families and ns can''tpare to, but they also have the ambition to make a return.''


    He tried to remember why they had secluded themselves. But his memories were vague, and he could only remember something about some pact made around a thousand years ago.


    He looked at Xue Mi, who had paused to let him get his thoughts in order.


    "So, City Lord Zhen Wu invited the wolves into the house. What happened next?"


    Xue Mi jumped to her uncle''s defense.


    "You can''t ce the entirety of the me on him. He was the lone Intermediate Stage Sense Realm Cultivator in his group when he was appointed the City Lord of Birch City."


    Ikasa still looked at her, expecting her to continue. Her exnation was insufficient to justify the need to collude with the Monstrous me Sect.


    "The Hu n, an established power of the Birch City, started to make overt and covert moves to undermine his authority. They had three Sense Realm powerhouses."


    Xue Mi saw the impatient expression on his face and made the long story short.


    "Therefore, my uncle had to borrow external help to suppress the arrogant Hu n. The only power in the City capable of providing that kind of help was the Monstrous me Sect."


    Xue Mi chose to hide one crucial detail. Xue Miao, her aunt, had contacted the Monstrous me Sect on behalf of City Lord Zhen Wu before he even considered forming an alliance with them.


    After thinking about the whole thing, Ikasa still felt he was not seeing the entire picture.


    "What you have said so far does not rify the origins of the Tribute Tournament nor its purpose."


    "Yes, I was getting to it."


    Xue Mi licked her parched lips and began to debrief.


    "Once the alliance was sessful, my uncle easily beat back the Hu n''s advances. They also helped us, the Xue Family, regain our footing in Sal City. But recently, the Monstrous me Sect began to demand concessions in their share of taxes."


    Xue Mi clenched her fists as she spoke of her Uncle''s plight.


    "City Lord put up with them for the past few years. However, their demands grew excessive to the point they expected the City Lord to cover their entire share of taxes paid to the Governor of the County."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Her voice quivered with agitation. But to Ikasa''s trained eyes, it seemed no different than an act.


    "My uncle had to obey lest the Hu n take advantage of the cracks in their alliance to make aeback. And then, at the beginning of thest year, Commander Lu of his City Guards broke into the Sense Realm."


    Xue Mi took a pause to breathe. She had noticed Ikasa''s eyes glued to her lips and every wording from them. She couldn''t withstand the pressure and ended up breathless.


    "So, you are saying this Tribute Tournament was institutedst year, after themander''s breakthrough to determine which power will pay how much tax?"


    Ikasa inferred from her story.


    Even though the story was interesting, the implications behind it? Not so much. City Lord Zhen was in need of help, and the Xue Family wanted him to provide that help.


    She nodded at his conclusion.


    His mood soured at the thought of being forced to choose sides. As a businessman, he prioritized neutrality above all. There is no point in alienating half of the consumer base by choosing a side.


    Still, he inquired further about what kind of help City Lord Zhen expected.


    "And what role does Xue Family expect me to y here?"


    He could ept if it was just working in the background by providing manuals or funding and get it over with. Because now, he didn''t want to owe Xue Family anything and keep their rtions purelymercial.


    She hesitated a bit. Taking a long pause, she tried to find the words that would conceal the true intentions.


    She wanted to make the favor seem easier to aplish than it actually was.


    "If you can invite the Guardian of the kids to show support for the City Lord, we will be grateful."


    She carefully chose innocent words to make it seem like a small favor. But Ikasa saw right through her. He immediately went into detail.


    He probed with an edge to his tone.


    "Show support? How?"


    When she still did not answer after a few breaths, he narrowed his eyes on her.


    "Are you perhaps suggesting that the Guardian should fight on behalf of City Lord in the Tribute Tournament?"


    Xue Mi shuddered at his cold and sharp voice. She neither denied nor epted his assumption. And yet, her silence spoke volumes. Ikasa pinched his nose bridge in frustration.


    Just when he thought she would not speak anymore, she exined the rationale behind this decision.


    "Last year, City Lord Zhen and Commander Lu entered the ring and wiped the floor with other experts. However, if City Lord has to fight this year as well, he will lose his hard-earned prestige. And with his prestige, everything associated with it. So, please consider our request."


    She said with almost teary eyes. He ignored her show of emotions and focused on the issue at hand. He couldn''t understand why the status of City Lord would be lowered.


    "Why would his prestige be harmed?"


    Ikasa looked at her with confusion. Leaders often led from the front. This was considered honorable.


    "Because the Sect Leader of Monstrous me Sect or n Master of Hu n do not enter the ring themselves but send their subordinates. If the City Lord has to fight subordinates of the other two powers, it would not look good before the arbiter from the County."


    Her exnation cleared many of the doubts in his mind. He could only get the specific details of how the tournament is fought from the City Lord.


    He took a long breath. Looking into her pitiful eyes, he enunciated his every word.


    "I will see what I can do after meeting with the City Lord Zhen."

 Chapter 63 Fame, Beauty And Aloofness

    Two days had passed since Xue Mi visited. She had asked for an enormous favor from Ikasa. After she left, he had put forth her request before Feng Yan to hear his opinion.


    "Yes! This tournament would be a great chance for me to create a terror of the name ''Red Eye'' in the Birch City!"


    Feng Yan replied with stars in his eyes.


    Ikasa was left speechless by his logic. Then he thought about the previous actions of the man before him.


    Feng Yan was the kind of man who would bust someone''s head open to cement his fearsome reputation. He used to stay up at night, consuming alcohol just so his eyes would be red and scary.


    Of course, he wouldn''t let go of a chance like this tournament!


    Ikasa shook his head and once again tried to dissuade Feng Yan from being reckless.


    "You will not be going up against some ordinary thugs here. You will face trained and treasured Sense Realm Warriors."


    He warned him to reconsider his decision. Feng Yan did not even pay any heed to the words. Instead, he retorted with passion.


    "Do you think I am a pamperedd who has never faced off against danger? I have been fighting wild beasts far longer than you have stopped pissing in your pants!"


    Hearing the reply, Ikasa threw his hands up in frustration.


    There was no point in arguing with a man who summarized your entire life into two phases: when you used to wet the pants and when you stopped wetting the pants.


    Since this warmonger was so eager to fight, he just had to extract the best possible conditions for himself and his business from the City Lord.


    He exited his cabin and stretched his back. He could see tall city walls in the distance. It could only mean one thing; they had reached Birch City.


    Xin Ruo joined him on the deck. She was still in the dark about Feng Yan''s possible participation in the Tribute Tournament.


    ''I will reserve her as thest weapon in my arsenal against that old man. In case my negotiations with the City lord fall through.''


    Ikasa thought as he studied the gorgeous side view of his secretary in training. Xin Ruo saw him stare intently at her, and a small self-satisfied smile crept on her lips.


    When he averted his gaze, she took the initiative to throw a charming smile his way.


    "This is a beautiful morning, isn''t it?"


    He nodded dumbly at her question, enthralled by the radiance on her face. She smiled victoriously and sashayed her way into her cabin.


    Ikasa gulped at her exaggerated sway of hips. The dress stuck to the contours of her waist made it hard for him to move his eyes away.


    He could picture the naked heart-shaped butt underneath her flowing blue dress.


    ''What''s wrong with her? The day after we almost kissed, she ghosted me the entire time! Yet, she has been flirting and acting coy with me since Xue Mi''s visit! And where the hell did she learn to walk like that?''


    Ikasa shook his head to get rid of the picture of her naked, perky derriere stuck inside.


    After one belle had walked away, another beauty came into his sight. Calling her pretty might be far-fetched considering he had never seen her face. However, that buxom and full figure deserved to be appreciated.


    ''Ugh, What''s the matter with me? Why am I so horny today?''


    Ikasa once again shook his head and went over to Yin Ying. He looked at her wrapped arm and spected.


    "Your hand must be healing well from Medicine Master Hao''s treatment, right?"


    She did not answer him verbally but did a few simple actions with her hands.


    ''Her bone has healed nicely. Though still wrapped tightly in a cast, she is closer to making a full recovery.''


    Ikasa inferred from her movements.


    He wanted to ask more about her state of health. However, her deadpan stare killed any desire he had to y nice with her.


    Getting her hint, he got straight down to his purpose.


    "Are you ready to receive your first task?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Yes."


    "I''ll warn you. It won''t be easy to get my approval."


    "Do I have a choice?"


    "No."


    Upon Ikasa''s answer, she gave him another nk stare. Then she rasped her answer once again.


    "Yes."


    Her cold and aloof acting was getting on his nerves. He exined his requirements sinctly and coldly.


    "Your first task is forming awork of information in this city. If a rat steals from the City lord''s manor, I want to know."


    After finishing what he had to say, he waited for her to ask questions. A frown marred his face when she was still as unresponsive as ever.


    Annoyed by her indifference, he waved his hand to dismiss her. Yin Ying nodded at him once and went to look for her men.


    Ikasa looked at her back, wondering whether she would ever warm up to him. Lost in his thoughts, he heard a loud broooughhh- in the distance.


    A foghorn blowing not so far away drew his attention. The loud whistle signaled they had reached the port of Birch City.


    As the ship docked at the shipyard, Ikasa started to think about his uing meeting with the City Lord.


    ''Should I ask to be a titled Sponsor of this tournament?''


    He imagined an announcer introducing the tournament.


    "... Ikasa''s Manuals present The Tribute Tournament! If you want to fight like these brave warriors, choose only Ikasa''s Manuals!"


    Once he said the lines aloud, he cringed at his creation.


    ''Maybe I can do better. First, I should secure a deal with the City Lord.''


    Ikasa reassured himself.


    Within half an hour, the Ship anchored securely, and the porters started to move the luggage. While they worked, Ikasa andpany had left through the entrance of the port.


    Chu Kuang stayed back to supervise the workers.


    "Butler Han, when we get to the residence assigned by the Xue family, you will be in charge, alright? No matter what the servants say, keep them in check."


    Ikasa was issuing instructions to the only qualified butler he had at his disposal. That''s when he heard someone call him.


    "Mr. Ikasa?


    A man in histe thirties, wearing immacte robes, approached them. Ikasa looked at him from head to toe before answering his call.


    "Yes?"


    "I am Zhu Zan, the Caretaker of the Vi assigned to you by Patriarch Xue."


    The man introduced himself with a bow. Pointing to therge carriage behind him, he said, "I am here to receive you and yourpanions."


    ''He looks like a pompous show-off. Caretaker Han will have his hands full while dealing with this guy.''


    Ikasa thought as he boarded the carriage. A cart pulled by mules followed behind them with his luggage.


    "Don''t lean outside from the window!"


    Xin Ruo admonished the kids who were excitedly taking in the sceneries of the new city.


    They had not gone far when they heard amotion on the street before them.

 Chapter 64 The Volatile Birch City

    "You Hu n bastards just won''t stay put, huh?"


    A bulky man in the garb of City Guards scolded the rowdy mob in front of a shop. The men in the group wore yellow robes with a tiger head etched on their chest.


    "City Guards, my ass! How will you weaklings who can''t protect yourselves guard the City? How the standards have fallen!"


    A bearded man who seemed to be the leader of the band of mischief-makers retorted.


    "Just because you have a few extra people, don''t think you can act rambunctious under City Lord''s watch!"


    "He will soon be a City Lord without any power. Our Hu n is the true ruler of this City!"


    "What are you watching? Take these mo-fos down and defend the City Lord''s honor!"


    "Charge! Let these fools see the consequences of messing with our Hu n!"


    Ikasa got down from the halted carriage upon hearing the sounds of wood striking the wood. He saw people on both sides using wooden poles without caring for the shops around them.


    Their wild swings swept goods in the shops. Some people were even caught up in the crossfire and injured.


    A fight escted to the point that the man used a Battle technique but missed the target. His pole struck the vegetable cart of some poor vendor, destroying it.


    "My cabbages!"


    The sea of noises drowned the poor vendor''s horrified shout.


    Ikasa could see people running hither and thither to avoid the random strikes. Panic had set in among the citizens, and yet there was no one to intervene and stop the fight.


    Baffled by the scene, Ikasa looked at Zhu Zan. He looked used to the scenario ying out before them.


    "What is happening here?"


    Feng Yan asked as he jumped down from his seat beside the coachman of the luggage cart.


    Xin Ruo also peeked from the window, doing the exact same thing she had prohibited the kids from doing a while ago.


    "The situation in the City has always been tense since the Monstrous me Sect withdrew its support of the City Lord. Since no single power can overwhelm the other two, shes between their followers aremon."


    Ikasa had a grave look on his face. He saw another innocent young man hit in the back by a stray swing.


    "And what about the shops and shopkeepers? Are theypensated for their damages?"


    Zhu Zan snorted with disdain as the idea was utterlyughable, forgetting his station as a subordinate.


    "Who cares about them? These guys are already lucky that there is no casualty yet."


    His callous tone revealed two possibilities. Either Zhu Zan was an unsympathetic bastard, or the people here have be used to these brawls.


    Ikasa and Feng Yan exchanged nces. The situation here was dire beyond their imaginations.


    "Look, the Monstrous me Sect disciples are here to join in the fun!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Zhu Zan shouted, pointing at the red-robed youths swaggering on the street. The two fighting parties also noticed their presence and called a ceasefire.


    "Senior Brother, I told you. They will stop fighting if we approach them. Now see, you have spoiled our fun."


    A guy with messy hairined to the youth with his long hair tied in a bun. He looked at theining boy with a smirk and dered in a self-righteous tone,


    "If the people suffer because of some hooligans, our teachings say we must step in and protect the civilians."


    Their words were a tight p in the face of the two supposed rulers of the City. The Guard Captain and the team leader of Hu n looked at each other and came to a consensus-


    Getting rid of these cocky Sect Disciples is more critical than any disputes between them.


    Before they could open their mouths, the second Commander of the City Guards, Zi Ming, arrived at the scene. The fourth seat of the Hu n, Qi Shu, was just behind him.


    "Why did the disciples of a Sect descend into the mortal world?"


    Zi Ming asked with a cupped fist. Qi Shu red at his rival but followed suit. Their actions might seem respectful, but there was not a hint of respect in them.


    The leader of the Sect disciples acknowledged their greeting with a nod. With a raised hand, he stopped his fellow disciples, who were ready to charge into the fray.


    "Since the dignitaries of the two powers are here in person, I am sure they can reign in their subordinates now. Wouldn''t they be called ipetent leaders if they can not even care for their citizens?"


    The eldest senior brother shouted to his fellow disciples. Except his words were snubs aimed at the inability of the two powers to control their subordinates.


    The two new arrivals were not born yesterday. They understood the sarcasm in the disciple''s words. However, their responses to the mocking differed like night and day.


    Qi Shu chose to glower at his men for making him lose face. Though they felt wronged, the team leader and his subordinates lowered their heads out of shame.


    On the other hand, Zi Ming didn''t even look at the Guard Captain. He met the senior-most disciple''s eyes and retaliated with a barb of his own.


    "Well said, Disciple Hui. We are more than capable of taking care of our citizens. After all, why would the tax-paying shopkeepers need the help of a tax-evading Sect?"


    Huo Hui, the senior-most disciple, bristled at the clear insult. If it were just a few of the City Guards and Vice Commander Zi Ming, he would definitely fight them to defend the Sect''s honor.


    Even so, the presence of Hu n''s Qi Shu prohibited him from having any thoughts of resistance. Furthermore, he had provoked both of the powers together. So, any hope of an internal sh between the two was futile.


    He looked at the other disciples andmanded a retreat.


    "Let''s go, junior brothers and sisters; we have no reason to stay here anymore. Still, we will have to take good care of these shop owners after the Tribute Tournament, so remember them."


    He gave a look that said much about Sect''s intentions regarding the Tribute Tournament.


    Once the Sect disciples had disappeared from view, Zi Ming and Qi Shu exchanged nces and came to an agreement. Understanding they couldn''t waste time here, they returned with their men to report the news.


    They could resolve their grudges any day; getting this news to their superiors was more consequential.


    The News that the Monstrous me Sect had something big nned for the Tribute Tournament!

 Chapter 65 Weighing The Pros And Cons

    With the joint efforts of the residents and the shopkeepers, they soon cleared the streets.


    Unwilling to get caught up in the aftermath, Ikasa and thepany left the scene without any more dy. They had a smooth journey to the Vi after the initial hup.


    However, this rtive normalcy did not lull Ikasa into rxing. Throughout the journey, he was mulling over his options.


    ''This city is less like Sal City and more like a tamer version of Beech City.''


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt like he had jumped from steaming water into a hot pan. The silent glower from the person he had reassured just a few days back didn''t help.


    Since he had already made his choice, he could only endure it with a smile.


    As he was counting breaths to avoid Xin Ruo''s intense re, the carriage came to a halt. He jumped out of the carriage with haste. Before him, he saw a majestic Vi, much more extensive and spacious than his mansion in Sal City.


    Zhu Zan was excited to guide these neers and show off the wealth bestowed upon them by his master. But, except kids, no one took him up on his offer.


    Ikasa instructed Caretaker Han to unpack his luggage in one of the corner bedrooms of the right-wing of the Vi.


    Feng Yan, Xin Ruo, and Ikasa gathered in the Study and began their brainstorming session with grim faces.


    "The situation here is much more vtile than we imagined on our way. Now, we can either stay and support City Lord Zhen, giving him an edge, or try our luck at some other city."


    Ikasa revealed the two options he hade up with on the way. His twopanions were unimpressed with both of them.


    "Did either of you know the dire state of the situation in this City before we set sail?" Xin Ruo queried, looking at the two of them with suspicion.


    "Xin Ruo!" Feng Yan gritted his teeth at his daughter when he saw her doubt them even in such a precarious situation.


    Ikasa also sighed. He knew where she wasing from, but that did not justify her cynical outlook. There was only one way to make her like Donna; Giving her the power and means to make informed decisions.


    What better way to empower her than being in charge of intelligence gathering?


    "No, we did not. I shared all the information we had on Birch City with you. Today''s incident was as much a surprise for me as it was for you."


    He gently ced his hand on the back of her hand.


    "I am about to assign you a vital job. Since you always want to be in the know, work with Yin Ying. She is building an informationwork on my orders. If you can get her to trust you, you will be the one providing me information and not the other way round."


    Xin Ruo looked at him with gratitude. She knew her paranoia was unfair to Ikasa, but she couldn''t help it. Nevertheless, she now had a goal to strive towards because of this solution.


    If she kept being suspicious of the two, she would end up alienating them. This way, she had a chance to be indispensable in the decision-making process.


    A shine returned to Xin Ruo''s dispirited eyes. She was now focused on finding a solution instead of bing a problem herself.


    Feng Yan saw Ikasa in a new light after this interaction. He appreciated Ikasa for what he had done till now. But the gentle way he handled Xin Ruo caused rm bells to ring in his head.


    ''At this rate, he really might be my Son-inw!''


    His thoughts were given a break after Ikasa cleared his throat to draw attention to the topic at hand.


    "I weighed the pros and cons of staying in this City."


    He brought out a slip of paper from his pocket sleeves. He began to advocate the benefits of staying in the City.


    "This City is undergoing a conflict of power. Thus, my manuals will be in great demand in the group ofmoners as well as thepeting powers. So we will earn well..."


    Feng Yan quickly saw through the problem when he saw the young man take a brief pause. Hepleted the unfinished sentence.


    "But safeguarding the profits we make will be a problem."


    Ikasa nodded, admitting the ring security issue. The three sat in silence for a few breaths, trying to think of possible solutions.


    His assessment of the lucrative conditions indeed tempted the father and daughter duo. Nheless, they had their reservations. They looked at each other, trying to decide who would tie the bell on the cat''s cor.


    Xin Ruo lost her patience and voiced what was on her mind.


    "You are right. This City is not secure. Except, what is our other option? Moving? If so, where? I don''t even want to think about moving to a new city and be met with the same or new problems."


    She made her stand clear with her evident reluctance to move again. Unaffected, Ikasa took this chance to present his n to benefit from the current upheaval.


    "That brings me to the next upside of staying. By supporting the right candidate, we will have a stable foothold. If we team up with City Lord, who is direly in need of our help, we can have a reliable partner until we outgrow the need for backing."


    His eyeballs moved back and forth between the father and daughter. They were not enthused by his n. Yes, Feng Yan wanted to fight, but not with his daughter and everyone else at risk.<novelnext></novelnext>


    At this time, Xin Ruo asked the question she had been trying to answer since they decided to leave for Birch City.


    "If we wanted to fight, why didn''t we stay back in Sal City? Thanks to the Xue Family''s support and my father''s reputation, we wouldn''t have to worry about Li Family''s retaliation."


    Feng Yan interjected to answer.


    "No. Impossible. I cannot act freely in Sal City. My name would not only protect you but be a reason for everyone to gang up on you."


    He immediately refuted his daughter''s incorrect assumptions about himself.


    Ikasa took the chance to exin the other variable she mentioned.


    "Xue Family declined to protect us from the Li Family because the Li''s are in an alliance with the City Lord Du. The Xue''s didn''t want to jeopardize their recent peace by poking the sleeping bear."


    "Not to mention we have killed Li Fan. The Li Family would not rest until the murderer is dead."


    Feng Yan bluntly added the fact everyone was avoiding speaking. Ikasa looked away guiltily while Xin Ruo flinched at his words.


    But with that, the final piece of the puzzle fell in ce. Xin Ruo had a look of enlightenment. Now she knew why the Xue Family wouldn''t support them. And even with their support, they couldn''t stay in Sal City.


    All her questions regarding the need to move were answered.


    Ikasa returned their attention to the topic at hand.


    "If we are to get involved, we must assess the danger levels of all the powers involved in this struggle before I meet City Lord Zhen tomorrow."


    Turning to Feng Yan, he requested him.


    "Old man, can you please collect the necessary information in time?"


    "Sure," he replied without batting an eyelid.


    Ikasa stared at the older man skeptically at his quick answer, but he had no choice but to believe.


    epting the answer, he looked at Xin Ruo.


    "You need to work with Yin Ying to establish reliable sources of information as soon as possible. The data your old man can get will most likely be outdated. You will have to verify and update it using people at your disposal. Understood?"


    "Yes, but I will need something to incentivize them."


    "Got it. I will provide you with a Hundred-Use Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength. Also, tell them they can exchange their merit points for our Battle Techniques. As for merit points..."


    Xin Ruo had a look of understanding.


    "They will gain these merit points by providing information!"


    Shepleted what Ikasa was thinking. They shared a smirk, much to Feng Yan''s displeasure.


    Ikasa gave her a few words of advice.


    "You can decide how you want to organize the system. Just make sure it is fair. Here, you can use the manuals in this list as rewards."


    Ikasa handed her the list of all manuals avable to print. The Top-grade Cultivation Manual and High-grade battle technique were conspicuously absent.


    Still, the sixteen low and mid-gradebat skills were a considerable number. The high-grade cultivation manual alone was eye-catching and would cause anyone to drool.


    The best example was Feng Yan who was salivating just by looking at the number of manuals on the list.


    "Wipe your drool, old man. The force you create will get better techniques than on that list."


    Ikasa scolded jokingly. Feng Yan''s eyes lit up.


    "Where did you even find so many manuals?"


    Feng Yan asked, wondering about Ikasa''s never ending source of manuals.


    "That''s a secret. And don''t even think about uncovering it!"


    He replied as he packed up his documents and left the study. The other two followed behind.


    They had already discussed everything that needed to be addressed. All that was left to do was explore the abode they''ll be living in for the foreseeable future.

 Chapter 66 Wind The Way

    As the morning rays shone through his bedroom windows, Ikasa inserted the Wi-fi dongle in his chest''s slot.


    ''I am d the range increased from the previous 1 meter to 10 meters. If the range increases with my Cultivation, will I be able to cover the entire Vi when I am a peak Sense realm expert?''


    [Connecting to the Cloud Printerˇ­]


    [Wee Back]


    A familiar system interface showed up in his mind.


    "Let''s see if the hundred-use manuals Li Fan brought from me are sold or not."


    He checked his avable points in the top right corner. What he saw dropped his jaw to the floor.


    "A hundred and eighty-two Cultivation Points? They sold the manual this quickly?"


    Thest he remembered, he had around 80 points left. He had sent two 100x Manuals to Li Fan. And judging from the points, one of these manuals waspletely sold.


    "Truly, Li Fan was the best worker I had. A pity he turned on me and died."


    Ikasa mourned the death of his capable worker once more. He turned his attention to the Battle Points.


    As far as he remembered, they had hit the below 50 mark after he made 100x manuals of Peek-a-Boo Defense, Fast-Faster-Fastest, and Gazelle Punch for Xue Mi.


    "Just 120 BP. Tsk. Xue Family is really bad at sales."


    Ikasa snorted with contempt.


    ''Wait, I might be judging them unfairly.''


    He thought as he saw the situation from a different perspective.


    Battle Techniques were only valuable to those who fought for a living. On the contrary, the Cultivation method was useful even for Peasants as it helped them improve their physique and work more efficiently.


    Naturally, the customer base for Cultivation Methods was many timesrger than that of Battle Techniques.


    ''So selling about 70 uses is excellent performance.''


    After looking through his points, he turned to the Print Button shining with a golden glow. It had already been seven days since he obtained the Chop.


    "Please print another High-Grade technique like Chop or a Sense Realm Manualˇ­."


    He prayed to whatever deity there was in this world and pushed the button. A familiar scene of the densely packed screen with letters shed before his eyes.


    [Battle Technique manual, [Wind the Way], is ready to print.]


    Intrigued by the name, he paid attention to the Printer ced in an inconspicuous corner between the wardrobes.


    It had already whirred into action and began sucking the air.


    ''Is this an attribute technique? And what might be its special feature?''


    The name got his hopes up as he got up from his bed and walked to the Printer.


    A snow-white book with a turquoise blue titley before the Printer.


    Ikasa stabilized the quivering flower vase, a vital part of the Printer''s disguise, and proceeded to pick up the book.


    As he perused it, he let out a cheer of joy.


    "What on God''s Green Earth is this? This is Top-grade movement art!"


    He read further, and characteristics of this skill became apparent.


    "This is a superb evasive art! Pei Yuan can make good use of this. And this time, I will be the one to train him."


    Laughing happily, he rubbed his hands at the thought.


    He clicked on thetest Top Grade technique and proceeded to add points to it. A few breathster, he was short of 10 BP, and his mind was in a strangendscape.


    His mind had been transported to the body of a teenager. He was running along a meandering river surrounded by tall cliffs.


    Screee!


    A wake of vultures chased after him. The windy canyon and the opposing airflow made it impossible to outrun the scavengers. As the chase continued, the adolescent youth found a way to use the wind to his advantage.


    He turned around and ran into the pack of vultures.


    The foremost vulture slowed and tried to get him with his talons. The youth rolled and dodged its grab. The two birds behind the vanguard pecked at his head. He simply moved his neck with precision and avoided their attacks.<novelnext></novelnext>


    At this moment, he was facing thergest vulture in this group.


    ''This is probably a Spirit-Condensation stage beast.''


    Ikasa thought with apprehension as he saw the body''s owner run straight towards the beast.


    Scree!


    The leader of the pack screeched and dived to attack the young teen with his wings. He knew he would be in a world of pain if those steely, shining wings hit him.


    Still, he jogged forward without fear. The tailwind from behind doubled his speed.


    When the swooping vulture''s wings were about to connect with the teen, he made an unbelievable dodge.


    Even Ikasa, who had a first-person view, failed to see through the maneuver.


    At one moment, the wings were almost touching the teen''s chest. In another, he had sidestepped the attack with less than a finger''s width separating him from the lethal feathers.


    The intelligent avian screeched with fury as it reascended in the air. Instead of running, the boy slowed his pace and grinned mockingly at the pack of birds.


    Seeing the prey still in range, the vultures dived down to get him. Except they were unsessful. The teen narrowly evaded their attacks every time. He did it until he got the hang of it.


    And then he became more daring and started to go against the airflow during his dodges. The pressure built by the wind created ws in his dodges. Soon the vultures found a chance to strike.


    One of the Vultures furiously swooped down on the boy. At the same time, a strong gust of wind came from behind the vulture, giving it a speed boost while disturbing the teen''s rhythm.


    As he tried to dodge, he was a moment toote. The talon made a gash on his chest, drawing blood. Shocked by the injury, he failed to anticipate the attacks of the other vultures.


    A wing smacked his head, and another''s beak came dangerously close to pecking his ear off. The ecstatic high brought by walking on the edge faded, reced by the fear of death.


    His body moved on its own to protect itself until he came to be. The boy regained hisposure and resisted the predators with his stick- like arms. But he knew he was outmatched after losing his chief advantage.


    Now even the leader was about to join his pack in tearing him apart.


    His training was about persistence and challenging his limits. Not throwing his life away. With every scratch, his chances ofing out alive lowered.


    He couldn''t take it anymore. Weaving a way through the Vultures, he escaped into the river. And while doing so, he exhibited mastery over the Top Grade Technique.


    "Whoosh!" Ikasa wiped the proverbial sweat on his forehead. When the boy meditated, he also carefully reviewed the various applications of the movement technique shown by the boy.


    He repeated the same routine for several days. Only the foes chasing the teen changed. Bisons, Coyotes, Falcons, and sometimes even Rattlesnakes. Until one day, the youth perfected his dodges while going against the wind.


    His opponent for the day, a Lynx, got frustrated by his constant taunts. It was probably the animal with the quickest reflexes in this area. And yet, the teen was toying with it.


    Every swipe of Lynx was avoided with precision. When the Lynx pounced on him, he dodged at thest moment, causing it to bump head first into the cliff behind him. In this way, the thrilling game of tag between two unlikely yers continued.


    Finally, the Lynx gave up in frustration and retreated. The teen realized that he had survived this encounter without a scratch on his body. And that too while going against the wind flow!


    "YES! I did it!"


    The boy celebrated his sess with a fist aimed at the sky. Ikasa shared in the cheer of the youngd.


    With his trainingplete, Ikasa saw the teenager return to a crowded city.


    "You! Why did you return?"


    The guards recognized the boy. Fearful of losing their jobs, they chased him through the streets with spears trained on him. Knowing he couldn''t face them, the youth ran into the crowd to throw them off his trail.


    The guards blocked the street he had disappeared in, but the boy simply winded his way through the passersby. He used the movements from the battle technique to avoid brushing against a single person.


    Even though they were in a densely packed street, it was as if he had ayer of air around him, preventing anyone from touching him.


    And then he disappeared from the guard''s sight, into the night.


    Ikasa returned to his body after the thrilling training experience. His brain was still pumping adrenaline in his body. When he looked at his hands, he noticed the goosebumps.


    "Fcuk! This is not Wind: the Way; This is Winding the way through the enemies!"


    This technique was about neither stepping on wind and flying nor using the wind to increase speed. It focused on running and winding through the enemies without letting them touch the hem of your robes.


    Precise Evasion. That''s what this type of footwork aimed for.


    This movement art was an actual test of skill instead of just relying on an external superpower.


    Ikasa''s eyes glinted with excitement once he remembered the scenes of the teenager evading his enemies. He couldn''t wait to master this Movement technique.


    The difficulty of the skill did not deter him. Instead, he took it as a challenge, a challenge worthpleting.

 Chapter 67 I Am Handsome!

    "See this Pei Yuan? Isn''t my skill better than yours?"


    Ikasa asked the boy as they plopped on the ground, sweat dripping from their forehead.


    The two of them were training in the grounds of their new Vi. Xin Ruo was watching them with a smile from the other side of the grounds.


    She couldn''t tell which was brighter; the morning sun''s brilliant rays or the radiant joy on their faces.


    The two resumed their spar after a short break. Pei Yuan used his mastery of Fast-Faster-Fastest to close the distance between him and Ikasa quickly. Using Swift Attack, his only offensive technique, he tried to catch Ikasa off guard.


    Even though Ikasa''s use of the Top Grade technique was unrefined, he still managed to mitigate the damage to a minimum. The attack that could have been a full-blown punch to his chest, nced off his back causing little pain.


    He started to counterattack with Chop, but he withheld the energy to prevent severe wounds. He didn''t want a repeat of Li Fan with one of his own.


    Pei Yuan started to evade ording to the footsteps of Wind the Way and dodged every attack with uracy. His well-trained body made it easier for him to master the skill.


    "Big brother Ikasa, If that''s all you can do, you will lose."


    Pei Yuan said with a mischievous grin.


    "You little punk!"


    Ikasa became a bit more serious and started to follow his instincts honed through the Battle Technique tutorial.


    Feeling the wind, he stepped ording to his technique until he closed in on Pei Yuan without his knowledge.


    "Here Ie!"


    Ikasa yelled as his false Chopnded on Pei Yuan''s back. The force behind the move pushed the poor kid face-first into the ground.


    "Get it now? Big Bro is always the Big Bro!"


    Ikasa said while ruffling the fallen teen''s hair. Pei Yuan sat on the ground, still sulking about the sneak attack Ikasa hadnded on him.


    Ikasa extended him a hand and mocked,


    "Am I raising a bunch of ingrates? I gave you a Top Grade Technique, and you still want to beat me up."


    Pei Yuan took his hands and patted his bum. He bowed ny degrees. Acting formally, he said in a sincere tone, "Thank you, big brother, for your generous gift."


    Ikasa beamed with pride and held him up. When he met the younger boy''s eyes, he was reminded of the wish he had made.


    "As long as you are obedient and good, this brother of yours will fulfill your every wish. You wanted a dagger, right? A few dayster, we will go andmission one for you at the Smithy."


    Pei Yuan''s eyes shined with exuberance.


    "You are the best!"


    With a big, fat smile, he gave a thumbs-up to Ikasa. Before Ikasa could react, Pei Yuan ran to the other teens to tell them this good news.


    Seeing their training session end, Xin Ruo walked over. The pure smile on Ikasa''s face had still not faded. It warmed her heart to see him spoil the kids.


    "Beautiful morning, isn''t it?" Xin Ruo asked, reminding him of his slip up on the ship.


    "Not as beautiful as you," he quipped back, causing her to blush.


    Noticing her decided disadvantage, she changed the subject.


    "I have set up a meeting with the City Lord this afternoon."


    She notified Ikasa. He changed his demeanor and became serious as they talked about the matters of business.


    "Good. It has already been dyed for three days." He remarked with annoyance.


    "Any news from Yin Ying? Are you two getting closer?" Ikasa asked to know the status of the task assigned.


    "Not quite. She speaks an entire sentence instead of just a word when talking to me. If that can be considered progress."


    Xin Ruo ruefully chuckled. She was ashamed of such slow progress.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Take it easy." Ikasa consoled her. Changing the topic, he asked, "What about her men? Is the Merit System in ce?"


    A glow shone in her eyes as she answered about her pet project.


    "Yes, it is. The men are thrilled to receive this opportunity to learn a high-grade cultivation technique. With Li Fan, they could only watch but not use it. In fact, they are already spread throughout the City looking for useful information."


    "Anything I should know?"


    He looked at her sharply. He had already received a report from Yin Ying. But he wanted to check how well Xin Ruo parsed the information.


    "Nothing of importance. But the list ofmanders on all three sides is ready. You should look at it."


    Ikasa gave her a 5 out of 10. She forgot to mention the conspicuous absence of the Monstrous me Sect and the abating tensions between the other two forces.


    ''So, Yin Ying is not telling everything to Xin Ruo.''


    Ikasa made a note in his head. He would not interfere as this was her battle to fight and win.


    They parted ways at the entrance of the Vi. Caretaker Han rushed to hand him a towel and hot water.


    "Master, Chu Kuang said they have found a location to settle everyone."


    When Ikasa saw him hesitate, he raised his eyebrow.


    "And?"


    "They need permission and funds to purchase thend."


    Caretaker Hanpleted the sentence with a quiver. Usually, Ikasa would scold everyone when they made unnecessary purchases.


    In his eyes, this seemed like one. After all, why should his master spend coins to settle a bunch of slum dwellers?


    "Ask him toe, see me tomorrow. I will take a look at thisnd myself."


    Caretaker Han nodded and excused himself while Ikasa buried his head into the reports and paperwork.


    ''This piece of information wille in handy when dealing with the City Lord. Still, if it is true, I am ying a dangerous game here. Well, no risk, no reward.''


    Ikasa admitted to himself. As he finished going through the reports, he rubbed his forehead.


    Although the situation seemed to be de-escting, it was the calm before the storm.


    ''Feng Yan needs to speed up the process of getting new recruits.'' He thought, looking outside the window of his study.


    He noticed the Sun had already reached its peak. The appointment with the City Lord was hardly an hour away.


    Taking into ount the distance he needed to travel, he murmured, "I should get ready now if I want to reach on time."


    In his bedroom, he changed into his prized robe tailored for formal asions. He had purchased it in Sal City with the first pot of gold he made from Li Fan.


    Standing before the mirror, he straightened the creases on the light blue robe. Then he tied the snow-white belt around his waist.


    While checking his profile from both sides to notice any ws, an idea shed through his head.


    ''Hmm, the craftsmanship is not the best, but it is much better than my other clothes. Maybe, I should get a suit tailored for me.''


    Smiling widely, he observed the image in the mirror.


    A square-shaped face was adorned by dark neck-length hair. The stubble growing on the sharp jawline enhanced the masculinity of the face.


    The view stunned him.


    The narcissist in him woke up and he couldn''t help but exim,


    "I really am Handsome!"

 Chapter 68 War Of Information

    In a grand hall of the City Lord''s manor, two males sat in a chair, facing each other. On one side sat a handsome young man in light blue robes while a middle-aged man upied the seat opposite him.


    The silence in the hall was deafening.


    Ikasa observed the City Lord Zhen. He saw a strong man with a well-maintained body for his age. The streaks of white in his dense ck beard betrayed his age.


    "Tea?"


    A servant arrived and broke the tense silence. The City Lord motioned him to fill their cups and leave the room.


    "Xue Mi says you can help me secure victory in the Tribute Tournament."


    Zhen Wu asserted while stroking his chin-length beard. The statement was filled with doubt and mockery.


    Ikasa calmly took a sip of tea and answered with a simple "Yes".


    By not deigning to exin, he had chosen not to acknowledge the insult.


    He was here to secure cooperation on his own terms. It would not happen by bowing down to this Politician''s whims.


    Another moment passed in silence. City Lord Zhen Wu realized by now that he was the one at a disadvantage here. He let go of his pride and tried to break the ice.


    "How do you n to do so?"


    "It depends on the nature of this year''s tournament. How will the victor be determined?"


    Ikasa replied with nonchnce, as if he was talking about the menu for lunch and not a high-stakes tournament.


    The older man looked at him with a narrowed gaze. With suspicion in his eyes, he leaned forward to put pressure on Ikasa.


    "If you do not know the format of the tournament, why are you confident of winning it?"


    Ikasa put down the cup he was holding and met the doubtful gaze with his confident one. Leaning forward, he emphasized every word he spoke.


    "Because I am Confident in My abilities and My resources."


    He let the words sink in. He had foiled the City Lord''s attempt to intimidate him with his power and prestige. Instead, he had stunned the bearded man with his shocking deration.


    When the Noble Lord didn''t say anything for a few breaths, Ikasa took the chance to strengthen his position.


    "City Lord, I know where your confidencees from. After Commander Lu, Vice-Commander Zhou is also on the verge of a breakthrough. But what are his chances of advancing before the tournament?"


    Zhen Wu whipped his head to look at Ikasa with shock. This was his closely guarded secret.


    "Did Xue Mi tell you? Or did my wife go behind my back again?"


    ''What has your wife got to do with me?''


    Ikasa was puzzled by the second question. But he pushed on to build his momentum.


    "Hahaha! You think too much, Lord Zhen. Can they also tell me that the Master of Hu n advanced recently? I think he should be in the intermediate phase of the Sense Realm, same as you?"


    City Lord snorted at the tant provocation.


    "He has just entered the fourth stage, while I am ready to break into the seventh stage."


    He tried to downy the threat posed by the Hu n and thus, reduce Ikasa''s value.


    "Maybe he is not a match for you. But are you confident enough to face the Sect Leader of the Monstrous me Sect?"


    "Why would I not dare?"


    City Lord asked, ring up at the question. Ikasa smiled like a cat that ate the canary.


    "He might be in the advanced phase of the Sense Realm when you see him. Are you still assured of winning against him?"


    The teasing tone sent Zhen Wu over the edge. His beard quivered with rage and his eyes reddened. mming a fist on the armrest, he yelled with frustration.


    "Damn it! How did that old fossil improve so fast?"


    Ikasa watched with amusement as the dignified City Lord threw a tantrum like a spoiled child. But he didn''t get to enjoy it for long.


    The Lord quickly gathered his wits and schooled his features.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "But so what? He will not enter the tournament himself."


    He retorted, without paying any heed to the broken splinters of his armrest.


    "Lord Zhen, if the Sect Leader has advanced, so have the Elders under him. Two of them are in the intermediate stage while the third Elder is initiating the training of senses."


    Zhen Wu''s expression turned stony as he heard Ikasa speak.


    The more he listened, the more shock he received. None of his informants had caught wind of these events happening in the Monstrous me Sect!


    If these pieces of information were true, he needed support, badly.


    The City Lord knew this was his defeat. His intelligence gathering had fallen behind, causing him to lose this war of information.


    The news regarding the Sect might need verification, but he knew the First Seat of Hu n had advanced. And this was a secret known to few within the Hu n.


    Just the ability to get this piece of news made him believe in Ikasa.


    ''If this man could outmatch my informationwork within three days of his arrival, maybe he has the capabilities to back his ims.''


    The Lord of the City admitted to himself.


    Seeing the City Lord quietly mull over the new information, Ikasa knew this battle had ended with his victory.


    ''Now, it is time for the Peace Talks.''


    He thought, hiding his grin behind the cup.


    The City Lord picked up his cup and downed it in one gulp. He met the eyes of the opponent who had stumped him today.


    "I admit you have a better informationwork than me. But it raises a question. Why would you not look into the information regarding this year''s tournament yourself?"


    Ikasa cursed the older man in his head.


    ''Do you think my men are omniscient? Yin Ying, Feng Yan, and their men focused on gathering information about the leaders. Hence, I got the report today. That, too, is unverified. How do you expect me to know about the tournament as well?''


    On the surface, he serenely sipped his tea and took his time to answer the question.


    "Frankly speaking, why would I bother?"


    He replied to his query with a question of his own. His intent was to throw City Lord Zhen off.


    Zhen Wu looked like he had not heard what Ikasa said correctly. As a Sense Realm expert, it was impossible to mishear, but the statement was too drastic for him to believe.


    "Pardon?"


    He asked to exin, keeping his ears trained on Ikasa.


    Ikasa gently smiled at him and unraveled his reasoning.


    "If we cooperate, you will provide me with reliable information. Then why should I waste my manpower to find out the information I would receive from you anyway? And if we don''t, this tournament is none of my business."


    The City Lord did not expect to hear such carefree and still true words from his mouth.


    The contents of the tournament itself were irrelevant to the general popce, who were busy trying to feed their families.


    Only the oue mattered. It decided which power was more powerful and how much they would be oppressed.


    "Hahaha!"


    Zhen Wu broke out intoughter. Now, it was Ikasa''s turn to be confused.


    "Mr. Ikasa, you are a businessman through and through. You are calcting the profits and losses in terms of your men''s time too."


    He said while refilling his cup of tea. Raising his cup, he cheerfullyplimented, "I admire you."


    And he once again gulped the entire contents in one go.


    Wiping the drops trickling into his beard, he stared deeply into the young man''s eyes.


    "Now, shall we discuss the terms of our cooperation?"

 Chapter 69 The Prizes And The Tasks

    "Now, shall we discuss the terms of our co-operation?"


    Ikasa narrowed his eyes. The Compliment, the toast; it was all to sneak in this question.


    ''Do you expect me to fall for that? Not in a hundred years, old man!''


    Noticing his maneuver, Ikasa immediately changed the topic.


    "Before we decide, shouldn''t you tell me about the tournament?"


    He put a brake on the sneaky move by City Lord.


    Pretending as if nothing went wrong, Zhen Wu stroked his beard.


    "Yes, of course. Should I assume Xue Mi filled you in on the origin of the tournament?"


    "She did. But I am unclear about how the tribute management works."


    "You should know that as a City Lord, I collect the tribute on behalf of the Imperial Court. Of the total collected amount, 50% goes to the imperial treasury. That is about 100,000 Gold every year."


    Though he didn''t show it on his face, Ikasa was shocked to hear the amount Imperial Court collected.


    "And the rest 50%?"


    He asked in an even tone.


    "It goes to the City''s treasury. This sum is used to build infrastructure, pay sries of the local officials, and for protection from beast hordes and bandits or other hostile elements."


    Ikasa frowned till lines bunched up on his forehead.


    ''This seems pretty straightforward. Why would it cause the three powers to fight in an incident as big as the Tribute Tournament?''


    As hard as he might think, he couldn''t figure it out.


    The City Lord understood his confoundment. He had undergone the same phase when training to assume this role.


    Trying to simplify, he exined with an example.


    "A City Lord has the authority to reduce taxes on any establishment or business. For example, I offered the Monstrous me Sect a 40% tax concession. If their total tax was 100 Gold, they only need to pay 60 Gold."


    The City Lord sighed with regret at his past foolishness.


    Ikasa was too focused on the math and missed his sigh. Even after understanding the math, the problem was still beyond his reach.


    He contemted while looking at the man opposite him.


    ''Maybe this is not the entirety of it...''


    By voicing his spections, he decided to probe the man.


    "So, where is the problem? Even if you gave them a 100% discount on the tax, nothing would change, right?"


    Zhen Wu shook his head vehemently.


    "No. I need to pay 50% of the total tax, regardless of what concessions I give to merchants. In the case of the Sect, assume that I added the 40 Gold from the City''s treasury to make up 100 Gold. Effectively, the City paid for 40% of the Sect''s share."


    Only now did Ikasa understand how dangerous a 100% concession would be for the City.


    The Sect owned the majority of the Cultivation Resource stores. One could say that City earned half of the taxes from the Monstrous me Sect and the other half from the Hu n!


    ''If he had given in to the Sect''s demands, the City''s treasury would be emptied in no time!''


    With this eye-opening realization, Ikasa looked at the City Lord with newfound respect. He cleanly broke his rtions with the Sect and instituted a tournament that would prevent a bloody battle.


    Now that he knew the background, he was curious about the top prize.


    "City Lord, what is the prize that those reclusive experts are willing toe out and fight? A 50% concession?"


    Zhen Wu shook his head. He asked Ikasa to increase the bar.


    "60%? No? 80%?"


    He still didn''t say yes. Instead, he gestured for Ikasa to go higher.


    "Don''t tell me it is 100%!" Ikasa eximed with shock.


    The City Lord affirmed his guess with a grim smile.


    "Sadly, yes. The winner enjoys a 100% concession on all taxes while the two losers pay for the winner. The second ce pays 30% of the winner''s tax while thest ce pays 70%."


    Ikasa''s mouth opened wide enough to fit an egg in it.


    ''I want to join the tournament.''<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''No! As tempting as it is, the risks are too great!''


    ''No risk, No reward!''


    ''Say that when all three powers want you dead.''


    A battle between greed and rationality raged in his head, and in the end, his rationality triumphed.


    Then a bulb sparked in his head. He realized there was no benefit mentioned for the City Lord. He narrowed his eyes at the sneaky politician.


    "What do you gain from this? As far as I know, the Lords of the Cities do not have to pay taxes."


    Stroking his beard, he cheerfully borated on the benefits he would receive.


    "I get to cement my position as the strongest force in the City. Also, I can charge 20% more tax on thest ce and 10% on the second ce. And this extra tax belongs to me, not the City."


    Ikasa could see the motivation. 20% tax on an industry that earns tens of thousands every month is almost 2000 Gold! And there were numerous such industries under both the powers.


    On winning, City Lord would instantly be richer by 20,000 Gold!


    ''Yep. This is the sheep to be fleeced.''


    Ikasa looked at him with greedy eyes.


    The man in question immediately raised his vignce.


    To cover for his slip up, Ikasa thanked the City Lord.


    "Thank you for exining, Lord. That makes everything clear."


    After understanding the rewards, it was time to talk about the tasks they had to aplish to obtain them.


    "Now, please tell me about the contents of the tournament. What tasks do we have to undertake to win?"


    The City Lord showed three parchments to Ikasa. On the parchments, the pictures of three beasts were drawn. Pointing to the beasts, he debriefed Ikasa.


    "These three Spirit-condensation stage beasts have been wreaking havoc in the surroundings of the City. They might cause a Beast tide if left unchecked. This year, we are to hunt these three beasts."


    "You mean we have to hunt all three beasts to win?"


    Ikasa asked, widening his eyes. The bearded man immediately corrected him.


    "No, each power needs to hunt only one beast. Whoever presents the beast''s head first wins the contest."


    Ikasa thought about the conditions, and they seemed fair. The difficulty of the task matched the generosity of the rewards.


    However, Hunting a Spirit Condensation stage beast was not an easy task.


    Back in the Ruins, Feng Yan had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Monkey King, a spiritual beast. He had confessed that unless three Sense Realm experts joined hands, killing the Monkey King would be impossible.


    Ikasa studied the beasts in the picture. On the first piece of paper, he saw a chimp with one eye. There was a picture of a Cloud-marked Leopard and a Tri-Tusked Boar on the second and third parchments.


    He turned to the man beside him with a question.


    "They might be at the same stage, but their specialties are different. So, which beast do you n to fight against?"


    "That''s the thing. We don''t get to choose. On the day of the Competition, we will draw lots, and whichever beast one draws, that is the one you have to kill."


    He took a deep breath.


    ''This is tricky. We must be prepared to deal with the three beasts.''


    Before jumping to conclusions, Ikasa decided to rify the role City Lord wanted him to y.


    "Lord Zhen, let me ask you this. What help do you need from me?"


    "A team of two Sense realm experts and eight veteran Path-forgers can be dispatched to take down the beast. My teamcks one capable Sense realm warrior."


    Zhen Wu looked at Ikasa, hoping he would help him fill that gap.


    "Is that all? Done! I will provide you with my most capable Sense Realm Warrior for the tournament."


    Ikasa agreed with a grin.


    ''Not to mention he is the only guy I have avableˇ­.''


    The City Lord smiled widely at his agreement. Quickly suppressing the joy, he asked the question he had ignored when dealing with the Monstrous me Sect.


    "What are your conditions?"

 Chapter 70 Terms Of Co-Operation

    "What are your conditions?"


    Ikasa took a sip of tea before answering. The pause gave him time to find the best way to present his terms without affronting the City Lord.


    "The price of my help is small. I just want a piece ofnd in the City and one favor from you. When we win, I wouldn''t mind if you gave my business a 30% concession in taxes."


    Putting down his cup, he waited to hear an answer to his offer.


    The City Lord carefully considered every point in the offer. Though the confidence this young man radiated was infectious, he was the Lord of the City. He could appreciate the optimism but not the excessive conditions.


    He could easily give away any portion of thend Ikasa wanted. It was not a problem. However, his favor was the most expensive thing the young man could''ve demanded.


    Cautious of being misused, City Lord was unwilling to owe a stranger like Ikasa a favor.


    And the concession in taxes rang another rm in his mind. In the not-so-distant past, his cooperation with the Monstrous me Sect had started on simr terms. Now, he was suffering a crisis partly due to them.


    Ikasa quietly watched the stoic face of the man sitting opposite him.


    Once burned by hot milk, a cat blows air on even the buttermilk before drinking. And this man was a City Lord.


    It is impossible to not be guarded against someone who asks for a discount on taxes. But that was the best of what he had to offer.


    As a person responsible for the City, if he couldn''t use the most important weapon in his arsenal responsibly, he was unfit for his post.


    Ikasa awaited the answer from the City Lord. The answer of this bearded man would decide whether he would risk going all out on him or not.


    Zhen Wu finally opened his mouth to speak.


    "You can choose any piece ofnd free for upation in the City. I will give it to you. As for the favor; It cannot be unconditional. I will refuse if you ask for something that is ufortable to me."


    Ikasa epted hispromise. He also noticed theck of answers regarding the concession. He pressed City Lord about it.


    "What about the concession?"


    "We will talk about it when we win."


    ''An evasive reply with a wooden face. As expected but disappointing.''


    Ikasa judged with regret. He decided to give the once burned man one more chance.


    He slowly rose from his seat and looked down on the seated man. His cold yet calm words resounded in the silent hall.


    "Lord Zhen, I do not proceed without contracts. If I say 30%, there will be no change in the number since it will say so in the contract. Therefore, either you agree to my conditions in writing, or this deal is off the table."


    His words might sound threatening, but he had offered the City Lord more than favorable conditions. He had offered him a safeguard to prevent betrayal, the contract.


    A contract is guaranteed by beings equivalent to the gods in this world, the Absolutes. Hence, it is binding on both parties. Punishments for the breach are meted out ording to those mentioned in the contract.


    He was in need of help, but that did not mean he would ept this act of impudence. No one can look down on him in his own domain.


    The City lord pushed his chair back and rose from his seat.<novelnext></novelnext>


    He exerted his presence, expecting Ikasa to tremble in his boots.


    "I do not appreciate the way you talked."


    He spoke as he marched towards Ikasa with forceful steps.


    "Do not assume I am weak because you have something I need."


    He was right before Ikasa, looking down into his eyes. The City Lord stood a head taller than his quarry. But when he met those adamant eyes, he realized his attempt to intimidate had failed.


    Not only had it failed, but his target was also thinking about something else even though his eyes bore down on him.


    ''Back then, in the slums, when I first met Feng Yan, I trembled like a leaf. Now, a man stronger than him is not even able to make me feel danger.''


    Ikasa reminisced as he stared back into the enraged eyes of the City Lord. His boost in confidence came from his highest grade of techniques. A Sense realm expert couldn''t threaten his safety anymore.


    Still, he decided to take a step back since he was here to make an ally, not another enemy.


    "I apologize if my words offended you. That does not mean I am willing to ept your indefinite answer regarding the taxes. A contract can assure that neither of us can go back on their words. So, think about it."


    He said without breaking eye contact. His apology was merely words, without any remorse. However, the City Lord epted it as this was better than nothing.


    He turned his back on Ikasa. A momentter, his booming voice sounded in Ikasa''s ears.


    "I want to meet your warrior. I will test him myself beforemitting to anything."


    Ikasa shook his head slightly at his nomittal attitude.


    ''At least, this is better than jumping into water without knowing its depth.''


    He reasoned. As for his veiled request, Ikasa had no reason to reject it.


    "My man will be here tomorrow noon, waiting for you in the grounds of your manor."


    He dered. The City Lord nodded, indicating that he heard and was okay with the arrangement. Ikasa saw himself out when he received no further response.


    As he boarded his carriage, he deliberated about the meeting.


    Going in, he had a bad impression of the City Lord as he had invited wolves like the Monstrous me Sect into his house. However, this meeting improved that impression slightly.


    Firstly, he had not given in to the circumstances and still found a way to fight for the people of this City. If he agreed to the Sect''s demands, the people would suffer from more than just the daily scuffles in the streets.


    Secondly, he might lose control of his emotions, but he was capable of reigning them in when needed.


    Andstly, he had be more careful after the incident with the Monstrous me Sect. A little too much, in fact. Nheless, he was receptive to suggestions.


    And since he was learning from his mistakes, Ikasa deemed him worthy of being his ally.

 Chapter 71 Migration And Unemployment

    "Uncle Chu! What are you doing here?"


    Ikasa asked with surprise as he got down from the carriage and saw Chu Kuang loitering near the gates of the Vi.


    "Oh? Master, you are back? Great! I was just about to bring Caretaker Han to the plot ofnd we have selected. Would you like to join us?"


    "Sure. Let''s go."


    Caretaker Han arrived just as Ikasa agreed to apany them. They set off to the plot ofnd Chu Kuang mentioned.


    "Coachman, head to the eastern gates."


    Sitting beside the driver, Chu Kuang guided him to the correct route. On the way, he also appraised Ikasa of the live situation of the people they had brought over from Sal City.


    "I have made temporary arrangements for them in the southern part of the City, where there is a Tavern and many empty plots. They are living in a tent, but the environment is much better than in the Slums."


    After providing the initial funding of 500 Gold on their arrival, Ikasa did not have a chance to meet up with Chu Kuang. Still, he was very satisfied with how he handled their food and shelter problem.


    "Are they working? Did anyone rpse into old habits?"


    Ikasa asked the crucial question.


    "Thisˇ­" Chu Kuang rubbed his hairless head awkwardly as he thought of words to exin the current situation without angering Ikasa.


    "Speak without fear, Uncle Chu."


    "Actually, no one except a select few adventurers are working. Finding work is hard in this new City. Many of the workers who had jobs in Sal City are unhappy and grumbling."


    Ikasa already had an inkling that something had gone wrong from the hesitance he disyed. Still, he didn''t expect the situation to deteriorate so much!


    "Why is it hard to find work?"


    Ikasa asked with concern. He feared he might''ve ruined the lives of people who followed him out of trust.


    "The Farmers who can afford to hire farm hands prefer locals over the unknown foreigners like us. Even the few who were hired from our group were paid pitifully low wages."


    With a hand holding his chin, Ikasa listened to the reasons with rapt attention.


    ''This situation was not umon on Earth.''


    Ikasa''s mind wandered as he drew simrities between the Earth and this world.


    Smaller Industries like shops or agro-industries hired from the locality instead of preferring those with better qualifications but lived far. A business owner was assured because he knew the character of the person he hired before employment.


    He expected the person would not steal ormit crimes for the sake of their acquaintance. Even though there were bad apples everywhere, the trust was not misced most of the time.


    And not having to pay the fuel allowance for hiring from the locality was an added bonus!


    However, in this case, only the first condition applied.


    epting that he couldn''t do anything about it, he asked Chu Kuang about the other jobs.


    "Most of the people we brought over are unskilled workers. They can only perform menial tasks. Other than working as Farm hands, they can only work as Porters to help merchants load and unload goods."


    Ikasa acknowledged the bitter truth. Even though he knew this, he had promised these people the moon to gain Feng Yan''s loyalty. If he couldn''t keep his word, he might be a viin in everyone''s eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Still, working as a porter was a start. Ikasa brought his spirits up. The next moment, they crashed due to the former vice captain''s words.


    "Due to the current vtile situation, the merchants are avoiding this City. As a result, the job market for Porters has shrunk considerably. If the established Porters are having problems, how can we, the new people, find jobs?"


    Chu Kuang voiced the grievances of the people at the bottom to Ikasa. Listening to the problems, the problem-solver in him tried to think of other jobs requiring untrained manualbor.


    ''The adventurers and former guards are already taken by Feng Yan for his force. I also need to pay them a visit sometime.''


    He made a mental note as he went through the various people who performed manualbor in hispany or house.


    Then he remembered the jobs like house-helps on Earth. Comparing them to this world, they would be servants and maids. Ikasa decided to ask why this category of jobs was not being considered.


    "What about working as servants and maids?"


    Chu Kuang looked revolted by the suggestion.


    Caretaker Han, sitting beside Ikasa, quickly exined the reason for the revulsion.


    "Master, that is not temporary work. Anyone who works as a servant or maid would be bound to the person or family who hired them. Thus, losing their freedom. They have no hope to get out of the job unless they are released by their employer."


    Even though all his servants called him ''Master'', he had not signed any contract with them. So, he was unaware of this practice.


    And now that he heard about it, a look of understanding and then horror emerged on his face.


    ''This is no different than being a paid ve!''


    Ikasa realized he had unknowingly insulted Chu Kuang and the others who came with him. One look at the outraged Chu Kuang, and he regretted asking the question.


    Upon hearing the exnation, he was nauseated. He could only imagine how harsh his words might sound to the prideful Chu Kuang, who was trying to change his ways.


    He immediately made reparations by apologizing with sincerity.


    "Uncle Chu, I am very sorry. I didn''t understand how the whole Master-Servant system works. Hence, the mistake. I hope you forgive me."


    "It''s okay." Chu Kuang epted the apology without looking back.


    After this, the rest of the trip was spent in ufortable silence. The gloom of the blundermitted shrouded Ikasa''s mind.


    So, when arge swathe ofnd that had weeds growing all over appeared before them, they were relieved.


    Chu Kuang excitedly pointed to the vast farnd and eximed,


    "This is the piece ofnd I wanted to show you!"


    Everyone turned their attention to the scenery outside. Their carriage traveled on the road passing through the center of this farnd. At the end of the road, they could see a derelict residential area.


    "I have seen the residence, and it is good enough to house a hundred people and some more."


    Chu Kuang exined as he saw Ikasa fixated on the built-up structures in the distance. However, Ikasa had another reason for his fixation.


    ''Why is a building in such good condition, abandoned?''

 Chapter 72 Once A Land Of Treasure...

    Three men, one young and two old, deboarded the carriage halfway down the road.


    The Carriage driver refused to go further when he came to know of their destination. Instead, he advised them with good intentions to rethink their choice of entering the building.


    "Sir, that building is a haunt of ghosts! The previous owner left because he heard voices of people talking in an empty room."


    Ikasa became interested in this piece of news. He probed for more information.


    "When did the owner leave?"


    "It was a year ago. He began to hear voices a month before that."


    Ikasa narrowed his eyes. Knowing the day he left is one thing. But also knowing the time those voices appeared? That was suspicious.


    "You seem to be very knowledgeable about this incident. May I ask why?"


    "Everyone in the City knows the story of this haunted house, Patron. It would be weird if I didn''t know."


    Ikasa exchanged nces with the two older men that apanied him. Chu Kuang shifted ufortably on his spot and avoided talking about it. Ikasa tossed a silver coin to the Coachmen.


    "Thank you for your warning. We will be careful. Until we return, wait for us here."


    Once the trio was far enough from the Carriage, Ikasa turned to Chu Kuang.


    "Uncle Chu, what is it? Why are you so eager to get this plot ofnd?"


    He didn''t think even for a second that a thorough man like Chu Kuang would be unaware of this story if it was publicly circted.


    His eyes moved between Ikasa and Han Shu. Then he quietly whispered.


    "Thisnd was a herb garden 4 years ago. Most of the City''s medicinal herb supply came from this ce. Then one day the soil cracked. The energy density in the soil dropped and it became unsuitable for growing herbs."


    Ikasa could see the excitement in Chu Kuang''s eyes. It was as if he was telling a very valuable secret. But neither he nor the Caretaker understood what he was trying to say.


    "Uncle Chu, speak clearly. What does the incident from four years ago have to do with the current infamy of this herb garden?"


    Chu Kuang looked at the two unimpressed men with frustration.


    "Master, I have seen a simr phenomenon before. These incidents happen when a very powerful Spiritual Herb is born!"


    The look in the eyes of the two men changed from apathy to sudden shock and excitement.


    However, Ikasa suddenly remembered that what Chu Kuang described was an incident from four years ago. His exuberance cooled down.


    "Uncle Chu, though fascinating, this story is from four years ago. I don''t think we can get our hands on that Herb."


    Uncle Chu came closer and whispered.


    "That''s not true. If a spiritual herb came out of this herb garden, it would be the talk of the town. And yet, there is no such rumor."


    "Then the owner must have found it and used it himself." Ikasa reasoned.


    "No, the owner died mysteriously. And within a few days, a new owner bought the garden. He kept it untilst year, and then he too left."


    Ikasa understood what the bald man was trying to say. The owner found the treasure and hence, gave up on this ce with no value. Or he had to leave because of some external pressure and still hoped to find this Herb.


    "Are you saying that this new owner spread those rumors just to scare people and keep them away?"


    Caretaker Han asked, shocked by what he heard. He couldn''t imagine any treasure would be worth going through such borate scheming.


    Chu Kuang ignored Han Shu''s outburst. His excitement had also faded after going through the events again. The chances of them getting their hands on the Herb were much lower than he expected.


    He calmly answered his friend''s question. He directed his answer to Ikasa as well.


    "It might be a rumor or it might be someone ying tricks in the dark. What is true though is that no one has paid taxes for thisnd in thest year. And therefore, this ce is under the City Lord''s administration again."


    Ikasa looked at his new employee with admiration. This man had done his homework. He had gone the extra mile and even checked tax records.


    ''I should send Xin Ruo to work under him till she learns all he has to offer.''


    While talking, they had reached the rusted gates of the property. At this moment, the quivering voice of Caretaker Han sounded in their ears.


    "What ifˇ­ What if the rumors are true?"


    Chu Kuang pped the back of Caretaker Han.


    "Buck Up, Han Shu! Show a little courage?"


    However, Han Shu was not assured. He looked at his Employer.


    Ikasa looked at him with a smile, and with a mighty push, he opened the gates.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Let us find that out ourselves. Now, shall we?"


    Chu Kuang took the initiative to lead the way. Ikasa followed him with Han Shu in tow.


    The building looked dreary in the orange rays of the setting sun. The rumors they had heard fueled their fear. They jumped at even the smallest of sounds.


    "I have visited this ce twice before. There is no ghost or anything of the sort."


    Chu Kuang informed hispanions. His voice echoed in the empty hallway. Instead of reassuring Han Shu, the echoes spooked him even more.


    Once they crossed the passage, they came to a rectangr open space surrounded by rooms. The way they were arranged on two floors reminded Ikasa of his college dormitory.


    In the center of this open space, he noticed a giant tree.


    "That tree bears the Honey Gold Fruit, a delicacy popr among the rich."


    Chu Kuang exined, seeing Ikasa look curiously at the tree.


    "Is it still able to bear fruit?"


    He asked with interest, remembering Luo Qiqi''s ecstatic face when she stuffed herself full.


    ''This fruit should be to her liking.''


    "I don''t know. But probably, we will need to seek help from a professional."


    Chu Kuang expressed his opinion, indicating the brownish-red leaves interspersed in the green foliage. As they chatted more about the care required by the tree, they arrived before the entrance to the rooms.


    He persuaded Ikasa to choose this ce by showing the numerous doors and windows of the rooms.


    "These many rooms should be enough to house everyone who came with us. Captain Feng''s new recruits can also bunk in one of these wings."


    Ikasa nodded, having simr thoughts. He had also taken a liking to this estate. And he voiced his praise.


    "Uncle Chu, you have really found a great ce. Are you thinking of restarting the herb garden again? That would also solve the unemployment issues."


    Chu Kuang was unused to receiving apliment and struggled to ept it. He pretended not to hear the praise and addressed Ikasa''s question.


    "Master, it is impossible to grow herbs with the current state of the soil."


    Ikasa looked puzzled. He was erroneously equating the loss of energy to the loss of nutrients.


    "Shouldn''t four years be enough time for the soil to recover? We saw weeds thriving in thend out there."


    "Thend is arable. It can support the growth of weeds and some other food grains. However, Herbs need energy. Only way to replenish it is if we sprinkle Energy-infused water or an Energy Stormes here."


    A smile appeared on Ikasa''s face upon hearing the conditions. He suppressed the joy as he still had not confirmed his hypothesis.


    ''This is a perfect ce for me to perform those experiments. It is far enough from the center of the City that no one should notice the weird phenomenon. And best of all, I can get this ce for free from the City Lord.''


    He immediately ordered Chu Kuang to make preparations.


    "Survey the buildings and prepare a list of repairs to be made. Don''t hesitate to ask Caretaker Han for the funds. We will own this ce by next week!"


    Ikasa said with a smirk. Both men turned to look for Caretaker Han. He was still suspiciously eyeing the surroundings.


    He had not uttered a single word since they entered the building.


    "Let''s go, Caretaker. We can leave now."


    These words were like a pardon to someone sentenced to death. He immediately rushed to the gates to leave this scary ce.


    The two left behind looked at each other and exchanged helpless nces. And then they followed their scaredy-cat butler.


    As the sounds of their chatter faded, a small, furry creature hiding in the tree''s hollow opened its red eyes.


    It jumped out of its hiding ce. Swishing its red-tipped fluffy tail, it perked its ears. When it couldn''t hear any sounds from the humans, it trotted around like it owned the ce.


    Strangely, not a single paw print was left on the dusty floor.


    When it reached the hallways, it took a whiff of the surrounding air. Its cute little head with a tuft of blood-red hair turned to look toward the entrance to the property.


    A mischievous grin formed on its canine face. While licking the glossy dark grey fur on its paws, it let out a chuckle.


    "Hehehe."


    Only time would decide whether the new humans would be its prey or ymates.

 Chapter 73 Feng Yans Test

    "Are you ready?"


    "Do you even need to ask this?"


    "Did you master thetest Top Grade technique?"


    "Stop it! Even the one who has his honor on the line is not worried. Then what are you bothering me for?"


    Feng Yan snapped at Xin Ruo. He was fed up with her constant nagging.


    As his strongest fighter, Ikasa had provided the old man with the manual of Wind the Way as soon as he got it. He had also supplied him with the book for Chop then.


    With his techniques, he was confident that the Old man would definitely impress the reserved City Lord.


    Once they had decided to walk on this path, they had let Xin Ruo know. As soon as she learned how crucial of a role Feng Yan would y, she made sure her father had everything to perform at his best.


    And her ''care'' had led to the situation at hand.


    "Hmph! I was worried about you for nothing. I hope the City Lord beats some sense into you."


    Xin Ruo huffed with anger and left while avoiding the eyes of the smiling Ikasa.


    Tongue-tied, Feng Yan watched his daughter go after cursing him. Though he knew this was just a farce, he had this primal urge to bash in the smiling face of the rascal beside him.


    "What are you smiling for, you bastard? Are you happy now that you have turned my daughter against me?"


    "Don''t me me for your own doing, Old Man! Who was it who sent her to me? How can you me me if she can''t resist the charm of this handsome and perfect face?"


    Feng Yan let out a guttural growl.


    "Come, let''s fight a round before we go to City Lord."


    Feng Yan called Ikasa with a vicious smile.


    "I am afraid you won''t be in the condition to face anyone after I am done with you."


    Ikasa replied with gusto.


    Unable to suppress his urge, Feng Yan made his move and threw a simple punch at Ikasa''s face. His opponent sidestepped it with ease using the movement technique.


    "Oh, look! The sun is high up in the sky. We should get going to meet the Lord of Birch City."


    Ikasa eximed as he dodged another furious kick. Feng Yan also stopped, knowing this was not the time to y around.


    The two men boarded the carriage waiting for them and set off to prove their strength.


    ---


    In the grounds of the City Lord''s Manor, an unrobed muscr figure punched an imaginary enemy. His every punch disced the air with a swoosh sound.


    He stopped after he saw his butler lead two men into the grounds.


    He called his aide, who promptly handed him a towel and a ss of hot water. Wiping the sweat dripping from his face, he took a sip of the water.


    By the time he finished his water, Ikasa and Feng Yan had arrived before this muscr man.


    "City Lord Zhen!"


    The two of them greeted him with cupped fists. epting their greetings, City Lord scanned Feng Yan from head to toe. He saw a man past his prime with greying hair and a strong lean body.


    "Is he the reason for your confidence?"


    Zhen Wu asked Ikasa, pointing to Feng Yan with his thumb.


    ? "He is the best Sense Realm Expert I have seen in action."


    Ikasa replied in a neutral tone.


    ''I am not even lying. Feng Yan is the only Sense Realm Expert I have seen in action.''


    He justified the misleading statement.


    However, his words had a different impact on Feng Yan and City Lord. Feng Yan''s chest swelled with pride hearing the praise while the City Lord looked at the older man with vignce.


    "Shall we?"


    The City Lord invited Feng Yan to a spar. Feng Yan obliged by shedding his robes and jumping into the ring.


    The two men silently circled around the ring, their eyes judging each other''s every movement. In anticipation of what was toe, their muscles tensed.


    Feeling he had an advantage, the City Lord made the first move. He threw a straight punch to probe Feng Yan''s reaction.


    Feng Yan quickly sidestepped the half-hearted punch. Taking advantage of the opening, he aimed for the floating ribs. The City Lord blocked it with his arm.


    The two now had an idea of how the opponent fought.


    Feng Yan had developed a sneaky fighting style where he would exploit every opening possible against a stronger opponent. On the other hand, the City Lord preferred to steamroll his adversaries with his superior strength.


    The City Lord snorted when he felt the force behind Feng Yan''s punch. He provoked him with a ''Come here gesture'' and said with a savage grin, "Shall we begin for real?"


    Feng Yan, not the one to be left behind, responded with an equally vicious smirk.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Bring it on!"


    The two men moved at the same time, throwing punches with their right arm and blocking the attacks with another. As one punch after another connected, the spectators could hear the solid thumps.


    ''I won''tst long if I block these powerful punches head-on!''


    Feng Yan understood the situation and switched to redirecting the force behind the attacks. It improved his longevity in this battle of attrition immensely.


    When another powerful punch came his way, he gently pushed at the iing wrist, causing the fist to miss his face by a wide margin.


    The City Lord gazed appreciatively at this little maneuver, but he did not relent in his attacks. The speed of his punches only went upwards.


    Feng Yan did his best to endure without using his movement technique, but the City Lord was too much for him to deal with. His initial realm reflexes could not keep up with the City Lord''s advanced realm reflexes.


    He finally gave in and started to move ording to Wind the Way''s footwork.


    Suddenly, the punches he could not dodge became much easier to evade. It was as if the wind disced by the attack pushed his body away.


    Feng Yan enjoyed the sensation, and his joy doubled when he saw the City Lord look at him with confoundment.


    Zhen Wu couldn''t believe what had happened just now. He looked at his clenched fist and his opponent with confusion.


    ''How? How did he dodge it so smoothly?''


    City Lord put away his thoughts and started to use his Battle Techniques.


    "Your movement skill might be good, but let''s see you dodge my Hidden Dragon Fist!"


    City Lord''s punches became faster and faster until one could see after images.


    The Butler of the City Lord gasped. He turned to Ikasa.


    "The City Lord used this mid-grade art to dominatest year''s Tribute Tournament! To force him to use this art, your expert must be top ss."


    Ikasa smiled graciously at thepliment, but he was disdainful of the skill City Lord used.


    ''This fist art is all about the show, but there is no real substance.''


    The after shadows were only good for misleading the enemies but couldn''t do any real damage. The actual threaty in the single punch that was hidden in the afterimages.


    ''Once that attack is dodged, Father-inw will have no problem defeating the City Lord.''


    And just as he had guessed, Feng Yan detected the genuine damage dealer from the numerous misleading punches. It was only thanks to Wind the Way that he was able to avoid getting hit.


    Creating those numerous Fist shadows expended a lot of energy. The panting City Lord retreated, trying to catch his breath.


    ''He is weak. Now is my chance!''


    Noticing his opponent''s lethargy, Feng Yan charged up his fist while rapidly closing the distance. With a solid thwack, his Gazelle Punchnded on the bearded jaw of the exhausted Zhen Wu.


    The dignified man copsed to the ground, and Feng Yan bent down with his arm ready to Chop at his head.


    "Do you yield?"


    He asked in a somber voice. The sun shining behind Feng Yan cast his shadow on the fallen man.


    "Impossible!"


    Before City Lord could answer, his butler stood up, dumbfounded at the oue. He couldn''t believe his Master lost to some unknown warrior in the Initial Stage of the Sense Realm.


    Believe it or not, City Lord had lost. And the man himself epted this fact. He nodded to Feng Yan''s question.


    Not intending to humiliate the Lord of this City, Feng Yan offered him a hand to pick himself up. Zhen Wu dly took it and stood up.


    The two men grinned at each other.


    "City Lord, your Hidden Dragon Fist is truly a marvelous technique! If not for my movement technique, I would have been done in by that punch."


    "I do not deserve such high praise from you, Sense Trainer Feng. Your skilled movements were like watching a work of art!"


    Feng Yan epted thepliment with a smile while constantly looking at Ikasa. His eyes were screaming for help.


    p! p! p!


    "What a good fight! City Lord, I am in awe of your physique''s strength."


    Ikasa interrupted their budding bromance to end Feng Yan''s suffering.


    "Your fighter is not half bad, Trader Ikasa. I didn''t expect my signature move would be seen through."


    Ikasa narrowed his eyes at the words, ''not half bad. They were not the words of someone who had epted his defeat.


    ''Does that mean he didn''t fight with his full strength?''


    Ikasa dismissed these thoughts. Feng Yan had won fair and square. That means City Lord was politicking again in preparation for their uing talks.


    With a smile, Ikasa mocked the City Lord for his hypocrisy.


    "Since you find him ''not half-bad'', does that mean you are willing to ept my deal?"

 Chapter 74 [Bonus ]The Sales Pitch

    The two potential allies once again found themselves in the Grand Hall, sitting opposite each other. They had just finalized the terms of their contract.


    Now it was time to go into specifics.


    "City Lord, I want the Herb Garden near the eastern gates."


    Ikasa immediately came to the point. The moment he had visited the property, he had decided to get its deed from the City Lord.


    The City Lord looked at his aide, who whispered the details in his ears. After hearing what his Butler had to say, he looked at Ikasa with doubt.


    "Are you sure?"


    Ikasa tried to read City Lord upon hearing his doubtful tone.


    ''Is he trying to dissuade me because of the rumors about ghosts? Or does he have anything to do with the previous owner leaving?''


    Instead of specting, Ikasa probed to see if he could get a definite answer.


    "Is there a problem?


    With a face that revealed nothing, City Lord asked,


    "Are you perhaps one of those who want to get their hands on the Spirit Herb?"


    Ikasa smiled with relief.


    "Initially, yes. Then I realized that the incident happened 4 years ago. It is impossible for me to have fate with that herb."


    The City Lord nodded, and his tense shoulders rxed.


    "Then why do you still want that ce?" The aide asked, perplexed at his decision.


    "I visited the ce, and I liked it. I want to turn it into my base in Birch city."


    Satisfied with the answer, the City Lord looked at his aide and asked him to prepare the paperwork for the transfer of ownership.


    While he prepared the paperwork, the two men amiably chatted about the current situation. The tensions between the City Guards and the Hu n naturally came up in their conversation.


    When Ikasa recounted the skirmish he had seen on his very first day in the City, the Lord sighed.


    "I cannot put a stop to these shes unless my City Guards can overwhelm the other forces convincingly."


    Ikasa''s eyes glinted at his words. He smelled an opportunity to make a massive sale.


    ''I just need to butter him up a little.''


    In a solemn voice, he began to convince the bearded man.


    "City Lord, the guards I saw that day fought bravely in your name. Suppose you can provide them better techniques than the other two forces. In that case, they will definitely overwhelm any trash from Hu n or Monstrous me Sect."


    ttered by the praise, the City Lord smiled. But he knew the condition of his guards the best. He sighed and vocalized his troubles.


    "I agree with you. Except for one problem. Who will provide better Cultivation methods and Battle Techniques to my troops?"


    Ikasa smirked.


    ''Finally, you are asking the right questions, my dear Money Bag!''


    Schooling his features, he faked his shock and asked, "Did I not introduce myself?"


    The City Lord raised one of his eyebrows, wondering what his new ally was talking about.


    "City Lord, I am a Merchant of manuals! I can provide your troops with the best Cultivation Methods and Battle Techniques, making them the most powerful infantry in the City!"


    The grand words he spoke made the City Lord''s eyes shine. But soon, the shine in his eyes faded.


    "What is the point of digging a well when you are thirsty? How much can my men improve in a month before the battle?"


    City Lord waved his hand, dismissing Ikasa''s sales pitch.


    "That''s the beauty of my manuals, City Lord! Your soldiers can be proficient in my Battle Techniques within a few days of practice!"


    The City Lord still looked skeptical.


    "Sense Trainer Feng, when did you learn your movement technique?"


    Ikasa called upon his faithful warrior, who had earned the City Lord''s respect.


    "Two days ago."


    The City Lord''s mouth gaped open. His eyes alternated between the old and the young, trying to see the signs of deceit. But his gut told him they were speaking the truth.


    "Are you selling that Movement technique as well?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Haha, no, City Lord. That is exclusively for my people. However, you can choose anything from this list." He said while passing to the City Lord the same list he had given to Xin Ruo.


    As City Lord browsed the list, his eyebrows jumped with joy and then furrowed. He looked at Ikasa with doubt.


    "A low-grade Staff technique?"


    "Yes, you read that right. I can vouch with my life that the description there is absolutely true."


    The more City Lord looked, the more shocked he became. There were a total of 17 techniques on the list. Each with description and grade, but names were absent.


    The City Lord marked it as another quirk of this young man. But the reason was much more different than he thought.


    Wisening up from his stint in the Sal City, he had hidden the names of these embarrassing techniques.


    For example, this staff technique was called - ''How to Clean up: A Janitor''s Insights''. He could imagine the consequences if a technique with such a name was presented to the City Lord.


    ''Preposterous! How dare a junior joke with me! Get Lost from my manor right now!''


    Ikasa sweated bullets as he imagined the scenario. At the same time he was tempted to actually tell the names to see City Lord''s reaction.


    ''It would at least break this monotony.''


    Suppressing his wild thoughts, he returned to observing his customer. A smirk formed on his face as he saw City Lord''s eyebrows rise higher and higher as his vision moved lower.


    When it reached the bottom of the list, City Lord stood up abruptly and eximed, "A High-Grade Cultivation Method?"


    "Yes. That is what I am selling tomoners in Sal City right now."


    He replied without batting an eyelid at City Lord''s loss ofposure.


    Zhen Wu clutched his chest and fell back into his seat while his aide looked horrified.


    "Such wastrel!" The aide eximed.


    Feng Yan red at him, causing him to tremble with fear.


    "Calm down, Mo Fan. I am sure Brother Ikasa should have something better for the nobles since he is selling the High-Grade Manuals to the Commoners."


    The City Lord said, studying Ikasa''s reaction to his assumption.


    "Nope. I first approached the nobles of Sal City. But they scorned me. So, I am selling this High-Grade Manual to Commoners of Sal City en masse. I think it would be perfect for your City Guards."


    Zhen Wu cursed the prestigious families of Sal City for treating a diamond as a stone. He had no choice but to pick the High-Grade Manual for his troops with a heavy heart.


    ''Damn bastards. I don''t know how many grandmothers you helped to have this fortune. Even I, the City Lord, don''t have this good of a manual!''


    The City Lord and his aide picked some of the much-needed manuals for the City Guards.


    As they pointed out the manuals on List, Ikasa immediately matched the descriptions to the names.


    "We will take this mid-grade defensive artˇ­."


    ''Peek-a-Boo defense.''


    "This mid-grade punching techniqueˇ­."


    ''Gazelle Punch''


    "One leg technique tooˇ­."


    ''Sweeping Kick''


    "Add this staff technique as well..."


    ''How to Clean up: A Janitor''s Insights''


    "And we cannot forget the High-Grade Cultivation Manual, City Lordˇ­."


    "Of course, add the Cultivation Manual."


    ''One Dumb Belle''s guide to Strength''


    So ended the shopping list of the City Lord and his aide. Ikasa counted the number of manuals the two ordered together.


    "That''s 5 types of manuals. How many uses would you like for each manual?"


    Confused, the Master and Servant looked at each other. When neither could rify what Ikasa meant, they turned to him and asked in unison,


    "What?"

 Chapter 75 A Sale Worth Shitload Of Coins!

    ''Patience Ikasa! You can''t blow up on them. They are your valuable Customers.''


    Ikasa tried to calm himself after exining how his manuals worked for the umpteenth time.


    He had spent the past half an hour exining the characteristics of his manuals. Then another half an hour to help them understand the difference between Single-use and Hundred-use manuals.


    And now, his patience was running thin.


    ''When was thest time I had to do a Sales Pitch? Maybe when I was 20? Or 21?''


    He thought in his head. Ever since his business reached a 200 Million valuation, he had pushed that job to his best pitchers, Mike and Rachel.


    ''Who knew, after 8 years, I would have to pitch again in a Cultivation world to some small-time Imperial Official?''


    His mind wandered as he saw the City Lord and his aide whisper heatedly. Feng Yan could probably hear every word they were saying, but he didn''t need the older man''s help to know what exactly they might be talking about.


    It was clear on their faces. Obviously, they were debating whether the purchase would be worth the price or not. Ikasa decided to sway the decision in his favor with onest argument.


    "City Lord, don''t think of the long term. Even though you cannot have these manuals permanently, at this moment, your forces require an urgent upgrade."


    City Lord nodded in agreement, but his aide was still unconvinced. To satiate his need to own these books permanently, Ikasa lured him with another deceptive statement.


    "And who says your veterans cannot teach your new recruits the techniques they learned from my manuals in the future?"


    Ikasa slowly whispered as he lured the two big fish in with his voice.


    Mo Fan''s eyes lit up, and he whispered excitedly to the City Lord. Zhen Wu bobbed his head as if agreeing with his Aide''s suggestions. Within a few minutes, they finished their hushed conversation.


    The dignified man solemnly looked at Ikasa. With the prestige of a City Lord, he started to make purchases.


    "I will take Hundred-use manuals of all the battle techniques I mentioned."


    The Aide swooped down and whispered again. The City Lord nodded and changed his order ordingly.


    "Make them two. As for the Cultivation technique, give me three."


    The smile on Ikasa''s face widened as he calcted the sum in his head.


    "Two each of 3 Mid grade and 1 low-grade skill.1500 x 6 + 1000 x 2ˇ­ That''s 11,000 Gold! And three hundred-use manuals of the Cultivation techniqueˇ­ 2000 x 3ˇ­ Six Thousand Gold!"


    As Ikasa presented the math to City Lord, his thick mustache twitched. He looked at Mo Fan, asking with his eyes if such enormous spending was really necessary?


    Mo Fan slyly avoided meeting his eyes. Ikasa ignored their antics and dered the total amount he would receive.


    "City Lord, that would be Seventeen Thousand Gold. Should we write up a contract?"


    As the two allies discussed how and when the manuals and payment would be delivered, one man couldn''t fathom what had happened before his eyes.


    Feng Yan, silently seated beside Ikasa, had his mouth wide open upon hearing the sum. When Ikasa had said they would earn plenty of profits from the tumultuous situation in this city, he did not expect a transaction worth tens of thousands!


    He was having a conflict of emotions in his heart.


    ''I should make Xin Ruo tie a knot with this bastard.''


    ''No, she is my precious daughter, my wife''s only legacy.''


    ''Even more the reason to find a way to keep her happy. This prodigal can definitely buy her the happiness she deserves.''


    ''No, this scoundrel is a womanizer. Wasn''t he flirting with that Xue girl right before Ruo'' er on the ship? How will my poor daughter keep him in check?''


    While he struggled to get his thoughts in order, Ikasa and the City Lord hade to an agreement.


    "I will send one x100 Staff Technique and two Cultivation techniques tomorrow. I will try to deliver the remainder within next week."


    "You will be paid as you deliver."


    Turning to Feng Yan, City Lord asked,


    "Sense Trainer Feng, would you join my troops for training?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan still lost in his thoughts, didn''t answer even after a few breaths.


    "Why not, City Lord? In fact, please send your team for the tournament over to the Herb Garden. I will gift them my exclusive techniques. After all, your victory is my victory!"


    Ikasa answered in Feng Yan''s stead.


    "I look forward to it." Zhen Wu smiled broadly at Ikasa''s promise.


    After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ikasa left the manor, followed by Feng Yan. In the carriage, the young man grilled the older one for hisck of attention.


    The older man kept his mouth shut without revealing a single clue of what was going on in his head. Giving up on his attempts, Ikasa changed the subject.


    "How is the recruitmenting along? Are you close to a hundred men?"


    Feng Yan turned his head to look at Ikasa, his face serious.


    "Recruiting for a new force is not easy. Still, I have increased the number of people to 50."


    Feng Yan replied, the slight twitch of his lips showing his pride at the achievement. However, Ikasa was not at all happy with his reply.


    "Just 50? If I remember correctly, about 34 of them must be from Sal City."


    The Commander nodded.


    "So, you recruited only 16 new people in the past three days?!"


    Ikasa exploded with rage.


    "I recruited 22 people as 6 of those from Sal City went to your ''Special Talent Cultivation program''."


    Feng Yan retorted with a bite.


    "And still, 22 is nothing!"


    The young man yelled, his voice going a pitch higher. The old man looked out of the window to avoid escting the argument.


    Ikasa pinched his nose-bridge and inhaled deeply to calm his anger. After a few breaths, he began to appease the Commander of his forces.


    "Old man, you saw how big of a transaction I made with City Lord. We will earn much more than that when we open a shop. And when we do, we will encroach upon the businesses of the Monstrous me Sect and Hu n."


    Ikasa saw the old man listen attentively to every word he spoke. As such, he continued his train of thought.


    "Tell me, Commander, would a force of 50 measly men deter the two behemoths?"


    Realizing the truth in the young man''s words, Feng Yan shook his head.


    "ording to your logic, even 100 men is nothing."


    "The 100 men force is just a start. It is enough to defend the Herb Garden for the moment. And of course, we will slowly increase that number."


    Ikasa answered earnestly. The older man mulled over these words.


    He agreed with the judgment, but he had hit a roadblock in recruitment. The question that stumped him was how he could increase the number of men with haste.


    ''Maybe he would understand if I exin?''


    Feng Yan pondered as he hesitated to speak.


    With a warm and weing smile, Ikasa let the old man know he was open to hearing his problems.


    "What you say is true, but finding people is not easy. I have tried looking for new blood in mercenary groups, adventurer parties, job marketsˇ­ And the result is before you."


    Ikasa fell into thought. He couldn''t force Feng Yan to pick up anyone off the street. He wanted a trained force, not a messy group of random strangers.


    While he was thinking of a possible solution, the carriage arrived before the Vi. As they walked inside, Ikasa encouraged Feng Yan.


    "I will find a way to get the recruitment numbers up. Till then, don''t give up on the conventional methods. Okay?"

 Chapter 76 Another Unbelieving One!

    On a bright and sunny morning of a new day, the Vi weed a bearer of good news. Chu Kuang excitedly brought him to the hall of the Vi, where Ikasa was enjoying his breakfast.


    "Official Mo Fan! Wee! What brings you to this humble ce?"


    Ikasa asked, gesturing to the man to take a seat at the table. He declined and instead passed the scroll in his hand.


    "Your first request ording to the contract has been fulfilled. Should I call you Property Owner Ikasa now?"


    Ikasa unfurled the scroll, only to see it was the title deed for the Herb Garden. With a broad smile, he passed it to the person most enthused about this purchase, Chu Kuang.


    Chu Kuang happily skimmed through the deed to find any discrepancies even though he knew there probably wouldn''t be any.


    In the meanwhile, Ikasa turned his attention to Mo Fan.


    "What about my suggestion? Is Commander Lu willing to bring his troops to the Herb Garden when they use the manual?"


    Mo Fan waved his hand as if it was a given.


    "Of course, these are orders from the City Lord. But beware, Commander Lu Shao might hold this against you and cause trouble."


    Ikasa nodded slowly. He expected to ruffle a few feathers with his sudden interference in the City Guards. If a Sense Realm Expert like Lu Shao is also one of them, so be it.


    "Thank you, Brother Mo! I am very grateful for your assistance. Here is a gift for your son. I hear he should be at the age suitable for cultivation. This one is a Single-Use manual, so treat it carefully."


    Smilingly Mo Fan quickly pocketed the book Ikasa presented. However, the words from his mouth were very different.


    "Where was the need for this between us brothers? Since you have a present for me, I should also give you one. There is an outstanding tax of 1800 Gold on that Herb Garden. Pay it off as soon as possible, alright?"


    Ikasa choked on the sip of water he had just taken. Coughing violently, he tried to vocalize his objection, but Mo Fan had already left.


    "Damn it! You sneaky, City Lord! And here I was wracking my brains, ''How did he give something for free?''"


    He cursed, stabbing his chopsticks into the omelet on his te.


    After finishing the breakfast, everyone except Ikasa departed for the Herb Garden. On the other hand, he went to the administrative office of Birch City to pay off the tax.


    In the City Hall, when he ced the heavy bag filled with coins before the official in charge of finance, the man on the other side smiled.


    "Tax for Herb Garden?" He asked.


    Upon Ikasa''s nod, he passed him the receipt and a note. Ikasa looked at him questioningly, seeing the amount for the tax was paid in full.


    "The City Lord paid for it. He also asked me to hand that note to whoever came to pay the tax."


    He unfolded the note with doubt and read the contents.


    ''A small payback for embarrassing me before my subordinates.''


    "Pfffftt!"


    Ikasa snorted as he folded the note and kept it in his sleeve.


    ''To y this borate jokeˇ­ the defeat yesterday must have bruised his ego.''


    Ikasa smiled with schadenfreude as he exited the City Hall.


    On the way out, he ran into a revered existence in the City Guards, Commander Lu Shao!


    During the period when the Hu n suppressed the City Guards in the City and the Monstrous me Sect''s arrogance had reached an unbearable scale, thismanding officer had broken through.


    In the first Tribute Tournament, he had routed the experts from the other two powers with City Lord.


    This achievement had elevated his status in the minds of his troops to just below the City Lord.


    "Commander Lu! A pleasure to meet you! Did official Mo inform you of the new manuals for your troops?"


    Lu Shao looked at Ikasa in puzzlement, wondering about his identity. Only when he heard about the new manuals did he recognize the identity of the person greeting him.


    "You must be our benefactor, the Merchant of Manuals, Ikasa. Thanks to you and your Magical manuals, the City Guards now have a fighting chance against our adversaries."


    Even though the words sounded sincere, they wereced with sarcasm. Lu Shao''s eyes showed clear contempt for the so-called ''Magical Manuals.''


    ''Another unbelieving one, huh?''


    This thought shed through Ikasa''s head instinctively. A n to correct the disdainful approach of this Commander Lu formed in his head.


    Pretending to ignore the sarcasm in his words, Ikasa acted as if ttered.


    "I am ttered, Sense Trainer Lu. When are you bringing your troops to the Herb Garden to experience them? I am sure your troops would appreciate my techniques even more after trying them!"


    Lu Shao floundered for words. He couldn''t outright disrespect Ikasa and incur the wrath of the City Lord. However, the way Ikasa had made his men''s efforts seem worthless rubbed him the wrong way.


    And now, Ikasa had provoked him with a subtle challenge. A challenge to test his men''s resolve against the wondrous techniques.


    Commander Lu responded to the provocation without batting an eyelid.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I will bring my two regiments this afternoon to test your High-Grade Cultivation Manual at the Herb Garden!"


    ''Got him!''


    Ikasa inwardly cheered while maintaining a warm smile on his face.


    "I will be there to wee you, Commanding Officer."


    He replied with a polite smile, but his eyes envisioned the future of his prospering Herb Garden!


    Ikasa had arrived at the Herb Garden after his chance meeting with Lu Shao. The moment he arrived at the garden, he was bombarded by Chu Kuang with a list of repairs and renovations.


    As soon as he heard the total amount required, he eximed at the outrageous number.


    "1400 gold coins!"


    He turned to Chu Kuang and scathingly asked, "Why don''t you just tear this entire goddamn thing down and rebuild a new one? I am sure it will cost much less than this number!"


    Xin Ruo jumped to defend Chu Kuang, who was being med for her ideas.


    "Look closely! We are building a new pavilion to serve as an auction house and our store."


    She proceeded to exin her ns for thisnd.


    "We can build the Pavilion to the west. That way, it will be closer to the Cityˇ­."


    Ikasa listened to the excited Xin Ruo detail about her dream pavilion. It hurt him to break her dream, but a Pavilion was a redundant structure at this point.


    "The building you imagined seems quite elegant and refined."


    Ikasaplimented her to cushion her from the blow that wasing.


    "Have you thought about what we can sell in this Pavilion? Or how will we protect this Pavilion?"


    Xin Ruo had no answer. Chu Kuang cursed Ikasa for not treating the fairer sex better when he saw dejection crawl upon the girl''s face.


    Ikasa left Xin Ruo alone toe up with a valid reason for her dream toe true while he discussed details with Chu Kuang.


    ''With the n for the Pavilion trashed, the repair cost came down to 300 Gold. Maybe I can afford to build an Auction House if the strength of my private force grows soon.''


    Looking at the depressed Xin Ruo, he couldn''t help but entertain such a thought. And it was not wholly new.


    Back in the Sal City, he had seen a new side of Xin Ruo and had vowed to make her the best Hostess in the entire Holy Wood Empire! Building this auction house would just be another step in that direction.


    He shook his head and put these thoughts on the back burner.


    Focusing on the person before him, he heard him list the various necessary facilities and their costs.


    "Uncle Chu, here is 500 Gold. The extra 200 is for you to buy necessary furniture for the new residents of this building."


    Ikasa said, handing over a bag filled with coins to this trusted aide. Chu Kuang epted the bag with a grateful smile.


    "I will do my best to renovate this building within the next month."


    Chu Kuang promised Ikasa. His dilligence was apparent as he returned to rechecking every nook and cranny for cracks and faults.


    Time passed as Ikasa and Chu Kuang busied themselves in the discussions about the potential of this herb field.


    As soon as the Sun started its downward journey, Commander Lu arrived with the first and second regiments, each consisting of 50 men.


    Their arrival caused amotion, attracting the attention of everyone present at the Herb Garden.


    Feng Yan, the teens, Xin Ruo, Chu Kuang, and Caretaker Han; Everyone came out to see the 100 men march on thends of their herb garden.


    "Merchant Ikasa, I have brought my men to evaluate your wonderful techniques. Have you prepared them?"


    Commander Lu approached Ikasa as soon as their eyes met. He was in no mood for formalities after the tense exchange in the morning.


    Noticing Lu Shao''s short temper, Ikasa shook his head. He brought out the x100 use Cultivation Manual and took charge of the soldiers lined up.


    "If any of you do not cultivate the standard technique of City Lord''s Manor, Fall Out!"


    The loud instruction rumbled in every soldier''s ear. However, none fit the criterion and hence, did not break the ranks.


    "This is the first batch of City Guards. Every technique they know is the standard technique of City Guard."


    Commander Lu proudly exined why no one stepped out of the line.


    ''Since that''s the case, I don''t have to worry about ipatibility with manuals.''


    Ikasa reassured himself and passed the Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength to the first person on his right. With a smirk, he instructed the guard.


    "Open the first page, read and pass it on. Once you are done, get ready to witness the miracle!"

 Chapter 77 Only He Can See...

    "Open the first page, read and pass it on. Once you are done, get ready to witness the miracle!"


    Ikasa took a step back after handing out the books. He joined Feng Yan and his group at the entrance to the residences.


    Commander Lu scoffed at his remarks. He gave Ikasa a skeptical look and then shouted, "Do as he says!"


    As soon as the first person followed the instructions, he was shrouded in a whirlwind of energy. One after another, energy vortexes formed around the guards.


    Face filled with disbelief, Commander Lu watched as his men were surrounded by the energy cocoons. When thest soldier was enveloped by the energy vortex, they came together and formed a giant cyclone.


    Commander Lu lost his mind. Within a blink of an eye, he came to Ikasa''s side and whispered urgently, "Whatˇ­ What is happening?"


    He feared for his men''s lives. Ikasa calmly smiled in response and assured him, "Don''t worry, Commander. Just enjoy the miracle happening before your eyes."


    It did not assuage the anxiety in Lu Shao''s mind. And then the surroundings darkened.


    Dark clouds gathered in the sky of the Herb Garden, covering the Sun.


    Ikasa watched the familiar changes and breathed a sigh of relief.


    ''Thank the Absolutes! I didn''t have to sell the longer energy path as the only miraculous aspect of my manual. Not that it wouldn''t be good, but it would be muchmer than the impact caused by an Energy Storm!''


    He watched with glee as the Lightning shed across the sky and the heavens rumbled.


    Boom!


    A thunderp sent Commander Lu over the edge. He was about to rush and rescue his men from the energy cocoons when Ikasa''s hand firmly sped his shoulder.


    "Commander, if you care for your men, do not go there. The Energy Storm will do them good. This is not the first time I have seen this happen."


    Lu Shao whipped his neck to look at Ikasa with utter shock.


    "Thisˇ­ This Energy Stormˇ­" He stammered while animatedly waving his hands, "it was caused by you?"


    Ikasa smirked with pride and patted the man''s shoulder.


    "To be precise, my ''Magical Manual'' caused this phenomenon."


    Lu Shao looked at his cocooned men and Ikasa with an incredulous expression.


    Glowing bluish-green raindrops started to drizzle from the heavens, wetting the energy-starved soil of the Herb Garden. Ikasa gently led the stupefied Commander inside the residences.


    Back at the entrance, Feng Yan, Xin Ruo, and Chu Kuang looked dumbfounded at the sudden change in the weather.


    Chu Kuang remembered the words his master had said upon recognizing the problem of the energy-drained soil of this Herb Garden.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it."


    At that time, he thought Ikasa would buy Energy-infused Water and let a portion of thend rejuvenate; Now, seeing the scene before him, he came to know he was just a frog at the bottom of the well.


    Feng Yan looked at his daughter with narrowed eyes. Xin Ruo returned his gaze with equal suspicion.


    Both had one question in their minds: ''Did you know of this beforehand?''


    The bond between the two was so strong that they didn''t need to vocalize their doubt to be understood by the other. They both shook their heads at the same time and returned to watching the beautiful downpour of the glowing drops.


    With a fascination in their eyes, the teenaged kids enjoyed the wonder of nature. They wanted to run into the glowing rain, but one stern look from Xin Ruo put an end to their fantasies.


    When he returned to their side, they immediately surrounded Ikasa. Luo Qiqi clung to his arm andined with a pout.


    "Big Brother, sister Xin Ruo won''t let us go and y in the glowing rain!"


    Yan Xiao bobbed his head, seconding Luo Qiqi''sint.


    Ikasa knocked on the little loli''s head with his knuckle, lightly scolding her.


    "That''s not your average rain. It is an Energy Storm! Every drop of Water is Energy-infused Water. It is dangerous out there."


    The kids heard Ikasa exin with their mouths forming an ''O''.


    The money-grubbing ghost in Chu Qing woke up at the mention of Energy-infused Water. With eyes glinting with greed, he asked Ikasa, "Does the Energy-infused Water sell for a lot?"


    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and peeked at the eager Chu Qing.


    "No. It is very cheap."


    Before Ikasa could distract Chu Qing, Lu Shao blurted and exposed the outrageous lie.


    "You call 1000 silver for 10 drops cheap?!"


    The glow of the raindrops paled before the light in Chu Qing''s greedy eyes as he looked at them.


    Other than Chu Qing, the rest of the kids looked at Ikasa with worship in their eyes.


    "Big Brother brought so many drops for us in the Sal City. Thank You, Ikasa-ge!"


    They might''ve used it, but Ikasa had never mentioned the price he had paid to obtain the Water for them.


    And now that they were keeping track of money, they started to realize the value of every single coin.


    Hence, the gratitude.


    ''It feels good to be appreciated for what I did for them.''<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa beamed at them and gently gave each of their hair a rub.


    While everyone was focused on Ikasa, Chu Qing tried to sneak out.


    Just as Chu Qing was about to sneak out with a container, Feng Yan held him up by the scruff of his cor.


    "Do you want to die? If you go into that Energy Storm now, you will explode from the excess energy your body absorbs!"


    "Then why are the men out there not harmed?"


    Chu Qing asked petntly. Feng Yan looked to Ikasa for an answer since he had no idea about this abnormality.


    "Because they are isted by the Energy Cocoons shielding them from the direct rain!"


    "Ohˇ­"


    The reprimand cooled Chu Qing''s enthusiasm but did not quell his desire. He was still thinking of ways to get his hands on the Energy-infused Water and sell it.


    Ikasa palmed his face.


    ''Great! Now I have to be cautious of this brat trying to pull some crap to get his hands on Energy-infused Water.''


    He looked at Commander Lu with chagrin and decided to assign Chu Qing some tasks to keep him busy.


    While everyone was chastising Chu Qing, the inhabitant of the tree''s hollow hade out to take a stroll.


    The little ck fox pranced in the rain without a care. There was no fear of overloading to death in his sprightly steps.


    It stuck out its cute pink tongue andpped up the few drops of Energy-infused Water falling on it.


    Its actions were unnoticed by all except for one.


    The creature perceived Pei Yuan''s intense stare and waved its paw at him. With a mischievous smirk, it sat down where it stood.


    "What is that?"


    Pei Yuan shouted when he saw the intelligent actions of this furry fox. His loud question drew everyone''s attention to the open space near the tree.


    When everyone turned, they couldn''t see anything different.


    "What are you talking about, little Yuan?"


    Xin Ruo asked, cing a hand on his shoulder.


    "There, can''t you see that red and ck fox near the tree?"


    Pei Yuan said, pointing to the exact location where the fox was seated.


    Everyone still had questioning looks. Ikasa turned to the two Sense Realm Experts and whispered, "Is there something at the location he is pointing?"


    The two Sense Trainers exchanged nces and shook their heads.


    Ikasa rubbed his forehead as he pondered thistest conundrum he faced.


    He studied Pei Yuan, trying to see a ghost of a smile or hint of deceit that would expose him. However, his actions were earnest and genuine.


    ''Either his acting has be much more refined, or this ce is haunted by a spirit as imed by the locals.''


    When Pei Yuan realized no one was talking, he turned his head to look at them.


    The other kids thought he was joking and gloated at his pending misfortune.


    Xin Ruo looked suspiciously at the ce he was pointing and then at him with a look of disapproval.


    Ikasa was lost in thoughts as if he did not care about what he was saying at all.


    Pei Yuan desperately tried to convince the people.


    "I really am not lyingˇ­ It is sitting right there, near theˇ­treeˇ­."


    When he turned to point to the fox''s location, he realized he had lost it. There was no fox in the vicinity of the tree.


    "Where did it go?"


    Pei Yuan searched for the little critter everywhere with his eyes, but to no avail. There was no sign of it ever being present in the first ce.


    The teenager sweated as he fearfully turned to look at Xin Ruo.


    "Pei Yuan, I swearˇ­."


    "Oh, look, your troops are out. Do you want to check on them?"


    Before Xin Ruo could start her scolding, Ikasa loudly asked Lu Shao and led the Commander to his troops.


    His shout reminded Xin Ruo of their guest, thus saving Pei Yuan from her anger.


    When everyone''s attention was drawn away, the little fox ced a paw on its mouth. The furry little mane on its chest trembled, and its ears quivered.


    If any of the people in the hallway paid attention, a faint sound ofughter was reverberating in the hall. And this sound came from the mouth of this furry fox.


    It swung its tail happily at Pei Yuan, who just happened to look at it. Winking at him, it jumped into the tree and disappeared from his view.

 Chapter 78 The People In The Dark

    Guys, I am suffering from Dengue Fever. So, the Chapter quality might be a bit worse. When I recover, I will revisit this chapter and make changes.


    Also, thanks a lot to my readers. You are the reason I found the energy to write this chapter.


    --------------------


    "Hey, my cultivation base fell to Stage 3 of the Path Forging realm!"


    "Me too. I am down to the third stage."


    "Hmph! You need to practice more. I am at Stage 4!"


    Commander Lu shot Ikasa with an usatory re when he heard the conversations.


    Unwilling to be med unfairly, he immediately retorted with a fact.


    "Did you really expect their Cultivation Realms to not fall? Their Energy Channels are twice as long as before! Be d their ranks fell by just three or four stages, thanks to the energy storm!


    Lu Shao couldn''t refute the truth. His face turned sour, and hispanion gloated at his defeat.


    He turned to his men to assert his authority and regain some dignity.


    "Everyone! Enough of chit-chat! Fall in Line now!"


    The men obeyed. Being the thorough man he was, he personally checked the cultivation bases of his troops.


    "Wan Yu! Stage 3. Good."


    "Zhan Cao, Stage 2. Needs to be whipped into shape."


    "Bo Man, Stageˇ­1?"


    Lu Shao frowned. A second check yielded the same result. The man was temporarily dismissed, but he remembered his face.


    "Zi Fan, Stage 4! Very well done!"


    As he checked the cultivation base, he realized some had better cultivation stages, and a few had the worst.


    He narrowed his eyes on these men. He understood one simple principle.


    This regiment only had Veteran Path Forgers. (Stage 7-8)


    Since everyone used the same technique and was nearly in the same realms, their cultivation bases after regressing should be equal.


    At most, one can be a stage lower or higher than Stage 3.


    However, these 3 men had Stage 1 cultivation base. Meaning they did not use the standard technique provided by the City Lord.


    ''To think there would be moles in my, Lu Shao''s, regiment! The Hu n and the Monstrous me Sect are getting out of hand.''


    Lu Shao did not expose them instantly. Instead, he made a n to catch all the moles hidden in the army in one fell swoop.


    "Thank You, Your manuals opened my eyes in more ways than you can imagine."


    Ikasa threw a puzzled nce at him, but then his gaze shifted to the three Stage 1 guards. Hit by a sudden realization, he nodded his head in understanding.


    He had an inkling of what Commander Lu was talking about.


    "We would like to use this Herb Garden tomorrow again," Commander Lu requested.


    "Sure, sure, Commander Lu, you can use this Herb Garden anytime you want. Chu Kuang will guide you when you are here tomorrow!"


    The Commander took his leave after receiving Ikasa''s promise.


    Once his back disappeared from his view, Ikasa hurried to Xin Ruo.


    In an urgent tone, he ordered her, "Recall all our men from the City guards. Also, bring Yin Ying to my Study tonight. It''s about time we had a chat about her Information Network."


    While Ikasa worried about his informant''s safety, Chu Kuang surveyed the soil in the herb garden.


    The sticky, wet mud had the scent of the first rain. Seeing Ikasa approach, he refilled the hole he had dug and stomped on it.


    "How is the condition of the soil, Uncle Chu?" Ikasa asked with a smile.


    "The duration of the Energy Storm was too short. So, the Energy-infused Water did not seep as deep into the soil as I expected." The bald man looked disappointed.


    But realizing he might ruin his Master''s mood, he immediately suggested a solution.


    "After two or three such Energy Storms, I think this soil would be the best for herb cultivation."


    Chu Kuang added with enthusiasm.


    "Seems like your wish wille true, Uncle Chu. Commander Lu Shao is going to bring the other regiments here as well. You can expect two more Energy Storms for sure."


    Ikasa informed the older man as he saw the joy on his face multiply.


    Chu Kuangughed heartily.


    "I will do my best to repay your trust, Master. Soon, you will see seedlings of new herbs growing in this farnd."


    Ikasa acknowledged his gratitude with a nod. As he turned, he had one thought,


    ''I hope he doesn''t change his profession from Manager to Farmer!''


    __


    In the evening, two sexy figures stealthily entered the Study of the Vi. They stood before the desk of the Master of this Study.


    Ikasa looked at the buxom figure with narrowed eyes. His steepled fingers were resting on his chin.


    "How is the progress?" He asked Yin Ying.


    "My 38 men have infiltrated all the forces."


    She answered without a trace of emotion.


    "The Hu n?"


    "7."


    "Details?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Three seduced maids, others entered the militia."


    Ikasa thoughtfully tapped his chin. He wondered about the credibility of the information from the maids. Still, there was nothing he could do.


    ''I guess I will have to verify every piece of information with the much deeply rooted City Lord''s Network.''


    Deciding on the course of action, he asked about their next adversary.


    "The Monstrous me Sect?"


    "Two entered their shops; only one got into Sect."


    For the first time, Ikasa sensed frustration in her voice. But she quickly recovered.


    "Reason?"


    "Strict recruitment procedure and standards."


    Ikasa stared at her, expecting her to borate.


    "Do not allow Vagrants with techniques below high grade."


    He was shocked to hear the requirements. They were demanding a high-grade technique just for entry.


    ''They are not even a County-Level Force. Where does their confidence to attract those with High-Grade Cultivation manualse from?''


    He became curious and inquired further.


    "Any important news from the Sect?"


    "No, they are under lockdown. Except for disciples overseeing the industries in Birch City, no one exits or enters."


    Xin Ruo answered for Yin Ying. She had received this news just before they came to the Study.


    Frowning, he jumped to a conclusion.


    ''This must be rted to the surprise they are preparing!''


    "Increase surveince on the Monstrous me Sect. I want to be the first to know what they are nning!"


    His intense stare met the twodies'' eyes.


    Yin Ying simply nodded in response, unfazed by his gaze.


    "Now the City Lord''s Manor and the City Hallˇ­ How deep inside are you?"


    "Bribed Mo Fan''s maid. She likes to gossip."


    "Twelve men sessfully joined the regiments."


    "Two joined City Hall as Peons."


    Yin Ying and Xin Ruo alternately answered as if trying to one-up each other. And then, out of nowhere, Yin Ying dropped the bomb.


    "Uncovered some dirt on City Lord and Mo Fan. The Former slept with thetter''s wife."


    Xin Ruo was left tongue-tied, unable to deliver simrly explosive news.


    ''Leave it to Yin Ying to deliver such a juicy piece of news in a monotonous voice.'' Ikasa thought with a gobsmacked expression.


    Still, this was not important right now.


    "Any news about responses to my manuals?"


    "The Hu n is surprised and trying to investigate your backing."


    "No response from the Monstrous me Sect."


    "And what about the City Guards themselves?"


    "As per your instructions, I have called back all twelve of them."


    Yin Ying threw an annoyed nce at the two and schooled her features before they could notice. She had gone through lots of trouble to get them inside, and now her efforts were wasted.


    "ording to the news they brought back, the Hu n''s informants in regiments one and two are all identified and imprisoned."


    "Other informants will also fall soon." Ikasa reminded the girls.


    Once he heard every piece of news that these girls deemed important, he asked Xin Ruo to leave.


    "Yin Ying, I am satisfied with your performance. Is there anything you want?"


    She hesitated.


    "Rehabilitate the mening from the City Guards."


    "Of Course! That''s a given. They will start working here, in this vi, with new identities. What do you want for yourself?"


    Yin Ying shook her head with a stoic expression.


    Ikasa pinched his nose bridge and sighed. He opened the drawer and took out two Top Grade Techniques.


    Yin Ying had her eyes wide open upon seeing the manuals. She knew what these two books meant. This was the technique Ikasa offered to only those in his close favor.


    She looked at the book and the person before her in disbelief. The young man stood up and walked out of the Study.


    "Choose one. You deserve it."


    He said, closing the door of the Study behind him. The lone tear drop trickled down her face, but sheposed herself quickly.


    ''If I want I can take both. But the trust Ikasa has shown will be broken.''


    She decisively picked the Movement Technique, leaving the Cultivation Manual untouched.


    When Ikasa returned from his stroll, he noticed a single Cultivation Manual on the table inside his Study.


    He beamed at the empty seat, still warm from the body temperature of the recent upant.


    "Really, I didn''t make a mistake."

 Chapter 79 I Want To Learn Smithing!

    "And then to convince the City Lord and his aide, I threw them another bait. I told them that they can let the Veterans teach their rookies the same techniques without my manuals."


    Ikasa recounted to Xin Ruo how he had made his sales pitch in the Manor as he took another bite of his hawthorn candy.


    They were out touring the city with the kids. Since the hostile incidents between the three forces had been reduced to the bare minimum, the city had returned to peace.


    Ikasa decided that this was the perfect time to check one more item off the kid''s wish list; Pei Yuan''s Dagger.


    The rest of the kids, bored from being cooped in the Vi, had mored toe along. With the inclusion of a foodie like Luo Qiqi, this trip became a food tasting tour.


    "What are you thinking so deeply about?"


    Ikasa asked Xin Ruo when she did not respond to his anecdote.


    "I am wondering why you would say that and harm our business. If one were to buy a single manual and then teach it to others, who would purchase from us?"


    Hearing her needless worry, he scoffed.


    "That''s what you are worried about? Did you forget Li Shen? He had the original cultivation method, and yet without the spark of energy from my spiritual imprint, he couldn''t cultivate it."


    Turning serious, he looked her in the eye.


    "Without my spiritual imprints, it is very difficult, no, it is nigh impossible to learn the techniques from my manuals. So, don''t you worry about running out of customers!"


    He patted her shoulder and reassured her. She blushed from the close contact.


    This tender moment was ruined by an excited shout from Pei Yuan.


    "Brother, look there! We have reached the cksmith''s shop!"


    Ikasa followed Pei Yuan''s finger and noticed arge storefront not far from where they stood. A signboard with a hammer on the anvil hung from the roof.


    Pei Yuan rushed to the shop, and the others matched his pace to keep up.


    As soon as he pushed the door open, he was assaulted by the heat wave. The nging sounds of hammer striking the anvil and the smoky smell of burning charcoal came soon after.


    "If you are here for farming tools, take your pick from the shelf on the right."


    A gruff voice directed the visitor from the backroom. The same voice chuckled a few secondster.


    "Take your Pickˇ­ Heheheˇ­ What a clever pun!"


    And the sounds of hammering resumed.


    Stunned by the crazy behavior, Pei Yuan stood on the spot, unsure how to proceed. Only when Ikasa arrived behind him did he find the courage to speak up.


    "Mister cksmith, I don''t want any agricultural tools. I am here tomission a dagger!"


    The sounds of metal hitting metal stopped abruptly. A few secondster, the closed door of the back room opened, bathing the visitors in another wave of warmth.


    A rugged man with thick eyebrows and a mustache that suited his face exited the room. He looked down on Pei Yuan and scanned him from head to toe.


    Then his eyes darted from one person to another as he studied the other people in the shop.


    "Who wants my custom-made dagger?"


    All eyes turned to Pei Yuan. The owner scrutinized the boy once more, and then his hystericalughter resounded in everyone''s ears.


    "Can you even afford the weapon made by me, the only cksmith of Birch City, Gu Dan?"


    He asked, patting his chest proudly. Ikasa groaned in his head at his actions.


    ''What''s with these entric characters in Birch City? There is a haughty Commander and now this prideful cksmith. Except for a Bro-con and a doll-face who could match wits with old fogies, everyone was so normal in Sal City.''


    Ikasa sighed and replied firmly to the boastful cksmith.


    "Money is no object. Name your price!"


    Gu Dan narrowed his eyes at Ikasa.


    "Money can''t buy my craft, nor can it buy what I want."


    The two men engaged in a staring contest, turning the simple negotiation into a sh of ego. One believed that money reigned supreme, while the other believed in the sanctity of his forging.


    Xin Ruo intervened to break the ice.


    "What are your demands, Mister?"


    The middle-aged man ended the staring contest to look at Xin Ruo. His gaze softened as he looked at her.


    "I vowed to make another weapon only when I can protect others from the menace its wielder may cause. To break through into the Sense realm is the only way for me to do so. My price is a High-Grade Cultivation Method or guidance from a Sense Realm Expert on how to break through."


    Ikasa and Xin Ruo exchanged nces. He almost burst intoughter.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "That''s all? All of your ''money-can''t-buy-what-I-need'' talk is for this? Either you don''t have enough gold, or you don''t know where to buy what you want."


    He mocked the man whose face was reddening with anger.


    "I have had enough of you. If your money can buy everything you need, go find another cksmith. Because your wealth cannot purchase the dagger you want in my smithy !"


    With this scathing remark, he turned to return to his furnace room.


    Ikasa turned to the anxious Xin Ruo and loudly said, "Tsk Tsk. What a foolish man! A chance to obtain everything he wishes for has walked right to his doorsteps, and he is thinking of mming the door shut."


    Gu Dan paused in his actions and stopped the door to the backroom from closing. Without turning to face Ikasa, he asked, "What do you mean?"


    "I can fulfill both of your conditions, cksmith Gu. All you have to do is forge the best possible dagger for my guy."


    The older man''s hand trembled. He slowly turned around, unable to trust this stranger''s words.


    "Whether it be the guidance from a Sense Realm expert or a high-grade technique, I can give it to you."


    The kids bobbed their heads to assure the man of the truth in Ikasa''s words.


    "My Father is a Sense Realm Expert." Xin Ruo chimed in.


    "And I am the Merchant of Manuals! I can satisfy your need for every type of battle technique and cultivation method."


    Ikasa boasted with pride, imitating the cksmith''s chest pat from a few moments ago.


    "I do not believe such an opportunity will suddenlye to me."


    Gu Dan stared at Ikasa and Xin Ruo with apprehension mixed with hope. His apprehension was justified.


    Before Ikasa''s arrival, people who had seen High-Grade Cultivation Manuals in the Tier-3 cities could be counted on one hand. And the ones who practiced them were even rarer.


    As for the guidance from the Sense Trainers, all of them belonged to the top echelons of the city. Why would they visit this humble smithy when they can have their weapons made from a forge in Tier-2 or even Tier-1 Cities?


    If he could, Ikasa also wanted tomission Pei Yuan''s dagger from a better cksmith. But he had no means to contact the higher-tier cities at the moment.


    Hence, he had to convince the one avable to him.


    "I know mere words can''t convince you. So, I will return with proof to back my ims tomorrow."


    Ikasa nodded at the cksmith and exited the store.


    They had walked for a while when Hei Ying noticed the absence of Yan Xiao.


    She scanned all the nearby stores to see if he was attracted to something, but his figure could not be seen.


    "Brother Ikasa, Sister Ruo, Yan Xiao is missing!"


    They immediately stopped in their tracks. Ikasa and Xin Ruo surveyed the nearby surroundings. When their search turned out futile, Xin Ruo panicked.


    He soothed her and looked her in the eye.


    "You take Hei Ying and Pei Yuan and search the alleys in the uppernes. I will take Luo Qiqi and Chu Qing to search the lower streets. Whether you find him or not, meet back here in half an hour."


    One thought upied his mind as he paced down the street he had juste from.


    ''I hope this is not the doing of Hu n Bastards!''


    After searching through all the nearby alleys andnes, they arrived before the cksmith''s.


    Just to be sure, Ikasa peeked into the store. And there he saw Yan Xiao, his attention captivated by something in the backroom.


    Ikasa tip-toed his way over, shushing his twopanions into silence. Yan Xiao was so taken in by the sight before him that he didn''t notice Ikasa.


    Before them, Gu Dan was striking a red-hot piece of metal with his hammer. With every blow, the metal changed shape.


    And with every strike of the hammer, fascination on Yan Xiao''s face also grew.


    As Ikasa looked at the wonderment on the youngster''s face, he realized something.


    ''This young man has found his calling.''


    He apanied him for a few more minutes until the promised time for his rendezvous with Xin Ruo was near.


    He gently ced a hand on the youngd''s shoulder and made him aware of his presence. They exited the shop without disturbing the master working on his craft.


    As they walked back to Luo Qiqi and Chu Qing, Yan Xiao looked at Ikasa with passion in his eyes.


    "Big Brother, I want to learn Smithing!"

 Chapter 80 Gambling Mentality

    Under the bright rays of the morning sun, Ikasa was undergoing the trial of temptation in his bedroom.


    ''Would it really matter if I add 10 points now? I have added 3-4 CPs every day for the past few weeks. I can surely persist for three more days.''


    As much as he tried to convince himself, the 220/230 on his cultivation screen made his hands itch.


    ''But advancing early also has its perks. In these turbulent times, it is better to be in the strongest possible condition I can be inˇ­.''


    He tried to justify his urge and then just stopped trying. He gave in to what his heart wanted even though his mind said otherwise.


    "Oh, screw it! I am going to advance to the Sense Realm today!"


    Ikasa added the required 10 CP toplete 230 on his Mobile Network Symbol.


    The symbol lit up like New York''s skyline, and he felt a rush of euphoria.


    [Congrattions, you have sessfully fulfilled all the conditions to break through to Sense Realm! Please choose a Sense Realm Technique to cultivate.]


    "Shit! How could I forget this? I have no Sense Realm Manuals!"


    Ikasa looked at the notification with regret. He was unwilling to quit when he had already acted on his instincts once before.


    ''What''s one more time?''


    He contemted as he looked at his remaining 58 CP and his hand moved to check the Targeted Print option on its own.


    [Would you like to use 2 CP for Targeted Printing?]


    Ikasa replied with a ''Yes'' before he could rethink his decision.


    [Cultivation Manual [The Power of Exercise] is ready to print.]


    Ikasa picked up the book and quickly skimmed through it.


    "Bah! A High-Grade Path Forging Realm manual that is worse than Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength!"


    Eximing in disappointment, he threw the book on his bed. He rubbed his hand as he readied to try his hand at drawing a manual once again.


    After two more unsessful attempts that gained him Mid-grade Path Forging methods, he clicked on the button for thest time and sighed with regret.


    "Damn, am I getting an adrenaline rush through this?"


    He shook his head as he picked up thetest manual.


    It had a picture of a human body wrapped in chains and a bright title, [Unbound your Organs].


    He quickly skimmed through the book, and the smile on his face widened as it introduced concepts he had never seen before.


    "A Sense Realm manual atst!"


    With a cheer of joy, he immediately toggled to the Cultivation screen and chose the manual.


    [Do you want to use the Mid Grade cultivation method, Unbound your Organs, for breaking through to the Sense Realm?]


    ''What the hell? That''s just Mid-Grade?''


    Ikasa immediately answered with a ''No.''


    His eyes kept on darting to the 50 CP. He had vowed to keep these many points in reserve for emergency situations where he might need to print some new manual urgently.


    ''No, I can''t touch themˇ­.''


    ''But you have alreadye so far. Just a little more, and you will be a Sense Realm Expert!''


    He hesitated when his hand was just about to click on the Print button. And then Pei Yuan''s voice calling for him solved his dilemma.


    "Brother Ikasa, are you ready yet? You have to leave for the cksmith''s soon. Uncle Feng is waiting for you in the hall."


    Tension released from his body, and he wiped the lone drop of sweat on his forehead.


    Letting out a deep sigh, he replied to the question.


    "I''ll be out there in a minute. Ask Uncle Han to prepare the carriage."


    He quickly packed the three new Path Forging Realm manuals with Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength.


    ''At least now I can raise the price of this top-notch manual and stop being a one-trick pony.''


    He tried to find a silver lining for his wasteful splurges.


    ------


    After half an hour of traveling, Ikasa and Feng Yan got down from the carriage. They had reached the Smithy.


    The interior was quieter today. There were no sounds of metal hitting metal, nor were they assaulted by the heat wave opening the door. But the acrid smell of smoke and half-burnt charcoal was ever-present.


    As soon as Ikasa entered, Gu Dan''s eyes zeroed in on him. Expectation and wariness were seen in equal amounts on his face. When Feng Yan followed Ikasa inside, the forger''s face lit up.


    "As promised, I am here with the manuals and the Sense Realm Expert who can provide you with the necessary guidance."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa said, spreading his manuals on one of the empty countertops.


    Gu Dan gulped as he rushed to take a look at the manuals. Ikasa introduced them one by one.


    "These two are just Mid Grade Manuals, but they still outshine all the other Cultivation methods you can buy. The Power of Exercise is a bit weaker than the other High-Grade Manual. Still, its benefits include nimble fingers, which the other manual cannot provide."


    Looking up and down on Gu Dan''s form, Ikasa rmended him thistest manual over Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength.


    "To be honest, for an artisan like you, the precision thates with dexterity would be much better than the raw power of my other manual."


    The cksmith was like a child in candynd. He couldn''t decide what to pick, the manual or the guidance from the expert. Even if he decided to pick the manual, which one he should take.


    He was confident yesterday because no one in the city could put out what he asked for. Those that did would note to him. Now, he was doubting his ability to craft a dagger that would be worth the manual or the guidance.


    His gaze alternated between the two high-grade manuals, the mysterious expert and Ikasa, who was staring at him, waiting for his decision.


    He didn''t want to let either of them go.


    With a putong, he shamelessly fell on his knees and grabbed Ikasa''s ankle.


    "Old Man, what are you doing?!"


    Flustered by the unusual behavior, Ikasa tried to raise the man.


    Gu Dan refused to let go and grabbed even tighter.


    "Respected guest! My current dagger''s quality cannot bepared to either of these. But once I advance to the Sense Realm, my Metalworking will improve by leaps and bounds! I can guarantee you a Superior grade weapon if you give me this chance!"


    Feng Yan opened one of his eyes and took pleasure in Ikasa''s predicament.


    ''It''s been so long since I saw this kid flounder for words!''


    Ikasa took a few seconds to regain hisposure. In his entire Business career, he had dealt with backstabbers, schemers, and shameless ones; Never had one of them got on their knees literally.


    He was unsure how to deal with this guy who was twice his age.


    ''And twice as shameless as well, it seems. If I have to deal with such people in the future, it''s better to use this guy as a trial run.''


    He had formted a n in his mind. It was time to execute it.


    "cksmith Gu, it is not impossible for you to have both."


    "Really?"


    The rugged man''s head whipped up to look at Ikasa''s face. His mustache quivered, trying to suppress the smile.


    "Of course, there is a price for it."


    The young man replied with a confident smirk.


    Gu Dan felt goosebumps form on his body when he saw the smirk. He had based his whole n on Ikasa''s naive sense of fair exchange, which did not exist in this world, and now that naivety was gone.


    "I will make sure you advance to the Sense Realm if you be my employee."


    The man immediately got up and stepped back as if repulsed by the suggestion.


    "Be your servant? Impossible! I, Gu Dan, the only cksmith of this Birch City, cannot abandon my pride!"


    The rugged man dered with a righteous expression, without a single speck of embarrassment.


    Ikasa''s lips twitched while Feng Yan was unable to hold hisughter any longer.


    "Ha ha ha!"


    He approached the forger and swung an arm around his shoulder.


    "We will get along well! Do you want my sincere advice?"


    Gu Dan was intimidated by this Sense Trainer''s impulsive behavior as if they were friends who had met after a long time. In such close proximity, he had no choice but to answer positively.


    "Employee is different from a servant. I am the Commander of his Private Force. So, I can also be considered his employee, and it has been going well for me. Even my daughter is under his employment."


    Feng Yan''s words changed the way the forger looked at Ikasa. Previously, he judged this young man as an inexperienced young master from his promise of returning with proof.


    When he did return, the cksmith was impressed by his wealth. He thought the Sense Realm expert was some Elder from the young man''s family apanying to protect the Manuals.


    After Feng Yan''s revtion, his respect for Ikasa skyrocketed. He fell into deep thought.


    ''A Sense Realm Expert would be weed anywhere as a VIP, and yet he is willing to serve this man along with his daughter.''


    When he looked at the young man''s calm and collected face, a doubt nted itself in his mind.


    ''Maybe I am wrong? Maybe his beliefs are not because of the ignorance of the worldly ways but a much broader vision?''


    Feng Yan smiled when he saw his words have the intended impact. He patted the man on his shoulder. Before taking a step back to give him space, he whispered, "Choose well."

 Chapter 81 What Is Sense Realm?

    "Choose Well."


    Feng Yan''s words rang in his mind like a bell ringing at a shrine. They enlightened him and made his path clear.


    There was no need for him to think any further. He went down on one knee as if a knight greeting his lord. He bowed to the young man with his fist on his heart.


    "Please ept me, this Gu Dan as your Employee, young master!"


    Ikasa looked lost at his actions, and then annoyance shed in his eyes.


    "What''s with this borate formality? I am not knighting you! Just get up; you just need to sign a Contract!"


    He said in exasperation, pinching his nose bridge. He was already getting a headache from the short time he spent with the man.


    ''I should just let Chu Kuang manage this guy!''


    Gu Dan did not pick himself up. He looked at Ikasa and Feng Yan and asked in a hopeful tone, "Can you tell me more about the Sense realm now?"


    The two visitors exchanged nces.


    "Old Man, there is no harm in introducing the basics of Sense Realm to him right now, is there?"


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa and then the guy who still refused to get up from the floor. With uncertainty in his eyes, heplied with Ikasa''s implied request.


    "First of all, you need to know the answer to a fundamental question; What is Sense Realm?"


    "Isn''t that obvious? Sense realm is heightening your senses to the point they can actively perceive the energy!"


    Gu Dan replied from the floor. He was sittingfortably in a lotus position, receiving the knowledgeing from this Expert.


    Feng Yan smiled but shook his head.


    "That is amon perception. Before I broke through, I thought the same. However, my worldview turned upside down when I advanced."


    Feng Yan reminisced about the time when he advanced.


    "When I was breaking through, my mind operated by pure instinct! I felt the energy move in my surroundings. At that moment, I was not just seeing with my eyes but also with my mind. Nowhere did my senses receive augmentation during the breakthrough."


    He disclosed the condition of his mind, but he hid the catalysts.


    The raging battle, the looming threat of death, pain from losing his loved oneˇ­ Each one of them was a catalyst. And at the same time, the events were personal, and he was unwilling to divulge them to an outsider he had just met.


    What Feng Yan described contradicted what Ikasa read in the Mid-Grade Sense Realm Manual. But that did not mean he was wrong.


    "Is that it? Then why do Sense Realm experts have Superior reflexes? Why are their sensory organs multiple times more sensitive?"


    Gu Dan voiced his doubts, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction. Feng Yan''s exnation went against everything he knew about this realm.


    "And that brings me back to the question; What is Sense Realm? As long as you find an answer to thisˇ­."


    Not only was Gu Dan frustrated by now, but so was Ikasa. He was also trying to seek information from what Feng Yan had to say.


    "Old Man, stop beating around the bush! If he dares to go back on his word, we will ensure he never sees the sun rise again!"


    Ikasa assured, understanding Feng Yan''s scruples.


    Gu Dan looked horrified at the casual way Ikasa spelt his doom.


    ''And here I assumed he was a naive young master...''


    Once he got the go-ahead, Feng Yan stopped running in circles.


    "The question I mentioned is important, and now I will give you my answer. The goal of the Sense Realm is reawakening Spiritual Sense."


    Gu Dan was still confused, but Ikasa was reminded of the theory of the two bodies, Physical, and Spiritual.


    When he heard Feng Yan exin what he meant, he confirmed that Feng Yan had drawn inspiration from this theory.


    "When we are born, our Spiritual Senses and Physical senses are bnced. As an infant, you see not only an object but also its energy signature."


    Feng Yan exined the theory further with more examples.


    "When hearing, your ears may not hear the words of those beyond the physical realm, but your Spirit can. It can hear the needs of the energy and lure them to your body for your growth."


    "The same goes for your olfactory, tactile and gustatory sense. Your Spirit helps you smell, touch, and taste what is beyond the material."


    The passionate lecture of the Sense Trainer Feng reached it''s core.


    "And there are not five different spiritual senses that help you do this! There is only one! The Sixth Sense! It coordinates with your physical, sensory organs and elevates them to the realm of Spirituality!"


    The eyes of the speaker darted between his two listeners. Ikasa had no trouble epting it since he was familiar with the theory of Spiritual Body. That was not the case with Gu Dan.


    He couldn''t believe the exnation.


    Heatedly, he asked, "Are you saying that everyone is born a Sense Trainer?"


    Feng Yanughed at the sheer ridiculousness of the question.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "No, of course not! Everything that happens when you are a baby is involuntary! To progress in the Sense Realm, one has to obtain mastery over the Senses and recreate those same phenomena consciously. Why else would they call Sense Realm experts ''Sense Trainers''?"


    The two students silently digested what they had learned. As they delved deeper, they understood how profound this knowledge was.


    "If our spirit could perceive energy as a baby, but it cannot as an adult, does that mean we devolve as we grow?"


    Ikasa voiced the extremely disturbing thought in his head. Feng Yan retorted immediately, as if he expected this thought from either of the two.


    "Who says it cannot? The energy you absorb from the food and nature is all because of this Spirit. It is just that your Physical growth far surpasses your Spiritual growth."


    "When you bepletely dependent on Physical senses, your Sixth Sense bes dormant. The cultivation is about bridging this growth gap by first clearing energy channels in the Spiritual Body to stimte growth and then reconnecting the Sixth Sense with the other five."


    The moment Feng Yan finished speaking, Gu Dan jumped to ask his question.


    "Does that mean we can use better Path Forging arts even after we reach the Sense Realm to cleanse more Energy Channels?"


    Feng Yan rubbed his scraggly beard and submerged into a quagmire of weird ideas.


    ''If the low-grade technique is upgraded to a higher grade, the energy path will be longer, but the cultivation base will also fall because of lower cleansing rateˇ­.''


    ''Still, that is not necessarily a bad thingˇ­ Longer energy paths also mean higher growth potential.''


    ''How will it affect Spiritual Sense? The stronger the spiritual body, better it can exercise the spiritual sense. So even though, it might suffer a bit early, it will recoup and even get better as the cultivation base is recovered.''


    Feng Yan reached a conclusion. Gu Dan and Ikasa looked at him with eagerness, awaiting his verdict.


    "Unless you reach the Chakra Sensing Realm and start mapping your Chakras, you can change and erge your Energy Paths!"


    Gu Dan turned his greedy eyes to the High-Grade manuals on the countertop while Ikasa narrowed his eyes at Feng Yan.


    The Old Man suddenly felt a chill down his spine. The reason for his unease hit him.


    ''Oh no! I can''t refuse the manual he will give me now! Is this bastard going to be stronger than me?''


    He felt a crisis in his heart. He may be weaker than him in an actual fight. Still, he had protected his dignity before his daughter by lording the higher cultivation base.


    He saw Ikasa approach him with sedate steps without drawing the attention of the room''s other upant.


    Feng Yan silently mourned his dying self-esteem.


    ''My Dignityˇ­ I will miss youˇ­.''


    Ikasa stopped right in front of him and whispered, "Old Man, after the Tribute Tournament, you better use the Top Grade Manual I give and live up to my standards."


    Feng Yan sighed in resignation. He cursed in his heart.


    ''I already have a domineering daughterˇ­ Now the husband she found is also dominating me! Fuck my life!''


    He decided to y his Sense Realm Card to find the slightest sense of superiority.


    "Do I need to introduce my Sense Realm Technique? I created it myself, after numerous trials and errors."


    Feng Yan proudly stated, trying to show off.


    Before Ikasa could respond, another voice eximed with a yes.


    "Yes! Please!" Gu Dan replied excitedly, plopping his butt on the ground before Feng Yan.


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa with anticipation.


    Ikasa wanted to say no, but he couldn''t let the old man be disheartened.


    ''It''s not like this forger can actually use what he will teach, right?''


    He thought and agreed with reluctance.


    Feng Yan smiled triumphantly at this small victory in his eyes.


    "To restore the connection with my Spiritual self, I have chosen the path of first dulling my physical senses and using my Mind''s eye to amplify them. It allows bettermunication and control over the energy we absorb since birth."


    Taking a brief pause, he checked whether the two pupils followed what he meant in his introduction. He saw them listen attentively, eager to take in new knowledge.


    Nodding with satisfaction, he proceeded to instruct them.


    "Now close your eyes and try to SEE!"


    Ikasa almost snorted. ''What kind of instructions were these?''


    If this was how Feng Yan taught, he had an absolute guarantee that the Forger would have no choice but to use manuals he provided to break through to Sense Realm!


    "Visualize your surroundings through your mind andˇ­."


    Before Feng Yan could finish his sentence, a sharp knock sounded on the closed door of the shop.


    "cksmith Gu, The Hu n is here to collect taxes!"

 Chapter 82 Ideal Spot For Recruitment

    "The Hu n?"


    Ikasa mouthed to Feng Yan, puzzled by sudden visitors.


    On the other hand, Gu Dan got up and brought a pouch full of coins from his furnace room. He intended to hand it over as if it were a regr urrence.


    Feng Yan stopped him from opening the door to the shop. Ikasa approached and ced a hand on Gu Dan''s shoulder.


    "cksmith Gu, what is going on? Shouldn''t you be paying taxes only to the City Lord?"


    Gu Dan helplessly shook his head.


    "These thugs call it a tax, but it is nothing but extortion. They wreak havoc if we don''t pay and sometimes even shut the shop down."


    While Gu Dan answered, the knocks on the door turned to bangs. The loud thumps shook the entire door frame. It seemed as if it would give in at any second.


    "Gu Dan! Do you not want your shop anymore? Open this door now!"


    It only took a few minutes for the goons outside to drop any pretext of politeness and show their colors.


    Feng Yan and Ikasa exchanged nces.


    "Take them down in the name of the Lord of this City."


    Ikasa whispered to Feng Yan and opened the door.


    A chubby, drunk thug''s violent knock hit the air instead of the door. Losing his bnce, he fell at Ikasa''s knees. After throwing him a brief nce, Ikasa ignored him.


    Feng Yan came out from the open door and roared, "Who dares demand taxes in the City Lord''s domain?"


    His scraggly beard looked like a lion''s mane, and his red eyes struck fear into these goons. They trembled and shrank back, trying to make themselves look as small as possible to this apex predator incarnate.


    Their Leader was not cowed so easily, though. He looked at Gu Dan and ridiculed, "Do you think this guard can protect you? Is this the basis of your confidence?"


    Seeing Gu Dan tremble, the yellow-toothed man became bolder.


    "Look how I crush this old bastard''s bonesˇ­."


    Smack!


    Before the Leader of the goons could finish his threat, Feng Yan smacked him hard on the face. He revolved around himself and sprawled on the ground, spewing blood and his dislodged teeth.


    "YOU! You bedder opologize old mon!"


    The pitiful guy had a bright red palm print on his left cheek, and his left side of the face was swollen to twice the size. Hisckeys looked at Feng Yan in horror.


    "Do You know who you just pped?"


    "No."


    Feng Yan''s nonchnt answer stumped the minuscule brain of the goon. When it kicked back into action, the goon proudly announced, "Ask anyone who this young master is!"


    Feng Yan looked at his surroundings. Even after such a hugemotion, no one had gathered. Most shopkeepers had locked the doors and watched the happenings through slits in the window.


    The old man grabbed the goon by his cor and lifted him off the ground.


    "Do you want to speak," Feng Yan whispered while lifting his other hand, ready to smack his face, "Or should I ask someone else?"


    "I''ll talkˇ­. I''ll tell you!"


    Smack!


    Another pair of teeth flew out, and thisckey joined his young master in puking blood.


    Feng Yan looked at him with disgust and spat at the ground.


    "Your mouth stinks!"


    Turning to the other people, he ordered, "Stand where you are and introduce your young master."


    The other three peeped at their Leader, who was dyeing the street red with blood, and the monster who made him that way. At this moment, their survival instincts took over, and they began talking.


    "Respected expert, spare us. We only followed him because he said he is a bigshot in the Hu n."


    "Yes, Elder. He said he was the nephew of the first wife of the second brother of the 4th Seat of the Hu n!"


    Feng Yan didn''t want to hear any more of their nonsense. He looked at Ikasa.


    ''Finally, it is time for my entrance!''


    Ikasa stepped forward.


    "You scoundrels better remember thisˇ­ Whosever''s nephew you might be, you are a grandson in the City Lord''s territory. ce everyst coin you have extorted on the ground."


    The goons quickly searched their young master and stripped everyst piece of gold from him. They also added the small amounts they had received to make up the numbers.


    Once they were done, they lowered their heads, awaiting further instructions. Ikasa looked at the array of copper and silver coins with a few golds mixed in on the ground.


    "Tch! Small-time thugsˇ­." He shook his head while clicking his tongue.


    His words drew angered gazes from the goons.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "What? Do you want a taste of his palm? No? Then Scram!"


    They looked fearfully at Feng Yan and dragged their blood-pukingpanions as they fled from the scene. As if the p from before was not enough, their young master left behind words promising vengeance.


    "Yoo bill regret dis!"


    The people-watching from the windows widened the slits to ensure that the goons had indeed left.


    "They are gone!"


    Someone shouted, and people started to open the doors and windows and came out en masse. They gathered around Ikasa and Feng Yan, their eyes shining with reverence.


    "Thank You, Master. These cancerous parasites have be more and more audacious these days."


    Gu Dan spoke for all the shopkeepers gathered.


    "Yes. It''s not just Hu n; thugs from the Monstrous me Sect also extort us."


    "The City guards are only good for collecting taxes. When the people from other forcese, they run with their tails between their legs."


    The people supported Gu Dan''s statement and vented their grievances before Ikasa. They aired the ipetence of City Guards, hoping he would find a way to redress their grievances.


    Ikasa''s mouth twitched.


    ''I only used City Lord''s name to throw Hu n off! Are they mistaking me to be an official from the City Hall?''


    He looked at Gu Dan and realized even he had fallen for the ruse.


    ''Since I havee so far, I should see this matter through.''


    Ikasa paid attention to the people, moring to have their problems heard. After a few minutes, his patience ran thin. He silenced everyone.


    "Gu Dan, distribute this amount among these shopkeepers. I will talk to Commander Lu for added security for this street."


    After instructing Gu Dan, Ikasa promised people. Just as he was about to escape with Feng Yan, an old woman grabbed the hem of his robe.


    "Can you rmend my grandson to City Guards? He is 17. I know he is younger than average recruits but can''t you do something about it?"


    Ikasa stopped and supported the old grandmother who was about to bow to him. A loud sob escaped her mouth as he held her.


    "Stop, Grandmother! You don''t have to bow. Tell me what happenedˇ­."


    His words and actions drew appreciation from the crowd. One of the wives of the shopkeepers present came andforted the older woman. Her husband exined the situation in the olddy''s house.


    "Last week, those bastards from the Monstrous me Sect came. They ruined that shop at the end of the street because the shop owner couldn''t pay. They also crippled her only son, the sole person managing the shop."


    From hearing the crowd, Ikasa knew that this grandmother had no other choice as her shop was ruined and her son was bedridden. Her 17-year-old grandson was braving dangers in the wild to find a cure for his father.


    The initiative taken by the grandmother encouraged the mob. They recounted simr incidents that happened in thest few months.


    "Old Gan''s shop was also torn down by those Hu n bastards! His lone son couldn''t do anything but watch helplessly."


    "The Monstrous me Sect tried to abduct the daughter-inw of Wu''s family down the street. Her husband used a knife to poke one disciple''s eye, and that''s the only reason they failed."


    "Six shops were smashed during the brawl between Hu n and City guardsst month. They have still not reopened."


    Ikasa realized that the people loathed the three forces. These forces only collected money but did not provide any protection they promised in exchange.


    But these poor shopkeepers did not have any other option as well.


    "If only there was some alternate force that could protect us and teach our children martial arts."


    One of the Shopkeepers voiced what everyone wished in the crowd.


    Ikasa turned his attention to Gu Dan and asked, "How many of these families have Sons and daughters at an age above 17?"


    The cksmith surveyed the crowd and answered, "Almost all eighty of them."


    The young man exchanged a nce with the old man. They shared an identical smirk.


    "Brother and Sisters, I have heard your problems. And I have a solution. This Sense Realm Expert!"


    Ikasa introduced Feng Yan in the simplest words with the most impact.


    People in the crowd immediately became respectful of this man, who had just taught Hu nckeys a lesson.


    The old man took over to describe the n.


    "I am forming a private force, and your sons and daughters have a chance to be part of it. They will be trained in the best techniques in this private force and paid appropriate wages."


    Even after introducing the best features, the shopkeepers were unimpressed.


    Noticing Feng Yan sucked at expounding on benefits, Ikasa took over to increase the shopkeepers'' expectations.


    "Your sons and daughters have a chance to earn a sry as high as 1000 silver per month! As their parents, we will provide you an opportunity to relocate to a safe location where you don''t have to worry about the three forces extorting you for money."


    When observing their reactions, he gained satisfaction from the excitement and hope he saw on their faces. It was time to pose the question.


    "Who is willing to enter this Private Force and learn under a Sense Realm Expert?"

 Chapter 83 Sense Realm!

    "How many people have signed up until today?"


    Ikasa asked Feng Yan, taking a bite of his breakfast for the day, Potato pancake.


    Feng Yan chugged down his ss of juice and let out a burp before answering.


    "30 joined the day before. Then yesterday, 26 new people applied. So a total of 56."


    "Including the 50 you had trained, does that mean my 100 men strong private force is now ready?"


    Ikasa asked, his eyes shining with delight.


    Feng Yanughed and shook his head.


    "Not yet. I still want to check the new recruits. It would not do us any good if your valuable manuals fall in the hands of our enemies."


    The foresight of the old man pleased Ikasa. He was reassured by the fact that this man was going to lead his forces and provide his business security.


    The two returned to eating in silence.


    After finishing their meals, Feng Yan left to take care of his new troops while Ikasa returned to his room to use the Printer.


    Today, the regr print button would be upgraded to the Golden Print button after 7 days of umtion.


    Ikasa connected to the Printer, rubbing his hands in anticipation.


    ''Please a top grade manualˇ­ A Top Grade Sense realm manual!''


    He prayed as he waited for the system interface to load.


    As soon as the interface opened on the Cultivation Screen, he received a message that baffled him.


    [Congrattions on advancing to Sense Realm!]


    "Iˇ­ did? When? How?"


    The interface answered none of his questions. He received another notification.


    [Please print the technique chosen for you.]


    Ikasa toggled the screens and went to the Print button. Instead of shining in gold, it was translucent silver.


    "Is this a Diamond Button?"


    He wondered as he clicked on the anomalous button. He did not see any of the familiar scenes when a manual is randomly selected. No millions of words shing before his eyes and no shy scenes.


    [Cultivation manual, ''Tame your Horses'' is ready to print.]


    "Tame your Horses? What the heck?"


    Ikasa picked up the book that had just formed.


    On the front cover, he saw a picture of a chariot. Instead of wheels, this chariot had legs. Five Horses pulled the chariot. Each of the horses represented Eyes, Ears, Tongue, Nose and Skin.


    And the coachman of this chariot was a translucent white figure!


    The more Ikasa looked at it, the more he thought it was a representation of the Spiritual Body.


    He opened the book and spent an entire hour reading through it. Once he was done he closed the book with bliss of enlightenment.


    ''The spiritual sense should hold the reins to other physical senses. Only then can all the senses coordinate and work together in harmony.''


    "Such profundity is hidden in such a ridiculous picture!"


    Ikasa eximed, trying to make sense of the sheer absurdity of the cover art.


    "Nope! It is still hideous and needs to be covered up if I ever want to sell this manual!"


    He flipped the book and turned his attention to the Cultivation Screen.


    In the column for technique cultivated, Tame your Horses was added. But he noticed a peculiarity next to it.


    "What! This is a Top Grade Cultivation Manual?!"


    Ikasa double checked the description of the manual in the interface and it definitely said Top-Grade.


    "Damn! Where did I learn a technique that shares simr theories as that of a Top Grade Manual?"


    Ikasa scratched his brain trying to find a usible answer. But he could only remember practicing a few times ording to what Feng Yan taught.


    ''No! HELL NO! It can''t be himˇ­''


    He refused to believe that the Old man had stumbled upon a Top Grade technique on his own!


    He racked his brains to think of alternate possibilities but he could not think of any. At this time, his brain suggested to him a quote from his favorite detective.


    ''When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.''


    Resigned, Ikasa could only ept this fact.


    "Argh! I already feel like punching his smug face when hees to know that he has discovered a Top Grade Technique on his own!"


    Ikasa gritted his teeth, looking at the book lying innocently on the table.


    As much as he dreaded having to suffer from the Old Man''s gloating in the near future, Ikasa was actually happy for him.<novelnext></novelnext>


    To be able toe up with a Top Grade technique on his own just by using the theories he read? He had to admit the talent and incredible luck of Feng Yan.


    "Sigh. This Old Man ruined my joy of breakthrough to Sense Realm! And he is not even present!"


    Ikasa shook his head and turned to look at his Cultivation Panel. In the ce of the symbol for Mobile Network, a Pentagon had appeared.


    He observed the changes carefully.


    There were five points, each on one of the corners of the Pentagon. Near every point, he saw (0/50).


    At the center, there was another grayed out point. Here, the points required doubled with a (0/100).


    "Does this mean I need 350 points for my next breakthrough?"


    Ikasa wondered after calcting the total points on the Pentagon.


    He tried clicking one of the points on the Pentagon. A notification popped up before him.


    [Use 2 CP to enhance Vision?]


    "So each of these five points represents a Sense!"


    Eximing in realization, Ikasa answered yes.


    He immediately regretted his decision.


    He began experiencing an excruciating headache. His vision cked out and his eyes burned.


    After a few minutes, he passed out from exhaustion.


    While Ikasay unconscious in his room, a figure in ck arrived near the entrance to the Monstrous me Sect. With a loud cuckoo''s call, it called its contact inside the sect.


    In the silence of the forest, the call stood out. It drew the attention of most of the patrolling disciples.


    "Senior Brother, let me investigate."


    The newly recruited Zheng Fan appealed to the Disciple in Charge of patrols. Receiving the permission, he righteously left through the front gates and arrived near the figure.


    "Sister, why are you here? We may get caught if you are not careful!"


    After surreptitiously checking the surroundings, Zheng Fan admonished the figure in ck.


    "Listen, I don''t have much time. Do you have any news?"


    Zheng Fan stopped looking around and whispered, "I heard that the Sect Leader has received a guest from some big sect in the Tier 1 city."


    "Sister, Monstrous me Sect is much more powerful than you imagined. They have many High-grade manuals for disciples to redeem. I am urging you, join it before it is toote."


    The figure in ck was not tempted. Seeing this, Zheng Fan changed his approach.


    "They are saying the Monstrous me Sect will soon take over Birch City and those who are opposed will all be crushed."


    After informing her of the impending threat, he appealed to her.


    "Sister, I am thinking of surrendering to the Sect. You should join too. I can put in a good word for you and the rest of our brothers."


    Yin Ying was still unmoved. She looked at Zheng Fan with limpid eyes.


    "Are you really doing this because you are afraid? Or are you tempted?"


    She asked in an even voice.


    Zheng Fan, agitated by her usation, revealed his true heart.


    "Why should I follow your lead and serve that rich silky pants? I have a chance to start anew in this sect. For the sake of our old friendship, I am offering you the same chance."


    Yin Ying did not reveal her emotions but she empathized with his need for freedom.


    She understood the amount of liberty Ikasa offered was much more than any other force. But these people who had to infiltrate other forces might not understand.


    However, he was one person. He might not know what fate awaited her and his other brothers when Sectes to know their identity as ves.


    She looked into his eyes and realized persuasion was a fool''s endeavor. So she decided to string him along.


    "Zheng Fan, I am interested in your proposal. But give me some time. Let me gather our other brothers. If you disclose Ikasa''s knowledge, all of us might be in danger."


    Zheng Fan smiled, pleased with the answer.


    "Sister, I can only urge you to hurry up. Once the Elder from Tier 1 Sect arrives, it will be war. No matter what I say, it will be impossible to change sides then."


    Yin Ying stood still as she processed his words.


    ''If even a lowly new disciple had ess to this information, Monstrous me Sect is nning to go big this time. I must get this information to Ikasa as soon as possible.''


    "Why are you so certain it will result in war?" She probed, gauging Zheng Fan''s reaction.


    Zheng Fan identified Yin Ying''s tant attempt at fishing for info right away. But he didn''t care.


    He knew she could be subtle if she wanted but she was being obvious. It meant she was taken in by his news.


    He slowly replied, looking into her eyes.


    "Because this time they want to invoke the pact!"

 Chapter 84 The Little Menace

    In one of therge farnds of the Herb Garden, dark clouds had just rained down the Energy-Infused water.


    "Manger Chu, thank you for your cooperation."


    "You don''t have to thank me, Commander Lu. I just followed my Master''s instructions."


    "Of course. I will thank him in person. Also, please remind him that our team for the tournament will arrive tomorrow."


    "I will do so, Commander."


    Lu Shao nodded once at Chu Kuang and left with his men. The bald man rxed as he watched them leave the premises of the Herb Garden.


    Turning to the rooms, a sigh escaped his lips.


    "I still need to check each and every room''s renovation."


    Then his attention was drawn to the sun high up in the sky.


    ''Well, I can do that after my lunch. I wonder what delicacies Bu Fan has prepared todayˇ­''


    Chu Kuang thought as he unpacked the box of lunch.


    Unbeknownst to him, the little fox had decided to y with him. His shadow elongated a little and then shrank to normal.


    "Hehehe!"


    Sounds of a child''sughter rang in the room. Chu Kuang paused mid-action.


    "Did a child sneak in when I wasn''t paying attention?"


    He got up and picked his staff to shoo away any kid that might''ve snuck in here.


    After searching for a quarter of an hour, he didn''t find traces of kids. Caressing his smooth shaven head, Chu Kuang returned to the room he was having his lunch in.


    "Hehehe!"


    He heard theughter once again.


    Chu Kuang banged his staff and asked loudly, "Who''s there?"


    He received no response. Not even the sound of footsteps running away.


    "Weird," Chu Kuang thought as he picked up the Roujiamo Bu Fan had prepared for him.


    Before he could take a bite, the other end of the Roujiamo was bitten by something or someone.


    Chu Kuang panicked and jumped up with his Staff in his hand. He could hear the sounds of chewing but he couldn''t see anyone.


    Fear crept into his heart and his hands trembled.


    "Whoˇ­Who''s there?"


    Chu Kuang yelled in his quivering voice. He discarded the roujiamo on the floor hoping to catch the thief with his stick.


    The piece of meat sandwich disappeared right before his eyes but neither did he see a culprit nor how it disappeared.


    He brandished the staff in his hands haphazardly, expecting tond a lucky hit. He thought the culprit would appear at least when evading the random strikes but he was wrong.


    Why would the culprite out when it was safely hidden in his shadows?


    The little ck Fox enjoyed the panic. It took pleasure in Chu Kuang''s fear. To up the ante, it began to manipte the shadows.


    The room started to darken even under the Midday Sun! Chu Kuang felt a chill go down his back.


    "Kukuku"


    Aughter sounded behind him. Chu Kuang shuddered and tried to take a peek.


    Nothing. He found nothing.


    "Kekkeke"


    Then the sound of sniggering reverberated in the entire room.


    Chu Kuang was at his wits end. This had gone from spooky to scary very fast. He took measured steps towards the door. As he took a step closer to the door, the shadows darkened.


    He stood still on his spot for a few seconds and watched the surroundings for any changes. Soon he felt cooler as a gentle breeze passed by his body.


    Apanying the shadows, the wind began to pick up. His body cooled and his palms became mmy. His throat parched from fear.


    For thest time, he banged his staff on the floor and shouted with all his might, "Who is it? Who is ying tricks here?"


    Wind whistled in reply to his question.


    The bald man shivered and abandoned any thoughts of maintainingposure. He swung his Staff all around him and then threw it in a corner.


    The staff narrowly missed the little fox head. It huffed andbared its teeth. With a glint in its eyes, it decided to create an even more terrifying construct.


    In the corner the staff had fallen, shadows began to gather. They started toe together to form a huge maned Lion. A terrifying purplish glow surrounded its body.


    Since it was behind him, Chu Kuang did not notice the lion immediately. And then the Lion roared!<novelnext></novelnext>


    Chu Kuang instinctively punched in the direction of the Lion, shattering its form. But it soon began to reform by gathering nearby shadows.


    Seeing the terrible form of what he had punched, blood drained fro his body


    When he saw a lion reform from the shadows, he turned tail. This was his limit.


    He ran all the way out yelling, "Ghost! There is a ghost in the herb garden."


    The little fox came out into the open after ying the prank. Its tail swished from side to side happily as if satisfied with Chu Kuang''s reaction.


    It licked its lips and cleaned thest crumbs of roujiamo and then jumped into its tree hollow.


    Chu Kuang didn''t stop till he reached Ikasa''s Vi. He barged straight into the dining room where Ikasa sat, tiredly rubbing his eyes.


    "Master, ghostˇ­my gamble may have failedˇ­"


    The Bald man reported, panting from fear and exhaustion.


    "Calm down, Uncle Chu. Sit here. Now take a deep breath and tell me what happened."


    Ikasaforted the frightened man and poured him a ss of water. Chu Kuang felt life return to his limbs after having a sip of water.


    "Master, when I showed you that property, I gambled on the fact that someone was pretending and there might not be any ghost there. Nowˇ­"


    Chu Kuang shuddered thinking of his recent experience.


    "I have just confirmed the existence of a ghost!"


    Ikasa noticed the very real fear in his eyes as he mentioned a ghost.


    "Uncle Chu, don''t be afraid. You are far from that ce. Recount to me slowly what you experienced."


    Chu Kuang hesitated. Only when he felt the warm hand on his shoulder, did he find the courage to speak.


    "Master, it started when I stopped to have lunchˇ­"


    For the next few minutes, the bald man exined what he went through. He may have exaggerated a few things but Ikasa had a rough idea of what happened.


    The wind, the shadows and the lion made from shadowsˇ­ It sounded too out of the ce. The weather outside was bright and sunny. The location was inside the central part of the City.


    If there was a Shadow Lion, many people might''ve seen it and fallen prey to it. So, Ikasa discarded the idea that the ghost or spirit might be a Shadow Lion.


    ''Maybe that?'' Ikasa wondered, remembering the trip with children a few days ago.


    "Uncle Chu, you did not see what or who ate the Sandwich at any point did you?"


    "No."


    Ikasa fell into a deep thought.


    ''Could it be the Fox that Pei Yuan saw? Is it a higher level spirit animal?''


    Pacing in his dining room, he tried to find usible exnations to his questions. He was sure that it was not a ghost but some spirit beast. But he couldn''t answer one question.


    "Why did the animal not kill anyone?"


    Everything Chu Kuang described sounded scary, but it was no more threatening than a prank some teens would y on halloween.


    ''If it really was a vengeful spirit beast or ghost, it wouldn''t have eaten the roujiamo and spared Chu Kuang.''


    Ikasa critically looked at the plump body of the bald man, assessing his meat''s worth.Chu Kuang became ufortable under the stare of his master and he tried to hide himself behind the table.


    After thinking for a long time, he came to a conclusion.


    "The Spirit Beast must be a lost cub of some powerful beast. It is still juvenile and likes to y pranks."


    After having a reasonable exnation, musch of the tension drained from his body.


    ''Now, I just need to worry about how to capture it.'' He thought, rubbing his chin.


    In the bright sunlight, Chu Kuang felt warmth return to his body. As his fear reduced, he remembered what Commander Lu had said.


    "Master, Commander Lu asked me to pass a message to you. He said that the team for the tournament wille to Herb Garden for practice starting tomorrow."


    "Oh?" Ikasa turned to look at Chu Kuang in surprise. His brows furrowed as this was earlier than they nned.


    ''The tournament is still two and half weeks away. But since Feng Yan''s issue with the recruitment had been solved, I don''t think he will have any problem participating in the training.''


    Suddenly, a thought came to his mind as he reyed Chu Kuang''s words.


    "Wait! Did you say they areing to the Herb Garden for training?"


    Ikasa asked with eyes glinting with excitement. Chu Kuang was puzzled by his behavior but like a good servant, he answered while ignoring his master''s antics.


    "Yes. Commander Lu is personally leading the team."


    "Really? Good!"


    Ikasa''s smile widened as he formted a n that would help the trainees as well as help him lure the Fox out of its hole.

 Chapter 85 Fcuk! Thats A ....

    "You called for me, Kid?"


    Feng Yan asked as soon as he arrived in the Herb Garden.


    "Yes. The team participating in the Tribute Tournament with you will arrive soon for practice."


    After contemting for a few seconds, Ikasa finally decided to give Feng Yan thetest Top-Grade Sense realm Manual.


    "Here, this is the Top-Grade technique I derived from your theories. Use it if you want."


    He nonchntly passed the book while looking at the distant des of grass growing in the farnds.


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa with aplicated expression. He had spent Eighteen years refining the technique and only reached the initial phase. On the other hand, Ikasa had learned only the start and deduced the entire technique!


    ''Comparison shouldn''t be made amongst men.''


    Feng Yan thought, shaking his head, and silently tucked the book into his sleeve.


    As both wallowed in silence, Mo Fan approached them with a team of 15 people behind him. Ikasa recognized a few acquaintances among the team.


    Commander Lu Shao, Vice Commander Zhou, thirdmander Zi Ming and so on.


    "Greetings, Brother Ikasa!" Mo Fan greeted enthusiastically.


    "The City Lord has instructed these men to listen to your everymand. As long as you train them to be in the best condition for the tournament, your word will be final!"


    Mo Fan conveyed his master''s words, sealing the fate of the people behind him.


    "Thank the City Lord for his trust in me. I will make sure to raise the standards of these guys to Feng Yan''s level."


    Ikasa replied, understanding the hidden meaning of Zhen Wu''s words.


    He turned to the newly arrived team and introduced himself and Feng Yan.


    "The City Lord''s trust in me may seem unusual to you, right?"


    Ikasa paused to gauge their reactions. And as expected, everyone was skeptical of his ability to train them. He serenely smiled and dangled a carrot before these people.


    "After knowing the rewards I am offering you, you won''t doubt your Master''s words."


    " Firstly, this is a High-Grade Offensive Battle Technique! You can win this if you perform to my expectations!"


    The Young man held up the Battle Technique manual for Chop! The ominous red color attracted the attention of the team.


    Seeing the people gasp, he smiled in satisfaction.


    "There are even better rewards, but if you can''t win this high-grade manual, you won''t even have a chance toy your eyes on the other rewards."


    His words raised the team''s curiosity. Even the veterans like Commander Lu Shao and Zi Ming were no exception. One of them couldn''t take it anymore and asked, "You haven''t said how we can win these manuals?"


    ? Ikasa focused on the young man who asked the question. He was rtively thin amongst the group, and his hair was tied in a bun.


    Then his eyes roamed over every other member of the team. He slowly announced his condition after ensuring everyone''s attention.


    "The First Task is simple. There is a ck Fox here, hiding in this estate. All you have to do is lure it out without using any offensive means."


    The group of 15 looked at each other, confused as to how they shouldplete the task.


    "A Fox? How are we supposed to lure it?"


    "Do you know any Fox that is ck in color?"


    "What do the Foxes even eat? Would meat work?"


    The team scratched their heads as they tried to devise a suitable solution. Commander Lu noticed the smirk on Ikasa''s face. He realized that they should be able to obtain more information from him.


    "Mr. Ikasa, can you give us more information about this creature?"


    ''Someone with a brain!'' Ikasa thought as his smile widened.


    "I do not know which Fox-type spirit beast it is, but I am sure it is a Cub. It likes to y pranks on people. So far, only one person has seen it. ording to his description, it has red tufts of hair on the head and tailˇ­."


    Before he could finish his exnation, one of the team members pointed to the open space near the tree.


    "There it is! The ck and Red Fox is sitting right there!"


    Everyone turned to look at the spot he pointed to. But they didn''t see anything. Ikasa understood that it might be the same scene as with Pei Yuan.


    "Describe how it looks, Guard!"


    The person pointing at the Fox raised his head and met Ikasa''s eyes.


    "It has bright red eyes. The tips of its ears are dark red, and also its paws. It is a little fur ball that has not yet grown up."


    When the Guard turned to look at the ce he saw the little creature, he noticed it had gone missing.


    "Where did it go? It was right there!"


    Ikasa took this chance to exin the various pranks this Fox liked to y. He recounted the incident with Pei Yuan and then Chu Kuang to the team members.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Let me remind you of one thing. That Fox may be a cub, but it has a very high level of Cultivation. If you use lethal force to injure it and it retaliates, any casualties you incur are your responsibility!"


    After reiterating his warning, Ikasa had done everything he could to make these people understand the danger of the situation.


    "Whoever makes the Fox appear before I will win! Now, let''s begin!"


    Despite not being divided into teams, the guards stuck to themand chain. Three teams formed with Commander Lu, Vice Commander Zhou, and Third Commander Zi Ming taking the lead!


    Commander Lu led his men to search for foods the Fox might like. Vice Commander Zhou had the same thought but went to the City to purchase roujiamos.


    Third, Commander Zi Ming had a different n. He decided to y with the little beast and coax it into showing up. The Guard who had seen the Fox belonged to hismand.


    "Er Gou, where did you see that little Fox?"


    Zi Ming asked, eyeing the surroundings for ces where the Fox mighte out to y.


    "There, in the patch by the tree."


    Zi Ming eyed the ce suspiciously, but he didn''t see any paw prints that would indicate the presence of an animal. Even the grass was not ttened.


    "Everyone, disperse. If you notice unusual activity, y along ande running to the tree."


    Zi Ming instructed his men. His n was clever. He thought the little furball would be too engrossed in ying and end up exposing itself, but he was too naive.


    On the second floor of the Hallway, Ikasa and Feng Yan watched the teams go their ways.


    "Do you think any of them will seed?"


    Ikasa asked Feng Yan, noticing Zi Ming''s ingenious n.


    "That little critter is clever. It won''t fall for such an obvious trick."


    Unknown to them, the little critter they were talking about was sitting right beside Feng Yan''s legs, nodding its head at the older man''s assessment.


    A few minutester, it lifted its nose and took a whiff of the air. Its eyes shone with delight when it smelled the familiar scent of roujiamo. It bounded down the stairs toward the smell, happily waving its furry tail.


    "The Second team has returned from the City."


    Feng Yan informed Ikasa, judging from the smell of oily meat spreading from the Roujiamo.


    Soon after, they heard amotion downstairs.


    "The roujiamos! How are they disappearing so fast?"


    "Hey, that one was mine, you little bastard! Keep it for me!"


    One of the irritated ones suggested a foolhardy idea to Vice Commander Zhou.


    "Should we just throw a on it and be done with it?"


    Zhou Ruan looked at the guard as if looking at a fool.


    "Do you think a Beast that can threaten our safety can be captured with an ordinary?"


    With ack of good ideas to make the beast reveal itself, one of the guards fell on his knees and prayed to the disappearing meat sandwich.


    "Oh lord, ancestor, please reveal your glory so we can bring you offerings of delicacies every day!"


    As foolish as the plea sounded, he received a response! The creature''s tail gently caressed his face, and then the sensation disappeared with the remainder of the meat sandwich.


    Shortly after, people from Zi Ming''s team began to experience horror after horror. Some lost control of their faculties and fainted on the spot, while some remembered the instructions and ran to the tree in the center.


    Zi Ming''s face turned dark when he noticed just two people gathered under the tree of the initial five. And that included him!


    ''These faint-hearted bastards!''


    Zi Ming cursed, stomping his feet when he realized his n had backfired spectacrly!


    Ikasaughed at the impotent rage of Zi Ming and looked forward to Lu Shao''s return.


    Commander Lu returned with a bag of Fox nuts. His men spread into the premises and tried to lure Fox with the nuts, to no avail.


    The little Fox, full from the meat sandwiches, was lounging on the stairs to the second floor, ignoring the men with fox nuts.


    As the sun went down, everyone had given up and didn''t have an idea to make the little Fox show up. They gathered in the open space near the tree and awaited Ikasa''s verdict.


    The exhausted men had provided much entertainment to Ikasa and Feng Yan. On a whim, he decided to call out to the Little Fox.


    "Little Fox, would you like to choose the winner?"


    Ikasa may have said the words in jest, but the Fox took them seriously. It jumped down the stairs and reached the guard who had prayed to him, treating him as an Ancestor.


    It appeared before everyone and pointed one of his paws at him. The people present were left stupefied by Fox''s sudden appearance. Sensing everyone''s attention, it waved its tail and jumped into the tree''s hollow!


    When it finally disappeared, Ikasa regained hisposure. Only one thought was circting in his head.


    "Fcuk! That''s a Zorua!"

 Chapter 86 Betrayal=Death

    "Punch harder! How are you going to defeat the Spirit Condensation Stage beast if you cannot breach this kid''s defense!"


    Feng Yan berated the guard who was facing Chu Qing. The matchup was unfair as Chu Qing practiced the Top Grade manual and his body was as fortified as a defensive Spirit beast.


    It was impossible for the guard to deal damage when the young teen used the defensive technique on top of his natural advantages.


    On the other side of the Farnd, Pei Yuan was running circles around a group led by Zi Ming. Not a single person had managed tond a hit on his body.


    In the open space, Hei Ying trained with Commander Lu Shao''s team. Her clever jabs and Gazelle Punches had caused many to fall unconscious.


    Ikasa sighed as he came to realize just how ill prepared these soldiers were for the tournament. Unwilling to see their morale drop further, he gave them a break and ended their training for the day.


    "Do you think they can perform better after training for the next two weeks?"


    He asked Feng Yan, who joined him on the second floor. Feng Yan shook his head without hesitation.


    "Unless you are willing to provide them the same techniques we use, they have no chance of defeating any of the Spirit beasts."


    He exined his reasoning when Ikasa looked at him questioningly.


    "The Tri Tusk Boarˇ­ Its hide is as thick as Chu Qing''s defense. Pei Yuan should be able to keep up with the Cloud Patterned Leopard in terms of speed. And the One-eyed Chimp is no less smart than Hei Ying."


    Feng Yan exposed the grim situation of the people City Lord had sent to them for training. Ikasa realized that he only had two options; either he bestows the soldiers the same techniques or adds his own men to the City Lord''s team.


    Speaking of men, Ikasa was reminded of his private force.


    "Did you finish ascertaining the loyalties of the new recruits?"


    "Yes! Only two had previous dealings with the Hu n. Some of the shops traded with the Sect but after the hostilities started, they stopped. Most of the people have a deep grudge against the three forces."


    Ikasa considered the answer and deemed it eptable. He couldn''t condemn new recruits just because they had some contact with the two most powerful forces in this City in their past.


    "Should we distribute our manuals among them? It will help if we have backup in case City Guards do not show improvement in the next week."


    Ikasa phrased it like a question but Feng Yan knew he was just being polite. Since he proposed it, it meant he wanted the recruits to start training in his manuals as soon as possible.


    "I will gather the recruits now."


    Feng Yan said, understanding Ikasa''s implicit intentions.


    "Also bring as manyrge mouthed jars as possible with you."


    Ikasa reminded Feng Yan, his gaze surveyed the fields brimming with energy, "I don''t think this farnd needs anymore Energy-infused water."


    Feng Yan nodded and went to find Chu Kuang. After thest exercise with the City Lord''s team, Chu Kuang hade to terms with the fact that there was no ghost but a mischievous little beast.


    It still liked to steal Chu Kuang''s food but now the bald man had learned his lesson and prepared two portions for his lunch.


    The Kids wanted to meet this little fox, but so far they had no luck. Except for an asional glimpse, they didn''t have the fortune of getting to y with it as they wished.


    Right now, this little beast followed Feng Yan as he gathered his recruits to the front of the residence. It had heard the conversation and anticipated another Energy Storm.<novelnext></novelnext>


    In the next quarter of an hour, t mouthed jars had been spread around the fields and eager recruits stood at attention, awaiting their orders.


    Ikasa had prepared a grand speech for the day when he would give his top grade manuals to his private militia.


    "Today, you are going to be part of the peak group in this world who have the privilege to use the Top Grade Manual. In exchange, I demand just one thing: Your total Loyalty!"


    He paused for the dramatic effect. His words caused the recruit''s minds to be blown. If they were normal passersby, their reactions would be something like these -


    "Did he say Top Grade Manual?"


    "When we signed up, they did not mention anything about thisˇ­"


    "I bet if Xue Mu hears of this, his gut will turn green from regret."


    But they were not. They were trained under Feng Yan for the past week and he had inculcated military discipline in their body.


    Their faces showed shock, smugness and joy but their bodies didn''t move an inch.


    Ikasa nodded in satisfaction at the discipline they disyed. Before he passed the techniques to them, he wanted to emphasize how big of a decision they were about to make.


    "If any of you are having second thoughts, turn around now. Because only one fate awaits those who betray me. That is Death!"


    His deration chilled the hearts of those present.


    His vicious grin only amplified that fear.


    The Kids had never seen this side of Ikasa and the two youngest, Luo Qiqi and Yan Xiao huddled together.


    Feng Yan had a somber expression as he realized that the words this young man had said in the ruins were not just for show. As much as he disliked this new side of Ikasa, he appreciated it more.


    Chu Kuang couldn''t believe such words coulde out from his amiable Master''s mouth. He had only ever heard his master speak sweet words and forgotten that no sessful person had ever reached the pinnacle without stepping on a few skeletons.


    As stunning they were for his close acquaintances, his words had the most powerful impact on the recruits.


    They had no idea about the rewards or punishment when they signed up. When the punishment wasid before them bluntly, it sent shivers down their spine.


    They took their time toe to terms with it, but they epted it.


    Death was not umon for servants in this world. At least their new employer warned them beforehand instead of first forcing them into servitude and then killing inexplicably for the smallest mistake.


    Even after a few breaths had passed, none of the recruits gave up his position. This was their only chance to rise to the top.


    Ikasa smiled appreciatively at their conviction. He arrived near the recruit in the front corner and handed him the Hundred-Use manual for [Around the Body in 80 Breaths].


    He patted the young man on his shoulder and looked him in the eye.


    "Open the manual, and read the contents. Let it change your fate!"

 Chapter 87 Caught

    An Energy Storm thrice as big as the ones before arrived as thest of the recruits was shrouded in the whirlwind of energy.


    Lightning shed and thunder rumbled as if heavens were dissatisfied with the judicious spread of the top grade manuals. The raindrops turned to hail and each hailstone glowed like an incredible gem.


    "This is not an Energy Storm, this is the wrath of nature!"


    Feng Yan couldn''t help but exim seeing the outrageous downpour. The ttened utensils had been filled to brim in a few breaths and now the Energy-infused water overflowed from them.


    And yet in this storm, their recruits were safe under the veil of Energy.


    About two hourster, the storm subsided. Ikasa ordered the jars filled with Energy-Infused Water to be sealed andced in one of therger rooms.


    Just as thest batch of the precious liquid was moved inside, Feng Yan noticed a visitor riding on a horse at the speed of wind, approaching them.


    Commander Lu rode his horsebeast straight into the residence and assessed everyone with concern.


    "What was that? Why was the Energy Storm so huge?"


    His presence meant that themotion caused by the Energy Storm had been noticed by the powers of the Birch City. Ikasa signaled Feng Yan to be on look out for any sneaky spies before turning his attention to their guest.


    "I think a natural Energy Stormbined with the one formed by my cultivation manual. That''s why the spectacle was so huge and widespread."


    Ikasa lied through his teeth. Commander Lu looked at him with suspicion but he had nothing to disprove the lie.


    "The Hu n and Monstrous m Sect have noticed the hugemotion. They mighte over to investigate. If they use force, don''t hesitate to call for us."


    Lu Shao warned about potential adversaries and offered his assistance. Ikasa knew nothing came for free as he noticed the Commander''s eyes fixated on the gem like hailstones strewn across the Fields.


    These hailstones were excellent for training the ice attribute skills. However, their preservation requirements were also harsh. They needed to be induced with Ice energy to preserve their state.


    "Commander Lu, if you want the hailstones, you can take them. I do not have the means to preserve them."


    Lu Shao smiled widely and cupped his fists at Ikasa.


    "Then I won''t be polite."


    He said and jumped down the horse with a jade container in one hand and a pair of tongs in another. Bending down, he began to stuff as many hailstones as possible in that small jade bottle.


    The Kids joined Ikasa as they watched the respected Commander work like a farmhand to carefully pick every hailstone.


    "What a foolish Uncle! He only needs to freeze some Energy-infused water and he can get as many hailstones as possible!"


    Luo Qiqi eximed, expressing her disdain for the Commander''s stinginess.


    "And how will you freeze the water?"


    Ikasa asked, though he too knew that what Commander Lu was doing was a fruitless endeavor. The hailstone may sell for 30 times the price but finding a container suitable to hold them was also many times harder.


    Luo Qiqi thought about Ikasa''s question but she was unable to find an answer. Unwilling to give up, she just repeated one of the facts Ikasa had spewed in the bid to impress the Kids.


    "I just need to bring the water to 0ˇć and it will freeze!"


    Ikasa rubbed her head in half annoyance and half amusement.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "When I taught you the States of Matter, I didn''t do it so you can use the knowledge to act cheeky with me!"


    Luo Qiqi stuck out her tongue and hid behind Hei Ying. Commander Lu had finished collecting the hailstones and arrived before Ikasa.


    "Thank You, Brother! I will never forget your generosity."


    "Commander Lu, you should hurry up or those hailstones will melt on the way to the City."


    Ikasa replied with a smile. In his head, he added, ''Not like they would be intact even if you hurry.''


    Lu Shao grinned and saddled up on his horse. After a gracious salute, he giddied up and rode to the City.


    As his silhouette disappeared, Ikasa rushed to the second floor. The Kids ran behind him. The only reason he was in a hurry to send Commander Lu off was because Feng Yan was calling for him.


    As soon as he entered thergest room on the second floor, he heard a hup. In the plethora of pots filled with the Energy-infused water, a tiny furry creaturey sprawled on the ground.


    Ikasa tiptoed and picked the fox up by his neck. The fox was rmed but its stomach was too bloated for it to muster any resistance.


    The little critter had obviously drunk too much of the water as evident by the 30 or so empty pots around it.


    The kids who arrived soon after had a shine in their eyes upon seeing the cute fox. Feng Yan stood before them and prevented them from approaching Ikasa.


    "What should we do with this Fox? It is clearly a nuisance. We can release it into a jungle."


    Feng Yan wisely avoided mentioning homicide as he knew that the Fox could understand humans.


    The Fox iled its short limbs and looked at Ikasa with pitiful eyes. When it received no response from him, it pleaded to the Kids.


    Their hearts melted from seeing the piteous little fox. Hei Ying opened her arms to call it in her embrace.


    Even though Ikasa was sure he had a tight grip on the Fox''s scruff, it somehow phased out and jumped into Hei Ying''s embrace. It nuzzled her lower chin and made itself at home.


    Other kids also wanted toe closer but Feng Yan stopped them. He wanted to get that animal away from Hei Ying as well but if it turned violent, there was no one who could stop it.


    Evading his frayed senses, Luo Qiqi arrived near Hei Ying and tickled the little fox''s belly. She couldn''t help but exim, "So cute!"


    The Foxughed and exposed more of his belly to the girl. She giggled with the fox and indulged the little critter in a belly rub.


    The other kids also joined in. The fox jumped on the ground and let all the kids y with him. Except for his tail and ears, the Fox let the kids pet and scratch its every other body part.


    Ikasa watched the interactions with a critical eye. He noticed the Fox evaded males and preferred females. asionally, it would throw a nce at Feng Yan and him.


    He too approached the little fox and offered him a hailstone. The Fox shyly came forward and ate from his hand.


    At this time, Feng Yan reminded, "That creature could be dangerous!"


    The Fox immediately jumped into Hei Ying''s arms and bared its teeth at Feng Yan. At this moment Hei Ying spoke up.


    "Brother Ikasa, you promised me a wish. My wish is to let this little fox live with us!"

 Chapter 88 The New Member

    "Brother Ikasa, My wish is to let this little fox live with us!"


    Ikasa looked at the speaker of the voice and the hopeful faces of the kids behind her. He was put in a dilemma.


    Not only was the fox a powerful beast and thus a safety hazard, but also an intelligent creature capable of thought. When Ikasa''s contemtive gaze turned to the little critter, he saw it mimic the hopeful face, matching the kids.


    His lips twitched as he came to understand that there was no other choice but to ept this request.


    Denying the request would dishearten Hei Ying. She is mature enough to understand when exined but other kids are not as mature as her.


    Thenes the problem of this powerful fox! If it is getting along well with the kids, it will find a way to mingle with them anyways.


    Killing it is out of the question as even Sense Realm can''t detect it if it hides.


    On the contrary, befriending it has so many more benefits. Not only can it be a powerful ally, but the abilities it has disyed can also be used for espionage!


    Once Ikasa started to think about the positives, his eyes shined as he looked at the little fox.


    ''Yes, I need to do whatever it takes to bribe and befriend this little baby!''


    Ikasa looked at Hei Ying and casually ced a palm on her head. Gently caressing her hair, he smiled.


    "I promised you a wish. Of course, I am going to keep my word! This little fox can stay with us."


    Hearing his words, joy bloomed on the kids'' faces. Qiqi bent down and picked up the little fox. When she smushed its face against her cheeks, she nearly gave a heart attack to Feng Yan and Ikasa!


    The fox epted this disy of affection by happily waving its tail.


    Ikasa and Feng Yan exchanged a nce filled with relief. Only now did they wipe a sweatdrop that rolled down their forehead.


    ''Is this how our future is going to be? A walk on a tightrope?''


    Ikasa wondered as his heart went on a rollercoaster ride every time the kids made some intimate gesture. Finally, Feng Yan couldn''t take it. He decided to warn the kids of the dangerous side of the fox.


    "You may have decided to keep it, but you should treat it with respect. It is not only cute and little, but it is also a spirit beast. Remember that when ying with it in the future so you don''t offend it!"


    The old man''s words brought some calm to the crazy behavior of the kids. They distanced themselves from the fox but still looked at it with adoration.


    The little fox was not happy with this change. It red at the retreating figure of Feng Yan with animosity. It craved intimacy; wanted casual hugs and snuggles. What was the point of acting cute if it was going to be deprived of them?


    Its anger abated when Luo Qiqi bent down and picked it up, holding the little fox against her chest. Scratching the little one behind its ears, she snorted.


    "Hmph! What does Uncle Feng know? This is such a cute baby. It needs hugs and pats. Why would he treat it as if it''s a dangerous animal?"


    Luo Qiqi''s wordsbined with her actions won her the approval of the Fox and it sagely bobbed its head to support her words.


    "This little cutie!"


    Its actions melted the heart of the other girl in the group.


    Hei Ying, the most rational one in the group, took the lead to tickle the exposed fox''s belly and the other kids also lost their inhibitions.


    At that moment Ikasa knew that the warnings had fallen on the deaf ears. He helplessly smiled and shook his head.


    "Hey! Take your new friend out to y! Don''t make a mess in this room."


    The Kids listened to his words and took the fox downstairs. Ikasa did not miss the look of longing the fox threw to the jars filled with Energy-infused water.


    He took a full jar and gave it to Hei Ying.


    "Offer this to your new friend when it gets thirsty, okay?"


    She gratefully epted the jar, but a grin appeared on the canine face peeking from around Luo Qiqi''s shoulder.


    During the time it took to resolve the issue of the fox and the Energy-infused Water, the sun neared the end of its journey.


    Ikasa locked the room with the precious Energy-infused water and got into the carriage with Chu Kuang.


    "Uncle Chu, how long until the others from Sal city can move to this residence?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    The bald man checked his notes and counted the remaining rooms to be renovated.


    "Around 30 more need to be renovated while 210 are ready for habitation. We can start bringing in the people. My only concern is that foxˇ­"


    Chu Kuang replied in a queasy voice.


    "Don''t worry about it. It will most likely move in with the kids and even if it doesn''t, as long as no one provokes it, it will be happy to y some pranks and leave you alone."


    Chu Kuang lowered his head in eptance. It''s not like he had other options.


    Ikasa noticed his manager''s gloom. He changed the topic to the Herb ntation.


    "Uncle Chu, now that the fields are brimming with energy, have you decided on which seeds or saplings you want to nt?"


    A glow returned to the middle-aged man''s eyes.


    "I haven''t had the chance to study which medicinal nts are most in demand in this city. However, we can nt all varieties since we have such arge area avableˇ­."


    Ikasa listened to the man speak passionately about his ns for the Herb Garden. He nodded asionally to signal he was paying attention, but he was already lost in his thoughts.


    ''Which Sense should I strengthen tonight? Sense of Hearing or Sense of Smell?''


    The carriage came to a halt before the Vi. Ikasa got down and sent the carriage back to fetch Feng Yan and the kids.


    ".... the blue mist flowers are also good but we should definitely go for ginseng and other roots like luoba."


    Chu Kuang finished his briefing when they finally entered through the gates.


    "I am d to know that you have given this such a deep thought, Uncle Chu! Since you have a n, I will be assured if you see it through."


    Ikasa smiled genially at the man who was caressing his bald head with shyness. On the inside, hemented the loss of this manager.


    ''Another one who wants to follow his passion! Tsk Tsk''


    ? Ikasa was reminded of the pile of resignations he had received during the startup boom. Within the next month, more than half of them reapplied for their previous positions.


    ''Hopefully, this startup will be sessful.''


    He prayed as they entered the dining room. The Kids arrived in the next carriage but the little fox was nowhere to be seen.


    Ikasa assumed it had stayed behind and regretted that he missed the chance to see Xin Ruo''s outraged reaction.


    After enjoying dinner with everyone, he made a hasty retreat. He was excited to enhance his senses!


    In the pitch dark of the night, a young many unconscious on his bed, the printer still connected to his chest.


    He had used 2 CP to enhance his auditory senses. After experiencing sharp buzzing and excruciating pain in his brain, he passed out from exhaustion.


    A small form of the fox sneaked into his room when he was in his most vulnerable state. The little critter covered his mouth with one of his paws to hide the mischievous grin.


    It jumped onto the bed and tickled Ikasa''s nose with his furry tail. But it received no response. The fox moved his tail to Ikasa''s ears. Still, nothing.


    Out of concern, it sniffed Ikasa''s face. Upon ascertaining he was still alive, the fox curled up on his chest to provide its body''s warmth to the unconscious young man.


    A few hourster, when the sun rays shined in the room, Ikasa opened his eyes. He felt a weight on his chest. As he lowered his vision, he was greeted by the adorable sight of red and ck fur sprawled on his chest.


    Its little red ears drooped to the side. The naughty critter used its fluffy ck and red tail as a pillow. Ikasa could see its cute little canine tooth spilling out from one side of its mouth.


    It stirred when the sun''s rays shone on its still closed eyes and tried to block them with its tail. He gently scooped up the fox and ced it on the bed, covering it with a sheet.


    Grinning at the endearing little beast, Ikasa stretched and yawned, moving to get ready for the day.


    As he checked his calendar, he realized he had fallen behind schedule for opening his shop. He went through possible locations for the shop in his mind. A location was stuck in his head.


    "The Grandma''s shop on the same street as the cksmiths would be perfect. I should talk about it when Mo Fan arrives with the Team today."

 Chapter 89 A Bellyful Of Resentment

    In the early morning sun, a young man sat in the lotus position. His breathing matched the rhythmic chirping of the birds.


    In his mind, Ikasa observed his still body, as if he was a separate entity. When he focused on his ears, the sounds in his surroundings amplified.


    Not only were the louder sounds like the chirping of the birds clearer, but he could also hear the more subtle noises like the footsteps of ants marching to find their food.


    ''This is a new world. This is Sense Realm!''


    He marveled at his newfound abilities. After indulging himself for a while, he decided to end his meditation.


    Ikasa let go of a deep breath and gently opened his eyes. Feeling refreshed, he returned to Vi. The boisterous cacophony inside formed a stark contrast to the silent serenity of the grounds.


    And obviously, these bustling noises were made by the Kids and their chaperone, Xin Ruo.


    "What fox? Does your big brother know of this?"


    Xin Ruo asked the two girls sternly. Ikasa shushed the girls as he silently sneaked to his room. s, their expression exposed him.


    An exasperated Xin Ruo, with her hands on her waist, turned to face him.


    "Would you like to exin?" She asked in an even tone.


    "Well, it is not a big deal. We found the little fox that yed a joke on Pei Yuan the other day and decided to adopt it since it is a little baby. Right?"


    The two girls eagerly nodded their heads. Xin Ruo threw a suspicious nce at the two parties and gave in.


    "As long as you are aware, I guess it is okay." She relented.


    Ever since the city had be calmer, Xin Ruo had be much busier. She was the sole person coordinating the informationwork. It had kept her away from the daily happenings with the kids.


    Ikasa looked at her face, tired from the sleepless nights she spent organizing the reports for him. He felt a rush of sympathy.


    "You have done a great job. But don''t overwork yourself, understand?" He consoled her, patting her shoulders. "If need be, share some work with Yin Ying."


    Xin Ruo nodded. But she didn''t voice her concern to the cheerfully retreating figure of Ikasa.


    ''Yin Ying has been missing for thest few days.''


    ˇŞ--


    "Hyeah!"


    When Ikasa reached the Herb Garden, he saw the members of his new private force training under Feng Yan. They were practicing their Battle techniques in pairs of two under his guidance.


    "Gazelle Punch!"


    One punched while the other did his best to avoid or block.


    "Counter with Sweeping Kick!"


    Most of the defenders sessfully felled their attackers.


    "See? While executing the Gazelle Punch, you put your body''s weight behind that single punch for maximum impact."


    Feng Yan instructed while demonstrating with his actions.


    "If you cannot regain your bnce quickly enough, anyone can aim at your lower body and gain an advantage over you!"


    The recruits once again paired up and tried to make changes ording to what theirmander said.


    Ikasa saw noticeable improvement as few more people defended against the counterattack sessfully.


    ''Truly appointing him as my Commander and opening to him all my manuals was the best decision I could''ve made.''


    He thought as he saw Feng Yan berate and correct the newbies. While he was busy observing the growth of his budding force, Mo Fan arrived with the team.


    An unexpected guest apanied them.


    "City Lord Zhen! What an honor!"


    Ikasa greeted the person behind the prosperity of his fields.


    "Haha! No need for formalities, Brother Ikasa. I just dropped by to see how well my team is doing."


    The City Lord threw a nce at the recruits Feng Yan was training and said in an expectant tone, "Judging from their condition, your Commander is verypetent. How about a sparring session?"


    Hearing City Lord''s suggestion, Commander Lu proudly looked at his teammates. Then he threw a disdainful nce at the group being trained by Feng Yan.


    He had umted a bellyful of resentment from the unorthodox methods Ikasa had used to train them. He thought of today''s match as a chance to repay the grudge.


    In the past week, his men had undertaken ridiculous tasks like luring a beast out without using lethal means and sparring against kids. What hurt their pride was they failed miserably at both.<novelnext></novelnext>


    After that, he protested every idea that went against his methods of training his troops.


    Ikasa may have City Lord''s word, but Commander Lu was still the person in charge of his men. If he said no, his men would refuse to cooperate.


    It had created a stand-off between the two Sense Trainers.


    A few days ago, Lu Shao hadined to the City Lord when asked about progress. And so, the City Lord was here to witness the progress himself.


    When Ikasa looked at Feng Yan, the old man immediately nodded his assent to the suggestion. He also wanted to prove his methods were superior to the greenhorn Sense Trainer like Lu Shao.


    "Let''s do a team match of 10 vs 10 with respective Sense Trainers helming the team."


    Ikasa announced before taking a seat beside City Lord.


    "Wouldn''t it be unfair for Lu Shao? I have seen how strong Sense Trainer Feng isˇ­"


    City Lord whispered to Ikasa, concerned about the match-up.


    "Your Commander needs a reality check, City Lord."


    Ikasa sinctly replied, his neutral tone giving away the frustrations he had with Lu Shao.


    While the two engaged in small talks, the two teams were ready and faced each other in the open field.


    "Sense Trainer Feng, you have better training resources. However, my training regime is superior to yours."


    Lu Shao dered, his nose pointed straight ahead while his eyes spewed fire.


    Feng Yan scoffed at his boast. Not one to take it lying down, his scathing remark spared no face for City Lord or the City Guards.


    "Superior Training Regime? how? Superior in taking a beating from any dog of the Hu n? Or is it superior in running away from the Monstrous me Sect?"


    Ikasa stilled as he heard the fiery retort. He could feel the City Lord glower a hole through the side of his head. Still, he maintained hisposure under the re of the City Lord.


    ''Old Man, you better win this beautifully or there will be hell to pay!''


    He thought while gritting his teeth.


    Silence reigned in the fields for a few seconds before Lu Shao lost his cool and went on the offensive. He and his men showed off their years of coordination and attacked in a formation, encircling Feng Yan and his men.


    Each person marked an opponent and executed their low-grade battle techniques, the Dancing demons.


    Feng Yan and his men easily parried the first blows. But the next wave of attack caught them by surprise. The punches thrown by one hit someone else''s opponent; Kick aimed at one body part, hit somewhere else.


    And the battlefield devolved into chaos. Feng Yan and his men were unterally defending against the hail of punches and kicks


    "To force him into using the Dancing demons; It seems Sense Trainer Feng has enraged Commander Lu Shao. These attacks are unassuming and random at first but they are meant to confuse the enemy and slowly wear him down."


    Zhen Wu exined with a self-satisfied smirk. He felt vindicated when he saw his City guards beat Ikasa''s men.


    Still, he did not receive the expected ttering response from Ikasa. He saw Ikasa silently watch as his men defended without breaking a sweat.


    Within a few breaths, the tables turned.


    The effects of Dancing demons expired but Feng Yan and his men were standing strong. They endured the attacks without flinching thanks to the bodies enhanced by the Top-Grade Cultivation manual.


    The City guards panicked as they couldn''t see any traces of wariness in their adversaries. Even after being hammered with attacks from the Dancing demons battle technique, not a single one of them groaned from the pain.


    The old man grinned and motioned for his men to attack while he took on the Commander.


    The new recruits of his force grinned and cracked their knuckles as if wolves unleashed on sheep.


    Gazelle punch, Swift attack, Sweeping kickˇ­ They used every battle technique they learned to quickly subdue their enemies.


    Not a single City Guard could defend against their coordinated attack!


    While his subordinates overwhelmed the City Guards, Feng Yan thrashed Lu Shao without regard for his dignity.


    He showcased his 18 years of experience as the Sense Realm expert as he anticipated and foiled each of his opponent''s moves using his reflexes.


    Having had enough of this cat and mouse fight, Feng Yan incapacitated Lu Shao with a single chop to his back.


    And thus the battle came to an anticlimactic end.


    Ikasa turned to the upant of the seat beside him. With a smirk, he replied to his earlierment.


    "City Lord, your Dancing demons may be useful in wearing down adversaries, but my men''s cultivation method specializes in endurance. They can go on and on and onˇ­"

 Chapter 90 Arbitrator And Secret Weapons

    The crushing defeat in the field opened the eyes of City Lord to the deplorable state of his men. Ikasa''s words hammered the point home.


    City Lord clenched and unclenched his fists as he battled with raging emotions.


    He was angered by the sheer ipetence his men had disyed; Despaired by the fact that they were the best of his guards.


    Interspersed in those negative emotions was a little relief. Relief that they still had some time and this situation could be remedied.


    When Commander Lu Shao woke up, he didn''t dare meet the City Lord''s eyes. His haughty pride was reced by an insurmountable wave of guilt. Today, he had lost the face of not just City Guards, but also City Lord.


    Mo Fan took the losing team away from the City Lord''s eyes. He understood that at this moment, his master didn''t want to see any of their faces.


    Taking deep breaths, City Lord calmed his rage before turning to Ikasa.


    "Merchant of Manuals! When you promised my men would be better than most after using your manuals, did you lie to me?"


    The Lord of the City thundered, radiating his dignity. Ikasa was taken aback by the sudden usation. However, he did not be anxious.


    "City Lord, the spar was not a battle of whose techniques were better; It was about who excelled at execution."


    Ikasa patiently exined, choosing his words carefully. Seeing the City Lord reflecting on his words, he continued.


    "Even though your men had simr high grade cultivation methods, their Battle technique dragged them down. Their unfamiliarity with techniques dragged them down."


    The bearded man could see the truth in his words. He had watched the fight from start to finish. His denial stemmed from his reluctance to admit the inferiority of his men.


    The City Lord sighed as his eyes looked in the direction of the City. He stroked his beard as he tried toe up with a solution. Better techniques could only bridge the gap to a certain extent, they needed a more effective solution.


    When he couldn''t think of one, he turned to Ikasa.


    "Do you have a solution?"


    Ikasa hesitated and took his time to answer.


    ''If I say it, it would mean disrespecting the entire force of City Guards. But there is no better time to make him ept it.''


    He affirmed his resolve and suggested, "City Lord, your guards have be set in their ways. Changing their fighting methods to dealing with beasts will be hard before the tournament."


    "Speak clearly. What do you suggest?" Zhen Wu asked, narrowing his eyes.


    "How about choosing men from my force and letting them participate in the tournament?"


    "Impossible!"


    The City Lord stood up, shooting down Ikasa''s suggestion. The young man couldn''t understand why the City Lord would react so animatedly.


    ''I am suggesting that you let me do all the work and enjoy the fruits! I haven''t even put forth my conditions yet!''


    Zhen Wu calmed his quivering beard and sat in his seat again. Feeling Ikasa''s questioning gaze, he offered him an exnation.


    "The Tournament is a matter of prestige. Not just for me but the County Governor who appointed me as well."


    Ikasa nodded, expecting him to continue.


    "To supervise the fairness of the tournament and assess my performance, the Governor will send someone to arbitratepetition."


    When the City Lord mentioned an arbitrator, he had aplicated look in his eyes.


    "But wouldn''t winning put you in a better light?"


    Ikasa asked instinctively to which City Lord declined to answer.


    The young man rubbed his chin. Knowing how the hierarchy worked, the superiors always preferred winning to losing.


    ''If there was a better chance to win, why would City Lord reject it? Is it because he is afraid of tarnishing their reputation?''


    Light Bulb lit in his head as he came to understand the reason behind the vehement rejection.


    "So if you use my men, the Hu n or the Monstrous me Sect can cry foul and you don''t want that, correct?"


    Ikasa spected, gauging the bearded man''s reaction.<novelnext></novelnext>


    With a subtle nod, he confirmed his thoughts.


    ''Putting my men is a no go.''


    He crossed that option off the list. Stumped for options, Ikasa tried to approach the problem from a different angle.


    ''Wait, Isn''t the problem not having enough practice with subduing beasts? Just let them form an adventurer party and go to the forests!''


    ''No, it is toote for that. Just a week left. If they are injured, it will affect their performance in the tournament.''


    One cleanly shaved young man and another bearded older man were lost in thought, trying to find a way to secure victory.


    That''s when Ikasa''s eyes fell on the Honeygold Tree at the center of the open space. His eyes lit up as he was reminded of the incident with Chu Kuang.


    ''If the Fox can make an Abyss Lion from shadows, can''t it make other animals too?''


    Ikasa turned to the City Lord with a wide smile.


    "City Lord, I can take care of this problem. The team just needs to reside in one of these rooms for the uing week and train under Feng Yan, withoutint. You will see improvements within the next few days!"


    The evil grin Ikasa sported did not inspire confidence. However, the City Lord had no better options before him. He sighed and entrusted his men to Ikasa''s mercy.


    "If they clinch the first ce, I will owe you a big favor, Brother Ikasa."


    The City Lord said, patting his shoulders. He exposed his vulnerable side before covering it up quickly.


    When looking at the City Lord''s departing back, for the first time Ikasa felt like he was looking at the back of a man who was in a do or die situation.


    While Ikasa was dealing with the City Lord, other forces in the City were not quiet.


    In the main hall of the Hu nˇ­


    "Did you ascertain the locations of the beasts? Can our men fight any one of them head on and defeat it?"


    The n Master of the Hu n questioned the seats below him. Defeating a Spirit Condensation Stage beast was a momentous task and it was only natural that all three forces treated it with seriousness.


    The Second Seat, Yao Mao and the Third Seat, Cui Chen of the Hu n squirmed in their chairs. As Sense Realm experts, they knew it was their responsibility to lead the team to victory.


    "All three beasts are powerful and defeating them in a fair fight would be incredibly hard not just for us but anyone!"


    The n Master narrowed his eyes at the answer. The frown on his face expressed his dissatisfaction.


    "Would you have more confidence if I grant you the Dragon''s Blood Saber?"


    The two seats exchanged nces and saw the joy reflected in the other''s eyes. Just as they were about to assure their n Master of a sessful kill, 4th, 5th and 6th seats stood up to protest.


    "n Master! The Dragon''s Blood Saber is only rightfully wielded by the chosen one! This has been our tradition for the past 80 years, since the Saber''s inception. How can we break it?"


    The fourth seat, Qi Shu clung to the traditions and appealed to abide by them. The Fifth seat was much more rebellious and he directly challenged the right of n Master to lend the Saber.


    "If the Second Seat and Third Seat want to undergo the trial and win it from you, we have no objection. But you cannot lend it willy nilly!"


    "n Master, you should not forget that the Saber represents your position as well. Are you choosing one of the seats for session?"


    The First seat, Qing Mo, who was also the n Master of the Hu n, red at the dissenters. His pure white eyebrows red with rage when he heard the disrespectful words of the fifth and sixth seat.


    "Silence! You imbeciles would rather fight amongst yourselves even when we might lose the tournament? If we lose the tournament, do you think our businesses will be spared?"


    His words had the intended effect. The Fifth and Sixth seat swallowed theirints and quietened.


    "Until the end of the tournament, I am lending this Dragon''s Blood Saber to the Second Seat, Yao Mao."


    Second Seat had a smug smile on winning the right to use The Saber! This Saber was not only a Superior Weapon crafted by the Forger in a Tier 1 city, it also decided the right of session in the Hu n.


    However, his joy did notst long. The n Master''s next words wiped the smile off his face.


    "If Yao Mao cannot bring the head of the beast back with this Saber, I will use it to chop his head off!"


    This domineering attitude was the reason why this bunch of arrogant individuals were united under the old n Master!

 Chapter 91 In The Dark Of The Night

    "Two Jars. Not three!"


    (Three Jars or I won''t)


    Xin Ruo and Ikasa watched an amusing scene of a Fox and a thin girl with dirty brown hair negotiating y out before them.


    "Who knew Cai Yi was an actual Whisperer!"


    Xin Ruo excitedly murmured in Ikasa''s ears. She was talking about the thin girl, who was supposedly a Beast Whisperer who could talk to mice in the slums.


    Ikasa agreed with her and looked on with joy as one more confirmed specialty was added to his budding pool of talents.


    Though the two watching were happy, the fox was driving a hard bargain. Despite her best efforts, Cai Yi couldn''t get him to lower his fees for imitating each beast.


    The thin girl got up from the ground and patted her hair in ce.She conveyed the fox''sst offer to the two.


    "It is refusing to go lower than three jars of Energy-infused Water."


    She said, throwing a resentful nce at the fox. This was the first time Ikasa had requested her service and she wanted to leave a good impression. The reward of 10 Gold was another motivating factor.


    And yet this stubborn little shit refused to settle for the two Jars limit that Ikasa had given her.


    Sensing her gaze, it turned its nose up at her and began to thump its tail on the ground.


    Ikasa snorted at the little critter''s antics and patted the young girl''s head.


    "You did well, Cai Yi. Follow Uncle Chu for now. He will give you the Cultivation Manual and the promised gold reward."


    Cai Yi''s face lit up. She immediately bowed and expressed her gratitude.


    "Thank You, Brother Benefactor!"


    Ikasa epted her bow and then asked, "Can it make replicas now or does it need some time to prepare?"


    Cai Yi answered without a dy. The Fox had revealed its skills to get the best price.


    "The Fox says as long as you show it the picture, it can imitate the beast."


    Ikasa passed her the pictures of the three beasts and proceeded to exin their abilities as mentioned on the parchment.


    "Can you get it ready in the next few hours? We need to leave before the Moon shines in the sky."


    Cai Yi looked at the setting sun and epted this heavy responsibility. Ikasa smiled at her and turned to leave with Xin Ruo.


    ''Thus, the Operation Nightmare is set in ce.''


    The young man thought with a smirk on his face.


    __


    Snore!


    In one of therge rooms of the Herb Garden, the team from City Guards were resting after a long day of grueling practice under Feng Yan. Their threemanders were also bunking together with the troops.


    "Ungh!"


    Vicemander Zhou groaned as something tickled his nose. He swatted at air and changed sides to continue sleeping.


    A few secondster, he felt something soft slide on his ear. The strange sensation awakened him. His eyelids flew open and he searched for the offender in the dark of the night.


    As he scanned the room, his body became alert due to an unusual chill in the air. And therein one of the corners, he saw the silhouette of the One-Eyed Chimp!


    "Attack! We are under attack!"


    His loud yell woke up his sleepingrades. They had no time to light up torches before the Shadow Chimp began to attack them.


    They spent a few seconds in panic, gathering their wits. At the end, their training from the City Guards and Feng Yan kicked in.


    "Focus on the eyes! Don''t keep looking at its gruesome face!"


    Someone, probably Commander Lu Shao shouted, getting everyone''s attention. In the dark of the night, the shadow chimp moved unrestricted among the guards.


    It scratched, punched and kicked but not a single attack caused a grievous wound. Attacks aimed at the Chimp mostly missed as the Guards couldn''t find it.


    Except for Lu Shao, the only Sense Realm cultivator, others could only see it when it moved near the moonlit windows.


    Atst someone managed to light a torch. The mes lit up the room and to everyone''s surprise there was no Chimp in the room. They were in arms against nothing!<novelnext></novelnext>


    Vice Commander Zhou and others scratched their heads. Only Commander Lu had an inkling of what might''ve happened. Still he kept quiet when he saw how much this sudden attack helped glue the team together.


    In the building opposite to where the guards were housed, Cai Yi opened a jar of Energy infused water for the Fox to drink from. Feng Yan smilingly added, "Well Done the two of you."


    Herb Garden was not the only ce awake in the moonlit Birch City.


    On the Northwestern side of the City, a tunnel slid open and a buxom figure covered in ck emerged from it. She made her way to the Vi that formerly belonged to the Xue Family.


    Sneaking into the study, she found a paper and quill and started to jot down thetest events, fresh in her memories.


    "An Expert has arrived at the Monstrous me Sectˇ­."


    Her mind wandered to the scene she had seen hours ago as she wrote down her words.


    At the main entrance of this small sect, every elder and Sect Master awaited the arrival of their guest. Their bright red robes distinguished them in the sea of dark brown color.


    In her short stay at the Sect, she had never had a glimpse of an Elder or the Sect Master. And here they were, gathered together to wee a guest.


    And then she saw the unbelievable sight. A human had floated down from the air.She saw his soles emitting fire as he touched the ground.


    The jet blue mes contrasted against the dark night sky. She pinched herself to make sure she was not seeing things.


    And no, it was not her imagination! His feet were indeed on fire as the ground was left scorched after hended. The disciples gathered at the entrance gasped in shock and surprise.


    If not for the Elders'' eyes trained on them, they would''ve started pointing and whispering.


    After that incredible feat, Yin Ying expected the surprises to be over. However, the night of amazement had just begun.


    When the man with graying hair and full white beard arrived before the dignitaries of the sect, they got on their knees and kowtowed to the Expert!


    These were the supremos of this City, who never lowered their head to anyone. And they were on their knees, kowtowing to this figure.


    Yin Ying understood how big of a deal this person''s arrival in Birch city was.


    She moved closer through the horde of disciples and blended in with them. Once close enough, she tried her best to listen to the conversation between the respected guest and the Sect Master.


    ".... I didn''t expect they would trouble you, Path Finder. I hope it has not dyed your breakthrough to the Chakra Opening realm."


    Sect Master humbly spoke, his actions reverent of this White bearded man.


    ''Path Finder? He is a Chakra Sensing Realm Expert!''


    Yin Ying hastily covered her gasping mouth as her eyes widened in shock. She was so astonished by this revtion that she almost missed the guest''s reply.


    "My breakthrough can wait. This is the first time the Secr world has a chance to reemerge. Nothing must go wrong!"


    The two entered the hall, leaving behind the disciples who were still awestruck by the heaven defying entrance of the Expert. The Fourth Elder stayed behind and dispersed the young men and women.


    Yin Ying left the premises, looking at the closed door with longing. The hall they entered was the most secure one in the entire sect''s premises. There was no way for her to eavesdrop.


    At this moment her man in the Monstrous me Sect arrived by her side. In a hushed tone he whispered, "Do you believe me now?"


    Once they were a fair distance away from other disciples, she subtly nodded.


    "The guest is someone from the Tier 1 City as I told you before. No one in this City can challenge him. Yin Ying, leave those guys and join this Sect. This Sect is the future!"


    Zheng Fan persuaded, his eyes earnest as he held her arms and looked into her eyes.


    Yin Ying knew the truth behind his words. She was tempted to say yes. But she had people who trusted her out there. Zheng Fan might''ve forgotten the bonds, she had not.


    As the moments passed, the look of persuasion in his eyes changed to that of desire and possession. She knew she couldn''t make him wait for long. Saying ''No'' and antagonizing him was out of the question when she was at his mercy in this hostile environment.


    ''This Sect is the most dangerous entity with the least surveince. If Ikasa and my men are to be safe, I need to be the one to take this risk.''


    With a heavy heart, she came to a decision.


    "Let me make ast report today and when Ie back, I will join the Monstrous me Sect!"


    She blinked her eyes as she was reminded of her current loactaion.


    Remembering this promise, a lone tear drop rolled down her cheek and fell on the paper. It was not absorbed by her mask because for the first time, she stood in the study without it.


    She had developed enough trust to expose her face to Ikasaˇ­. And yet no one but the moon saw her face.

 Chapter 92 The City Lords Background

    ".... This is why I am joining the Monstrous me Sect."


    Ikasa crumpled the note his visitor at night had left for him. His face contorted with rage and then helplessness. Taking a deep sigh, he looked at the ceiling to calm the turmoil this letter had caused.


    There was one explosive news after another mentioned in the letter.


    ''A Chakra Sensing Realm Expert has arrived in the Monstrous me Sect!''


    This news alone was enough to blow the city up. The City Lord and Hu n Master would suffer from insomnia if they heard it.


    A Chakra Sensing Realm was different from the Sense Realm Expert because he could manipte the Energy at will! His attacks would be enhanced by attributes and so he had the ability to steamroll hundreds of Sense Realm Experts alone!


    Then there was Yin Ying''s arbitrary decision to sneak into one of the most dangerous ces in Birch City. Ikasa appreciated the disy of loyalty, but she was way too valuable to undertake such missions herself.


    It was like Director Fury sneaking into the Hydra''s Base instead of sending ck Widow or Hawkeye!


    While Ikasa came to terms with the explosive revtions in the note, Manger Chu knocked on the door of the Study.


    "I have purchased the Shop near the cksmith''s that you wanted, Master. Here is the deed."


    Chu Kuang said, presenting a stack of papers to Ikasa.


    "Good Job, Uncle Chu! You got it done within two days!"


    Ikasa praised while receiving the deed. He quickly skimmed through the details and noted the key points.


    "Tax Bracket is 20%... Not bad. Renovation Cost is around 130 gold and deposit is 100 Gold. A bit on the expensive side but still bearable."


    He rearranged the deed and remembered the pitiful Grandma that lived in the Shop.


    "What about the Grandma who lives there with her Family, Uncle Chu?"


    "I have settled them in the Herb Garden. She wanted to be near her grandson who has joined your militia."


    Ikasa nodded and dismissed Chu Kuang. He looked at the deed and the crumpled note as he steepled his fingers and rested his elbows on the table.


    ''Would it be a good idea to start the shop now? It definitely would attract the attention of a Chakra Sensing Realm Powerhouse. That to a hostile one.''


    Ikasa began to rethink his decision to sell his manuals through an open shop in Birch City. When he decided to get a shop, there was no bigger fish who could threaten him in this tier 3 city.


    Now? The situation had changed.


    "Master, Young miss of my family is here to see you."


    A pompous voice he had not heard in quite a few days announced the arrival of a guest. It belonged to Zhu Zan, the original Caretaker appointed by the Xue Family for this Vi.


    ''So the young miss must be Xue Miˇ­''


    He made the connection. Without rising from his seat, he ordered Zhu Zan.


    "Bring her in."


    A few secondster the doll-like figure of Xue Mi appeared at the entrance of his study.


    "Ms. Xue you abandoned the poor me in an unknown City and disappeared. Were you so busy that you couldn''t spare a few hours of your time for me?"


    Ikasa asked with a smile, trying to embarrass her.


    "Do not tease the poor me, Mr. Ikasa. After ourst meeting I was afraid to sour your mood with my presence. Also, you had Zhu Zan. Was he not a good helper?"


    The quick reply mildly surprised him. Her shy demeanor could fool anyone but not him. She was doing this to look more innocent and alluring.


    ''Did this girl learn some bewitching tricks from her aunt in her month-long stay?''


    Ikasa wondered as he observed her. Seeing his tricks not work on her anymore, he grew serious and asked in an even tone.


    "So what brings you here Ms. Xue?


    Xue Mi took a deep breath and met his eyes.


    "I am here to mend our friendship before I return home. I know our request put you in a difficult position as soon as you arrived in this City. But we were helpless and you were our only hope."


    Her ttery did not elicit any reaction. She tried a different approach and decided to offer information.


    "I am thankful you heeded our request. Now that you are involved in the Tribute tournament, you should know who will supervise it."


    Ikasa still looked at her with emotionless eyes though his lips had a smile. Xue Mi felt ufortable from the indifference in his eyes.


    She focused on rying the information and hoped it would be enough to bridge the gap in their friendship.


    "This time the Governor has sent his younger sister to arbitrate the tournament. She is also the younger sister of City Lord."


    Ikasa''s eyes widened as the implications of these words registered.


    ''The Governor and the City Lord are brothers! Does that mean that they belong to the same family?''<novelnext></novelnext>


    He withheld his curiosity and watched Xue Mi with limpid eyes. The girl fidgeted under his gaze. Unable to bear the silence, she continued to speak.


    As if reading his mind, she borated on the background of the City Lord.


    "My Uncle is the favored child of the Zhen Family''s Patriarch. When he married my aunt, everyone in his family was displeased. So he won the post of City Lord on his own merits and came to this backwater city for my aunt."


    "He is a proud person who rejected the help of his family and tried to take over this City with his own might."


    Ikasa could see adoration and respect in her eyes when Xue Mi spoke of her Uncle. Whatever she said so far, he had also noticed these characteristics in City Lord.


    Except for one discrepancy.


    "If his background is so illustrious, why did he need to collude with the Monstrous me Sect?"


    He asked bluntly, disparaging the image Xue Mi had built of her Uncle.


    She looked away and Ikasa could see conflict and hesitation in her eyes. She came to a decision as she closed her eyes and let out a sigh.


    "The Coboration with the Sectˇ­ It was the doing of my Aunt."


    Xue Mi confessed. Her eyes avoided the scorching gaze that bore into her.


    "What?"


    Ikasa asked, shocked by the revtion. For so long, he had assumed and attributed this to apse of judgment from the City Lord. And now he wasing to know that it was not his fault at all!


    "My aunt watched the City Lord struggle everyday to control the Hu n. He had rejected the help from his family numerous times because they disdained his wife. He endured until the Monstrous me Sect decided to back the Hu n."


    She spoke with earnest emotion to make Ikasa understand the situation back then.


    "City Lord couldn''t maintain order and decided to put aside his pride to get help from the Governor. My aunt didn''t want to see him give up on his pride. She started to negotiate with the Sect behind his back and they came to an agreement. When Uncle came to know, it was toote."


    Ikasa listened to her exnation, feeling no sympathy for her aunt. Due to her foolish ignorance, not only did she fail to help her husband, but she had instead invited a disaster.


    However, this cleared up many doubts in his mind.


    ''.....Did Xue Mi tell you this or did my wife?''


    City Lord''s response when he had mentioned how Vice Commander Zhou was close to break through.


    Theplicated expressions he had when talking about the arbitrator.


    And his depressed back that screamed he was in a do or die situation.


    ''This man had done everything he could to avoid going to his family for his wife. Yet, he had to owe a much bigger favor to his brother because of her.''


    Ikasa felt pity for the City Lord. He also had a tinge of admiration. He managed to endure all of this and still he is doing his best to preserve his freedom.


    "Road to hell is paved with good intentions."


    He murmured the proverb that fit the City Lord''s situation the best.


    Xue Mi looked up at him, unable toprehend what he meant. He returned his attention to the guest before him.


    "So, the Sister of the City Lord will arrive as the Arbitrator. Is that all you have for me?"


    Ikasa asked nonchntly, as if everything said before was redundant. She floundered for words as it took her a second to process that her emotional appeal had no effect on him.


    Defeated, she chose to y along.


    ''Since you want the news, I''ll provide it. Hope this keeps our Cooperation alive.''


    She thought as she became more forting and added details.


    "Not just that. She became a Path Finder at the age of 23 and is renowned as a Martial Arts genius throughout the County."


    A hint of envy could be heard in her voice.


    Ikasa was unaware of the normal time taken by Cultivators to advance. Hence, he had no idea how long or short the time was.


    ''If everything goes ording to n, the kids will break through to Sense Realm in the next few months and maybe Chakra Sensing Realm next year. Wouldn''t they be Path Finders at the age of 16 then?''


    He thought as he acted shocked in response to Xue Mi''s fact.


    "The Governor and the Patriarch are Chakra Opening Realm Experts."


    Xue Mi proudly dered after receiving the suitable reaction from Ikasa. This deration truly caused him to be stunned.


    He had been bluffing about the backing of a Chakra Opening realm expert but the City Lord had the backing of two genuine ones and he still kept calm about it.


    After hearing a few more tidbits of gossip like these, Ikasa looked at Xue Mi and sensed her impatience.


    "What do you really want from me, Ms. Xue?"

 Chapter 93 Sincerity

    "What exactly do you want from me, Ms. Xue?"


    Even after ying with words for so long, Xue Mi had not made her intentions clear.


    Xue Mi bit her lower lip with frustration.


    She had tried to butter him up withpliments and some tidbits of information. Her attempt to gain his sympathy had failed.


    ''Maybe, I need to say it out loud. Or else he will continue to ignore me.''


    She contemted in her head while avoiding eye contact.


    "Big Brother Ikasa, you are our Xue Family''s lifeline. Not only do we value your manuals and business, but your performance in this tournament will also decide our standing with the Zhen Family."


    Atst, Ikasa smirked. For the first time since the start of the meeting, he showed genuine emotion other than shock.


    He thought about Xue Mi''s sudden intimacy and her attempt to gloss over the reasons. He had expected the first reason but underestimated his importance in the second case.


    "If you have any trump cards, please do not hold back. If City Lord cannot win tomorrow, consequences would be severe."


    Xue Mi stated with a serious tone.


    Her tone made him wonder whether she knew about the Chakra Sensing Expert that had arrived in the Monstrous me Sect.


    "Since I am cooperating with him, I will show City Lord my full sincerity."


    Ikasa drawled while omitting the words ''unlike you.'' However, his using eyes got the meaning across.


    Xue Mi sighed at his usation. Taking out a heavy pouch, she ced it on the table. The clinking sound before the thump let Ikasa know that it was filled with coins.


    "I am sorry for dragging you into this mess. As a token of apology, Patriarch has sent you the entire profits for this month without taking a single coin''s share."


    ''Trying to buy me with Gold? Fools! I am tolerating you because you can earn me CP and BP. If not I would''ve kicked Xue Family to the curb long ago.''


    He scoffed and looked in contempt at the bag of gold. The 4000 Gold might be a lot, but it was pocket change ifpared to profits he could help Xue Family make in the long term.


    "For the troubles, I am going through, I say I deserve to get my profit share increased to 50%. Don''t you think it is a sincere offer, Ms. Xue?"


    Ikasa asked, leaning forward, a predatory glint in his eyes.


    As soon as she heard his demand, she countered without dy.


    "The moment you win the tournament for the City Lord, we will amend the contract and increase your share by 10% for both types of manuals."


    ''Sneaky girl. I already get 40% from the Battle Technique contract. The Cultivation methods are more lucrative but they only earn me 30%. Adding 10% each would put me at 50% and 40% respectively.''


    He deliberated the profits in his head.


    ''50% and 40% is not bad actually. And judging from her nervous attitude, that is as far as she is allowed to go. Pushing her more wouldn''t gain anything.''


    After critically examining the girl, Ikasa came to a conclusion. Since it was difficult to sell his manuals in Birch City, he couldn''t lose the Sal City. So, he responded to her offer positively.


    "Alright. I can ept the 10% increase."


    Xue Mi sighed in relief and let go of the hem of her dress she was clenching.


    "As you are returning to Sal City, I presume you need to restock?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa got up and removed the prepared x100-use manuals from his bookshelves.


    After supplying the manuals to City Guards, his points had overflowed. So he printed some of his most popr Battle Techniques and Cultivation Methods.


    He also put a list of his new collection before Xue Mi.


    "Pick the ones you want for next month."


    The girl was overwhelmed by the number of manuals before her. If possible she wanted them all, but she had limited funds.


    When her eyes fell on the list she gasped.


    "19, 20, 21ˇ­ There are 21 manuals avable for sale!"


    She looked up with an incredulous expression. In Sal City, there were hardly six manuals on his list and yet that number was unthinkable for people there.


    Now, he had presented a list containing 21 manuals for her to choose from. Her eyes jumped from one description to another, noting the pros and cons of every technique.


    She wanted to get all the manuals but she chose only Eight of the ready manuals, exercising restraint. Then she turned her attention to the List.


    "You can choose the manuals from the list. However, they will be delivered the next time youe to pick up the manuals."


    Ikasa exined in case she ordered manuals he had not printed. He couldn''t instantly print them before her now could he?


    Xue Mi calmed her excitement and picked the manuals they sold in Sal City. Her order did not include any of the new manuals.


    ''Seems like she is not authorized to purchase any other manuals.''


    Ikasa perceived this from her purchasing behavior. Once she had picked the manuals, they sat down to settle the ounts.


    "The Transportation will cost 300 Gold minimum. After reducing the estimatedbor cost of 50 gold, we will make a profit of 1000 Gold per manual."


    Xue Mi estimated the expenses involved this time. She had taken the initiative toe clear to show her goodwill.


    "ording to this estimate, your next month''s profit would be 2400 gold for the six battle techniques and 1200 Gold for the two Cultivation methods!"


    Xue Mi eximed at the numbers. She had done this to resolve any misgivings Ikasa might have regarding his share.


    Ikasa watched with amusement at her feeble attempts to clear air between them. He appreciated her efforts but he did not need them.


    He could just check their ount books any time ording to the contract if he sensed any foul y.


    Still, the calctions helped him predict his ie for the next month.


    ''With 200 Gold I charge for making one manual, I should get around 1600 now and 3600 next month.''


    Ikasa thought, smiling at the naive face of Xue Mi who was calcting the total amount.


    By the time she finished her calctions, dusk had arrived. Xue Mi departed with a smile on her face, happy to have secured Ikasa''s guarantee.


    He looked at her back and shook his head. He looked at the calendar on his desk and saw the big red mark.


    "The major powers should be sleepless today. After all, this is the Eve before the tournament."

 Chapter 94 The Eve Of The Tournament

    "Surround that boar. Be careful of its tusks."


    Yao Mao shouted as he readied his saber to take the swing. The third seat and the rest of his team poked the boar with their staff, distracting it.


    Two of the men threw ropes trying to tie the boar or at least hinder its movements. The wild beast struggled for a few moments before falling into their trap.


    The poor beast stood no chance against the cultivators. Even the Veteran Path Forgers could fight it one on one, let alone the Sense Trainers.


    Yao Mao swooped in and lopped its head off in one clean strike. He sheathed the sword and looked at his party members.


    Not a single one had broken sweat. This training was clearly an exercise in futility. The silence in the grounds was broken by the sounds of pping.


    p! p! p!


    The Hu n Master apuded the Second seat''s saber skills. Yao Mao and his team turned and cupped their fists while lowering their heads.


    "Good. Just like you cut off that boar, you need to cut the head of the beast tomorrow."


    ''Just because we took down some random wild boar, doesn''t mean the Spirit Condensation Stage beast would be so easy, Old Man!''


    Yao Mao cursed in his heart, but on his face, he showed devotion and loudly yelled, "As youmand, n Master!"


    His shout was echoed by his team.


    Seeing his dose of morale boost work, the Hu n Master looked forward to the team''s performance the next day.


    ˇŞ


    "They have all learned the Demon Subduing Formation from your Sect, Path Finder. With our resources and techniques from your sect, they are ready to kill any beast tomorrow."


    The Sect Master of the Monstrous me Sect assured the white-bearded man beside him. They stood before a group of people crouching on one of their knees while their heads were lowered.


    A symbol of a ming beast was etched on the chest of their maroon robes signifying their identity as the disciples of the Monstrous me Sect.


    The Chakra sensing realm expert carefully observed their condition. When he reached the head of the group, the Second Elder who was acting as a team leader spoke up.


    "Path Finder Zhi, our team will not disappoint your expectations tomorrow."


    A maniac grin appeared on the old man, Zhi Yang''s face. He patted the second elder''s shoulder and whispered.


    "You better not. The rise of the Secr world is on the line."


    ˇŞ----


    A mature beauty with a veiled face stepped through the entrance of the Grand Hall of City Lord''s manor. Her sudden entrance surprised the upants of the room.


    "Sister! Why did you not notify me of your arrival? I would havee out to greet you!"


    The City Lord hurriedly got up from his chair and so did Xue Miao.


    "There is no need. I didn''t want to announce my arrival to the entire Birch City."


    Thedy spoke with a frosty edge to her voice. While her eyes were focused on the bearded City Lord, Xue Miao did not miss the subtle nce of contempt she threw at her.


    "You must be tired from your trip. Please rest while I arrange refreshments."


    Xue Miao greeted her Sister-inw with a smile. Taking note that her presence was unwanted in the room, she excused herself.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Zhen Wu watched the interaction with sadness in his eyes. But he understood that his family would never ept Xue Miao unless she can prove her worth.


    The City Lord turned his attention to his sister. Trying to ease the atmosphere, he attempted some small talk.


    "How have you been, Ya''er? I heard you are close to another breakthrough?"


    Zhen Ya ignored his attempts to thaw the atmosphere and posed a question of her own.


    "Brother, how ready are you for tomorrow''s event? Are you sure you can take first ce?"


    City Lord put away his casual attitude and turned serious. Her cold tone was ever present but she had concern in her eyes and that worried him.


    "I have found a capable helper."


    Zhen Wu answered while trying to see her reaction. There was no change in her deadpan look.


    But he saw her hand twitch.


    He recognized the tick. It meant he was testing her patience and she was about to get violent. He had a bad premonition and exined quickly.


    "I cannot guarantee the first ce but I am sure Hu n stands no chance of winning before my team."


    He did not mention the Sect because he had no information about their current situation.


    Zhen Ya looked straight into his eyes and spoke with an indifferent tone.


    "Do you remember how our elders always warned you and Big brother to stay away from the Secr World?"


    The City Lord nodded. He still remembered the lessons embedded in his head from his childhood.


    Even if he forgot them, he couldn''t forget the horrific-tongueshing he had received when his father came to know of his collusion with the Monstrous me Sect.


    He became apprehensive when she simply stared at him without speaking anything.


    "Ya''er if you have something to say, speak. Don''t keep me in unnecessary suspense."


    "Big Brother has found signs of activity from one of the sects in the Furnace Fire Empire. One of their deacons has arrived in this county."


    Zhen Wu understood her words but not the implications. He knew he was missing a piece of a puzzle that would let him see the entire picture that scared even his maverick sister.


    "Sister, stop speaking in riddles. Why should a deacon''s arrival concern me?"


    Since childhood, he knew only one way to get straight answers from his sister; agitate her by acting stupid. And it worked this time as well.


    Her cold facade fell and she knocked on his head without holding back.


    "You stupid Brother! Do you know what you have done? If you don''t trounce and deter the Monstrous me Sect in this tournament, they can invoke the Pact!"


    Hearing the words ''the Pact'', made hair stand on his body. He shivered as his mind went back to the sses he had attended with his Family''s Elders.


    Under the shade of a tree, an elder was seated with kids surrounding him.


    The usually jovial and friendly elder had an expression of the utmost seriousness. He enunciated every word he said so it would enter the thick skulls of his charges.


    "Remember, there is only one thing preventing the Secr world from taking over our fiefs and cities. The Pact!"

 Chapter 95 Let The Hunt Begin!

    "Look, the City Guards are marching past. Is that where the Tribute Tournament is being held?"


    "A team from the Hu n also went in that direction earlier. I think this time they are holding it outside the City Gates."


    Two Farm hands working near the outskirts of the City wall chatted as they watched a team of men led by Commander Lu pass by.


    "What does the Tribute Tournament have to do with Commoners like you? Stop gossiping and focus on harvesting. Or do you not want your share of the bread this afternoon?"


    Their Supervisor scolded the two ckers while he too watched the leather armors on City Guards with envy.


    Following the procession of the City Guards, carriage after carriage tread the same path and entered a small butvish stadium erected in the distance.


    Any person who had some status in the City had arrived at the sunrise. Now they awaited the arrival of the three participants.


    "Look at that Carriage! Isn''t that ming beast the symbol of the Monstrous me Sect?"


    People murmured, pointing at thetest carriage to arrive. Their guesses were validated when the team from the Sect came forward to escort the personage inside to their seats.


    "Who is that man walking before the Sect Master?"


    "I''ve never seen him before but he must be a bigshot from the way he is being treated."


    The spectators looked at the white-bearded man with awe and wondered about his identity.


    Not everyone could make the Master of Monstrous me Sect bow their heads!


    "To think I would see the Sect Master Huo bow his head!"


    The Hu n Master greeted the Sect Master when he arrived at the pavilion made for the three participants.


    The Sect Master threw a nce at him and followed Zhi Yang to their seats. His contemptuous silence treated Hu n Master''s words as unworthy of his reply.


    There was no change in the Hu n Master''s expression. However, his clenched fists and veins popping up on his arm showed his furious state of mind.


    He turned with a re and took the best seat reserved for Hu n. Only then did his anger subside a little.


    On the opposite side of the Hu n''s Pavilion, another pavilion was erected for the City Lord. Currently, it housed only a few of City Hall''s employees and his allies.


    In this pavilion, Ikasa and Xin Ruo were offered one of the best seats. Xin Ruo sped her hands, feeling nervous about the uing danger her father would face.


    Ikasa seated beside her was starting to be impatient as the morning sun rose higher in the sky. They had arrived two hours ago, with the procession of City Guards.


    Now the time to start the tournament was nearing and still, City Lord was nowhere to be seen.


    "Why is he not here yet?"


    Just as he uttered the words, another carriage entered the stadium. Its luxurious appearance was beyondpare to any. A g with a bejeweled tree, the symbol of the Holy Wood Empire, fluttered in the air.


    This carriage drew the attention of every person present. It drove straight to the City Lord''s Pavilion, preventing the spectators from getting a glimpse of the people inside.


    Seeing the carriagee to halt before the City Lord''s side of the Pavilion, Mo Fan came to the center of the open area.


    "Respected Citizens of Birch City, the day to decide the tribute shares has arrived. This year, the participants will undertake the noble task of Beast Subjugation."


    His words captured the attention of the people in the crowd.


    Except for the three participants, most of the people here were unaware of specifics. Most of them treated this as a social event to gather and mingle, unaware of the dangerous underlying currents.


    "The participants will send a team of 10 people with a maximum of two Sense Trainers in each team. Each team will be assigned to subdue one Spirit Condensation Stage Beast."


    Si!


    The people present took a collective gasp upon hearing the task. They had an idea of how difficult it was to subdue a spirit condensation beast. It was an impossible task to aplish with just two Sense Trainers.


    They looked at the teams gathered with pity.


    Without giving the crowd more time to demoralize the teams, Mo Fan continued to exin the rules.


    "The team that returns with the head of the Beast first, will triumph!"


    After announcing the winning condition, he turned to the City Lord''s Pavilion and lowered his posture.


    "I request the arbitrator from the County tomence the Tournament."


    All eyes turned to City Lord''s Pavilion. When Zhen Ya walked out, she stepped on the air, rising higher and higher. With her fluttering pristine robes and beautiful countenance, she seemed like a Celestial Fairy to the spectators.


    The stadium became quiet, enthralled by her appearance. When she reached the center, she took out three round crystals seemingly out of nowhere. Even this feat did not wake up the bewitched crowd.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "These are the Soul Essence Crystals. I have connected the lifelines of three Spirit Beasts to each of these."


    Her melodious yet chilly voice pierced the ears of the crowd waking them up from their beautiful dream. When the meaning of her words registered, it drew another series of gasps from the three pavilions.


    "They sent Soul Essence Crystal for the tournament! Not one, not two, but three Soul Essence Crystals!"


    "Isn''t that something only a Chakra Opening Realm Expert can make?"


    "Not just any Chakra Opening Realm expert; Only those who have opened theirst Chakra, the Soul Chakra, can make it!"


    The extravagance disyed stunned the people. In this third-tier City where any Chakra Opening expert was akin to God''s envoy, using three artifacts made by a pinnacle Chakra opening expert was beyond theirprehension.


    However, this disy sent a different signal to the deacon from a Tier 1 Sect.


    Zhi Yang narrowed his eyes at the fellow Chakra Sensing realm expert at the center of the stadium. A vicious grin formed on his face and then disappeared quickly.


    In his eyes, this was a show of force; A show of background. But he was assured in his own n.


    ''This is not enough to deter us! The use that protected you before, it will cause your downfall this time.''


    He thought in his heart. Then he closed his eyes and calmly perceived the happenings without exposing a single thought in his mind.


    At the center of the Stadium, Zhen Ya manipted the Essence Crystals and obscured them from view.


    "Each of you,e forth and pick a Crystal."


    Shemanded the Leaders of the three teams. Yao Mao, Lu Shao, and the Second Elder of the Monstrous me Sect, Huo Zhu, looked at each other.


    Theirpetitive spirit ignited as they stepped forward at the same time and touched the Crystal floating nearest to them.


    Silhouettes of three beasts emerged from the crystals. They looked down at their potential hunters and dashed back into the Crystals.


    A dazzling blue light glowed and a mark formed on each of the Commander''s hands.


    After they had chosen, she waved her hand and three pedestals appeared at the center of the Stadium. Each of the Crystal globesnded on one pedestal and showed the picture of the Beast whose lifeline was tied to it.


    Mo Fan took this moment to introduce the beasts picked by each team.


    "Commander Lu of the City Guards has been assigned the agile Cloud patterned Leopard. Its superior speed and powerful ws make it a deadly assassin of the forest."


    Lu Shao looked at the cloud-patterned tattoo on his hand with aplicated gaze. This beast was not easy to take down butpared to the other two, this was best suited for their team.


    ''I hope there won''t be any casualties,'' he thought while returning to his men.


    "The Hu n is tasked to hunt the Tri Tusk Boar! Judging from the Second Seat Yao Mao''s flustered face, his skin is not even 1/10th as thick as the beast he is assigned!"


    Yao Mao had a trident-shaped tattoo on the back of his palm. The one beast he didn''t want was this boar. Its thick hide would make it incredibly hard to cut.


    When he heard Mo Fan poke fun at his fear, he felt like he had sprinkled salt on his open wound.


    With a re promising retribution directed at Mo Fan, he walked back to his men.


    "The Monstrous me Sect has to subdue the One-Eyed Chimp which may be more intelligent than the pig. Not only is it cunning and smart, but its arm strength is also no joke either."


    Huo Zhu red with anger at Mo Fan''s attempt at making fun of his given name. He clenched his fist highlighting the single eye tattoo that had appeared on the back of his hand.


    Before he could throw his punch, he was frozen in ce by the pressure emitted by Zhen Ya.


    ''This is not over,'' He glowered at his two offenders and joined his team.


    The introduction enlightened and entertained the crowd. However, his snide remarks did not amuse the people in the other two pavilions.


    They bristled with anger but held their tongues for fear of offending the Chakra Sensing Realm Expert on the stage.


    Acting as if nothing happened, Zhen Yamanded the leaders.


    "The marks on your hand will help you track your prey. You have until the sunrise tomorrow to bring me the heads of the beast. I will monitor your progress through the Crystals, so do not think of cheating."


    To demonstrate what she meant, Zhen Ya waved her hand. Immediately the picture in the crystal changed to the teams in the stadium. With another wave, the beasts reappeared.


    This magical feature fascinated the crowd. But the team leaders were itching to begin their task. Every moment was precious for them.


    Seeing their anxious eyes waiting for hermand, she loudly announced, "Let the hunt begin!"

 Chapter 96 A Different Kind Of Hunt

    "Let the Hunt begin!"


    Zhen Ya''s voice resounded in the stadium. These words spurred the teams into action.


    They gathered and started to makest-minute revisions to their ns to suit their new circumstances. Gathering their supplies, the teams set off.


    The departing figures of the teams could no longer be seen with the naked eye. Zhen Ya came down from the air and returned to the City Lord''s Pavilion.


    Once the intimidating figure of the Chakra Sensing Realm disappeared from view, the spectators rxed a little. They began to gossip and chat.


    After a few took the initiative, others lowered their inhibitions, and the atmosphere soon turned lively.


    Even in the City Lord''s Pavilion, the gathered acquaintances began to loosen their tongues.


    "Hey did you hear the Herb Garden has a new owner?"


    Ikasa''s attention was attracted by the mention of Herb Garden. He began to pay attention.


    "Hmph! Might be another sucker who wants the Spirit Herb. He will also leave soon when he can''t get anything."


    "That might not be the case. Do you know that after the new owner took over there was a huge energy storm? Since people have started living there, the rumors of the ce being haunted might also be false."


    "Is your family eying the property?"


    "Of course. My husband is going to buy that estate and add one more industry to our Family."


    Ikasa turned to look at the speakers. It was a couple of women who looked to be in their 40s. Their appearance indicated an abundance of wealth.


    "What will you do about the current owner?"


    "We will throw a few thousand coins in his face and tell him to get lost!"


    Xin Ruo scoffed when she heard their ridiculous presumptions. This attracted the attention of the twodies. The one with the hook nose narrowed her eyes at Xin Ruo and took in her outfit.


    It was barely worth 3 gold. Xin Ruo''s simplicity yed against her in this instance.


    "What are youughing at, you low-born?"


    With a scathing tone, sheshed at the girl. Her eyes exuded contempt as if looking at a piece of trash.


    The woman assumed Xin Ruo was a nouveau riche who barely had 1000 gold to her name. Whatever she assumed, she had earned the ire of Ikasa with her insult.


    "Iughed because your joke was hrious. There is no way you can buy the Herb Garden for a few thousand coins."


    Xin Ruo mocked thedy for her ignorance.


    That woman haughtily sniffed her nose as if smelling something unpleasant and said to her friend, "These low-bornˇ­ They don''t understand what we mean by a few thousand coins."


    She condescendingly looked at Xin Ruo and exined, "I meant a few thousand silver coinsˇ­ not copper ones."


    Rather than being insulted, Xin Ruo was amused.


    She pointed at Ikasa and said, "He is the owner of the Herb Garden. Show this low-born how much wealth you can afford to throw around."


    Her challenging tone irked thedy. Determined to trample on her dignity, she checked out Ikasa.


    ''Clothes are hardly worth 4000 silver. No essories. Hmph! Another low born.''


    Ikasa felt like he was underdressed under her evaluative gaze. He checked his fabric, and it indeed was not as nice as others in the pavilion. But it definitely was not the worst.


    Puzzled, he peeked at other men in the pavilion. After taking a look around, he noticed what hecked.


    Rings! Earrings! Nes! Hecked the garish essories that would highlight his wealth.


    ''I''d rather be treated as poor, but I won''t wear those freaking rings and gaudy earrings!''


    That woman had approached him while he was lost in thought.


    "I want you to vacate the Herb Garden. What is it gonna take?"


    Thedy demanded without any courtesy.


    "It is not for sale, Madame."


    Ikasa replied sternly, still trying to maintain a semnce of politeness.


    "5000 Silvers!"


    He was nonplussed by her rude attitude. When she received no response, she doubled the price.


    "10,000 Silvers."


    Ikasa stared at her, treating her like a pitiful fool. The woman was already at her limit. She panicked, seeing the contemptuous gazes of these twomoners directed at her.


    She brought up her connections to pressurize Ikasa.


    "My husband is thergest textile merchant in this City. Every clothing that City Lord wearses from our loom. If you know what''s good for you, ept my offer."


    Before Ikasa could retort, the man himself arrived.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Ikasa! There you are!" Turning to his sister, the City Lord whispered, "He is the capable helper I mentioned."


    Zhen Ya nced at Ikasa, but her expression didn''t change. Only now did Zhen Wu notice the woman standing before Ikasa.


    She was stunned into silence by the friendly way he had greeted the young man before her.


    If she could rewind time, she would have never mentioned their non-existent rtions with the City Lord at all!


    "Is there a problem?" Zhen Wu asked with a frown when he saw thedy avoid meeting his eyes.


    Ikasa smirked and exined.


    "This nicedy just offered to buy my Herb Garden for 10,000 silver. We were in the middle of the talks when you arrived, Lord."


    Zhen Wu misunderstood what Ikasa meant by ''in the middle of the talks''.


    ''Does he need money so direly that he wants to sell the Herb Garden dirt cheap? No, I should offer him a helping hand.''


    "Brother Ikasa, if you needed gold, why didn''t you tell me? I will have Mo Fan expedite the procedures and deliver the remaining 10,000 Gold coins by the end of the week."


    Who would say no if the Goddess of wealth knocks on your door? Ikasa humbly smiled and epted the City Lord''s goodwill.


    On the other hand, thedy went into shock.


    "T-Ten Thousand Gold!"


    Hearing the amount, she felt like she was struck by lightning. After apologizing to the City Lord, her friend dragged the woman away from the location.


    Zhen Wu threw a weird nce at the departing women and turned to Ikasa with a raised eyebrow. Ikasa could clearly see the question written on his face, "What is wrong with them?"


    After a brief exnation, City Lordughed hard while pping his back.


    "She mistook you for a low-born! Hahaha!" Then he looked at Ikasa and Xin Ruo''s clothing with a critical gaze.


    "You do look underdressed. I''ll have Mo Fan introduce you to my tailor."


    Every skilled professional in this world was respected. May it be a Chef, a Cobbler, or a Tailor.


    They might not be as popr as Cultivation-rted professions, but their clients belong to the upper echelons of society. These clients provided the strongest backing for the professionals.


    Getting an appointment with any of these artisans was a hassle and they mostly worked based on introductions. Like Rolls Royce or other premium brands on Earth, they served an exclusive group of customers.


    City Lord''s introduction meant he had a chance to be a member of that exclusive group!


    Ikasa beamed with joy.


    "Thank you, City Lord. I appreciate your favor."


    Zhen Wu waved it off as if it was not worth a mention. Instead, his attention was focused on the other two pavilions.


    "The Hu n and the Monstrous me Sect, both sell two types of low-grade cultivation techniques in their stores."


    Ikasa already knew this information from the market survey he had done on his arrival. He couldn''t understand why the City Lord brought it up.


    "If you open a store, are you sure of taking over the entire cultivation manual space?"


    Zhen Wu''s question made his eyes light up.


    ''He is nning to hunt the industries of the other two powers! If I y my cards right, I can be the sole owner of the entire cultivation resource market of Birch City!''


    Ikasa contained his excitement and put on a serious face before answering.


    "City Lord Zhen, the worst of my manuals is a mid-grade cultivation method. I sell a single use for 20 Gold. Do you think I can drive their businesses into the ground?"


    A smirk appeared on City Lord''s lips. Ikasa matched his smirk with one of his own. But then he was reminded of the Chakra Sensing Realm Expert who had arrived at the Monstrous me Sect causing his smile to disappear.


    The Lord of the City noticed his apprehension.


    "Is there a problem?" He asked.


    "A Chakra Sensing Realm Expert has arrived in the Monstrous Female Sect. I am afraid he will not let our n seed."


    Ikasa exined the reason for his doubts. Zhen Wu looked at his sister and saw her pay close attention to the young man after hearing the news.


    Finding news about a Path Finder from a sect under lockdown was no easy feat. Even her brother was unaware of it until she told him her conclusions based on information gathered by the Governor.


    Zhen Wu smirked, seeing her interest, and proudly eximed, "See? I told you I have found a capable helper!"


    She subtly red at him, and her face once again became devoid of emotions.


    Moving his attention back to Ikasa, he pped on his shoulder to reassure him.


    "You don''t have to worry about their Chakra Sensing Expert," He said. Pointing his thumb at the beauty beside him, he whispered, "We have one of our own."


    Then he looked him in the eyes and said with conviction, "You just need to snipe their businesses."

 Chapter 97 Encounter

    Hours had passed since the teams left the stadium. People hade out from their respective pavilions and intermingled with other factions.


    "The harvest this year might not be enough to supply the needs of our City. Do you want to partner with me for a one-time stint in the food grain Business?"


    "If your Sect''s industries provided the farm equipment, we would not have to wait for months to get them from that slow poke, Gu Dan!"


    "The Silk production has decreased in Mulberry City. This has forced loom owners to look for alternatives like jute and linen."


    As Ikasa roamed with Xin Ruo, he could hear conversations like this happening everywhere they passed.


    ? People were approaching acquaintances to earn profit together. Some strove to strike deals that were favorable to themselves, uncaring if it would harm others'' livelihoods.


    There were also people who were exchanging news specific to their industry.


    The borders of factions were blurred and all these elites cared about was earning profits and making connections.


    Ikasa paid special attention to the talks about Cultivation resources. Unexpectedly, he found out that none of the two powers sold weapons and armors.


    The Monstrous me Sect focused on the medicines and pills helpful for cultivation. After the Herb Garden declined, the Sect began to source the required herbs from other Cities.


    The Hu n was more like a mercenary organization. Their men could be hired to protect the fields outside the City Walls, provide security to caravans, and adventure in the forests.


    Whatever shops they had in the City, sold the spoils obtained during their adventures. It may be the animals they hunted, herbs and fruits, or even some ores.


    The activities of these two powers were all in the public domain. After listening to people gathered, Ikasa had easily pieced together this information.


    But he had no idea about their Cultivation Manual business.


    ''Why do both the powers have the same Cultivation Methods for sale? And where did theye from?''


    This question hounded him after he had agreed to aid City Lord in taking over Birch City''s Cultivation manual market.


    The powers in question would probably not use Low-Grade cultivation methods. Even if they did, they were not foolish enough to sell the cultivation methods they used to the general public.


    ''Did the Sect perhaps inherit the manual? Or did the Hu n find it during one of their adventures?''


    His thought process was broken when Xin Ruo tugged at his sleeves and motioned him to listen. He paid attention to the two bourgeois gentlemen sneakily whispering to each other.


    His auditory sense enhanced due to reaching Sense Realm let him eavesdrop on their conversation without attracting their attention.


    "The Fourth Seat is taking this task of sourcing the Herbs?"


    "Yes. You can rest assured. The Monstrous me Sect will have no dearth of herbs they need."


    "If not for the He family''s mediation, it would be impossible for the Hu n and the Monstrous me Sect to cooperate."


    "True. By the way, You should hurry and ask the Fourth seat to let you handle the logistics."


    "Hmph! I am already transporting precious goods like manuals. Who else will the Fourth seat assign the task to, if not me?"


    Ikasa''s eyebrows rose. He quickly turned and dragged Xin Ruo away.


    The two men had yet to realize that their conversation had been overheard.


    "What''s the matter?" Xin Ruo asked once they were a sufficient distance away.


    "The Monstrous me Sect and the Hu n are cooperating."


    Xin Ruo''s eyes widened as she looked worriedly at the Crystals ced at the Center. She was afraid for her father.


    "Not that way. It is a business rtionship. Some He Family orchestrated this. I want you to look into this He Family. Find out which City it belongs to and how they earn their coins."


    Looking in the direction of the two pavilions of his adversaries, Ikasa narrowed his eyes.


    "If my guess is correct, this He Family is providing the Low-Grade manuals to the two powers."


    Suddenly, he heard amotion from the pavilions. Zhen Ya came out and ced a hand on one of the Crystals. The image in the Crystal magnified and became holographic. It was sorge that it could be seen by everyone in the stadium.


    "Look, the team from Hu n has encountered their target!"


    Someone shouted, and everyone''s attention was attracted to the marvelous scene above the Crystal.


    In the scene, the team of 10 was stealthily surrounding the Boar. Unaware of the hunters, it was leisurely rubbing his tusks on the tree trunk to sharpen them.


    The Spectators watched with excitement as the encirclement waspleted without a hitch.


    "I am telling you, the Hu n has lots of experience hunting beasts. They will win this tournament."


    "This is not any random animal! This is a Spiritual Condensation stage Beast! Has the Hu n ever hunted one?"


    "It does not matter if it is a Spirit Beast! Our n Master has bestowed the Dragon''s Blood Saber upon the Second Seat just for this tournament. He will lop the head of the Boar before it can attack."


    Hearing the chatter of Hu n''s supporters, Ikasa shook his head and turned his attention to the screen.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Four people had taken out ropes with hoop knots on one end and advanced stealthily to tie the Boar. Others readied themselves to jump into action.


    Tweak!


    The sound of a twig breaking reached the Boar''s ears. They instantly perked up as it sensed unusual silence in the surroundings. It paused in mid-action and the ck mane on its back straightened.


    Figures of the approaching hunters tensed and their hearts thumped with trepidation. They stood still, not making a single sound or movement.


    The Boar resumed sharpening its tusks after a few breaths but its ears were still raised, trying to detect any threat in the surroundings.


    Yao Mao motioned to move forward with his Saber. The vanguards abandoned stealth for speed and jumped out, their ropes flinging.


    Two of them managed to bind their ropes to two of the three giant tusks of the Boar. Before the other two could imitate their sess, the beast tugged at the ropes making the men lose their bnce.


    Sensing danger, the beast tried to escape. As it ran, it dragged the two poor men along with it.


    "Stop it! Grab the ropes and tie them to trees!"


    Yao Mao shouted as he directed his men to help theirrades. Due to the beast''s relentless running, the two holding the ropes tight swept the forest floor with their bodies.


    Everyone chased after the beast until they were led into an open in with nothing but tall yellow grass in sight. Yao Mao realized they had entered surroundings where they were at an utter disadvantage.


    The Boar''s figure had disappeared somewhere in the grass. His only constion was his men still clung to the beast.


    "Arghhhhh!"


    A heart-wrenching scream came from his right. His trained senses recognized the voice to be of one of his people who was holding the rope.


    "The Boar is in that direction!"


    Yao Mao directed his subordinates to follow the moans of pain. They soon found their man, but he didn''t have a rope in his hand. His left hand was mangled below the shoulder.


    "The Boar has escaped. Beware of your surroundings!"


    Seeing the state of his man, Yao Mao immediately reminded his subordinates. No sooner had he spoken than grass rustled on his left. Soon after, they felt the ground tremble.


    "The Boar is charging towards us! Disperse!"


    Yao Mao shouted while diving to his right. His men were not so lucky. The Tri-tusked Boar pierced through one of the men and trampled the one on the ground. Both died before the pain could register.


    "You Beast!"


    Yao Mao shed with all his might at the passing figure of the beast. He managed to leave a gash on the back of the Boar. But the bleeding was not as severe as he hoped.


    Only now did hee to understand just how thick was the hide of this beast.


    Before he could catch a breather, he heard the third seat shout,


    "It ising back! Try to trip it with your staves!"


    After enduring one charge, the people had wisened up and urately predicted the path. They jumped out of the way and held the wooden poles in their hands horizontally, just above the ground.


    The Boar stampeded through their midst, ignoring the hindrance of the wooden staves. This time it managed to injure two men with its side tusks.


    Before it could go far, Yao Mao dived and stabbed again at the Boar''s rear. The Saber prated the Boar''s chrysanthemum, and it squealed like a pig.


    Only the tip of the Saber had gone through. It was not enough to kill the beast, but it gave it a sense of danger.


    Without turning around, the Boar disappeared into the grasnd, not giving the people from Hu n a chance to catch up.


    "Shit!" Yao Mao eximed as he looked at the two broken bodies of his teammates.


    "Search for his brother. See if he is alive. We need to get out of this grasnd before that pig recovers."


    As soon as Yao Mao finished talking, the magnified image on the screen disappeared.


    Zhen Ya returned to the pavilion without saying a word.


    The Spectators were disappointed but none dared to voice their displeasure.


    The City Lord looked at his counterpart in the Hu n and ridiculed him.


    "I knew Hu n had mastered the art of attacking from behind. Today I witnessed it. To think that even with your weapon of authority in hand, your Second Seat didn''t spare the bottom of that poor beast."


    His joke garnered a round ofughter from the other two pavilions. However, Hu n''s Master did not find the joke funny. He glowered at the City Lord and then at the Crystal Globe.


    Gnashing his teeth, he barely suppressed his desire to challenge the City Lord to a duel. Instead, he directed his anger at the culprit who caused him to lose face.


    "Bastard! You better return first or that Saber will taste the blood from another chrysanthemum!"

 Chapter 98 Victory!

    "Sense Trainer Yao should''ve reacted faster and chopped at the beast''s neck. They would''ve won in one fell swoop!"


    "They had a better chance earlier. If the other two guys could also tie their rope around its tusks, that beast would be helpless with four Path Forgers holding it down."


    After watching the fiasco of the Hu n, people began to wag their tongues. Even the ones who had no knowledge of hunting spirit beasts became pundits capable of spotting ws in the Hu n''s strategy.


    Their chattering only stopped when Zhen Ya arrived at the Center again and activated the other two Crystals simultaneously.


    On one of the screens, the Monstrous me Sect could be seen activating their Demon Subduing Formation. On the other screen, the Cloud Patterned Leopard could be seen stalking the unaware City Guards.


    Ikasa''s attention was drawn to the screen with Feng Yan. He held the trembling hand of Xin Ruo and gave it a gentle squeeze, reassuring her.


    Tensions were high in all of the pavilions. Ikasa saw Mo Fan bite his nails with his eyes focused on the movements of the Leopard. Others were also on the edge of their seats.


    In the seating area of the Sect, disciples were nervously murmuring.


    "The Chimp is not even in the picture. Did they make a mistake byying the formation so soon?"


    "The One-Eyed Chimp is smart. I wonder if it will fall for the trap."


    "If we had to hunt the Boar or the Leopard, our formation would''ve been the most effective."


    After hearing their chatter for a while, Ikasa turned his gaze to the Hu n. Most of the members were watching the screens excitedly. The rest were praying for the failure of the two powers.


    A shout drew his attention to the screens.


    "Look, the Chimp is here! The Second Elder has lured the Chimp to the Formation!"


    All eyes turned to the Monstrous me Sect''s team. A thin man was running with an object like bananas in his hand. A ck Chimp with a singlerge vertical eye on his face chased behind him.


    Huo Zhu watched his steps once he reached the Formation. He crossed over without triggering it. He expected the enraged Chimpanzee to follow behind him blindly.


    Much to the surprise of the Monstrous me Sect, the Chimp stopped right before the concealed formation lines. Its vertical eye glowed as he urately mapped the Formation.


    "Kuarak Guak Kurr!"


    The Chimp roared, thumping its chest. It red with burning hatred at the thief who had stolen his precious treasure. But it still did not step into the Formation.


    Supporting its body on the four limbs it patiently waited for the thief toe out.


    As the stand-off continued, people lost their interest and turned to the other screen. The scene of a patient hunter creeping up on its unknowing prey was much more thrilling.


    As the Leopard approached closer, Ikasa grew confused. As far as he knew of his abilities, Feng Yan should''ve noticed the beast by now.


    "Why isn''t he preparing to fend off the attack?"


    He muttered as his eyebrows furrowed. There was not a single sign that the team could defend if attacked suddenly. The Leopard had closed the distance, and the team entered its pouncing range.


    Its greenish blue body hid well in the foliage of the trees. If not for its glowing yellow eyes, it would be very hard to spot in the jungle.


    When the team was about to turn, it pounced on one of the men at the back. Coincidentally, that man was standing beside Feng Yan.


    As soon as he saw the big cat in the air, he haphazardly swung his wooden staff. His actions attracted the attention of others in the team.


    Two of the hunters readied their wooden bows and arrows and shot at will. Their wooden arrows bounced off the skin of the beast, without even piercing it.


    There was a reason the other two teams had not prepared wooden bows and arrows; they were ineffective against the Spirit Beasts.


    Thump! Crack!


    The first sound came when the guard''s staff hit the Leopard. The second was from the staff breaking on impact. Fear shed in the guard''s eyes as the big cat aimed for his throat and sunk its teeth.


    Blood spurted as his lifeless corpse fell on the ground. But his sacrifice had earned time for his team.


    Feng Yan closed in on the leopard and clung to its back. His superior agility due to [Wind the Way] enabled him to keep up with its speed.


    Once his legs were securely wrapped around the Leopard, Feng Yan clung to its neck with his left hand while using Chop with his right.


    His first hitnded on the soft muscle near the feline''s neck, not doing much damage. Even so, it sent the beast into a frenzy. It jumped and rolled, trying to dislodge Feng Yan from its back. But Feng Yan held on as his life was on the line.


    Commander Lu Shao took this moment to disperse his troops and box in the Leopard. They poked andshed at the Leopard''s legs with their newest Low-Grade Staff technique, [How to Clean Up: A Janitor''s insights].


    With a beautiful sweeping motion, Lu Shaonded a hit on the Leopard''s leg joint. One hit was nowhere enough to take down a Spirit Beast, but that bruise hindered its movements.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Taking advantage of this opening, other guards also aimed at the nearest leg joints and swung with all their might. Many of them soon broke their staves, but the damage was done.


    The beast could no longer move freely, and its movements were slowed. It was time for Feng Yan to shine.


    With his position stable, the Old Man began to execute Chop on the same spot on the Leopard''s neck. It would''ve been better if he could reach the throat, but the side was okay as well.


    His continuous strikes tore the muscles and veins, causing internal bleeding. He had probably hit an artery supplying blood to the brain because the beast started to sway and act dizzy.


    Seeing its vulnerability, Lu Shao and the other guards rained down a quick series of attacks and retreated to a safe distance.


    As the sky darkened, so did the Leopard''s vision and it copsed on the ground, unconscious.


    Feng Yan still hit the Beast''s neck without caring whether it was alive or dead.


    As he brought his hand down with force, people were awed by the reddened eyes and the cruel smile on his face. His rage had a primal charm. It enchanted the people in his team and the spectators in the stadium alike.


    "This is why they call him Red-Eye."


    Ikasa came to realize how the Old Man had built his reputation. To date, he had never seen Feng Yan fight with his life on the line; Not even in the Ruins, when they were attacked by the Monkey King.


    But right now, Ikasa could feel the intense killing intent in his actions. His every Chop was filled with the intent to kill.


    Soon after, he heard a crack. The Leopard''s neck had broken.


    Feng Yan took a deep breath and nced up at the guards.


    "Now tell me, which bastard hit me with his staff?"


    His question awakened the guards and people from the trance. The guards shuddered and ratted out the bastard who had missed his mark.


    Lu Shao shook his head at their antics and ran to check the beast. He couldn''t feel its breath. There was no pulse either.


    "No way!"


    He couldn''t believe it. He triple-checked the pulse and breath.


    "It is dead." He murmured. And then the meaning of his words registered in his mind. He joyfully shouted, "The Beast is Dead! We have aplished our task!"


    It took the guards a moment toe to terms but they cheered with their Commander. Everyone looked at Feng Yan with reverent gazes.


    The callous Old man poured water over their happiness.


    "We haven''t won yet. Take the beast and ourrade and let''s hurry back to the stadium!"


    Zhen Ya ended the transmission for the City Guards team here. They may not know, but the spectators here knew the results. So far, they were the only ones to kill their target.


    The crowd exploded as soon as they realized the tournament may have a winner! Even though the rules stated that whoever brings the head back first will win, the City Guards had a huge lead.


    And it was all because of one man.


    "Did you see how that Old man grappled the Leopard? Truly marvelous!"


    "I am more interested in his Battle Techniques. He managed to keep up with the Cloud Patterned Leopard!"


    "And those strikes to the neck? Not anyone can break the neck of a Spirit Condensation Beast with their bare hands!"


    "It must be because he is a Sense Realm Expert!"


    "No! If it was the power of Sense Realm, the other two teams would not be suffering humiliation from their beasts."


    People fervently discussed the Battle Techniques and powers of Sense Realm Expert. The stadium turned noisy due to their excited chatter.


    Nheless, these exuberant praises brought a smile to one face.


    In the City Lord''s Pavilion, Xin Ruo''s vice-grip on Ikasa''s wrist loosened. She shed tears of relief and joy. For the entire fight, she had been anxious and fidgety.


    In the end, everything turned out for the better. Her father hade out unscathed from the ordeal. She smiled with pride when she heard people praise her father.


    Nheless, the roller coaster of emotions had exhausted her. Awaiting the triumphant return of City Lord''s team, she rested her head on Ikasa''s shoulder.

 Chapter 99 Death Of A Sense Realm

    The City Lord''s team hunted their quarry first, surpassing everyone''s imagination.


    Even the team couldn''t believe how easily they defeated their formidable foe when they looked at the carcass of the Cloud-Patterned Leopard.


    "How did this happen?"


    Vice Commander Zhou asked himself. While his legs kept up with his team, his mind reyed the entire journey.


    ˇŞ


    As soon as they reached the forest, Lu Shao and Feng Yan tracked the beast using their superior senses and the tracing mark bestowed by the Soul Essence Crystal.


    Once they had a rough idea of its location, Feng Yan turned to the team and asked, "Do you remember how you had to lure the Fox without offending it?"


    Seeing the team members nod, he continued, "We are going to use the same tactic. We will bait the Leopard into showing itself without threatening it."


    The team readily epted his lead. Lu Shao may be the Captain, but everyone knew who gave the orders.


    "The Leopard likes to stalk its prey for long distances. It will abandon the hunt if the prey discovers it early."


    Lu Shao reminded everyone of the characteristics of their target. Using the knowledge they had of this particr beast, he presented his conclusion.


    "Since this beast has hunted humans in the nearby viges, it will not consider a group of men threatening. As long as we act unaware of its presence, it will definitelyunch a surprise attack."


    Feng Yan agreed with his inference. Staring down at the team he had trained, he smiled wickedly.


    "These guards should have no problem dealing with any surprise attack, right guys?"


    The team winced remembering the hellish training they had endured in the past week. Shadow imitations of their three possible targets would attack them anytime, anywhere.


    While they slept, ate, or even when they pooped, life-like imitations of the beasts attacked them. After suffering numerous times, they had be immune to surprise attacks.


    During this training, the Shadow beasts used to imitate the actual behavioral pattern as closely as possible. That is why, the team of guards knew their prey like the back of their hands.


    After deciding on a n, Feng Yan took the rear while Lu Shao led from the front. Even though the Sense Realm Experts detected the Leopard, they did not warn the team and continued as if unaware of the beast.


    __


    Before his mind could rey the scene of the fight, Zi Ming spoke to him.


    "Vice Commander Zhou, I still cannot believe we seeded in hunting down the beast!"


    ? His incredulous tone matched the expression on his face. Zhou Ruan replied in a simrly astonished voice.


    "Neither Can I, Third Commander, neither can I. If we tell anyone that our team killed a Cloud Patterned Leopard with just one casualty, they would call us liars!"


    "I agree! It was all possible due to the training we received from Feng Yan. If not for the constant surprise attacks we had to deal with, we would never have recovered fast enough when the Leopard attacked."


    "Don''t forget the man himself! If he did not restrain the Leopard, it would have escaped and caused many more casualties."


    "And the Battle Techniques! Without that Staff technique, our damage would be nowhere near enough to hinder the beast''s movements."


    "How can you forget the High Grade Technique, Chop? That martial skill had enough power to break a Spirit Beast''s neck with bare hands!"


    As they talked, they came to a realization. With aplicated expression, Third Commander Zi Ming asked, "Does that mean we owe our victory to Mister Ikasa?"


    "Without his techniques and his Commander, we may not be alive. I guess we do owe the victory to him."


    Vice Commander Zhou surmised.


    In the stadium, people had reached a simr conclusion. However, they attributed the sess to Feng Yan, ignorant of the boss behind the scenes.


    While the spectators discussed the heroics of Feng Yan, heads of the other two powers were concerned about the person himself.


    "Who is he?"


    In the Hu n''s Pavilion, the n Master questioned the Fifth Seat who was responsible for gathering information.


    "His name is Feng Yan. He appeared in the City three weeks ago. My sources have seen him train the City Guards team at the Herb Garden. He should be rted to the new owner."


    The n Master''s white eyebrows scrunched together. Lines formed on his head as he looked at City Lord''s Pavilion with suspicion.


    "Did the City Lord invite external help?"


    The Sect Master of the Monstrous me Sect also received simr information from his subordinates. He turned to his guest with worry.


    "Path Finder Zhi, will this external help affect our ns?"


    Zhi Yang smirked while caressing his white beard.


    "Worry not. City Lord Zhen has just dug the hole deeper for himself. You should challenge him as soon as the results are announced."


    "As you wish, Deacon."<novelnext></novelnext>


    An hour had passed since the City Guard''s had defeated their foe. During this time there was no change in the status quo between the Monstrous me Sect and the Chimp.


    But the Hu n had another encounter with their target!


    As soon as Zhen Ya put the screen up, the spectators were greeted to the gory scene of Cui Chen, the third seat of the Hu n, being impaled.


    The right tusk of the Boar had prated through his stomach and came out of his back.


    Cui Chen coughed up blood and poked the beast''s eye. This movement caused his injuries to aggravate. The constant movements of the Boar did not help. Before he could extricate himself from the tusk, he lost too much blood and his eyes closed for eternity.


    Si!


    The spectators and the team members gasped as they witnessed a Sense Realm Expert die!


    "Don''t stand like fools! Attack!"


    Yao Mao desperately shouted as he hacked at the beast''s neck with all his might. The Corpse hanging on his tusk hindered its motions, and a deep wound appeared on the Boar''s neck.


    The beast rampaged trying to avoid attacks of the other three men left in the team. But to no avail. The numerous wounds that Yao Mao had inflicted were widened when the poles poked into them.


    The enraged beast ignored Yao Mao and charged into the one who had poked his anus. Its rushing figure crashed into the guy who was recovering his staff after the attack.


    Before the Boar could escape, Yao Mao caught up and hacked with all his might. The Sabernded on the previous wound made on the neck and lopped off the boar''s head.


    Yao Mao breathed heavily as he was bathed in the blood spurting from the dead Boar''s neck.


    He fell to his knees and removed the corpse hanging on the tusk.


    "I have avenged you, Brother Cui"


    He whispered and tied the dead body to his back. The least he could do was give his fellow Sense Trainer a funeral deserving of his status.


    The spectators watched in silence at the saddening scene. Of the team of 10, only three remained.


    The Hu n members were in a state of shock seeing the sorry state of their team. What hurt them the most was the loss of one of their peak powerhouses; the death of Cui Chen.


    Hu n Master clenched his fists till his nails drew blood from his palms. He knew the risks. He knew he might lose some men. But he never expected to lose a Sense Realm Expert.


    Not only the Hu n, even other Sense Realm Experts watching the screen were shocked. Every Sense Realm Expert was born after numerous years of hardships.


    They were the jewels in the crown of their respective powers. If one fell, it took a long time to rece them. And the powers they belonged to would be vulnerable during this period.


    This was the case with the Hu n. Its loss was beneficial for other powers. In fact, before the corpse was even cold, others were rejoicing.


    In the City Lord''s Pavilion, Ikasa watched City Lord clench his fists with excitement. He was already nning to wage an economic war on the Hu n and the Sect.


    Due to this incident, he might turn it into an actual battle against the Hu n!


    ''Please, don''t be impulsive!''


    Ikasa prayed looking at the fire in that bearded man''s eyes.


    Situation in the Monstrous me Sect''s Pavilion was not much different.


    Initially, the death of the Third Seat shocked the Sect Master. He became worried for his team''s Sense Realm Experts.


    Zhi Yang had noticed his anxiety and scoffed.


    "That fool who can''t even handle a pig deserved to die. And don''t forget he might have stood in our way. So his death is actually good for us."


    His words reminded the Sect Master of their goal. And his anxiety lessened. He firmed his heart and turned his attention to his team.


    Enough time had passed for the crowd to process the death of an Sense Realm Expert. They understood Sense Realm''s importance but still underestimated their significance to the respective powers.


    That''s why they were more concerned with whether the Hu n could get second ce or not.


    "What a pyrrhic victory!"


    "They would at least rank second."


    "No. It is not definite yet. If they cannot reach before the Monstrous me Sect, they would still be third."


    "True, looking at the condition of the remaining team members, it will be difficult for them to return."


    "If the Monstrous me Sect doesn''t make a move soon, the team from Hu n will arrive first. Even if they were to limp their way here!"


    As if thements of spectators reached their ears, the team on screen began to surround the Chimp.


    Whether they would seed or not; Only time would tell.

 Chapter 100 Mysterious Second Commander

    "Did you see that? How the chains made of magma bound the beast? The Second Elder survived because they activated in time!"


    "I thought Demon Subduing Formation was nothing special. But I have to eat my words. Not only did the formation bind the beast with chains of magma, but also weakened it!"


    "The Sects really have a deep foundation. The methods employed by the Hu n and City Guards couldn''t evenpare to the Demon Subduing Formation!"


    The audience chatted about the team''s aplishment, even after Zhen Ya had dissipated the screen. They were so enamored by the mystical methods that they even missed the arrival of the City Guard''s Team.


    Though the attacks of the Monstrous me Sect were nothing shy, the Chains of Magma alone gave the crowd a glimpse of a realm beyond Sense training. Compared to this magic, people quickly forgot the skillful and tactical performance of City Guards.


    In the Sect''s Pavilion, Sect Master Yan heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Deacon Zhi, thank you for providing us with the Demon Subduing Formation. I knew it was powerful, but I didn''t think it would allow us to kill a Spirit Condensation Beast without any casualties!"


    Zhi Yang scoffed at the praise.


    "Did you think a Formation from Tier 1 Sect would not be able to kill a mere Spirit Condensation Beast? Let me tell you this; The disciples of my Earth Fire Sect use this formation to trap Foundation Establishment stage Beasts!"


    Sect Master Yan''s eyes widened. He looked at the Crystal ced in the center with amazement. A Foundation Establishment Stage Beast was as powerful as someone who had just entered Chakra Opening Realm.


    And his team had used it to defeat a Spirit Condensation Beast. It was overkill!


    While Sect Master Yan was engrossed in his thoughts, Zhi Yang noticed the carcass of Cloud Patterned Leopard lying outside the City Lord''s Pavilion.


    "Huh! Looks like City Lord''s team is back."


    The white-bearded man''s tone held reproach. Since the Second Elder had failed to win first ce, it had put a minor hurdle in their ns.


    Soon after his words, Zhen Ya came out with Lu Shao.


    "Commander Lu Shao and his team are the first to return after fulfilling their task."


    Though she had not announced the winner after her deration everyone knew the City Guards had secured first ce without a doubt.


    "After the mysterious Formation, I thought the Sect had other cards up their sleeves. They would somehow return earlier, but I guess I expected too much. City Guards beat them at hunting the beast, and they also won in the contest of speed."


    "The City Guards have skill. The Sectarians relied on gimmicks to hunt the beast."


    After Zhen Ya''s deration, many people changed their tunes. The ones singing praises of Monstrous me Sect began to condemn their use of Demon Subduing Formation as shy and frivolous.


    The reason for this change? With the winner decided, the City Lord had proven his strength again. Though there was a specific tax structure in ce, he had the power to reduce or increase the tax ording to his wish.


    Only the power bnce in the City prevented him from bing an economic tyrant.


    The members of Monstrous me Sect had shown promise, but they belonged to Secr World. They couldn''t interfere in the political matters of the City due to the Pact. Unless it concerned their industries, they had no right to object.


    Hence, it was up to the Hu n to keep the City Lord in check.


    With the death of a Sense Realm expert, their clout had reduced significantly. This caused the power bnce in Birch City to tip heavily in the City Lord''s favor.


    As a result, many merchants andndlords in the camp of the Hu n abandoned their faction. These turncoats were boot licking the hardest. Their voices were loudest when they glorified the City Guards.


    Their reason? They didn''t want to be clubbed down with extra taxes.


    While people celebrated the City Guards, Yao Mao hobbled into the stadium with the Tri Tusked Boar''s head. His team was nowhere to be seen, and neither was the Boar''s body.


    When he saw the City Guards already present inside the stadium, his eyes despaired. Even after taking advantage of the loophole that only demanded the head of the beast, he was stillte.


    To make haste he had even left his injuredrades behind in the forest. He gritted his teeth and approached the Arbitrator.


    Zhen Ya impassively received the head and announced Yao Mao''s position.


    "Yao Mao of the Hu n has arrived second with the Beast''s head!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, the team from Monstrous me Sect, dragged the humongous body of the Chimp inside.


    Rising from his seat, Zhi Yang paced in their Pavilion. His calm demeanor had crumbled, and he had a fire in his eyes.


    "Useless Fools! They couldn''t walk faster than a limping man!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    He cursed, glowering at his team. Turning his head to Sect master Yan, he hissed his warning.


    "You better ignite this spark or elseˇ­"


    At the Center of the Stadium, Zhen Ya acknowledged thetest team to arrive.


    "All three participants have defeated their assigned beasts. In ordance with the rules, I dere the City Lord''s team as the Victor of this Year''s Tribute Tournament. The Hu n takes second ce and the Monstrous me Sect is in third ce."


    Apuse broke out at her deration. People didn''t miss this chance to tter the City Lord.


    But the City Lord was busy thanking someone else.


    "Brother Ikasa, I owe this victory to you! Without your techniques and Feng Yan''s presence, it would have been difficult to kill the Leopard. Not to mention taking first ce."


    The bearded man said, raising his ss of wine. His smile was stretched wide, unable to contain his joy. Ikasa clinked his goblet against City Lord''s and responded with an equally big smirk.


    "Congrattions, City Lord! I would say you are ttering me, but what you said is true. Now that you have proven your strength, there is nothing stopping us from taking over Birch City''s Cultivation market."


    While City Lord was receiving congrattions from his affiliates, n Master Hu and Sect Master Yan arrived at the Center of the Stadium.


    "Arbitrator, I decline to ept this result!"


    n Master Hu''s voice rang in the bustling stadium. The noise died down instantly. Zhen Ya nced at the old man and asked, "Why?"


    "We suspect City Lord of foul y. Unless City Lord Zhen rifies the origins of Feng Yan, we will notply with this result."


    Themotion outside attracted the attention of Zhen Wu. He walked out with Lu Shao and Feng Yan, joining Zhen Ya at the center.


    "I respected n Master Hu for your straightforwardness. I did not expect you would act like a sore loser. Did Sect Master Yan incite you? Because this sounds like something he would concoct."


    When a lord of the City speaks, people pay attention. With a few chosen words and their implications, City Lord had maligned the image of Sect Master Yan in the heads of all merchants and businessmen present.


    "Zhen Wu, don''t y word games and rify his origin."


    His words were drenched with his disdain and contempt for the man. The spectators turned their heads to see how the City Lord would reply.


    But before City Lord could reply, his sister rebuked the Sect Master.


    "Sect Master Yan, City Lord Zhen is an official appointed by the Imperial Court! Are you challenging the Royal edict by not acknowledging his post?"


    She narrowed her eyes and her aura belonging to the Chakra Sensing Realm red. Sect Master Yan took a step back because of the suffocating pressure she emitted. Intimidated, he was forced to put aside his disrespectful attitude and apologize.


    "City Lord Zhen, please, do tell who Feng Yan is?"


    His overt politeness made a mockery out of Zhen Ya''s rebuke. Just as she was about to p this old fossil to death, her brother intervened.


    "You should have asked this politely from the beginning, Sect Master Yan. I would''ve happilyplied then. To answer your queries, Feng Yan is my Second Commander."


    Zhen Wu cleverly mocked Yan Hao''s attempt at mockery. But the crowd missed it due to the shocking revtion after. His answer sent ripples through the crowd.


    Even the City Guards scratched their heads.


    "When did we get a secondmander? Wasn''t that post vacant sincest year?"


    The City Lord''s reply came as a shock to Feng Yan as well. But like the seasoned old man he was, he yed along and remained impassive.


    Sect Master Yan refused to take his words at face value. Even Hu n Master did not believe him.


    "City Lord Zhen, we thought better of you. I did not believe you would resort to lying to keep your victory."


    n Master Hu asserted, shaking his head. His usual domineering self was mellowed due to the death of Cui Chen.


    "What is there to lie about? Haven''t you always wondered why the post of Second Commander was vacant? If it was not vacant, why did he never appear in the City?"


    Before Yan Hao or n Master Hu could deny, City Lord continued.


    "Don''t bother denying. You have sent so many ipetent informants over the years that I know what information you are searching. My Second Commander was out on a mission in Beech City. I recalled him just in time for the tournament."

 Chapter 101 I Invoke The Pact!

    "Since when did my father be the Second Commander?"


    In the Pavilion allocated to the City Lord, Xin Ruo whispered in Ikasa''s ear. She was shocked by the City Lord''s announcement.


    "Since the third month ofst year," Ikasa whispered back while keeping his eyes on the three heads gathered near the Crystals.


    "What?"


    She blurted out loud, confused by his reply. In the third month ofst year, her father didn''t even know who Zhen Wu of Birch City was, let alone agree to be hismander.


    Ikasa hurriedly shushed her and exined in a low voice.


    "City Lord Zhen kept the post of Second Commander vacant for a year, so he could promote Vice Commander Zhou when he advanced to Sense Realm. But Zhou Ruan didn''t advance in time."


    "So when we agreed to cooperate, he appointed Feng Yan as the nominal Second Commander to make him a legitimate contender. He backdated his appointment to prevent such allegations."


    Xin Ruo was enlightened as her eyes were opened to the world of deceit and politics. She paid even more attention to the happenings in front of them.


    "..... I recalled him in time to participate in the tournament."


    The City Lord had just presented his side to the two objectors.


    Lying is a skill. A good liar is not someone who can lie with a straight face; A good liar is someone who ys with truth. His lies always check out because there is no evidence otherwise.


    By this standard, the City Lord was an amazing liar!


    He had done his due diligence. Feng Yan had a legitimate identity. Not only that, his sry had been going out every month since the date of his appointment!


    The conviction shown by City Lord was nothing short of wondrous. His detailed exnation convinced the n Master Hu that Feng Yan was indeed the mysterious Second Commander of City Guards.


    n Master Hu was enticed by the idea of getting first ce by disqualifying City Guards. But when he realized the City Lord hade prepared, he gave up on his scheme.


    If it was any other time, the domineering old man would''ve chosen to pursue this matter. But his n had just lost a pir. Not wanting to strain rtions when they were vulnerable, he decided to drop the matter.


    "City Lord, I believe you won''tpromise your integrity for just this tournament." n Master Hu stated, looking into his eyes to see signs of deceit. The City Lord met his eyes without flinching, convincing him that this was the truth.


    It had the intended effect as n Master Hu turned to the beautiful judge.


    "Arbitrator, I withdraw my objections and ept this oue."


    His withdrawal meant that the Sect Master of Monstrous me Sect had lost his pawn. Without a majority on his side, he couldn''t pressurize the Arbitrator.


    But he was not without recourse.


    "n Master Hu may believe your words, but I don''t. I demand the Arbitrator to investigate his ims!"


    Zhen Ya treated him like a child who was throwing a tantrum. She downright ignored his ims.


    "If you are unwilling to listen to my Sect''s grievances, you leave me with no choice."


    He took out an embroidered scroll and unfurled it. A bright golden light shed from the scroll, and the sky lit up with a beam of light.


    The beam was so bright that the residents of the City thought the morning had arrived.


    Yan Hao chanted the hymns as taught by Zhi Yang.


    "The embodiment of mes, you are the Emperor of Embers. Oh, Absolute of Fire, I pray to thee!"


    "The embodiment of zephyr, you are the Lord of Winds. Oh, Absolute of Air, I pray to thee!"


    "The embodiment of ground, you are the Nurturer of Nature. Oh, Absolute of Earth, I pray to thee!"


    "The embodiment of water, you are the Giver of Vitality. Oh, Absolute of Aqua, I pray to thee!


    "The embodiment of void, you are the Protector of Life. Oh, Absolute of Space, I pray to thee!"


    With a swoosh, five vague yet giant figures appeared in the sky. Three of them looked like humans. Of the remaining two, one was a formless mass of gas and the other a dancing me.


    Ikasa had heard about the Absolutes, but this was his first time seeing them. Their arrival had not only caught the interest of Ikasa, but also the rest of the Spectators.<novelnext></novelnext>


    In the presence of mighty beings, most of them went on their knees. It didn''t matter whether people kneeled or not, the Absolutes didn''t care.


    Their attention was focused solely on the holder of the Scroll who requested their presence.


    The Sect Master Yan looked at the ultimate powers in this world with fear while he trembled in his shoes. Noticing the gaze of Zhi Yang directed at him, he found the courage to speak as rehearsed.


    "Absolutes, I invoke use 3 of the Pact between Secr World and the Empires. ording to the use, if an imperial official involves a Sect or School in his mundane conflicts, the Sect or School has the right to govern his domain, jointly or alone."


    As he spoke, he felt more impassioned. His voice firmed thinking of his potential gains.


    "Seven years ago, this man, the City Lord of Birch City, approached my Monstrous me Sect for assistance. He involved us in his conflict with the Hu n. We obliged and fought for him."


    "However he denied our right to govern jointly when the situation stabilized. As a peace offering, we gave him a chance to fairlypete for the right to rule the city in the form of this Tribute Tournament. But he invited external help and vited the code of conduct."


    The Sect Master fell to his knees and begged the figures in the golden-lit sky.


    "Oh Absolutes, please do justice."


    When the red-robed man finished presenting his case, he had revealed the actual first prize of this tournament!


    The Right to govern Birch City!


    Except for the three powers and the Arbitrator, no one knew this was the actual award. Not even Ikasa.


    When he came to know, waves rippled in his calm heart. His fists clenched but his face did not expose his emotions.


    He remainedposed because he had expected something like this.


    There was no reason for the City Lord to be so desperate to win the first ce if it meant he would just be getting a big pot of gold.


    As for his ims that he didn''t want to empty the treasury while filling the pockets of the Hu n or the Monstrous me Sect? They may be true to some extent, but after seeing the pitiful conditions of Citizens, he realized that the money in the treasury was never used for their welfare.


    During his stay in the City, he talked to City Lord and other Sense Realm Experts. Through those talks, he understood how significant a Sense Trainer was to a power in a Tier-3 City.


    He knew then why the Xue Family approached him at the risk of losing a deal worth hundreds of thousands of gold coins but did not send their First Elder to fight on behalf of the City Lord.


    Economic gains were significant in both cases, but not enough to risk the lives of Sense Realm Experts. Losing one Sense Realm Expert meant sliding down thedder of the power hierarchy in the City.


    Reascending thisdder was near impossible since the ones on top would always step on you to keep you down.


    With this new information, Ikasa had begun to wonder about the true purpose of this Tournament weeks ago. It was revealed now.


    ''Darn Politicians! Always keep one card hidden. Why would they be any different in this world of cultivation?''


    He shook his head and epted the new conditions. Since he had helped the City Lord triumph, his deal with him and the Xue Family would hold.


    ''Wait. Right now, the Monstrous me Sect isying ims to govern the City! If their im is approved there is no way I would get any tax concessions! Forget tax concessions, as an ally of the City Lord, my life will be difficult in this City! Fuck!''


    Ikasa watched with indignation the serene smile on the face of the City Lord, even though his authority was in danger. He eagerly awaited the City Lord''s answer, hoping he had a n that would keep his authority and safeguard the investments Ikasa made in this City.


    A few breaths had passed since Sect Master Yan went on his knees. While everyone awaited the judgment, a voice from the sky resounded in the stadium.


    "City Lord Zhen, present your case."


    Zhen Ya and Zhen Wu exchanged nces. It seemed to Ikasa like the Brother and Sister duo hade prepared.


    City Lord Zhen bowed his head to greet the supreme ones. Unlike Yan Hao, his voice was firm from the start. With a respectful tone, he presented his side.


    "Almighty Absolutes, I do not deny the allegations. But I refuse to surrender Birch City."


    Ikasa missed a heartbeat when he heard the City Lord directly refuse toply with the Pact. But his anxiety was just a result of his iplete knowledge of the Pact.


    There was another man in the Stadium who had read the Pact. He also missed a heartbeat but from joy. Zhi Yang sneered at the City Lord''s insolence and thought he would be doomed.


    But the City Lord''s next words drained the blood from his face.


    "To challenge the im of Sect Master Yan, I invoke use 8 of the Pact between the Secr World and the Empires!"

 Chapter 102 The Battle Of Rights

    "He is invoking use 8 of the Pact between the Sects and the Empires!"


    City Lord''s rebuttal drained the blood from Zhi Yang''s face. The use 8 of the Pact had never been invoked in disputes of this level.


    In fact, the existence of the Pact itself was long forgotten by the tier 3 powers. They followed just one rule - Never involve the Sects or Schools in their disputes.


    Zhi Yang, though familiar with the Pact, had also overlooked the existence of use 8. This use had the potential to overturn all the efforts his Sect put into raising the Monstrous me Sect to its current strength.


    Enraged, he glowered at the Second Elder.


    "This is all your fault, you ipetent fool! If you had won the damn tournament, we could have slowly weakened the City Lord''s influence and taken over the City."


    The Second Elder lowered his head with shame. After venting his dissatisfaction, Zhi Yang regted his breathing to calm his anger.


    Seeing him calm down, the First Elder gathered the courage to ask his question.


    "Path Finder Zhi, what is use 8 of the Pact and why is it bad for us?"


    "The use 8 of the Pact is the Battle for Rights. In case there are differences between a Sect and an imperial official, this use can be enforced to force a decision through battle."


    Zhi Yang answered, his eyes fixed on the figures in the sky, anxiously awaiting their verdict.


    The First Elder was confused by the reply.


    "Path Finder Zhi, why do you say this is bad for us? If just two Chakra Opening realm Elders from your Sect act, we can conclusively win this battle!"


    "It''s not that simple."


    Zhi Yang said in a frustrated voice, dowsing water over the First Elder''s fantasy.


    "To prevent a small incident from sparking an all-out war, the dispute is limited to the region two parties belong to. In this case, only the people who call Birch City their home can participate in this battle."


    Looking into the First Elder''s eyes, he delivered the grave news.


    "This means neither my Earth Fire Sect nor the City Lord''s Zhen family can intervene. This will be a battle between the Monstrous me Sect and Birch City."


    The news sounded like a death knell in his mind. Though the Monstrous me Sect had four Sense Realm Cultivators, their disciples numbered in hundreds aspared to the 300 men a strong force of City Guards.


    With the addition of two strong Sense Realm experts like Feng Yan and the City Lord himself, the City Guards had a very high chance of steam-rolling the Sect''s forces.


    Once he had finished doing the calctions in his mind, the First Elder turned to the Chakra Sensing Realm expert with hope.


    "Path Finder Zhi, since you are already in Birch City, you can fight on behalf of our Sect, right?"


    Before the white-bearded Elder could reply, the Absolutes announced their verdict.


    "We grant the City Lord Zhen permission to wage the Battle of Rights. This battle will be confined to Birch City, the ce of origin of the two parties. The battle will end when a party forfeits the right to rule."


    After they dered the rules, a space bubble dragged Zhi Yang and Zhen Ya into it and rose in the air. With this marvelous act, the Absolute of Space demonstrated his authority over the Spatial domain.<novelnext></novelnext>


    It was not just a simple air bubble. This bubble was essentially a different world in itself!


    Though the people present weren''t knowledgeable enough to understand and appreciate the miracle happening before their eyes, the two Chakra Sensing realm experts perceived something.


    They were left in awe when they understood that they had traveled between different nes with this simple act of Absolute of Space!


    "These two Path Finders will act as our agents and prevent interference from outside Birch City."


    Once every spectator had seen the figures of Zhi Yang and Zhen Ya, the space bubble gently descended to the ground. When the bubble disappeared, the two Path Finders heard a voice in their head.


    "You are prohibited from harming any resident of Birch City until this Battle ends. Understood?"


    Without dy, the two Path Finders bowed their heads in submission.


    "As youmand, Absolutes!"


    The figures in the sky faded upon receiving the answer. The golden beam of light emitted by the scroll diminished and gradually disappeared, drowning the stadium in the dim light of the moon.


    The agents appointed by the Absolutes immediately jumped into action.


    Zhi Yang knew that if a battle started right now, the Monstrous me Sect had no chance of winning. They needed to formte a suitable n to face the uing war.


    He decided to confer with Zhen Ya and proposed to start the Battle at daybreak.


    She ryed this suggestion to her brother, seeking his opinion.


    Zhen Wu pondered over the suggestion. Blockading the forces of Monstrous me Sect here could win them the Battle but coteral damage would be intolerably huge for the future of Birch City.


    Every person here was responsible for the economic activity in the City. Their death would mean reduced revenue.


    If the Sect did not surrender fast enough, the City''s Treasury would bleed dry from having to pay the differences between the actual amount of taxes collected and the amount he had to send to the Imperial Court.


    Taking this into consideration, he decided to agree to the suggestion.


    Without dy, Zhi Yang announced, "The Battle of Rights between the Lord of Birch City and the Monstrous me Sect will start at daybreak!"


    The Spectators gathered heaved a sigh of relief. They had been on the edge of their seat since the Absolutes announced the deration of Battle. Even now, they could not rx as the two leaders were eyeing each other with hostility.


    In such a tense atmosphere, City Lord Zhen approached the Sect Master Yan.


    "You should''ve stayed put in your peaceful Secr World instead of scheming to gain power by trampling on me. Involving my wife in your petty schemes was an even bigger mistake. Mark my words, for you, will remember them on your deathbed."


    City Lord Zhen turned his back on the fuming old man without hesitation and boarded the carriage they arrived in. The guests from City Lord''s camp also quickly emptied the Pavilion and departed with him.


    In his carriage, Ikasa sighed at the turn of events. Looking outside at the dark night''s sky, he savored the peace. His heart was heavy with an ominous thought.


    "When the sky turns orange, the streets of Birch City will be dyed red with the blood of innocents."

 Chapter 103 [Bonus ] A Plan In Motion

    Even though it was the middle of the night, the study of Deciduous County''s Governor was brightly lit. A thin but tall man sat behind thevish desk in the study. He rubbed his eyes as he put away another stack of papers.


    He had the same dark brown eyes and sharp jawline as the City Lord Zhen. The healthy glow of his skin showed that the many night shifts andck of sleep didn''t affect him at all.


    "Governor, we have news from Birch City!"


    His aide shouted from the door while rushing into the study. Governor Zhen looked up energetically, all traces of tiredness disappearing from his eyes. He hastily snatched the letter from the servant''s hands and opened it.


    "We seeded."


    Reading the two words, a smile bloomed on his face. He snapped his fingers, and a tiny ember formed on his fingertips that set the letter on fire.


    He closed his eyes as he reminisced about the formtion of the n they had set in motion.


    On the day he received the news of the alliance between his younger brother and the Monstrous me Sect, he had felt rage and disappointment. He didn''t know how to break this news to their father who doted on Zhen Wu the most.


    Surprisingly, their father had received the news with unnatural calm. His reaction suited not that of a father, but the Patriarch of the Zhen family.


    "Zhen Peng, don''t me your brother. Better men than him were tempted by the Secr World and in turn executed by the Imperial Court."


    "But Patriarchˇ­"


    "Have you notified any Elders yet?"


    "Good."


    Getting up from his seat, the tall yet hunched old man paced in the room with his hands folded behind him.


    "This is the first instance where a person already in a position of power has allied with a Sect. This seems like a scheme of someone from the Secr World."


    "Zhen Peng, go back and study the Pact. Study the provisions that the Sect can use to take advantage of your brother."


    Since that day, Governor Zhen Peng had studied all the Thirty Three uses thoroughly. There were three possible uses the Sect could use in their favor.


    use 3, use 19, and use 27. Only use 3 allowed the Sect to gain control of the City. In the other two uses, either his brother would be executed, or the Sect would gain marypensation from the Empire.


    He found that only use 3 could be countered, and the counter was dubious.


    use 8 was used when there were disputes between two Empires or Nobles regarding a piece of territory or some trade routes. It had never been used when disputes regarding use 3 urred in a Tier 3 City.


    This was a bitter pill for him to swallow. That''s when he decided to direct the show from behind the scenes.


    He waited five years for his brother to swallow his pride ande to him for help. When Zhen Wu didn''t, he spread the following rumors in the Secr World.


    "A chance for Sects to reemerge hase. If the Monstrous me Sect uses use 3 of the Pact they can acquire a City in the Holy Wood Empire!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    A Sect nearby took the bait. It incited the Monstrous me Sect against City Lord. In the face of potential benefits, the Monstrous me Sect began to demand more and more concessions in taxes in order to force the City Lord into breaking the alliance.


    Coincidentally, that''s when Commander Lu Shao broke through, providing City Lord with sufficient assurance to terminate the alliance.


    For the next seven months, he endured the two-pronged attack from the Hu n and Monstrous me Sect. When he finally couldn''t endure, he approached the Governor for mediation, not as a younger brother but as City Lord Zhen.


    Annoyed by his persistence, Governor Zhen disclosed the cause of the dispute to the Hu n. The n also demanded a fair chance to rule the City.


    To satisfy every party, Governor Zhen put forth the idea of a contest to decide the ruler. And that''s how the Tribute Tournament came to be.


    On the surface, the Tournament was to decide the taxes so that the Imperial Court wouldn''t find out about the Sect''s involvement in the governance of the City. In the dark, it decided on the king of Birch City.


    Life did not be easy for Zhen Wu when he realized that the Tribute Tournament did not keep the other two powers in check. Instead, it had be a sword hanging over his head where one defeat would cause him to lose his position!


    Before the City Lord could decide, a decision was made for him. Movements from a Tier 1 Sect of Furnace Fire Empire''s Ember City forced Governor''s hand.


    The moment he received the news of their deacon''s arrival in Deciduous County, he summoned Zhen Ya to his chambers.


    "Ya''er, your big brother is in deep trouble this timeˇ­"


    With this preamble, he had theplete attention of his sister. After exining his n so far, he told her the reason for her appointment as the Arbitrator.


    "You are the strongest Chakra Sensing Realm in this family. When you arrive at Birch City you have two tasks. Firstly, make sure your brother wins the Tournament, by hook or by crook. Second, force the Sect Master of that third rate sect to use the Pact."


    Zhen Ya nodded, even though she did not understand the reasoning behind the tasks. Then he handed her a paper.


    "This is the counter prepared for when use 3 of the Pact is invoked. Get your brother to learn it. Even if any other use is invoked, make him use the same argument."


    Zhen Ya quickly skimmed through the document, her eyes widening slightly. Even this much reaction from this cold beauty was enough to show how shocked she was.


    "Brother Peng, wouldn''t this mean Brother Wu would have to fight against the Sect alone?"


    Zhen Peng smiled and exined to assuage her fears.


    "I have investigated that Third rate sect with shallow foundations. Despite its name, it focuses mainly on medicinal skills; not Martial Arts. He should be able to take care of them."


    After going through his memories, the County Governor opened his eyes. A serene smile graced his face with the satisfaction of everything proceeding as nned.


    He looked in the direction of the City which would soon bathe in blood.


    "This is your repentance trial, little brother. Prove to everyone you are still worthy of being the Zhen Family''s Sessor."

 Chapter 104 Strategizing

    As the first rays of the sun shone on Birch City, a team of soldiers gathered around a prominent shop in the City. The doors were not open for business yet, and the signboard was also not put up.


    "This is the Medicine Store of the Monstrous me Sect?" Commander Lu asked the Patrolling Captain of the City Guards.


    "Yes, Commander. The Medicinal pills and concoctions are sold on the counter outside and their Physicians sit in the hall inside."


    "Very well. Guards, break open the door for me. We will let these Sectarian bastards know the price of rebelling against the Lord!"


    Commander Lu ordered without hesitation when he learned they were at the correct location. He gazed coldly at the door as if it had insulted his mother.


    Hearing themand, the men began to smash their shoulders into the door without dy. As the door rattled from the impact, others watching from the sidelines cheered.


    Schrs say humans have a destructive tendency. Judging from the glint in the eyes of these guards as they mmed into the door, one could tell they had embraced it.


    After numerous ms, the door unhinged with a mighty bang and copsed inside.


    "Ransack the shelves and take everything of Value. If you see any dog of the Monstrous me Sect, burst his head open."


    Lu Shao ordered, taking the lead to rummage through the counter. Every jade bottle he saw, no matter full or empty, he put in his bag. Other guards followed the example of their Commander.


    Half an hourter, the once luxuriously decorated shop was left in shambles.


    When Commander Lu and his cohorts walked out of the Shop, they saw a mob gathered around the entrance.


    A disciple wearing brown robes with a ming beast on his chest came forward. Turning to the mob, he mocked the City guards.


    "I knew the City Guards are poor but didn''t think you would resort to robbery. Hahaha!"


    When he realized no oneughed at his joke, he turned to see the situation. His vision was upied by a smooth throat with a very prominent Adam''s apple. His eyes moved upwards to see the haughty eyes of Commander Lu staring down at him.


    Before he could speak, Lu Shao''s hand was around his neck, squeezing it tightly. Slowly, he was raised up in the air.


    "This is the price your Sect will pay for rebelling against the City Lord!"


    With bam, Commander Lu mmed the poor disciple onto the street head first. His neck broke and his head burst.


    The crowd looked at the dying boy and Commander Lu with shock and fear. Many of them shivered even though the weather was warm and sunny.


    The Commander looked at his foe''s dying body with a chill in his eyes. Then he looked at the people gathered and warned,


    "Every disciple of the Monstrous me Sect will receive the same treatment as long as they step into the City. If any of you dare contact them, you should also prepare for your funeral."


    After issuing the warning, he walked away with a white sack hung over his shoulder, his men following his steps.


    When the news of this incident reached the Monstrous me Sect, the master of the sect immediately summoned all his Elders.


    As the one who started everything, Deacon Zhi Yang was also invited. However, he didn''t expect the agitated Sect Master would vent at him first.


    "Path Finder Zhi! We did everything as your Sect directed. Take responsibility and help us find a way out of this situation."


    Sect Master of the Monstrous me Sect thundered as he paced anxiously in the Hall of Elders. The past three days had been suffocating for the members of his Sect.


    One after another, all their shops in the City had been shut down. Their economic lifeline had been broken. The disciples lived in fear as many of the ones sent to the City were killed barbarically.


    Path Finder Zhi was aware of the situation but his hands were tied. Even if they died before him, as the agent appointed by the Absolutes, he could only watch apathetically.


    Due to his helplessness, when a Sect Master of a third-tier sect dared to me him, his blood boiled. He wanted to raise his hand and punish his impudence with a p, but the Absolute''s orders prevented him from doing so.


    This Deacon took a deep breath andposed himself.


    "Sect Master Yan! You need to calm down first. The battle has just started. Not everything is lost! Remember, you had once harassed that man to the point he was forced to institute the Tribute Tournament to appease you."


    Zhi Yang coldly hissed at the pacing man. As an agent of the Absolutes, he was not allowed to harm the residents of the City. But, nothing prevented him from advising the Sect. As long as he only dropped hints and let theme up with a strategy themselves, it would not be considered outside interference.


    However, his speech was wasted on the Sect Master. Neither his pacing stopped nor did he pay attention to the patronizing words.


    To prevent the tension in the room from escting, the first Elder answered for his Sect Master.


    "The times were different back then. We allied with the Hu n and refused toˇ­ payˇ­ taxes."


    As he spoke, his eyes shined. He thought he had found a suitable strategy but his euphoria quickly faded.


    The Fourth Elder, the youngest of them all, also understood what Zhi Yang meant. With excitement, he voiced his opinion.


    "What worked back then could work now as well! All we have to do is get the Hu n to cooperate with us."


    "No, it won''t work." Sect Master Yan pessimistically replied, pouring water over the Fourth Elder''s enthusiasm.


    The First Elder exined to other Elders the reasoning behind Sect Master''s negative attitude.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "The Hu n has just lost their Third Seat, a Sense Realm Expert. At this time when their foundations are unstable, they would not be willing to antagonize any power."


    Zhi Yang shook his head at the exnation. He got up and walked to the giant open window.


    "Who says you need the Hu n?"


    His statement confused everyone in the room.


    "What do you mean, Path Finder?"


    "Come here, First Elder, and tell me, what do you see?"


    Zhi Yang beckoned the First Elder and pointed to the view outside.


    "There is a deep valley before us?" He looked at the Older Man with confusion.


    Zhi Yang was getting frustrated by the empty heads in the room. He couldn''t explicitly tell them the n for fear of incurring the Absolutes'' wrath. Thus, he had to drop hints and let theme to their own conclusion.


    With a forced smile, Zhi Yang nodded.


    "Exactly. Your Sect is based on a cliff! An easily defensible cliff."


    The very obvious hint was enough for the First Elder to get an idea.


    "Are you saying we should hole up in here?"


    The Third Elder, who was paying attention to every word, suddenly stood up and eximed, "What a brilliant idea!"


    All eyes in the room turned to him in askance.


    "Our Sect contributes nearly one-third of the revenue of the City. With our Shops closed, City Lord will lose that one-third revenue and have to make up the difference from his pocket."


    The other elders also understood the strategy now. By closing down Monstrous me Sect''s industries, the City Lord would in fact bleed his treasury in the near future.


    And they just had to wait and watch it happen.


    "And even if the City Lordes to attack us, we will be safe in our base!"


    The Second Elderpleted the strategy that Zhi Yang was hinting at. He looked at the Path Finder with admiration.


    A genuine smile appeared on the white-bearded old man''s face when the duffers before him finally understood what he meant.


    ''If I try to exin the strategy for the Hu n now, I might lose control and beat them up before they can understand it.''


    He thought as he left the room.


    While Monstrous me Sect''s Elders were ted with the strategy they came up with, a shop was getting ready to steal their business.


    "How does it look? Do you think Master will like this arrangement? "


    Chu Kuang asked Xin Ruo while showing off the refurbished shop. Its current look was far from its previous state.


    The entire furniture was made from the luxurious wood of the Sandal tree. As soon as one entered the shop, they would be greeted by the soothing, sweet fragrance of the Sandalwood.


    He had divided the shop into two areas, the selling area, and the usage area.


    Upon entering through the door, they would see avish counter. Behind the counter, nted disy shelves formed a cross where every one of Ikasa''s manuals would be showcased.


    A narrow path on the right of the counter led to the open area in the back.


    Since people would be using the manual immediately, Chu Kuang had thoughtfully reserved a small area at the backside for their breakthrough.


    Xin Ruo took in the atmosphere and overall feel of the shop. It was warm and weing, perfect for any location that conducts business.


    A smile unconsciously bloomed on her lips as she took in the various small but thoughtful additions made by Chu Kuang.


    For example, the charts with drawings on them.


    These drawings were actual depictions exining the Battle Techniques and Energy Paths of the Cultivation Manuals for sale.


    Not only were they helpful to customers, but they also enhanced the image of the store that sells Cultivation manuals.


    "This is wonderful, Uncle Chu! I am sure Ikasa will like it very much."


    Xin Ruo answered with a wide grin. She opened the doors and looked at the nearly empty street.


    "As soon as we open tomorrow, this street will be one of the most bustling ces in Birch City."

 Chapter 105 Talk Of The Town

    "I am deeply disappointed in you, Lord Zhen. Your little trick might cost me my entire investment."


    On the second floor of the shop that was to open in a few minutes, Ikasa expressed his displeasure to the foolhardy City Lord.


    "Hahaha! You shouldn''t worry about that, Brother Ikasa. You should focus on how much more you will earn now that the shops of Monstrous me Sect are closed for business."


    Even though the City Lordughed, the smile did not reach his eyes. The dark patches under his eyes showed that the battle was not proceeding as he nned.


    Ikasa wanted to talk some sense into the dull brain of this City Lord but he had to hold his tongue. The ring figure of the Chakra Sensing Realm beauty provided him plenty of incentive to do so.


    And thus the room devolved into awkward silence as the upants waited for the preparations for the opening to be finished.


    Though the room was quiet, the City was not.


    ˇŞ---


    In the vegetable market, two women were gossiping about the happenings in the City.


    "Did you hear? A new Martial Arts store is opening today."


    "Really? Who does it belong to? The Hu n or the Monstrous me Sect?"


    "Neither. I heard the owner is someone new who is close to City Lord. In fact, the City Lord himself is going to inaugurate the store this noon."


    "What? City Lord ising to inaugurate? What an honor! Since the new City Lord took position, he has never attended the inauguration ceremony of any business in person."


    "Should we go and take a look?"


    "Of Course, we have to go!"


    ˇŞ----


    The news about Ikasa''s store had also spread within the Adventurer Parties and Mercenary groups. At the Adventurer''s Gathering Point near the west gate of the City, a verbal spat attracted the attention of on-lookers.


    "Sheesh, those two husband and wife are at it again. They are one family but both lead their own Adventure party."


    "Why not merge their adventure parties?"


    "Pay attention and you''ll see soon."


    Soon the voices became so loud that every person in the surroundings could clearly hear what they were saying.


    "You lowly trash! The cultivation techniques that you brought from Monstrous me Sect are lowest of Low grade. How dare you say they are superior to the Mid Grade Cultivation Manuals sold in the new store?"


    "The Store is not even open yet, you nipoop! How can you know they are Mid grade? No, let me rephraseˇ­ Which idiot in his right mind would sell you Mid Grade Cultivation manuals for 20 Gold?"


    "Why are you fighting? The best techniques are from the Hu n''s store."


    A member of Hu n tried to promote his n''s store only to be red at by both the parties. He raised his hands and backed off.


    "The store opens at noon today. I bet you 100 silver that their techniques are genuine!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Hmph! Be ready, to lose you blind fool. Those 100 silver will be mine soon."


    The members of the two parties shook their heads and followed after their leaders. Even some other spectators who did not receive amission joined their group to see the fun.


    ˇŞ---


    "Darling, do we have to go to some low-born''s shop inauguration ceremony?"


    p!


    "How many times have I told you to not use that word? And this is not just anyone; This person is close to Lord Zhen. Mr. Mo Fan, the personal aide of City Lord, personally invited me to attend the ceremony."


    Due to City Lord''s influence, even the other proud business owners and merchants were aware of Ikasa''s new shop. As the time approached noon, they rushed to the venue to please the City Lord.


    ˇŞ----


    The time for opening the doors had arrived. As the Sun shone brightly in the sky, a crowd gathered near the Shop.


    All sorts of people were mixed in the crowd. There were women with baskets woven with bamboo in their hands. It was evident they had arrived from the Vegetable Market.


    Behind them, carriages with numerous wealthy elites blocked the street further away. The people made space for their upants to pass.


    At this moment the adventurers arrived. The quarreling couple and their party members turned eerily quiet when they realized they were in the presence of their employers.


    Seeing the people gathered for the opening, Chu Kuang smiled. It was his men who had worked hard to spread rumors through the City. Seeing the preparationsplete, he nodded to Xin Ruo.


    "Lord Zhen, Ikasa it is time. Pleasee downstairs."


    As soon as City Lord arrived from the side entrance themoners gasped. They rarely get a glimpse of the Lord of the City. In this world, his status was equivalent to that of a celebrity.


    Everyone knew of him but few had the chance to meet him.


    Basking in attention, City Lord waved to the crowd with a wide smile on his face. Many of the people gathered may resent the City Lord for his failure to provide them protection, but one smile from him made them put aside their grievances.


    "Lord Zhen, please hang our signboard and open the door!"


    Ikasa requested, handing City Lord the prepared wooden board. City Lord received the intricately carved figurine of a man practicing Martial Arts and jumped up, showing off his martial prowess.


    With one swift motion, the chains attached to the sign were hooked into a long pole jutting out of the second floor. City Lord returned to his position on the ground amidst the cheers and apuse of the crowd.


    Not every cultivator could do this and even those who could, would not be so smooth with their movements. Hence, the ps were loudest from the adventurers and other people who understood this fact.


    It also solidified the Nobles'' faith in his capabilities in the face of an ongoing battle.


    Having achieved his goal, City Lord nonchntly straightened the crinkles in his robes. Smiling gently, he pushed open the doors to the new shop.


    As soon as the doors opened, the sweet fragrance of the Sandalwood burst out, tantalizing the noses of those gathered. They searched for the source of this wonderful smell, when they heard a calm voice announce,


    "Thank you everyone for gathering at this happy asion. As the owner of this store, I wee you all to the Ikasa''s Manuals!"

 Chapter 106 Hidden Benefits

    Upon hearing his announcement, people rushed inside forgetting their boundaries. Amoner rubbed shoulders with a noble and yet he was not rebuked.


    They were all taken in by the spectacr interior of the Shop. The gleaming covers of the books ced on the shelf behind the counter attracted their attention as soon as they stepped in.


    As their eyes wandered, they saw spectacrly drawn charts depicting Energy utilization methods and Energy Paths.


    "These are the Energy Paths cleared after using our Cultivation Manuals. The Energy Utilization Methods can be learned from our Battle Technique Manuals."


    The soothing voice of Xin Ruo exined the charts from behind the counter. The ignorant people nodded while the knowledgeable ones were taken aback.


    One of the Schrs pointed to the Energy Path depicted on a Chart and asked with shock,


    "Thisˇ­This Energy Path is infinitely close to a High Grade Path Forging Technique! Are you really selling such techniques in this shop?"


    His inquiry attracted every person''s attention to him. His ims made the eyes of the nobles shine with greed. The ordinary folk and adventurers were awed by the im and looked at the Chart in a new light.


    Seeing the excitement level going up a notch, Ikasa came forward to answer his query.


    "Of course we do. In fact, to celebrate the asion of our opening we have chosen five lucky winners who would receive any one Battle Technique or Cultivation method of their choice for no cost!"


    With his deration, themoners jumped with excitement. Even adventurers gathered had a gleam in their eyes.


    If he did not choose the lucky people soon, there would be a riot here. Ikasa understood the excitement and called the people who would choose the Lucky winners.


    "Kids, Have you found your winners yet?"


    Ikasa called out looking at the gathered crowd. Upon his call, people began to look around, searching for the little angels who would change their lives.


    One after another, the kids came to the fore. Chu Qing dragged a man who was obviously wealthy from his clothes.


    ''Has this money-grubber sold the spot?''


    Ikasa wondered, looking at the lucky winner he chose. Behind him Luo Qiqi and Pei Yuan brought the quarreling couple near the counter. Hei Ying and Yan Xiao were leading twodies with bamboo baskets in their hands.


    Except for Chu Qing''s choice, Ikasa was pleased with every other winner.


    "Manager Chu, please lead everyone to the backyard."


    Once the selling area was empty again, Ikasa introduced the techniques to the winners.


    "I would rmend you to choose Cultivation Technique if you don''t have one." Ikasa kindly reminded the twodies who were standing awkwardly not knowing what to do. Turning to the other three winners, he added, "you can choose to upgrade your Cultivation technique or pick a Battle Technique."


    A few minutester, Xin Ruo handed the twodies Mid Grade Cultivation manual.


    One of thedies whispered to Xin Ruo, "Are you sure this technique will help erge the chest?"


    Xin Ruo nodded since her own C cups had erged to D cups after practicing the top grade manual. Even the other two teenage girls were getting bigger than average.


    She realized that as long as the diet was good and the energy path passing from under the breasts was cleared, energy would help enhance the mammary nds.


    She felt awkward sharing this discovery with Ikasa but had no problem convincing thedies to pick one mid grade technique over another.


    "Hehehe! With this my husband will never look for another sow again."<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Yep, you can make him save money and buy a cultivation manual for your son."


    Ikasa''s expression became strange when his enhanced ears heard their talk.


    ''My techniques had these hidden benefits as well?'' He thought while checking out Xin Ruo''s tightly wrapped chest.


    ''The bulge does seem to be biggerˇ­''


    " Shop Owner Ikasa!"


    A voice calling for him woke him up from his thoughts. Before him stood the leaders of the adventurer parties.


    "Yes?" He responded with a smile.


    The husband and wife pair looked awkward as they hesitantly asked, "Can we pick a Cultivation Manual as well?"


    "Does the Energy Path coincide with your existing technique?"


    "The one on the right does, the other one does not." The wife answered pointing to the charts of the to mid grade techniques hanging side by side.


    Ikasa sensed falsehood in her words. The technique she pointed to helps in erging the chest. Since he was going to use these people to exhibit his techniques, he couldn''t have any mishaps.


    "May I check?"


    He grabbed her wrist without waiting for a response. Even Veteran Path forgers could feel the energy path in another''s body, let alone a sense trainer like him.


    He quickly figured out the energy path. From right ankle to groin to heart. And as he expected, it was notpatible with either of the techniques hanging on the wall.


    "Madam, either you are desperate or your husband is trying to kill you. If you chose my technique, at best you would burst your energy channels and die; At worst you would suffer deviation and spend the rest of your life in agony. Do you still want it?"


    Ikasa whispered to the two, maintaining their privacy.


    The couple blushed with shame and apologized. They were about to leave when Ikasa stopped them.


    "Pick a battle technique for now. If you really want a better cultivation method,e in the evening with your life''s savings. I am sure I can provide you with a better technique."


    The wife picked Swift Attack and her husband chose the Peek-a-Boo defense, supplementary to their roles in their parties.


    Once everyone had picked the techniques they liked, Ikasa brought them to the backyard.


    "Don''t be afraid. You just have to open the books and look at the words. It doesn''t matter if you can''t read them."


    Xin Ruo assuaged the nervousdies as they exited through the door to open space in the backyard. Their arrival attracted the attention of everyone present.


    Ikasa immediately took over.


    "Dear Guests, many of you may not know, but my manuals work mysteriously. They can make you break into the Path Forging realm in an instant."


    "When you use my Battle Technique, you don''t have to spend weeks and months to understand the movements. No, you learn them as soon as you open my manual. Bing proficient, however, does take some practice."


    "These Five Lucky Winners will now demonstrate how my techniques work!"

 Chapter 107 Benefits Of Active Sixth Sense

    The demonstrations of Battle Techniques had gone as he had nned. The miraculous method of learning Battle Techniques elicited gasps of awe from the people.


    No matter how many times it happened, Ikasa felt satisfied when he saw the people''s reactions to his manuals.


    "Andst but not least, these twodies will show how an ordinary person can immediately be a Path Forger after using my manual!"


    After the demonstration of Battle Techniques, most people had stopped doubting his ims. Now, they behaved like puppies, eager to see the next magical act.


    Without further ado, Xin Ruo brought the twodies to the center. With trembling hands, they opened the books.


    As soon as their eyes skimmed the first few lines, they felt a strange sensation.


    Their heartbeat elerated and breathing became quicker. Even though the changes were taking ce in their Spiritual Body, their physical body was reacting to them.


    As Ikasa watched the changes happening to thedies, he noticed something weird. For some reason, he could see a light traveling along the Energy Path described in the manual.


    The light dot started its journey from the palm of the right hand of the Spiritual Body. It then moved upward through the arm and reached the shoulder. The light spot then dipped down toward the belly, passing from under the right breast.


    From the navel, it slid down to the pelvis and then briefly connected to the thigh, strengthening it. It crossed to the other leg through the pelvis and then began its upward journey.


    The light passed through the energy channel under the left breast and touched the heart of the Spiritual Body. It went upwards into the shoulder and then through the left arm to palm and dissipated there.


    Once the dot dissipated, slowly, the flush also receded and breathing returned to normal.


    ''Can every Sense Realm expert trace the path of that light dot or is it a perk exclusive to me?''


    Ikasa wondered as an energy whirlpool formed around thedies.


    ''Is it because I have started to add points to my Sixth Sense and unlock it? But can it be so powerful with just two points?''


    His thought process was broken as the energy vortex surrounding thedies disappeared.


    When the two women used the manual, they were worn and tired from their trip. After emerging from the energy cocoon, they looked refreshed. Even their skin had a healthy glow!


    If anyone had doubts about Ikasa''s ims, they vanishedpletely. Right now, they were waiting for City Lord to leave so they could jump up and buy all the manuals avable in the store.


    Looking at the impatience in the crowd''s eyes, Ikasa saw that the stage was set to reveal the prices.


    "Cultivation is necessary for everyone. From farmers working day and night in their farms to Adventurers who search for bounties with their life on the line; For merchants and nobles who want to maintain their prestige."


    "Hence, I have priced my manuals such that anyone can afford them. One use of any Low grade manuals will cost you just 15 Gold! For mid grade, you just need 20 Gold!"


    Themoners who were starting to feel disheartened at the mention of nobles and merchants, cheered in their hearts. A wide smile bloomed on their faces upon hearing the prices.


    Even though they couldn''t afford them immediately, the prices were not beyond their grasp!


    However, this was not the case for adventurer parties or the upper echelons. They immediately went into action.


    The people from the adventure group began to pool their gold.


    "Team Leader, get us the defensive technique! I am tired of responding to sudden attacks without any form of defense."


    "No, check out their movement technique! It is great for traveling long distances. If we get it, we can escape without enduring any sudden attacks!"


    The members of the adventure groups began to hound their leaders to pick a technique of their choice. Their incessant whispering annoyed the nobles present.


    The people from upper echelons did not forget the presence of City Lord like the crude adventurers. They were waiting for Lord Zhen to leave before they would begin their spending spree.


    Understanding their sentiments, the City Lord got up from his seat and pped. Others joined him in his apuse for the amazing demonstration.


    "Wonderful, Brother Ikasa! You live up to your moniker - Merchant of Manuals! With your broad vision and generous personality, I am sure this shop will prosper!"


    "Hear Hear!"


    The Nobles seconded City Lord''s well wishes.


    "I see you have lots of customers waiting, so I will take your leave, Brother."


    City Lord Zhen patted on Ikasa''s shoulder and departed in his carriage. Inside the Carriage, his sister was waiting for him.


    "Were those manuals made using spiritual imprints?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Zhen Ya questioned as soon as he boarded the carriage. The City Lord nodded to answer her question.


    The answer caused her eyes to gleam with desire. The spiritual imprints were rare even in the Tier 1 cities. She never expected to see them being sold out in the open like this.


    Zhen Wu understood his sister''s heart. He warned her for fear she would do something stupid.


    "Don''t bother him. His backing is much greater than we can anticipate. Not everyone can sell High Grade Cultivation Techniques tomoners just because the nobles of the city annoyed them."


    Her eyes widened at her brother''s words. She became even more curious about this man who was shrouded in mystery. City Lord Zhen saw her space out and shook his head.


    He had a feeling that his sister would suffer in the near future.


    ˇŞ--


    "My farm hands have be much more productive ever since they used the Cultivation technique from the Ikasa''s Manuals."


    "True, it is the best ce to buy cultivation methods if you want to see instant results. I let my maid cultivate the ''Special Technique''. I have never been happier."


    Two merchants in a caravan escorted by the Hu n''s mercenaries were happily exchanging their experiences. They were one of the first customers of Ikasa''s store.


    "Hahaha! You can enjoy your life since you don''t have a wife. My wife picked Nutcracker Kick from their wide array of Battle Techniques. Now I have to live in fear of losing my lineage." The older of the twomented.


    The merchants were talking casually, so they did not bother to keep their voices down. Their loud conversation was heard by the Mercenary Captain. His eyes shone at the mention of a wide variety of Battle Techniques.


    He interjected in their conversation.


    "Did you just say that there is a Cultivation Manual store that sells many different Battle techniques?"


    The Older merchant was acquainted with the Mercenary Captain. Not only did he not fault the Captain for listening to their conversation, he also began to extol the greatness of Ikasa''s Manuals to him.


    "Yes. There are many top notch martial skills for sale. You can also purchase a Mid Grade Cultivation method there. Captain, you should visit the store once."


    Captain''s interest was piqued by the description. He enthusiastically asked, "Oh? Which Tier-1 city is this store in?"


    "It is right here, in our Birch City! Howe you have not heard of it? The local residents have even started calling that street the Manuals street."


    The Captain became suspicious as the only manual providers in the city were his Hu n and the Monstrous me Sect. Both sourced their manuals from the He Family.


    The He Family provided just two types of Cultivation techniques and two Battle Techniques. He knew very well the quality of those techniques. So, he wondered about this new store.


    "Who is the owner? Is it the Hu n or the Monstrous me Sect?"


    The Captain asked, sounding curious to avoid their suspicion.


    "It is some neer named Ikasa. But the City Lord himself inaugurated the store!"


    The Captain''s eyes narrowed upon hearing the store had a connection to City Lord.


    ''Did he decide to grab a share of the market? Is this new store opened by City Lord himself? Are those techniques the heritage of City Lord''s Manor?''


    Numerous questions shed through his mind. However, one thought was prominent, ''I have to inform the Fourth Seat who is overlooking the cooperation with the He family.''


    "Captain?"


    The older merchant called for the captain who had gone silent in the middle of their conversation.


    "Oh, yes. I was away for a task. So, I haven''t returned to the City recently. I will definitely visit the store as soon as we reach the city."


    The Mercenary Captain moved his horse away after replying.


    When they reached the City, he rushed to the Hu n''s fortress. Without paying heed to guards, he entered the n Master''s room.


    As soon as he saw the tired and stressed figure of the n Master, he got on his knees and kowtowed.


    "Father, your unfilial son has returned."


    This person was the adopted son of n Master, the actual First Seat and an Advanced Sense Trainer, Hu Bei!

 Chapter 108 Impact

    "What? You are charging 100 gold for this low grade trash? I''d rather buy from the Ikasa''s Manuals. They only sell a single-use but their techniques are so much better."


    This type of reaction had be a norm in the Cultivation Manual store operated by the Hu n. With the closure of all Monstrous me Sect''s industries, their traffic was directed to the other two shops selling cultivation manuals.


    Out of the two, it was obvious that only one shop seeded in satisfying the customers.


    Within two weeks of its opening, Ikasa''s manuals had be a household name. He had capturedthe entirety of the martial arts market of Birch City. His poprity had shed the customer base of Hu n to less than tenth of what it was previously.


    Most of the people brought manuals to use for themselves and get started. For them, the better manuals offered by Ikasa were an obvious choice.


    However, there were a few stingy adventure parties or mercenary groups who brought a single manual to share amongst all their members. For them, forking out 100 gold for a manual that could be used by ten people was cheaper than spending 15 gold or 20 gold per person. They remained steadfast customers of the declining Hu n''s Cultivation shop.


    Still, it could not be denied that the revenue had decreased. This was a matter of concern for every other higher up of the Hu n.


    In the Shop''s backroom, the Fourth Seat of Hu n sat on a chair before the Shopkeeper. He checked this week''s ounts. The sharply declined profits were like a blight on his short career as the manager of Hu n''s businesses.


    He put the book aside and sighed. He picked up the quill and began to make calctions.Stopping in the midst, he looked at the Shopkeeper and asked,"How much inventory do we have left?"


    "There are still 130 martial arts scrolls. 10 are left over from thest batch and 120 from thetest batch."


    The answer did not improve his mood. He mmed the quill on the paper frustratedly and rubbed his forehead.


    ''It is almost time to ce an order for the uing month. We haven''t even sold thetest batch. How can we pay for it? Is it impossible to maintain our cooperation with the He Family?''


    If they couldn''t pay now, they would be breaching the contract and would have to pay 100,000 Gold as remuneration. It was a significant amount for any Tier 3 power. To pay that kind of sum, Hu n will have to liquidate most of its properties and still they might fall short.


    Not to mention they would lose out on the Cultivation Manual market once they were cklisted by the He''s.


    The He Family was giantpared to the Hu n or the Monstrous me Sect. Most importantly they were a premier family that held monopoly over Cultivation Manuals sold in every City of the Deciduous County.


    "If only those He bastards had priced the better manuals a bit cheaperˇ­."


    Qi Shu murmured, his fist clutching a handful of his hair. The Shopkeeper provided a suggestion upon seeing him stressed.


    "Respected Seat, what if we also use the same trick as the Ikasa''s Manuals? What if we also sell a single viewing of the manual for 10 Gold?"


    The Shopkeeper instantly regretted opening his mouth. The fierce re Qi Shu shot towards him scared him out of wits.


    In a cold but calm voice, Qi Shu hissed, "You imbecile! Have you even checked what the speciality of their manuals is? Why are they able to sell single uses?"


    The shopkeeper shook his head, frightened by the chilly look of his boss. Qi Shu disappointedly shook his head. He said with resignation, "As expected. The decline is not my fault. It is because my subordinates are ipetent fools."


    As any employee, the shop''s owner was outraged at being med unjustly. Before he could register his protest, Qi Shu turned to the man and ordered.


    "Go, find out for yourself why Ikasa''s Manuals are popr. Then tell me whether your idea had any merit."


    ˇŞ


    Ikasa''s manuals had not only disrupted the martial skills market in Birch City, but they had also taken over Sal City.


    The Li Family who was an old customer of He Family''s manuals had also reduced their orders significantly since the past month. Unlike Hu n or Monstrous me Sect, the Li Family purchased the same manuals from a middle man, a merchant named Xu Ran.


    Today, when a carriage stopped by the Li Family''s estate, Xu Ran came out of it. He immediately smiled when he saw the Second Elder of the Family.


    "Elder Li! You didn''t have toe out to receive a small person like me."


    "Don''t be modest, Merchant Xu. You have established your Martial Soul Trading Company in the Second tier Ebony City. Your achievements are worthy of a much grander wee."


    The Second Elder enthusiastically weed the long time business partner of the Li Family. He wistfully added, "If the Patriarch and the First Elder were not mourning, they would''ve received you at the gate."


    The mention of mourning plummeted their cheery mood and their faces became solemn.


    "Did no one find out how the First Young Master Li Fan died?"


    "No. We came to know of his demise only because the Soul Shards of his Servants dimmed."


    The two walked in silence until they reached the guest hall. Once the Second Elder and his guest were seated, the servants served the refreshments.


    The astute elder knew that a busy person like Xu Ran would not visit for trivial reasons like to offer condolences. So, he broached the subject.


    "Merchant Xu, how did you find the time to visit us?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Actually, I was going through the records and noticed you haven''t ordered any martial arts scrolls from us in thest two months. Even in the month before, your order was smaller than usual. Is there any problem?"


    Xu Ran asked, leaning forward to show his concern. The Second Elders face turned gloomy. He remembered how Li Fan had arrogantly showed off the ie he generated from selling Cultivation Manuals he had sourced from Ikasa.


    A monthter, Li Fan had disappeared and the Xue Family had started selling the Battle Techniques. Starting this month they were even selling the Cultivation Manuals!


    Naturally, the Li''s suspected the Xue''s involvement in the death of Li Fan. But without evidence, City Lord Du prohibited them from attacking the Xue Family. He did not want to stir the calm waters for no reason.


    Thus, the Second Elder took the matters in his hands. He concealed Li Fan''s deeds and pinned the me on the Xue Family.


    "The Xue Family has taken over the martial arts market since the past few months. They are selling a High Grade Cultivation Method for just 20 Gold! Since then no one wants to buy your Low-Grade and Mid-Grade cultivation methods."


    "High Grade Cultivation methods? Has the Xue Family gone crazy?"


    Xu Ran stood up abruptly, shocked by the wordsing out of the Second Elder''s mouth. Embarrassed by his reaction, he took his seat and thought about the information he received.


    "Thest time I visited, even the family members did not use a High Grade Cultivation Method. How can they sell it?"


    He found a w in Second Elder''s statement. The shrewd merchant''s eyes narrowed, doubting whether this old man before him was lying.


    The Second Elder sensed his disbelief. He was not angry at being doubted. After all, the im was outrageous for outsiders.


    When Ikasa first imed to sell a single-use High Grade Manual, no one believed him. But the Challenger''s Arena had proven his products. Now every child in the City knew about the Single Use manuals.


    "You don''t have to believe me Merchant Xu, see for yourself. The Xue Family''s store should be open. Let''s pay it a visit."


    The two men set off to the newly opened Cultivation Store in the middle of the City. To facilitate the instant breakthroughs, the Xue Family had opened a new store with spacious insides.


    Even then, there was a line of customers waiting outside. When Xu Ran and Elder Li arrived, the merchant was confused.


    "Are themoners of Sal City so wealthy? They are forking out 20 Gold for a technique that they don''t even know if they can practice sessfully."


    The Second Elder smiled at the question.


    "You will find out the reason as soon as you enter."


    They ignored the waiting queue and entered directly. The people waiting in line had a lot to say about this but shut up on seeing the insignia of the Li Family on the Elder''s robe.


    As soon as Xu Ran entered the door, he was buffeted by a gust of wind. He saw three people enclosed in energy cocoons. The fourth person approached the Counter and paid 20 gold. He picked up the book and opened it to the first page.


    To Xu Ran''s shock, this person also was engulfed by a vortex of energy!


    "What is this? Are we in an Illusion formation?"


    He asked the Elder beside him. The Second Elder patted the young merchant''s back.


    "You are in a third tier City. You won''t find any type of mystical formation in this City. What you just saw is true. This is the reason people willingly spend 20 Gold."


    Turning his eyes away from the cocooned people, Elder Li looked into Xu Ran''s eyes.


    "Because they offer a 100% assurance of breakthrough to the Path Forging realm!"


    Xu Ran''s eyes widened. He gaped like a goldfish, unable to formte words to express his astonishment.


    The fact that High Grade Cultivation Manuals, treasured even in the Tier 1 Cities, were being sold in a third tier city for 20 gold had already blown his mind. To top that, they even provided an assured guarantee of breakthrough!


    Even after seeing it for himself he could not believe it. A realization hit him, turning his expression serious.


    ''Yes, this im is so oundish that the He Family would never believe it.''


    He now had a new headache - How to convince the He Family of this fact.


    Seeing Xu Ran frown, the Second Elder smirked. He was aware of the fact that Xu Ran owed his sess to the backing of He Family. He acted as their agent in Sal City and Ebony City.


    His business relied on themission he earned from selling arge number of scrolls in these two cities. By killing his business in the Sal City, the Xue Family had made him and in turn the He Family their enemy.


    The Second Elder stopped himself fromughing out loud. The darkening expression on Xu Ran''s face let him know that his n had seeded.


    Elder Li looked at the signboard of the Xue Family before boarding the carriage with Xu Ran. He thought in his heart, ''Let''s see how you escape destruction this time, Patriarch Xue.''

 Chapter 109 Little Traitor!

    "Mo Fan, how bad are our finances? How big of a gap do we have to bridge to meet our monthly target this month?"


    The City Lord of Birch City, Zhen Wu, asked his aide with apprehension.


    A month ago, starting a Battle of Rights seemed like a great idea. He had ordered the closure of Sect''s shops to cut off their finances and bring them to their knees quickly. And yet, there was no response from the Monstrous me Sect.


    Neither they retaliated nor they surrendered.


    It did not take him long to understand that they nned to bleed his treasury dry before beginning their counterattack.


    As he received the month''s report from Mo Fan, he missed therge smile on his face.


    While going through the report, his eyebrows furrowed. He couldn''t help but look up at Mo Fan and ask, "Are these numbers real?"


    Mo Fan nodded with a big smile. The City Lord looked at the report once again in disbelief.


    Of the monthly target of 10000 Gold in taxes, they could get 9000 gold this month without any changes to the existing tax structure. And of that 9000, 3500 Gold was contributed by a single business!


    The tax void left by the closure of the Sect''s shops was filledrgely by Ikasa''s Manuals. And it was after the 30% tax discount!


    City Lordughed joyously upon seeing Ikasa''s performance.


    "Hahaha! I didn''t choose my man incorrectly!"


    Though the City Lord praised Ikasa, he was not the only reason they were closer to their target.


    The Commoners, unaware of the Battle of Rights, had breathed a sigh of relief when daily conflicts stopped. With the advent of peace, they loosened their purses freely.


    This benefitted the newly reopened businesses. With more customers, their owners hired more employees or paid better wages to the existing ones. These employees then spent their increased ie at other establishments, increasing economic activity.


    In a way, a virtuous circle was formed which helped generate revenue for the treasury of the City.


    The City Lord put down the report in his hands andughed heartily. If the gap was just within this range, they could easily afford to fight a battle of attrition. 10,000 Gold per year was nothing for the Treasury that contained enough reserves tost five years.


    "Let me see how long you Sectarian bastards can endure."


    The City Lord whispered with a savage smirk on his face.


    --


    A month is a long period of time for some and for others it is just a blink of an eye.


    As the party forced to exercise patience, a month seemed like eternity for the members of Monstrous me Sect. News from the City kept pouring in and each piece of news was worse than the one before.


    This morning, the Sect Master gathered everyone in the Hall of Elders to review their current situation.


    "Path Finder Zhi, your policy of wait and watch is not taking us anywhere. Our Cultivation Manual store is closed but it did not affect City''s tax revenue. I hear a new Shop has opened in the City and it has captured our share of the market and some more."


    The Third Elder appraised the guest of the precarious position of their Sect.


    In this past month, they had kept patience as per their n. But instead of things deteriorating for the City Lord, the health of the economy improved as many small businesses reopened their shops.


    They did not have ess to the private records of City Lord''s manor but the bustling streets and heavy purses around the waists were enough to arrive at this conclusion.


    "Isn''t your main business that of Medicines and Herbs?"


    Path Finder Zhi Yang asked the sulking elders. Upon receiving a nod from the Sect Master, he continued.


    "As long as your shop stays closed, the adventurers and mercenaries will not receive timely treatment. Do you think the Hu n can sit on the sidelines and watch their people die?"


    His words made sense to most of the Elders. With the barrage of bad news, they had forgotten their importance in the City. Monstrous me Sect not only sold Cultivation resources, they were the suppliers of medicines as well.


    Just when the Elders were about to make ns for the future, a cyan bird holding a scroll flew to the Sect Master. It dropped the scroll on hisp and flew to the perch near the window.


    Every eye in the room focused on the scroll. The First Elder pointed to the scroll and asked, "Is that a letter from the He Family?"


    Zhi Yang''s eyes narrowed upon hearing the question. Before the Sect Master could open it, he confiscated the letter.


    "What is the meaning of this, Path Finder Zhi?"


    Enraged, Yan Hao stood up, mming his palm on the table. The other Elders also looked at Zhi Yang with displeasure.


    The bearded old man sneered and his aura red. He pped the table harder and the table cleaved cleanly into two.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Just because I have been acting amiably, do you think you are worthy of questioning my actions? You people are nothing but Third tier trash and it will do you well to remember it."


    The elders were stunned into silence. For the past month they had spent time with Path Finder Zhi and became familiar with him. This Familiarity had bred contempt in their hearts.


    They had forgotten their status and treated a man far beyond them as equal. Now they might suffer consequences. At this thought, fear crept into their eyes.


    The disdainful gaze of Zhi Yang prickled them.


    The one most affected was the Sect Master. Blood drained from his face when he remembered his treatment of the respected Path Finder in an attempt to regain his authority in the Sect.


    After putting them in their ce, Path Finder Zhi felt the itch in his heart subside. Due to Absolute''s restrictions, he had be a lion without teeth. No matter how annoyed he was he couldn''t p them to death to maintain his prestige.


    ''A demonstration of power had to suffice for now.''


    Zhi Yang thought as he unfurled the scroll. After skimming through it, his eyes gleamed. He looked up at the Sect Master and said, "We should pay a visit to the Hu n."


    ˇŞ----


    "Shhh, Moony don''t make noise. If Big Brother catches us, we will be in big trouble."


    In the dark of the night, a little girl and a little fox sneaked around the vi. Their goal was the recently transported jars of Energy Infused Water.


    The little fox nodded, understanding Luo Qiqi''s words. It tiptoed, imitating her movements as they sneaked to the store room. They soon reached their destination, only to be disappointed. The room was locked with arge padlock!


    Thinking for a few seconds, Luo Qiqi had an idea. She asked the fox,


    "Can''t you make a key out of shadows?"


    The little critter tilted its head, not understanding what she meant. Luo Qiqi pointed to the lock and said,"A keyˇ­ To open this?"


    The fox nodded much to Qiqi''s excitement. She could envision herself taking a sip of the deliciously sweet Energy Infused Water. She couldn''t forget the taste ever since she had it in Sal City. But she was forbidden from having more than 10 drops.


    When she saw the jars and jars of her favorite drink stored in the Herb Garden, her tongue craved for more. She tried to persuade other kids to join in her excursion, but they refused much to her disappointment.


    However, she found a partner in the little Fox. When the jars were transported to the Vi this afternoon, both of them looked at them with the same greedy eyes. And thus, a team to steal the water was formed.


    And now, she was about to seed!


    The Fox jumped up and sliced the lock with elongated shadows covering his little ws. The padlock''s link was sliced through as if it was made of tofu!


    With a thunk, the lock dangled on the door.


    Luo Qiqi looked at the little Fox with shock! The Fox, unaware of what he had done, looked at her with an upturned nose, asking for praise.


    "You are so powerful, Moony!"


    She rubbed the red tuft on the little Fox''s head and picked it up. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she opened the door.


    Jars and jars of her favorite drink filled her vision as soon as she entered. Her eyes widened at the treasure trove before her. She wiped her drool and grabbed two jars before sitting down in a corner.


    She opened them both and pushed one to the little fox. It immediately dipped its snout into the jar and began top up the precious water.


    On the other hand, Luo Qiqi took a small sip, savoring the taste she craved. She was also afraid after all the warnings she had received. As the water went down her throat, she felt a warmth spread through her body.


    The excess energy running through her made her hyperactive. To calm down, she started to perform the motions of [Around the Body in 80 Breaths] . Her eyes lit up after performing the cycle.


    "This feels great! Moony, don''t just drink. Do some exercise too!"


    She admonished the Fox who ignored her in favor of finishing the water left in the jar. Shaking her head, she continued with her drinking and exercising.


    Just as she had taken a third sip, she heard footstepsing toward the room.


    "Uncle Chu, will watering the seedlings with the Energy-Infused Water really elerate their growth?"


    Luo Qiqi panicked when she heard the voice.


    "Oh no, Brother Ikasa ising!" She urgently whispered to the little Fox, "Moony, quickly hide us!"


    But the little fox had already disappeared from its ce, leaving her alone. Knowing she was going to be caught anyways, she stomped her foot in frustration and cursed, "Damn you, you little traitor!"

 Chapter 110 Theories

    "Damn you, you little traitor!"


    Qiqi''s loud shout reverberated in the hallway, rming Ikasa, and Chu Kuang. They rushed to the store room and saw an opened jar in Luo Qiqi''s hand and another one on the floor.


    Ikasa rushed to the girl''s side and took the jar away from her. He vigntly scanned the surroundings for any sign of intrusion. His eyes fell on the lock whose link was sliced in two.


    Combining this clue with the jar on the floor, he understood who the mischief maker was. There was only one being powerful enough to slice the lock in two and at the same time greedy for the Energy Infusion Water.


    "Moony! Come out. I know you are here."


    Ikasa sternly said, looking at the space near the jar on the floor. The little fox appeared with its ears and tail drooped. Its innocent eyes begging to be forgiven.


    "You little thief! If you wanted a jar of water, you should''vee to me. Why did you break into the storeroom?"


    From the current situation, Ikasa thought Moony had broken into the storeroom and Luo Qiqi had discovered him. His admonishment for the fox was justified. But the Fox felt wronged when he saw Luo Qiqi holding back a snicker while standing behind Ikasa.


    It immediately pointed at her and growled, as if to express ''she was the one who incited me''.


    After spending a month with the little Fox, Ikasa and others could understand some basic noises and gestures the little fox made. He turned his attention to Luo Qiqi.


    Herughter immediately stopped and she removed the palm covering her mouth. Looking closely at her face, he noticed her wet chin. Suddenly his sixth sense activated and he could see her entire body glowing.


    "Qiqi! Did you also drink Energy Infused Water despite my repeated warnings?"


    Ikasa inquired in a grave voice upon seeing her body filled to the brim with energy. She immediately avoided his eyes and meekly answered, "No."


    Her reluctance to meet his eyes let him know she was lying. But he still wanted an answer. He narrowed his eyes and his voice hardened, "Luo Qiqi!"


    "I am sorry, Big Brotherˇ­. Sniffleˇ­. I was greedy because I wantedˇ­ sniffleˇ­. To taste this sweet water again."


    She broke down under his intense re. Ikasa''s stance softened but he did not console her right away. He first took a look at the jar he had taken from her.


    ''This is about one-third empty. That means she consumed around 30 drops! How is she still fine?''


    Concern took over his anger. He crouched until he was at eye level with the crying girl. Gently caressing her hair, he wiped her tears with his other hand.


    "Qiqi, my little darling, are you okay? Are you feeling full, like you might burst? If you are feeling any type of difort in your body, tell your big brother. I won''t me you."


    His soothing voice calmed her sobs. Moony also approached and rubbed its tail on her calf,forting her. She answered Ikasa''s question with slight hesitance.


    "I feel good. After drinking it, I felt like cultivating a lot."


    With her answer, his rapidly beating heart returned to normal. Once he knew she was fine, he began to grill her for details.


    "Did you drink one-third of that jar by yourself?"


    "I spilled a little but yes. After drinking, I immediately performed the exercises of our Cultivation technique. It felt amazing! You should try it too, Big Brother!"


    Once she saw Ikasa''s anger disappear she returned to her cheeky self quickly. Ikasa shook his head, wondering if her earlier crying was just an act. Still, her experience opened his eyes to a new possibility.


    ''Does that mean the limit of 10 drops per person is false? No, Qiqi only felt better after she exercised ording to Around the Body in 80 Breaths. It means it is the result of my cultivation technique.''


    His eyes fell on Chu Kuang, standing at the door. His curiosity was ignited upon seeing a person who could test his theory.


    Chu Kuang had yet to use the top-grade manual. He was a pinnacle Path Forger who used a mid-grade cultivation technique. In Ikasa''s eyes, he was the perfect person to test his theory.


    Even if he drank an extra drop of Energy Infused water, it would cause him some difort and not cause him to explode like what happens to some low-level Path Forgers.


    Ikasa grabbed another Jar and led everyone out of the storeroom. He sent Luo Qiqi and Chu Kuang to the grounds while he rushed to his bedroom to print a single-use Top Grade Manual.


    Soon, he was back in the grounds with a brand new manual in his hand.


    Luo Qiqi was exining her experience with excitement to the friendly bald uncle.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "...and then when I exercised, I felt like I was breathing through my whole body. It was wonderful!"


    Ikasa''s arrival stopped their chatter. Chu Kuang looked at the young man with some apprehension.


    "Uncle Chu, drink a drop of water from the jar and perform your martial cultivation art."


    The thing he was worried about came to be. His young master was really asking him to be a test subject. Ikasa noticed the gloom on his face and quickly assured him.


    "Don''t worry, Uncle Chu. Nothing will happen to you. You are already a Pinnacle Path Forger. A single drop of Energy Infused Water won''t harm you."


    Chu Kuang believed in Ikasa''s sincerity and drank the drop with faith in his words. Soon, his body turned hot. He began to perform his poses trying to absorb the vast energy unleashed in his body.


    Ikasa observed as the energy traveled through his body and superimposed upon the energy paths of his Spirit. A lesser number of Energy Paths cleared meant he was having trouble absorbing the energy rampaging in his physical body.


    Seeing the bald man''s face contort in pain, Ikasa handed him the book.


    "Uncle Chu, use it."


    As soon as Chu Kuang opened the book, a light shed and entered his body. It became a beacon for the rampaging energy. As more and more energy gathered around it, the dot of light became brighter and brighter.


    Soon after, it began its journey, a cocoon wrapped around Chu Kuang, obscuring him from Ikasa''s view. Unbeknownst to Ikasa, the dot of light began to dim as it passed through numerous uncleared Energy Paths.


    Instead of just creating a rudimentary path, the light cleared the Energy channel until it was at the Intermediate realm of Path Forging. The excess work meant the light was about to fizzle out before it could clear all the Energy Paths.


    At this time, the little Fox who was watching bumped into the jar in Luo Qiqi''s hand, sshing it on the Energy Cocoon. The sshed water was absorbed by the cocoon. With the infusion of more energy, the dimming light became brighter.


    Though it was the crudest method of absorption where less than 10% of the energy was absorbed, it helpedplete the cycle in Chu Kuang''s body.


    "Why did you do that, Moony?"


    Luo Qiqi admonished the fox. Ikasa also looked disgruntled at the fox''s sudden actions. He hoped it would not have any adverse effects, not knowing that the action had in fact prevented a mishap.


    Ikasa anxiously awaited for Chu Kuang toe out while the fox and Luo Qiqi quarreled in the background. Every moment that passed seemed like an eternity and he was gripped with anxiety and guilt. His worries grew when Chu Kuang did not appear even after half an hour.


    ''The standard time taken by this technique is around 23 minutes. Only when an Energy Rain urs does the time exceed 30 minutes.''


    After the Energy Rain in Sal City, Ikasa started to note the standard time and time under the Energy Rain for his techniques. It was so he could detect if any idents happen and be prepared to respond to them.


    As his mind went through the instances where he used the Top Grade Manual, his eyes fell on the empty jar lying near the cocoon. An outrageous idea shed through his mind.


    ''Is sshing Energy Infused Water equivalent to creating artificial Energy rain?''


    This was the only usible exnation for why the time had been extended. As he arrived at this conclusion, the energy vortex began to fade away. Like fat and bald butterfly, Chu Kuang emerged from the energy cocoon.


    Ikasa rushed to his side to check on his condition. He may have theories but actual confirmation was needed to assure his heart.


    He looked at the thinner Chu Kuang with concern. He was the one who had subjected him to the experiment. Thus, guilt from seeing his suffering gnawed at his heart.


    ''No wonder doctors usually do not operate on the people they care for. Next time I choose to experiment, I''ll pick someone who I don''t care about.''


    Ikasa thought while Chu Kuang stretched his slightly thinner body. He checked the state of his Energy Path and he looked doubtful.


    "Is there some problem Uncle Chu? Are you still feeling pain?"


    He asked, carefully scrutinizing the man''s body. Chu Kuang shook his head vigorously, indicating he was fine.


    "No, Master. I am in much better condition now. Your manuals are worthy of praise. It''s just that I did not regress as much as others. Should I be worried?"


    Ikasa was surprised at his im. As soon as he sensed the recultivating Chu Kuang''s realm, he received a wonderful surprise.

 Chapter 111 A Chance

    "You are in Stage 6 of Path Forging Realm! This is wonderful, Uncle Chu! I think this happened because you drank the Energy Infused water before using my manual."


    Not knowing the exact reason himself, Ikasa theorized based on the situation. His doubtful tone did not reassure the bald man. Perceiving his apprehension, Ikasa put aside his theories and focused on assuaging Chu Kuang.


    "Anyways it is a good thing. Nothing you should worry about, Uncle Chu! If you are worried, spend the night here. I will have Caretaker Han assign you a room."


    With his guarantee, a smile returned to Chu Kuang''s face. They walked back to the Vi in silence as Ikasa''s head was filled with thoughts about what he witnessed today.


    ''My Top Grade Manual can help absorb more Energy Infused Water. Not only that, if the Water is used when using my manual, it also helps the cultivator reach a higher stage.''


    He summarized the facts he learned today. His attention was particrly drawn to the second use.


    He wanted Feng Yan to use his top-grade manual and increase his potential, but he also didn''t want him to lose his fighting power. This provided him with a perfect solution.


    Considering the ongoing battle, he cheered in his heart for finding a timely remedy.


    Chu Kuang could see Ikasa was lost in thoughts and wisely kept quiet but their otherpanion was not as astute.


    "Brother Ikasa, please don''t tell sister Xin Ruo of my mischief today?"


    The little girl pleaded with her eyes ready to start watering at any minute. Her waterworks may work on Ikasa but on Xin Ruo who knew her every trick, they were ineffective.


    In a good mood from his discoveries, Ikasa decided to spare the little girl. However, it did not mean she would not pay the price.


    "Qiqi, you have done something very wrong today. But we discovered something good out of it. So, I will keep your deeds a secretˇ­"


    A big smile had bloomed on the little girl''s face before Ikasa finished his words. She was about to run ahead but Ikasa grasped her shoulder andpleted his sentence.


    "On one condition. You need to reach the pinnacle of Path Forging within a month. For this, you can use at most one jar of Energy Infused Water every week. No more. And if I catch you sneaking again, you will be in deep trouble. Got it?"


    She nodded eagerly, not even hesitating a bit.


    ''She is already at Stage 7 of the Path Forging realm, same as the other kids. With the help of the Water, she can easily reach the pinnacle of Path Forging soon.''


    This was Ikasa''s assumption as to why Luo Qiqi agreed so easily. But she had agreed because of an entirely different reason. Ikasa forgot she was still a kid who had yet to mature.


    In her mind, the prospects of being free from punishment and drinking her favorite drink eclipsed the hard work required to reach the Pinnacle of Path Forging. Thus, she readily agreed.


    Joyful from getting Ikasa''s promise, she raced against Moony to the Vi.


    ˇŞ


    This night was significant not only for Ikasa but also for the future of Birch City.


    Sect Master Yan Hao arrived at the Hu n with Deacon Zhi Yang. Even when they entered the Hall of n Master, Yan Hao had no idea why they were there.


    "Wee Path Finder Zhi and Sect Master Yan! I see the He Family''s message reached you as well."


    "n Master Qing Mo, I would appreciate it if you kept the He Family out of your negotiations. I do not want to take action because your cooperation was motivated by outside influence."


    The Hu n Master was shrewd enough to understand what Path Finder Zhi meant. As long as they did not mention the He Family or any outside party in their alliance negotiations, the Absolutes will have no reason to interfere.


    Sect Master Yan understood why they came here secretly in the middle of the night. He looked at Path Finder Zhi who had retreated to the background with his hands folded before his chest. The moon pearls shining behind him cast a shadow on his face, making it difficult to discern his emotions.


    At this moment, Sect Master Yan understood that the actors would be himself and the n Master, Qing Mo. Before he could think further, n Master Qing began to speak.


    "As you know from the letter, a newly opened Cultivation Manual shop has harmed our interests. To safeguard our profits, we need to unite against it."<novelnext></novelnext>


    When he mentioned ''Our'', he implied the Hu n, Monstrous me Sect, and the He Family who supplied them with the manuals. Sect Master Yan understood it and wondered how bad the market situation was for the He Family to get involved.


    Still, he had no time to y war on behalf of the He Family when he was already fighting one. As if expecting Sect Master Yan''s rejection, n Master Qing Mo rified his position.


    "We understand your current situation. Hence, we will help you in your Battle against the City Lord. Since Ikasa is backed by the City Lord, it would be better for us if we take down his backer before going after him."


    Sect Master Yan looked at the collected figure of n Master in disbelief as he spoke about taking down the most powerful yer in the City. As shocking as his deration was, Sect Master Yan believed it to be a bluff. He sneered as he looked at the confident eyes of n Master.


    "Drop your pretenses, n Master Qing. Thebined power of my Sect and your n was just enough to suppress City Lord in recent years. How do you n to defeat the City Lord now?"


    Sect Master Yan stood up and leaned forward on the table between him and Qing Mo.


    "Combined, we could take on City Lord and his guards. But who will deal with Red Eye? You? Yao Mao? Or the ghost of your dead third Seat?"


    Bringing up their lostrade was a low blow but his point was valid.


    The City Guards were stronger than ever. All the Sense trainers they had would be needed to contain the Sense Realm Experts on City Lord''s side. In fact, to contain City Lord alone, they would need a minimum of three Sense Realm Experts.


    The Monstrous me Sect may have four Sense realm experts on paper but only two could disy thebat prowess of a Sense Trainer. The First Elder was not only old, but he was also a retired Medicine Master who rarely fought.


    The third elder had recently advanced and he did not have top-grade techniques or experience like Feng Yan to make up for hiscking realm. That meant only intermediate Sense Trainer Second Elder and advanced Sense Trainer Yan Hao werebat capable in the Sect.


    This information did not need to be said as the n Master of Hu n was already aware of it after numerous dealings with the Sect.


    Simrly, Sect Master Yan also knew the situation inside the Hu n. Though every Sense Trainer in Hu n was experienced, their lower realm andcking martial skills dragged them down.


    With the loss of their Third Seat, Hu n was weaker than ever. And yet, n Master talked of taking down the City Lord.


    If the Sect Master of Monstrous me Sect understood the contrary situation, how could the Hu n master be unaware?


    He knew very well their only advantage was the superior number of Mercenaries and Adventurers under their employ. That was the case until two weeks ago when his son returned.


    Hence, when Sect Master arrogantly questioned about the Red Eye''s opponent, he calmly smiled. Pointing to the man standing behind his chair, he said one word. "Him."


    The visitors focused on the serious face of the man who was leaning on the wall behind him. His rough skin and the stubble of his beard added to his fierce aura.


    When Sect Master Yan''s eyes met the man''s, he felt he was being seen through. It was at that moment he realized that although both of them were Advanced Sense Realm Experts, his Cultivation paled before this person.


    It was at this moment Path Finder Zhi intervened.


    "n Master Qing, do I need to remind you that if an outsider to Birch City interferes in the Battle sanctioned by the Absolutes, I will have to take action to remove this variable?"


    Though he spoke to Qing Mo, his aura was locked on the figure leaning against the wall. He was not sure about this person''s origin as he had no signs from Absolutes that indicated he was an outsider, but he couldn''t help but be careful.


    Hu Bei, the man leaning against the wall, watched the Path Finder impassively, showing no reaction to the aura focused on him. It was as if he was habituated to enduring this type of aura.


    Just as Path Finder Zhi wondered about his origin, n Master Qing stood up to introduce the man.


    "He is not an outsider. He is the First Seat of our Hu n, Hu Bei. He usually acts individually as an escort to Caravans going to the Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cities. Hence, you may have not seen him around much."


    Sect Master Yan''s lips twitched at the false modesty Qing Mo disyed.


    ''Not seen him much? More like never heard of him before!''


    Even their informationwork had never caught wind of his existence. For a long time, they assumed the First Seat of Hu n was the n Master himself. Then at this crucial moment, Hu n brought out a trump card that had a chance to defeat the City Lord!

 Chapter 112 Terror

    The emergence of an expert who could defeat the City Lord when they needed him the most was too coincidental. Yan Hao couldn''t believe a pie would fall in theirp from the sky.


    Even though he was convinced of Hu Bei''s ability, he was suspicious of his allegiance.


    "n Master Hu, if your First Seat had participated in the Tribute Tournament, there was no way the City Lord could''ve secured victory. And your Third Seat might be alive as well."


    Sect Master Yan probed, hoping to get more background information about this mysterious guy.


    "There is no need to ask in a roundabout way. I failed to return in time because I was trapped in an ancient vault of a declined Sect. My absence has caused much grief to the n. So, it would be better if you don''t mention ourte brother."


    Hu Bei answered, his eyes ring fiercely at the nosy Sect Master.


    With an exnation for his absence and his furious attitude when defending his n, Sect Master Yan was convinced of his origins. He only had one question left.


    "His aura may be powerful, but is he capable of defeating Feng Yan or the City Lord?"


    Sect Master turned to question his peer, ignoring the rough man as a junior. The n Master understood that if they wanted to use the Monstrous me Sect, they had to convince them with strength. He spoke to his adopted Son.


    "Give them a glimpse of your gains, Hu Bei."


    The rough man obeyed and went to the open area away from their seats. In a gruff tone, he instructed the visitors, "Watch carefully for I will demonstrate my high-grade Battle Technique just once."


    He took out a Saber and began to slowly and gracefully swing it. With every sh, the de glinted and the watchers felt like they were the ones being cut.


    After performing Six shes, hisst move was a powerful swing aimed at the neck of an imaginary enemy. A beheading sh. Once he had beheaded his imaginary opponent, he slowly sheathed the curved de.


    His performance not only impressed the Sect Master of a Third Tier Sect, but it also gained appreciation from the Deacon of a First Tier Sect. But he did not express it.


    "This is the heritage of the Seventh Saber Sect, The Seven Strikes of Saber Demon."


    n Master Qing exined, expecting their questions. However, he did not furnish more information.


    Hearing the exnation, Sect Master Yan''s eyes were drawn to the Dragon Blood Saber hanging from the n Master''s waist. He understood the source of the Hu n''s rise.


    Before Sect Master Yan could dig further into the secrets of Hu n, n Master Qing interrupted his thoughts.


    "Now that you know our capabilities, shall we discuss our attack n?"


    ˇŞ----


    For most of the shops on Manuals'' street, the traffic for the Ikasa''s manuals had brought them a good deal of customers. Today was no different. Until a few masked men showed up.


    In unison, they began to smash the shops they passed by. May it be the shop selling fruits and vegetables or a shop selling pottery, they smashed them all.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Their indiscriminate swings of staffs did not differentiate between humans or objects. Shops yet to be affected, closed their doors for fear of being implicated.


    Still, it did not save them. The assants kicked the doors until they broke and ruined the interior furniture of the Shop. Even the cksmith Gu Dan''s shop was broken into in his absence.


    They continued their rampage until they reached the Ikasa''s Manuals.


    The shopkeeper appointed by Chu Kuang had panicked and escaped to the backside with all the customers before the masked men arrived at the store. Seeing the empty store, the assants turned to the people outside.


    "Tell that Bastard City Lord that if he can''t protect his Citizens, he does not deserve their taxes!"


    As a warning, one of the masked men threw a lit torch on the counter of Ikasa''s shop. The fire rapidly spread on the counter, but none of the manuals were harmed.


    Without knowing this, the assants swaggered down the street, looking down on the bloodied and bruised shopkeepers wailing on the ground. The ordinary people trembled as these fearsome figures passed by their side.


    Not one person dared to obstruct them as the examples of those who didy before their eyes. Fear set in the popce and their resentment towards the City Guards grew.


    The masked men had a point. If the City Guards could not provide them protection, what was the point of paying taxes?


    Seeing the doubt and rage on the faces of shopkeepers, a smile appeared under the masks of the assants. Their purpose was achieved.


    By the time the City guards arrived, these people had long disappeared.


    ˇŞ---


    The City Hall of any city could be said to be the most secure location. Even more secure than the Manors of City Lords or any other powerful family.


    Why? Because the majority of the City Guards would be training in the grounds nearby.


    Thus when a few masked assants appeared and started to indiscriminately attack the employees, panic spread. An arsonist even set some documents on fire.


    Hearing themotion, Commander Lu Shao rushed to the rescue. He was stopped by a masked assant. Thinking of making a quick example of him, Commander Lu Shao executed his most powerful Battle Technique, the Hundred illusions Fist.


    To his surprise, the Masked assant urately perceived it and avoided it. That''s when Lu Shao realized he was dealing with an expert. A Sense Realm Expert.


    "Who are you? Which Sense Trainer would lose his honor by doing this?"


    "An ipetent City Lord and his imbecile subordinates dare talk about honor?" The masked assant sneered under the mask. He turned to the people gathered and shouted.


    "This is someone who cannot protect the heart of the City, how can he protect you, the citizens?"


    Commander Lu was enraged by his opponent who disrespected him by diverting his attention. His attacks grew fiercer as he hoped to subdue the assant quickly and reveal his identity.

 Chapter 113 Ikasas Sense Realm Experts

    While the City was in turmoil from the terrorist attacks, Ikasa was at his Herb Garden. Chu Kuang was showing him the herbs which he had sessfully matured in a matter of weeks!


    "This is Bloodleaf. Its stem grows a new shoot with maroon leaves every 2 to 3 months. But with my method, we can reduce that time to 2 to 3 weeks!"


    "This sapling of the Star Daisy nt takes a cycle of 3 months to flower. With the help of Energy Infused water, I reduced the time required to just short of two weeks."


    "This Sneezing Grass is an excellent medicine for fever and cold. Usually, it takes around a month to grow its efficacy. But with a little Energy Infused water and some horse manure, it can mature in 3 days!"


    "Lastly, this Icy blue flower, a beloved of the alchemists, requires a whole year to bloom. With the mixture of blood from Cloud Patterned Leopard and Energy Infused Water, I made it bear flower buds in just three weeks! I can assure you that those two buds will bloom in the next few weeks."


    Chu Kuang''s achievements were nothing short of amazing. Despite not having much background in Botany in this world, he had experimented and figured out ways to mature nts faster.


    And all four of them were economically significant medicinal nts.


    The maroon leaves of Blood Leaf can clot blood. If eaten, it is a poison that can give a human heart attack. If its juice is applied to a bleeding wound, it can stop even severe bleeding within seconds.


    The leaves of the Star Daisy nt were processed to prepare a sleeping incense. Many Beast Tamers or even hunters used it to lull beasts to sleep. This incense had a strong somniac effect even on Humans.


    Sneezing Grass juice was the most sought-after remedy in the City. Especially in the winter, there was always a shortage. With the days getting shorter, Ikasa felt he could earn a pot of gold just by selling these Sneezing Grasses.


    The Icy Blue Flower was a magical nt. It was not a spiritual herb but still, it was important in many pill recipes. Its chief purpose was to calm the fire and absorb the toxins in the other ingredients. Any Alchemist, who used Icy Blue Flower, would be guaranteed superior-grade pills.


    "Each of these would fetch at least 20 silvers. We can sell Icy Blue Flower for 1 gold each!"


    Chu Kuang tried to convince Ikasa to support his n of irrigating the nts with Energy Infused Water. Stillpared to the price of 100 silver per drop price of Energy Infused Water, these ies were a loss.


    While Chu Kuang tried to persuade Ikasa, they passed by the designated training area. Gu Dan and Feng Yan, who were sparring there, overheard their conversation.


    "Boss Ikasa is truly rich. He has stored Energy Infused Water to irrigate the fields. The Cold Marble Jars alone should''ve cost him 1000 Gold."


    Gu Dan appreciatively said to Feng Yan, looking at the passing figure of Ikasa. The young man in question paused upon listening to the remark. He turned to Gu Dan with a frown on his face.


    "Cold Marble Jar?"


    Ikasa did not remember buying anything of the sort. The Energy Infused Water was stored in normal earthen jars. So he was baffled upon hearing Gu Dan speak.


    "Boss, did you not purchase Cold Marble Jars to store your Energy Infused Water?"


    Ikasa shook his head.


    "This is bad, Master! If it is not stored in a Cold Marble Jar, the water must be losing energy. How long have you stored it?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Gu Dan eximed with worry.


    "Around two months?" Ikasa answered, unsure of the reason for Gu Dan''s worry.


    "Master, it is better to give that water to Manager Chu. The Water starts losing energy after a month or so if not isted from its surroundings by the Cold Marble. In three months, it isparable to sweetened ordinary water with minuscule energy."


    Ikasa''s eyes widened slightly. This meant he would suffer a loss! Gu Dan continued after seeing his boss still indifferent to his advice.


    "Boss, there is a reason Energy Infused Water which can be obtained after every Energy Storm is sold for such a high price. It is because the storage options are too expensive!"


    Gu Dan exined helplessly. Ikasa was still not convinced. He opened one of the sealed Jars. When he brought out a drop, the color indeed seemed lighter.


    "Uncle Chu, you can use this water as you want. Just reserve 10 jars for me."


    Turning to Gu Dan, he asked, "cksmith Gu, this is your credit. Do you need more water to reach the Pinnacle of Path forging?"


    Gu Dan shook his head.


    "No Master. I have already cleared all my Energy Paths. With your Sense Realm manual, I have even broken into the Sense Realmst week!"


    "You already used it? Good for you, cksmith Gu. I expect a Superior Grade Dagger soon from you."


    Gu Dan nodded with a smile in reply. He had already started preparations for Pei Yuan''s dagger.


    Ikasa turned to Feng Yan and asked," Old man, how did your resetting go? Back to the pinnacle of the Path Forging Realm yet? Do you need the help of the water?"


    Resetting. That''s what Ikasa called recultivation of Path Forging Realm using his Top Grade Manual and Energy Infused Water.


    Even if used during Sense Realm, it did not affect the enhancement received from training the Senses. Thus, Feng Yan''s Path Forging cultivation was reset while he still had his two times sensitivity from the Initial stage of Sense Realm.


    Feng Yan snorted in disdain at Ikasa''s question. Pointing to Gu Dan, heughed.


    "If even he has reached the pinnacle, how can I be behind? My Energy Paths are 100% clear! Even my Sense Realm cultivation base has improved to the intermediate realm."


    The old man boasted while upturning his nose. Ikasa ignored his antics and took his answer to the requirement of water as a ''No''.


    Just when he was about to check up on the kids'' progress, a City guard arrived at the training grounds. His breath was heavy from running all the way.


    "The City Lordˇ­ He has called an emergency meeting."

 Chapter 114 The Real Target

    The Port of Birch city. Built on the Yellow river, it was at the heart of economic activity in the City. Around 70% of all the goods traded were transported through this port.


    When the water of the river was colored orange by the setting sun, the port would be the busiest.


    "Get those boxes out quickly!


    "How long are you going to take to unload just a few sacks of grain?"


    "What? 20 coppers? This wage is much lower than what you usually pay!"


    One could hear these types of shouts amidst the blowing ship horns and thumps of the goodsnding on the ground. This noisiness was the identity of the Port.


    The previous City Lord used to say a line about this port: As long as the Port is noisy, our coffers will never be empty.


    Knowing the significance of this Port, he had naturally taken measures to protect this asset. He built tall walls surrounding the docks with a singlerge entrance leading to the City. This made the port extremely defensible.


    Back in the day, the previous City Lord stationed the best of his men to protect the pier. However, things changed when Zhen Wu took charge. To crush the opposition within the City, he withdrew more and more forces from the Port.


    In recent years, a single team of Twenty men was responsible for its protection. Even these men werex about security.


    The continuous peace had dulled their sense of danger. As the team patrolled in two''s along the wall, they chatted about the monotony of their job.


    "Why are we even posted here? Nothing ever happens in this Port. Even when other regiments were fighting those dogs of Hu n and Sect''s spawns, we were stuck here doing nothing."


    One of the guards grumbled about the peace at the port. The other turned a deaf ear to hisints, as they were a regr urrence.


    They had stopped and leaned on the ledges of the walls while keeping an eye on the entire port.


    "Look at those bastards at the gatesˇ­ They are getting tips again. Why can''t the team leader let us change positions with them once?"


    The two watched enviously as the City Guards at the gate greedily received the pouch full of coins from a man garbed in ck.


    Their expressions changed as they saw the man who handed the money bag, suddenly attacked the City Guards at the gate.


    Before the two watching could shout, the men at the gatey cold on the ground.


    "Attack! We are under attack!"


    The two shouted, alerting the other patrolling guards. Their shouts attracted the attention of not only theirrades but also their foes.


    The Killer jumped up on the wall. This feat alone confirmed his identity as a powerful Sense Realm Expert. The two guards looked at each other and saw fear. Their expressions said, ''We are doomed.''


    Gathering some courage one of the guards scolded the other.


    "Damn it, you wanted some thrill, right? Let''s go face him then!"


    He eximed before taking the initiative to attack. Before he could reach near the man, someone grabbed his neck and twisted it.


    In hisst moments, he saw the face of a middle-aged man in Red robes. His partner had also met the same fate.


    The Man in ck snorted at the red-robed man and jumped away to take care of guards elsewhere.


    While the Sense Trainers picked off guards one by one, disciples garbed in the brown robes of the Monstrous me Sect flooded into the Port.


    The unprepared team of City Guards never had a chance to call for backup before every one of them was incapacitated.


    As the Second Elder cracked the spine of a City Guard, he spat on the ground in disdain.


    "Ptui! Not even a single Sense Realm Expert to protect this strategic ce. Clearly, this City Lord is ipetent, and yet he dares to reject our help in governing the City."


    His resentment aside, their sudden attack had yielded the expected results. They had taken over the Port of Birch City, the heart of the City''smerce.


    Their attack was over so quickly that very few people noticed their actions. But the sudden influx of many brown robes drew the people''s attention.


    Their activities gradually came to a halt. The Merchants gathered to discuss the situation. Those affiliated with the City Lord''s faction grew worried.


    At this time a man in Red robes stepped forward. The golden lining on his sleeves indicated his status as the Sect Master.


    "Citizens of Birch City, as the joint rulers of this City, we the Monstrous me Sect will assume the control of this Port hereafter."


    His deration made many furrow their eyebrows while some became anxious about their future.


    Noticing the unease amongst the merchants, Sect Master Yan dered his ns for the port.


    "You don''t have to worry about your merchantry. It will not be affected as long as you agree to one small change. Instead of paying the Octroi Tax to the City Lord, you will pay it to our Monstrous me Sect!"


    One of the Merchants who was a close associate of the City Lord for years could not ept this preposterous condition. He had seen how strong the City Guards had be. So, he dared to step forward to question the Monstrous me Sect.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "How can we obey your rules so simply? Where is the Team Leader of City Guards? Shouldn''t we get their opinion as well?"


    He probed, as he wondered why the City Guards had not arrived even after such a bigmotion.


    ''Maybe they are hiding and waiting for reinforcements.''


    He spected, while carefully scanning the walls for signs of City Guards. As he thought of the benefits he would gain for standing up to the Monstrous me Sect, he felt his bravery would be worth it.


    Before he could pat himself on his back, a corpsended before him. Scared, his heart jumped and he took a step back. He heard a gruff voice ask, "Do you mean him?"


    The merchant closely looked at the face of the corpse and recognized him as the Team Leader in charge of the Port. His face paled as he slowly raised his eyes to look at the person who threw the still warm body of his friend in front of him.


    A man dressed in ck was standing on the wall away from the Monstrous me Sect. A saber hung by his waist, a rarity in the tier 3 cities. When their eyes met, the merchant almost wet his pants. He silently lowered his head and went back to his group trying to hide himself in the crowd.


    Sect Master Yan smirked at the deterrence Hu Bei''s presence brought.


    "Does anyone have questions?"


    Yan Hao mocked the weak who dared to stand up to him. He had spared the Merchant who stood out for now, but he will pay his dues soon.


    "Everyone can go back to doing their work. Also, don''t forget to pay the Octroi Tax before leaving."


    After instructing, Sect Master Yan turned around to leave. Behind his departing figure, the Sun set, beginning the reign of darkness.


    In a watchtower on the walls, Sect Master Yan met with Hu Bei. Cupping his fists, he slightly bowed his head to the man in ck.


    "Thank you, Sense Trainer Hu for your assistance! Also, thank n Master Qing foring up with this brilliant n."


    Hu Bei epted the gratitude with a nod of his head. Finished with his task, he didn''t want to stay here any longer. He passed the message his father had asked him to ry after sessfully capturing the Port.


    "n Master Qing has a message for you. If you hold on as agreed, we will definitely decimate the City Lord''s besieging army."


    A vicious grin appeared on Yan Hao''s face. But Hu Bei had already left without seeing it.


    ˇŞ---


    Ikasa''s meeting with the City Lord yesterday bore no fruit. They were frustrated by theck of information.


    What embarrassed him the most was that he came to know about the attack on his store from the City Lord. Thankfully, his manuals were intact.


    ''My store was attacked, yet I didn''t know about it. I don''t know who did it. What the fuck was Shopkeeper doing? Where the hell was he?''


    He fumed as he felt he had been let down by his subordinates. The only saving grace for them was that the perpetrators were identified as Sense Realm Experts.


    Ikasa paced in his study trying to piece together the events and the motive behind them. He knew one party was the Monstrous me Sect but he was unsure of the most powerful Sense Trainer''s identity.


    ''Is it the Hu n? No, my informants would''ve noticed it. Also, they are reeling from the loss of a Sense Trainer. I don''t think they would want to enter these muddled waters.''


    While pacing, his eyes went to the crumpled paper in his dustbin. He was reminded of Yin Ying.


    ''If only that idiotic woman had not joined the Monstrous me Sect.''


    He sighed, remembering the capable informant he had at his disposal. He had not heard from her after herst letter. But with the recent events where Monstrous me Sect was underplete lockdown, it was no wonder.


    ''I really should find something like a cellphone for my outfit.''


    While Ikasa wasmenting theck of effectivemunication, Xin Ruo entered the study. She had one paper in each hand and a frown on her face.


    "Is there a problem?"


    "Thisˇ­ These reports are contradictory. Yesterday, Yin Ying contacted one of our men and passed him a note for you. It said, ''The real target is you.''"


    Ikasa raised his eyebrow in response. He was puzzled as to why would the Sect target him when they were involved in a war with the City Lord.


    But then again, the terrorists had targeted his shop as well as the City Hall. So he could not entirely dismiss her warning.


    ''Is it because they are making an example out of my shop because the City Lord inaugurated it?''


    He put aside this thought and pointed to the other report.


    "What does that one say?"


    "Zheng Fan, our man in the Monstrous me Sect met with some other informantter and said Yin Ying has joined the Monstrous me Sect and be a disciple of an Elder. She has decided to betray us all."

 Chapter 115 Partial Truths

    "The Monstrous me Sect has captured the Port."


    Lord of the Birch City, Zhen Wu stated the fact in a meeting with his trusted partners and subordinates. His face was grave and his usually neat beard was scraggly.


    Ikasa could see dark circles and extreme fatigue on the City Lord''s face. First the terrorist attacks and then the upation of the Port by the Monstrous me Sect; These incidents happening in session had taken a toll on his health.


    Even Ikasa couldn''t sleepst night. The shocking developments with Yin Ying''s cryptic message had kept him awake.


    ''Their real target is you.''


    At first, Ikasa assumed she was talking about the Sect. However, after hearing the news from the Port, he was not so sure.


    ''The Sect has to have a helper in the dark. They never would have the guts toe out after seeing the performance of Feng Yan. But who is it?''


    The City Lord mirrored Ikasa''s thoughts. He voiced them to get everyone''s suggestions.


    "Could he be part of some unknown power that has arrived recently in Birch City?


    One of the leaders of Birch City''s mercantile group suggested eying Ikasa. Due to his close acquaintance with the City Lord, he had be a thorn in the eyes of many. Combined with his takeover of the Cultivation Manual market, he had trampled on the ambitions of quite a few people.


    Still, these people were helpless and could do nothing better than badmouth him at every instance. Such as this one.


    The City Lord nced at the Merchants and shook his head in disappointment. Even at such a crucial juncture, they could not keep their petty interests aside.


    Seeing City Lord''s reaction, the people from the mercantile group wisely shut up, leaving the discussion open for more qualified personnel.


    "Other than us and the Sect, only the Hu n has Sense Realm Experts. It should be them."


    Commander Lu put forth his hypothesis. His opinion was immediately questioned.


    "Have you ever seen such a strong Saber wielding Sense Trainer in the Hu n? Judging from his reflexes during his fight with you, he should be in the Advanced Stage of the Sense Realm."


    Vice Commander Zhou''s words made sense. Lu Shao epted that rebuttal. He had no solid basis for his assumption but Vice Commander Zhou''s words matched the avable information.


    The Hall became silent for a few seconds.


    "Could he be a hidden expert nurtured by some power in secret? Perhaps a merchant group or even the Hu n or the Sect?"


    Ikasa was thinking about the situation of Feng Yan. He thought that this new expert might be someone like him. Someone with a story. Someone saved by a power and raised to be their weapon.


    His logic was irrefutable with current facts avable. When the City Lord understood that no person could provide concrete evidence, he gave up.


    "Due tock of information, we cannot identify the person. So, I request everyone to be on the lookout for his origins and affiliations. As soon as you find anything, report it to me. I will not forget your help during these trying times."


    The meeting ended and the merchants andmanders got up to leave.


    "Brother Ikasa, join me for tea."


    Zhen Wu stopped Ikasa who was about to leave. This earned Ikasa another re of envy from the merchants as they exited the room.


    The City Lord poured two cups of tea and took a seat on a sofa, inviting Ikasa to do the same. Both drank the tea in silence, waiting for the footsteps of the guests to fade away.


    "Will you apany me to the Hu n?"


    The City Lord asked as he poured himself a second cup of tea. The aroma of tea was stronger now that the leaves had seeped well in the water.


    "If you tell me the purpose, I will join you."


    Ikasa answered, taking a sip from his cup. His eyes detailed every movement of City Lord and he saw the shoulder stiffen for a brief moment before rxing.


    "I want to lure them to our side using your manuals."


    Ikasa raised his eyebrow.


    "The Hu n will greatly appreciate your High Grade Cultivation Manuals during their weak period. As long as we can make them stay out of my battle with the Sect, I will have no trouble bringing the Sect down."


    "Lord Zhen, My store ruined their business. I don''t think they will wee me. I am sorry. I cannot apany you."


    Ikasa subtly reminded the City Lord to stop bullshitting and hiding stuff. The City Lord sighed and dropped his act.


    "My sister saw Sect Master of Monstrous me Sect and Path Finder Zhi leave the Hu n''s estate a few days before the attacks started. I need to go in there myself and investigate the truth. Your presence will provide a perfect alibi."


    Ikasa shivered from the maverick scheme City Lord was about to involve himself in. If he had agreed greedily, he might have suffered a catastrophe.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Still, for some reason his blood boiled with excitement. Ever since bing a Sense Realm expert, he had been longing for an adventure. And this seemed like a perfect one with City Lord himself as a protective shield!


    He knew that the sly old fox would never tell him the full information. Things would most likely escte to the point he couldn''t have imagined.


    So what? Since he knew this, how would he go without a back up?


    Without thinking too much, he first agreed to the proposal. He agreed to willingly walk into a potential enemy''s den.


    The City Lord saw the glint of excitement in the young man''s eyes. He briefly told him about his investigation ns. Once he was done exining, he gave Ikasa a tentative time to visit.


    "Be ready. We will visit the n Master Qing sometime this week."


    After some inane conversations, Ikasa bid the City Lord goodbye. As soon as he left, Zhen Ya entered the hall. She took a seat beside her brother and poured herself a new cup of tea.


    She took a sip imitating her brother. Immediately, her face contorted from the bitter taste. The tea was too strong for her liking. She ced the cup down and her face became impassive again.


    Zhen Wu watched her actions, hiding his smile behind his cup. When she turned her frosty stare towards him, the smirk was quickly wiped off his face.


    "Are you sure you want to do this? His life may be in danger."


    City Lord cocked an eyebrow at her question. A hint of smirk appeared on his lips as he teasingly asked,


    "Since when did our Ya''er start caring about other people?"


    Upon receiving a chilly re, City Lord dropped his teasing tone and seriously dismissed her worries.


    "You are underestimating his capabilities."


    "You know they are being instigated by the profits that He Family promised. I risked my oath to inform you of this. Are you going to throw away a good partner just for momentary peace?"


    "Little Sister, this is how politics works. You only cooperate with the capable. Others are trampled on. Anyways, I won''t let any harme to him. If anything, my protection will only tie him firmly to our side."


    The City Lord did not regret telling Ikasa partial truth. The moment he came to know of He Family''s involvement, he started to formte this n.


    Unfortunately, he was unaware of Ikasa''s breakthrough to the Sense Realm.


    ˇŞ---


    While the Upper echelon of Birch City were worrying over the power struggles, the lower echelon was experiencing a turmoil of its own.


    A young man carrying his injured father arrived at the Physician Leong''s clinic.


    "Young Man, I am sorry. I cannot help your father any further."


    The middle aged man regretfully informed the teenager after dressing the bleeding wound. The blood flow was only obstructed but not stopped entirely. If it is not stopped immediately, the man might die from the loss of blood.


    The teenager knew this and looked at the Physician with desperation.


    "Is there really nothing you can do, Sir? I can pay. This is his entire life savings of 20 gold. Please, help him."


    The young man looked at the Physician with desperation and hope. As the only family member he had, he couldn''t bear to see his father die from blood loss. Hisst resort was the Physician Leong.


    Known for being kind and generous, the physician had an excellent reputation in the City. He treated simple mdies for free and charged the least even when people needed medicines.


    This had made him thest hope of the poor boy and many like him.


    He helplessly exined the reason for his inability to cure.


    "Since the City Lord has closed down the Monstrous me Sect''s stores, there is no ce to procure medicine or the herbs to make medicines in this City."


    This reason outraged the many adventurers, mercenaries and othermoners as well. Many had suffered a loss of a loved one due tock of treatment. Most of them had no ce to vent.


    However, Physician Leong''s exnation directed their anger at the cruel City Lord who was ying with their lives.


    Seeing this shift, the man''s lips curled upwards. He was happy to instigate themoners against the City Lord for he was the apprentice of the First Elder of the Monstrous me Sect.


    Suddenly, a shout stopped the growing resentment amongst the crowd and reignited the hopes of many.


    "Who says there are no other shops selling herbs for treatment?"

 Chapter 116 Benefactor Of The Commoners

    "Who says there are no other shops selling herbs for treatment?"


    Manager Chu Kuang, who was passing by, was irked by the Physician''s words. He instantly refuted his ims against the City Lord.


    The Hu n''s cultivation store sold most of themonly found herbs in the surroundings. Though their quantity was low, they were sufficient to treat these desperatemoners.


    ? There was also the produce from the Herb Garden. The Citizens may be unaware but he had visited most of the Physicians and intimated to them the avability of the herbs.


    Today, he was here to ask Physician Leong if he needed any of the herbs only to hear him nder the City Lord.


    Physician Leong''s face turned red from anger and shame. He refused to acknowledge the man before him and angrily asked, "Who are you?"


    Chu Kuang was stunned by the Physician''s shameless behavior. The people also curiously looked at him to know his identity.


    Shrugging off their stares, the kind-hearted bald man took out the Blood Leaf from his box of samples and handed it to the teenager.


    "Here. Use this Blood Leaf to stop the bleeding. Isn''t that what Physician Leong prescribed?"


    The teenager looked at the smiling face of Chu Kuang and then the impassive Physician standing on the stairs of his clinic. He was unsure as to what to do.


    One of his father''s acquaintances in the crowd recognized the herb. He hurriedly asked the kid to make a paste of the herb and apply it to the bleeding wound.


    As soon as the kid did as he was asked, the blood flowing from his father slowly reduced and stopped within a few breaths. However, the blood loss was too severe and the man''s face was pale as his breathing slowed.


    The only person who could save him was the Physician standing on the stairs, coldly looking down at the scene. He was angry that his n had been ruined.


    His master had assigned him one task; to incite the Citizens against the City Lord and make him reopen the stores of the Sect. With the arrival of Chu Kuang, it had been ruined. He red at the bald man, ignoring the pleading eyes of the teenager.


    Chu Kuang could not stand by and watch someone''s grudge cost a boy his father.


    "Physician Leong, does your consciousness not hurt? Is your loyalty to the Monstrous me Sect so strong that you would rather watch people die than treat them?"


    Physician Leong''s eyes widened when his affiliation with the Sect was made public.


    "He is from Monstrous me Sect? No wonder, he was speaking ill of the City Lord earlier."


    "This Bastard! He refused to treat my brother just because his Sect has a grudge against the City Lord? What did my poor brother have to do with either?"


    "My mother passed away because this crooked man wanted to incite us against the City Lord?"


    The Public sentiment was quickly turning sour. The anger in the people''s eyes scared the Physician. When one of the burly men rolled up his sleeve, he gulped loudly.


    "I have only apprenticed under the Medicine Master of the Sect, the First Elder, Yi Yan. Their battle has nothing to do with me."


    "Then why did you not treat my brother?"


    "Because I really did not have any Cloud Moon grass."


    Physician Leong desperately tried to make people understand his position. The People were still suspicious of his words.


    "If you do not believe me, ask him!" The man in white robes pointed to Chu Kuang, "Ask him whether his garden had any herbs two weeks ago."


    The crowd turned their heads to look at Chu Kuang.


    "No, we did not have many herbs avable back then."


    Chu Kuang replied honestly. The anger in the people''s eyes abated and turned to disappointment. Seeing this, Chu Kuang immediately amended his statement.


    "But now we do. So, why are you not treating the poord''s father Physician Leong? If you don''t want to say so. Because if you dally any further, he might pass away."


    Chu Kuang''s reminder once again had the people look at him with suspicion.


    Physician Leong sweated bullets. He immediately took the Blood fruit from Chu Kuang and went to his apparatus to prepare a blood recovery concoction.


    "Take this Icy blue Flower as well. Its petals will help improve the efficacy of your concoction."


    When he brought out the beautiful crystalline blue flower, an adventurer in the crowd gasped.


    "Is that an Alchemist''s Wonder? I saw it in the Hu n store. They sell every petal for 10 silver!"


    His friend and the people surrounding him gasped. 10 Silver meant it was 1 gold!<novelnext></novelnext>


    To the people in the upper echelons, 1 gold was just change in their pocket. But to thesemoners, 1 gold was a tenth of their monthly ie!


    They looked at Chu Kuang with reverence in their eyes. His generosity had won their hearts. They became curious about his identity.


    "Who is he?"


    "Is he some Noble?"


    He addressed their curiosity and took this opportunity to spread the word about the Herb Garden.


    "Everyone, I am Manager of the Herb Garden near the East gate. We have most of the herbs needed for the treatment of injuries and mdies. Even if we do not have the herb, we will do our best to get it within a few weeks. So, please pay us a visit."


    His introduction exined his generosity earlier. Still, it only impressed the people because not every rich man would act as Chu Kuang did.


    One of the astute people in the crowd however noticed something amiss.


    "You said you did not have any herbs two weeks ago. Most herbs take more than two weeks to mature. So howe you have herbs now?"


    His question was not understood by many but Chu Kuang, who was ying with nts for the past few days, understood what he meant.


    "For the benefit of themoners affected by the misdeeds of the three major powers, the owner of the garden, Ikasa, has sacrificed a lot. He gave up a huge reserve of Energy Infused water and asked me to irrigate the fields with it. That way the herbs mature faster and you will not suffer from ack of herbs."


    Chu Kuang''s exnation awed the adventurers andmoners. Many of them recognized the name Ikasa.


    "Isn''t he the owner of the Ikasa''s manuals?"


    "Is he, really? Then he is the benefactor of all themoners."


    "I heard his shop was burned in the attackst week."


    "Tsk. Damned Hu n. Just because their business was affected they targeted that shop."


    Chu Kuang''s ears perked upon hearing what one of the people in the crowd said. His expression became grave.


    ''I need to get this information to Master Ikasa as quickly as possible.''


    As soon as Physician Leong administered the ready concoction, Chu Kuang took his leave. He set off to Ikasa''s Vi in the north.


    At this moment, the man Chu Kuang was worried about connected to the Printer. Ikasa looked at his Star shaped cultivation stats with joy.


    "10 Points in every Physical sense and 20 Points in Spiritual Sense. Yes, I am ready to advance to the Intermediate stage of the Sense Realm."


    He added 2 points to every sense. As soon as he did so, his sensitivity increased and he experienced a sensory overload. The enhancement in the senses brought him new experiences. For the first time, he tasted the taste of his teeth and saliva.


    Not only his tongue, but his skin had also be super sensitive to the stimulus from the surroundings. Even the afternoon sun''s heat was too much for his skin. It felt like he was being lightly roasted. The gentle breeze of wind made him feel ticklish.


    His nose smelled the variety of smells mixed in together. He could distinguish each smell, separately. The earthy smell of the soil, faint fragrance from the flower bed, and slightly sweet smell from the kitchen. This was apletely new feeling.


    But not every new experience was as pleasing.


    Every sound in the environment was amplified several times. He could hear the crickets chirping, the scraping of adle against the container, and even the wind whistling.


    The cacophony of the sounds made him feel like he was experiencing the worst hangover.


    If his ears were hearing was in a bad state, his vision was beyond tolerable. He didn''t dare open his eyes. In the small peek he had, he saw streaks of light sh before his eyes as if he was in a disco.


    After getting used to the abnormal vision, he could see the outlines of an object.


    The streaks of light were contained in the various objects. The Flower vase looked earthy yellow though it was painted red. The Printer was pitch ck. The transparent water in his ss emitted Turquoise color.


    ''Am I reading the energy signatures of objects with my eyes?''


    He wondered as his eyes scanned every object in the room. When he looked outside, he experienced sharp pain in his head.


    The scenery outside was a coge of multiple colors. His perception was unable to take it all in. He shut his eyes and turned his head away.


    ''If I can train myself to use the senses properly, I will be invincible in the Sense Realm. My vision can not only see further, I can read the energy path. Something only Path Finders can do.''


    With this thought, Ikasa sat down to meditate and regain control over his heightened senses.

 Chapter 117 Ax Kick

    ''So, the Hu n is moving in the darkˇ­''


    Ikasa surmised, rubbing his chin. After hearing from Chu Kuang, the unlikely suspect had been brought to light.


    ''Does that mean the mysterious attackers were from the Hu n?''


    This thought rmed him.


    ''Chu Kuang and Yin Ying, both had said that the two powers were targeting me. I wonder what brought them together. Are they coveting my manuals?''


    He immediately dismissed this thought. The Monstrous me Sect was already fighting against the City Lord. It made no sense for them to be greedy for his manuals. The Hu n should also be recouping.


    ''This means they are dancing to someone else''s tune. Is it the Path Finder? No, he is now an agent of Absolutes. He is forced to remain impartial for the duration of this Battle. Who else could it be?''


    Just as he was eliminating suspects one after the other, Xin Ruo knocked on the door of his study.


    "The information about the He Family just came in."


    She said, handing the documents to Ikasa.


    "That was quick! Well done, Xin Ruo."


    Ikasa eximed, taking the documents excitedly. He noticed she looked worn out and tired.


    "Don''t be so hard on yourself, Xin Ruo. Enlist the help of others and get some rest."


    Hemented, looking at her haggard appearance. He did not like her current constantly tired state but she was happy to be of use. Hence, he did not make her take a rest.


    Still, seeing the overworked girl, he noticed the absence of Yin Ying even more.


    Xin Ruo nodded and left the room, feeling a bit warm inside. She was d to be of use. Most importantly, she knew all the problems Ikasa faced and could do something to find solutions for them. Even if that meant sacrificing her sleep.


    Watching her leave with a happy smile, Ikasa shook his head and turned his attention to the papers in hand.


    "Located in the tier 2 Maple City, the He Family holds a monopoly over the Cultivation Manual business in this County. Even though they are in a Tier 2 city, their foundation is as solid as any County ss force."


    Ikasa summarized the information they had gathered from the public domain. There were also many rumors and a dubious list of affiliates but it did not matter much.


    "Oh damn!"


    Putting down the documents, he held his nose bridge. It just hit him that it might be the He Family pulling the strings of Hu n and the Monstrous me Sect!


    At the moment, the He Family was not a power he could contend with a few Sense Realm Experts. That also did not mean he would let third-rate powers like Hu n and Monstrous me Sect intimidate him.


    ''Hu n, since you destroyed my store, shouldn''t you receive a payback?''


    Ikasa smirked, thinking of his uing visit to the Hu n. He did not trust City Lord''s excuse, but from what he knew of City Lord, it must be a partial truth.


    ''Thus, I should prepare myself before entering that den of bandits. It''s good that I saved a Golden print this week.''


    Ikasa thought, heading to his bedroom.


    [Wee back, User]


    The familiar greeting of his Printer chimed in his head. He quickly skipped past it and went to the Print option.


    Strangely, he had no expectations when he clicked the button. He didn''t even realize it as he watched a new book be printed.


    When he picked up the book, he saw a dark brown cover with golden letters. The cover did not attract his attention and nor did the name.


    "Ax Kick."


    He looked up the technique in his printer interface and jumped with shock.


    "Woah! This is a Top Grade Battle Technique?!"


    The way he looked at the book changed within seconds. The shit-colored cover now looked endearing. Gaudy golden letters now seemed cool.


    He eagerly spent 5 points to learn this new technique.


    In an instant, he was transported to a new setting. This time it was in a forest. He inhabited the body of a slender girl with long legs. Her leg muscles were developed better than most.


    Then she did something unthinkable. She sent a vertical kick down at the log sitting on the stump.


    Swoosh!


    Her leg whipped towards the log. As soon as her heel connected with the log, it was chopped cleanly in half. Ikasa was left bbergasted by this scene.


    That log was twice as thick as the girl and she had chopped it into two as if it was nothing!<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''No wonder this technique is called Ax kick!''


    After getting a taste of what this technique could do, Ikasa went through her energy utilization method.


    Energy traveled between her thighs and heels when she lifted her leg. When she struck down, the energy gathered at her heel. Basically, she gathered her energy at the point of impact and let the force break the object.


    Ikasa rejoiced as he understood theplexity behind this skill.


    ''She has spent years to reach this point of perfection and I will inherit her prowess with just a few days of practice!''


    For the next few days, he saw her kick a thick tree trunk, with horizontal kicks. Every hitnded on the same spot. After each kick, the dent in the trunk would deepen, as if it was struck with an actual ax.


    On the third day, the tree copsed. It was cut through solely with her legs!


    The aplishment was impressive, but Ikasa focused on learning the skill. He noticed that the way she gathered energy at a particr point was simr to how he used his high-grade technique [Chop]. The only difference was she put the force of her entire body into her strike, multiplying the strike''s power manifolds.


    After the tree trunk broke, Ikasa ended the simtion and ran to the ground with the WiFi dongle still in his chest.


    "The Ax Kick has two types of kicks, the Vertical kick, and the Horizontal Kick. A vertical one is easier to master but a horizontal ax kick is difficult. But with the experience from the simtion, both are equal for me."


    He chose arge tree and began to perform the motions. His leg whipped with full power and struck the tree. Unfortunately, his gathered energy scattered as soon as his leg connected with the tree.


    "Oh bloody fucking hell!"


    Ikasa cursed as he grabbed the right leg and fell to the ground. The impact was horrifically painful. He was d that he had not broken any bones.


    ''What went wrong?''


    He began to review the actions of the girl andpare them to his own. He had gathered energy but it dispersed upon impact, unlike Chop or the Girl''s technique.


    While he analyzed, he had a crazy idea.


    ''What If I canbine the techniques? Like [The Forehand] and [The Backhand] could bebined, can the Kicks be performed inbination too?''


    Ikasa wondered as he used the breathing techniques of [Around the body in 80 Breaths] tobat the pain.


    So far he had only learned the High-Grade martial skill, Chop, and Top Grade Movement skill, Wind the Way. He felt he should not squander his time learning the inferior techniques.


    But now, after seeing Chop''s energy utilization method in a top-grade technique, he became curious as to whether other techniques could also help him firm his foundation.


    ''This is not the time to be stingy. Anyways, I have about 213 Battle Points. Using 4 of them would not matter.''


    He immediately spent 4 BP to learn the Sweeping Kick and Nutcracker Kick.


    When he came out of the simtion, he had a look of enlightenment.


    The Energy utilization method of the Nutcracker Kick was a very crude imitation of the Vertical Ax Kick. In an attempt to reverse the energy-gathering point from the heel to the ankle, many changes had been made.


    The resulting technique was a failure. Still, since its utilization method originated from a top-grade skill, the Nutcracker Kick was one of the best in the Low-Grade Battle Techniques.


    In the case of the Sweeping Kick, the energy did not gather at one point during the kick. It instead traveled from the thigh to the foot, building momentum. This momentum would then imbnce the target and cause it to fall.


    After learning the technicalities of these inferior skills, he understood where he went wrong.


    Ikasa had experienced the Girl''s kicks first hand. But he was unable to understand the intricacies in it.


    After learning the Sweeping kick, he understood the correct execution method. It was not just energy that was gathering at her heel when she kicked, it was the energy arriving with momentum.


    When her kicknded on the log, it was not just the power of the kick, but also the power of momentum behind it. That''s why her energy did not disperse and she seeded in breaking the logs and the tree.


    "Who knew that even though I had a cheat, I would still need an epiphany to understand how to kick properly."


    He got up shaking his head. Thanks to his top-grade Cultivation Technique, he had recovered and his pain had already subsided.


    Taking a proper stance, Ikasa reviewed the energy utilization method of the Girl. Inhaling a deep breath, he kicked horizontally.


    "Ha!"


    His foot smashed into the trunk and a few splinters broke away from it. He had seeded in a Horizontal Kick!


    Buoyant by the sess, he began to try different types of kicks. He seeded in executing them within one or two tries. The tree he was using for practice now looked like it had been cut by a newbie woodcutter.


    "If this kick can chop into the thick trunk of a tree, it should have no problem breaking a few bones."


    An evil grin formed on his lips and his eyes glinted with excitement. He couldn''t wait for his trip to the Hu n with the City Lord.

 Chapter 118 Deliberate

    In the following days, Ikasa practiced his martial arts diligently. He enlisted the help of Feng Yan and Gu Dan to help him practice.


    When sparring with the two of them, he came to understand how overpowered his techniques were. Even though his movements were not as smooth, one hit was all it took to end the session.


    So when the day to visit arrived, he excitedly readied himself. As ast measure of protection, hemanded Feng Yan and Gu Dan.


    "Old Man, cksmith Gu, stay on alert near the Hu n, okay? As soon as you see any signs of disturbance, don''t hesitate to barge in. And keep half of your troops ready for battle."


    Receiving their affirmative replies, Ikasa set off to the City Lord''s Manor.


    ˇŞ---


    While Ikasa was excited, Zhen Ya was anxious about their visit. She knew much more about what was happening in the background but she couldn''t reveal it to her brother.


    Hence, she tried to emphasize Ikasa''s value by recounting the incident between Chu Kuang and Physician Leong. She exined how his timely arrival had prevented an uprising against the City Lord.


    "Do you see how useful he is? And even so, you are willing to put him in danger knowing what lies for him in the Hu n?"


    Zhen Ya coldly asked. Her heart may be anxious, but her face was impassive as ever.


    If she had the cunning of Zhi Yang, she would''ve found a way to exin the happenings in the dark to City Lord anyway. But she had dedicated herself to the Martial Arts and left the political arena to her two brothers.


    In such situations, one wrong word could mean incurring the wrath of the Absolutes.


    "Calm down, Ya''er! It is just a Hu n. Even if they attack, I can escape."


    "What about Ikasa?"


    On her question, Zhen Wu''s eyes narrowed. He suspiciously looked at her face and tried to see any hint of warmth or blush. Except for the slight worry in her eyes, he did not see anything.


    Still, she was worried about a human she had no real attachment to. That in itself betrayed her care for Ikasa. While stroking his beard, City Lord had a strange look in his eyes.


    ''Did this girl fall for Ikasa?''


    If Zhen Ya could hear his thoughts, she would definitely vite the rule set by the Absolutes and beat him up.


    She was worried about the state of the economy in the City, not the man himself. If Ikasa falls, they would lose out on a major taxpayer.


    In a single month, Ikasa had earned around 25,000 Gold coins. And his potential to grow did not end there!


    His manuals had only been used by a tenth of the poption. There were still more than thirteen thousand potential customers in this City!


    With these calctions, it was no wonder Zhen Ya felt her brother was endangering a golden goose.


    If a political noob like Zhen Ya could think this, a seasoned veteran like Zhen Wu naturally thought of it. And yet, he was going through with his n.


    Thus, she objected to the City Lord''s reckless n.


    "Brother, think about all the losses you would incur if you lose him."


    Her words once again reminded Zhen Wu of why Ikasa was a valuable asset.


    Nheless, rather than the mary benefits, he was more interested in ending this Battle as quickly as possible. Even if it meant endangering his partner.


    With this determination, Zhen Wu replied, "Don''t worry. I will do my best to bring him out of the Hu n alive."


    After promising Zhen Ya, the City Lord donned his outer robe and exited the hall to join Ikasa in the carriage.


    The journey to the Hu n barely took ten minutes. The upants of the carriage spent this time in silence. They had done everything they could to prepare for this day. It was time to face the music.


    When they got out of the carriage, Ikasa stared at the scabbard hanging by the City Lord''s waist. Zhen Wu perceived his stare and curtly replied, "For emergency."


    He looked at the sprawling estate before his eyes. His eyes were fixed on the courtyards to the Left. He subtly pointed out one of the courtyards to Ikasa and mouthed, "If a fight breaks out, you will find help there."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa memorized the location of the building and followed the City Lord inside. Just as they were about to enter the n Master''s hall, he saw the City Lord pause and inhale deeply.


    He noticed the hand of the muscr man tremble slightly as he pushed the door open. Whether it was from nervousness or anticipation, he would find out soon.


    "Wee, Lord of Birch City! How did you find time to visit our humble Hu n in the midst of your Battle?"


    n Master Qing asked, getting up from his seat. He stood on the higher tform, looking down on the visitors. Ikasa perceived it as a deliberate action meant to insult the two of them.


    The City Lord paid his disrespect no mind. Nonchntly, he climbed up the tform with Ikasa and took a seat.


    On the tform, Ikasa faced a dilemma. He noticed only two chairs; One upied by the City Lord and another belonging to the n Master Qing.


    He was sure that the n Master Qing knew of his arrival and that this arrangement was meant to humiliate him.


    ''If you don''t want to give respect, don''t expect any from me.''


    He approached the n Master Qing''s seat and made himselffortable. His actions stunned the other two leaders present in the room.


    The City Lord''s eyes widened in response to his action while n Master Qing fumed. The old man''s white eyebrows jumped as he coldly hissed, "What do you think you are doing?"


    Ikasa innocently looked up at him and asked, "Taking a seat. Didn''t you prepare two seats for the two of us?"


    He indicated to the City Lord and himself.


    Left speechless by his answer, n Master Qing couldn''t find words to exin that this arrangement was meant as an insult. He silently glowered at the upant of His chair.


    Suddenly, Ikasa made a face as if he had realized something. Seeing his expression, Qing Mo sighed a breath of relief and was just about to retake his rightful seat when he heard Ikasa''s query.


    "Am I in the wrong seat? Was this chair prepared for the City Lord?"


    His questions made the old man''s blood pressure rise. His face flushed red, and the anger in his eyes became palpable. He was left speechless by the shameless behavior of this young man.


    Ikasa silently observed the changing shades of his face while his mind went to the clips of Chinese Dramas his tech guys used to share with him.


    ''Isn''t this the point where he should puke blood from anger? Guess he missed his cue. At least give me a (Junior, you are courting death!)''


    The City Lord was torn between annoyed and amused while watching this exchange. He was annoyed that his n to subtly test Hu n''s stance was foiled. However, Ikasa''s retaliation to deliberate insults was very satisfying to watch.


    n Master Qing turned his attention to the City Lord. He loudly asked, "What kind of rude guest have you brought to my Hu n, City Lord?"


    Ikasa also focused his attention on the muscr man. If City Lord did not back him up even after everything he had done for him, he would have no qualms in throwing the man under the bus when the timees.


    "This is a genuine misunderstanding, n Master Qing. Since you only prepared two chairs, it is natural to assume they are for the guests. The Hu n we know is not petty enough to keep their respected guests standing."


    n Master Qing had expected the City Lord to side with him. Contrary to his expectations, the City Lord admonished him to his face!


    Seeing the shade of purple appearing on Qing Mo''s face, City Lord knew that any possibility of roping the Hu n to his side had gone down the drain.


    With this, the primary purpose of bringing Ikasa along had also been defeated.


    The Hu n''s moves in the dark had not escaped his notice. If they were just doing it for some profits, he hoped to orchestrate some sort of agreement between Ikasa and the Hu n favoring thetter.


    Thus, keeping them out of his Battle of Rights.


    But Qing Mo''s antagonistic attitude from the beginning made it clear that there was no room for reconciliation. So, when the time came to make a choice, he chose Ikasa and Feng Yan over therge Hu n that still had two Sense Trainers.


    n Master Qing recovered from the insult quickly. He straightened his back and grabbed the saber hanging on his waist. His actions seemed to be a signal as two more Sense Trainers came out into the open.


    Zhen Wu''s face turned grave upon realizing the identity of thest Sense Trainer. He looked at n Master Qing, his eyes spitting fire.


    "City Lord, it''s good that you are here. Let''s end the Battle of Rights today, shall we?"

 Chapter 119 First Fight

    "Shall we end the Battle of Rights today?"


    The figure of Sect Master Yan emerging from the interior of the courtyard asked the City Lord. Ikasa recognized the other two Sense Trainers with him; Second Seat Yao Mao and Second Elder Huo Zhu.


    Shing!


    His attention was drawn to the sword being drawn from the scabbard hanging on the City Lord''s waist. Keeping his gaze focused on his opponents, Zhen Wu ordered Ikasa, "Leave. Now."


    Hearing hismand, Qing Mo drew his saber and stood on the stairs, blocking Ikasa''s path.


    "How can he leave unscathed after entering a Tiger''sir?"


    The old man smiled a wide grin, showing off his yellowing teeth. The Second Seat of the Hu n joined him to block the path.


    Sitting in his chair, Ikasa watched the events unfold with relish. He had a feeling of watching a live drama. And then n Master Qing drew his Saber and pointed it at him.


    Ikasa sighed loudly and slowly got up from his chair.


    "Just because a lion does not show his ws, how can you mistake him for a housecat?"


    His rhetorical question confused every Sense Trainer in the room. With sedate steps, he approached City Lord and stood beside him.


    His eyes stared at the four Sense Trainers standing below the tform. He uttered a single sentence that infuriated thempletely.


    "Surrender or you won''t see the sun tomorrow!"


    The City Lord looked at Ikasa with disbelief and cursed in his heart, ''What kind of pig teammate did I bring?''


    His sword trembled as he got ready to meet the attacks of the four Sense Trainers, blocking Ikasa from their view.


    "Yao Maoˇ­"


    "Huo Zhuˇ­"


    "Catch that bastard!"


    The two leaders of the forces ordered their subordinates. They themselves jumped on the City Lord.


    Saber shed with the sword, sending sparks flying. n Master Qing took a step back from the impact while City Lord was standing in ce like an immovable mountain.


    Sect Master Yan followed after the attack by smashing his staff down on Zhen Wu''s shoulder, not giving him time to recover. With a twirl of his longsword, City Lord deflected the attack and butted his left elbow on Sect Master Yan''s face.


    ? Sect Master Yan jumped back, reducing the impact of the hit. After suffering a small loss in the first exchange, the two leaders silently circled him, looking for openings.


    It all happened before Ikasa could blink his eyes. He admired the City Lord after witnessing the first exchange.


    ''No wonder he is feared by the two powers,'' he realized.


    While he was looking at his ally, his adversaries arrived with a tempo.


    As soon as the Second elder stopped before Ikasa, he threw a punch at his guts. Ikasa stepped back and grabbed his wrist. He then dragged the red-robed man into the path of Yao Mao''s iing attack.


    The diagonally swung staffnded on the buttocks of the red-robed elder with a thwack! His face contorted with the pain while his ears became red from embarrassment.


    The situation on Ikasa''s side distracted the City Lord who was paying attention to the fight to jump in at the right moment. His momentarypse allowed Sect Master Yan tond a solid hit on his back.


    The thumping sound attracted Ikasa''s attention. The Second Elder found this chance to slip from his grip.


    Realizing that the presence of each other was actually distracting them, Ikasa decided to change the battlefield.


    "City Lord, fight to your heart''s content. I will bring these two out for a walk."


    Ikasa yelled as he jumped down from the tform. Infuriated by the tant disregard, Huo Zhu and Yao Mao chased after him.


    If he wanted to, Ikasa could easily shake away his pursuers and escape. But he yed with them. Every time Yao Mao swung his pole, Ikasa urately evaded it.


    Huo Zhu was also led around by the nose. His punches and kicks did not even touch the hem of Ikasa''s robe. As he dodged their attacks, his blood boiled with excitement.


    Being constantly on the move meant neither side had a chance to execute their battle techniques. Ikasa led them outside, far enough from City Lord to not cause a distraction.


    He turned around and faced the two Sense Trainers. A wicked smile appeared on his face as he cracked his knuckles. He looked at the two heavily breathing men and asked,


    "Now, tell me. Which one of you two bastards was involved in attacking my store?"


    They both looked at each other and smirked.


    "I was the one who threw the torch. He lit it up. What can you do about it? Run to the City Lord andin?"


    Huo Zhu mocked Ikasa. Until then, Ikasa had not shown them any special skill. Even his evasive maneuvers felt like lucky misses. Hence, Huo Zhu found the courage to taunt Ikasa.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I don''t need to."


    As soon as he spoke, Ikasa moved closer to Huo Zhu and chopped at his neck. The speed disyed now and his speed while luring them over was nowhereparable.


    Huo Zhu could not fathom how he was being attacked, but he instinctively held his head and crouched. Ikasa''s Chop hit the air.


    Yao Mao recovered quickly and swung his staff vertically, trying to smash Ikasa''s head. Ikasa dodged and executed a Sweeping Kick. His kicknded on Yao Mao''s ankle, and he copsed.


    But he was a Sense Trainer. He immediately sat up.


    Before he could stand up, Ikasa followed his attack with an Ax Kick aimed at his chest. Sensing danger, he quickly tried to defend himself with his staff.


    Two cracks were heard in session. First, the staff broke. The second crack came from his chest. His rib cage had broken! There was no air left in his lungs to vocalize his scream of agony.


    Yao Mao spurted out a mouthful of blood and whizzed for breath. He was in no condition to fight anymore. The fight ended so fast that he did not even get a chance to use his Battle Techniques!


    Ikasa turned his attention to Huo Zhu. He was looking at Ikasa with horror. In a single move, Ikasa had nearly killed a Sense Trainer as powerful as him!


    The light gathering at his palm dimmed. He did not have the confidence to execute his martial skill before Ikasa.


    Every step Ikasa took towards him, he instinctively took a step back. He could see the ferocious predator that Ikasa talked about inside the hall.


    Knowing he could not win, he turned around and fled to the hall. He hoped his Sect Master in the Advanced Sense Realm would hold this beast back!


    How could Ikasa let his prey escape? He immediately caught up with the fleeing elder and stood in his way.


    "Going somewhere?"


    Ikasa asked with a smile. In his smile, Huo Zhu saw the smile of Yamraj. He opened his mouth to beg for mercy. Unfortunately for him, Ikasa was not in a forgiving mood.


    With a swift Chop to his throat, Ikasa ended the battle. He dragged the body into the n Master''s Hall. The situation was getting worse for the City Lord with each progressing minute.


    In a one-on-one fight, City Lord could take down either of the two leaders. Had they not advanced, the City Lord still stood a chance. But when two Sense Trainers, one Intermediate and one Advanced, ganged up on him, holding out for so long wasmendable.


    When Ikasa entered the hall, City Lord''s thrust narrowly missed the armpit of Sect Master Yan. n Master Qing took this opportunity to sh at City Lord''s back.


    The sh tore City Lord''s robe and drew blood, failing to do more damage.


    "City Lord Zhen, concede the Battle of Rights! It is the only way you will leave this ce alive."


    Sect Master Yan threatened as he swung his battle pole deceptively, trying to trip his foe. Qing Mo added another sh with his Dragon Blood Saber and another part of City Lord''s robe was torn.


    "Tsk Tsk! To think I would see the Lord of the City in Beggar''s clothing. I will buy you a new robe from your tailor, Lord Zhen."


    Ikasa joked as he approached the fighting trio. Zhen Wu was annoyed by his arrival.


    ''I am fighting with my life on the line to buy time for this guy and he has time to joke!''


    Without looking in his direction, he furiously thundered, "Ikasa, you idiot, run!"


    With his shout, he swung his sword at stunned n Master Qing. The sword left a bleeding gash on his left arm.


    "Argh!"


    Qing Mo stepped away, his eyes looking at the City Lord and Ikasa with hatred. Sect Master Yan also retreated with fire in his eyes.


    When the City Lord took a look at Ikasa, he realized the reason for their intense reaction. Even his eyes widened, seeing the bodies of the Sense Realm Experts in his hands.


    Then he broke into hystericalughter, as a burden was lifted from his shoulders. Looking at Yan Hao, he threw his words back at him.


    "Sect Master Yan, concede the Battle of Rights. It is the only way you will leave this ce alive."


    Yan Hao''s face paled. His fists clenched, and his lips thinned. When they hatched this n, he had not expected to be humiliated.


    n Master Qing had also not foreseen this oue. He regretted sending Hu Bei to keep a watch on Feng Yan. Still, this was the Hu n, his home ground. He may be outmatched in the Sense Realm, but his militia was still present. He intervened in the conversation.


    "City Lord, don''t forget where you are. This is my Hu n! If you go overboard, I will make sure you are buried here with my men!"


    Outside the hall, Ikasa and City Lord could hear people gathering. They exchanged nces and decided it was not worth fighting over.


    "Sect Master Yan, I will give Hu n face and spare you. But rest assured, we will meet again. Soon."


    Zhen Wu grabbed Ikasa and turned to leave. n Master Qing loudly stopped them. Glowering at Ikasa, he spat out.


    "Hold on, City Lord. Who said he can leave?"

 Chapter 120 Unreliable Support

    Outside the Hu n, Feng Yan and Gu Dan were waiting with the troops from Ikasa''s Private Force. To not draw the attention of passersby, Feng Yan had dispersed the troops. And then they waited.


    "What do you know of the Hu n,cksmith Gu?"


    Feng Yan asked, trying to pass the time with mundane chatter.


    "Hu n was just a small Mercenary group when they arrived in the City many years ago. Twenty years ago, they took an exploration mission.Only the current n Master returned with the Dragon Blood Saber and a child."


    Feng Yan became intrigued by the story.A single person had apparently grown the n from nothing to one of the strongest powers of the City.He envied the n Master Qing for aplishing something he was unable to do.


    Suddenly, he heard hurried movements inside thepound. He sneaked a peek inside. Seeing the guards gathering near the n Master''s Hall, Feng Yan realized this was the crisis Ikasa talked about.


    He whistled, signaling his hidden troops to gather. As soon as his men gathered, he charged towards the gate.


    "Commander, watch out!"


    A loud shout from one of his men drew his attention. Without thinking, he rolled to his right, to dodge whatever threatened him.


    A split secondter he felt something warm ssh on his skin. The smell of blood followed soon after.


    When he looked up, he saw a severed forearm of a man on the ground beside him. Before him, a young man in histe teens was pressing on his wound, trying to stop the blood from flowing.


    In front of the young man stood a man covered in ck, from head to toe. In his right hand, he held a saber pointed at the ground. A drop of blood trickled down the saber''s tip into the mud.


    Feng Yan slowly reached the eyes of the man. He saw cold indifference in his eyes, unperturbed by the act he hadmitted.


    ''A hardened warrior.''


    Feng Yan judged the danger level of this man instantly. He pushed the injured soldier to Gu Dan and faced the man shrouded in dark.


    "You are Feng Yan."


    A gruff voiceing from the man fell into Feng Yan''s ears. He could not tell whether it was a statement or a question. However, he realized one thing; He was the target of the man before him.


    Feng Yan''s gaze turned solemn as this was the most powerful opponent he had encountered to date. He breathed ording to the [Around the Body in 80 Breaths], and aroused his energy.


    By this time, his men had encircled the two Sense Trainers. Even though this was their first battle, they passed the test of nerves with splendor.


    Even so, Gu Dan forbade them from attacking and quietly watched the two men circle each other like a lion and a tiger. A battle of will had alreadymenced between them. Hu Bei lost his patience and made the first move.


    He shed his saber wide, trying to cut Feng Yan. The wide swing meant Feng Yan had no other option but to roll on the floor to dodge.


    The moment he did so, Hu Bei changed his attack. He took a long step and shortened the distance between the two.With a vertical sh, his saber''s tip sliced the back of his foe open.


    Hu Bei drew the first blood with this strike.


    Feng Yan stopped hiding his cards and readied himself to use Wind the Way. When another saber shed at him, he skillfully avoided the attack in the nick of the time. If he was a secondter, he would have a deep gash on his torso.


    ''Tsk!Even though this Top Grade Cultivation Manual is good,having a weapon would be better.''


    Feng Yan cursed as a sweatdrop rolled down his forehead. At this time his eyes met Gu Dan''s, who stood directly behind his opponent, watching the fight as a silent spectator. Treating the fight as a spectacle, he was eating melon seeds!


    Seeing his rxed expression annoyed Feng Yan. Then he had a thought. ''Why the hell am I treating this fight as a duel?''


    Realizing his folly, he immediately shouted, "You bastards, what the fuck are you doing? Attack him!"


    His shout jolted the men out of their inaction. Even Hu Bei was startled by Feng Yan''s unscrupulous behavior.


    From what he had heard about Feng Yan,Hu Bei had imagined him to be a powerful Second Commander of City Guards who valued honor.


    He couldn''t be more wrong as was proven by his current situation. He faced attacks from all sides. Some connected while most went wide.


    His only defense was swinging his saber wildly to deter the approaching men. ''No, I have to get out of here.''


    His thoughts moved in the right direction but his body couldn''t. The surrounding men did not allow him to escape their encirclement. He swung his saber horizontally in the circle once more to create some breathing room for himself.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan slyly took advantage of this opportunity and executed Gazelle Punch. Timed exactly right, his move hit Hu Bei in the jaw the moment he finished his swing.


    Then Feng Yan jumped back to avoid Hu Bei''s instinctive saber sh. But he had achieved his goal.


    As soon as the punch connected, Hu Bei saw stars sh before his eyes. Before he could recover, Gu Dan closed the distance and used the low-grade battle technique, Jab, hitting the man in his floating ribs.


    The attack was not powerful enough to break his ribs, but it sure caused a lot of pain. Hu Bei hunched, holding his right side with his left hand, his right hand still clenched around the grip of his saber.


    At this moment, Feng Yan risked getting shed at and closed in once again. Avoiding the diagonal half sh, he reached Hu Bei and sucker punched him in his stomach.


    Feng Yan found a chance to grab the wrist holding the saber, taking away Hu Bei''s most threatening attack method. Then he used a Nutcracker Kick on Hu Bei''s nuts.


    Even after getting hit numerous times, Hu Bei had not uttered a single moan or scream. But when his balls were attacked, a guttural cry came from his throat.


    His grip on the saber loosened and he fell to the ground in a fetal position, his hands holding his reascended testicles.


    The newbies of Ikasa''s Private Force were left stunned by the oue they had helped achieve.


    An Advanced Sense Realm Expert was a person to dread for Path Forgers all around the world but now one of these dreaded people was lying on the ground before them.


    "Beat this bastard up! How dare he cut the arm of Zhong Xi?"


    Gu Dan''s incitement washed away the remaining respect they held for the fallen Sense Trainer.


    "Fucking Bastard! You dared swing your saber at my brother?"


    One of the soldiers took the initiative to kick the man on the ground. With it, any apprehension others had also dissipated. They mobbed around the Hu Bei and rained down punches and kicks; his dignity be damned.


    While their men were bruising the poor Sense Trainer ck and blue, Gu Dan popped another melon seed in his mouth. He looked at Feng Yan who was watching the scene with perverse pleasure.


    "Old Man, aren''t we forgetting something?"


    Gu Dan asked, cleaning the shells of melon seeds from his robe. Feng Yan''s face turned pale.


    "Shit! Ikasa!"


    The realization rescued Hu Bei from his misery. Feng Yan had him tied up and dragged him inside the Hu n''spound. The men formed files as they followed behind the three Sense Trainers.


    Soon their intrusion was discovered by the troops gathered around the n Master''s hall.


    ˇŞ--


    "Hold on, City Lord! Who said he can leave?"


    Hearing the arrogance in n Master Qing''s voice, Ikasa narrowed his eyes. City Lord''s face darkened at themanding tone. Still, his footsteps paused.


    "n Master Qing, don''t be impudent. We may be in your Hu n, but this is my City!"


    Zhen Wu hissed, gnashing his teeth. With a body riddled with wounds, he was not in a condition to battle. But this was a matter of pride and prestige. He could not bow down.


    "Lord Zhen, this person has killed two Sense Realm Experts of our factions. We have the right to administer his due punishment."


    Sect Master Yan put forth a strong reason to support n Master Qing. His argument silenced the City Lord when he understood that these two Masters will not back down.


    He was conflicted; To support or not to support. He looked at Ikasa from the corner of his eyes and noticed his calm.


    ''Does he have the confidence to make it out of this situation alive?''


    Zhen Wu wondered. Unfortunately, he had taken too long to make his decision. Ikasa was somewhat disappointed by his shaky backing, but he now knew the extent of their partnership.


    Knowing Feng Yan and Gu Dan were outside, Ikasa had no fear when he looked into the eyes of the n Master Qing and Sect Master Yan.


    With a grin, he said, "If you don''t back down, I don''t mind adding two more tombstones to your cemetery."

 Chapter 121 Do Ores Grow On Trees?

    "You impudent bastard!"


    n Master Qing couldn''t control his anger. He drew his Dragon Blood Saber and charged at Ikasa.


    "If I don''t water the grave of Yao Mao with your blood, I am not fit to be a n Master."


    Qing Mo yelled before shing horizontally at Ikasa. Not having any experience of fighting against weapon wielders, Ikasa fell into disadvantage. He used his movement technique and maintained distance from the rabid old man.


    He waspletely put on the backfoot in this encounter. He weaved through the chairs and pirs trying to avoid getting shed at by the Old Man''s wild swings.


    His situation became even more precarious as Sect Master Yan joined the battle. His staff made of mysterious wood was good for powerful blunt attacks.


    On the very first attack, he almost smashed Ikasa''s head. If not for his quick movements, Ikasa would''ve fainted from the hit.


    "Ikasa, use this!"


    Seeing his passive state, Lord Zhen threw his sword to Ikasa. He thought a weapon would help him go on the offensive.


    Ikasa instinctively grabbed the Sword but didn''t know what to do with it.


    As he dodged another attacking from the staff, he cursed City Lord.


    ''I am a businessman, not a Sword Master! Even the Ikasa of this world did not know how to wield a sword! What am I supposed to do with this?''


    Preupied with his thoughts, he almost missed n Master Qing''s attack. He jumped before him from behind a pir. Startled, Ikasa instinctively stabbed at him with his sword.


    n Master Qing had no choice but to change his offense to defense. He quickly blocked the stab with his saber. Before he could follow up, Ikasa escaped from his range.


    ''Where the fuck are you, Feng Yan?''


    Ikasa desperately wished his reinforcements would arrive soon. As if hearing his prayers, a servant of the Hu n ran into the room.


    "n Master, not good. They have captured the First Seat, Hu Bei!"


    "What?"


    Qing Mo immediately stopped in his pursuit.


    "Who has captured Hu Bei?"


    Grabbing his servant by the cor, he asked urgently. Sect Master Yan kept Ikasa on his toes so he couldn''t take this chance to attack Qing Mo.


    "Theˇ­ The Second Commander of the City Guards, Feng Yan."


    Veins on Qing Mo''s forehead throbbed. His whole face had turned ck. He red at City Lord with hatred.


    "Zhen Wu!"


    The n Master of the Hu n roared with anger. His loud roar reverberated in the hall.


    Sect Master Yan looked at Qing Mo, only to see him charge at the City Lord with his Saber ready to be thrust into City Lord''s wounded body.


    Ikasa took advantage of his momentary distraction and closed the distance between him and Sect Master Yan. He started with a Nutcracker Kick which Yan Hao blocked with his staff.


    Swinging the sword in his hand wildly, Ikasa distracted the Sect Master and executed a Sweeping Kick. As an Advanced stage Sense Trainer, Yan Hao had much better reflexes. He immediately stopped Ikasa''s foot with his staff.


    But he missed the wildly swung sword that cut at his thighs. The sword made a deep wound in his left thigh. Irritated, Sect Master Yan swung his staff, hitting Ikasa in the chest and pushing him away.


    He did not follow up on his sess as his thigh was bleeding profusely and needed his attention.


    At this moment, the Sense Trainers fighting in the hall heard a sh of fists and bodiesing from outside.


    "Hu n! If you want your First Seat alive, escort City Lord Zhen and Sense Trainer Ikasa to us."


    A booming voice of Gu Dan fell in the ears of every person present in the Hu n. His voice incited n Master Qing more. He attacked City Lord with renewed vigor. Without his sword, City Lord suffered under this assault.


    City Lord Zhen, who had few new wounds, dodged a sh from n Master Qing once again. He did not know who the First Seat of Hu n was or what Feng Yan was doing here, but he took advantage of the situation.


    He persuaded the n Master to give up on his stubbornness.


    "n Master Qing, your Hu n has suffered enough losses today. If you lose your First seat as well, the n you have built with your blood, sweat and tears over 20 years will crumble today. Stop this recklessness and let us leave."


    City Lord''s voice of reason got through to Qing Mo. He lowered his saber and stopped his attacks.


    On the other side of the hall, Sect Master Yan and Ikasa had also stopped their fight. They watched each other warily as they recovered from fatigue.<novelnext></novelnext>


    n Master Qing turned his back at City Lord and walked towards the door. Nobody could see his anxious expression.


    The Son he had raised for twenty years was now in danger. Not to mention Hu Bei was the pir that could prop up the Hu n. He couldn''t let him die an unjust death.


    When he did not hear the footsteps following him, he turned and asked, "Do you not want to leave?"


    His question was directed at the hostile Sense Trainers. In response, City Lord and Ikasa followed him outside right away.


    Outside the Hall, two forces faced off against each other. One was significantly smaller than the other, still they staunchly kept therger force in check.


    On n Master Qing''s arrival, the Hu n members parted to make way for him. They red at the City Lord and Ikasa, who were the cause for their humiliation today.


    The two Sense Trainers paid the scorching gazes no mind and walked to Feng Yan''s side with their heads held high.


    When Feng Yan pushed the tied up Hu Bei toward the Hu n''s forces, anger shed in Qing Mo''s eyes. He was ready to draw his saber and attack but Hu Bei shook his head.


    "They are much more powerful than our men. Each one of them fought three of our nsmen and still didn''t suffer defeat."


    n Master Qing clenched the grip of the saber, but did not draw it. He watched with hatred as the killer of his Second seat walked out from his n unharmed.


    "Ikasa!" His sudden shout attracted the attention of every person around. "Don''t be too happy. You have challenged someone far bigger than a mere Hu n."


    "He" pointing to the City Lord, n Master Qing contemptuously continued,"cannot protect you from them unless he begs his Zhen family to vouch for your safety."


    Saying his piece, n Master Qing retreated inside.


    Ikasa kept his real thoughts hidden. Not a single line changed on his face. However, in his heart he was indeed aware of the truth in n Master Qing''s words.


    Yet, this was neither the time nor the ce to talk about his predicament. He sent the tattered and tired City Lord back to his Manor.


    He walked to the Herb Garden with his men, getting to know them through small talks. When he had established a Private Force, he had never expected them to face off against the majority of Hu n''s forces without suffering any losses.


    Most importantly, there were just fifty of them against more than hundred of the Hu n!


    His attention was drawn to the Commander of his forces. He was walking with Gu Dan chatting happily since Ikasa was with his men.


    "How did you know he was the First Seat of the Hu n?"


    Feng Yan asked Gu Dan as soon as they were far enough from Hu n.


    "Because I pay attention, unlike you. I heard a servant murmur something about the First Seat being captured and saw him run inside. So I made a guess that Hu Bei was their First Seat."


    Enlightened, Feng Yan had a wide smile on his face. His nose was high in the air as he boasted,


    "Hahaha! I beat up the First Seat of the Hu n right outside their n! How awesome am I!"


    Gu Dan snorted at his boast. To burst his bubble, hepared his feat to Ikasa''s.


    "Che! What''s so great about that? Boss Ikasa killed their Second Seat inside the Hu n and also fought n Master Qing. And even then he does not have a scratch on his body!"


    Hearing Gu Dan promote his achievements with such fervor appeased Ikasa''s vanity. But Feng Yan''s boasts denigrated his achievements.


    "If I had a weapon, I would''ve chopped the head of n Master Qingˇ­ What''s so special about fighting him?"


    He approached the two older men. His hands folded behind his back, he asked,"What are the two of you gossiping about behind my back?"


    Feng Yan immediately put away his boastful attitude and answered before Gu Dan could open his mouth.


    "Nothing! I was just telling Gu Dan to make a weapon for me."


    Feng Yan''s reply brought forth the problem he had encountered today. Theck of weapons in his arsenal. He put aside his pettiness in favor of the more serious problem.


    Not only did heck weapons and armors, he alsocked weapon rted martial skills. He only had one manual that was rted to usage of a weapon, the Low Grade Battle technique, [How to clean up: A Janitor''s Insights].


    ''There is nothing I can do about the Manuals, but I can get weapons.''


    He contemted, looking at cksmith Gu.


    Before he could speak, Gu Dan scathingly refuted Feng Yan''s request.


    "Do you think ores suitable for weapons grow on trees?"

 Chapter 122 Time

    Ikasa knew there was a severeck of metal weapons in the third tier cities. Even the City Guards used wooden poles and staves, let alone other militias. The situation was the same in Birch City as well as Sal City.


    He did not give it much thought and assumed it to be amon phenomenon in this world since no power was an exception. However, hearing Gu Dan''s agitated question, he changed his mind. He sensed a deeper reason behind the use of wooden poles in the militia.


    "cksmith Gu, why is getting weapon-grade ores a problem?"


    Gu Dan stopped his staring match with Feng Yan and answered his employer.


    "Because one cannot purchase them with gold!"


    When Ikasa looked confused by his reason, he started to exin the background.


    "As you know, an ore needs a certain grade of purity before a weapon can be made from it."


    Ikasa nodded in agreement. He had a vague recollection of having read about it.


    "We have very few deposits of weapon-grade ore in our Holy Wood Empire. These few deposits are owned by the Imperial Court. Not a single ore goes out to the public from these deposits."


    "Then where did the Iron Ore you use to make Pei Yuan''s daggere from?"


    Feng Yan interrupted, doubting Gu Dan''s words. The cksmith looked at him with irritation and continued to exin to Ikasa.


    "Most of the inferior quality ore used to make farming equipment is imported from the Furnace Fire Empire. They have abundant mineral resources. So, they export the inferior quality metal ores."


    "Sometimes one can find a weapon-grade ore that was overlooked in these shipments. I was lucky enough to get two weapon-grade ores."


    Gu Dan proudly announced, looking at Feng Yan. This statement had answered Feng Yan''s every question.


    Ikasa looked thoughtfully at cksmith Gu.


    "Is there no way to purchase Weapon-grade ore?"


    As far as he knew, there must be a way to get ess to these ores. He just was unaware of it. After all, everything in this world has a price.


    "There is a way. If you have connections to the higher ranked nobles of our Empire, we can get Weapon-grade ore from them."


    Ikasa''s lips thinned from frustration. He had no connections in the Imperial Court, not yet. He explored the other option.


    "What about importing from the Furnace Fire Empire?"


    Gu Dan shook his head.


    "Our coins are not epted in the Furnace Fire Empire. Neither do we ept their currency. To trade with other Empires, you need Spirit Coins."


    "Spirit Coins?"


    Ikasa asked, rubbing his chin. He had heard of Spirit stones from Chinese dramas and novels, never Spirit coins.


    "Yes, Spirit Coins. 1 Spirit Coin is worth 100 Gold. That''s all I know. I have never seen it. Maybe the City Lord can tell you more about it, Boss."


    Gu Dan calmly exined, dashing the hopes of Ikasa of finding alternate channels.


    "How do you get your ores if you don''t transact in Spirit Coins?"


    Feng Yan butted in, thinking Gu Dan was hiding something.


    "I purchase them from Merchants of Tier 2 cities, with gold. Did you really think I would have enough purchasing power to make Merchants of Furnace Fire Empiree all the way to Birch City?"


    Gu Dan exined, while ring at Feng Yan. This caused Feng Yan to avoid his gaze. He quickly changed the subject.


    "Look, we are back at the Herb Garden."


    Feng Yan said, pointing to the lush green farnds. Many people had gathered at a small shop set up near the road.


    "Please give me a Blood Leaf first, Manager Chu!"


    "Physician Leong prescribed a Sneezing Grass concoction. Do you sell those?"


    The long line of people waiting for their medicines was the result of Manager Chu''s hardwork and publicity. Seeing that line, Gu Dan had an idea.


    "Master, the Furnace Fire Empire usuallycksmon herbs. Maybe if we can scale our herb production, you can export them and earn a few Spirit Coins?"


    Gu Dan''s idea immediately won Ikasa''s approval. He was just thinking about how to get his hands on this new currency. If Gu Dan''s idea was viable, he had no problem giving it a try.


    "How high do you think we need to scale?"


    Ikasa asked Gu Dan, the only man who had any sort of knowledge about trades between the Empires.


    "Maybe if we can trade ten thousand stalks of Icy Blue Flower, we can get a merchant toe here. For othermon herbs like Blood Leaf, we may need hundreds of thousands of them. I am not sure. But for any merchant toe, the trade volume should be at least worth 100 Spirit Coins."


    Ikasa wanted to punch Gu Dan. He had raised his hopes and dashed them again and again.


    ''What 10 thousand stalks of Icy Blue Flower? Even if they nted only Icy Blue Flower in the entire Herb Garden, they can at most fit a thousand saplings. It would take numerous years to grow 10 thousand stalks of Icy Blue Flower.''


    ''It is not as if I can buy anynd and use it to grow herbs. Firstly, the stock of Energy Infused Water is almost finished. Calling Energy Storm with manuals is out of the question due to Path finder Zhi Yang.''


    Once he had thought this through, he bid Gu Dan farewell. He left in his carriage without talking to the busy Manager Chu.


    The events of the day weighed on his mind. Not only did he realize the importance of Weapons, he had no way of procuring them. Not to mention, he had seen the extent of support he could expect from his ally.


    If he had not seen City Lord hesitate in the n Master Qing''s hall, he might''ve believed in his backing against Zhi Yang. However, the boundaries were made clear at that moment.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Unless City Lord profited big time, there was no way he would support Ikasa against a more powerful foe. This worried him as he faced a foe much bigger than a mere Path Finder Zhi Yang, the giant He Family.


    ''I can''t me him. This is how business partnerships are.''


    Instead of feeling gloomy and sad, Ikasa''s brain overclocked to think of a solution. He started to think of possible ways that he could use to gain protection of the Zhen Family.


    ''Should I reveal the Top Grade techniques?''


    ''No! That would get me killed, not help me.''


    Even after he sat down for dinner with the Kids and Xin Ruo, he had no answer to his conundrum.


    Xin Ruo noticed his distress. She gently ced a hand on his arm drawing his attention.


    "Was there some problem at the Hu n?"


    She asked in a gentle tone. She had already received news of the happenings but she wanted to hear it from Ikasa''s perspective.


    Mindful of the kids, Ikasa brushed off theplicated intricacies and regaled them with a heroic tale of his battle. Unknowingly, a smile crept on his face seeing the awe in their eyes.


    "As soon as I get my dagger, I will also join you in fighting those Hu n and Monstrous me Sect rascals!"


    Pei Yuan dered, waving his knife like a dagger.


    "Yes, Big brother! I am already at Pinnacle of the Path Forging Realm. I can kick any bastard that dares to fight you!"


    Not to be left behind, Luo Qiqi announcedpeting with Pei Yuan for attention.


    "Brother Ikasa, your enemies are our enemiesˇ­."


    In a rare show of camaraderie, Chu Qing the money hungry ghost showed his support. Just as Ikasa was feeling touched, he heard his next line and his eyes narrowed at Chu Qing.


    "Your money isˇ­."


    Before Chu Qing could finish his sentence, Hei Ying covered his mouth with her palm.


    "Big Brother, as soon as I learn to make weapons, I will forge the best weapons for everyone here."


    Yan Xiao promised with his fists clenched around his spoon.


    "Brother Ikasa, we are all near the Stage 8 of the Path Forging Realm. Sister Xin Ruo and Luo Qiqi have even reached the Pinnacle of Path Forging. We will fight anyone for you. Right, Moony?"


    Hei Ying spoke for everyone while caressing the little furball sitting on the table. At her question, Moony nodded sagely at Ikasa and again dived into the bowl of food before him.


    Looking at the supportive faces, Ikasa felt his burdens lighten. Hecked a family on Earth but he had one here.


    He was also amazed by their speed of progress. It was partly due to the resources he provided but their hard work could not be neglected as well. Sensing their conviction and speed of growth, Ikasa realized that all they needed was time before they would show their splendor.


    ''Timeˇ­ Yes! I just need some time! If I can somehow get the He Family to get off my back till I am stronger, wouldn''t all my problems be solved?''


    As this thought shed through his head, a n began to take shape. A n that would decide the course of his business.


    ˇŞ---


    "Damn it!"


    In the City Lord''s manor, Zhen Wu hit his left palm with his right fist. The ambush in the Hu n had ruined his nspletely. Worse, he had been humiliated by the n Master Qing and Sect Master Yan.


    To add insult to injury, his life had been saved by Ikasa. Someone he was ready to sacrifice.


    ''Was my n worth it?''


    He wondered, thinking back to the events.


    From nowhere, Ikasa had shown amazing battle prowess, ending the lives of two Sense Realm Experts.


    Then there was Feng Yan. The most powerful fighter he had seen so far. If he could, he wanted to poach him but after knowing his rtionship with Ikasa he gave up the thought.


    The list did not end there. There was another Sense Realm expert in their group, someone his coachman recognized as the cksmith Gu Dan.


    ''If things had gone as nned, would I have offended Ikasa?''


    Thinking of the three powerful Sense Trainers, cold sweat trickled down his back. Then he remembered his hesitation in defending Ikasa and his disappointed look.


    Zhen Wu panicked when he thought that he may lose such a reliable ally, all because he misjudged. He had to acknowledge that he had lost the war of information again today.


    He had no idea about Ikasa''s prowess. He didn''t know of the Hu n''s ns. He didn''t even know the fact that Hu n had another powerful Sense Trainer as their First seat.


    ''No, I have to do something to recover my prestige.''


    City Lord thought, as he paced in his chambers. A spark shed in his head. He rummaged through his drawers and found an old map. His eyes lit up upon seeing it.


    ''This will guarantee me victory with minimum losses.''


    He immediately pped his hands twice. When a servant entered his room, he ordered.


    "Call, Lu Shao!"

 Chapter 123 Weapons

    When Ikasa came down for training in the morning, he saw an unexpected visitor waiting for him. Noticing Ikasa''s arrival, Mo Fan immediately stood up, treating him with the respect he would give a Sense Realm Expert.


    "Brother Mo Fan! What brings you here so early in the morning?"


    By calling him ''Brother'' deliberately, Ikasa gave him a way to address himself. It alleviated the awkwardness in the room, and a smile broke out on Mo Fan''s face. He excitedly reported the news.


    "Brother Ikasa! We won a splendid victory yesterday. The City Lord has invited you and other Sense Trainers for a celebration banquet at the Manor in the afternoon."


    "Victory?"


    Ikasa asked with confusion. He had not received any news about a significant event happening yesterday.


    Joyous, Mo Fan excitedly shared the news with Ikasa.


    "We recaptured the Port from the Monstrous me Sect! Lord Zhen himself led the charge. He grievously injured their Third Elder and led us to victory."


    Ikasa smiled to express his happiness. Still, he did not feel any admiration for this operation at all.


    ''An important asset such as the Port should never have fallen in the hands of the Monstrous me Sect in the first ce. And if he had a way to retake it, he should have used it earlier.''


    It might be his bias against the City Lord, but he hid his true feelings behind his smile. After promising to attend the banquet, Ikasa bid the sleepy Mo Fan farewell.


    Contrary to sleepy Mo Fan, he was wide awake. He was ready to practice the Low-grade Staff technique, How to Clean up: A Janitor''s Insights.


    Since his return from Hu nst week, he had spent every free hour practicing this technique with Feng Yan and Chu Kuang. With some exercises from their City Guard days, they had helped Ikasa increase his proficiency with a wooden staff.


    Their efforts bore fruit as Ikasa could smoothly handle the weapon afterward.


    As he continued his exercise with the Bamboo pole, he went through every form of his staff technique. An hourter, Ikasa rapidly connected his moves and performed abo of different attacks shown in the manual.


    Swoosh! Swish!


    He stopped afterpleting the chain of attacks and reviewed his movements.


    ''This should be good enough to counter the most powerful blows of Sect Master Yan.''


    He judged before wiping the drop of sweat rolling down his forehead. Looking at the Sun ascending from the east, he decided to end his training for today.


    ''I should also prepare Feng Yan and Gu Dan for the banquet in the afternoon.''


    He noted and went inside to wash up. After instructing Caretaker Han to get the two old men ready, he buried himself in the paperwork.


    Even though Ikasa was not feeling so great about City Lord, he needed his help to further his n. More specifically, Zhen Wu was his only chance to contact a powerful familyparable to the He family.


    For the n he had in mind, he needed the backing of such a powerful entity to negotiate terms with He Family.


    ''I am thinking too far aheadˇ­ First I need to get a contractual guarantee of safety from the Zhen Family.''


    Shaking his head, he began to formte a n that would let him get what he wanted from the Zhen Family.


    Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, it was time to leave. Dressed in gorgeous blue robes, the three Sense Trainers entered the City Lord''s Manor.


    "Where is everybody? Are we the first to arrive?"


    Gu Dan wondered, seeing the empty hall. They did not have the wrong location as the hall was decorated appropriately for the banquet. Before they could make inquiries with the servants, City Lord''s aide arrived to receive them.


    "Brother Ikasa, Wee! Sense Trainer Feng, and Sense Trainer Gu, thank you foring. The City Lord is waiting for you. Pleasee this way."


    The three men followed Mo Fan to the back of the Manor. Dressed in ceremonial robes, the City Lord waited for them near an iron door.


    Ikasa observed the building the door led to. It was not too tall; just around the height of two men. The building looked older and sturdier than the rest of the Manor.


    When the three Sense Trainers arrived by the City Lord''s side, he engaged them in some small talk. He began to regale them with tales of his heroics from the previous night''s battle.


    Feng Yan got hooked on his storytelling, and Gu Dan also looked interested. Nheless, the City Lord couldn''tmand Ikasa''s attention. He ended his story shortly after and addressed the elephant in the room, the building behind him.


    "This building is the Weaponry of Birch City. Generations of City Lords have collected and stored many good weapons inside."


    The introduction of the building caused the eyes of all three Sense Trainers to light up. Feng Yan and Gu Dan looked at the door and City Lord with anticipation. And the City Lord realized their expectations.


    "To thank all of you for the timely rescue at the Hu n, you can choose a weapon each from the weaponry."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Saying his piece, he smilingly pushed the unlocked iron doors open. Feng Yan and Gu Dan swiftly went inside, disregarding theirposure. The former was excited to get his hands on the weapon; thetter wanted to study as many weapons as possible in the short time they had.


    Ikasa thanked the City Lord politely before taking sedate steps inside. As he scanned the insides, he was disappointed. From the City Lord''s grand introduction, he had expected rows and rows filled with weapons of all types.


    Instead, he found only tens of weapons mounted on the walls. Most of them weremonly used weapons like longswords and sabers, but there were also some oddities.


    ''Still, there are quite a few unusual and rare weapons here.''


    Ikasa consoled himself as he approached one of the weapons that caught his eye. It was a pair of hammers. Pointed on one side and t on the other, they would suit a macho man.


    He took them down from the wall, only to grunt at their weight.


    "Uff! This is too heavy for my taste."


    His grunt attracted Gu Dan''s attention. He rushed over to Ikasa''s side, his eyes shining as he looked at the Hammers. As someone who worked closely with hammers, he appreciated the pair in Ikasa''s hands.


    "Master, are you taking these?"


    He asked with apprehension, handling one of the hammers with ease.


    "No. They are too heavy for me."


    "I''ll pick these hammers then."


    Gu Dan twirled the Hammer before catching it with his hand. Ikasa watched with happiness and a hint of envy as his subordinate found the weapon he wanted.


    This made Ikasa realize that his physical body could use a lot of improvement. Just relying on his Top Grade technique was not enough to match the strength of those engaging in intense physical exercise.


    When Gu Dan found his weapon, so did Feng Yan. His loudughter reverberated in the narrow space of the Weaponry.


    "Hahaha! I want this! This halberd will work well as the weapon of Red Eye!"


    His loud promation drew the attention of Ikasa and Gu Dan. In his hand, Ikasa saw a double-ded Halberd. The des were reddish in color. When looked at it from afar, the des looked like a giant eye with the parts connected to the pole imitating a pupil of the eye.


    "This Halberd really suits you, Old Man."


    Ikasaplimented Feng Yan. Gu Dan also gave him an appreciative whistle. As if protecting his weapon''s modesty, Feng Yan hid the halberd from the cksmith''s lecherous eyes.


    Ikasa shook his head at their antics and went deeper to search for a weapon that would suit him. Nothing caught his eye so far.


    "Do I have to make do with a mundane weapon like a sword or a saber?"


    He talked to himself as he inspected the swords and sabers mounted on the wall.


    "There is nothing wrong with a sword or a saber. Countless others use them."


    Ikasa murmured as he walked to one of the nearest swords. When he was about to take it down, he saw something shine in the corner of his eyes.


    A small disc with serrated edges was half stuck into the stone wall. He abandoned his original goal and walked to the disc. It came out as soon as Ikasa pulled it.


    It was a golden disc slightlyrger than a DVD. The disc had sharp serrated edges and a small hole in the center. Ikasa inserted his index finger in the hole and spun it like one would spin a key chain.


    Then aiming at the wall, heunched the disc. Without making a noise, the disc lodged itself into the wall.


    "Yes! This should be my weapon."


    He decided to pick the serrated disc. He did not care that this disc wouldn''t help him defend in close quarters. Even attacking in close quarters would be harder with this disc.


    The sheer coolness factor of beheading an enemy from a distance attracted him. He imagined sentencing the Sect Leader Yan and n Master Qing to death and then sending his serrated disc to behead them.


    ''I am a businessman. If my goons cannot prevent the enemy from approaching me, what good are they?''


    Ikasa justified his choice with a ridiculous reason. Still, this disc was clearly extraordinary from the way it silently sliced through the stone, and that alone deserved his attention.


    ''I can get a conventional weapon like a sword or saber made from Gu Danter, but I would regret it if I left this little treasure locked inside the weaponry.''


    With a logical reason to pick the disc, Ikasa finalized his choice.

 Chapter 124 Trust Issues

    "Sense Trainer Gu picked the Storm and Thunder Hammers, Sense Trainer Feng chose the Bloody Halberd and Brother Ikasa choseˇ­."


    Mo Fan registered the weapons when the three came out of the Weaponry.He paused as he rechecked the name of the weapon Ikasa picked.


    "You picked the Serrated Sun Disc?"


    He asked, confirming Ikasa''s choice once more. As an unusual and unpopr weapon, the Serrated Sun disc had been gathering dust even though it was extraordinary in nature.


    "Yes."


    Ikasa sinctly replied, putting the disc back in his robes. Now that they were out, the euphoria and excitement of getting new weapons had subsided.


    He grew suspicious of City Lord''s intentions behind offering them weapons. Even when his right to rule was on the line during the Tribute Tournament, he did not open his weaponry for Feng Yan.


    ''So what changed now? Is he really thankful to us for saving him back then?''


    As soon as his thoughts wandered in this direction, he pulled the reins. He found a more usible reason to refute this thought.


    ''No. If he really was grateful, he would''ve opened Weaponry the next day and not waited until he had won a significant victory against the Monstrous me Sect.''


    The moment he thought of the Monstrous me Sect, Ikasa came to a realization.


    ''He is trying to court my support after seeing my power at the Hu n!''


    By acting indecisively at a crucial juncture, the City Lord knew he had lost Ikasa''s trust. In the same battle, Ikasa had emerged as the most powerful faction leader in the City. After all, his side had three powerful Sense Realm Experts!


    Now that the Monstrous me Sect and Hu n had aligned, superior numbers of the City Guards would not y much of a role. Then there was the mysterious Advanced Sense Realm Expert from Hu n. Zhen Wu felt threatened by his mere presence.


    To counter them, he had no choice but to court Ikasa. Hence, he had gone through this trouble to project himself in the best light.


    To establish himself in a position of power, he had to show some results. By catching the Monstrous me Sect off guard at night, he had won a decisive battle and recaptured the Port. Thanks to the map of secret tunnels he had found, he ended the battle before the Hu n could interfere.


    Even though he had to use his entire manpower, this victory was enough to disy his military might.


    To show his sincerity to Ikasa and appease his displeasure, he even decided to part with three precious weapons!


    Ikasa understood the City Lord''s intentions. He also understood that the weapons they received woulde with a heavy price.


    Either way, he was ready to pay it as he needed City Lord''s help to ensure his survival. If he was getting a few weapons from it, why would he not take them?


    Mo Fan led the trio to the Banquet Hall where City Lord was waiting for them with a goblet of wine in his hands. No guests had arrived yet.


    As soon as he saw Ikasa, the City Lord came over. Taking a look at the weapons they chose, heplimented profusely.


    "You have chosen a weapon befitting your status, Brother Ikasa. I don''t know how this Serrated Sun Disc ended up in the Weaponry, but its owner should be an astute merchant like you!"


    Ikasa epted the praise with a smile. As he had expected, the City Lord was indeed courting his favor.


    ''It feels good to be bootlicked by someone I will have to depend onter.''


    He thought as he watched the City Lord praise Feng Yan and Gu Dan''s choices. After the small talk, the City Lord brought them to another room.


    "Brother Ikasa, I have received credible news that the Monstrous me Sect''s Elders are gathered at the Hu n."


    ''Here ites. The price of the weapons.''


    Ikasa thought as Zhen Wu informed him of the news.


    ''If he is sharing this news, he must have a n ready to take advantage of the current situation.''


    Just as this thought crossed his mind, the City Lord unveiled his bold n.


    "I want to take this chance to infiltrate the Sect''s base andy a trap for them. By tomorrow''s sunset, I want to end this Battle of Rights and return peace to my Citizens. Will you help me with your forces in this endeavor?"


    The City Lord ended his n with a question. His use of key phrases like ''returning peace to his citizens'' earned Gu Dan''s sympathy. Feng Yan, who had be familiar with this way of speaking, had developed a certain immunity, but he too was inspired to help the City Lord.


    Still, the decisiony with a single person. Ikasa. His yes or no would decide the fate of this n. The City Lord looked at Ikasa with hope, awaiting his answer.


    On the other side of the table, Ikasa controlled his excitement and put on a poker face.


    This was the chance he was waiting for. A chance to get City Lord indebted to him so when he brings up his proposal, City Lord will not be able to refuse.


    Still he couldn''t jump into fire just to avoid future arson. He assessed the danger of this n.


    ''If City Lord''s information is correct, we won''t encounter any Sense Realm experts in the Sect. Our infiltration will be smooth.''<novelnext></novelnext>


    Judging the danger to be negligible, he decided to go ahead with City Lord''s n. He raised his goblet and spoke with a smile.


    "City Lord, we will help you return peace to this City."


    ˇŞ---


    When City Lord was making a n to uproot the Monstrous me Sect, a figure in ck arrived at Ikasa''s vi. She snuck into Ikasa''s study and left a note before leaving without anyone''s notice.


    Shortly after the figure''s departure, Caretaker Han found a man with numerous bleeding wounds near the Vi''s gate. On a closer look, he gasped with surprise.


    "Isn''t he one of the men who frequently deliver reports to Xin Ruo?"


    Recognizing the man, he picked him up and brought him inside.


    "Zhi Zan! Call, Miss Xin Ruo."


    He ordered as soon as heid the man on a patch of grass. He started to administer the first aid treatment, trying to stop his bleeding.


    "Callˇ­Xinˇ­Ruo"


    When the man regained his senses, he asked to speak with Xin Ruo. She had just arrived at the scene. Hearing her name being called, she responded to the man.


    "What happened? Who did this to you?"


    She softly asked, kneeling beside him. Her voice may be soft but her hardened tone betrayed her anger.


    "Yinˇ­ Yingˇ­"


    He croaked, trying his best to ry information. He had more he wanted to say but before he could exin, he breathed hisst.


    Xin Ruo sighed in frustration. The past few days she had been receiving conflicting reports. Many of them were against Yin Ying. Though she trusted Ikasa''s judgment, she couldn''t help but question if Yin Ying had really switched her allegiance.


    ''I will find out your true face.'' She swore in her heart.


    ˇŞ---


    In the Hu n, n Master Qing and Sect Master Yan sat with grave expressions. Path Finder Zhi Yang leisurely sipped a cup of tea while his newest female disciple stood by his side.


    "As soon as they attack the Sect, we will surround them with all our forces. With Path Finder Zhi''s presence, even if he doesn''t make a move, our victory will be guaranteed."


    The Third Elder of the Monstrous me Sect exined the hypothetical scenario. Except the First Elder of the Sect, every other important personnel from both the forces was present here. And most of them favored their side.


    "Once City Lord is gone, let''s see how that bastard Ikasa escapes my clutches."


    n Master Qing fumed as he remembered the humiliation of that day. His promation was met with many cheers.


    Their cheers did not affect Path Finder Zhi. He calmly watched them celebrate before victory and sadly shook his head.


    "Yin Ying, do you think they will fall for this n?"


    Path Finder Zhi asked the buxomdy beside him. Her skills with dagger had attracted his attention. Upon learning she was a ve who had escaped her master, he decided to bring her into his Earth Fire Sect.


    Yin Ying nodded in response to his question, her face still covered with a ck mask. Her eyes did not betray her emotions.


    Her answer satisfied Path Finder Zhi. He silently sipped tea as they waited for news from the City Lord''s Manor.


    ˇŞ---


    When Ikasa returned to his manor, he found the atmosphere tense. When Xin Ruo recounted to him the incident that happened in his absence, his eyes narrowed.


    He was unwilling to believe Yin Ying would betray him but there were too many reports against her. He furrowed his brows and took the reports to his study.


    As he cleared the table to make space for these reports, he noticed a note fall down the table.


    "Path Finders are not allowed to harm the citizens of Birch City under any circumstances during the Battle of Rights."


    "P.S. Some of my men may have betrayed us."


    He did not have to wonder who this note came from. He recognized the handwriting of Yin Ying. He threw a nce at the reports on the table and the note in his hand.


    His gut instinct told him to trust the note while logic and evidence were stacked against Yin Ying. He put the note aside and opened the first report.


    It was going to be a long night.

 Chapter 125 When The Curtain Of Night Falls, The Curtain Of War Opens...

    Under the cover of the night, three figures sneaked out of Birch city from the western gates. As soon as they left the City, they sped towards the dark forest.


    Only when they were hidden by the densely packed trees, did theye to a halt.


    "Were we discovered? Did either of you feel like we were being watched?"


    Feng Yan asked, checking his surroundings to find the source of his unease. Lu Shao and Gu Dan looked at each other and shook their heads.


    "Our n was perfect. We mixed in with the dispersing guests of the banquet. I don''t think any of our enemies would have seen us."


    Lu Shao assuaged Feng Yan. Even as they conversed, they had resumed their journey. The thick foliage of the trees hid the starry sky from their view. Except for a few rays of moonlight shining through the gaps, they were surrounded by darkness.


    After walking for some time, they lost their sense of direction. It became harder to distinguish the correct path. At this moment, Lu Shao climbed on the nearest tree and the two other Sense Trainers followed his example.


    "There! Do you see that tall cliff? The Monstrous me Sect is located on that cliff."


    Lu Shao pointed out their destination to the other two. Then he pointed to the two nearby mountains.


    "My troops have already set up a camp at the base of those two mountains. As soon as we signal them, they willunch an all-out attack to exterminate the Sect."


    Feng Yan and Gu Dan looked at the detailed arrangements with satisfaction. They memorized the locations and came down. With a general direction in mind, they proceeded to their destination with haste.


    ˇŞ---


    "n Master, the first regiment of the City Guards is missing. My man saw them leave through the northern gate this noon."


    "n Master, the third regiment has also not returned after leaving through the South Gate this afternoon."


    n Master Qing listened to the reports in a somber mood. The mouse had entered the trap they hadid. His only point of concern as this could be a decoy.


    "Where are the Sense Trainers I asked you to keep an eye on?"


    "Ikasa went back to his Manor in a carriage after the Banquet. We did not see Feng Yan or Gu Dan apany him. Lu Shao was also present at the banquet."


    "Did you see them leave the Banquet?"


    The man shook his head and stood subserviently before the two Masters and one Path Finder. n Master Qing looked at Sect Master Yan and Path Finder Zhi with a smirk.


    "They fell for it. Our n seeded."


    His smile bordered on the verge of insanity as he looked at a few people scattered in the room. A maid, a guard, and also one of his Seats. His vicious look caused their heartbeats to fasten.


    With a twisted smile, he ordered. "Kill the traitors!"


    Hu Bei''s de shed at the neck of the Fifth Seat of the Hu n. Even as he bled to death, he could not believe he would be killed without a chance to exin.


    Others took care of the rest of the suspects. Those not in the know looked at their leaders with disbelief and fear. Especially those close to the Fifth Seat; They feared for their life looking at the crazed expression on n Master Qing''s face.


    "These traitors betrayed us and chose to side with the City Lord while eating our bread. If anything they died too easily."


    n Master Qing exined after regaining hisposure.


    "Hu Bei, bring a few men and take down that bastard who killed our Second Seat. Take no hostages."


    Qing Mo whispered his instructions to Hu Bei. He let the Sect Master Yan exin the further ns to the rest of the men.


    In a few short minutes, Sect Master Yan pointed out the ces where his disciples were hiding and the best spots tounch their attacks. He had no delusions ofmanding this rowdy bunch of mercenaries who operated ording to their own methods.


    After giving them the necessary information, he let n Master Qing handle them.


    "Don''t you alwaysin that there are too many ipetent fools in this City? Let''s reduce their number to zero today!"


    His deration was met withughter and cheers. With their morale lifted up, the Mercenary Captains and Adventurer party''s leaders exited the hall. They would join their party members and harass the City Guards in their own way.


    Sect Master Yan was feeling the jitters. This night will conclude the Battle of Rights. If he wins, he will be the ruler of this City. If he loses, his Sect will be annihted.


    n Master Qing noticed his apprehension. He called out to him.


    "Sect Master Yan, we should also leave if we want to catch the flies intruding your Sect."


    As the hall emptied, nobody noticed the dark look in Yin Ying''s eyes nor did anyone pay attention to her sweaty palms. She quickly wiped her palms and schooled her emotions before following Zhi Yang outside.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ˇŞ----


    In the middle of the night, a little furball sat on the window sill, watching the moon. The emotions in his eyes were strange and even the little fox could not tell why he liked the Moon.


    On the night of the new moon, he would be sad and grumpy. But his energy would be at its peak on a full moon''s night.


    The very first full moon''s night at the Vi, he had kept the entire Manor awake by jumping on every being that slept. This had prompted Hei Ying to name the little fox ''Moony'' because his moods depended on the moon.


    Tonight, the little fox discovered something other than the moon shining outside the window. Naturally, his red eyes were drawn to the source.


    Tens of men were approaching the Vi from the open grounds.


    "Shhh! Surround the Vi from the right. He sleeps in the right wing of the Vi."


    Hu Bei instructed his men as he unsheathed his de. Shining in the light of the waxing moon, it had attracted the attention of a mischievous being.


    Moony jumped down the window sill and followed the movements of the men by jumping from one ledge to another. When he jumped on the ledge near Ikasa''s window, he saw the men stop.


    The man in the lead took out a rope and jumped on the ledge near Moony. He noticed the little fox but ignored it in favor of breaking into Ikasa''s room.


    He entered Ikasa''s room ready to kill Ikasa. But he did not find anyone in the bed.


    ''Wrong room?''


    Hu Bei wondered as he found a perch to tie the rope to. Using the rope, others began to climb inside.


    Moony looked curiously at the activities of these men. Suddenly he smelled the scent of blood from the man climbing up. He went near the rope and bared his fangs at the man.


    "Get lost, you little critter!"


    Fearless of the unknown, he kicked, aiming at Moony.


    (This is a bad man!)


    Moony decided. He jumped onto Ikasa''s window and shed the rope directly above the man. Then he sat on the window sill, his tail and nose raised high as if looking down on the world.


    Caught unawares, the man fell from a height of nearly ten feet on his back. He could silence his shouts of fear, but he couldn''t stop his scream of pain.


    "Aaahh!"


    His shout reverberated in the silent night waking up the inhabitants of the nearby rooms. The dark vi was immediately lit up as people ignited candles and uncovered the moon pearls.


    Ikasa, who was reading reports in the study, also heard it. He looked out from the window and saw a few men gathered in the grounds. When he located their position, he realized they were standing directly below his window.


    "Fuck!"


    He threw the report in his hand down and rushed to his room. He met kids and Xin Ruo,ing out from their bedrooms.


    He rushed past them, whispering them a warning.


    "Stay alert. There are intruders in the Vi!"


    ----


    Hu Bei heard the scream of the man and turned his attention to the window. He saw the foxzily basking in the moonlight. Beside him, the rope had been cleanly cut.


    Who else could it be but the little critter before him?


    He angrily shed his de at the fox, aiming to kill it in one strike. To his astonishment, he heard a ng; Like his saber had struck a stone.


    His eyes could see the de strike the fox and yet he felt like he had shed at the wall. When he focused, the fox was nowhere to be seen but the de had indeed struck the wall.


    He searched the inside and outside of the room to find traces of the fox. Hu Bei still couldn''t find it anywhere. Suddenly he had a bad premonition. He hurriedly jumped away from the window.


    The fox shed the air before his face before falling to the floor. His instinct had saved him from the little fox''s w. Recovering from his shock, Hu Bei swung his saber at the fox.


    The saber chopped a small tuft of hair from Moony''s tail and scratched it. Moony yelped in pain and was angeredpletely. He disappeared and the room began to darken.


    At this moment, Ikasa entered the room.

 Chapter 126 Short Sighted

    "I wonder what you have done to draw the ire of n Master Qing?"


    Ikasa spected as soon as he entered the room. Recognizing the man, he purposely mocked him to stall for time.


    While Hu Bei was focused on his words, he sneakily moved along the wall and approached the Serrated Sun Disc ced on the table.


    Hu Bei didn''t understand what Ikasa meant. Frustrated from the failure of their n, he didn''t have the patience to decipher Ikasa''s insult.


    He tried to attack the seemingly defenseless Ikasa, only to realize his legs were held in ce by the shadows.


    "What!"


    Surprised by his condition, an involuntary exmation escaped from Hu Bei''s mouth.


    Ikasa missed Hu Bei''s struggles to free his legs because of the darkness in the room. His efforts to get to the table were also hindered by theck of light.


    So, when he heard Hu Bei exim, he assumed he was responding to his question.


    ''Damn my Sixth Sense! Why isn''t it activating when I need it the most?''


    Ikasa cursed as he fumbled his way through the blindingly dark room. To keep Hu Bei confused, he began to talk while moving around.


    "Oh? Don''t you know that Feng Yan resides here, in this Vi? I felt sorry for you after seeing your ck and blue face the other day. So, you should consider escaping before he arrives."


    Hearing Ikasa''s words, he remembered the humiliation he suffered a week ago. Hu Bei''s ears became hot and his lips trembled from anger. Ikasa''s pitying tone was like salt on his wound.


    Even though he wanted to attack he was unable to. Thus his response to Ikasa''s mocking was cold silence.


    While he talked, Ikasa had not given up on his endeavor to get his hands on his weapon. His efforts bore fruit and he felt the cold sharp edge of the disc slice his thumb.


    He picked it up and tried to persuade Moony.


    "Moony, take back your cover of darkness."


    He did not receive any response from the fox. However, Hu Bei gasped.


    "So that fox is yours?"


    Now Hu Bei was trying to buy time to escape from his constraints by engaging Ikasa in talks. This was a fatal mistake on his part.


    Ikasa turned and zeroed in on his position using his enhanced auditory senses. Hu Bei may have inhibitions about throwing his weapon based on sound, but Ikasa had no such worries.


    His weapon was meant to beunched!


    To ensure his sess, Ikasa strained his eyes and tried to locate Hu Bei in the darkness when suddenly his Sixth Sense activated.


    ''Even the Absolutes want you dead, Hu Bei! This is your punishment for intruding in my house!''


    Ikasa fumed as the dark world became colorful for his eyes. Most of the room was painted in night blue color.


    ''This must be the color of Moony''s energy.''


    Ikasa thought as he searched for Hu Bei. He instantly found him.


    Near his bed, a human-sized red light was bound by night blue tendrils at the ankles. They were slowly coiling upwards, binding more of his body. The speed of their movement was very slow.


    ''If I wait anymore, Moony may run out of energy before he can bind Hu Beipletely.''


    Realizing the urgency, Ikasaunched his disc. The disc silently spun through the air towards its unaware target. By the time Hu Bei realized he was being attacked by the lethal object, it had already pierced his throat.


    Ikasa lost his Spiritual sight as soon as heunched the attack. Without the aid of his Sixth Sense, the thup sound was the only confirmation that his attack had connected.


    As soon as Hu Bei died, Moony released his spell.


    The dark shadows receded. In the moonlight, Ikasa saw a nearly headless corpse copse to the floor.


    This was the first time he had killed intentionally! Still, he didn''t feel a shred of remorse because he had sentenced the man to death the moment he trespassed with ill intentions.


    He calmly retrieved his Serrated Sun Disc from the half sliced neck of Hu Bei.


    "Maybe if I was a bit more skillful, you could have joined the Headless Knights."


    Ikasa grimly joked as he wiped his bloody disc on Hu Bei''s clothes.


    ˇŞ---<novelnext></novelnext>


    In this dark night, Ikasa was not the only one whose weapon tasted blood.


    Bam!


    Gu Dan''s Storm and Thunder Hammer smashed the head of some poor guy from the Monstrous me Sect.


    "Can you two be a little less violent? We are supposed to stay low key, not announce our presence as garishly as possible!"


    Lu Shao scolded the two old men with him. With the new weapons in their hands, they had be a bit too enthusiastic with their killing.


    Gu Dan and Feng Yan''s clothes were drenched with the blood of numerous Monstrous Sect Disciples who had discovered them so far. Feng Yan''s Bloody Halberd had chopped at least three disciples in half while Gu Dan had smashed the heads of two.


    And they had not even reached the gates of the Sect yet!


    As usual, the two old men nodded at Lu Shao but ignored his instructions. They started looking for another poor soul to send to the Yamraja.


    Tongue tied, Lu Shao shook his head and led the way straight to the Sect. There was no point in trying to sneak in when the smell of blood would expose them immediately.


    ˇŞ---


    "Chu Qing, defend me. Luo Qiqi, attack the man to your left."


    Hei Ying directed the battle against the intruders on the ground. The kids shielded Caretaker Han and a few other servants behind their backs.


    "Pei Yuan and Sister Xin Ruo are doing great. They have taken care of more than half the men who came."


    Yan Xiaomented, keeping an eye on the distant battlefield. Hei Ying had assigned him the task of taking care of any stragglers that may slip through their defense.


    "Pei Yuan, you chose the Dagger! Now don''t be afraid to use it! Stab that bastard before you! Don''t you see the blood on his clothes? He was the one who killed our guards."


    Xin Ruo shouted, twisting the neck of her opponent. She proved that she may act as innocent and naive, but she was the blood daughter of Red Eye; the man feared by most of the aristocracy of Sal City.


    Pei Yuan hesitated a bit but ultimately thrust the weapon into the neck of his defeated foe, ending his life. Warm blood spurted on his hand as he removed the dagger.


    It made him feel dirty, but also gave him a rush of exhration. He did not have time to ponder about these conflicting emotions as another guy attacked, with the intention to kill.


    Ikasa watched the battle downstairs from his window, holding the exhausted fox in his hands. His hands itched to join the battle downstairs but he controlled his urges.


    ''I don''t need to chaperone the kids. This is an ordeal that will prepare them for the future.''


    In fact, he was surprised by his own thoughts. He gently caressed Moony''s fur and murmured a question.


    "Does this mean I am letting go of my norms from the Earth? Have I finally adapted to this brutal Cultivation World?"


    Moony looked up at him, not understanding what he was saying. Nheless, he understood Ikasa was distressed. He gently rubbed Ikasa''s chin with his head andy down in his arms to rest.


    Ikasa smiled at the little creature and stroked his head.


    "I may be understanding the rules of this world, but I will change those rules one day."


    When he looked at the battle downstairs, he no longer felt conflicted. No, he felt satisfaction from seeing his seedlings grow by devouring the blood of their enemies.


    ˇŞ---


    "Brother, forces of the Hu n and the Monstrous me Sect have started to move. Shouldn''t you start moving too?"


    "Is Feng Yan or Gu Dan dead yet?"


    Zhen Ya took a deep breath. She turned away from Zhen Wu and walked to the door. As ifing to a decision, she stopped.


    "Brother, I should not tell you this but Father regards you the sessor of the Zhen Family. Despite your mistakes and low cultivation, you are the only son who can seed him as the Patriarch."


    She turned slightly and looked at the gobsmacked Zhen Wu and asked him a vital question.


    "Do you want to engage in petty politics for a third tier city and throw away a partner who has potential to grow far beyond? Or are you willing to support him and benefit our Zhen Family?"


    Zhen Ya''s heart thumped with apprehension and fear when she spoke. She was afraid her words would be constituted as interference and she would face the punishment of the Absolutes.


    Thankfully nothing of the sort happened. Before she turned, she left onest piece of advice.


    "Widen your view and think about it."

 Chapter 127 To The Rescue

    Zhen Wu could not believe what he had heard. His father, the Patriarch of Zhen Family, was considering him for the position of sessor?


    ''Even after all I have done?''


    For the first time in years, Zhen Wu looked at his decisions from a different angle. He looked at his choices from the perspective of a son. Not just any ordinary son, but the son of an influential family''s head.


    He had gone to the Capital of the Holy Wood Empire and became the lowest ranked official through an exam meant for children of lower nobles like those from Third tier cities.


    This incident alone was enough to bring shame to his family. A scion of a prestigious Tier 1 Family was snatching opportunities meant for lower ss nobles.


    Even today, he remembered the taunts and jeers of his colleagues. He could only imagine how worse the situation must have been for his brother, the representative sent by his father to the Imperial Court.


    When the City Lord of Birch City passed away, he jumped to take this position. He lobbied with nobles and won this position without using the Zhen Family''s name.


    ''Maybe I atoned for my previous sins with this achievement.''


    Zhen Wu tried to console himself. However, his list of mistakes did not end there.


    He had neglected cultivation for 15 years in pursuit of political power. At the age of 40, he was still in the Intermediate stage of Sense Realm while his elder brother had already reached the Chakra Opening Realm.


    He had married a girl from a Third tier family, rejecting numerous brides with better backgrounds. Though he would not consider it a mistake, it had indeed caused the Zhen Family to lose face and made him distance himself from the family.


    ''And this entire fiasco with the Monstrous me Sectˇ­. I have truly erred, father and still, my family has not abandoned me. You have not given up on me.''


    A single tear rolled down his cheek and disappeared in his beard. He quickly wiped away the stain and steeled his heart. Nobody would ever see the manly City Lord shed a tear, neither in the present nor in the future.


    Zhen Ya''s words had opened his eyes. Though the coveted position of County Governor went to his brother, he had noints nor the face toin.


    He looked at the current situation from a fresh perspective. His sister''s words made sense.


    ''If I am not going to remain the City Lord forever, why should I care if Ikasa''s faction grows too powerful? Why should I intentionally let one of his Sense Trainers die just to consolidate my short rule?''


    When he asked himself these questions, his actions until now seemed meaningless. He felt ashamed for trying to sabotage his own ally.


    Rather than suppress, he now wanted Ikasa to grow more, grow stronger. That way, Ikasa will be indebted to him in the future.


    ''Yes. Even if my men die, I cannot let anything happen to Ikasa''s people.''


    The City Lord quickly dressed up. It was time for him to take action.


    ˇŞ---


    A bearded man riding on a majestic brown horse pulled the reins before Ikasa''s vi.


    The noise of horse''s footsteps attracted Ikasa''s attention.


    "Who else is here to court trouble at this ungodly hour?"


    He murmured with annoyance and came out. The moment heid his eyes on the rider, his tone became polite.


    "City Lord! Why are you here? Didn''t we agree to depart in the morning?"


    "We did but the situation has changed. Our foes are moving sooner than expected. If we don''t rush, the lives of our advance party may be in danger."


    Realizing the urgency of the situation, Ikasa did not dawdle anymore. He let Xin Ruo deal with the aftermath of the attack.


    He himself got on the City Lord''s horse, holding Moony with one hand and a bag in his other. Once he was securely seated, the horse kicked off.


    ˇŞ---


    "This is the Monstrous me Sect."


    Lu Shao and the other two Sense Trainers stood before the entrance of their destination. They were amazed by the vast area covered by the Sect. Wherever their eyes went, they could see the Sect''s buildings.


    At the very entrance, there was arge training area with plenty of dummies and scarecrows used by the disciples for training. The energy density in the area was improved by using some mysterious means beyond theprehension of these three men.


    Cautiously, they entered through the entrance, keeping an eye on their surroundings. So far, they had not seen a single disciple inside the Sect.


    Not to mention seeing, they could not even see any signs of human activity. A gentle breeze blew and the sound of the distant wind chime sounded in their ears.


    "Should the sect be this quiet?"


    Gu Dan asked apprehensively. They had reached the most central building of the Sect, the Hall of Elders but they still had not encountered any resistance.


    If they did not perceive the abnormality of the situation even now, they would be fools. Feng Yan immediately stopped them and drew them back to the Hall of Elders. Sensing danger, he dived behind the small shrubs surrounding the building.


    "Be careful, this is a trap!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    As soon as he spoke, a wooden arrow pierced the shrub beside him. The shrub shriveled up and turned ck.


    "Poisoned arrows!" Lu Shao eximed.


    Feng Yan shielded his body as best as he could with his Halberd. Gu Dan shamelessly took shelter behind Feng Yan, using him as a shield. Only Lu Shao was left out in the open.


    "Dodge!"


    Feng Yan shouted as another arrow zoomed towards Lu Shao, aiming at his back. Using his superior reflexes, Lu Shao somehow managed to roll away from the arrow''s path.


    "There!"


    Gu Dan had located the position of their attacker. While Feng Yan and Lu Shao were focused on avoiding the arrows, he kept his eyes peeled to find the source of the arrows.


    He noticed a man shooting at them from the rooftop of the building. The tall trees around the building shielded him from their view.


    "Let''s grab that son of a coward and knock some sense into him!"


    Feng Yan instantly stood up, ring at the figure on the rooftop. Another arrow whizzed past him, lodged itself into the ground. Before its tail stopped trembling a foul smell spread in the air.


    "Is that bastard mocking us by shooting an arrow that smells like shit?"


    Gu Dan wondered, narrowing his eyes at the figure on the rooftop.


    "Close your nose you, idiot! That is the smell of concentrated sleeping incense! We need to get away from here!"


    Feng Yan scolded, while running away from the arrow. Gu Dan and Lu Shao came to their senses and ran after him. Thankfully, they had not inhaled enough gas to affect their mind.


    Still, the small whiff had slowed their reaction speed quite a bit. It was as if their realms had fallen from the Sense Trainer Realm to the Path Forging Realm.


    "Well done, Elder! These idiots are now no better than fish on the chopping board!"


    "As expected of the First Medicine Master of Birch City! Your means are incredible!"


    Sect Master Yan and n Master Qing pped as they emerged from the buildings nearby with a few dozen men.


    Feng Yan''s face turned pale seeing the lineup. Except for the Third Elder, every Sense Trainer left alive in the two factions was gathered here.


    Lu Shao gaped like a fish.


    "You! How did you get here so fast?"


    He asked, genuinely surprised. It had taken the three of them more than a few hours to reach the gates at their full speed. But the leaders of Hu n and Monstrous me Sect had still arrived much earlier than them to set a trap.


    "Hmph! Do you really think the disciples of the Sect travel down the forest and through the forest to get to Birch City?"


    Sect Master Yan scoffed at the naivety disyed by Lu Shao.


    "Then how?"


    Lu Shao asked, keeping up the charade to earn one more minute to recover from the effects of Sleeping incense.


    "Since you will die here, let me fulfill your dying wish."


    He grabbed Lu Shao by his cor and dragged him to therge building beside the Hall of Elders. Disguised as a building, it was actually a cave with a deep tunnel inside!


    "This tunnel opens directly in the outskirts of the forest. It is wide enough for a carriage to pass through. Do you understand how we arrived?"


    Lu Shao came to realize that there was no way for them to survive. Their reinforcements couldn''t arrive in time to rescue them. Despair filled his eyes as he resigned himself to his death.


    Nheless, he was unwilling to die without a fight. He vowed to take at least one dog down with him.


    Sect Master Yan gloated as he saw the look of despair on Commander Lu Shao''s face. He took pleasure in seeing him undergo the emotional turbulence and finally ignite thest shred of his fighting will.


    Angered by the smug smile on Sect Master Yan''s face, Lu Shao took a fighting stance.


    "I will not go down without a fight, you bastard!"


    Lu Shao, attacked with all his might only to be smacked in the chest with the staff in Sect Master Yan''s hands. He fell back and coughed up blood.


    "Now obediently die, because no one will save you!"


    Yan Hao said with a vicious smirk. Just as he was about to bring his staff down on Lu Shao''s head, a loud shout reverberated in the tunnel.


    "Who says no one will save him? His saviors are here!"

 Chapter 128 Sentence

    Clip Clop! Clip Clop!


    Sounds of a horse''s hooves beating the hard ground echoed from the cave tunnel.


    He may have missed the sound earlier but it was impossible to not hear it now. Sect Master Yan looked at the tunnel and then at injured Lu Shao. He decided to kill him before the strangers arrived.


    To demoralize the weak Lu Shao, Sect Master Yan mocked him.


    "Now obediently die, because no one will save you!"


    Yan Hao said with a vicious smirk. Just as he was about to bring his staff down on Lu Shao''s head, a loud shout reverberated in the tunnel.


    "Who says no one will save him? His saviors are here!"


    A majestic brown horse beast galloped out of the tunnel and stopped between Sect Master Yan and Commander Lu Shao. City Lord Zhen, parried the strike of the staff with his sword and protected Lu Shao.


    Sect Master Yan jumped back upon seeing who the neers were. He looked at n Master Qing and City Lord with disbelief!


    n Master Qing was equally confused. He closed distance between himself and Sect Master Yan and worriedly asked,


    "Sect Master Yan, didn''t you say that only the Elders of the Sect knew of this passage?"


    "I did! This passage was the closely guarded secret of our Sect! No one other than the Elders and their disciples should know of it."


    Yan Hao answered with bewilderment. Hearing this, Qing Mo angrily hissed, "Then howe that son of bitch is here? Who snitched?"


    Sect Master Yan did not take the usation lightly. Even in a dire situation like this n Master Qing was using his Sect''s elder of leading City Lord here.


    "I wonder who betrayed us. We have guarded this secret for years without anyone the wiser. Today we brought you and your men into the passage and suddenly the enemy came through the same route!"


    Sect Master Yan flipped the usation on n Master Qing. It shut him up and made him focus on the situation before them.


    "Hmph! So what if he hase? What can he do alone? This is the chance to finish him off!"


    n Master Qing''s eyes glinted with viciousness as he looked at the City Lord. The two of them saw him put Lu Shao on the Horse beast''s back and send it back into the tunnel.


    n Master Qing took a step forward, unsheathing his Dragon Blood Saber.


    "It looks like Lord Zhen does not value the life of his Second Commander."


    "Of course I do! Why else do you think I am here?"


    City Lord Zhen replied, taking two steps forward with his sword pointed at the two Masters.


    n Master Qing was taken aback for a moment but he quickly recovered. He smiled a vicious grin and disyed his yellowing canines to intimidate Zhen Wu.


    Sect Master Yan took another approach. He pointed at Feng Yan and Gu Dan surrounded by their men with his Staff and threatened,


    "City Lord, if you treasure their lives, surrender your Right to rule! As long as you do, I will let you walk out with them!"


    City Lord Zhen looked amused by the threat. Sect Master Yan had chosen a threat that was not threatening at all!


    Tactics of attacking with small Path Forging mobs would be effective against any other Sense Trainer. Except the two in question.


    Even without their heightened senses and reflexes, they had weapons against sticks and fists of their weaker opponents!


    Secondly, City Lord knew that their cultivation techniques were superior to the High Grade Cultivation manual he brought from Ikasa. This gave them much higher stamina reserves.


    Andstly, Gu Dan may be an inexperienced fighter, but he was proficient in swinging a hammer. Nothing needed to be said about Feng Yan''s battle prowess. As someone who had suffered defeat at his hands, City Lord would bet on Feng Yan any day.


    If Sect Master Yan and n Master Qing fought them in their weakened state, City Lord would be worried for their safety. That was not the case anymore as he had arrived to tangle the two Masters.


    City Lord smirked at Sect Master Yan''s threat.


    "Shouldn''t I let them make decisions concerning their lives?"


    With a mischievous grin, City Lord shouted at Feng Yan and Gu Dan.


    "Sense Trainer Feng, Sense Trainer Gu, do you want me to abandon this battle in exchange for your lives?"


    The two quickly peeked a nce at the City Lord. They wondered what was wrong with his head. But the devious grin on his lips let them know that everything was within his control.


    Acting like good cronies, they crowed their denial!


    "No City Lord! We are willing toy down our lives for your cause! Don''t surrender!"


    "If the Absolutes will, I will be saved. But it should note at the cost of your surrender!"


    City Lord barely suppressed a smile at their pathetic acting. He looked at Sect Master Yan with twinkling eyes.


    "You heard them."


    This one sentence contorted the faces of the two leaders with rage. n Master Qing was infuriated beyond measure by the utter disregard City Lord showed towards them.


    "Zhen Wu! You have be too arrogant! It is about time you taste defeat!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    He spun as he approached the City Lord and added momentum to his shing saber.


    ng!


    The Saber collided with the Sword, pushing City Lord back two steps. Qing Mo took a step back to create room for his swings and continued his barrage of attacks.


    City Lord easily avoided and blocked his numerous shallow swings. Without momentum, n Master Qing could never match City Lord''s strength.


    As they two engaged in the sh of weapons, Sect Master Yan kept an eye on the overall situation.


    Feng Yan and Gu Dan were not as helpless as he had thought. When the grunts tried to attack them, Feng Yan chopped his attackers''s body into two.


    Gu Dan was even more vicious. His Hammers struck with enough force to shatter vital bones, but not kill the man. The painful screams of his attacker deterred the men from even looking at him.


    "First Elder! Shoot them with another dose of Sleeping Incense!"


    Yan Hao''s order received no response. This is when he realized something was wrong. He hurriedly looked at the battle situation of Qing Mo and City Lord.


    So far, Qing Mo was on the offensive and City Lord was calmly defending his rabid attacks. Except for a few nicks and scratches, neither had suffered a deeper injury.


    Sect Master Yan knew that this was not the usual style of the City Lord. Even n Master Qing knew this. However, he was blinded by rage right now. In his berserk state, Qing Mo could not tell that his opponent was merely ying with him, trying to stall for time.


    ''Why? Why would they need time?''


    Sect Master Yan frantically thought. Then his attention went to the First Elder. The rooftop where he should be was empty.


    "He has an aplice. They are waiting for Feng Yan and Gu Dan to recover!"


    Realization hit Yan Hao like a bolt of lightning. He joined Qing Mo to subdue City Lord, like they had done in the Hu n.


    With the addition of Sect Master Yan, City Lord''s position grew precarious. After raging for a few minutes, n Master Qing was alsoing out of his rabid rage.


    They cooperated well to push City Lord on the defensive. Slowly wounds umted on his body but he was still calm.


    After parrying a diagonal sh, City Lord Zhen suddenly smiled. rm bells rang in Qing Mo''s head and he immediately jumped back, creating distance. Sect Master Yan also took a defensive posture.


    "Done?"


    City Lord asked, not attacking either of them. The two of them were confused by his question.


    "Yes. Now we just need to take care of him."


    Yan Hao and Qing Mo jumped even further sideways as they heard a voice answer from behind them. They saw a figure covered by shadows walking towards them.


    There was a bag on his left shoulder and a saber in his right hand pointed at Yan Hao. Qing Mo recognized the man!


    "You! How are you here?"


    "Why can''t I be?" Ikasa asked, nonchntly walking towards them.


    Qing Mo floundered for words but then he broke out intoughter.


    "Hahaha! This is fate! You killed my men. It is only right that your people die before you."


    "And who is going to kill them?"


    "Hu Bei! The First seat of my Hu n. The one you bastards humiliated. He will have his vengeance!"


    Qing Mo scathingly retorted. Ikasa calmly reached into the sack and took out Hu Bei''s head. He held it by it''s hair and asked,


    "You mean him? Since you sent him to My Vi, I thought he was some guy you wanted to get rid of!"


    The moment the two old menid their eyes on the head, they went into a shock.


    "HU BEI!"


    n Master Qing fell to his knees and cried the tears of blood. He may be his adopted son, but he was the only family he had. Seeing his corpse being desecrated this way enraged him to end.


    His eyes spit fire. If res could burn, Ikasa would be ash now. Though Ikasa felt a little bad for what he was doing, this was the only way to end this meaningless battle of rights.


    "Moony!"


    He called and the little fox appeared near his leg. His jaw was clenched as if he was struggling to hold someone down.


    "n Master Qing, you involved yourself in a needless war. Now you will die a meaningless death. With you, let your Hu n perish."


    Ikasa met the eyes of the old man on his knees. The fire and struggle in his eyes was getting stronger as he tried to break Moony''s chains and attack Ikasa.


    He knew that as soon as the golden disc in Ikasa''s hands wasunched he would never get the chance to avenge his son.


    "Qing Mo, repent for all the deaths you have caused!"


    With these words, the Serrated Sun Disc flew towards the kneeling old man.

 Chapter 129 Under Pressure

    "Elder Yi Gan. The First Elder of the Monstrous me Sect for nearly 50 years. You are also a Medicine Master, a benefactor of several hundreds of families."


    On the rooftop, Ikasa recited the information he had about the Old Man sprawled before him. His limbs were bound by the shadow tendrils formed by Moony.


    In this dark night, Moony proved to be the most useful card Ikasa had. With the help of his invisibility, he easily sneaked up on the First Elder and overpowered him.


    And now the little fox helped Ikasa control the man by keeping him bound.


    Ikasa looked at the Elder who had changed the signature red robes of his Sect in favor of ck ones to blend into darkness. He could see the conflicting emotions of reluctance and resignation in his eyes.


    "Elder Yi, I sincerely admire you for your achievements. After seeing this quiver of arrows my respect for you has grown even more! Even though we are foes, I can''t bear raise my hand to end your life."


    A small glimmer of hope lit up in the Elder''s eyes. Seeing that light, Ikasa smiled and delivered his final sentence.


    "In fact, I don''t want to raise my hand against you."


    Moony released the tendrils holding the First Elder down. Elder Yi Gan couldn''t believe that Ikasa really released him.


    He carefully got up trying to look as harmless as possible. Ikasa noticed his skittish behavior.


    He offered the old man his hand. Without his quiver of arrows, Elder Yi had nothing that could threaten his life. Plus he had Moony by his side; he had nothing to fear.


    "Elder Yi, I am willing to offer you a way out. If you agree, you can definitely survive and pass on your legacy. Perhaps, the heritage of the Monstrous me Sect can also survive in a different form."


    Ikasa persuaded the aged man. His words addressed the concerns in the Old Man''s heart. His words tempted the First Elder of the Monstrous me Sect.


    Suddenly, a blood curdling scream resounded in the silence of the night. The two men came to the edge of the roof and looked at the ongoing fights.


    Feng Yan and Gu Dan were holding up well against their numerous attackers. The scream earlier hade from one of the Gu Dan''s victims. His vicious attacks had intimidated the rest of the men and lowered their morale.


    Soon after, Sect Master Yan called for him.


    "First Elder! Shoot them with another dose of Sleeping Incense!"


    Elder Yi was unable to follow hismand because his weaponry had been confiscated by Ikasa. His Bow and the quiver of arrows hung on Ikasa''s shoulders along with a sack.


    A bit further away, n Master of Hu n engaged the City Lord. He saw his Sect Master team up with n Master Qing to overpower the City Lord. It was by no means an honorable duel, but against a powerhouse like City Lord, no one would criticize their behavior.


    Still, the situation below gave him a vague idea of the oue.


    The Monstrous me Sect had zero chance of winning the war between Sense Trainers tonight. At best, they can drag it on, but it would not be beneficial to any side.


    Elder Yi made up his mind. He would do his best to preserve the heritage of the Sect. He decided to take a chance and hear the conditions.


    "What do I have to do?"


    Elder Yi asked in a solemn voice.


    "End this War. Forfeit your right to rule."


    Elder Yi neither refuted Ikasa''s suggestion outright nor did he ept it. He silently mulled over it, stalling for time. He would only be able to do as Ikasa suggested if the Sect Master Yan died. But If his Sect Master could overpower the City Lord in the fight below, he would not have to make this decision.


    Ikasa saw through his intentions. He smirked at the Elder.


    "I will make the decision easier for you." He said as he jumped down the roof.


    Elder Yi was surprised by his deration. A few minutester, he understood what Ikasa meant.


    Ikasa subdued n Master Qing without giving him a chance to resist. Within a few minutes of his descent from the rooftop, the young man had beheaded one of the most powerful people in Birch City!


    Just like himself, his Sect Master stood frozen on his spot, unable to believe his eyes. To listen in on the heated conversation on the ground, he strained his ears.


    "Sect Master Yan, this is yourst chance to surrender!"


    City Lord Zhen warned. Though they had a backup n in the form of the First Elder, he didn''t want to resort to it.


    Sect Master Yan hesitated. He could see that almost every Sense Trainer on their side had fallen. Except him, the Monstrous me Sect did not have anyone capable of fighting.


    He was ready to ept defeat. Before he could open his mouth, he felt the pressure of a Chakra Sensing Realm Expert.


    Path Finder Zhi radiated his aura and made his presence known! He walked out of the Hall of Elders and stood on the stairs.<novelnext></novelnext>


    His arrival provided the troops on Sect''s side a morale boost. However, Yan Hao gulped his saliva with fear. He swallowed down the words at the tip of his tongue at the sight of Path Finder Zhi.


    He knew that the moment he admitted defeat, the grand ns of Path Finder Zhi and the Sect behind him would be foiled. The City Lord may spare his life, but Zhi Yang won''t. He would also not hesitate to annihte the entire Monstrous me Sect out of anger.


    ''Sigh. The Monstrous me Sect has be nothing but a puppet for the Earth-Fire Sect.''


    The realization came toote. Sect Master Yan steeled his nerves and looked at City Lord defiantly. He could die, but his Sect should survive.


    Ikasa noticed the change in attitude after the arrival of Path Finder Zhi. Whatever the oue, Sect Master Yan had to die. And if they wanted to end this Battle of Rights, Path Finder Zhi also needed to be neutralized.


    "City Lord, where is Path Finder Zhen? We need her."


    Ikasa whispered to the City Lord.


    "She should be somewhere nearby." He replied, keeping his eyes on Sect Master Yan.


    The answer did not do much to assuage the anxiety in his heart. Ikasa nced at Path Finder Zhi and the rooftop where the First Elder stood.


    Neither of their ns to end the Battle would work if they couldn''t remove the threat of Path Finder Zhi. He may not be able to attack during the Battle of Rights, but nothing prevented him from unleashing his rage afterwards!


    ''As long as he is present, neither Yan Hao nor the First Elder will dare to surrender and end this war. Even if we kill all of them, as long as one Monstrous me Sect''s disciples survives, Absolutes will not consider this war to be over.''


    Ikasa worriedly scratched his head even as City Lord and Sect Master Yan began to exchange blows. He looked at Path Finder Zhi, concealing his intentions towards the man.


    ''The problem is him. How should I neutralize his influence?''


    ˇŞ----


    While Ikasa was trapped in the conundrum, the battles in the forest wereing to an end.


    Initially, the mercenaries and the Adventurers ambushed the teams of City Guards spread throughout the Forest. The City Guards who had scarce experience of fighting in the forest were caught off guard and were easily killed.


    Things changed when the other teams discovered corpses of their brothers. They began to gather inrger groups and became more vignt. They foiled the gueri tactics of the mercenaries again and again with their sheer numbers.


    Still, they were on defensive and a moment of negligence could cost them their lives. The constant state of alert began to take a toll on their minds. To alleviate the mental burden, they joined with more teams and formed even bigger groups.


    They became arger target but also a much stronger foe! Few adventurers or mercenaries would dare to fight them. But there was nock of foolhardy individuals in this world.


    Even after forming a bigger team, A foolish group of mercenaries tried to sneak an attack on this team of City Guards.


    "Kill the two trailing behind and scatter, got it?"


    The leader of mercenaries instructed his men. They each had kitchen knives as weapons. The leader himself wielded a machete.


    These utensils made from inferior quality ores were only useful against humans and beasts with lower defense. Faced against a stronger beast, they were even more useless than arge rock.


    Nheless, their weapons woulde into y since their targets were the City Guards!


    They stealthily stalked their prey. The two City Guards were getting slower and falling behind the rest. Taking this chance, the Leader motioned his men to attack.


    The two City Guards smirked as they saw the rogues rapidly closing distance from the corner of their eyes. They had slowed down to bait these idiots into attacking.


    Without any preamble, the two guards activated their Low grade Staff technique. Their staves knocked the wind out of the attacking mercenaries before they could even close the distance.


    As if waiting for the attack, the rest of the City Guards turned back and swiftly surrounded the aggressors. Without giving them a chance to retaliate, the guards beat them to a pulp.


    They literally lynched those mercenaries to death, making an gruesome example of them!


    Their show of ferociousness spooked the scouts of other Mercenary and Adventurer groups. They scrammed from the location, reporting what they had seen to their respective leaders.


    Many of the Mercenaries and Adventurers gathered together and discussed this incident. Without a leading figure, it was impossible for them to unite and risk their lives against an organized force.


    Most of them were here for the bounty offered by the Hu n. Since, the risks were not worth the cost many retreated. Those who stayed were also deterred and became more cautious.


    While the deterred leaders made a decision, all the teams of City Guards had gathered together. They waited near the path leading to the top of Monstrous me Peak for a signal from Commander Lu.


    Unfortunately for them, the signal re they waited for never shot into the sky!

 Chapter 130 Provoking The Path Finder

    The majestic horse beast of the City Lord brought weak Commander Lu Shao out of the tunnel. They were discovered by an adventurer party as soon as they came out.


    Seeing a big fish, the party leader''s eyes shone with greed. Hemanded his members to surround the horse beast. Before they could begin their attack, an arrow shot at them from the thicket.


    rmed, the leader of the party immediately jumped back and yelled in rm, "Who is it?"


    Another arrow shot in his direction and pierced his arm.


    "Ugh!" Covering his bleeding wound, he tried to find his attacker in the darkness of the trees. To no avail.


    The leader of the Adventurer Party lost his cool. He gave up on trying to secure the lucrative bounty and left with his members.


    "Good job, Su Jian!"


    Chu Kuang patted the archer on his back. He was one of the ''talents'' Ikasa had put in the Special Talent Programme. He turned to another one of the ''talents'' traveling with him.


    "Gu Bei, check Commander Lu''s condition."


    The herb-picking adventurer, Gu Bei. He had enough knowledge of herbal medicines to administer first aid treatment.


    While Gu Bei checked up on the Commander, other 50 men from Ikasa''s force secured the perimeter. Chu Kuang approached Commander Lu with Gu Bei to identify himself as an ally.


    "Coughˇ­ Coughˇ­ We need to send the City Guards to the Sectˇ­. Coughˇ­ They must be waiting at the foot of the mountain."


    Commander Lu got his message out with difficulty. With every cough, he spat out a little blood.


    Hearing his urgent message, Chu Kuang immediately started acting on it. He divided his men to perform multiple tasks.


    "Gu Bei, take 10 men and deliver Commander Lu''s message to the City Guards."


    "Zhong Xi, take a few men and escort Commander Lu back to the City. He is in no condition to fight."


    Commander Lu was about to protest.


    "There are plenty of Sense Trainers from our side up there. And even if they need another, I will be there. I have also broken into the Sense Realm a few days ago!"


    Chu Kuang''s revtion shut him up. He pointed to the tunnel he came from and said, "Go from hereˇ­ Coughˇ­ It is Fasterˇ­"


    The bald man nodded and let Zhong Xi lead Commander Lu away. He looked at the 30 men left with him and ordered them.


    "Let''s go! Our master needs us!"


    ˇŞ-----


    ''How should I neutralize his threat?''


    Contemting with worry, Ikasa sneaked nces at Zhi Yang. The Path Finder was so upied by the duel between Sect Master Yan and the City Lord that he even missed the arrival of Chu Kuang and others!


    Ikasa ordered them to stay hidden so that he would have another trump card in case things go awry.


    ''Thankfully, City Lord is in no hurry to end Sect Master Yan''s life.''


    Ikasa thought as he took a look at their duel. Suddenly, he saw a cloud of dust rise in the distance. Sounds of footsteps stomping on the ground followed soon after.


    As the City Guards entered through the entrance of the Sect, the meager number of Monstrous me Sect''s disciples left came out to block their charge.


    An average disciple definitely trumped an average guard in skills. He can fight two guards at a time in a fair fight but this was not a duel, this was war!


    The disciples could not keep track of the attacks that came flying toward them. Their defenses crumbled as soon as they were hit.


    If the guards had not practiced the Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength, the disciples still might have had a chance to stall for time. With their superior physique built by their high-grade cultivation techniques, they could endure the attacks because of higher strength.


    But the situation was reversed due to Ikasa.


    The high-grade techniques of a sect with hundreds of years of foundation paled before Ikasa''s manuals!


    In the current situation, the disciples were like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. The momentum built up by the City Guards on their way up, crushed the spirit and resistance of the disciples.


    For the first time, Ikasa witnessed the destructive power his manuals could exhibit when used collectively. And this scene gave Ikasa the answer he needed.


    ''Path Finder Zhi is prohibited from attacking the citizens of Birch City. Still, the penalty cannot be too big if he attacks just one or two people. But what if his attack affects hundreds at a time?''


    A devious smirk formed on Ikasa''s lips. He quickly moved to the victorious City Guards.


    "Third Commander Zi Ming!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Finding the leader, Ikasa exined his hypothesis.


    "Can you get your men to do it?"


    The bold proposition shocked Zi Ming. He fell into thought. As Ikasa looked at him, he realized how ridiculous his suggestion may sound to the ears of ayman.


    ''If he refuses, will I have to sacrifice Chu Kuang and my own men? No, I should try to offer them some benefits first.''


    "Commander Zi, if anything happens to these brave men, I will offer them a lifetime discount of 50% to all their family members. Even if nothing happens they will pay 3 gold less on any manual they choose."


    Ikasa spoke loudly enough so that every guard could hear. Their eyes lit up at the amazing benefits he was offering.


    Who didn''t know of his shop in this Birch City? As guards their techniques came from the City Lord, but what about their families?


    They eagerly looked at their Commander to hear Ikasa''s proposition.


    "You guys have to provoke a Chakra Sensing Realm Expert. Even though he cannot attack you at the moment, do you have the guts to do so?"


    Commander Zi Ming asked his men with ridicule. The troops stopped making a ruckus and became silent. Though the benefits were tempting, the job assigned was much harder.


    "I will soon add the guidance of a Sense Realm Expert to my shop''s list of offerings. Those who believe in me will be given a priority when choosing customers."


    "What? A Sense Trainer''s Guidance?"


    "Doesn''t that mean we have a more than 50% chance of advancing to the Sense Realm?"


    Ikasa''s deration caused the eyes of the soldiers to shine with greed. Even Zi Ming looked at Ikasa as if he was his savior and lord!


    All their inhibitions about the reckless n crumbled. Even if they did not court death, they still lived on the edge every day. At least by bing a Sense Trainer, their chances of survival would increase exponentially!


    They immediately stomped over to where Path Finder Zhi stood. Every other fight happening in the vicinity slowed as they nced at the City Guards with vignce.


    "Hey, you ancient fossil! Why are you still alive?"


    Path Finder Zhi was taken aback by the sudden insult. He couldn''t fathom how in the world a lowly Path Forger found the courage to curse him!


    He narrowed his eyes on the offender. Before he could take any action, another voice spoke in support of the previous speaker from the City Guards crowded before him.


    "Yes, howe you are not dead yet you senile man?"


    "No, you should be asking why has he notmitted suicide out of shame! If I was a Path Finder who meddled in the affairs of a Third-tier City, I would drown myself in a ss of water!"


    "True! I bet even his little brother cannot raise its head out of shame!"


    Someone spoke pointing to his crotch. Ikasa barely suppressed hisughter as gave a double thumbs up in his heart to the daring man.


    Path Finder Zhi grew enraged at the vulgarments these imbeciles spouted before him. He radiated his aura and suppressed the City Guards with the majesty of his Cultivation base.


    The tension had be palpable and the other fights had stoppedpletely. The fighters retreated far from Path Finder Zhi''s sphere of influence.


    "How dare vermin like you open their mouths before me?"


    Zhi Yang thundered as he took a step down the stair, approaching the City guards. Many of the guards were cowed by his pressure. Nheless, there were a few whose bravery bordered foolishness.


    "If you still have any dignity left, try raising a hand on one of us!"


    One of them shouted, thumping his chest. Path Finder Zhi immediately distinguished him from the crowd and directed at him a re filled with oppression.


    "See? This old man can only re and not do anything! As I said he is impotent, who can only look!"


    Another one joined in to ridicule the Path Finder respected and feared by many. Livid, Zhi Yang''s face turned purple.


    ''If only Yin Ying was here right now. I could''ve used her hand to teach these pests a lesson.''


    The curses from the City guards continued and they got bolder and bolder. By now, Path Finder Zhi''s rage had already crossed his limits. The final straw was when someone insulted his Sect.


    "I wonder which Sect raised this coward. Was it the Turtle Sect?"


    Path Finder Zhi''s rage immediately calmed down. His aura turned from fiery hot to chilling cold. In a cold, sharp voice, he ordered Sect Master Yan.


    "Forfeit the Battle of Rights. Surrender. Now!"

 Chapter 131 Death

    "Surrender. Now!"


    Zhi Yang repeated hismand to the dumbfounded Sect Master Yan. He had had enough of this tomfoolery. Consumed by rage, he no longer cared about the task his Sect gave him.


    His patience had been tested again and again. It was time to show these third tier trash what an expert of Chakra Sensing Realm could do.


    Sect Master Yan tremblingly obeyed Path Finder Zhi.


    "City Lord Zhen, I Sect Master Yan, concede the right to rule Birch City."


    As soon as he started speaking, a wisp of me ignited on Path Finder Zhi''s palm. The blue me grewrger and hotter.


    By the time Sect Master Yan finished his words, the me had grown to the size of a football! The heat it emitted had raised the temperature of the surroundings by a few degrees!


    The moment Sect Master Yan stopped speaking, Zhi Yangunched the fireball at the man who mocked his Sect.


    "Die bastard! Experience the fire of hell in the mortal realm!"


    The fireball did not explode but engulfed the man and people near him. They slowly burned in the blue fire, experiencing terrible pain.


    Zhi Yang had a satisfied smirk hearing their dying screams but it was wiped out soon enough.


    The fire burning on those men flew back at him! It formed a whip andshed at Zhi Yang, setting a portion of his back on fire.


    "Zhi Yang, you have vited the rules set by us!"


    A voice spoke from the sky and then it fell silent.


    Absolutes did not care if people respected them with bowed heads or not, but they did punish the people who ignored the rules set by them. Zhi Yang was an example of what happened to people who crossed their line.


    And Zhi Yang had been punished based on technicality!


    Though Sect Master Yan had conceded, City Lord had not voiced his eptance. The contract was not fulfilled. As such the Battle of Rights was not concluded ording to the Absolutes.


    In his rage, Zhi Yang missed this minute technicality and hence, invited the wrath of the Absolutes.


    The blue fire burning on his back caused him great pain. It slowly spread to other regions. No matter how he tried to control and extinguish the mes, he failed every time.


    He realized that the fire on his back contained the authority of the Absolute of Fire. It was inextinguishable by anyone other than the Absolutes themselves. Thus, his death was inevitable.


    The Chakra Sensing Expert''s eyes turned red. He looked at every person who had made a fool of him with hatred. It included the Sect Master Yan, City Lord Zhen and of course Ikasa.


    "Since you wanted my death, let''s all die together!"


    Path Finder Zhi roared at the sky, venting his frustrations. He slowly rose into the air and mes formed on both of his palms. The fireballs grewrger and hotter, beyond the capacity of any Chakra Sensing Realm Expert.


    In his frenzy, he was burning his cultivation to fuel the fire!


    "RUN!" Ikasa shouted, realizing the situation had gone out of hand. His shout woke up the City guards and others who were mesmerized by the disy of raw power.


    Sect Master Yan had already escaped, knowing he would be the first target because of his numerous transgressions in the past. And as he expected, Zhi Yang did not forget about him even in his death throes.


    A fireball exploded on Yan Hao''s back and cooked him inside out. He did not even have the time to scream before his death.


    The next fireball targeted the City Lord. As he ran to escape, the City Lord couldn''t help but curse.


    ''Why are you going after me? I didn''t send those idiotic bastards to cuss at you!''


    No matter how innocent he considered himself to be, he was guilty in Zhi Yang''s eyes. As soon as a fireball was formed, it honed in on him.


    Fortunately, Path Finder Zhen Ya arrived in time to save him. She used all her ice element power to restrict the heat of the fireball. But a desperate attack of a Chakra Sensing Expert couldn''t be stopped that easily.


    The fireball exploded before it could be contained and injured the siblings grievously. The only good thing was they were not in mortal danger.


    Zhi Yang searched for the target of hisst Fireball. Ikasa. The man who had incited the City Guards to curse him. The man who had led him to his downfall.<novelnext></novelnext>


    He found him out of his fireball''s range, trying to escape from the entrance. Heughed sadistically as he endured the pain to close the distance. He wanted Ikasa to feel the same pain as him and burn to death with himself.


    "Su Jian, use the arrows!"


    Ikasa shouted as he desperately tried to widen the distance between himself and the madman. One arrow after another shot at the burning Zhi Yang. The wooden arrows burned away before they could inflict any serious damage.


    Nheless, they were useful. The real threat came not from the arrows, but the poisons they wereced with. Different poisons mixed into the air around Zhi Yang. Most of them were ineffective due to heat but they smelled extremely bad.


    Zhi Yang''s pursuit did not stop due to arrows and smells. If anything, it further enraged him. Ikasa peeked behind him and saw Zhi Yang chasing him on his feet.


    ''At least, he lost his ability to fly after burning most of his Cultivation base.''


    Ikasa found the silver lining as he increased his speed. His only hope now was the mysterious Moony.


    "Help me, Moony!"


    He called for the little critter who had gone into hiding ever since the Path Finder had exposed his aura. As if to answer Ikasa''s call, a tiny shadow tendril wrapped around Zhi Yang''s ankle. The running Zhi Yang tripped on the shadow tendril and stumbled.


    Before he could locate its source, the tendril and its energy signature disappeared as if it was never there.


    Ikasa cursed his unreliable allies. Feng Yan and Gu Dan were melee fighters; they would be burned to crisp with a single fireball. Same was the case with his men from the private force.


    Even if he wanted to use them as cannon fodder to buy time, he could not. They were on the other side of the Sect, inside the tunnel.


    Realizing the situation, Ikasa decided to gamble his life and take ast chance at beheading the Path Finder.


    ''Any way, I would die. At least I have a greater chance of survival if I can kill him first.''


    He slowed his steps and put the Serrated Sun Disc on his finger. Rapidly rotating it, he called for Moony, hoping he would answer.


    "Moony,st time. Bind him!"


    He heard a growl from the little fox. Ikasa interpreted it as his demand for Energy-infused Water.


    "Yes, you can have as much as you want! Now, Bind him!"


    Zhi Yang was not a fool. He could hear the shouts and became vignt of his surroundings. The moment he felt unfamiliar energy ripples, He jumped and avoided them. Now that the opponent was vignt, Moony could not trap him.


    Still, he was running out of time. There was no way he would reach Ikasa before his Cultivationpletely burned up. He ignored the threats and leaped towards his target.


    Ikasa panicked. No matter how much time he had spent in this world, he was a businessman, not a fighter. In the face of death, only battle hardened warriors or crazy emotionless people could maintain their calm.


    He was neither. He turned back and threw the disc spinning on his finger at the man in the air.


    Thup.


    The spinning disc sliced away the arm holding the fireball. The uncontrolled fireball in the detached arm exploded in Zhi Yang''s vicinity.


    He was already suffering from the after effects of burning his Cultivation. The explosion was unbearable for him. He copsed on the ground, suffering.


    Ikasa rushed to the Serrated Sun Disc which had flown a bit further and picked it up. Though the temperature was unbearable for him, he endured and spun it once more.


    When heunched it again, he saw fear in Zhi Yang''s eyes. The Path Finder never expected to die in a Third Tier city at the hands of a Sense Realm expert.


    He wanted to finish his task quickly and break through into the Chakra Opening Realm. As the strongest Deacon of the Earth Fire Sect, he had a bright future ahead of him.


    s! Fate had different ns for him. The mission he looked down on cost him his life.


    The Serrated Sun Disc tore into Zhi Yang''s throat. This was thest wound he would ever receive. epting his demise, the white bearded deacon closed his eyes.


    "He died. Ikasa killed a Path Finder."


    Someone whispered with disbelief. Everyone had seen the turn of events. Although the Absolute''s intervention yed a huge role in Zhi Yang''s death, it was Ikasa who killed him in the end!

 Chapter 132 Carrot And Stick

    "He died. Ikasa killed a Path Finder."


    Someone whispered with disbelief. Everyone had seen the turn of events. Although the Absolute''s intervention yed a huge role in Zhi Yang''s death, it was Ikasa who killed him in the end!


    No one could deny the greatness of this achievement. Not every Sense Trainer could boast of such a feat.


    Of the three Sense Trainers to face weakened Zhi Yang, one died miserably and another was injured severely despite the protection of a Path Finder.


    Only Ikasa eluded Zhi Yang long enough and finally imed his life.


    When the City Guards came out of their daze, they cheered. They pped each other''s backs and let out cries of joy and relief. A war that had kept them on their toes for months had ended.


    The hostile forces of Hu n and Monstrous me Sect who had made a mockery of thew and order in the City had been decimated. And all of this became possible because of one person!


    Ikasa!


    They looked at the protagonist of the night, who ended their misery with worship and gratitude.


    On the other side of the Monstrous me Sect, Ikasa wiped the sweat from his forehead as he sat down, panting for air. Feng Yan, Gu Dan and Chu Kuang rushed to his side.


    He waved them off andmanded, "Go, capture the First Elder. Make sure he does not escape."


    Gu Dan stayed by his side while Feng Yan and Chu Kuang rushed to capture the First Elder. Elder Yi Gan apanied the two down without making any fuss. He instructed the few remaining disciples to give up their resistance and surrender.


    The City Lord Zhen Wu and Path Finder Zhen Ya supported each other as they hobbled to First Elder.


    Upon seeing them, Elder Yi walked over to them. In the very first sentence that Elder Yi said to the City Lord, he admitted defeat.


    "City Lord Zhen, we, the Monstrous me Sect, forfeit our Right to rule Birch City."


    "I ept your forfeiture."


    In a horse voice, City Lord croaked his eptance, officially ending this horrendous battle.


    A bright light shone upon them and all those present in the Sect, healing their wounds. The second-degree burns Ikasa endured whenunching the Serrated Sun Disc were healed within a breath''s time.


    The severe burns the Zhen siblings suffered scabbed visibly. Soon the burnt skin fell off revealing the smooth and tender skin below.


    Others also experienced this healing miracle. City Guards, Ikasa''s people, Hu n''s goons, and even disciples of the Monstrous me Sect.


    From the Monstrous me Sect, only a few disciples had survived to benefit from this healing beam.


    The Hu n''s condition was even worse. Feng Yan and Gu Dan had killed all of their men except for two. Even these two were in immediate need of treatment. If not for the healing ray, they wouldn''t have lived past dawn.


    City Guards were in a much better condition than the others. Most of the deaths happened in the forest. Only a few people sumbed in the battle against the Monstrous me Sect''s disciples.


    Whatever minor injuries they had were now cured thanks to this light.


    After every survivor''s injuries were recovered, a feminine voice spoke from the sky.


    "In this Battle of Rights, 1 Path Finder, 7 Sense Trainers, and 368 Path Forgers lost their lives. This is why we instituted the pact a thousand years ago. Every person who lives is an asset against a much bigger threat."


    The voice faded after the gentle reprimand. It also left a foreshadowing of an enemy that loomed around the corner.


    Ikasa furrowed his brow.


    ''Could the Absolutes and that old man from the Ruins near Sal City be speaking of the same threat? If so, is this world the Sanctuary mentioned by the Old Man?''<novelnext></novelnext>


    He had many questions but no ce to seek answers. For some reason, he felt the answer to every question was linked to the Printer.


    "Brother Ikasa? Should we go and check out the Sect''s treasury?"


    Lost in his thoughts, he almost missed the call from the City Lord.


    "Only if Elder Yi Gan is okay with it."


    Ikasa''s answer shocked the City Lord. He looked at him weirdly. Ikasa paid him no mind and instead stared intently at the Elder, awaiting his reply.


    With less than twenty people alive, the Monstrous me Sect had no authority nor power to stop if they insisted. That is why Elder Yi was touched by Ikasa''s respectful gesture.


    He happily led the way to the vaults of the Sect that had existed for over a hundred Years.


    "Elder Yi, have you thought about my offer?"


    Ikasa whispered, quickly catching up with the First Elder. As an owner of a Herb Garden, he desired a qualified Medicine Master who could make the best use of his herbs. Instead of selling the raw herbs for a low price, he would earn more if he sold them as finished medicinal concoctions.


    Elder Yi led them into the vault without answering the question. As a person bes older, they tend to overthink. Understanding his situation, Ikasa gave him enough time, but now his patience was running thin.


    "Elder Yi, if you are thinking of rebuilding the Monstrous me Sect, it is a fool''s dream. Birch City has no ce for Hu n or the Monstrous me Sect anymore."


    Ikasa bluntly stated. Seeing that the carrot was not getting him the intended results, he went for the stick. He exposed the harsh reality to the old man who still harbored hopes of rising from the ashes.


    First Elder''s shoulders trembled as he opened the door to the vault. Ikasa heard a deep sigh. Elder Yi Gan was on the verge of a meltdown. He had experienced the destruction of his Sect and lost his brothers and many disciples. And yet, he was being pushed to make a decision.


    Ikasa softened his tone and attracted him with his passion.


    "Your talents are wasted in fights like these, Elder Yi. You are a Medicine Master! Your medicine should benefit the popce and not be used to settle grudges. So, work with me, Elder Yi. Together, we can save many lives."


    Elder Yi Gan realized the truth in his words. There was no way he would be able to protect the Sect''s legacy unless someone backed him.


    Elder Yi took abored breath and turned to Ikasa.


    "As long as you promise to protect the legacy of my Sect, I will serve you."


    A wide smile bloomed on Ikasa''s face. The request Elder Yi had put forth was not an unreasonable one. He could easily fulfill it.


    "Elder Yi, I have no problem in letting you pass down your teachings. Only the number of people you can impart your Sect''s doctrines to will be limited. Do you agree?"


    The offer was the best thing he could get in his current state. He dly epted it.


    "I promise to be your Physician, Master Ikasa."


    Feng Yan, Gu Dan, and Chu Kuang who were following closely behind pped jubntly at Elder''s decision. Feng Yan patted Yi Gan on his shoulders and eximed, "You definitely won''t regret your decision."


    While his employees celebrated, Ikasa''s eyes fell on City Lord and Path Finder Zhen. They were waiting patiently for the vault to open.


    Elder Yi Gan also noticed this and immediately took out his authority token depicting a ming Beast and pressed it into the groove.


    Kerr Chak!


    The door to the vault opened, revealing the riches hidden within.

 Chapter 133 Spirit Coins

    As the door opened, the mouths of Feng Yan and others also opened wide. Piles and piles of coins were spread across therge vault.


    Wherever they turned, they saw mounds of coins. Some were shining silver coins while most of the others were gold.


    "There must be at least two hundred thousand Gold coins here! If we include the silver coins, the amount should be much more than that!"


    Ikasa estimated, seeing the dazzling riches before him.


    Si!


    Feng Yan, Gu Dan, and Chu Kuang gasped upon hearing Ikasa''s estimation. Even the Zhen siblings were taken aback a bit, but they quickly recovered theirposure.


    The first Elder neither denied nor confirmed his guess. Ikasa took his silence as confirming his doubts. When he turned his eyes back to the mounds of riches, he was reminded of Chu Qing, the money-grubbing ghost.


    ''If Chu Qing was here he would probably faint from happiness at this view.''


    Ikasa thought, smiling as he imagined his stunned face. He quickly moved his eyes away from the mounds of gold and silver and scanned the vault for other good things.


    "What is that?"


    Ikasa asked, pointing to a misty tform in the back of the room. First elder and City Lord looked at him weirdly, thinking he was joking.


    When he approached the tform with curiosity, they understood that he indeed was ignorant of it. Elder Yi matched Ikasa''s steps and stopped him from touching the misty tform.


    "Master Ikasa! This is an active Energy Gathering formation. If you enter it with your Sense Realm cultivation, you might explode from absorbing excess energy! Let me deactivate it for you."


    Ikasa looked at the small tform with wonder. This was the first spiritual object he had seen in this cultivation world. He naturally disregarded the Printer.


    Elder Yi fiddled with a disc ced on a shelf nearby and the mist slowly receded, revealing a small basin. The basin was surrounded by a red glow with many white coins inside it.


    "Spirit Coins!" Gu Dan eximed and rushed to Ikasa''s side. Others also gathered around the basin wondering what the fuss was about.


    Neither Sense Trainer from Ikasa''s faction was familiar with the Spirit Coins except for Gu Dan. So they were intrigued by the currency that stood even higher than the gold coin.


    Ikasa picked up the penny-sized coin and weighed it. It was a bit lighter than an ordinary gold coin. When he turned the coin, he found the source of the glow.


    On the back side, five stars were imprinted in a circr arrangement. Of these five, only one star was glowing while the other four were dim. Seeing Ikasa intently study the stars, Elder Yi exined.


    "These stars indicate the energy contained in that Spirit Coin. Currently, only one star is bright red; that means this coin is worth 500 gold."


    Ikasa turned to Gu Dan and asked,


    "Didn''t you say one spirit coin is worth 100 gold?"


    The cksmith was also confused. He looked at Elder Yi for an exnation.


    "That is the case when the energy in the Spirit Coin is used up and all stars are dimmed."


    "What! This small piece of metal alone is worth 100 gold!"


    Gu Dan eximed, looking closely at the small circr coin. But Ikasa didn''t jump to conclusions. He looked contemtively at the basin and the coins ced inside.


    "Elder Yi, earlier you said, ''Currently only one star is bright red.'' Does that mean the energy of the coin can be replenished?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Hahaha! For someone who didn''t know anything about Spirit Coins, you caught on quickly, Ikasa!"


    Without waiting for Elder Yi to speak, City Lord answered, pping Ikasa on his back.


    "These coins are precious because people in Chakra Sensing Realm and above can absorb energy contained within them. If you ce them in an Energy Gathering Formation, they can replenish their energy over time."


    He exined helpfully. Feng Yan picked up a coin and suspiciously asked, "Are you saying that if this coin has five bright stars, it is worth 2500 Gold?"


    Path Finder Zhen Ya snorted with disdain at Feng Yan''s assumption. Her ''lecturing the stupid'' mode was on.


    "You are so idiotic! Do you know that energy in just a single star of the coin is enough to fill an entire Chakra of a Chakra Opening Realm Expert? Do you know how much time it takes for a coin to replenish five stars'' worth of energy? Ten years!"


    The City Lord calmed his sister who suddenly went on a tirade. Elder Yi took over and exined the values of different stars.


    "A one-star coin is worth 500 Gold. Two-star is worth 1500 gold and Three-star is worth 3000 gold. Four-stars goes for 5000 and Five-star for 10,000 Gold."


    Feng Yan became tongue-tied at this introduction. He looked at the coins in the basin with greed. There were around a hundred coins in there.


    "Doesn''t this mean that the coins in this basin will be worth a Million gold in just ten years? What a profit!"


    Feng Yan looked like he wanted to steal this basin and roost on them; like a mother hen, waiting for them to be worth 1 million gold!


    "Of course not. Even if they stay in this Energy Gathering Formation for a hundred years, they will not umte more than two stars worth of energy."


    Turning to Ikasa, Elder Yi borated.


    "To brighten higher stars, these coins need a higher concentration of energy. They need a corresponding tier of Energy Gathering formation. This one here is just a Two-star formation. It can only brighten Two-stars."


    Ikasa''s eyes shone with wonder as he looked at the tiny coin in his hands.


    ''What an ingenious idea! The people in this world have made sustainable and rechargeable batteries into their international currency!''


    Because that''s what Ikasa perceived them to be. They were literally rechargeable batteries for Cultivators!


    ''I wonder who made them.''


    He turned it around to find any mark or imprint indicating the ce of its origin. He found none. Even on the Gold Coins of the Holy Wood Empire, a tree is imprinted, but these coins had no identification mark.


    "Elder Yi, who issues these coins?"


    "Officially, these coins are issued jointly by the Three Empires and Three Sects, but everyone knows that they are made by the Royal Family of the Furnace Fire Empire."


    From what he knew from Gu Dan, the Furnace Fire Empire was the heaven of cksmiths. Due to the abundance of ores, smithing skills here were miles ahead of any other Empires.


    It was not iprehensible that they might havee up with this ingenious idea.


    Now that his curiosity was satisfied, he looked at the City Lord who was calming his sister. When their eyes met, they read the excitement in others'' eyes.


    It was time to divide the spoils of the war!

 Chapter 134 Dividing The Spoils Of War

    In the halls where Elders of a sect debated administrative decisions, two men were discussing the division of assets of the same sect.


    "I am taking the Dragon Blood Saber."


    Lord Zhen asserted with confidence, setting the tone for their negotiation. He chose a valuable and symbolic object to show he would be taking a lion''s share.


    "I want this location of the Monstrous me Sect."


    Instead of symbolic trophies, Ikasa chose material gains. From the moment Ikasa had arrived in the Sect he had fallen in love with its ambiance and rich density of energy.


    Nheless, he would not choose to waste a bargaining chip just to satisfy his vanity. He had considered the practical aspects of his decision.


    While the dormitories in the Herb Garden had 200 rooms, they served as excellent barracks for soldiers but not as warm houses for families. Thus therge area of the Sect with readymade houses for more than a few hundred families deserved his consideration.


    He also considered Elder Yi Gan''s attachment to the Sect and decided to earn some more brownie points with him and his disciples. And judging from the joyous smile on the Elder''s face, it seemed he had seeded in his objective.


    The City Lord took his time weighing the decision. He finally relented and gave Ikasa the vast swathes ofnd and the buildings of the Sect.


    "You have to give up the Hu n''s Compound in return."


    Just as Ikasa was about to add the title of Monstrous me Peak to his assets, Lord Zhen put forth a condition. Ikasa''s quill paused as he became conflicted.


    ''Damn Ipletely forgot about the Hu n!''


    He remembered the structure of the Hu n''spound. It had numerous courtyards spread over arge area. Still, there were more ces to train than live.


    He already had dormitories to serve as barracks, he needed a ce for ordinary people to live in and procreate. After all, troops are only happy if their families are taken care of.


    ''It would not suit my needs.'' Ikasa grudgingly admitted and chose the Sect''snd over the Hu n.


    ''It''s not like there are no good training facilities in the Sect.''


    Ikasa consoled himself as City Lord added the Hu n to his list.


    Next, they started to divide the gold and silver coins found in the vault.


    "Should we do a 50 - 50 split?"


    "Sure."


    Neither Ikasa nor City Guard haggled about the number. At this point, those Gold and Silver coins were just a number for Ikasa, who had no suitable ce to spend them. In his eyes, their value was much lower than City Lord''s goodwill.


    Even if he needed more, he had a steady ie of around 5000 gold per month from selling his manuals and herbs in Sal City and Birch City.


    As for City Lord, he was negotiating on behalf of the City. The entirety of the coins would go to the City''s treasury to make up for the deficit caused due to this battle.


    If he had not known about his father''s decision, he would''ve fought tooth and nail to get a 70% share of the coins. However, he was slowly disengaging himself from his role as a City Lord and trying to fit his role as the sessor of the Zhen Family.


    To build a stronger rtionship with Ikasa, he was willing to let go of this small sum and let Birch City suffer a loss.


    Their amiable understanding did notst long. When the spirit coins were to be divided, their attitudes changed.


    "Brother Ikasa, give me 80 coins, and you can keep the Energy Gathering array and the other 20 coins."


    "That ispletely unfair, Lord Zhen."


    They traded offers back and forth, neither willing topromise.


    As a precious cultivation resource used as currency, their market price was much higher than their value. It was quite difficult to exchange spirit coins with one or more bright stars for gold coins.


    They could only be used to exchange goods and services between Empires. Hence, neither Ikasa nor the City Lord was willing to relent.


    As the City Lord, he could submit the spirit coins to the County Governor and pay him back for his help. If Governor sent them to the Imperial Court, even a meager sum of 100 One-Star coins would earn him significant merits.


    Alternatively, the spirit coins were also useful for his family members in the Chakra Sensing Realm and above for cultivation. Their uses were endless, but their supply was low.<novelnext></novelnext>


    The City Lord thus tried every trick to im more coins.


    "Brother Ikasa, we wouldn''t have won if my City Guards did not arrive in time. Shouldn''t you acknowledge their contributions and give up 80 percent of the share?"


    Ikasa was not fooled.


    He also coveted the spirit coins. He did not care as much about the Cultivation aspect as no one in his group was yet eligible to use them. Nevertheless, he was interested in their worth as international currency.


    ess to Spirit coins would open up trade channels with the Furnace Fire Empire. That way he could buy weapon-grade ore directly from the Empire!


    Also, he can export the herbs and pills if the scale of herb production can be increased.


    With contacts created from these two trades, he will have a much easier time when he starts selling his manuals in the Empire!


    Keeping this in mind, Ikasa was reluctant to give up the fortunes before him. He proposed a brilliant n that provided him a righteous reason to im the majority share.


    "How can that be, City Lord? We should divide the coins ording to contribution. Every Sense Trainer who participated in the battle gets 10 Spirit Coins. And rest go to the one who yed a crucial role in ending the conflict."


    Ikasa fielded four Sense Trainers in this operation while the City Lord brought only two. By his method, 40 Spirit Coins would go to his side immediately, and the City Lord would get 20.


    As for the crucial role, Ikasa was the most dazzling nominee for the MVP. He killed n Master Qing and persuaded the First Elder. Even without the former two, the feat of killing a Path Finder Zhi alone was enough to award him the rest of the coins.


    In a convoluted way, Ikasa would still be winning 80 coins, and the City Lord would have just 20. His n also reminded the City Lord of his contributions, leaving him with no counter.


    Outyed at his own game, the City Lord sat in his spot, brooding. His mood had plummeted by his failure to secure benefits.


    Ikasa noticed this. He found a chance to strike and get Zhen Family''s help in dealing with the He Family.


    "City Lord, it is not entirely impossible to give you 40 more coins."


    Zhen Wu''s ears perked up and he leaned forward on the table, listening intently to Ikasa''s proposal.


    "I need Zhen Family''s protection. Insurance that my safety will be guaranteed by the Zhen Family in the future. In writing. As long as you agree to this condition, I can let go of 30 Coins."


    Lord Zhen took a few moments to ponder. He proceeded with a follow-up question.


    "Who are you worried about?"


    City Lord Zhen asked, intently staring into Ikasa''s grayish eyes to catch any lies.


    "The Maple City''s He Family. It is a Business conflict. I am working to resolve it. With the Zhen family as my support, it can be resolved in no time."


    Hearing the opposite party, Lord Zhen became engrossed in thought. He did not have sufficient information to make a decision. He was going to buy some time but Zhen Ya impatiently interjected.


    "Agree to his demand, Brother."


    The City Lord threw her a look of annoyance but did as she asked. Ikasa pushed the 30 spirit coins from his pile towards the City Lord.


    "For the next 10 Spirit Coins, I want to take over all of Monstrous me Sect''s leftover assets, including the cultivation manuals, their businesses, and their people. Also, a copy of all techniques found in the Hu n."


    The City Lord did not think for even a second and agreed. He smiled from ear to ear after earning 10 Spirit coins for practically nothing.


    However, Ikasa had made a huge gain. Firstly, his words had touched every remnant of the Monstrous me Sect.


    In a way, he had fulfilled the promise he made to Elder Yi. He had secured the legacy of the Sect in his hands. This further erased the residual resentment Elder Yi might have for him.


    Still, this was an immaterial gain. Ikasa had also made a profit in terms of material gain.


    The most precious asset of the Monstrous me Sect was its Energy Gathering Array. It would usually cost around 70 One-Star spirit coins.


    By ying with words, Ikasa obtained it for just 10 Spirit Coins!

 Chapter 135 Betrayal?

    While a war happened in the Monstrous me Sect, Birch City was not entirely peaceful. A shadowy figure stabbed a man walking down the street and dragged him into a nearby alley.


    "Who exposed me?"


    The figure asked threateningly. The man stabbed in his stomach looked at his bleeding wound with horror. Though not fatal, it needed to be treated soon.


    "Iˇ­ I only delivered the information gathered. I do not know who sent whatˇ­"


    The figure in ck sneered.


    "Since when did you start caring about loyalty over your life? Or have you fallen for that girl? Let me tell you one thing; You have no chance with her."


    The man flinched but he still looked fiercely at the figure in the dark.


    "Even if you kill me, I will not be a traitor like you. I will not betray our savior."


    The man looked defiantly at his assant and condemned him. His provocation incited the assant and the figure quickly stabbed him twice in the chest, ending his life.


    "Fucking Idiot! He really thought Umbra was a brotherhood."


    The figure in dark spat on the dead corpse and disappeared in the veil of night.


    ˇŞ-----------------


    Ikasa''s wordy was exposed after the City Lord had signed the agreement. Left with no choice, Zhen Wu could only begrudgingly ept the deal.


    "Good Job, Ikasa. You outyed me at my own game. I didn''t know you had the skill to twist words like that."


    The City Lord admiringlyplimented as they shook hands on the final agreement. Ikasa epted thepliment with a smile, neither proud nor overly humble.


    "Come to the manor tomorrow. We will discuss the guarantee letter further. I am also interested in knowing your ns."


    The City Lord said, suppressing the yawn. Then he turned and left the Hall with his sister.


    "Sigh! This was a looong night." Ikasa muttered looking at the rising sun from the window. He retired to one of the living quarters in the Sect for a short nap before heading to his Vi.


    Shortly after Ikasa went in for a nap in the Sect, a man delivered shocking news to Xin Ruo with a somber expression.


    In the vi, Xin Ruo was left speechless by the sudden turn of events. Many of the people in their informationwork had been killedst night!


    What linked them together was that every body had simr stab injuries.


    "This seems like the work of an insider, Ma ''am."


    The person who brought the news borated.


    "Only our people knew the whereabouts of men who died. And fewer knew the locations of them all."


    His meaning was obvious. It had to be one of the higher ups who orchestrated the killings. The only person who used a dagger wasˇ­


    "Yin Ying."


    Xin Ruo whispered solemnly. It was the only viable conclusion. Combined with all the negative news she had been receiving about her, she had a justified reason to suspect her.


    Still, she did not jump into action.


    She knew her father and Ikasa trusted the woman. Even the numerous reports were not enough to convince them. So, she decided to gather more conclusive proof before jumping into action.


    "Keep an eye out for her. Once she is discovered, capture her with all our power. If she dies, each one of you will die with her."


    Xin Ruo ordered the man. She also trusted Yin Ying once. And hence this betrayal felt even more surreal. She needed answers and only Yin Ying could provide them.


    Seeing Xin Ruo lost in thought, the man exited the room to follow orders.


    ˇŞ-----


    When Ikasa woke up, it was already past noon. After he freshened up, his nose smelled the aroma of herbs and meat. Famished, his stomach grumbled and forced his legs to follow the smell.


    He reached the dining hall where Elder Yi was having a meal with Feng Yan and Gu Dan. They chatted about inane topics and sidelined the topic of war.


    Ikasa was d that they had let go of their grudges and hostilities from before and were having a meal amiably. When he entered through the door, the three men discovered his presence.


    "Ikasa,e join us. Brother Yi is a great cook!"


    The only Sense Trainer who dared to call him by his name was obviously Feng Yan. As someone who had seen him grow from a weakling to the most powerful person in Birch City, he had the right to address him this way. Even Ikasa was too embarrassed to hear Feng Yan call him ''Boss'' or ''Master'' like others.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "What is this dish? Whatever it is, it smells delicious!"


    Ikasamented, grabbing a te that Elder Yi offered. He picked one of the chunks of meat grilled with some herbs and seasoning and took a bite.


    It was juicy and chewy. The more he chewed, the more aroma of the herbs permeated in his mouth.


    "Wow!" Ikasa eximed with surprise. Feng Yan and Gu Dan looked with amusement as they had simr reactions.


    "I call it the Sense Trainer''s delight. Only people who have reached the Sense Realm can feel the pleasure of this dish."


    Elder Yi exined with pride and a hint of sadness. He remembered cooking for the other Elders and their reactions, but now they were no more. Focused on food, Ikasa missed the mncholy of Elder Yi.


    "This is a great dish, Elder. You can open a restaurant with this dish alone!"


    Ikasa took a brief pause topliment and resumed his eating. With eyes shining, he devoured the entire te and burped.


    Only now he noticed the absence of Chu Kuang.


    "Where is uncle Chu?"


    "He went back this morning to take care of the Herb Store. He also brought Moony with him."


    Ikasa nodded. After the delicious lunch, it felt good to sit in the rxed atmosphere and bask in the sun. The older men chattered on the side.


    Suddenly, Elder Yi turned his attention to Ikasa.


    "Are you in dire need of the Spirit Coins, Master?"


    Seeing him fight tooth and nail for everyst spirit coin in the vault had puzzled Elder Yi.


    He understood Ikasa was not greedy for money or else he wouldn''t have given up half the coins in the treasury without batting an eyelid.


    Ikasa sighed and seriously exined his reasoning.


    "Spirit Coin is important if I want to expand my scope beyond the Holy Wood Empire. So, saving every single spirit coin is necessary. As they cannot be bought with gold coins, they are more precious than any amount of gold."


    After his exnation he saw Elder Yi nod in understanding.


    "Now that I think about it, how did the Sect manage to umte such arge reserve of Spirit Coins?"


    As far as Ikasa knew, the Monstrous me Sect mostly imported medicinal herbs from tier 2 cities and sold medicinal concoctions in the City. Neither of the trades involved spirit coins. Hence, Ikasa was curious.


    "I was about to suggest our method to you."


    Elder Yi got up and brought a booklet back. Handing it to Ikasa, he said, "We traded a few goods in this book with merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire. They usually pay at least 10 One-Star Spirit Coins for any of the objects shown here."


    "Oh?"


    Ikasa asked, fascinated by the high price.


    "Yes. A few months back wemissioned the Li Family to procure one of the objects avable for auction in Lotus Pavilion. Those greedy idiots instead purchased a High Grade Cultivation Manual and refused our request."


    Hearing Elder Yiin about the Li Family, Ikasa smiled a sheepish grin. Feng Yan had no inhibitions and he loudlyughed. He began to tell the story of a so-called High Grade Manual that the Li Family had purchased, entertaining Elder Yi and Gu Dan.


    Ikasa didn''t want to delve into the past so he opened the book. His expression became strange upon seeing the inventory.


    There were Energy Efficiency Stars, Wi-Fi dongles, chipsets and various metals listed in the book. The book''s contents were nearly identical to the booklet ''The Underworld'' had provided Feng Yan.


    He interrupted Feng Yan and confirmed his guess.


    "Elder Yi, where did you get this book from?"


    "It is provided by almost every Merchanting from the Furnace Fire Empire for trade. Why? Is there a problem?"


    Ikasa looked at Feng Yan but thetter shook his head. So, Ikasa dropped the matter. Instead he asked about the thing he was most curious and hesitant about.


    "Elder Yi, what is the use of these items? Why would those merchants buy them at such a high price?"


    "I don''t know the use but I have heard a few drunk merchants gossip. Apparently, the Royal Family of the Furnace Fire Empire purchases these items for a high price. They say these materials are useful in producing the Spirit Coins."


    Ikasa''s eyes widened, but not for the same reasons as others. His thinking went in another direction.


    ''If you need Energy Efficiency Star, the WiFi dongle and Chipsets to produce Spirit Coins, could they also have a machine like mine? Is there another person like me in this world?''

 Chapter 136 Plans

    Putting aside his thoughts, Ikasa skimmed through the booklet. He saw one of the pages was earmarked.


    "Prime Gold?"


    He looked at Elder Yi, puzzled.


    "Prime Gold is one of the metals used to make Spirit coins. The page is earmarked because we found a ce where it can be mined."


    Ikasa''s eyes lit up. He checked the estimated price of the metal in the booklet.


    ''500 gold per Kilogram! That means trading just 1 Kg of it would earn One Star Spirit Coin!''


    "So where can we find it, Elder Yi?"


    "ording to the information we received, it is found in abundance in the nar Rift of Beech City."


    "The same rift that the City Lord of Beech City disappeared into?"


    Feng Yan asked with a troubled expression. Elder Yi nodded in response.


    Ikasa''s face fell upon knowing the danger level of the location. Even if he wanted to give it a try, he did not need to rush into unknown space with zero preparations.


    "Anyone who can actively use their Spiritual Sense can safely navigate in the Rift."


    This information from Elder Yi made his mood even dourer. He was far from actively using his Spiritual Sense.


    The case of other Sense Trainers of his faction was no different. They would need at least a few months to reach the Advanced stage of Sense Realm and freely utilize their Sixth Sense.


    ''Anyways, I need this time to digest the gains from this battle and to also cut a deal with the He Family.''


    Ikasa reassured himself. He asked Elder Yi a few more questions about the nar Rifts and the treasures inside.


    "We don''t know why the nar Rifts are called that way but it is a word used by the Absolutes. So we use it too."


    Answering Ikasa''s first question, Elder Yi moved on to the second one.


    "As for treasures, there are plenty of them in a Rift. Those other items in the book can also be found in the rift. If you encounter a steel guardian beast, it usually is guarding one of those treasures."


    "Steel Guardian Beast?"


    Gu Dan interrupted Elder Yi to borate on the word.


    "Those are beasts enhanced with metal armaments. I haven''t seen one so I can''t give you exact details, but it is much more formidable than a Spirit Condensation Stage Beast!"


    The three Sense Trainers sucked in a cold breath. Their expressions became grave upon knowing the power levels of the treasure guardians.


    "We will be more prepared and stronger when we decide to go."


    Ikasa reassured them. He was banking on the fact that he could receive more manuals in a month. He expected a few of those battle techniques to teach skills rted to weaponry.


    Hopefully, they will help his people wield their weapons better, increasing theirbat prowess by a notch.


    They continued chatting until dusk approached. Their merry time was interrupted by the arrival of Xin Ruo and a few more people in ck clothes.


    Realizing the identity of the people following her, he got up and led them to a nearby hall.


    "Why are they here?"


    Ikasa asked, his tonecking warmth. He was angered by theck of discipline and covertness in his informants.


    Which spy walks out in the open in ck robes, that too in broad daylight?!


    Their getup screamed ''Suspicious'' to everyone else!


    Xin Ruo couldn''t be bothered to exin the circumstances. She quickly put forth the reports of serial killingsst night.


    As Ikasa read through them, she voiced her doubts.


    "All the victims have simr stab wounds. They were obviously made with a dagger. Most of these victims reported against ''her''."


    As he listened to Xin Ruo, he could hear distrust and doubt for Yin Ying. Ikasa thought it was best if he cleared it right then and there.


    "Yin Ying has yed a very important role in finishing this war. Don''t doubt her loyalty for a second."


    Xin Ruo narrowed her eyes. Her look said she wanted details but this was not the time to talk about them.


    "Where is Zheng Fan? Isn''t he the one who made the most reports against Yin Ying?"


    "He was the one who found the first victim. He ims to have seen Yin Ying stab the victim. In the tussle that ensuedter, he was injured and Yin Ying got away. Uncle Chu is tending to him now."<novelnext></novelnext>


    "What about the victim?"


    "He died."


    ''How convenient.''


    Ikasa thought with fists clenched. The entire event smelled of conspiracy against Yin Ying. Yet, he couldn''t prove anything.


    "May I ask why you are trusting Yin Ying so much? Even over the many proofs of her joining the other side?"


    More than 20 people had seen Yin Ying serve by Path Finder Zhi''s side. She had killed over 10 City Guards in the battle for Birch City''s Port. Even now, she was the chief suspect in the murders of their informants.


    Hence, Xin Ruo couldn''t hold back her skeptical curiosity. Her pursed lips indicated she wouldn''t back off if Ikasa could not provide a valid reason to prove her innocence.


    Ikasa appreciated this quality of hers. Though it maye off as nagging and annoying to some, Ikasa knew it was far from the truth.


    His secretary on Earth, Donna, also forced him to reveal his reasons and reexamine them when she thought he was making a mistake. This exercise helped him keep his logic intact and make decisions with a level head.


    Organizing his thoughts and memories about Yin Ying, he questioned where his trust for her originated from.


    Was it the single tear stain on the letter where she informed him that she was joining the Monstrous me Sect?


    Was it the notes and tidbits of information he had received from her despite her dangerous situation and had been proven true?


    Or was it when she snooped on a Path Finder Realm and ryed information that yed a crucial role in the said Path Finder''s demise?


    Ikasa could not determine the exact reason but he reaffirmed his belief that Yin Ying was on his side. Only Xin Ruo was unaware of these incidents.


    "Xin Ruo, I don''t doubt her neither should you. Still, we need to confirm the truth. Order the men to capture her from wherever she is. Also, call every informant in thework here. Including Zheng Fan."


    Ikasa instructed as he walked out of the room. As an afterthought, he added from the door.


    "Also, ask Uncle Chu to bring Moony along."


    As he walked away from the room, he said in his heart,


    ''It is time to distribute rewards and punishments.''


    ˇŞ----


    While Ikasa was speaking to Xin Ruo, Yin Ying had gotten wind of their meeting. Caked with dried blood, she rushed through the forest towards the Monstrous me Sect.


    After rolling the boulder at the tunnel''s entrance, she wiped her face. She took a short break to catch her breath. The loathsome face of a man as he murdered her subordinates shed through her mind.


    "I need to convince Ikasa and Feng Yan before those bastards. I won''t let them tarnish my name and disparage my efforts!"


    After entering the tunnel, she unsheathed her dagger. She was ready to strike if anyone, human or animal, dared to obstruct her way.


    s! She was toote. She was captured as soon as she neared the end of the tunnel. Bound by ropes, she was taken to the Sect''s prison to await trial.


    She was handled like an enemy and rough-housed by the very men she trusted. One of the men pushed her into the cell and mmed the door shut.


    "Hmph! Even that Ikasa, the one you so faithfully served, believed us. We told you, these rich silky pants cannot be trusted."


    A man with a scar on his cheek sneered with disdain. Another man with thick eyebrows was more sympathetic towards Yin Ying, but he still had a lot of resentment for her.


    "We could''ve gone to the Earth Fire Sect, Yin Ying! A County ss force! All you had to do was follow the Path Finder obediently. Yet, you decided to expose Zheng Fan. Now, enjoy the fruits of your misced loyalty."


    He ended his rant with a snort. They continued to me her for her current predicament. When they saw her eyes ring daggers at them, they talked about how they had framed her; enjoying her impotent rage.


    After gloating for a while, they left to report her capture to Xin Ruo.


    Left alone in the dark room, Yin Ying felt as if she had been stabbed in the back. She didn''t know whose betrayal hurt her more-


    The men for whom she had endured humiliation and abuse?


    Or Ikasa, who she had served loyally at the risk of her life.


    She silently contemted her life choices in the darkening room. Lost in her thought, she did not hear the footsteps approaching her cell.


    When the door opened, a ray of light shined on her. Figuratively and literally.


    "Did you really think you would be abandoned? My son-inw has many ws but he is not an ungrateful bastard."


    A teary smile came to her face as she saw her beacon in the darkening night. She was relieved to know that she had not boarded the wrong ship!

 Chapter 137 Punishment And Rewards

    "We have just gone through a war. Even though it was not our war, we were involved directly as an ally."


    In the training grounds, Ikasa addressed his gathered forces. Knowing the seriousness of the situation, Chu Kuang had brought most of his Private Force as well.


    "Although none of our men died, the loyalty of a few people fell in this war."


    Looking at the informants, Ikasa scathinglymented. He quickly turned to look at Yin Ying who was bound by ropes beside him.


    "Today, we will not only punish the traitors, we will also reward the meritorious. Let''s start with the traitors."


    Every person here knew who this trial was for. Some barely suppressed their glee, while many others looked at the bound woman with worry.


    "Yin Ying joined the Monstrous me Sect and then served the Path Finder Zhi Yang, a person hostile to our ally and thus, me. Reports say she has killed more than 10 City Guards, people from our allied forces."


    Turning to the bound Yin Ying, Ikasa asked, "Do you ept the allegations?"


    Yin Ying impassively nodded. Increasing his volume, Ikasa asked loudly,


    "Did you also kill the informants who reported against you?"


    Yin Ying shook her head. Many people who supported her sighed with relief while those against her sneered.


    "We have evidence that it was in fact you who killed them. Your dagger was retrieved from the victim''s wound. Your robes were caked with the victim''s blood."


    "We also have a witness, Zheng Fan, who saw youmit the murder. Do you still deny the allegations?"


    Yin Ying nodded her head vigorously. Her eyes showed a hint of panic.


    He registered her denial and asked the people who acted as information gatherers.


    "Since she is denying the ims, I will ask you. Raise your hand, if you think she is guilty."


    Every person surrounding Zheng Fan raised their hands. A few who had lost their close friends also raised their hands.


    Xin Ruo noted their faces and Feng Yan jumped into action. People under hismand immediately surrounded the people who had raised their hands and subdued them.


    "What is the meaning of this?"


    Zheng Fan shouted at Ikasa, his eyes ring at him. His voice was muffled because his face was pressed into the ground.


    Feng Yan walked over and kicked his face, breaking his nose.


    "Shut Up, you sonofabitch!"


    Every person conducting this trial knew this was a farce. A facade arranged to catch the disloyal bastards who had framed Yin Ying.


    Those who would condemn her guilty would be the prime suspects. And Ikasa''s n had seeded. Some may have escaped through the, but they wouldn''t dare to cause trouble after seeing the example he makes out of these traitors.


    Other informants were panicked as many of their friends were suddenly overpowered and subdued. To calm them, Xin Ruo shouted.


    "Quiet! Anyone who resists will also be treated the same as them!"


    She then respectfully untied the ropes binding Yin Ying and helped her up from the ground.


    "I am sorry. Because of my ipetence, you have been wronged."


    "It is not entirely your fault. I trusted these bastards too much and let a novice like you take charge of a troublesome bunch."


    Yin Ying said, gritting her teeth. Her eyes burned with fury as she looked at Zheng Fan and others who were tasting mud.


    Feng Yan and his men dragged them to the forefront. Ikasa took out another paper from his robes and began to read the crimes.


    "Zheng Fan and his cronies are responsible for misreporting information, sabotaging battles andmitting murders of fellow agents. Most importantly, they tried to incite a rebellion!"


    Ikasa took a brief pause and looked at every other person under him. With a chilling tone, he decided the fate of those who framed Yin Ying.


    "In my eyes, these people deserve nothing short of death!"


    His promation caused informants to grow ufortable. They found their friends and family members in the people who were arrested. They wondered if they would suffer the same fate some day.


    A few of them were innocents, who had genuinely believed Yin Ying to be guilty on the basis of facts presented. They did not expect to be executed for giving their verdict.


    They tried to proim their innocence by pleading to Ikasa. When he was not moved, they changed their target to Yin Ying and Xin Ruo. Yin Ying was apathetic to their pleas but not Xin Ruo.


    She acted just as Ikasa expected her to. She offered them a way out.


    "Many of them are guilty but some of them may not be. Can''t you spare them?"


    Yin Ying shook her head at the girl''s naivety. No wonder she did not catch the discrepancies in reports.


    But she did not know that Ikasa and Xin Ruo had made a n to create a rift among the informants.


    Ikasa looked at Xin Ruo and pretended to think about her suggestion for a few breaths. His act raised the hopes of many arrested people.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "It is possible to spare the innocent." He slowly said. Looking at the rest of the members of his informationwork, he presented his offer.


    "If you believe any one of the used people to be innocent, you can vouch for them. But remember, they will be your responsibility. Any crime theymit, both of you will be punished. Any takers?"


    ? The people who were sympathizing with the arrested ones stood rooted on their spots. No one came forward to save their friends or family members.


    With the recent prior experience, they thought this was another hoax to catch sympathizers. Hence, no one dared to vouch for any person who was arrested.


    When no one came forward to rescue them, the one''s being used felt betrayed. They began to provoke their brothers and lovers to save them from death.


    "You bastard! What did I not do for you! I treated you like a brother and you still can''t vouch for me?"


    "I did this for our better future because you said you loved me. Is this how you show love?"


    The people, toward whom the words were directed, stood out. Other informants distanced themselves from these people, afraid of getting caught up in their mess.


    When he put forth his offer, Ikasa nned to sow seeds of distrust and discord amongst the informants to prevent them from colluding with each other behind his back. Seeing the scene in front of him, he had seeded.


    He let the used run their mouths for a few more minutes. Then he came forward and released the people who were standing further away from Zheng Fan when they were arrested.


    "Remember, no matter how clever you think you are, you cannot hide your tracks from me."


    Pointing to the people he released, he said, "These people may not be involved with Zheng Fan. But they showed disloyalty to their savior. So their fate will be decided by Yin Ying."


    Turning to Zheng Fan and others, Ikasa sealed their fate.


    "As for these pests, they will be thrown off the cliff to their deaths!"


    The guards brought them to the edge of a steep cliff. There were no trees growing out of the cliff to save them from their deaths.


    Screams of terrified men echoed through the valley as they were pushed off the edge, one after another.


    Startled by their screams, flocks of birds took to the air and abandoned their nests. Ikasa watched the orange sky filled with the flying ck dots before slowly approaching Zheng Fan.


    "Ikasa, don''t think you will get away with this! The Earth Fire Sect wille after you to avenge Path Finder Zhi, to avenge us!"


    Zheng Fan spoke bold words but his trembling legs showed how afraid he was of his pending death.


    "Don''t worry. I will outlive the Earth Fire Sect''s Sect Master. Now, die!"


    Ikasa personally kicked the butt of the leader of this rebellion and sent him into the maws of death.


    Arrrrrrgh! Thump.


    When thest scream stopped echoing, an ufortable silence spread amongst his people.


    "I have said this earlier but I will repeat it again!"


    Ikasa spoke, breaking the ice.


    "Loyalty will be rewarded but punishment for betrayal is death!"


    His steely voice rang louder in contrast to the silence. Once he felt his words had sunk into the people''s heads, he smiled a little.


    "Now that the traitors have been punished, it is time to honor the meritorious!"


    Both, information gatherers and members of Feng Yan''s regiment, looked at him with anticipation. They wondered what he would offer as rewards.


    "First and foremost, Yin Ying!"


    He turned to the wronged woman and offered her his sincerest apology.


    "For her bravery and loyalty, I bestow upon her the best grade Cultivation Manual and a thousand gold coins!"


    Ikasa purposely twisted the words Top to best so that even if there were any remnants of the rebellious group in the left over informants, they would be misled and think he was rewarding her a High Grade manual.


    Still, the reward of a thousand gold was no joke! It immediately propelled Yin Ying from the status of amoner to a nouveau riche person. If she could grow her wealth, she would one day be a true member of the upper echelon!


    Most of the men dreamed of such a pie falling in theirps. Now that they had witnessed it fall in someone else''sp, they were green with jealousy.


    Nheless, it gave them motivation to work harder for Ikasa. Who knows, Ikasa might notice their work one day and reward them simrly?


    After the hubbub settled down, Ikasa made his second announcement.


    "Every member who fought in the war will receive 1000 Contribution points. You can exchange these points for houses for family members, Cultivation and Battle Techniques, and other resources."


    "Remember one contribution point is worth 1 Silver. So spend them wisely!"


    His second announcement was greeted with stunned silence and then the crowd exploded!

 Chapter 138 Restructuring

    The Hall of Elders had witnessed the good days of the Monstrous me Sect as well as seen its darkest of night. But today, it would witness the birth of an organization whose members led the Sect to ruin.


    In the Hall, Ikasa had gathered all the chief persona in his group. Feng Yan, Chu Kuang, Gu Dan, Yin Ying and Xin Ruo had taken a seat around the table.


    With a preamble, Ikasa exined to them the purpose of the meeting.


    "When I started, it was a small manual selling business. Now, it has grown and spanned over two cities. With the acquisition of Herb Garden, we are also taking care of the medicinal needs of Birch City."


    "Today, I want to thank every one of you. Because you took care of the relevant fields, I never had to intervene; Never realized how big we have grown."


    He met the eyes of every person seated around the table, letting them know the sincerity in his words. Every word he said was from the heart and true.


    If not for the rebellion happening in Yin Ying''s absence, he wouldn''t have paused and looked back at the ws in his growth.


    The trial yesterday had opened the eyes of Ikasa. He knew he was growing but he had no idea how big he had be. Without a statistics sheet to show him his growth, he was oblivious to the number of people he employed!


    Only when all his people gathered for the trial, Ikasa came to realize that more than 150 people were now under his employ. Of them, only a few had signed the contract!


    Ikasa felt the urgent need to formalize and restructure his organization as soon as possible. Not only because he did not want to see such a rebellion in the future but also because he felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.


    He was no longer new to this world. Afraid of the third rate powers, he was not struggling to sneakily sell a few manuals.


    Now, he was the strongest power in a Tier 3 City! He was the provider of over 100 families! From the sries he gave his employees, their families were fed and clothed!


    As such he could no longer ignore this issue. He needed a proper ounts department, a formal security wing and of course an appropriate pay structure.


    He looked at the trustworthy people he had gathered during the past few months. There could not be more qualified people to head their respective departments.


    Hence, Ikasa decided to officially establish the relevant department and appoint them to their positions.


    Ikasa decided to start with the Herb Garden.


    "Uncle Chu, you have done a splendid job in managing the production as well as the sales aspect of the Herb Garden. If you are willing, I want you to continue taking care of it. What do you say, Uncle Chu?"


    Ikasa voiced his request as a question and waited for Chu Kuang''s answer.


    "It is my honor, Master."


    "Good!" Ikasa sat up and pped with joy. He immediately let him know his position while handing him the first set of instructions.


    "Uncle Chu, You will be the General Manager of all things rted to the Herbs and Herb Garden. Please give me a list of all the people working in the Herb Garden and their payments as soon as possible."


    Chu Kuang''s job had not changed. He was only promoted in name from Manager to General Manager. Nheless, it was an official position.


    "Also, I almost forgot to tell you that Medicine Master Yi will also join the Herb Garden. He will be in charge of overseeing the production of medicines, so include him and his disciples in the list."


    Ikasa added as Chu Kuang was yet to know about Elder Yi''s role. He would put an appropriate pay structure in ce after he had the list of employees and their currentpensation.


    Next, he turned to the security. What made him the strongest power was not only the Sense Trainers, but also his formidable militia.


    "Yes, I will stay on as the Supreme Commander of your forces."


    Before Ikasa could ask, Feng Yan answered pompously. Ikasa''s lips twitched at his pomp. He immediately burst his bubble.


    "First get me the list of men serving under you. I want each and everyone''s name and number of family members."


    Feng Yan balked at the amount of paperwork he would have to do. He was about toin when Ikasa shut him up.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Take a few of the kids to help you or assign this to your subordinates; I don''t care. I want the list ready by next week or you can be someone else'' deputy, maybe even Xin Ruo''s?"


    Feng Yan scoffed at thest part but immediately shut up seeing Xin Ruo re at him.


    "Yin Ying, now that we are expanding faster than ever, information is crucial for every step. I don''t want to see a repeat of what happened during this battle again. So no matter what, you cannot personally take risks!"


    She nodded nkly. The betrayal of the men who had apanied her for so long had hit Yin Ying hard. This incident also let Ikasa know that if they are not under contract, they are not trustworthy.


    Ikasa also understood that not every person working under her wanted to work as an informant. If they were forced to do so, he may have another rebellion at hand. Hence, aside from making them distrustful of each other, he had devised another n.


    "Henceforth we will divide the informants into tiers. Those who provide more information can get more benefits and those who want to pursue other goals can do so as well."


    Yin Ying paid rapt attention to what Ikasa said.


    "To begin with, let''s divide them into inner members and outer members. You and Xin Ruo should go through the reports during your absence and find who provided the most trustworthy news. Promote them to inner members and get them to sign a contract."


    "What about the rest?" Yin Ying asked.


    "Let them be the outer members. We can make our outer membership like a mercenary organization. Anyone can join for a fee and exchange information for information."


    Xin Ruo provided another fantastic idea. This way they could effectively use most of the mercenary and adventurer parties to their advantage. Now that the Hu n had fallen, they could easily take over their business as well!


    Still, it was easier said than done. He would need a sticking glue to make the external users repeat customers.


    Manuals would not work as they were the main source of his ie. If he used manuals to attract customers in the information guild, who would go to his shop? Also, it may attract hostile attention as his identity would be easily exposed due to his unique manuals.


    ''Well, this is something to think aboutter.''


    Ikasa put this idea on the back burner and gave his judgment.


    "We will formte a n before implementing your idea Xin Ruo. For now, let''s focus on existing members."


    "Yin Ying, you will work with Old man Feng under the Security Wing. any threats you encounter, he will provide the first response."


    As impulsive as he may be, Ikasa knew the old man was a seasoned veteran who wouldn''t jump into danger willy nilly. So, he was assured on this front.


    Now he only needed a qualified man to take care of his finances and he could unburden thest responsibility on him.


    "Boss, everything is well and good but are you going to keep calling this huge organization Ikasa''s Manuals?"


    Gu Dan asked with doubt, silently marveling at the huge growth experienced by the organization in thest six months. Everyone else also turned to look at him, as it was indeed an inappropriate name.


    When he started, Ikasa only had his eyes set on opening a shop selling his manuals. After entering the Birch City, he had also diversified into Herbs business. Ikasa''s Manuals was indeed not a good name for an organization that wanted to dip its fingers into many pies.


    Ikasa also understood their concerns. He had not given this a serious thought before, but now he had to. With growth, the name would be a brand and Ikasa''s manuals would narrow people''s perspective.


    He had already made numerous divisions, just like one would in a modern daypany. His name should also reflect this while suiting the tastes of this world.


    "Gold Heart." Ikasa muttered.


    "Our businesses are centered around making gold but most importantly helpingmoners improve their lives. Hence, we have a Heart of Gold and our name should reflect that."


    "Starting today, the Private force will be called Goldheart Guardians! The name of the manual store will remain unchanged but when we trade with other parties, we will use the name of Gold Heart Trading Company."


    "Our internal currency, the contribution points, will be called Goldhearts!"

 Chapter 139 Unusual Behavior

    Two men, one in his fifties and the other in his thirties, stood before the most famous shop on Manual Street, Ikasa''s Manuals.


    "So this is the famed Shop that sells Single Use Manuals that has affected our business in Sal City and Birch City?"


    The older man asked Xu Ran rhetorically. His identity was so shocking that even Xu Ran, the owner of Martial Soul Trading Company based in a tier 2 Ebony City, bowed to him.


    He was a Path Finder from the He Family, He Ding.


    Xu Ran had seen the miraculous manuals sold by the Xue Family in Sal City. The moment he saw them, he came to understand that traditional Martial arts manuals wouldn''t stand a chance against them.


    They were miles apart!


    Single Use manuals were cheap, convenient and better quality while the traditional manuals were expensive, hard to use and lower grade.


    No wonder they had captured the entirety of markets of these lower tier cities!


    Noticing the rise of another giant in the Martial Techniques market, he carefully investigated the origin of the manuals and reported his findings to the He Family.


    At the same time, He family also received another report from the fourth seat of the Hu n, Qi Shu. He also mentioned Ikasa''s manuals as the reason for their declining orders.


    Thus, the He Family took this matter seriously. Losing the market of one Tier 3 City meant a loss of nearly 10,000 gold per year. After they lost Birch City as well, that loss became unbearably high. It forced them into action.


    First, they tried to get rid of Ikasa using the Hu n but that n failed spectacrly. Instead the Hu n was wiped out.


    They couldn''t act immediately after because of the Battle of Rights. Due to the Battle, the entire Birch City was under a lockdown.


    Even He Family did not dare to test the Absolutes'' Will. They waited for the Battle to end. As soon as they received the news of the Battle of Rights ending, a Path Finder from the He Family set off for Birch City.


    Xu Ran apanied the venerated expert on this trip as a guide.


    At this moment, they stood before their destination.


    The two men were pleasantly surprised by the Shop''s modest disy of wealth. The exterior was aesthetically pleasing and done tastefully, unlike the gaudy show of wealth that many shops go for.


    A pleasant aroma of the Sandalwood permeated from inside the shop, inviting the customers to step inside.


    "Hmph! This guy sure knows how to get more customers!"


    He Dingmented, pushing the door open. Xu Ran followed after him. The Path Finder nced at the thin middle aged man sitting behind the counter menacingly.


    "Are you Ikasa? The Owner of this Shop?"


    The Path Finder asked, mming the sandalwood desk with his palm. He manipted a little Energy to leave his palm imprint on the counter, scaring the shit out of the man standing behind the counter.


    "N-N-Noˇ­ Th¨CThe Owner is in h-his Vi in the N-North.. "


    The middle aged man answered, with a stutter. Satisfied with his answer, He Ding did not cause him any more trouble and left with Xu Ran.


    The two left so swiftly that the shopkeeper scratched his head with confusion. If not for the palm print on the counter, he might have thought he was dreaming!


    ˇŞ----


    "The He Family made a move much faster than expected."


    City Lord Zhen remarked upon hearing the news of a Path Finder''s arrival in the City.


    "This just means that Ikasa is much more valuable of an asset than you thought."


    Zhen Ya gloated, reminding her brother of the insurance agreement he had signed. The conditions were overly protective of Ikasa and it was all because of her interference.


    "His n is great. If he can execute it, we will only reap the profits without any work."


    The City Lord said, looking in the direction of Ikasa''s distant residence. When he heard of Ikasa''s n, he could only say he was trying to take a bite of a dragon. But Ikasa''s manuals had the potential to bring his n to reality.


    Soon, he may capture the entirety of the Deciduous County''s Martial Methods market! And thanks to his prudence, he would receive 3% of profits made every year!


    While the Zhen siblings were celebrating their decision, a worried voice broke their chains of thought.


    "If a Path Finder is going to his ce, shouldn''t you protect him?"


    Xue Miao, City Lord Zhen''s wife, asked with worry.


    It was her family who had rmended Ikasa. She was initially skeptical of this unknown person but he had helped her husband more than she could''ve imagined.


    With the rise of Ikasa, her sister-inw''s stigma against her had also reduced and she could finally feel the rtions between them improve.


    Ikasa was the cause of her improving image and his downfall could also ruin her mending rtions. Hence, she gathered courage to interject. She looked worriedly at the two siblings waiting anxiously for their reply.<novelnext></novelnext>


    City Lord Zhen smiled at his wife. She was naive and could cause mess, but she always had his best interests at heart. This was the only reason he had never resented her for the Monstrous me Sect''s fiasco.


    He looked at his sister and mischievously asked, "What should we do Path Finder Zhen?"


    "We should do as the Madammands."


    In a rare show of youthfulness, Zhen Ya thawed her frosty countenance and cheekily replied. She winked at Xu Miao before jumping off the ground with City Lord Zhen.


    And the two left for Ikasa''s Vi, leaving a stunned Xu Miao behind.


    ˇŞ---


    "Hahaha! This little piece of paper will guarantee my safety when I contact the He Family!"


    Ikasaughed heartily while holding the insurance agreement. The one he had obtained after unveiling his grand n to City Lord.


    It explicitly stated that he was protected by the Zhen Family. Any attack on him would be seen as an attack on the Zhen Family.


    The City Lord was hesitant to write a contract with such direct words, but Path Finder Zhen Ya convinced him.


    "The more I see her, the more I find her pleasing to the eye."


    Ikasa eximed, rubbing his smooth chin. He was in a great mood today because everything had gone ording to the n. As he was enjoying the bright sunlight, the door to his bedroom opened.


    "Who looks pleasing to the eye?"


    Behind him, Xin Ruo asked from the door. He detected a slight hint of jealousy in her question. Ikasa smirked before slowly turning around.


    She avoided looking at him pretending to be busy with her work. Still, her furtive nces did not miss his notice.


    He scanned the girl from head to toe as she ced the dishes filled with some snacks on the table. She was wearing a beige form fitting gown entuating her curves. The gown''s color also suited her wheatish skin.


    As she bent, Ikasa saw her plump behind highlighted under her gown. She looked a mixture of sexy and sophisticated.


    A crooked smile came to his face, seeing her ravishing look. When she stood up, he closed the distance and held her by her shoulders.


    "Who looks pleasing to the eye? You." He whispered in her ears.


    Then he gently lowered his gaze to her plump lips. He saw her bite her lower lip and his heartbeat elerated.


    He lifted her chin and smashed his lips against hers. Biting her sulent lip, his tongue prated her mouth.


    "Mngh.."


    She moaned as his roaming handnded on her derriere, giving them a hard pat.


    His right hand cupped her chest and gently pinched her erect nipple over the cloth.


    She responded by biting his lip and breaking away from the kiss. Her face was flushed red and her breathing heavy.


    Ikasa was in no different condition. He was consumed by lust.


    He could control himself as long as he did not act. But now that he had acted on his impulse, he didn''t want to stop.


    "Xin Ruo, I want you."


    Ikasa hoarsely whispered in her ear. His warm breath tickled her earlobes. She shyly nodded, consenting to the deed.


    He gently lifted her up andid her on the bed.


    Just as he was about to undress her, he heard a loud shout resound through the Vi.


    "Ikasa, Come out! Let''s have a chat!"


    Soon after, frantic footsteps came to a stop outside his door. Then someone banged on the door.


    "Master! Someone from the He Family is here!"


    It was Caretaker Han shouting from outside his door.


    Ikasa barely suppressed his annoyance. He growled into Xin Ruo''s ear, "This is not over. We will continue this at night."


    She meekly nodded, turned on by Ikasa''s domineering side. Ikasa bit her earlobe and released her from his embrace.


    He straightened his clothes and made himself presentable. Then with a raging boner, he went downstairs to negotiate the survival/expansion of Gold Heart Business Group!

 Chapter 140 How Dare You Dictate The Terms?

    Chakra Sensing Realm. The realm where a human begins to merge with nature and learns to actively manipte the energy. Where he starts oveing the mortal boundaries and steps into the territory of the extraordinary.


    Every Chakra, minor and major, detected in this realm determines the height he can reach. The higher the number discovered, the greater the potential of the cultivator.


    When you think you have discovered all the Chakras possible, you can begin to join them. Like the game of connecting the dots, you need to string all the discovered Chakras with one single Energy Path.


    Finding this Path is the ultimate aim of this realm. Hence, the Practitioners in the Chakra sensing Realm are venerated as the Path Finders.


    One such Path Finder stood before Ikasa. Unlike Path Finder Zhi, he was not bound by any rule imposed by the Absolutes. He freely emanated his aura, exerting pressure on every mortal in his surroundings.


    Suffocated by the pressure, Ikasa''s heartbeats elerated. His annoyance and boner, both disappeared under the pressure. In fact, it had be hard for him to breathe with so much power concentrated on him.


    Only then did Ikasa understand the power of a Chakra Sensing Expert, who could easily demolish any third-tier force by himself.


    The demonstration of force did notst long. Just after a few seconds, Path Finder He retracted his aura. He was after all just a Path Finder, not a Sage who had opened his Chakras.


    Taking a deep calming breath, Ikasa wiped the tiny droplet of sweat on his forehead. Though afraid for his life, he still went forward to receive the Path Finder with a smile on his lips.


    "Respected Path Finder, please enter my humble abode."


    Ikasa''s confidence took the hostile visitors by surprise.


    Xu Ran, who apanied the Path Finder, did not dare to move even after He Ding had retracted his aura. And he was an ally! The aura was not even concentrated on him!


    Yet, Ikasa could smile in the face of such power and even wee them inside. His bravery impressed the two men. They became curious to know what cards he was hiding and where his confidence stemmed from.


    Ikasa led the way for the two men and offered them seats in his spacious living room. The two men surreptitiously scanned the hall. The decor failed to impress the two who belonged to the uppermost sections of the Tier 2 Cities.


    "If you find my arrangementscking, please forgive me. This was the best I could do on such short notice."


    Ikasa sarcasticallymented, pouring tea for the guests.


    The Visitors didn''t know how to deal with Ikasa. On one hand, he was acting polite by pouring them tea, but his words were obviously sarcastic.


    ''Should I just kill him and end things?''


    He Ding thought, looking deeply at Ikasa as he epted the tea he poured. He sniffed the tea and made sure there wasn''t any poison in it. Then he took a sip.


    "Bitter."


    With onement he spat out the sip he had taken back into the cup and smashed the cup on the floor. He looked at Ikasa provocatively to see how he would react.


    Ikasa sipped from his cup calmly, smiling at the old man''s provocation.


    ''Just you wait darn old coot, that is not the only bitter thing you will taste this afternoon.''


    As if entirely by ident, Ikasa took out the agreement ensuring his safety, and ced it on the table. The letters wererge enough that any person could read them without picking up the document.


    He Ding''s attention was naturally attracted to the piece of paper. Curiously, he read through the content. Immediately, his face sank.


    He thanked his lucky stars for not directly attacking the young man sitting before him. Had Ikasa died, the Zhen Family would not have spared his He Family. His posture straightened and he treated Ikasa as he would treat an important junior.


    Xu Ran also finished reading the document and threw Ikasa an admiring gaze. To be able to draw the attention of the Zhen Family, the rulers of the Deciduous County, this young man indeed was special.


    He watched curiously to see what would be Ikasa''s next move.


    "Path Finderˇ­ Heˇ­?"


    Ikasa asked, probing the surname of the Path Finder and thus his origin. When he received the nod from the older gentleman, he continued.


    "The He Family and I are in the same business. But that does not mean that we have to be enemies."


    "Oh?"


    Ikasa''s calm statement caused He Ding to cock his eyebrows. He was intrigued by what Ikasa had to say. He looked at Ikasa with interest waiting for him to borate on his proposal.


    "My martial techniques are superior to the He Family''s in every possible way. They are of a better grade, cheaper, and more convenient for people to use."


    Si!


    Xu Ran drew in a cold breath. He looked at Path Finder He. The middle-aged man''s lips had thinned and his eyes were narrowed. He barely suppressed his aura from ring up.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Young man, you should show some humility."


    Xu Ran warned Ikasa, seeing the Path Finder He ready to blow up. Acting in ordance with his advice, Ikasa immediately put on a concerned look.


    "Did I speak wrongly, Senior? I am only speaking from my experience in Sal City and Birch City. Does the He Family sell better cultivation techniques in other Cities?"


    Xu Ran''s lips twitched looking at Ikasa''s earnest acting.


    ''This is not what I meant! Spare the Path Finder some dignity will you?''


    He thought, sneaking a nce at the Path Finder sitting beside him. Seeing He Ding on the verge of exploding, he slowly moved away from him.


    "Don''t be too arrogant, Ikasa! Just because you have captured the markets of two Tier-3 Cities, does not mean your manuals will seed everywhere else."


    He Ding thundered, releasing a trace of his aura. He could not sit idly and hear Ikasa insult his Family''s business.


    "Path Finder He, I am speaking the truth. I''ll ask this again, does the He Family have better Cultivation techniques for sale? Can theypete against my manuals?"


    His questions shut the Path Finder up. He had no suitable reply. The best cultivation techniques sold by the He Family barely reached the Mid Grade.


    They only sold this technique in the tier 2 and above cities for an exorbitant price of 300 Gold!


    In this world, where cultivation was the only means to advance in status and society, Cultivation Manuals were closely guarded secrets of ns, Families, and Sects.


    For Commoners and many nouveau riche, there were only two options to obtain cultivation methods. They could either brave the danger of ruin exploration in the search for a suitable Cultivation Manual or buy from the store.


    Most of themoners were too afraid to explore. Even if some were willing, they did not find much sess. Hence, they were left with no choice but to choose from the limited options offered by the Stores.


    Preying on their helplessness andck of choice, the He Family had earned a great sum by peddling the lowest quality of techniques for high prices.


    It was not like He Family faced nopetition. It''s just that thepetition was usually not much better in any aspect. The He''s would then lower their prices or use brute strength to wipe out their rivals, securing a monopoly over the Cultivation manual market of the County.


    Until Ikasa''s emergence.


    Who would''ve thought some nut-job would offer High-Grade Cultivation manuals for sale to Commoners? Who knew he would have mastered the art of Spiritual Imprints that let people learn his techniques instantly?


    No one! At least no one in the He Family had foreseen this scenario.


    Path Finder He knew he couldn''t win on the merits of the cultivation methods. So he went for the tried and tested brute force.


    Sneering, Path Finder He looked down on Ikasa.


    "The agreement only says we cannot touch you or your people. What about your customers? If no one can enter your shop, no matter how good your manuals are, how will they sell?"


    Ikasa frowned at the threat. He pursed his lips and glowered at the standing Path Finder.


    "I have been ying nice because I want to cooperate with the He Family. It seems I have chosen the wrong person to talk to."


    He spoke with a steely edge to his voice. Ikasa turned his attention to Xu Ran who seemed like a merchant himself.


    "Are all people in the He family like this?"


    He asked, pointing his thumb to the Path Finder He. Though he did not use any derogatory words, his tone itself was insulting enough.


    Xu Ran, petrified under the gaze of He Ding, cursed Ikasa for putting him on the spot. He tried to word his answer as diplomatically as possible as he sensed a huge business opportunity from Ikasa.


    "I- I usually deal with the Fourth Elder. Under hismand, my cooperation with them has been smooth."


    He said, eyeing the Path Finder with fear. He hoped his answer satisfied both the parties and he would not be attacked.


    "Then ry my words to the Fourth Elder. Sooner orter, my manuals will capture the entirety of the County''s markets. I am offering the He''s a chance to be my partners. I will provide the Manuals, they should take care of logistics."


    Ikasa stated his reason for tolerating them. He was done ying with the dumb fool and hispanion. He had better things to do than talk to a musclehead who could not differentiate between a hand offered for shaking and a hand raised to p his face.


    Ending his meeting, Ikasa stood up to walk the guests out. Suddenly, he felt massive pressure m into him.


    "How dare you dictate terms to the He Family?"

 Chapter 141 A Business To Business Deal

    "How dare you dictate terms to the He Family?"


    "How dare you order us around? "


    The Chakra Sensing Realm Expert coldly hissed as he stepped closer to Ikasa. With every step he took, pressure on Ikasa increased manifold.


    It was too much for him to bear. Ikasa stepped back but his spine remained straight. He did not look away from the ring eyes of the Path Finder nor did he bow to his coercion.


    When Ikasa was just out of the door, He Ding manipted the earth and sent a ball of mud smashing toward Ikasa.


    "Shouldn''t you be stepping in now to save the hero?"


    The City Lord jokingly asked his sister, who was carrying him while flying to Ikasa''s Vi. She red at him and threw him like a rag doll at Ikasa. Ikasa instinctively caught him in his arms, bridal style.


    She swooped inside the hall and blocked the elemental attack of Path Finder He. Soon, an icy palm mmed into the mud ball, freezing it in its ce.


    Ikasa looked at thedy before him with wonderment. Clearly, Zhen Ya had the advantage of the element as well as in terms of strength.


    "She has discovered 102 Chakras so far. If not for her adamance to detect all 121 before forming a Path, she would''ve been a Chakra Opening Expert long ago."


    City Lord wistfully sighed from Ikasa''s arms, looking at his sister''s back. Ikasa''s attention was drawn to the man. Zhen Wu had his arms wrapped around Ikasa''s neck and seemed to be engrossed in the battle of Chakra Sensing Experts.


    If anyone saw a muscr bearded manmenting on the battle of Path Finders while being carried in a lean young man''s arms, that person would have augh of his life.


    Thankfully for Ikasa, no one had seen the scene yet.


    "Ahem!"


    Ikasa cleared his throat drawing the attention of the City Lord. Realizing his situation, Zhen Wu quickly released his arms wrapped around him and jumped away. Both of them avoided eye contact and focused on the battle.


    "How strong do you think that Path Finder He is?"


    Ikasa asked, trying to forget the awkward moment.


    "You should ask this question to Zhen Ya after her battle."


    The City Lord replied tersely.


    ''You jumped into my arms! Why are you acting cranky now?''


    Ikasained in his head and shut up. The battle had already reached thest stage.


    Path Finder He had expended too much energy trying to intimidate Ikasa. He could not match Zhen Ya''s superior energy reserves and was quickly put on the back foot.


    Unable to cope with the girl''s increasingly aggressive maneuvers, the exhausted He Ding gave a wide opening to Zhen Ya.


    She did not fail to take advantage of his mistake.


    With an icy palm, Zhen Ya struck He Ding in the chest. Ice quickly spread from his chest to his head and waist, soon encasing his entire body.


    The battle concluded when an ice sculpture of a Path Finder formed in the ruined hall of Ikasa''s Vi.


    "Eh? This was easier than I thought. He must have detected less than forty minor Chakras."


    Zhen Ya murmured, looking at the ice statue. She dusted her palms and came back to her brother''s side, acting as if she had done nothing special!


    Even if he had just discovered thirty Chakras so far, he was still a Path Finder! A being who could kill any other Sense Realm Experts within seconds!


    Ikasa gulped a mouthful of saliva with nervousness and shifted his gaze from the beautiful Ice queen to the devastated living room. The battle had onlysted for a few moves, yet the furniture was ruined, walls were cracked, and the firece had been destroyed!


    ''If they fought for a few more moves, wouldn''t they just tten the entire Vi?!''


    Ikasa''s respect for thedy went up a notch. He also rejoiced at the fact that Path Finder Zhi only had about 1% of his peak strength when he attacked him.


    Soon Caretaker Han came out and started to take care of the debris. They found a shivering Xu Ran under one of therger pieces of the couch.


    "M-Mister Ik-Ikasaˇ­ I can connect you to the Fourth Elderˇ­ P-Please spare Path Finder He?"


    He spoke, fearfully looking at the Zhen siblings standing in the distance. Ikasa may be unaware of Zhen Ya''s reputation, but as a well-connected citizen of the deciduous county, how could Xu Ran be ignorant?


    The Jade Ice Arts, her signature skill, had frozen so many of her opponents in ice. Unless someone pleaded for the life of the person encased in ice, Zhen Ya never let them live.


    Xu Ran was too much of a coward to personally plead for He Ding''s life from the Ice Queen. So he tried to get Ikasa to do it in exchange for some benefits.


    But he yed the wrong card.


    "You are saying you had a method to contact the Fourth Elder all this time, yet you let that fool rampage here?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa asked with gritted teeth. His anger was visible from the way he directly called the frozen Path Finder a fool, literally to his face. The sculpture was just a few steps away from where they stood.


    "He- He is already waiting for your replyˇ­."


    Xu Ran said with his teeth ttering as he handed over the gray te to Ikasa. He snatched the te from the merchant''s hands and also received the mystic chalk.


    A message was already waiting for him on the te.


    [You want to discuss cooperation with us? How?]


    Realizing the limitations of the te, Ikasa skipped pleasantries.


    [I will wholesale you the manuals, you retail them.]


    He had given this a lot of thought.


    A variety of factors were involved in opening a shop in a distant city.


    He would have to take care of logistics, making sure his shops were always stocked with enough manuals. It meant additional cost as he would have to build and maintain a caravan himself.


    Manpower was another issue. A manual shop would easily attract the greed of local powers. To protect it, he would have to build his own force in every city he opens a shop skyrocketing his expenses.


    So, Ikasa had ruled this option out.


    Instead, he preferred cooperative deals like the one he had with the Xue Family. They purchased manuals from him, took care of the logistics themselves, and also sent him a part of their profits every month!


    If he could find such a partner in every city, he wouldn''t have to worry about opening shops at all!


    But finding such partners and adding them to his group was not easy.


    Ikasa knew that he would need time to grow his organization. And with the threat of He Family looming over his head, he could not grow at his own pace.


    That''s when he had a thought; Why not turn the He Family into an ally and use their channels to sell my manuals?


    Anyway, he had decided to change his business model from Direct to Consumer to Business to Business. Adding the He Family as a distributor for his manuals would only help scale his business!


    He formed a n to make the He''s from enemies into allies. First, he obtained the backing of a powerful family like the Zhen''s, ensuring his security and also giving him the right to speak on equal terms.


    And now he was on his next step, the negotiations.


    Bloop!


    A message arrived on the te.


    [Price? Profit Share?]


    [Price depends on the manual grade. 10% profits]


    Ikasa quickly replied. 10% may sound low, but Ikasa was not only earning from the profits they would make.


    He was in fact selling his manuals to the He Family, who would then sell them to their Customers! Basically, the chain would be Ikasa selling to the He Family and the He Family would then sell to the customer.


    In this chain, Ikasa could charge whatever amount he wanted as a manufacturing cost from the He Family! From 10 gold for a manual to 1000 Gold per manual!


    Still, Ikasa knew he couldn''t be too greedy. To keep the final selling price of his manuals low and gain more CP and BP, he had priced them reasonably.


    [300 Gold for 100x Low-grade Manual, 400 Gold for 100x Mid-Grade Manual.]


    After sending his prices, Ikasa waited for a response. He did not have to wait for long. Soon the te blooped again, signaling the arrival of a reply.


    [Deal! Will arrive soon with a contract.]


    After this message, the te turned dark. The chalk in Ikasa''s hand also crumbled to dust.


    Ikasa watched the dust fly away from his hands. It was only now he realized that he was already on the way to bing a big shot!


    He had allied with the most powerful Zhen Family and the second most influential He Family. No other third-tier City''s powers could boast of such connections!


    Xu Ran looked at Ikasa, with admiration and envy. He may have business rtions with the He Family, but he always knew his inferior position. The way Ikasa had dictated terms to the Fourth Elder, impressed him.


    "Are you not afraid of the He Family sabotaging your deal? After all, they were your enemies a few breaths agoˇ­"


    Xu Ran asked Ikasa. In a good mood, Ikasa patted his shoulders and replied,


    "In business, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal profits."

 Chapter 142 Life Of Five

    "In business, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal profits."


    Xu Ran muttered this line long after they had exited the gates of Birch City.


    Even though he was forced to pay for the damages caused to the mansion, he had no hard feelings for Ikasa. How could he harbor a grudge for a man who had be his idol in just one short meeting?


    If standing up to the He Family needed bravery, then to turn them into friends needed charisma. He had witnessed both aplenty from the man in question.


    However, he was not impressed by those qualities alone. What made him worship Ikasa was the piece of paper in his hands!


    "34 different types of Battle Techniques! 3 Cultivation Methods! Of them, one is even a High-Grade Cultivation manual!"


    He whispered, reading through the list again and again. Not only did the list contain all the previous mid grade and lower techniques like the Gazelle Punch, Nutcracker Kick and Peek-A-Boo Defense, Ikasa had also added the recently drawn techniques to the list.


    "Haymaker! An offensive mid grade technique. Loose Motion! A mid grade movement techniqueˇ­."


    He had questioned the wisdom of naming the techniques as such, but his sales had proved him wrong. If people were willing to buy them despite these names, maybe the problem was he himself and his narrow-mindedness.


    Looking in the direction of Ikasa''s Vi, Xu Ran resolved.


    "Brother Ikasa! I will surely spread the name of your manuals to every house in Ebony City!"


    ˇŞ-----


    "Yan Xiao, you''re striking the iron wrong! First, tap gently to check the density of the ore. Then start hammering with full swing at the portion that rings the most."


    Gu Dan demonstrated his method of smelting the iron ore once again to the youngd. He was passionate and a hard worker, but quick learning was not his forte.


    Yan Xiao did as Gu Dan showed. He lightly tapped the hammer on every inch of therge piece of metal ore.


    Thunk! Tunk!


    Gu Dan shook his head uong hearing the sounds. Yan Xiao''s use of force was too uneven when tapping. It produced different sounds not because of the property of metal, but because his hammer was either striking harder at one portion or lightly ncing at another.


    Yan Xiao did not give up. He persisted until he masterfully wielded the hammer.


    Ton! Te! Ti!


    His every strike brought out a different note from the raw unprocessed ore. After trying for the 17th time, he could finally distinguish between the soft and dense parts of the ore.


    He looked up at Gu Dan and saw a wide smile on his face. His efforts had paid off and he had mastered the first stage of Notes of Metal Hammering Technique!


    "Good! Now you are ready to smelt the ore!"


    Gu Dan pped and led Yan Xiao to the furnace room.


    "See those 10 pieces of ore?"


    Yan Xiao nodded, his eyes shining.


    "You can only leave after they are at least 90% pure."


    "How should I distinguish their purity?"


    Yan Xiao asked, scratching his head. He looked around for a device to measure the pureness of the ore.


    Gu Dan held Yan Xiao''s head and pointed to his ears.


    "Use these. When the entire smelted bar only makes the ''Ton'' sound signaling density, that''s when you know that the bar is 90% pure."


    The cksmith stepped back and started the fire in the furnace. He took off his shirts and held an ore in his tongs.


    "Now look closely at how I smelt the iron ore."


    And thus, Gu Dan began to hammer his knowledge into Yan Xiao, smelting him into a fine cksmith.


    ˇŞ-----


    Grrr!


    "Shh Moony! She will find us again if you make noise."


    Pei Yuan shushed the grumbling fox as they sneaked from one pir to another.


    Yin Ying was ''training'' Pei Yuan and Moony in the art of stealth. However, their training was suspiciously simr to ying hide and seek.


    This time it was Pei Yuan and Moony''s turn to hide while Ying Ying sought their traces in the limited open space of the Herb Garden''s residences.


    To win, the hidden ones had to reach the Honeygold Tree at the Center without getting detected by the seeker. After four attempts, Pei Yuan and Moony had still failed to win once.


    "Ha! Caught you two buggers."


    Yin Ying spoke, arriving behind the two like a ghost. Startled, Moony jumped behind another pir and disappeared from everyone''s site.


    "Moony, you are not allowed to use your powers."


    Yin Ying spoke in a stern voice causing the fox to reappear.


    Grr Grr!


    Moony grumbled, pointing one paw at Pei Yuan, as if saying the boy was the dead weight holding him behind.


    Yin Ying ignored the fox and his antics. She lectured Pei Yuan on what he did wrong.


    "The goal of this game is not only to reach the tree, but also to avoid your opponent. Just now, you were so taken in by the tree, that you forgot to track my movements. You didn''t even notice when I sneaked up on you."


    "Yes, mam. Now will you teach me how to wield a dagger?"


    Yin Ying shook her head.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I told you. I will only teach when you can either sneak past me or catch me before I reach the tree. And this is yourst chance for todayˇ­."


    Saying this, Yin Ying mixed into the numerous residents of the Herb Garden and disappeared from their view.


    Pei Yuan let out a long frustrated sigh and began to look out for his opponent, trying to find her before she reached the tree.


    ˇŞ------


    "How many more are left?"


    A bored Feng Yan asked Hei Ying and Chu Qing the umpteenth time. He had enlisted their help toplete the task Ikasa had assigned him.


    "Zhou Zhongli, age 21. Lives at Herb Garden with a wife and two mothers."


    "Mu Sang, age 19. Lives at Herb Garden with disabled father."


    As usual, Chu Qing and Hei Ying ignored Feng Yan and took down the information. These were thest ones left.


    The two kids let the ink dry and carefully rolled the sheet. While Hei Ying obediently handed her sheet over, Chu Qing did not.


    "Uncle, we are done. Where is the gold coin you promised?"


    "You rascal! How dare you ask forpensation from your Uncle?"


    Feng Yan scolded, making a grab for the sheet in Chu Qing''s hands.


    "Uncle, fairpensation is my right. If you don''t pay me, I willˇ­"


    Chu Qing threatened but he could note up with a suitable threat on the spot. Feng Yan mockingly asked.


    "I willˇ­ what?"


    The boy looked around and he immediately realized that he was holding the greatest threat in his hands!


    "I will tear this list to pieces!"


    Chu Qing dered with a smirk. Feng Yan''s face changed at his threat.


    ''Tomorrow is the deadline to submit these listsˇ­ If he tears it up, I would be the only one who has notpleted his task. I can''t be embarrassed before Yin Yingˇ­''


    Feng Yan backed off and extremely reluctantly took out a gold coin from his sleeve.


    "Damn that bastard Ikasa! What has he been teaching you kids?"


    Feng Yan murmured as he tossed the gold coin at Chu Qing and received the list from his hands. He carefully kept away the lists in a wooden box under his bed.


    As he got up from his kneeling position, he cracked his knuckles.


    "Now let''s talk about this remuneration thing okay? Don''t you think I should bepensated for raising you in the slums? Should we calcte the amount?"


    Chu Qing felt cold shivers go down his spine as he saw the devilish smile on Feng Yan''s face.


    "I am sorry, Uncle Fengˇ­"


    His pleas did not work. He looked at Hei Ying who was hisst hope of getting out of this jam. But where was she? She had already left the room.


    "Noooo! That is myst silver coin! Please spare it."


    "Then what is clinking in your pants? Let me take a lookˇ­"


    "That is really myst silver coin, Uncle!"


    "Waahhh!"


    Soon, Chu Qing''s cries of agony resounded outside the room. Looking at the room she just exited, Hei Ying shook her head.


    "This is what happens when a greedy bastard meets a miserˇ­."


    ˇŞ---


    In a pot ced on the stove, jade- like bones of the Cloud Patterned Leopard were bouncing in the boiling soup. Besides the stove, a tall, thin youth stirred the pot while an eager little girl looked at the contents with shining eyes.


    "Wow, brother Bu Fan! This soup smells so yummy!"


    Luo Qiqiplimented the chef in Ikasa''s Special Talents Programme. She smelled of a faint peppery aroma and fragrance of some herbs. Just smelling the aroma made her salivate.


    Bu Fan slowly controlled the fire and simmered the soup for a few minutes before extinguishing the firepletely.


    Seeing the soup was ready, the girl eagerly prepared her spoon and bowl. She begged with her eyes to be fed. When Bu Fan ignored her, she tried to persuade him.


    "Brother Bu, Why don''t I taste the soup?"


    "No! This soup is made exclusively for Boss Ikasa and other Sense Trainers. You cannot have it, Qiqi."


    Bu Fan rejected her. But when has rejection ever worked on teenagers?


    Luo Qiqi sneaked to the pot without Bu Fan''s notice and scooped the soup with adle and drank from it directly.


    Her eyes widened and so did her mouth. She was ready to spit fire in the air. She yelled while trying to gulp the soup in her mouth.


    "Thish ish shoo hot!"


    She failed to swallow it and almost spit in the pot. She noticed Bu Fan arrive beside her, a frown on his face and his arms crossed across his chests.


    She sheepishly smiled at him. Trying to act cute, she held her ears and said, "Shorry?"

 Chapter 143 Prospects Of Beast Taming

    Caw!


    A huge white bird with a wingspan of around 10 meters circled in the sky above the Monstrous me Peak. The sight of this bird rmed every person present in the Goldheart Business Group''s Headquarters.


    Feng Yan and Chu Kuang ran out, takingmand of the scattered Goldheart Guardians. Ikasa also stood by the doors of the Hall of Elders with Moony nestled in his arms.


    All of them panicked when the bird began to descend towards the ground. When it came close to the ground, it abruptly slowed,nding gently in the vast area of the training grounds.


    Feng Yan raised his weapon, ready to attack. Chu Kuang arranged the men in a formation surrounding the majestic bird. They kept their distance from the seemingly docile bird, but the pressure alone was enough to keep the men on their toes.


    As the bird hade to a stop, they could finally observe it properly. Even when it was sitting, it still towered high over other men. A red crown adorned its head.


    From its back, a schrly man jumped down. He was immediately surrounded by Feng Yan and Chu Kuang. The white bird red at the men who dared to surround its master.


    Before the bird could impale the Sense Trainers with its long beak, the man with his hair tied in a bun calmed it down.


    "It''s okay Beautiful Bai, they mean no harm." The youth said, patting the bird''s beak. With a meaningful gaze, he also warned Feng Yan and Chu Kuang to back off.


    They held their ground but lowered their weapons. The young man finally introduced himself.


    "I am He Ling, Fourth Elder of the He Family. Shouldn''t I be weed with food and wine instead of weapons and res?"


    His loud voice had reached Ikasa, who immediately approached the scene. Wisely, he had left Moony in the hall lest he cause troubles with the bird.


    "Elder He Ling?" Ikasa asked with surprise.


    He expected the Fourth Elder to be some stodgy old man, with a shrewd and cunning face. Instead, he was a young schr in pure white robes and long silky ck hair!


    Ikasa quickly recovered and put on a smile as he came forward to wee him.


    "I am Ikasa, the owner of the Goldheart Business Group. We did not expect you to arrive so soon; That too on such a magnificent bird! I sincerely apologize for the actions of my men."


    The men put away their weapons and stepped back as Ikasa spoke. Hispliment pleased the youthful Elder.


    "My Bai Mei is indeed regal." He said gentlybing the bird''s feathers with his fingers.


    Then he turned his gaze to Ikasa and looked at him with mild astonishment.


    "I did not expect the creator of those incredible manuals to be so young. And yet you have surrounded yourself with these old fogies."


    He Ling spared no time to disparage the older and experienced men Ikasa had gathered with much effort. Feng Yan''s nostrils red while Chu Kuang hid the frown on his face.


    Ikasa suppressedughter seeing the reactions of the two old men. To prevent this brash man from further insulting them, he decided to lead him inside.


    "Old is Gold, Elder He Ling. Come, let''s go inside. Let me treat you to the newest dish prepared by my chef."


    He Ling quickly caught up with Ikasa and followed him to the grand dining room of the Sect.


    "Don''t address me as an Elder. It makes me feel old. We are almost of simr age. So, just call me Big Brother."


    "As you wish, Big Brother."


    Ikasaplied with the wishes of his customer. For him it was the difference between To-ma-to and To-me-to; both were essentially the same.


    Just because he called the schrly man ''Big Brother'' does not mean he would give him more discounts.


    They entered the dining hall. The spacious room with ample sunlight made the entrants feel warm and weed. Tantalizing aroma from the kitchens whetted the appetite of Ikasa and He Ling.


    Ikasa led the schrly man to the central table, previously used by the Sect Master and the Elders. Once they were seated, servants brought in the jar of wine and cups.


    Neither touched the wine after taking the first sip.


    Ikasa''s taste buds were spoiled by the ck Daniels and Jack Dog whiskeys of the earth. He couldn''t stomach the crude wines brewed in these third tier cities.


    He Ling also had higher standards for liquor. He disdained the alcohols prepared without a hint of spiritual energy. And he couldn''t detect any from the jar ced before him.


    "Brother Ikasa, if you want I can send you some better Spirit wines."


    He Ling haughtily offered. His nce full of disgust towards the jar let Ikasa know what he thought of the ''best liquor'' from the cer of Monstrous me Sect.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Haha! I am ashamed to serve you something you did not like. Next time, I will be sure to serve you something that would suit your tastes."


    Ikasa promised and waved off He Ling''s attitude.


    Unlike other transmigrators, Ikasa did not have the brewing methods of various famous alcohols engraved in his mind. However, he was confident he could procure better quality alcohols from the tier 1 Cities.


    In fact he had already ced an order for a few spirit wines. Unfortunately, He Ling had arrived before them.


    ''If only there was an Air mail facility that could deliver goods across the Empireˇ­"


    Ikasamented theck of amenities he had taken for granted in his previous life. Suddenly, he smelled an opportunity.


    ''If there is not one in ce, can''t I create one?''


    He thought while intently staring at the beautiful crane-like bird sitting outside. He Ling followed his gaze.


    "Isn''t she gorgeous?"


    He Ling asked, smiling from ear to ear. Ikasa did not miss the immense pride he took in hispanion bird. Sensing a chance, Ikasa probed for information.


    "She is indeed breathtaking. She should also be very powerful, right?"


    Ikasaplimented, causing the smile on the fourth elder''s face to widen.


    "She is a Foundation Establishment Stage Beast. I brought her from the Regal Beast Sect for 30 One-Star Spirit Coins."


    "Whoa! 30 One Star Spirit Coins?"


    Ikasa genuinely eximed with surprise. The price He Ling paid was half of his total number of Spirit Coins in his possession!


    "I must say I got quite the bargain. Usually, Red-Crowned Egrets like her cost at least 40 One Star Spirit Coins. Since Bai Mei was still in the Spirit Condensation Stage back then, I got her for 10 coins cheaper."


    He Ling exined, fondly remembering his earlier days with the Egret. Ikasa sighed at the prodigality of the young man.


    He also took note of the Regal Beast Sect he mentioned. Since they sold beasts, he may have to deal with them in the future.


    While they waited for the food to be served, Ikasa asked more about the profession of Beast-taming.


    "Brother He, I have heard that Foundation Establishment Stage beasts are very powerful and prideful. Howe your Bai Mei is so obedient?"


    Ikasa had first hand experience with Foundation Establishment Beasts. His family had Moony, who was just a child right now, but still had to be treated like a little ancestor. Only people who could make him obey were Hei Ying and himself.


    Even then, it was not absolute obedience. However, Bai Mei was very docile and protective of He Ling from what he had seen.


    He Ling smiled at the question. He naturally understood Ikasa was fishing for information. The thing was that he did not mind providing a few snippets in exchange for building camaraderie with his potential partner.


    "There are numerous ways of taming beasts. You can capture the soul of the beast in a soul shard and effectively turn them into your ve. Usually, beasts tamed this way are very resentful of their masters."


    Ikasa was not satisfied with the answer. He knew that there must be a better way since the Red Crowned Egret did not seem to be resentful of her owner.


    "Brother He, I don''t think apassionate and loving person like you would use this method. So, how did you tame your Egret?"


    "Hahaha! Your words are sweeter than the sugar, Brother Ikasa!"


    He Lingughed as he took a sip of water.


    "Indeed, I would never use such a barbaric method to control my Bai Mei. The Regal Beast Sect has developed another skill called Spiritual Companionship. It bonds the human and the beast on Spiritual-level. I bonded with Bai Mei using this method."


    Ikasa listened with rapt attention to his words. The entire beast taming aspect was very appealing to him. He had grown up watching Pocket Monsters with other kids in the orphanage.


    In his young age, he too wished for a Charmander or Squirtle or a Bulbasaur. Even after earning a million dors, that wish was left unfulfilled.


    However, in this world of Cultivation, it was possible. Though the beasts would not be the same as his beloved characters, they would have the superpowers and fight for him!


    Ikasa''s inner child grew excited at the prospect of possibly taming a beast resembling a Charizard!


    He only regretted theck of a Pokeball!

 Chapter 144 Penalty! 300,000 Gold Coins!

    "Thank you for this great meal, Brother Ikasa! I really enjoyed the bone broth Soup."


    He Ling praised, wiping his mouth daintily. He still looked at the bowl of soup with longing even though his stomach was full.


    Ikasaughed and brought Bu Fan forth.


    "Hahaha! I am d you liked it Brother He! Chef Bu is the one who prepared it."


    He Ling looked at the tall and thin handsome man with appreciation.


    "To be honest, your dish would not be out of ce even on the menu of Seven Wonders Restaurant of Oak City, the capital of our deciduous county."


    The schrly fourth elder admiringly dered.


    "I am overwhelmed by your praise, Senior. I am just an inexperienced cook. Where can Ipare to the Seven Wonders Restaurant? It is the ce I look up to. If I get a chance to dine there, I am sure my skills will improve by leaps and bounds."


    Bu Fan humbly said, epting the praise. His words triggered the schrly man. Turning to Ikasa, He Ling urged him.


    "Brother Ikasa, you should try the menu of the most famous restaurant in Deciduous County. Also, bring him along; If he makes such great dishes with little experience, I am eager to see what he cooks up after tasting the menu there."


    Ikasa looked at Bu Fan with a spective gaze. He did not know what Bu Fan''s ambitions were, and neither did he care. But now the Chef had helped him save face before an important guest.


    If he could, Ikasa would definitely fulfill any request of Bu Fan as long as it is within his means.


    "If you are rmending it, I definitely will taste the menu of Seven Wonders Restaurant with Chef Bu someday."


    Ecstatic by Ikasa''s promise, Bu Fan bowed gratefully and left with the leftover pot of soup.


    With their stomachs full, the schrly man felt well rested and rejuvenated. Ikasa led him to the Hall of Elders, which he was currently using as the Conference Room.


    In the glow of the afternoon sun, Ikasa and He Ling began to discuss the main purpose of their meeting, the Manuals.


    Ikasa handed the list he had prepared beforehand to He Ling.


    "There are a total of 26 Low-Grade and 18 Mid-Grade Battle Techniques. I also sell 2 types of Mid-Grade Cultivation manuals and a High-Grade Cultivation Manual."


    The booklet showed the diagrams of energy paths and energy utilization methods of each technique with short descriptions. He Ling carefully studied them.


    He realized they were indeed far, far superior to what He Family sold. When Ikasa imed that he would take over the County''s market, with or without the He Family, he was absolutely not boasting!


    As an experienced negotiator who regrly dealt with Merchants, He Ling had obviously looked into Ikasa''s background. His meteoric rise was suspicious but not entirely unjustified.


    He had wrapped the Xue Family around his fingers. The City Lord of Birch City was indebted to him. Even the Ice queen of the Zhen Family favored his potential.


    ''Would such a man put all his cards on the table?''


    He Ling thought, looking critically at the list. There may be 34 Battle techniques and 3 Cultivation Manuals, but they were all avable to the public.


    He did not find the movement technique Feng Yan performed when encircling him. If he had noticed one such technique was missing, just how many more techniques was Ikasa hiding?


    The Schrly man put the impressive list down and stared at Ikasa.


    "These are all your publicly sold manuals, Brother Ikasa. Should you not bring out something exclusive, that only we, the He''s, can sell, to show your sincerity?"


    He Ling asked, folding arms before his chest and staring intently at Ikasa.


    "Brother He Ling, you are too greedy. Do you think I am hiding manuals from you? Do you think I have a magical device that spits out new techniques every day?"


    Ikasa jokingly asked, trying to lighten the mood. Except, He Ling did not y along. His answer caused Ikasa''s heart to leap into his throat.


    "Yes."


    Just the notion of a magical device that might spit out new techniques every day was beyond the cognition of this world''s natives. So when He Ling answered ''yes'', the smile on Ikasa''s face froze.


    Suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped by a few degrees as the two men coldly stared at each other.


    ''Does he know about the printer? How can he know about the Printer?''


    Ikasa was panicking in his heart. But none of it showed on his face. With a straight face, he met He Ling''s eyes and uttered a single word.


    "Pardon?"


    Unaware of Ikasa''s thoughts, He Ling leaned forward in his chair. He had a smile that said, ''I caught you''. Unknowingly, a sweat drop rolled down Ikasa''s forehead. But Ikasa maintained his poker face, without bothering to wipe the sweat.


    As if eager to hear He Ling''s conjecture, Ikasa also leaned forward.


    "Brother Ikasa, you can hide from others but you cannot deceive my eyes."


    Ikasa''s shoulders tensed under his loose robes. A shiver ran down his spine. He controlled his involuntary impulses and maintained a calm facade before He Ling.


    However, the next sentence from He Ling relieved his stress.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "The movement technique that Sense Trainer Feng used outside is missing from this list."


    He Ling smirked, seeing Ikasa lean back in his chair. He took it to be a sign of defeat when in fact Ikasa was just trying to hide his drenched back.


    Ikasa awkwardlyughed, acting as if he was caught.


    "Brother He is very perceptive. Fine. You have caught me. There are a few techniques that I have reserved for the Zhen Family and Gold Heart Business Group''s use. They cannot be sold in the market."


    Ikasa exined, keeping his difort at bay. Seeing the frown of displeasure on He Ling''s face, Ikasa offered him a concession.


    "Isn''t it enough to take your pick from the 34 manuals I have presented? I can make it so that only the He Family can sell the manuals you point out."


    He Ling eagerly pounced at this opportunity, as if he was waiting for exactly these words.


    "All your Cultivation Manuals, Mid-Grade and High-Grade, will be sold exclusively through us. I would also like to pick two of the best-selling Mid-Grade battle techniques and a Low-grade manual."


    He Ling aggressively pitched to obtain the most benefits. But Ikasa could not allow that.


    Ikasa was negotiating to spread his reach to the rest of the Deciduous County. On the contrary, He Ling was trying to bring Birch City''s and Sal City''s cultivation markets back under the He Family.


    If Ikasa agreed to his demand, he would have to pay the He Family to sell his own Cultivation manuals in these two cities!


    "One Cultivation manual, one Battle Technique. That is my limit."


    Ikasa firmly countered, putting his foot down.


    "Fine. [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength], and your [Peek-a-Boo defense.]"


    He Ling decisively chose. The former was a High-Grade Cultivation Manual that had gained poprity over all of Sal City. Its fame had slowly spread to other nearby cities as well.


    Still, Ikasa was nning to treat it as a premium product. Hence, he did not mind the He Family staking a im on the Manual.


    He Ling''s choice of Peek-a-Boo defense hurt his business the most. Even after six months, it was the sole defensive technique in his repertoire. It was also the highest grossing technique.


    So, Ikasa was reluctant to give the He Family exclusivity over it. Nheless, he tried to create a loophole.


    "You can have them. In the future, these two techniques will be sold exclusively by the He Family and the Ikasa''s Manuals in Birch City."


    He Ling narrowed his eyes. He saw what Ikasa did there. But he chose to let it slide. The Birch City was now Gold Heart Business Group''s home base. If He Ling tried to take over Birch City as well, it would not be good for their cooperation.


    "Okay. I''ll prepare the contract."


    He Ling took out a yellow parchment from his spatial bracelet. He quickly began to fill in the terms like a seasoned hand.


    Curiously the quill moved by itself as He Ling concentrated. There was no inkstone or inkpot in sight and yet words appeared on the contract.


    Ikasa was fascinated by this site. When He Ling had filled in his terms, he satisfied Ikasa''s curiosity.


    "This is my Soul Quill. I made it using a feather from Bai Mei and linked it to my spirit. Not everyone can have this."


    He Ling then pushed forward the contract to Ikasa.


    "Check it and sign it."


    Ikasa nced through the Contract. It was as they discussed. He then added two of his own conditions.


    "Prices to thest customer should be uniform. They should not exceed 30 Gold per use."


    "Previous manual should be used up before cing an order. Under no circumstances, can a hundred-use manual be sold to the end customer without Ikasa''s permission."


    He Ling''s eyebrows furrowed upon seeing the two conditions Ikasa added. They would get in the way when selling to Nobles and Aristocrats.


    Before he could protest, Ikasa firmly asserted his stance.


    "My manuals are meant to be used by the people. They are not meant to rot away in some shop''s storage or a Noble''s treasury."


    Ikasa''s adamance shone through his wording. He Ling still protested as the wealthy had always been their chief customers.


    "We will be alienating the most paying customers! How are we supposed to do business then?"


    mming his palm on the table, He Ling expressed his anger at Ikasa''s terms.


    "If those rich people are going to treat the consumables as heirlooms, I can provide you single-use versions of my manuals to satisfy their vanity. They can be exclusive techniques not avable to the general popce."


    He Ling calmed down at Ikasa''s solution. It was indeed a viable option that would satisfy both sides. With a win-win solution at hand, they came to a consensus.


    Ikasa then proceeded to read through the rest of the contract. In the end, he looked at the penalty for breaking the contract. His eyes widened at the number.


    "100 Three Star Spirit Coins?! That is 3 hundred thousand gold coins!"

 Chapter 145 Difference

    "Is there a problem with the number?"


    He Ling asked with a frown. Ikasa''s outburst made him suspicious.


    "No. No problem. It is just that the number is much higher than I expected."


    The young schr rxed his vignce.


    "The penalty fee is just a number, brother Ikasa. Unless you are negotiating in bad faith, you don''t have to worry about it."


    Ikasa smiled in response but in his heart, he was having different thoughts.


    ''Negotiating in bad faith, my ass! Your He Family basically forced me to take this step. Anyways, I don''t n to let the He''s leech off me for long. As soon as I am strong enough, I will renegotiate the Contract.''


    He thought as he added his thumbprint to the paper. A strong connection formed between Ikasa and the contract sheet. He Ling also added his thumbprint to the sheet and the contract glowed a brilliant white for a second.


    When the light faded, the contract had duplicated itself and there were two identical sheets on the table. He Ling put away his copy of the contract and passed the other copy to Ikasa.


    He epted the contract and a wave of relief washed over him. With this Contract, Ikasa had finally solved the looming threat of the He Family!


    "Brother Ikasa, take this te. I will ce my orders for manuals through thismunication te. When my subordinatese to pick up the order, they will pay you."


    Ikasa received the grayish ck te. It was a bitrger than the one owned by Xu Ran. He examined the te closely.


    It had a matte texture with smooth edges lined with some glossy obsidian ore. The te itself was as thick as his finger and quite heavy for a Tab-sized object.


    Ikasa curiously knocked on the te, to see if he could identify the material.


    "Careful!"


    Before he could impact the surface of the te, He Ling stopped Ikasa. Puzzled, Ikasa looked at him for exnation.


    "This is a delicate and expensive object made with the byproducts of Void ores. Though it is sturdy enough to withstand a bit of rough handling, you should still use it with care."


    Ikasa didn''t need to be a genius to understand that void ores were expensive goods. After all, they were used to make precious spatial objects like the storage essories.


    He looked at the te in his hands in a different light. The te was this world''s version of an Apfel phone; high-end tech and still, easily breakable.


    Now that he thought about it, themunication device was more simr to ''the-brand-you-must-not-mention''. The poor were ignorant of it, it would cost the middle ss their kidneys and the rich would give it away for free.


    Ikasa shook his head and stopped thinking about thepany he had to fight numerous litigations against. In fact, his entire legal team existed solely to counter those litigations.


    He carefully ced the te on the table. He Ling approved of his behavior. Ikasa realized that the te did note with a chalk stick. He voiced his doubts.


    "Brother He, how should I contact you? You didn''t give me a chalk stick."


    As if realizing something, He Ling took out a few pieces of chalk from his storage bracelet.


    "I forgot that this is a third tier City. You won''t be able to buy any of these chalks."


    He Ling spoke apologetically, but his tone rubbed Ikasa the wrong way.


    "Just how backwards is a third tier citypared to a second tier city?"


    Ikasa asked with a bit of annoyance and fascination. He Ling simply shook his head.


    "You can''t imagine how big the difference is Brother Ikasa, unless you see it for yourself."


    Ikasa could feel that He Ling was being truthful with his words and not demeaning him. A momentter, the fourth elder got up from his seat.


    "Since my business is done here, I should get going now. When youe to Maple City, we will properly celebrate our cooperation. Till then, take care, Brother Ikasa!"


    Ikasa also stood up and walked He Ling to where Bai Mei was resting. Seeing her spirit mate arrive, the egret raised her head.


    Her action caused Ikasa to look at He Ling with a bit of envy. Detecting his gaze, He lingughed hard. Patting Ikasa on the back, he cheered him up.


    "If you want a beastpanion so bad, why don''t you contact the Regal Beast Sect?"


    "How?" Ikasa helplessly asked.


    "Right. You are from a third tier City. You might''ve never heard of them."


    Ikasa barely suppressed his annoyance at the constant reminder of how he came from a Third-Tier City. Before he could snap, He Ling offered his goodwill.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Come to Maple City. I have a few friends in the Sect''s branch. They will definitely offer you a great deal."


    After showering the favor upon Ikasa, He Ling departed on the Red-Crowned Egret. The young businessman watched the Fourth Elder of the He Family disappear in the horizon.


    "However dirty the He Family may be, they have indeed chosen a good person to look after theirmerce."


    Ikasa muttered as the figure of the egret disappeared from his sight. Shaking his head, he put the matters of the He Family on the back burner.


    Instead, he excitedly rubbed his hands and went into the former Sect Master''s Courtyard.


    "It is time for me to advance my Spiritual Sense to the Advanced Realm!"


    Ikasa connected to the printer with excitement. He scrolled to the Cultivation Page and looked at his Pentagonal Cultivation Stats.


    "The Vision and auditory senses are at 30 points each. Olfactory and Gustatory Senses are at 28. Only the Sense of Touch isgging behind at 24 points out of 50."


    Ikasa avoided adding points to the sense of touch because of one main reason. He would be ufortably ticklish all over his body after every single point.


    As he increased the number, his skin became even more tingly and ticklish. He consulted Feng Yan as to how he dealt with this problem.


    He regretted asking. Being the Macho Man, Feng Yan suggested Ikasa sit in hot water after he felt his Sense of touch act up.


    The boiling water would force his skin to be numb and help Ikasa control his sense of touch better. Listening to the more experienced man, Ikasa tried his method.


    He had experienced hell. They say that sinners are boiled in hot water until their sins evaporate in Hell. Ikasa experienced this punishment while alive!


    He swore to never follow Feng Yan''s advice after he was cooked tender in the boiling water. With his senses heightened, the scalding water''s heat was even more unbearable.


    Ikasa persisted in the tub, enduring the pain. It was for nothing. He still could not control his Sense of touch. Instead, he had made himself even more sensitive!


    He shuddered remembering the pains he had went through and skipped adding points to the Sense of Touch this time as well.


    His gaze moved to the center of the Pentagon. Sixth Sense: 58/100.


    The most important sense in the Sense realm, the Spiritual Sense, also known as the Sixth Sense.


    Ikasa had gotten proficient in using thebination of Spiritual Sense and Vision to see the world in its energy form. He had slowly started training with his auditory sense as well but the exactbination still evaded him.


    He hoped that advancing his stage would help him reach that elusive realm. The realm where he can see the energy; hear its sound and smell its scents. He hoped to taste the energy in the food he ate and touch the energy in his surrounding air.


    ? With a trembling hand, Ikasa added the remaining two points to make the sum total 60/100. His spiritual sense had reached the advanced stage of Sense Realm!


    Nothing happened for a few seconds.


    "Well that was a downer."


    Ikasa muttered but soon he felt his head was about to burst from the sudden cacophony of noises introduced in his ears.


    Qiiiiˇ­


    Kiiiiˇ­


    Ciiiiˇ­


    Diiiiˇ­


    Giiiiˇ­


    There were all frequencies of sound but he could not distinguish one from the other. His mind became chaotic as he felt a splitting headachee.


    And suddenly all the sounds in the surroundings faded away. Only one sound reamined, the sound of silence.


    The sound of a dark night filled with shadows. Seeing Ikasa in pain, Moony had jumped to the rescue.


    He covered the room with his energy, driving away all the other attributed forms of energy. With a single attribute in the room, Ikasa was able to finally find his respite.


    He focused on identifying this type of energy solely with his Spiritual Hearing. Though this sound was much calmer than the other sounds, almost to the point of silence, Ikasa found it also had its unique vibrations.


    A low humming melody, like that of a luby sung by a sleepy mother.

 Chapter 146 186!

    Spiritual Hearing is an art of listening to the energies of nature. When you pay attention, you can identify the quiet whisperings of wind, rustling of the leaves or even the vibrations from the earth.


    When mes burn, they also crackle. The sloshing sound of the flowing water is like music to a thirsty person''s ears.


    Curiously, the energy itself is neutral. It is the physical surroundings that decide its element.


    In a windy valley, the energy takes on the wind attribute. When the mes burn, the energy also bes fiery. Deep inside a cavern, one can find the purest earth attribute energy.


    In the sea of water, you can find water energy and in the sea of stars, space energy is aplenty.


    Other than the five basic elements, there was one another factor that could affect the neutrality of energy; the Soul. Also called the Spiritual Body, it grants life forms the ability to gather, absorb and utilize energy.


    All the other attributes were derived from the interactions amongst the five basic elements and the soul.


    Moony''s Shadow energy was one such derivative.


    When Ikasa first heard Moony''s energy through his spirit, he couldn''t hear anything. The extreme silence was one of the characteristics of Space Energy and the shadow energy resembled it.


    Then he heard the gentle and quiet disturbances in the energy, like that of a mother humming very very softly. This was the sign of a soul attribute mixed with Space Energy.


    ''This is an amalgamation of Space Energy and Soul Energy. Maybe Moony can learn skills rted to space or soul in the future?''


    Ikasa slowly opened his eyes and looked at the little fox with a smile. He gently caressed Moony''s head, tracing his finger down his spine.


    Gru!


    Moony growled with enjoyment, his tail patting the floor. As Ikasa spoiled the little critter, his mind wandered to what he knew of the Soul energy.


    Usually, the sound of a being''s soul energy portrays the most impactful memory. And Moony''s soul energy sounded like a mother humming a luby.


    This puzzled Ikasa.


    ''Why would a beast''s most impactful memory be of a human singing a luby?''


    ''Was he cared for by a female human before? If so, what happened to her?''


    ''Is it a happy memory or a traumatic memory?''


    Ikasa had no way to know. He looked down at the little fox lying in hisp, quietly enjoying his caresses.


    He looked carefree and happy, but it would be foolish to treat him like any other pet. Even though he was just a cub, the little ck and red fox was after all a mighty foundation stage beast!


    While ministering the little guy in hisp, Ikasa wondered.


    ''Just what is your background, Moony?''


    ˇŞ--


    While Ikasa was training his Spiritual Hearing, other members of his Gold Heart Business Group were frantically doing their best to finish their assignments.


    In the study of Ikasa''s damaged vi, Xin Ruo and Yin Ying were surrounded by stacks of reports from the past few months. Theypared the information given to the events that happened and information from other sources.


    Quickly, Yin Ying noticed a pattern. She picked reports of a few people and checked them again.


    "These five sent the most misleading information."


    Yin Ying asked, pointing to the reports of five of her men. When she looked at their current whereabouts in the list of informants, she was shocked to know that their information was missing.


    These people had disappeared after the trial, leaving no trace behind. It was only when the girls went through the reports did they discover their trace.


    "Were you aware of their leaving?"


    Xin Ruo shook her head with disappointment. Shemented her inability to monitor her subordinates.


    This informationwork was supposed to help Ikasa prepare against external and internal threats. It was supposed to protect the Gold Heart Business Group from infiltrators, spies and traitors.


    Instead, that organization itself had been infiltrated and no one knew of it until it was toote!


    Xin Ruo epted the fact that she had failed. She had been thrust into a position she was not ready for and the results were disastrous.


    ? Seeing her gloom, Yin Ying consoled her.


    "You weren''t supposed to be in this position. In fact, their rebellion may have to do with the fact that I was absent to keep them in check. So don''t worry, and look towards the future."


    This was the longest Yin Ying had spoken to Xin Ruo. The constion meant a lot when it came from her.


    Xin Ruo did not spend time to bemoan her failure and instead started to organize the documents with Yin Ying.


    While going through the reports they had not only identified the traitors, but also the trustworthy. It was time to segregate them into inner and outer members of their wing.


    ˇŞ---


    In the administrative hall of the Gold Heart Business Group (GHBG), Chu Kuang, Feng Yan, Yin Ying and Xin Ruo handed over the respective lists of their people.


    "This is the list of all the workers in the Herb Garden and wages they are paid."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Chu Kuang said, cing his stack of rolled papers next to a number of other scrolls of paper.


    Seeing therge number of scrolls before him, Ikasa felt the dire need to hire an ountant who could parse through this mountain of paperwork.


    He quickly checked the total number of people employed under him.


    "124 Gold Heart Guardians?"


    Ikasa spoke, looking at Feng Yan. The old man nodded proudly in response. Those Gold Heart Guardians also included thebatant sses of the Special Talent Programme.


    "Each person is paid 10 Gold as sry per month?"


    Feng Yan nodded once again.


    ''124 x 10 = 1240. For a year it would cost me almost Fifteen thousand gold. It is manageable.''


    Ikasa calcted in his mind and moved on to Chu Kuang. He picked up the list of Herb Garden''s workers and read through it.


    "40 permanent workers and about 130 daily wage workers? Why do you need so many?"


    Ikasa asked with astonishment. ording to his estimates, 20 people were more than sufficient to run the Herb Garden.


    Hence, his surprise.


    Chu Kuang had his answer ready.


    "Only 20 people help me in the matters of Herb Garden and managing the shop. The other 20 are Elder Yi''s people responsible for producing medicinal concoctions."


    Then he addressed the issue of 130 daily wage workers.


    "Some herbs need to be harvested in a certain time frame. 20 people are nowhere near enough to meet the deadlines. At such times, I hire the out of job Sal City residents to help me."


    Hearing the answer, Ikasa had noints.


    "So they are seasonal workers. Okay. 80 coppers multiplied by 130 is about 10 gold. That is not as expensive as I assumed."


    Ikasa muttered, next looking at the wages of the permanent workers of Herb Garden.


    "30 Gold? Are they really skilled enough to demand such high wages?"


    Chu Kuang nodded, "Worth every single copper."


    Ikasa trusted Chu Kuang and moved on. An amount of 1200 Gold per month was tolerable to him.


    He next checked the informants listpiled by Xin Ruo and Yin Ying.


    The informants were first of the people to be paid with Contribution points. They could exchange their points for Silver coins, Manuals or a few other asional goods like Energy-Infused Water.


    Xin Ruo had carefully devised the system of exchange and the rates were also below the market price. It had made most of the informants loyal.


    However, there were a few ingrates who decided to bite the hand that fed them.


    ''They are already dead. So cool down, Ikasa!''


    Ikasa breathed in and out to control his rising temper.


    After calming himself, he looked at total expenses. Xin Ruo had allocated 1000 Gold (10k silver) for exchange with Contribution points.


    Every contribution point was worth 1 silver. She had done a great job of maintaining the records of their exchange.


    Ikasa appreciated her system a lot. He liked it so much that he was thinking of implementing it across the entire GHBG.


    The only hurdle was hecked a person who could maintain the records on arge scale.


    ''Only if I had aputer or something like that.''


    Ikasa put away his wishful thinking and gave Xin Ruo a go ahead for a new inner and outer member system.


    In the new system, only the vetted and contracted Inner members of informants will have ess to Top grade manuals.


    As for outer members they could redeem silver to a limit and some lower grade manuals.


    After he had gone through all the lists superficially, he quickly noted the number of his employees.


    ''124 Gold Heart Guardians + 40 Herb Gardeners + 12 Inner informants = 176''


    ''Whoa, I already have 176 permanent employees! That is excluding the people managing my shop and the one''s gathered here. Adding everyone, that number goes to 186!''


    Ikasa''s eyes widened. Even on Earth, hispany had reached the 100th employee after 3 years of founding. And here he already had 186 in six months!


    Ikasa gazed through the list once again.


    ''Unfortunately, most of these people are not contracted. I should do something about this situation.''

 Chapter 147 Incredible Ikasa

    "Brother Mu Sang, add your thumbprint here."


    Hei Ying guided thest of the uncontracted permanent employees on how to sign a contract.


    As soon as Mu Sang pressed his finger on the paper, he was bound by an oath of secrecy and an oath of loyalty. In return, he was guaranteed fairpensation for his work, and an assurance of his family''s well being in case of his demise while working for Ikasa.


    After signing the contract, the young man in hisst year of teenage gave Hei Ying a toothy grin and exited her makeshift office at the Herb Garden.


    Hei Ying slowly rolled the contract and put it with other Gold Heart Guardian''s contracts. She got up from her seat and stretched.


    "With this, the task Brother Ikasa gave me ispleted."


    The young Human Resources manager had helped Ikasa reduce the number of uncontracted employees from 176 to 0 within a span of two months.


    Ikasa had made different contracts for those in the Gold Heart Guardians, Special Talent Programme, the Herb Garden and Inner members of Yin Ying''s informationwork.


    ording to their jobs, their oaths differed. Ikasa had also added penalties ording to their roles in their respective organization.


    Even though his contracts were draconian and overly abusive by the modern Earth''s standards, they couldn''t be more lenient by the Cultivation World''s standards.


    Except for his Oath of Secrecy and Oath of Loyalty, none of the contracts resulted in the death of the employee.


    Here, where the smallest mistake could result in death, Ikasa''s clearly distinguished punishment standards made him a benevolent and a generous employer.


    Hei Ying got this impression from every employee who signed a contract under her guidance. They couldn''t stop praising Ikasa after she had read them the oaths and the penalties of the contract.


    "Brother Ikasa is such a kind-hearted person."


    She whispered as she put away the precious mystic blood used for signing contracts. Due to its unavability in the third tier cities, they had to import it all the way from the tier-2 Ebony City.


    The contract signing process, which should havested a few weeks, had thus taken them the entirety of two months!


    After she had tidied up the office, she went to join the kids in the training grounds. Soon, Feng Yan and Ikasa would be sparring in the grounds to celebrate the old man''s advancement to the Advanced Sense Realm!


    ˇŞ--


    The training grounds of the Herb Garden had been cordoned off in the anticipation of the uing match. Other than the few higher ups of the Gold Heart Business Group and Elder Yi, only the kids were allowed to spectate the match.


    "Kids, isn''t your big brother Ikasa teaching you all sorts of nonsense? Just watch how I bully him and make him apologize."


    Feng Yan cockily said, cracking his knuckles.


    "Old Man, I advanced two months earlier than you. Yet, you still have the cheek to say you will bully me?"


    Ikasa ridiculed, arriving just in time to hear Feng Yan boast.


    He unfastened his outer robes and faced the old man with his upper body bare. As the sun shone on his glistening skin, the contours of his muscles were highlighted.


    These sleek and firm muscles were the result of his hardwork in the past few months.


    Feng Yan also shed his robes. His body was in pretty good shape for a man in his 50''s.


    Once they had taken their positions, Ikasa and Feng Yan looked each other in the eye. As if agreeing to start, they lunged towards each other simultaneously.


    Feng Yan jabbed a punch at Ikasa''s face, going on the offensive. Ikasa put up the Peek-a-Boo defense immediately. The fist collided with the forearms and bounced back without doing any harm.


    Ikasa took advantage of the momentary opening and sweeped at Feng Yan''s legs. Feng Yan managed to dodge just by the nick of a second.


    Both parties took a step back and watched each other vigntly. At this moment, Ikasa''s spiritual vision involuntarily activated.


    The sudden change in the color scheme of his surroundings threw Ikasa off. Feng Yan did not miss this chance to attack.


    He utilized the energy flow of the Wind the Way to increase his speed and reach Ikasa in a split of a second. His hand was already following the trajectory of Chop as it reached Ikasa''s neck.


    However, things did not go as nned. In his Spiritual Vision, Feng Yan''s incredibly fast movements were slowed by a third.


    Ikasa saw cyan green energy move in Feng Yan''s legs. If he moved faster, he could interrupt the flow by hitting on the weakest link in the circting energy.


    Shocked by the sudden discovery, he failed to move in time. Feng Yan was already before him charging the Chop.


    This time, Ikasa saw an ominous red energy circte through the old man''s arm towards the edge of his palm. Without thinking too much, Ikasa punched at the inner elbow of the old man''s attacking arm.


    As if affected by something, the ominous red color dissipated and energy flow became transparent. Ikasa''s Spiritual Vision also deactivated at this moment.


    Feng Yan held his arm with shock.


    The moment Ikasa''s punch hit him, he felt a current jolt through his body. Severe pain shook him when his technique was interrupted. It passed as quickly as it hade. Nheless, it was a feeling he did not want to experience again.


    "What was that? Were you just acting weak before?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan asked, unnerved by Ikasa''s reflexive counterattack.


    "If you want to chicken out, just say so, Old Man. Why bother acting?"


    Ikasa mocked Feng Yan, oblivious to the shock he had experienced. Even the spectators felt that Feng Yan was just feigning weakness to find a better opportunity to attack.


    After all, this was not the first time Feng Yan had feigned weakness only to ferociously attack a rxed opponent.


    The pain hadpletely passed as if it was never there. Feng Yan wondered about this strange phenomenon. He decided to test it further.


    "Fine. Let''s go for round two."


    Feng Yan spoke and attacked with a kick. His leg aimed at Ikasa''s waist.


    Ikasa used the Loose Motion to twist his body out of the way. He returned the favor with a Haymaker punch.


    Feng Yan narrowly dodged the punch that almost hit his chin. Feng Yan grabbed Ikasa''s outstretched arm and crouched, ready to unleash his Gazelle Punch.


    Ikasa once again heard the cacophony of noises. But the oneing from Feng Yan shook him to his core. It was as if he was standing before a speaker but he only felt the vibrations and did not hear the sound.


    Closing his eyes, Ikasa quickly focused on the vibrations. In an instant, he traced a pattern. The vibrations originated from Feng Yan''s right arm, the one that was about to unleash a Gazelle Punch on him!


    The background noise from various other energies interfered with his judgment, not allowing him to mount an effective counter. Ikasa''s punch hit Feng Yan''s upper arm instead of the forearm as he intended.


    The technique was weakened but not dissipated. With a solid thwack, Ikasa still received a punch to his jaws.


    Enduring a mid grade battle technique without preparation was no joke. His brain jumped from the impact and Ikasa lost orientation for a second. The Spiritual Hearing made things worse as he lost the ability to focus on one sound.


    Many sounds assaulted his auditory senses causing him to be dizzy. He almost lost his footing and fell to the ground.


    Feng Yan caught the unbnced Ikasa by his shoulder and prevented his fall. Ikasa slowly opened his eyes. He regained his faculties after the Spiritual Hearing deactivated as suddenly as it had activated.


    "Why didn''t you dodge? Or use your new high-grade move, Rock Solid Armor?"


    Feng Yan asked, flustered. He did not expect Ikasa to almost faint from his single punch. Neither he nor any of the Spectators knew the real reason for Ikasa''s fall.


    "Old Man! Don''t tter yourself. Your Gazelle Punch was not that strong. It was my Spiritual sense acting up."


    Feng Yan rxed seeing Ikasa retort. It seems he had not been punched hard enough. Still, it hurt his pride to hear his punch be called weak in public.


    Feng Yan snorted at Ikasa''s exnation.


    "Spiritual Sense acting up, my foot! Next, you will say you can see the energy flow with Spiritual Vision."


    The Old man ridiculed Ikasa lying on his back. Ikasa looked at Feng Yan with narrowed eyes.


    "Old man, you are saying that as if you can''t use the Spiritual Vision yet."


    Feng Yan turned to immediately to rebuff his ims.


    "Of Course nˇ­."


    Then he saw a small smile form on Ikasa''s lips. He immediately changed his answer.


    "Of Course, I can!"


    Feng Yan lied as he thought, ''How can I be outdone by this brat? Even if I lie, he won''t find out. Hehehe''


    Ikasa took his word at face value. He thought that since he himself could use the Spiritual Vision, every other Advanced Sense Trainer could do it too.


    Assuming this, Ikasa asked about Spiritual Hearing.


    "What about Spiritual Hearing, Old Man? Can you hear the sounds of energy?"


    Ikasa asked, trying to exin his reason for losing the spar.


    "Tch! Child''s y!" Feng Yan answered, his ears turning red from embarrassment.


    When their conversation reached this point, Elder Yi interrupted.


    "Stop boasting. Spiritual enhancement of Senses is the realm of Pinnacle Sense Realm experts. Even if you want to boast, at least have some moderation."


    He reprimanded, unable to see two respected Sense Trainers squabbling like teenagers. Also, he was annoyed by their disrespect for the abilities of a Pinnacle Sense Trainer.


    "Elder Yi, what do you mean by boasting? I am not lying! Earlier, when I intercepted his Chop, my Spiritual Vision was activated. In the second round, my Spiritual Hearing activated out of the blue. I couldn''t react in time because I am not as proficient in controlling it."


    "What?!"

 Chapter 148 The Youngest Sense Trainer

    "Incredible! This is simply unbelievable!"


    Incredulous, Elder Yi and Feng Yan had no choice but to believe Ikasa. His description of the abilities matched their knowledge.


    They didn''t doubt his words since he had no reason to lie!


    While the two older men were marveling at Ikasa''s revtion, the Kids and Xin Ruo came over.


    "Brother Ikasa, I am ready to advance to the Sense Realm."


    Pei Yuan dered as soon as he neared the three sense trainers.


    "We are ready too!"


    The other teens echoed his sentiments.


    Inspired by Ikasa''s progress, they felt the need to improve faster. They had started cultivation before Ikasa. They received the best possible resources avable. And yet, they were still stuck in the Path Forging Realm.


    A month ago every one of them had reached the pinnacle of Path Forging Realm. Ikasa had then presented them two options. Try to breakthrough yourself, or use his Manual for an instant breakthrough.


    The teens insisted on trying the first option despite advice from Feng Yan and others. They might have persisted had they not seen their cultivation fall farther behind Ikasa.


    Today, theirst shreds of stubbornness crumbled and they gave in to their desires to grow stronger.


    Ikasa smiled at the teens. He was ddened by their choice. Whatever choice they made, he was willing to support them.


    He may have just seen them as advertisers for his manuals in the beginning, but now they were nothing short of his family.


    Smiling fondly at the teens, Ikasa promised, "Good. I will pass you the manuals when we return to the Vi."


    ˇŞ-------


    The news of Feng Yan''s advancement spread through the City. Who leaked it? Who else could it be but the loud mouth Gu Dan and pompous old man himself!


    It also reached the ears of the City Lord. Naturally, he came over to Ikasa''s residence to congratte his nominal Second Commander.


    In thevishly decorated hall of the Vi, City Lord Zhen poured the Sansiwu Spirit Wine into four cups. Raising his cup, he toasted in Feng Yan''s name.


    "Congrattions to Brother Feng Yan for advancing to the Advanced Sense Realm in your twilight years. Hope you can leave long enough to reach the Chakra Sensing Realm!"


    Gu Dan and Ikasa raised their cups, holding back theirughter and seconded City Lord''s toast.


    "Hear! Hear! To old man Feng!"


    Hearing the toast Feng Yan''s face became dark. He exploded with anger.


    "Bastards! Are you congratting me or cursing me to die?"


    His outburst elicitedughter from the other Sense Trainers. They let loose andughed their hearts out.


    If anyone else saw this scene, they would not dare believe these were Sense Trainers from different factions. They did not act formally with each other at all!


    They looked like a group of old friends, ribbing and teasing each other. This was the result of the bonding during the past two months. Ikasa focused solely on Business, and City Lord Zhen on administration.


    They had no points of contention. Hence, they became closer friends during this time. Another point that brought Zhen Wu and Feng Yan closer was their love of wine.


    "Brother Zhen, this Sansiwu Wine is indeed as great as you imed."


    Feng Yan appreciatively downed another cup and ced his empty cup on the table for refilling.


    As Feng Yan refilled his cup as Zhen Wu sang the praises of the Wine.


    "Haha! I told you Brother Feng! This Sansiwu wine is made from three grains, four herbs and five fruits. The entire fermentation process takes ce in an Energy Gathering Array to infuse energy into the sealed barrel of wineˇ­."


    City Lord Zhen rambled for a few minutes, extolling the praises of the wine he brought. The other three downed cup after another, finishing the jar before the City Lord finished his acmation.


    A little drunk, Feng Yan leaned forward into the table. With a slurred voice, he asked, "Brrrother Wu, you brought a gift for meeeˇ­ Did you get anythiing for Ruo''er..?"


    The City Lord was bewildered by the sudden question. He looked at the other Sense Trainers, wondering what Feng Yan was talking about.


    "Xin Ruo broke into Sense Realm this afternoon."


    Ikasa exined, clearing the City Lord''s confusion. Lord Zhen''s eyes widened.


    "She broke into the Sense Realm at such a young age?"


    He eximed, shocked by the news. Calming himself, City Lord enviously gazed at Ikasa.


    "Brother Ikasa, Congrattions! You have a genius in your Gold Heart Group!"


    Ikasa graciously epted the City Lord''s congrattions. With wine in his stomach, Zhen Wu couldn''t resist the urge to show off a little.


    "If she had advanced a little earlier, at the age of 18, she would be the Youngest Sense Trainer in the Deciduous County. Thankfully, my little sister can still hold that record. Hahaha!"


    Zhen Wu cheerfully boasted, stroking his beard. Feng Yan scoffed at the City Lord''s pretentious boast.


    "Tsk! What''s there to boast about? That brat Chu Qing is just 16 and he also advanced to the Sense Realm!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    The old man gleefully watched the smug smile be wiped off from the face of the City Lord. Unwilling to believe this braggart''s words, Zhen Wu looked at Gu Dan and Ikasa, hoping they would say it was a joke.


    They neither confirmed nor denied the statement. Ikasa calmly took a sip of his wine and blinked just once. Zhen Wu took it as a ''Yes''.


    ''Chu Qing is now the youngest Sense Trainer in the Deciduous County?''


    The City Lord thought with incredulity. The idea of befriending a geniusparable to his sister sprouted in his mind.


    "What does he like? As a City Lord, I should prepare a gift for the youngest Sense Trainer of the Deciduous County, right?"


    His question was met with silence. Gu Dan coughed to break the silence.


    "If you are looking to reward the youngest Sense Trainer, then Chu Qing is not the person you are looking for."


    Gu Dan spoke with a smug expression. City Lord Zhen missed his clue. With a puzzled expression he asked Ikasa, "He is not?"


    Ikasa shook his head in response. Then suddenly a light shed in the City Lord''s mind. He looked at the three Sense Trainers with shock.


    "Did someone other than Chu Qing also break into the Sense Realm?"


    Seeing theically widened eyes of the City Lord, Ikasa nodded with amusement. By now, the drunk City Lord waspletely sober. He prodded the other Sense Trainers with questions as they were suddenly short of words today.


    "Who? Is it Hei Ying? Or Pei Yuan?"


    City Lord named the other two likely candidates.


    "Both."


    "BOTH?"


    Zhen Wu jumped up from his chair with surprise.


    "Just how many people advanced to the Sense Realm this afternoon?"


    He asked rhetorically. He did not expect an answer but Gu Dan put up six fingers.


    Seeing the number, the bearded man clutched his chest and fell back into the chair, his jaws hitting the floor.


    Ikasa supplemented Gu Dan when the City Lord turned to him.


    "Luo Qiqi and Yan Xiao also entered the Sense Training Realm."


    The City Lord wet his parched lips and asked weakly,


    "Is Luo Qiqi the youngest Sense Trainer? How old is she?"


    "She is fourteen but she is not the youngest. Yan Xiao is. He is just 13 this year."


    Zhen Wu merely nodded his head. He had exhausted his capacity to act surprised.


    In his mind he was calcting the number of Sense Trainers in the Gold Heart Business Group.


    ''There are a total of ten Sense Trainers by Ikasa''s side! Including him, there are a total of Eleven!''


    The number was horrific for a force located in a Tier 3 City! Even in the entirety of Sal City, one could only find seven Sense Realm Experts!


    Not to mention Birch City. When Ikasa arrived, there were only nine Sense Trainers in the City. Four in Hu n, three in Monstrous me Sect and two with the City Guards.


    Now the GHBG alone could match all the Sense Trainers in a fight!


    The City Lord realized that the Gold Heart Group could no longer be treated as an ordinary Tier-3 power.


    They onlycked a Chakra Sensing Expert to match any ordinary Tier-2 City''s powers.


    What shocked Zhen Wu the most was simultaneous breakthroughs. Six people advanced to Sense realm in one afternoon!


    Such events may happen in the Imperial Capital orrger Sects but they were Empire-ss forces!


    But GHBG was a Third-Tier City-level force!


    It should have been impossible for Ikasa to aplish such a feat! And yet, he had done it.


    ''But how has he done it?'' Zhen Wu wondered, specting about possibilities.


    ''Did he find some treasure? Or was it with the help of his miraculous Manuals?''


    ''If it is thetter, doesn''t that mean that he can let anyone advance to the Sense Realm?''


    The idea shook him to his core. Still, he dismissed this thought as Ikasa had never shown any ability to promote people to Sense Realm before.


    Whatever may be the case, it was undeniable that there were Six sense trainers more in GHBG!


    And somehow, they had broken the record of bing the youngest Sense Trainer five times in one afternoon!

 Chapter 149 Plans For Beech City

    Chirp!


    The morning dawned on Birch city with the chirping of the birds.


    When Xin Ruo came into the living room of the Vi, she found four of the most powerful people in Birch City snoring with their heads on the table.


    Tens of shattered jars of liquor were strewn across the floor. Just seeing the scene, she could imagine how much fun they hadst night.


    After the initial shock, City Lord had gone on a toasting spree, downing cup after cup of liquor. How could the other three refuse? They apanied the bearded man to the end.


    They may have higher tolerance for alcohol, but this was Spirit Wine! Soon, all of them had fallen into drunken stupor and fell asleep in their seats.


    Even Xin Ruo''s arrival did not awaken the usually alert men. She opened the doors and windows, letting the rays of the morning sun intrude the living room.


    As the bright rays of the morning sun fell on their faces, the four sleeping men stirred. They tried to shield their faces, to no avail. Groaning with displeasure, they woke up and rubbed their eyes.


    "Yaawn!"


    Last to rise, City Lord Zhen stretched his back and his mouth, seemingly unaware of the surroundings. Mid stretch, he noticed the three other sense trainers looking at him with amusement.


    Suddenly, thest night''s memories came rushing back to him. He realized that he had slept in Ikasa''s Vi.


    He immediatelyposed himself and cleared his throat. He was not embarrassed as he at the least did not have dried drool on his chin or a bare chest with half the robe torn open.


    The City Lord straightened his crumpled robe and stroked his beard. He felt something gooey stuck in it.


    When he sniffed the hand, he almost vomited again. Because that was vomit on his beard!


    "Lord Zhen, pleasee this way. I will lead you to freshen up."


    Xin Ruo came to his rescue. Others also left to clean up.


    Half an hourter, they gathered at the dining table again.


    "This smells great!"


    Gu Dan eximed. He had not had breakfast at Ikasa''s before. This was his first time and he was enamored by the smell of spicesing from simple looking porridge.


    City Lord Zhen smiled disdainfully at the poor Gu Dan who had never tasted the spices before. He grabbed a spoonful and brought it to his mouth.


    A symphony of vors began to y in his mouth. He tasted the subtle sweetness of jaggery and a hint of cinnamon in the background. He quickly grabbed another spoonful and shoved it in his mouth.


    He only stopped when his bowl was empty. When he looked up he saw everyone looking at him with a smile.


    "Another bowl?"


    Gu Dan asked, barely hiding his amusement.


    "Ahem."


    The City Lord cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment but he did not say no. Changing the topic, City Lord Zhen talked to Ikasa about his ns.


    "When are you nning to leave for Beech City?"


    Ikasa helplessly smiled.


    "I don''t know if we are strong enough to navigate those muddy waters."


    The nar Rift in Beech City had attracted the attention of many major and minor forces of the Deciduous County. Sense Realm experts were everywhere and quite a few Path Finders had also joined in this chaos.


    At such a time, going to the Beech City was equivalent to throwing his life away.


    The City Lord nodded at Ikasa''s cautiousness. But he wouldn''t have asked the question if he did not have a good reason.


    "Well, I have good news for you. Even if you go there with just five Sense Trainers, you will be safe in the City."


    City Lord Zhen spoke, swallowing the spoonful of porridge. Ikasa looked at him with surprise.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "How can five measly Sense Trainers be safe against the Path Finders?"


    "The County''s Governor was directed to bring order to the increasingly chaotic Beech City by the Imperial Court. Hence, my brother has stationed five Chakra Sensing Experts in the City to maintain order until a new City Lord is chosen."


    "Oh." Ikasa nodded and began to think about the feasibility of this excursion. But the City Lord was not done yet.


    "In fact, this is the best time for you to go. Path Finder Zhen Ya, my sister, is also stationed there. She can guarantee your safety inside the City."


    Ikasa was very much tempted by the news. But he did not jump to a decision. At this moment, Feng Yan asked a question.


    "Our safety would be guaranteed in the City, but what about inside the Rift? What do we do if a Path Finder attacks us in the Rift?"


    City Lord Zhenughed at Feng Yan''s question.


    "Brother Feng, why are you worrying about Path Finders when you are inside the rift? Unless they can manipte space, they are barely stronger than a Pinnacle Sense Trainer when they are inside."


    Feng Yan did not know how the Chakra Sensing Experts worked, but Ikasa knew about it; thanks to his talks with Path Finder Zhen Ya.


    A Path Finder only redirected the energy in the surroundings ording to their will. They could not store it inside their body and use it whenever they want.


    In the nar Rift, the energies of attributes other than Space were scarce to the point of non-existence. If a Path Finder cannot find energy corresponding to their attribute, they could not use it to attack or defend. In such conditions, they were no better than a Pinnacle Sense Trainer.


    This was the reason why ces with extreme attribute energies like the Volcanoes, Seas and nar Rifts were heaven for Cultivators of corresponding attributes, but hell for most others.


    And Path Finders who could use the Space Energy were rarer than dragons and phoenixes in the Holy Wood Empire. Thus, City Lord Zhen assured Ikasa that they had nothing to worry about.


    Ikasa was convinced of his safety after hearing theplete news. He himself was just a few points away from the Pinnacle of the Sense Realm. Also, he had a few new techniques to back his confidence.


    Even though he still had not received any Battle Technique rted to weapons, he had three new high grade techniques.


    Two of them were offensive techniques. One was [Butt to Face], a technique best utilized by fatties and the other was [12 to 6], an elbow smashing technique.


    Ikasa was most impressed by the defensive technique.


    Rock Solid Armor was a high grade technique that rolled the body into a boulder-shape. Its strengthy in reducing the exposed area and making it as solid as a rock.


    Just when Ikasa was about to ask for more information from the City Lord, he gave another security assurance to Ikasa.


    "The He Family will also be there in Beech City. So you can be double assured of your safety."


    After Ikasa''s sessful agreement with the Fourth Elder, He Ling, he did not receive anymunication for the next month. He did not receive any orders nor did He Ling contact him with problems.


    Then suddenly one day, he received orders for 10 Single-Use Manuals of Dumb Belle''s Guide to strength. Puzzled, Ikasa prepared them.


    To his astonishment, He Ling himself arrived the very next day and paid 1000 Gold coins for the manuals. A few dayster, Ikasa received a huge bulk order.


    A 100x manual of his ten most popr Battle Techniques and a Single-use manual of every other technique on the list. Just from this Ikasa had earned 2600 Gold! That was excluding the 10% of profits he would receive from the He Family!


    As for Cultivation techniques, the demand was even bigger. Five 100x manuals of both the Mid Grade Cultivation manuals and 50 single use manuals of his Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength. This order amounted to another 6500 gold in Ikasa''s ount!


    Ikasa had thus made a profit of around 13k gold from the first order!


    It was not like Ikasa was the only beneficiary in this cooperation. The He Family also earned a good sum from the first shop they put Ikasa''s goods in.


    From Battle Techniques alone, they could earn a sum of nearly twenty thousand Gold! Even after deducting the taxes and Ikasa''s share of profits, they would have about 11,000 gold left.


    For Cultivation Manuals, the He''s earned 9ooo gold just from the Mid Grade techniques. They nned to sell the Single Use manuals to rich fools for an average of 500 Gold per manual which would probably be tax free.


    And this was just one shop in a Tier-2 city!


    Ikasa received simrlyrge orders for their shops in other cities. All in all, he had made around 50,000 Gold just in a single month!


    The He Family had also benefited just as much from Ikasa. So how could they let harme to their wealth-bringer?


    Taking all these into consideration, Ikasa readied himself to go on an adventure.

 Chapter 150 Yi Ka San

    [Would you like to use 22 Cultivation Points to improve your Spiritual Sense?]


    Ikasa hesitated for a second. Adding so many points at once may cause his Spiritual Body to overload. However, he could not wait too long.


    He would start his journey to Beech City the next day. It was a must to max out one of his most important Senses before he entered the nar Rift.


    He looked at the Pentagonal Stats diagram again. The number before Spiritual Sense sat at 78/100.


    Two more points would let him reach the Pinnacle of the Sense Realm. The rest twenty would prepare him for the breakthrough to Chakra Sensing Realm.


    All of his five physical senses had been evened out at 36/50.


    As soon as he adds 4 more points to each of them, he would be a true Pinnacle Sense Realm Expert!


    ''Once I set off for Beech City, I will not be able to ess Printer until I return. I need to use as many points as possible and be stronger before then.''


    He also had another worry; For the duration he would be gone, his CP would reach the cap and be wasted.


    Though his cap had increased to 440 from the meager 100 he had initially, his sales had grown exponentially more inparison. He earned nearly 200 CP everyday!


    If he had to make aparison, he only had to look at the capless Battle Points. The number had reached an astonishing high of 2176! And it was after he had used them to fulfill all the orders of Martial Skill Manuals!


    Ikasa took this all into consideration. Increasing his realm meant increasing the cap on CP by another 70 points. In a situation where he would not be able to ess the Printer for a few weeks, saving as much CP as possible was important.


    Because if hecked CP, he would not be able to fulfill the uing bulk orders for Cultivation manual in a timely manner!


    Ikasa sighed at the dilemma.


    ''If only I could bring the Printer with meˇ­ I wouldn''t have topromise with my steady growth.''


    He gritted his teeth and pressed ''Yes''. He chose his business over his personal embarrassment.


    ''Anyways, the worst that could happen is a splitting headache.''


    Ikasa thought as the cultivation points changed from 386 to 364. He couldn''t have been more wrong.


    Adding 22 points at once was equivalent to overeating. Unlike his stomach, his Spiritual Body could not vomit the excess points out.


    His Spirit began to bulge as its absorption and assimtion speed could not keep up. The excess energy ran rampant through the energy paths, causing them to inte.


    A point came when his Spiritual body becamerger than his Physical Body. He began to feel the pain. It started with a prickly sensation all over and quickly escted to severe muscle pains.


    "Aaahh!"


    Ikasa copsed to the floor, writhing with anguish. At this moment, his spirit had reached the limit of absorption. He suddenly felt the pain recede and disappear.


    When he opened his eyes, he saw fog swirling with different shades of gray. Bright lights shed in the corner of his vision, as if they were shooting stars.


    Ikasa looked around to find where he was. Except for the gray fog, he could not see anything. He took a step and lost bnce. Yet, he did not fall. His body floated, as if weightless.


    Just as he was wondering where he was, he heard a voice. It sounded from everywhere and nowhere.


    "What is ''His'' creation doing here?"


    Ikasa felt as if his entire being had been scanned with an invasive gaze. It terrified him that it happened without his notice.


    A few secondster he heard the voice again.


    "It even has aplete Soul! How is this possible?"


    Even though the words suggested shock and surprise, the voice itself was neutral and emotionless, as if that of a robot.


    Ikasa gathered courage and spoke to the ethereal voice.


    "Who are you? Where is this?"


    Silence. No one answered his question. Every second that passed felt like eternity while he waited for a reply.


    After an unknown period of time had passed, a familiar feminine voice reverberated in his ears. It was different from the masculine robotic voice from earlier.


    "We cannot keep him here for long."


    The feminine voice spoke to the masculine voice.


    Ikasa could not ce where he had heard this feminine voice before, but he was sure he knew the owner of the voice. Just as he was about to ask his questions, he heard her speak again.


    "Yi Ka San, if you want answers, bring your Cloud Printer to a nar Rift."


    Though the name she called was unfamiliar, he could safely assume that she was addressing him. After all, she specifically mentioned his greatest secret!


    Before he could ask her anything further, his sight blurred and he woke up on the floor of his bedroom.The moment his eyes opened, he had one thought in his mind.


    ''How does she know about the Printer?''


    Ikasa wondered with panic.<novelnext></novelnext>


    An unknown being who was powerful beyond his imagination knew his secret. If she wanted to, she could take it from him and he would be helpless to resist.


    This thought made cold sweat trickle down his back. He looked at the Cloud Printer lying innocently on the table. The wire was still connected to his chest.


    He unplugged the wire and watched as the USB slot on his chest disappeared under his skin, as if it was never there.


    Ikasa sat on the floor, dumbfounded. The entire experience he underwent was surreal. Just a few minutes may have passed and the memory of the gray foggy area was already starting to blur in his mind.


    He tried to piece the clues together to uncover the identity of the Speakers.


    No matter how he tried, he could not link a face or a name to the familiar voice. Still, that was not the only peculiar thing.


    What the robotic masculine voice said also bothered him.


    ''His'' Creation. Who was the Voice talking about? What did he mean by having aplete Soul? If I am a human being, shouldn''t I have a Soul?


    Though, he was conflicted about bringing his Printer to the nar Rift, he wanted answers more desperately.


    Some were concerning his body, others rted to the Sanctuary and its breach. He also wondered if the voice could answer what the holographic old man in the ruins near Sal City meant by gathering of energy.


    ''Also, some mysterious entity is supposed to arrive in 80 years.''


    Ikasa wanted answers rted to all of the questions. If his doubts were only about the sanctuary and this world, he wouldn''t have taken the risk.


    However, his identity was in question. He valued his life, but what was the point of living if he was confused about his identity?


    Ikasa also remembered the way he was addressed by the immaterial voice.


    "Yi Ka San. Yiˇ­ Kaˇ­ Sanˇ­"


    His face paled as he made the connection.


    "Yi means 1. Ka is K. San as in 3ˇ­."


    The words ofthe holographic hunched old man from the Sal City''s ruins came to his mind. He had called him something that made him doubt his humanity.


    Ikasa silently whispered the way he was addressed by the hunched old man.


    "Specimen 1k3a."


    He held his head and fell to the floor on his back.


    ''Does that mean this body was born in ab and not from a mother''s womb?''


    For the first time, Ikasa differentiated his soul from the Earth and the body he transmigrated into. The dissonance in his identities made his heart thump.


    He had never imagined himself as anything but Human. And he was unwilling to consider himself as anything else. He took a few minutes to straighten his thoughts.


    ''There is no point in specting and beating myself over it.''


    He thought as his eyes came to rest on the Cloud Printer.


    ''All my questions can be answered as long as I risk exposing the Printer and bring it to the nar Rift in Beech City.''


    Once he had resolved to take the risk, he began to prepare to minimize the danger associated with it.


    First and foremost, he decided to check his stats. The reason behind why he was able to contact those mysterious voices was, after all, his overloaded Spiritual Body.


    He opened the cultivation screen only to see something unexpected.


    The Spiritual Sense had not reached 100/100 as he had intended. Instead, he saw that only two points were added to the Spiritual Sense.


    "80/100. Where did the rest of the points go?"


    He muttered as he looked at the stats of five Physical Senses.


    "40/50, 40/50ˇ­.40/50? All five of them have reached the 40 points mark?"


    Ikasa eximed with surprise.


    He suddenly felt tingling on his skin as he felt hot energy from the fire attribute, dry energy of the earth attribute and cold from water attribute.


    Soon his nose was also assaulted by the various smells of the different attributes.


    The sensations overwhelmed him quickly, but Ikasa persisted through this first wave. The Spiritual Smell and Spiritual Touch deactivated after a few seconds.


    He took a deep breath and calmed his rapidly beating heart. The sudden redistribution of points had made him a true Pinnacle Sense Trainer!


    It also posed him another question regarding the redistribution of the points.


    "Was it a self-corrective action by my own body, or was it the work of the owners of mysterious voices?"

 Chapter 151 The Dark Fang

    To the south of Birch City,y a vast jungle. Thick foliage of the trees blocked the majority of the sunlight from falling on the ground. The silence of the peaceful forest was only broken by an asional chirp of a bird or a deafening trumpet of an elephant.


    Through this dense forest, passed a path leading to the Beech City. As the only road connecting Birch City to Beech City, all of the trade between the two Cities took ce via this route.


    This wide road had prospered a decade ago. However, in recent years, the road had fallen into disrepair. Ever since the City Lord of Beech City had gone missing, this road saw sparse traffic, almost as good as none.


    The reason? A notorious group of bandits had taken residence in this forest.


    The prosperity of the route had always attracted bandits and thieves, but they were soon taken care of by the City Lords of the two Cities.


    When the City Lord of the Beech City went missing in the nar Rift, the tight surveince on the road weakened.The City Lord of the Birch City also got embroiled in the internal fight for dominance,pletely neglecting this path.


    Within a few years, this entire path became a haven for bandits and robbers. They fought for dominance. From the chaos, the Dark Fang emerged victorious.


    As the members of an exiled mercenary group, they had a few advantages in terms of techniques and discipline. They swiftly eliminated the smaller gangs and assimted them into their group.


    Within a few weeks, they became the sole rulers of this trade route. But they didn''t understand long term gains.


    They massacred and looted any caravan passing through the forest. The Dark Fang became the merchantmunity''s biggest headache.


    No merchant dared to step foot on this route after the first few caravans faced their demise. When the traffic entirely dropped, wisdom came to the Dark Fang.


    They tamed their methods and started to charge a toll. But they were toote. Merchants would rather take a longer route around the forest than meet these Bandits face to face.


    Now only a sparse few merchants who were on deadline took the road through the forest.


    "Tskˇ­ Pussies. We just killed a few and they dare not step into the forest anymore!"


    Two bandits who were on scout duty chattered.


    "Hmph! These rich people are all vicious cowards. So what if our Boss killed his client and took his woman, was there a need to exile us from the Beech City?"


    The second bandit grumbled. Suddenly, they heard the sound of horse''s hooves falling heavily on the ground. The two scouts became alert.


    The sounds of the carriage were still far and they had not seen the target yet. As they waited, the first bandit spoke with longing.


    "I haven''t touched a woman in so long. I hope there is a broad with nice breasts and plump rear in this caravan."


    Disgusted by his perverted grin, the second bandit spat at him.


    "Ptui! All you can think of is sex. You would fuck a tree, if it had a hole!"


    Before the first bandit could reply, the second one shushed him and pointed at the road.


    Arge carriage pulled by three brown sturdy horses quickly sped towards the depths of the forest. The two bandits nodded to each other and approached the carriage stealthily.


    In the carriage, they saw two old men, a couple and a few kids.


    The kids chatted about inane things. Sometimes they teased the little fox sleeping in thep of one of the girls.


    Like a couple of love birds, the young man and woman sat next to each other, quietly whispering something and smiling.


    The overprotective father shot a stinky re at the duo while the otherelder tried to prevent him from doing so.


    To bystanders, the group seemed like a harmless family out on a trip. The scouts had also mistaken them as such.


    There were no weapons in sight and no guards who would protect them.


    The scouts grinned at each other, happy to have found easy prey. They quickly disappeared in the forest, to inform their brothers of the juicy target.


    ˇŞ-


    Hearing the rapidly rustling leaves, Ikasa smiled. He immediately understood they had been spied upon.


    "Everyone, the Bandits have detected us. Be alert, they mayunch an attack at any moment."


    Xin Ruo''s shoulders tensed upon his warning. Feng Yan quietly reached for the Bloody halberd hidden behind the window of the carriage.


    Elder Yi looked rxed with his hands in his sleeves, but they actually held tiny bottles filled with poisons.


    The kids vigntly looked around the trees but couldn''t find anyone. Their restless movements had only annoyed Moony.


    Grr Gru.


    Heined and made himselffortable on Hei Ying''sp again.


    After a few tense minutes, nothing happened. The kids lowered their guard but the adults didn''t. They knew that the bandits woulde out soon.


    As they expected, the carriage suddenly began to slow down. The coach man frantically knocked on the window. Feng Yan immediately opened it.


    "B- Banditsˇ­ They have surrounded us!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Soon after his warning, an arrow shot towards him. Feng Yan quickly pulled the man aside. His timely action saved the man''s life. The arrow that should''ve hit the driver in heart, merely grazed his left arm.


    "Hahaha! There are still ignorant fools who dare to travel through the Dark Fang''s territory without any guard!"


    A raucousughter followed the man''s ridiculing words. Ikasa opened the door and jumped out. Feng Yan and Xin Ruo followed him out.


    When Xin Ruo came out, the bandits began to cat-call and whistle. They openly leered at her, drooling at her beauty. Feng Yan and Ikasa frowned and remembered every mouth that made a sound.


    As soon as his eyes fell on the man in the lead, Ikasa identified his target; Jin Ya, the leader of Dark Fang.


    He was a giant of a man. His hair was unwashed and untamed, reaching his chest. Upon seeing Xin Ruo, he smiled a toothy grin, exposing the gold tooth in his mouth.


    Ikasa''s eyes moved to his wrist where he saw a dirty bracelet. It had long lost its shine, but he could tell it was the Spatial storage item mentioned by the City Lord.


    Yes, Ikasa had chosen this route despite knowing the dangers, all because of the rumors about this bracelet.


    Noticing Ikasa''s gaze, Jin Ya proudly showed off the bracelet.


    "Like what you see? Don''t worry, you will also meet the same fate as the owner of this bracelet. Dead and your woman taken."


    Jin Ya jeered and his 30 or so subordinates joined in theughter. Ikasa paid no heed to his words. At this time, the kids peeked out from the window.


    "Come out."


    Feng Yanmanded them. His order brought on another wave of jeering.


    "Look, the old man wants to use kids to melt our heartsˇ­"


    "Should we show them mercy since they have such tender fleshˇ­"


    Ikasa''s blood boiled as he noticed a few perverts lookingsciviously at Luo Qiqi and Hei Ying. He released the Serrated Sun Disc tied on his waist and threw it like a shuriken at one of the men who was about to make a lewdment.


    Before he could understand what happened, the disc embedded itself in his throat, silencing him for eternity.


    Ikasa''s sudden attack took everyone by surprise. The bandits were slow to realize that one of them had already fallen. They followed Ikasa''s hand to see a man lying in his own blood.


    "You are dead!" Jin Ya roared and charged towards Ikasa. An ax had appeared in his empty hands as he raised it to chop the young man in two.


    "You are not the only one who has a weapon!" Feng Yan jumped in to parry the blow.


    Ikasa wisely gave Feng Yan the stage as he retrieved the Serrated Sun Disc. Then he stepped back and kept an eye on the situation of the Kids and Xin Ruo, ready to help in case of emergency.


    Even though they were surrounded by opponents with twice their number, the kids did not flinch back. However, Xin Ruo''s situation was not so good.


    At this moment, where they might die, they were still thinking with their dicks. They attacked Xin Ruo, trying to grope a feel!


    She valiantly avoided all their advances, but she could not focus on any one person and attack. But she was also not in any danger as none of the men tried to harm her with fatal attacks.


    Ikasa almostughed at their stupidity.


    "These five idiots still haven''t realized that they are facing a Sense Realm Expert!"


    His expression quickly changed when one of the men came too close to Xin Ruo and almost hooked his finger in her robe.


    "Don''t you dare!"


    Ikasa shouted, throwing his disc and relieving the man of his offending hand. Unable to hold back his anger, he jumped into the fight.


    With a Chop to the neck, he first finished the armless man. His sweeping kick imbnced the other opponent, letting Xin Ruo im his life with a 12 to 6 elbow smash on his heart.


    Horrified by the quick deaths of hisrades, the other man tried to flee, but he missed Ikasa''s Serrated Sun Disc. His head saw his headless body fall to the ground before life extinguished from his eyes.


    Xin Ruo easily took care of the other two men, giving them a taste of Nutcracker Kick.


    She was not the only one to burst the balls in this battle. Luo Qiqi also let the perverts experience a pain they would never forget.


    Chu Qing and Yan Xiao acted as sturdy shields as they used defensive techniques to prevent the perverts from ganging up on the girls. Pei Yuan stabbed the bandits in their backs as they faced off against the two shields.


    If any of the men slipped past, Luo Qiqi and Hei Ying let them experience hell by using their kicks and punches.


    Nheless, except Pei Yuan, none of them killed a bandit. They left them incapacitated and immobilized. Still, none of the bandits had a chance to live.


    Moony took care of them with a sh of his ws or just chomping on their throats. The ck and red fox was bing red and brown from all the blood matting his fur.


    After ensuring the safety of the kids and Xin Ruo, Ikasa looked at the leader of the Bandits. Unbelievably, Feng Yan had not managed to subdue him yet!


    In fact, Feng Yan was barely holding up against him!

 Chapter 152 Riches!

    "This bastard is a Pinnacle Sense Trainer!"


    Feng Yan shouted at Ikasa. He hurriedly jumped back and swung his halberd over his head, bringing it down to sh on the Bandit Leader.


    The giant red des attached to the handle shed as they approached Jin Ya''s shoulders and then embedded into the ground cutting only a few locks of his hair.


    "With how slow you are, when will you catch me?"


    Jin Ya sneered, mocking Feng Yan. He rested his axe on his shoulders and looked at the halberd embedded in the ground with disdain.


    Feng Yan was panting from the exertion. He watched the Bandit leader standing a few feet away with wary eyes.


    "All your men are dead, Jin Ya."


    Ikasa calmly stated, observing the unruly man''s reaction. Much to his surprise, Jin Ya startedughing.


    "This forest is my den! Did you really think that I rule this area with just a few tens of men?"


    Ikasa''s eyes widened. Now, he knew why the Bandit leader was so rxed despite his men being killed brutally.


    He was waiting for his backup to arrive!


    And right on the mark, leaves rustled as men in groups of tens began to emerge from the forest into the open.


    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8! Ikasa spotted around 8 groups who had besieged them. That was eighty men!


    Most of them had sticks and branches of the trees as weapons. A few had wooden bows and arrows. Some had made pointed shafts and used them as spears.


    These crude, pointed weapons may be frowned upon in the City, but no one would care in the wilderness.


    Ikasa and others came closer to the carriage. They formed a circle with their backs to the carriage as they vigntly watched the advancing bandits.


    "What will you do now? Surrender the beauty and flee by yourself? Or perhaps die?"


    Jin Ya grinned a savage smirk. He watched Ikasa like he was watching amb waiting to be ughtered.


    Ikasa yed along and made his knees tremble. Seeing his condition, kids frowned with worry.


    As Jin Ya was about to take a step towards the beauty he coveted, Feng Yan blocked his way. The threat of his halberd, made Jin Ya focus his attention back on Feng Yan.


    The Bandits followed their leader''s actions and charged at Ikasa''s group.


    Ikasa took a deep breath and bellowed, "Now!"


    His shout stunned the bandits. They stopped and looked around, but they couldn''t see any changes.


    The group leader clicked his tongue with annoyance.


    "They are merely trying to scare us. Attack!"


    The enraged mobs charged toward Ikasa, covering the distance in a few breaths. And then suddenly, the people at the back began to fall.


    The Bandits panicked at the inexplicable phenomenon. The group leaders tried to maintain order, but these were bandits and robbers, not trained soldiers.


    They preferred to preserve their lives and ran around like headless chickens.


    Ikasa smirked after seeing the chaos. Jin Ya was not the only one with backup; He had brought one too.


    Elder Yi hiding in the carriage was no less than a weapon of mass destruction, solely because of his poisonous gases.


    At Ikasa''s shout, his bottles had burst amidst the crowded dacoits. Within a few seconds, his sleeping incense had shown its effects as the people began to fall like flies.


    This way, Elder Yi Gan had taken care of more than half the enemies without taking a single step out of the carriage!


    The rest of the bandits were also mildly affected, slowing their speed even further. As such, Ikasa and the kids took care of these small fries in just a quarter of an hour!


    Ikasa turned his attention back to the Bandit Leader. He noticed blood dripping down Feng Yan''s thigh. He saw Feng Yan wince with pain every time he put weight on his left leg.


    ''The bleeding wound is affecting his movement.''


    Ikasa realized as he saw Jin Ya raise his ax to behead Feng Yan!


    "Don''t you dare!"


    Ikasa shouted,unching his Serrated Sun Disc to interfere with his attack. The bandit leader nced at Ikasa out of the corner of his eyes. Behind Ikasa, his men were lying motionless on the ground.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Stunned, Jin Ya paused in his attack. Fear filled his eyes as he gave up on attacking Feng Yan and turned to flee. He knew that without backup, he had no chance to win against Eight Sense Trainers!


    But how could Ikasa let him escape?


    Heunched his Serrated Sun Disc at the escaping figure of Jin Ya. His disc lost much of the momentum by the time it reached the bandit leader. Still, the goal was achieved.


    Ikasa and others heard a loud scream from Jin Ya and saw his body crashing to the ground. Although the disc did not sever his head, it lodged itself into the back of his knee, rendering his leg useless.


    Ikasa picked up the Bloody Halberd and ran to the limp Bandit Leader. Jin Ya knew he no longer had any chance to escape.


    In ast-ditch effort, Jin Ya swung his ax at Ikasa''s leg. Ikasa jumped in response and let the ax pass under his feet. He then crudely smashed the Halberd at Jin Ya, trying to chop him in half.


    Survival instinct won over his pain and Jin Ya managed to roll to the side, avoiding the de. Enduring the pain, he somehow stood up with the support of the nearby tree.


    As Ikasa approached, he threw the mud collected in his hands at Ikasa. The clumps of humid mud did not work as well as sand would have. Ikasa was not blinded by it; Only slightly distracted.


    Jin Ya roared and took this chance to throw his ax at Ikasa''s chest.


    "If I am dying, you are dying with me bastard!"


    Taken aback, Ikasa blocked the axe by taking shelter behind the halberd. Luckily, the metal ax hit the handle of the halberd and lost its momentum.


    The color drained from Jin Ya''s face seeing Ikasa unharmed. As ast resort, he begged for his life.


    "S-Spare me. I will do anything you say."


    Ikasa sneered in response. Of what use was this two-faced man to him?


    Without saying a word, he raised the halberd and brought it down. Unwilling to die, Jin Ya used his hands as thest means of resistance, but they were too frail to block the blow.


    The bloody-red des chopped through his arms and embedded themselves in his chest. The Bandit Leader looked at the blood-sttered face of Ikasa with hatred, cursing him in his heart as he fell back into the tree, dead.


    Ikasa did not feel a hint of remorse when he took off the Spatial Bracelet from the chopped arm of the dead Bandit Leader. A man who had massacred hundreds of innocents did not deserve his sympathy.


    He cleaned the spatial device and wore it on his wrist. Then he picked up the ax, the halberd, and the Sun Disc and returned to the carriage.


    Elder Yi and Xin Ruo had bandaged Feng Yan''s wound in the meantime.


    "Did you get the bastard?"


    Feng Yan asked, his voice hoarse from pain.


    "What do you think?"


    Ikasa smiled and proudly showed off the spoils of war. Even in pain, Feng Yan smiled a greedy grin upon seeing the ax.


    "Back off, old man! This will go to Uncle Chu!"


    "Tsk! I risked my life here, and that scoundrel is the one getting benefits!"


    Ikasa paid no heed to hisints. He put the weapons back in the Spatial Bracelet and helped Feng Yan hobble back to the carriage.


    Once safely inside, Ikasa opened his spiritual sense and scanned the interior of the Spatial Bracelet. The wealth inside shocked him!


    In a space of nearly 3 cubic meters, he saw tens of tiny bottles lined along the wall. He saw a cool blue pattern on the bottles and immediately identified them.


    They were Cold Marble Bottles used to store Energy Infused Water or the higher grade versions, Energy Crystals. These bottles cost at least 10 gold each, and there were about a hundred of them inside!


    Ikasa immediately took out one of the bottles. His eyes shined as he felt a cool aura emanating from the bottle. As soon as he uncorked the bottle, thick mist gathered around the opening.


    A faint refreshing fragrance spread in the carriage, relieving everyone of their fatigue.


    "That is an Energy Crystal in there!"


    Elder Yi spoke with rm. If Spirit coins were artificial storages of energy, the Energy Crystals were natural ones. And from the amount of spiritual energy, the crystal inside was worth at least a 2-star Spirit Coin!


    Ikasa put the bottle back inside after confirming the contents. Just which unlucky fellow died under this bastard''s hands that left him such a fortune?


    He did not worry too much and scanned the space again. He found a small pile of herbs in one corner. On the opposite side, there were some stones scattered.


    After scanning the storage space, Ikasa was satisfied with the size and treasures inside. Most importantly, there was enough space for his Printer to fit inside the Bracelet!

 Chapter 153 Arriving In Beech City

    Two days after the Battle against the Bandits, their carriage safely arrived at the Beech City''s gates. As Ikasa paid the entry toll, he could not help but pity the condition of the City.


    The sturdy gates were broken. The City walls had copsed in numerous ces. Still, their robust structures reminded everyone of the City''s prosperous past.


    Built on the edge of the Forest, this City thrived by exploiting the natural treasure trove. A thriving timber industry was the economic lifeline of this City. It supplied wood to every Tier-3 and Tier-2 Cities in the County!


    Adventurers formed parties to explore the depths of the forests. Caravans transporting the woods hired local mercenaries, providing employment to even more localities. If you had no other skill, you could be a Lumberjack and chop the wood.


    Due to numerous opportunities, no hand in the City was idle, and no stomach empty. Their industriousness and the City Lord''s vision had made the City prosper.


    Ikasa sighed in the carriage. He admired the City Lord Qin of Beech City for making the right decisions and leading the City on path to prosperity. He would have loved to work with him.


    ''Unfortunately, he went missing inside the rift.''


    He shook his head with regret and looked out of the window. He saw destroyed shops and houses, a further reminder of the situation of the City.


    After the City Lord went missing, the City became chaotic without any one to supervise it. No power was strong enough to convincingly maintain thew and order.


    Those with vile minds took advantage of the chaos and looted the wealthy merchants. The very mercenaries they had hired for protection, murdered and looted them. Trade and Commerce suffered as a result.


    Before the Citizens of Beech City could resolve internal problems, external forces arrived for the nar Rift. They disregarded the locals and snatched whatever resources they wanted.


    Fights on streets at every hour becamemonce. And the result was destruction of property. In this way, the once prosperous City had been ruined.


    Their carriage entered the Inner-City on the way to the City Lord''s Manor to meet with Path Finder Zhen Ya. The Kids looked out of the window and noticed beasts dragging stones and logs.


    "Brother Ikasa, what are they doing?"


    The ever curious Luo Qiqi asked. Her question drew everyone''s attention to the scene outside. The mules were dragging the construction materials to their left.


    Ikasa saw arge building being reconstructed in the distance when he followed Luo Qiqi''s finger. A man floating in the air was supervising the cement of the stone blocks.


    ''Why would a Path Finder supervise the construction himself?''


    Ikasa wondered. He looked closely and beyond the half built structure, Ikasa saw a pitch ck hole. It seemed as if it had sucked in all the light in the surroundings.


    "That is the nar Rift."


    Elder Yi Ganmented, his eyes also looking in the same direction. Ikasa looked at the dark hole with fascination and wariness. The thought of the unknown lying beyond excited and spooked him.


    The carriage kept on moving and soon the Rift was hidden from their view. A few minutester, the horses came to a stop before arge manor.


    They had arrived at their destination.


    The butler of the manor hurried over to the deboarding Ikasa and his group. He bowed to Elder Yi Gan and politely reported,


    "Path Finder Zhen is waiting for you in the living room, Mister Ikasa."


    Elder Yi Ganughed awkwardly and pointed to the young man beside him.


    "I am but a mere subordinate. He is my master, Ikasa."


    The butler was taken aback. He looked at the young man with shock.


    ''This young man is the one who makes Spiritual Imprints of Martial Skills?''


    The young man wore a robe made with white and blue silky fabric. Even though it was smudged with mud and blood, the butler had immediately recognized its worth.


    He only approached the elder because he never thought that Ikasa who makes the Spiritual Imprints might be a young man!


    He quickly bowed to Ikasa, asking for forgiveness.


    "My apologies, Mister Ikasa. Please,e this way. Path Finder Zhen and Mistress Qin are waiting for you."


    Then he called two servants and ordered, "Bring their luggage to the rooms on the second floor."


    "No need, Butler," Ikasa interjected, tapping his newly acquired bracelet.


    The poor butler received another shock. The Spatial Storage devices were incredibly rare and precious. Not even the City Lord of a Tier 3 City could get his hands on one easily.


    Yet, Ikasa had one!<novelnext></novelnext>


    Speechless, the Butler quietly led the way to the living room.


    In the spacious hall, twodies sat opposite each other in silence. The atmosphere between the two was amiable and peaceful. One was a mature woman in her forties and another young and cold beauty.


    The mature woman stood up to receive Ikasa and his group when they arrived inside the hall.


    Ikasa cupped his fist and slightly bowed to Path Finder Zhen and looked at the Mature Woman with confusion.


    "Meet Lady Qin Xin, the wife of the missing City Lord Qin. She was kind enough to offer you and your people a residence."


    Path Finder Zhen Ya introduced in her usual cold voice. Ikasa nodded in understanding and quickly cupped his fists at the mature woman.


    "Thank You Lady Qin for opening your home to strangers like us. If we have an opportunity, we will surely repay your grace."


    Thedy waved her hand with elegance.


    "It is my honor and pleasure to host distinguished Sense Trainers like you, Mister Ikasa. Please make yourselvesfortable."


    She spoke with charm and poise but she could not hide the worry in her eyes. She looked at Path Finder Zhen and excused herself from theirpany.


    "I see that you have cleared the route."


    Zhen Ya mentioned, her eyes stopping at his wrist and the blood spots on his robes.


    "Yes, I did. It was easier than I expected."


    She was the one who had provided information about the Bandit Leader to the City Lord Zhen and Ikasa knew it.


    Had the City Lord opened a punitive expedition against the bandits, they never would''vee out in the open. They would have harassed the City Lord''s forces using gueri warfare and slowly worn them out, until they had to retreat without any results.


    But the Dark Dang had underestimated Ikasa and his group. A majority of the Bandits fell prey to Ikasa''s ploy and most importantly, they lost their leader. Now, the City Lord can easily take care of the remnants.


    Ikasa knew this and he actively participated, just for the Spatial Bracelet. There was no bigger prize than this device.


    The two of them sat in silence for a minute. Ikasa waited for Zhen Ya to speak but she showed no signs of opening her mouth.


    As the one in need of information, Ikasa began to ask questions.


    "Path Finder Zhen, can you tell me about the forcespeting in the nar Rift?"


    Ikasa''s question triggered the annoyed-by-stupid side of Zhen Ya. She pped her palm on the armrest as she cursed.


    "There are quite a few stupid bastards here. First you have to watch out for those idiots from the Mu Family. Just because they are a distant bloodline of the Royal family, their idiot Chakra Sensing Realm Expert thinks he can order me around!"


    "Who does he think he is? One day I am going to break his neck!"


    Ikasa''s lips twitched at her outrage. Only the Martial Genius would dare curse the Mu Family.


    She noticed Ikasa''s twitching lips and realized where she was. She took a deep breath andposed herself.


    "Watch out for the Mu family. Try not to get in conflict with them. If you do, killˇ­. ."


    Ikasa cleared his throat, reminding her of their location. She began to tell Ikasa of other powers in the City.


    "The He Family arrived yesterday. You can see if they are willing to cooperate, but don''t hold high hopes. They have sent their Young Master."


    Her contemptuous tone let Ikasa know of what she thought of the Young Master of the He Family.


    "There are two other powers from the Elm City. They have traveled far to arrive here from the other end of the County. They are the Su family and Nian n."


    "Oh? Why make such a long journey?"


    The Deciduous County was adjacent to the Furnace Fire Empire. Beech City was farthest from the border and Elm City was closest to the border. All the other cities of the countyy in between.


    The Elm City was so far that even the Ebony City of the Evergreen County was nearer to other Cities than the Elm City.


    So Ikasa wondered what could possibly attract their attention.


    "Same reason as you. The Spirit Coins. Elm City is not only a bastion of defense against the Furnace Fire Empire, it is also a trade hub. The Su Family and Nian n must need the Spirit Coins to prepare for the Merchants arriving next month."

 Chapter 154 Commander Qian Bu

    Ikasa obtained a better understanding of the external powers residing in the Beech City from hearing Zhen Ya''s words and observing her reactions.


    People from the Mu Family were the ones with the most influential backgrounds. They shouldn''t be contacted or messed with.


    Ikasa''s second assurance, the He Family, had sent their arrogant Young Master. Path Finder He Ding had given Ikasa a good measure of the arrogance of the He Family. He had no interest in dealing with a Young Master who supposedly took it to another level.


    The Su Family and Nian n were unknown variables. Even Zhen Ya did not have much information about their contingent.


    Summarizing the information, Ikasa was shocked to realize that every external power he heard about was either neutral or hostile. There was not a single friendly power he could rely on inside the Rift!


    ''Is there no familiar power I can work with?''


    Suddenly he had a thought. The closest Tier 2 City to the Beech City was Ebony City. So, he was astonished to not hear any news of a power from the Ebony City.


    "Path Finder Zhen, howe there is no power from Ebony City here?"


    "Because Miss Zhen Ya drove away everyone who did not belong to Deciduous County."


    Instead of Zhen Ya, another person answered his question in a teasing tone. Ikasa looked up to see a handsome man who seemed to be in his twenties arrive in the hall.


    Zhen Ya looked at him with cold indifference. The young man ignored her re and introduced himself with a smile.


    "I am Qian Bu, the Commander of Forces stationed here on the Governor''s orders."


    A hint of admiration for the youth shed across Ikasa''s eyes as he returned the greeting with a cupped fist. Zhen Ya did not miss his look. She snorted and exposed the Commander.


    "Don''t be fooled by his appearance. He is an old foggy in his mid-fifties who chomps down youth retaining pills every day."


    Ikasa''s eyes widened slightly as he looked at the Commander with suspicion. Commander Qian''s face had darkened for a moment, but a smile returned immediately.


    He retaliated in kind to Zhen Ya''s revtion. Qian Bu approached Ikasa and whispered as if telling a top secret.


    "Actually, Miss Zhen couldn''t tolerate her limelight being snatched by Miss Zhong of Ebony City. So, she drove Miss Zhong and her suitors away under the pretext that they were from Evergreen County."


    The Commander finished his sentence with a wink, further infuriating Zhen Ya. She stood up and stormed out of the room. She paused at the door and addressed Ikasa in a cold voice.


    "Bu-ge will answer any questions you have. Make sure to squeeze all the information out of him."


    Ikasa was left alone in the room with the mischievous Commander, who had the face of a youth. Qian Bu looked at the departing figure of Zhen Ya with a fond smile like he was watching his little sibling.


    Once she disappeared from the view, his smile vanished, and he looked at the young man critically. Ikasa was taken aback by the sudden change in attitude.


    "Get changed and meet me near the nar Rift. I will answer your questions there."


    The Commander abruptly left with his stack of papers, leaving the dumbfounded Ikasa alone.


    ''Is this the legendary sis-con?''


    Ikasa wondered as he climbed the stairs to his room.


    Half an hourter, Ikasa and two of the kids were riding the carriage. They were on the way to the nar Rift''s site. Elder Yi, Xin Ruo, the girls, and Yan Xiao had stayed back to care for Feng Yan.


    "Brother Ikasa, you have fulfilled promises made to everyone except me. When are you giving me my 1000 Gold Coins? You also haven''t paid me my sry."


    Chu Qing asked sulkily. He had asked this question nearly every day to Ikasa and he had received a single-word reply.


    "Patience."


    Today was no different. Pei Yuan sniggered on the other side. Chu Qing knew tantrums did not work, so he could only swallow hisints and endure.


    The Carriage slowly came to a stop outside the construction site. Ikasa felt the vacuum of energy now that they were within the Rift''s sphere of influence.


    "Move that rock 3 steps to the left. Which idiot nted the pole away from the mark? Correct its position, right now!"


    The three heard the Path Finder floating in the air roar at the workers as soon as they got down from the carriage. The trio attracted the attention of the guards on duty.


    "Stop! Who are you? State your purpose."


    Ikasa looked at the guard who had spoken. He felt that the guard was as strong as Pei Yuan and Chu Qing, meaning he was a Sense Realm Cultivator!


    "We are here to meet Commander Qian. Tell him, Ikasa has arrived."


    The guard held his staff tightly and scrutinized the suspicious trio. He motioned his colleague to inform the Commander while he himself kept an eye on the suspicious trio.


    Ikasa waited patiently for the other guard to return. As he looked around, he saw a squadron of 20 men patrolling on both sides of the street. The leaders of both squadrons were Sense Realm Experts!


    The mark on the chest of the guard and the squadrons was simr to the one on Commander Qian''s robe; A tree with half the leaves yellow and the other half green.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''They serve under the Governor of Deciduous County.''


    Ikasa came to the conclusion. Still, he was puzzled by the amount of security around the area. There was nothing that demanded this much protection. Not even the nar Rift.


    As he was wondering, the other guard came back and nodded to the Sense Trainer blocking Ikasa''s path. He took a step back, unapologetic for blocking the path of his superior''s guests.


    The Guard led Ikasa and the teens to a hastily erected tent near the nar Rift.


    "Commander, the guests are here."


    He announced, standing at the entrance.


    "Send them in."


    When the voice came from inside, the Guard moved the curtain and gestured for them to enter.


    "Whoa!"


    The two kids eximed as soon as they entered the tent. The insides were much much bigger than what it seemed from the outside. It was not decked in opulence as Ikasa had expected but it had all the basic amenities.


    The Commander stood by arge table at the center of the tent. Eight boxes were ced at eight positions around some sort of circr diagram. Inside the open boxes, eight different sparkling gems sat on a silky cloth.


    Chu Qing''s eyes shined seeing the multicolored stones. He barely controlled his urge to rush over and stroke the beautiful fist-sized gems.


    "Are they your kids?"


    Commander Qian asked, seeing Ikasa hold Chu Qing and Pei Yuan by their shoulders. The question threw Ikasa off guard.


    ''Do I look old enough to have Kids this big? Should I eat a few of those Youth Pills?''


    Ikasa wondered. Pei Yuan saved him from answering the awkward question.


    "He is our big brother and we are his employees."


    Commander Qian''s gaze immediately became judgmental but he did notment further. He returned his attention back to the circr diagram arranged on the table and said,


    "Whatever questions you have, ask away."


    Ikasa carefully thought about his questions. He needed detailed information on important powers like the Mu Family. Only by knowing his contenders could he n for his venture effectively.


    "Commander Qian, can you borate on the forces of the Mu Family and other major powers?"


    "There is only one person belonging to the Mu Family in the City. He is Path Finder Mu Shi."


    "Just one person?"


    Ikasa asked with confusion. From what he heard from Zhen Ya, he thought a whole bunch of people might be here from the Mu Family.


    "The rallying power of an imperial descendant, however distant the rtion may be, is enormous. Mu Shi has received the support of a few powers from the nearby cities and some of the local mercenaries. Not to mention, he has set his eyes on Zhen Ya."


    "Oh!"


    It exined Zhen Ya''s irritation with him. Not only Mu Shi was one of her persistent suitors, but also the only person who challenged the Zhen Family''s authority in the City.


    Commander Qian marked something on the diagram and spoke,


    "As for other powers, you don''t have to worry about them. They have only sent Sense Trainers since Path Finders are virtually useless inside the Rift."


    He made another mark on the diagram. Intrigued, Ikasa approached the diagram. Commander Qian noticed his movements but did not stop him.


    Ikasa saw eight concentric circles drawn around a central ordinary stone. On each of the circles, one gem was ced in a different direction from the other.


    He was taken in by the beauty of the gems and the mysterious patterns on the diagram evoked his curiosity.


    "What is this?"


    He asked, pointing to the overall arrangement on the table. Qian Bu threw him a nce and then returned his eyes back to the center.


    "Hmph! Never seen an array arrangement before?"


    Commander Qian asked rhetorically, his lips twitching with a lopsided smirk. Without waiting for Ikasa to reply, he answered his question.


    "This is the arrangement diagram for a Space Istion Array."

 Chapter 155 Hypothetically

    "This is the arrangement diagram for the Space Istion Array."


    Realization dawned on Ikasa. The excess security outside now made sense so did the role of a Path Finder supervising the construction. It made sense if they wereying an array. They had to take precautions to prevent any mishaps.


    "You have seen an array before?"


    Commander Qian asked with surprise, seeing Ikasa nod with understanding.


    "I saw one during the Tribute Tournament."


    Ikasa was talking about the Demon Subduing Formationid by the Monstrous me Sect. It was a temporary formation, while this array was meant to be permanent or at the least semi-permanent.


    "Then do you know the purpose of this array?"


    Commander Qian asked, crossing another point near the blue gem. Ikasa could only shake his head.


    "Is it to iste the monsters from the Rift?"


    ''Truly, the ignorant are fearless.''


    Ikasa thought as Pei Yuan vocalized his guess without the fear that his answer may be wrong.


    "Haha! No! The monsters do note out of the Rifts."


    Commander Qian refuted Pei Yuan''s guess with augh.


    "Wey the Array so that the Rift does not suck all the energy in the surroundings and turn the City into a barrennd."


    "And what are those shiny gems for? They must be precious right?"


    Chu Qing asked, his eyes fixed on the stones. Qian Bu entertained the question and took this chance to show off their wealth.


    "Of course, they are precious! Every one of those gems is blessed with the powers of Dikps, the Guardians of Directions. The array formed with them as anchors can even trap a Sage with Seven Chakras!"


    The more Qian Bu spoke, the more Chu Qing''s eyes shone. He was wondering how much he could earn if he sold one of the stones. Ikasa looked at his avaricious eyes with a helpless smile.


    ''It was okay till he was a money-grubber. Is he developing kleptomaniac tendencies now? I will have to do something about it.''


    Commander Qian noticed the itching hands and greedy gaze of the boy. Shielding the stones behind him, Qian Bu warned Chu Qing.


    "They are all anchors for the array. If even one of the stones goes missing, the array will fail and you will be a public enemy."


    Qian Bu spoke as if he was passing a judgment, not a warning. His manner of speaking annoyed the trio.


    Chu Qing snapped out of his greed. He felt wronged for the unjust usation being directed at him for a theft that didn''t even happen!


    Ikasa tightened his grip on Chu Qing''s shoulders and red at Qian Bu.


    Chu Qing may seem greedy, but he was not a thief. Ikasa hadplete trust in the boy. Because he handled all the finances of the house and yet, he had not taken a single copper coin without Ikasa''s permission. Not even his sry!


    Hence, Ikasa would not tolerate anyone maligning his kids for something they had not done.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Commander Qian, the kid likes shiny things. That does not mean he will steal it. Don''t use him of something that he will never do."


    Ikasa defended Chu Qing in a steely voice.


    Chu Qing suddenly felt warm in his heart because of Ikasa''s stance. He was relieved to know that Ikasa was on his side. Though he had not fulfilled his wish, it did not mean he cared any less for him.


    After all, Ikasa was rebuking a Path Finder for him.


    The teenage boy looked at Ikasa with warmth and reverence. The hand on his shoulder became his strongest support. Many times he felt isted because his ideas of profits shed against Ikasa''s but his trust was reaffirmed today. They were both on the same side.


    ''As long as Big Brother trusts me, it does not matter what others think.''


    Chu Qing thought, ring fiercely at Qian Bu.


    Commander Qian twitched his lips and waved his hand dismissively.


    "I was only speaking hypothetically. If you are not going to do it, there is no reason for you to be offended, right?"


    He red his aura for a moment, blowing the trio back a few steps.


    Ikasa gracefullynded on his feet and also supported the kids from falling. He straightened his robes and smiled at the Commander.


    "You are right, Commander. Everything is hypothetical. Hypothetically speaking, you just tried to murder me. I wonder how the Zhen Family will react to this news."


    The smile on Qian Bu''s face froze. He immediately reined in his aura. After a few tense moments, a small smirk appeared on his lips and turned to a burst of full-blownughter.


    "Hahaha! You are an interesting person, Mister Ikasa! Come, I''ll show you how an actual array is set up."


    He picked up two gemstones and left six on the table.


    "Bring them outside, will you?"


    He called as he walked out of the tent. Ikasa''s eyebrows furrowed. He could not wrap his head around the bipr personality of the Commander.


    ''Does he have something against me? He had a spatial storage device, yet he is making us carry the gemstones?''


    Ikasa wondered as he picked up two of the gems. The blessed gems were heavier than they looked. Those fist sized gems were as heavy as a bowling ball!


    He was about to put them all in his bracelet when he paused to think.


    ''Maybe, there is a reason Qian Bu did not put them in his Spatial Storage. He must have a reason for carrying the precious gems in his hands and asking us to do the same.''


    When this thought came to his mind, he quickly put away the bracelet. He picked up one box in each hand. Exactly four gems were left on the table.


    This was a chance to show how strong and trustworthy his boys were. Ikasa called for them and motioned the two to pick up the other four gems.


    The trio then marched to the site of construction.

 Chapter 156 [Bonus ] Open Threat Of Subterfuge

    The trio reached the construction area and suddenly felt a pressure from the Rift. As they neared the nar Rift, they felt a suction force trying to draw energy from their bodies into the Rift.


    They took only a few seconds to adjust to this unusual phenomenon.


    Only now did they have the chance to look at the surrounding construction.


    A huge circr hall without a roof had been built around the nar Rift. Eight pirs were erected around the Rift, corresponding to the positions of gems on the arrangement diagram.


    The pirs were so huge that Ikasa and the other humans looked like dwarves standing next to them.


    "Oh good! You did not put them in your Spatial Bracelet or else you would be in deep trouble."


    Commander Qianmented in a teasing tone as he approached Ikasa. His voice sounded neither delighted nor disappointed.


    ''I knew it! This two-faced man has the guts to y around with objects as precious as the Blessed Stones!''


    Ikasa smirked, taking pleasure in having seen through the man''s trap. He cleared his throat and he replied to thement in a ttering voice.


    "Commander Qian carried such heavy stones out with his hands; How dare I try to bezy? Of course, we had to follow the Commander''s example."


    Qian Bu''s smile faded a little. He became tongue-tied by Ikasa''s response. If he took Ikasa''s words at face value, they sounded like ttery. But if he looked at them in the backdrop of his mischief, they were obviously mocking him for his failed n.


    Ultimately, he chose not to acknowledge his failure. He epted the praise without shame and patted Ikasa on his back.


    "It''s good that you followed my example. Had you tried to show off your wealth, the blessed stone would''ve interfered with the storage space. Maybe, it would''ve exploded along with the gem and ˇ­.."


    Qian Bu did not speak of the consequences. He didn''t need to as Ikasa filled in the nk.


    ''I would''ve been responsible for destroying a Blessed Gem and became a public enemy.''


    The thought made Ikasa flinch and his fists clenched. He quickly recovered his smile and looked at the smiling face of the Commander who had subtly threatened him.


    Qian Bu nodded meaningfully at Ikasa and patted his shoulder once, before walking away. He had just made it clear that even if he could not attack Ikasa directly, he could easily ruin him without dirtying his hands.


    Ikasa smiled with amusement as he looked at his departing back. He had finally found a shrewd opponent who would challenge his brain.


    Chu Qing looked at him with worry.


    "Will he cause problems for us, Big Bro?"


    Ikasaughed and reassured Chu Qing, ruffling his hair.


    "The school where he learned to plot and conspire, I used to be the Headmaster there. So, let him try."


    He said with a swagger. Pei Yuan looked at the man and then at Ikasa.


    "You two were in the same school?"


    The poor kid had misunderstood Ikasa''s swaggering. Ikasa could barely stop himself from palming his face.


    "No! It means I am better at scheming than him. So, you guys don''t have to worry."<novelnext></novelnext>


    He watched the Commander chat with the Path Finder in charge ofying the array. A few breathster, the Path Finder floated into the air and sent eight men to stand beside the pirs.


    "Everyone, listen! When I count to three, insert the gems into the grooves. All at the same time! If any of you is early orte, each of you will die!"


    Ikasa could clearly see the grooves mentioned by the Path Finder. Above the grooves, he saw carvings of humanoid figures sitting in the lotus position. Each of the sculptures radiated a unique aura, holy and invible.


    His eyes turned to the men standing beside the pir with the gemstones in their hands. He recognized three of them. One was the guard who had stopped him outside and two others were the Captains of the patrolling squadrons.


    "They are all Sense Trainers!"


    Ikasa quietly whispered to the two boys who were looking at the scene with fascination. Soon they heard the Path Finder count.


    "One! ... Two! ˇ­ Three!"


    All eight Sense Trainers embedded the gems in their hands into the grooves below the sculptures and quickly jumped back.


    The gems disappeared into the grooves and lights shot from the pirs into the sky. Red, Blue, Violet, Cyan, Indigo, Green, Orange, and ck rays of light intersected each other just above the Rift and then they arched down to the pir on the opposite side.


    "It almost looks like a bird cage with colorful bars!"


    Pei Yuan muttered, seeing the scene.


    "Look, something is forming down there!"


    Chu Qing drew their attention to the eight-pointed star forming on the ground due to the rays of light shining from the pirs.


    Not only the two kids, but many others in the vicinity had never witnessed a formation beingid. They were astonished and awed by the skill and precision involved. Not to mention the spectacr light effects!


    The lights had connected the pirs after a few breaths and a shockwave spread through the City. Even the Path Finders were pushed back by the force of the shockwave!


    When Ikasa tried to sense the situation inside the formation, he was blocked by a curtain of energy. The curtain felt like a solid wall to his spiritual senses. He couldn''t see inside with his Spiritual Vision nor could he hear anything with his Spiritual Hearing.


    Not only could his spiritual senses prate the curtain, but the pressure from the nar Rift also couldn''t be felt outside. The sphere of influence of the mysterious rift had been entirely trapped inside the array.


    The entire space had been separated from this world by that energy curtain!


    While Ikasa was inspecting the fascinating array, Commander Qian jumped up into the air.


    "We will open the Space Istion Array fifteen dayster for all adventurers who want to enter the rift. The details will be posted on the wall outside. So, do not foolishly attack the Array. Anyone doing so will be punished by the Governor Zhen."


    Commander Qian repeated the announcement thrice. His voice reached every nook and cranny of the City.


    The loud voice startled those who were enjoying an afternoon siesta into waking. The contents of the announcement broke the drunken stupor of the valiant drunkards.


    Every external force in Beech City was excited to know that they could enter the Rift again. They began to elerate their preparations.


    Outside the Space Istion Array, Ikasa also clenched his fists with excitement. He was looking forward to what treasures they could uncover inside the Rift.


    But most importantly, he would get the chance to meet the owners of those mysterious voices again in fifteen days!

 Chapter 157 Insane!

    A fortnight is a long period of time for some people. For others, it passes by too quickly.


    Ikasa could be included in the first category of the people. The time passed at a snail''s pace for him. Every day felt like a year. He was so excited to enter the Rift that he couldn''t sleep well!


    On the other side was Feng Yan. His injury was healing slowly. Fifteen days were barely enough for him to recover. If not for Elder Yi, the injury could''ve cost Feng Yan his leg!


    But Elder Yi lived up to his title of the Medicine Master. The potent medicine he administered showed its effects. Not only did it prevent the wound from festering, it also hastened his recovery.


    When the day of the Opening arrived, Feng Yan showed no signs of being injured except for a scar on his thigh!


    Ikasa and his group gathered at the location of the Array half an hour before noon. Yet, they were amongst the few of theteers.


    "It seems many people have arrived here before sunrise!"


    Feng Yanmented on seeing the huge crowd of people. Ikasa also surveyed the crowd and then shook his head.


    "Most of them are just here to watch the spectacle. Our actualpetitors are standing near the gates. Let''s hurry and join them."


    Ikasa spoke as he parted the crowd to make a way for them. His powerful presence and Feng Yan''s Bloody Halberd swiftly made the discontented spectators shut up.


    The group reached the nearest point they could approach. Five prominent groups had already made a space for themselves near the gates.


    Ikasa recognized each of them at a nce. He began to whisper their introductions to his group.


    "See thergest group to the right? The man with white streaked hair is Mu Shi. All the others are his cronies. If possible, avoid them."


    He had spent the past few days socializing in the City. During that time, he had heard only the bad and the worst of Mu Shi and his group.


    Ikasa even got to witness his tyranny a few days ago.


    When passing by the residence upied by Mu Shi, he had seen Mu Shi kick a pregnant woman in her stomach. She was not an ordinarymoner but the wife of a prominent merchant of Beech City!


    He was shocked even more upon learning the reason she was punished. Mu Shi had kicked just because she had not bowed to him in greeting!


    Thus, Ikasa had decided to keep his distance from the cruel man. Feng Yan looked at the man upon hearing Ikasa''s instructions.


    Mu Shi stood with his hands folded before his chest and his nose upturned. His eyes were disdainful of everything in his surroundings.


    The old man remembered the face of the man standing like an arrogant prick and quickly looked away. Since Mu Shi was the center of attention for many, he did not care about the gaze of another group of people.


    Ikasa turned his attention to the second most powerful group, standing to the left of Mu Shi.


    "He Qing is just another arrogant young master. He may have some good qualities to back his arrogance but I haven''t seen any in my short meeting with him. Nheless, the one we need to be careful of is that bastard next to him; He Ding. He is the Path Finder who ruined our Vi before."


    Ikasa mentioned the two worthy of his notice in the He Family''s group and ignored the other five Sense Trainers. Feng Yan and others had never seen the Path Finder responsible for the destruction in person. Because Zhen Ya and City Lord had carried him away while he was still stuck in the ice.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Noticing their gaze, He Ding looked at Ikasa''s group. He neither smiled nor red. Now that the He Family was cooperating with Ikasa, he couldn''t afford to enact his vengeance.


    Feng Yan looked away and his gazended on a man with a huge tattoo extending from his neck to his face. The abstract design made him look fearsome and dashing at the same time. The two men and two women that stood with him also had their skins inked with smaller symbols.


    "He is Sang Yi from Nian n. Their n worships totems. Most of the Mystic Blood we use in the Contractses from tribes and ns like theirs."


    Ikasa introduced the Nian n upon noticing Feng Yan stare in their direction. His initial impression of Sang Yi was good. He was a man of few words and pure heart.


    Unlike his fellow citizens.


    Ikasa turned his neck to look at thest group left to be introduced. His eyes met with Su Zhi.


    The plump vixen seductively licked her lips as she stared at him. Her hand traced her curves starting from her slim waist to her generous bosom. She ended the little show by sucking her index finger and winking at him.


    Guduk!


    Her little show had the three teenage boys gulping down their saliva. Luo Qiqi and Hei Ying threw them a disgusted nce and pinched their ears. Even Feng Yan was caught up in her little trick.


    Only Ikasa, who had prior knowledge of her identity, could keep his tent from erecting. That doesn''t mean he averted his eyes from her little show.


    "Who is that seductress?"


    Xin Ruo hissed, pinching his waist. Caught, Ikasa turned to look at her with a helpless smile. He exined their origin.


    "They are the Su Family of Elm City. She is Su Zhi and the handsome man next to her is her brother Su Yang."


    "Looks like a pansy!" Feng Yan snorted when Ikasa used ''handsome'' to describe the man.


    Ikasa ignored hisments and continued the introduction.


    "They are a family of Dual Cultivators. So, if you fight them, be on the lookout for their partners."


    He warned, eying the man and woman standing beside Su Zhi and Su Yang. Everyone took his warning seriously, especially the girls.


    Aside from these major yers, there was nock of individual daredevils who sought a chance to breakthrough to higher realm.


    Ikasa swept a nce through the crowd and saw around twenty two of such Sense Trainers. A few more might be hidden amongst the people at the back.


    Still, the number of Sense Trainers gathered here was insane!


    Ikasa counted and found that just the four powers of Mu, He, Nian and Su had 23 Sense Trainers. Including the 10 Sense Realm Experts by his side and 22 he counted in the crowd, a total of 55 Sense Trainers would surely enter the Rift!


    This was nothing short of an insane number for a Tier-3 City!

 Chapter 158 [Bonus ] Into The Rift

    The Sun reached the zenith in the sky. It meant the time for opening the array hade. Commander Qian and the Array Master arrived in the sky above the gates.


    The Array Master began to unlock the array and create a small entrance in the curtain of energy. While his colleague worked, Commander Qian issued a word of caution.


    "Everyone should note that the Spatial Istion Array will remain open only for three hours. If you fail to exit the Rift before the array closes, you will be stuck inside the array for another month."


    Commander Qian''s warning rmed many but deterred none. Quite a few of them had prepared sufficient rations and they were confident of getting out in time.


    A few breathster, the Path Finder working on the array seeded in making the entrance. He nodded to Commander Qian and two more Path Finders joined him to guard the entrance of the array.


    Commander Qian took a deep breath and bellowed, "The entrance is open! You can now enter!"


    Mu Shi''s group took the lead. The eight Sense Trainers led by white streaked man walked through the array. Mu Shi paused near Zhen Ya who was also guarding the entrance and blew her a kiss.


    "Wait for me, beautiful."


    Her face flushed with embarrassment and aura red with rage. She was left speechless by his actions. Helpless against the pervert, she had to endure and watch Mu Shi swagger into the Rift and disappear from their view.


    One after another all the other parties jumped into the Rift formed a few feet above the ground. Finally, it was Ikasa''s turn.


    "Elder Yi, wait for us outside. Hopefully, we will all return together. However, even if I amte, I will be back in a month."


    Ikasa instructed the Elder. He was unsure of how long he would be stuck inside if he met those mysterious speakers. So, he made arrangements in advance.


    Elder Yi furrowed his eyebrows but epted his instructions.


    When Ikasa was about to jump into the Rift, he heard a voice whisper in his ears, "If possible kill that bastard son of Mu!"


    He did not need to turn to know who the speaker was. Without responding to Zhen Ya, he picked up Moony and jumped into the Rift. Feng Yan, Xin Ruo and the kids soon followed after him.


    As soon as he passed through the tear in space, Ikasa felt weightless as if there was no gravity acting upon him. He had trouble breathing and his ears popped.


    Ikasa opened his eyes and saw vast starry fields. He felt like he was an astronaut floating in the space. But soon, he started to feel theck of air and his breathing constricted.


    Before he could realize what was happening, Ikasa was teleported to an unknown ce. He could breath now but couldn''t see. There was pitch ck darkness all around him.


    In this ce, he could neither hear nor smell. Here, his physical senses had bepletely useless.


    He activated his Spiritual Vision and looked around. Suddenly, he could see everything in night vision with different colors for different energies.


    Ikasa could only describe the ce he was in as a wastnd. There was not a single tree in his visual range.


    The ground below him glowed with red light, unlike the usual earthy yellow color of the earth-attribute energy.


    He also saw many different colored spots around him. He judged them to be humans from the way their outlines.


    '' Arge number of Sense Trainers had jumped into the Rift. It seems all of them have been teleported here.''


    Ikasa concluded. He saw many of them stumble and blindly collide into each other. He was reminded of Elder Yi''s words.


    ''As long as one has trained his Spiritual Sense, he can safely traverse through the Rift.''


    Many of the teleported Sense Trainers seemed like they had yet to start training. They floundered like fish out of water in this ce.


    If they could not activate their Spiritual Sense, they should forget about finding treasures. In fact, they wouldn''t even be able to return to the City.


    After all, the mighty City Lord Qin who was also in the intermediate stage of Sense Realm, had lost his way inside this Rift.


    Ikasa did not want the same fate to befall his group. He quickly decided to find Feng Yan, Xin Ruo and the Kids. As he walked, he felt weightlessness like he had experienced in the gray realm filled with mists.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''Where exactly is this?''


    Ikasa wondered. He had a startling thought


    ''Is this probably the same gray misty realm?''


    The idea made sense since he had entered that ce with his Spiritual Bodyst time. Still, his first priority was finding his people.


    "Old Man! Xin Ruo! Pei Yuan! Hei Ying! Where are you guys?"


    Ikasa called out but he received no response.


    "Don''t bother. Those who have not trained their Spiritual Bodies are useless in this ce."


    A voice spoke to him. Startled Ikasa looked around for the source of the voice. He felt the voice speaking was more humane and different from the mysterious voices he seeked.


    "Who?"


    Ikasa asked while turning around, trying to locate the person speaking.


    "I hear you like Zhen Ya. Hahaha!"


    The voice spoke with ridicule. In the next instant, it turned cold.


    "I will warn you just once; Stay away from my woman."


    Ikasa suddenly felt a crisis. He hurriedly jumped back. His spirit felt something pass in front of his face with a whoosh.


    ''Which bastard spread this rumor? And more importantly, is the one attacking really Mu Shi?''


    Ikasa thought as he tried to find a way out of this situation. His spirit was trained enough but he still could not find his opponent. It could only mean one thing.


    His opponent had experience of fighting in the Rifts. Ikasa raised his guard. Out of nowhere, the voice screamed in pain.


    "Damned Fox! I will kill you!"


    Ikasa turned his Spiritual Vision to his right. He saw Moony''s dark blue energy mixed with red. It was wrapped around something. When Ikasa watched closely, he realized it was a person.


    Someone with a dark-attribute! His energy''s color had mixed with the surrounding darkness, effectively turning him invisible.


    Ikasa immediately took out the ax and chopped at the bound figure. A ng sounded and his ax was repelled. The dark figure easily broke the shackles of shadows and escaped further away.


    He stealthily tried to attack Ikasa again. However, he was discovered this time. Moony had tainted him with his energy and he had lost his perfect camouge.


    Ikasa wildly swung the ax in his direction as he saw the dark blue spot approach closer. It jumped back and he heard the voice curse.


    "Damned Critter! Don''t think you will be safe, Ikasa! As soon as I cleanse this stain, I will be back."


    The voice was bing distant even as it spoke. Ikasa realized that the spot was running away from him. He breathed a sigh of relief.


    Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice roar.


    "Who the hell are you to threaten him?"


    A sh of metal followed the shout. Ikasa smiled as he rushed towards the blue spot.


    He had found Feng Yan.

 Chapter 159 Desperation

    "Damn it! That bastard is dead!"


    Ikasa eximed with frustration. His sneak attack hadnded on a vital spot and imed the unknown assant''s life.


    He was caught in a pinch due to the man''s words. Neither did he know his identity, nor did he know the truth behind his words.


    He could not even see the man''s face because everything in this ce looked like giant blobs of energy!


    "Was he speaking the truth? Do you really have hots for City Lord''s sister?"


    Feng Yan asked in a solemn tone.


    "Not you too, old man! There is nothing going on between me and Path Finder Zhen!"


    Ikasa exasperatedly denied the rumor. He quickly changed the subject to Xin Ruo and the Kids.


    "Old Man, did you see Xin Ruo and the Kids? They must be lost in this ce."


    Ikasa asked with slight worry and urgency in his voice.


    "I know where they are. Follow me."


    The ochre-yellow human outline of Feng Yan began to walk. Ikasa quickly stepped up and kept pace with him.


    Ikasa had studied about the interior of the nar Rift in the past few days. Yet, his thorough studies did not prepare him for whaty inside. He could not help but marvel at the sights.


    The myriad colored energies formed thendscapes. A shade of grayish red was prevalent in everyndform. The skies looked dark with asional twinkle of white and silver.


    Sparse outlines of vibrant green shrubs contrasted with reddish brown ground. Large grayish splotches tinted with red were strewn across thend.


    Feng Yan led him to one such grayish blob. Upon reaching closer, Ikasa realized they were actually giant rocks. These rocks had created a spacious hideout. The old man had hid Xin Ruo and the kids inside.


    Ikasa breathed a sigh of relief seeing them safe. Though they definitely were not sound. The kids fumbled and stumbled without their sight or hearing.


    Even Xin Ruo tripped and almost fell.


    "Father!"


    "Uncle Feng! Where are you?"


    Their hoarse voices called out with panic. Ikasa ran towards the cave, unable to see their needless suffering.


    Before he could go inside, Feng Yan grabbed his shoulder, preventing him from alerting the people inside of their arrival.


    "Don''t reveal yourself." Feng Yan whispered.


    ''Why?" Ikasa whispered back with annoyance.


    "How do you think I learned to activate my Spiritual Vision and Spiritual Hearing in such a short time?"


    His question made Ikasa''s eyes widen.


    Feng Yan was an Advanced stage Sense Trainer, a stage lower than himself. Yet, how was he able to activate his Spiritual Hearing and Spiritual vision at will?


    Ikasa missed this small detail due to the fight earlier. He may not be able to see it, but he knew Feng Yan had a smug smile on his stubbled face.


    "Are you saying this ce is the reason?"


    After a brief pause, he heard Feng Yan''s answer.


    "Yes. When I was dropped here, I was also helpless. Couldn''t see, couldn''t hearˇ­. I couldn''t even smell anything. I stumbled. Bumped into unknown people. Got kickedˇ­."


    "Old Man, get to the point. We have been in this ce for less than ten minutes."


    Ikasa interrupted Feng Yan''s ramblings.


    "Desperation is the key. The more desperate you be, the faster you can unleash your potential. And they have yet to reach the depths of desperation."


    Feng Yan replied in a solemn voice. Ikasa looked at the kids, miserably crying out their names in the safe hideout. He could feel Feng Yan''s impassive gaze on him, asking ''what will you do?''


    Ikasa fell into thought. Feng Yan''s words resonated with him. If dreams and desires were the goals, desperation was the fuel that drove him. If he himself was rising above others out of desperation, did he have any right to shelter the kids and limit their growth?


    He did not. Feng Yan was right. The Kids, no, the Teens needed to undergo trials now. They needed to shed their weakness and hone their will.


    Ikasa hade to a decision. He would not interfere until they had activated their Spiritual Sense. Only one thingforted his conscience.


    ''The kids are safe. Physically.''


    Ikasa picked up Moony and went a bit further away. Feng Yan also took onest look at the children he had raised and walked to Ikasa''s side.


    "Do you think they will be okay?"


    Ikasa asked, looking at the distant golden light. The golden light meant someone had uncovered the Prime Gold ore.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Yes. I will stay by their side until they can activate their Spiritual Sense."


    Feng Yan dered without a dy. Ikasa was heartened by his confidence. Still, he was not here on a training trip.


    Ikasa had two main objectives for entering the rift.


    First, he had to find the owners of the mysterious voices and get answers from them. Second, he needed to get his hands on Prime Gold ores.


    Also, he wouldn''t say no to some Energy Efficiency Stars, chipsets or other modules that can help upgrade his Printer.


    In their current state, Xin Ruo and kids would be more of a hindrance than help. Neither he nor Feng Yan would be relieved if they were left behind, alone and without protection.


    So, splitting seemed to be the best option. Ikasa epted Feng Yan''s choice and brought the strongest being, Moony, with him to search for the Prime Gold Ores.


    ˇŞ-------


    "Run!"


    "Which son of a dog provoked that beast?"


    "Your entire family is made of dogs! Who knew there was a beast hiding near the ores?"


    A group of Sense Trainers were running away from the spot where the golden light shone. This group had unearthed the Prime Gold ores hiding under ground.


    The piercing light of the ores had attracted the attention of the Steel Guardian Beast nearby. Provoked, the giant beast as big as an elephant and shaped like a dire wolf chased after them.


    "Aah! NOO!"


    A tragic scream fell in the ears of frontrunners as one of them fell behind. The Steel wolf tore into his shoulder and separated his neck from his body.


    Ikasa climbed on a distant rock just in time to watch the death of one of the Sense Trainers. He carefully observed the Beast.


    Since it was quiterge in size, Ikasa could see his features better. He saw three glowing red energy spots where his eyes and brain should be. Some parts of it were grey like metal energy and others shone with green energy.


    ''Is this beast perhaps a cyborg?''


    Ikasa had another reason for this doubt. When the beast walked, he heard different noises from its footsteps.


    When it moved its left limbs, he heard metal thunk against the ground. However, his right limbs made no sound.


    "Mu Shi is here! He can definitely kill that beast."


    Ikasa heardmotion from the group that had ruthlessly left behind theirrade to die. His eyes narrowed at the mention of Mu Shi.


    His doubt about him being the attacker was nowpletely eliminated.


    Ikasa turned his neck and looked at the radiant green spot of energy. It slowly moved towards the Beast.


    Suddenly, he heard a loud thump.


    At one moment, Mu Shi was leisurely walking up to the beast and in a blink of an eye, with the beast''s head!


    It happened so fast that Ikasa almost missed the attack. The beast roared with fury. Ikasa saw a steely gray limb being lifted and smashed at the green energy representing Mu Shi.


    A loud thunk sounded and the limbnded on the ground. Mu Shi had dodged the blow.


    The beast lunged forward to bite the human. Ikasa missed what happened but the red energy in the head was suddenly away from the green of the beast''s body.


    Despite that, the Steel Guardian Beast stood straight. Its steely front limb swatted at the green energy outline of Mu Shi. This time the green blob was hit and it flew a few feet away.


    "Aah!"


    Ikasa heard the collective gasps of the people rooting for Mu Shi. The green figure jumped back to its feet and challenged the Wolf once again.


    Ikasa saw a thick thread of green energy wrap around the beast''s neck and jerk it to the ground.


    In the next moment, another red spot of energy was missing from the giant wolf''s head.


    "Awoooo!"


    The wolf howled in a mechanical voice, surprising Ikasa. He didn''t understand what happened down there but in the next moment, the green energy in the beast''s body dimmed and entirely disappeared.


    The Sense Trainers cheered at the death of the beast. Ikasa saw Mu Shi walk to the nearby golden lights. A secondter, they disappeared.


    ''He must''ve put them in his Spatial Storage device.''


    Ikasa muttered as he watched the victorious group walk away, leaving the corpse of the Steel Guardian Beast untouched.


    When he was sure they had left, Ikasa stroked Moony''s head and asked, "Should we see what a Steel Beast looks up close?"


    And he went down the hill.

 Chapter 160 Dont Trust The Absolutes!

    "Whoa! This is huge!"


    Ikasa eximed as he moved closer to the enormous corpse. The dead beast towered over him even whenid sideways. He felt the warmth radiate from the dead body as he extended his hands to feel it.


    Cautiously, Ikasa poked and prodded the Beast''s corpse wherever his hands could reach.


    "This does not feel artificialˇ­ So, why are they called the Steel Beasts?"


    Ikasa wondered as his hands traveled through the natural fur on his back, neck, and abdomen. He finally reached the left limbs of the Steel Guardian Beast.


    Here, his question was answered.


    Ikasa felt hot metal under his fingers when he touched the limb. The texture was solid and smooth. To test its strength, he brought out the newly acquired ax and chopped it down with full force.


    A loud ng resounded in his ears and the ax flew out of his hands due to recoil. Ikasa traced the ce where it should have hit. Except for a small dent, nothing felt different to his fingers.


    ''This is a really strong and durable metal. Would the armors and weapons made from this metal be of Superior Grade at the minimum?''


    Ikasa thought as he lovingly caressed it. He had already decided to bring those limbs back to cksmith Gu.


    ''My Gold Heart Guardians would look great in the armor made from this metal.''


    Lost in his thoughts, Ikasa''s hand wandered to the jaws of the wolf through the natural fur. He again felt the heat of metal in half part of the jaw while the other part from the snout felt natural.


    Ikasa was startled by the discovery.


    ? ''Are these beasts really cybeically modified?''


    He moved his hands up to where the eyes of the Beast should be. He found empty metal sockets. Something cold, like a wire''s end, pricked his frisky hands.


    Ikasa withdrew his hand quickly and took a few steps back. His wild guess was turning out to be the reality. To know more about the beast he searched the area for the eyes of the beast.


    Mu Shi had aimed only at the eyes from the beginning of his fight.


    So, Ikasa guessed they might be the most vulnerable or the most important part of the Steel Guardian Beasts.


    Gru!


    Moony called while dragging a red eye the size of a football with him. Ikasa patted the little guy''s head and picked up the eye. He found a wire connected to it that was not visible to his Spiritual Vision.


    "Should Iˇ­?"


    Ikasa looked at the wire in his hands and the wire in the socket. Curiosity bubbled up inside him.


    ''What exactly is the other wire connected to? Would ite back to life if I reconnected the wires?''


    Questions like these upied his mind. He hesitated for a brief moment. In the end, Ikasa decided to take the risk.


    ''Curiosity may kill a cat, but it cannot bring back a dead beast to life!''


    He took out his Serrated Sun Disc ready to cut the connection if the Beast showed any signs of revival. Then he carefully connected the open wires.


    A few minutes passed but nothing happened. He moved closer and inspected the connection. Everything was in ce.


    Moony also came closer and jumped on the snout. He nudged Ikasa and tilted his head like a puppy.


    Gru?


    Ikasa shook his head as he muttered, "What was I even expecting? It is already a dead beast."


    He patted the little guy and started to disassemble the wires. He reached inside the eye socket of the beast and pulled the thick wire.


    Ikasa heard a loud ''click'' and tugging at the wire became easier, as if something had been dislodged.


    "Huh?"


    He paused to observe the head of the Steel Beast. He noticed a slight change in the condition of the third red light in the Beast''s Brain.


    The light which had dimmed to the point of extinguishing, now shined a bit brighter. However, there was no change in the Beast''s body.


    Relieved that the beast was noting back to life, Ikasa pulled out the wire and the object connected to it with one mighty tug.


    What came out surprised Ikasa. He held a miniature brain coated with a thinyer of metal. He marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship required to coat it with a thinyer.


    Every gyri and sulcus had been coated equally without any excess.


    Ikasa turned the Brain around in his hands, holding the heavy object in front of his chest. Suddenly, the Brain shed with bright light and connected to the slot in his chest!


    His vision darkened and a screen appeared in front of his eyes. A circle expanded and contracted on the screen. He saw a few words written below the circle.


    [Identifyingˇ­]


    [Detected Specimen 1k3a.]<novelnext></novelnext>


    [Quantifying attributes...]


    Suddenly, a Status Panel appeared before his eyes.


    [Ikasa]


    [Combat Power - 950]


    [Pinnacle of Sense Realm.]


    [Sense Training Status: 290/350]


    [Cultivation Techniques: Around the Body in 80 Days > Tame Your Senses]


    [Battle Techniques: Chop (High), Wind The Way (Top), Ax Kick (Top), Rock Solid Armor (High), Nutcracker Kick (Low), Sweeping Kick (Mid), The Forehand(Low), The Backhand (Low)...]


    All of a sudden, the Status Panel disappeared. A figure of the hunchbacked old man, the one who had warned him in the ruins near Sal City, appeared before him.


    Ikasa became uneasy upon seeing the man. He couldn''t pinpoint the reason but the vibe given by this old man felt off.


    [I have many things to say, but showing you would be easier.]


    The projection of the man in his mind spoke and suddenly the scenery changed around him.


    Ikasa was on a battlefield.


    On one side stood cybeically modified humans and beasts. They had tanks and mechs and various other gadgets and gizmos.


    Astonishingly, they faced humans in ancient dressing, like those of the Cultivators!


    The ancient people were vastly outnumbered and outgunned. Yet, they were the ones attacking the modern city of the Cybeic Lifeforms!


    A man flew out from the City and stood tall before the forces of the Cultivators.


    Ikasa took a closer look at him. He was shocked to recognize him as the hunchbacked Old Man! Though he was about 30 years younger, and not bent in the waist yet, the facial features matched unmistakably.


    He started to pay rapt attention to the movements of the Man.


    The younger version spoke something to the skies. Lightning shed and the sky rumbled in response to his words. Soon, five ethereal figures emerged in the sky.


    Ikasa immediately recognized them as the Absolutes!


    The man looked at them in defiance. His eyes shone red as he agitatedly pointed at the Cultivators, the absolutes, and the City behind him.


    Ikasa saw the figures in the sky flicker with fury. He felt the pressure emitted by them. He couldn''t tell what happened but the Cultivators had started attacking the City!


    All sorts of magical spells and abilities were thrown at the City, killing and maiming hundreds of cybeic Humans and Beasts. The Cyborgs retaliated with their mechs, tanks, and fighter nes.


    They shot missiles,ser beams, and kic rounds at the distant Cultivators. The Steel Guardian Beasts charged toward the Cultivators, intending to trample and mow them down.


    The Mechs steadily flew behind them, shooting round after round of missiles and bullets. Their shots hit the Cultivators who could not shield themselves and reaped their lives.


    Such cultivators formed the majority of the attackers. They used cold weapons to kill and neutralize the cyborgs and beasts but they could not match the Mechs, tanks, and Fighter nes.


    However, Cyborgs were not the only ones with peak firepower. A few strong men from the Cultivators flew up and challenged the Mechs.


    Their mystical martial arts were so powerful that they bent thews of nature! The Mechs were shot down from the sky as if gravity had changed.


    One Cultivator thrust his palm at the opposite Mech immobilized on the ground. His palm gathered energy within a few seconds and formed a giant projection asrge as the 10 Feet tall Mech.


    Within seconds, the Mech was crushed and crumpled under the power of the martial skill!


    If he had not seen with his own eyes, Ikasa would never have believed that a human cultivator could challenge a Mech!


    The Cultivator fell down after executing such a powerful skill. Many of the Mechs were neutralized simrly, yet the Cultivators were still at a disadvantage.


    They were getting ughtered in this battle. That''s when the Absolutes interfered.


    The Absolute of Fire rained down embers and fireballs on the City. The Absolute of Wind fanned those mes, engulfing every structure in the fire.


    The Absolute of Earth shook the ground below the tanks, making them immobile. The Absolute of Water directed streams of water into the systems of the Humans and beasts, short-circuiting them.


    Ikasa watched the carnage, appalled by the actions of the Absolutes. He could not understand what motivated the Ultimate Beings to instigate the war.


    The scene ying before him came to an end with a city going up in mes and myriad pieces of modern weaponry strewn across the battlefield.


    The old hunchbacked man appeared before Ikasa again. His figure had turned considerably paler. Ikasa heard him say a few words as his figure faded.


    [Don''tˇ­ Trustˇ­ the Absolutes!]

 Chapter 161 Saving Ikasa?

    The sky of this space was not a real sky. It merely was a membrane that separated this space from the World of Cultivation. Beyond this membrane, five beings watched Ikasa''s movements.


    A giant eagle made of clouds and wind, a zing me, a water elemental shaped like a mermaid and a motherly woman made of dirt were all the forms of the Absolutes. The Absolute of Space as usual preferred to be invisible.


    They had gathered together for one person. That person was Ikasa.


    When they saw him remove the Brain and observe it closely, they did not think much of it. Things changed when the Brain attached itself to Ikasa!


    All of the Absolutes were aggravated by the unexpected turn of events.


    The zing me flickered violently, increasing the temperature of the surroundings by a few degrees. A miniature cyclone formed around the giant eagle.


    The Absolute of Earth quaked and a few cracks were formed and restored immediately on her body.


    Aqua, the Absolute of Water, had the worst reaction. Her entire body rippled with waves as she whispered with despair.


    "No! He has fallen into the Demonic Illusion!"


    ˇŞ------


    Gru?


    Moony watched the Brain attach to Ikasa with puzzlement. A few breaths passed and Ikasa still had not moved.


    The little fox nudged him lightly with his head. When he didn''t get a response, he jumped on Ikasa''s shoulder and poked his face.


    Grrru!


    Despite his repeated calls and attempts to get his attention, Moony failed to wake Ikasa. He looked angrily at the Brain, judging it was a dangerous object.


    He formed a shadow w with difficulty. The environment would not let him easily utilize the shadow energy.


    Still, he was a part Space attribute creature. So, he had an easier time than most other Path Finders who would not be able to replenish the used Energy.


    It took Moony a few minutes to manifest a shadow w. As soon as the w was ready, he attacked the Brain attached to Ikasa. A bright red light shed and an electric current electrocuted Moony''s extended w.


    The red and ck fox fell on the ground, his limbs twitching. His fur had stood up from the current and his tongue rolled out of his mouth.


    A few secondster, Moony recovered and stood up straight. He shook his head vigorously to get rid of the ringing sound in his ears. Then he looked at the shining red brain attached to Ikasa.


    Grrr!


    The little fox bared his fangs at the Brain and was prepared to attack it again when the light from the Brain dimmed.


    Ikasa slowly opened his eyes and looked at the little fox. Moony immediately jumped and pointed to the Brain with his paws as ifining.


    But Ikasa showed no response. He was staring at the fox but his eyes were nk. Moony tilted his head wondering what was wrong with Ikasa.


    The reason for Ikasa''s odd behavior was the status panel that had appeared before him.


    [Illusory Shadow Fox]


    [Combat Power: 1294]


    [Initial Stage - Foundation Establishment Realm]


    [Skills: Shadow Illusion, Shadow w, Shadow Bind, Camouge]


    "Damn! Does this mean I can see anyone''s stats as long as I have this Brain with me?"


    Ikasa conjectured with glee and amazement. However, his conjecture made some beings unhappy and they were filled with worry.


    The Absolutes did not know what the ability of the Brian could do. Neither did they care. They were concerned about the red light gradually infiltrating Ikasa''s body.


    "We have already lost one. We cannot afford to lose another. Who knows how many of these androids ''He'' had made."


    The Absolute of Water spoke in a solemn voice. When a being who hadplete control over an element of the world felt dread, one could only imagine how big of a disaster loomed over the world of Cultivation.


    Other Absolutes also treated her words with respect.


    "What do you propose?"


    A robotic voice asked. The speaker was the Absolute of Space who rarely manifested in a specific form or a shape.


    "Before we contact him, we have to destroy that Brain. We cannot let ''Him'' discover that we already know of ''His'' existence."


    The Absolutes became silent at the mention of ''Him''. They avoided using the name, so that person would not be alerted.


    Once, they had underestimated ''his'' threat and as a result, the Cultivation World had almost imploded from internal strife. The present day Empires and the Pact between Sects and Empires was a result of that strife.


    Now that they had discovered his potential agent, they had to use the agent against ''Him.''


    "I have an idea."<novelnext></novelnext>


    The giant eagle made of wind interrupted the brainstorming session of the Absolutes. His words attracted the attention of other absolutes.


    "We should draw him into our Spirit Realm and ask him to give up the Brain voluntarily."


    His idea suited his morals of freedom. If you want someone to do something, make them realize why they should do it. The person would then have a freedom of choice; To listen to the advice or continue the vice.


    However, his proposal was met with vehement objections.


    "Have you gone mad? The moment we drag him into the Spirit Realm, the Red Brain would resist and take over the Body, defeating our whole purpose!"


    The Absolute of Water rejected the idea with agitation. She had been the one who was closest to ''him''. Hence, she was the one most invested in the well being of ''His'' creation.


    Every Absolute silently began to ponder their own ideas after shooting down the ridiculous suggestion. They began to realize that their ideas were no better.


    Finally, the robotic voice spoke.


    "There is no other way. We have to use the Cultivators."


    Other Absolutes nodded. They couldn''t directly interfere with Ikasa lest they expose themselves to ''Him''. So, they could only borrow the hands of the other Cultivators to achieve their goals.


    "The question is who should go?"


    The burning me asked, looking at all the other Absolutes. Interfering meant risk of exposure. So, they had to choose carefully who would approach Ikasa.


    They looked at each other looking for the most suitable Absolute for the job. At this moment, the Absolute of Water stood up.


    "I will go. Someone with my blessed bloodline has also entered the Rift. She is also close to Ikasa. If I possess her, I can safely get rid of the Brain."


    The feminine Water Elemental made her case. She had a cause and n. The others could not find a reason good enough to stop her.


    "We agree."


    After receiving the permission of other Absolutes, the humanoid Water body quickly lost its shape. The Absolute of Water turned into droplets so small that they were invisible to the naked eye.


    Soon, she had entered through the membrane into the nar Rift.


    ˇŞ---


    Ikasa was enjoying histest gadget. Without a clear vision, people were unable to differentiate the Brain from his energy signature.


    He had checked status panels of quite a few Sense Trainers. All of them had a lower Combat Power than himself. The best one only had a Combat power of 900!


    ''This is the power of manuals!''


    Ikasa smirked at this thought.


    ''Should I return and check the power of Feng Yan and others? Maybe the Status Panel can help them?''


    Ikasa immediately acted upon it.


    Anyways, the discovered Prime Gold ores had been imed by the Mu Shi''s group. There was no point in waiting in the area.


    As for adventuring alone? Good Joke. After seeing the power of the Steel Beast, he would be a fool to face it without backup.


    Ikasa was not sure he woulde out in one piece if he fought the Beast alone. In a hostile ce like this, he could not afford to get injured.


    However, things would be different with two people.


    With two or more people, they would be able to target the soft spots on the Steel Beast more easily. One could distract while the other attacked. That way they could avoid injuries as much as possible.


    Ikasa did not trust Moony to fulfill the role of the second person. The little guy was unreliable. He could be a good attacker, but if the situation takes a turn for the worse, he would be the first to escape!


    So, he had decided to enlist Feng Yan''s help.


    The young man soon saw the grayish energy spots tinted with red in the distance. With a fox in one hand and the metal brain in another, Ikasa rushed toward the hideout.


    When he reached closer, he heard the voice of Feng Yan, urgently calling for Xin Ruo.


    "Xin Ruo! Xin Ruo! Answer me, you damn girl! Where do you think you are going?"


    Ikasa saw a blue colored outline of a human approaching him. It was being chased by an ochre yellow blob.


    Within seconds, the blue figure had arrived before him.


    "Xin Ruo, whatˇ­"


    "I am sorry."


    Before Ikasa could finish his question, she cut him off. She formed a ball of water in her hand and smashed it on the Metal Brain.

 Chapter 162 A Treasure Map

    "I am sorry."


    Before Xin Ruo''s apology registered in his mind, Ikasa was drenched wet by the water ball she hurled.


    The metal coated brain began to spark as soon as it came into contact with the water ball.


    Ikasa looked at Xin Ruo with anger.


    "What the hell are you doing?"


    He yelled as he hurriedly tried to wipe away the water.


    "It will not work. You shouldn''t havee into contact with that object in the first ce."


    Ikasa looked up at Xin Ruo, perplexed. It did not sound like something she would say but it came from her mouth. He wondered if the person before him really was Xin Ruo!


    Then he saw her energy outline glow brighter. Her energy signature was even stronger than that of Mu Shi, a legitimate Path Finder!


    Ikasa did not have time to ponder as the metal Brain in his hands began to make weird buzzing sounds. Electric currents began to dance on its surface and they jolted Ikasa and Moony. As the time passed, the currents only became wilder and brighter.


    Moony quickly jumped out from Ikasa''s arms, sensing the danger. Ikasa also tried to throw away the Brain but he could not disconnect it from his chest socket in time.


    The Brain exploded before his chest like a bomb, sending sharpnels everywhere. His ears rang from the loud st and his vision darkened.


    He did not hear Feng Yan''s panicked yelling nor did he hear Moony''s concerned growls. He could only feel pain from his chest as the shrapnels embedded themselves into his skin, muscles and bone.


    In his mind, Ikasa saw the figure of the hunchbacked old man. His forehead was scrunched with annoyance and his face looked hideous from anger. As if just noticing Ikasa, the frown on his face disappeared but his eyes were still full of fire.


    [This should definitely be the work of Absolutes! They cannot tolerate modern civilization. Remember, boy! Don''t trust the Absolutes!]


    And then the vision disappeared and he lost his consciousness.


    ˇŞ---


    Unknown amount of time had passed since the huge explosion happened. Ikasa stirred from his rest when he heard the loud voice of Feng Yan scolding someone.


    "You idiot girl! Just what did you do!"


    Ikasa was suddenly reminded of where he was and what had happened.


    ''Fuck! My Status Panel viewer was destroyed by Xin Ruo''s water ball!''


    The realization made him extremely frustrated and annoyed. He felt like Xin Ruo deserved every bit of scolding Feng Yan dished out and some more. He waited for Feng Yan to finish his admonishment.


    "You stupid little girl! I don''t know what you were thinking."


    Feng Yan scolded.


    ''Yes! She is a stupid girl who doesn''t thinks! Scold her well, Old man!''


    Ikasa supported him in his mind.


    "Have I not warned you a thousand times to keep your Bloodline ability sealed?"


    ''Yes, has he not warnedˇ­ Eh what? Bloodline ability''


    Ikasa almost said the words aloud. He grew bewildered as the scolding had taken an unexpected turn!


    ''Is he talking to Xin Ruo or someone else?''


    The young man pretending to be unconscious wondered.


    He activated his Spiritual Vision and saw a blue outline standing next to Feng Yan. She was indeed Xin Ruo. Her energy signature was much lower than when she attacked him with a water ball.


    Myriad questions surfaced in his mind upon seeing her.


    He wanted to know why she attacked him? How a beginner Sense Trainer manifested a ball of water in this rift where even Path Finders struggled to use their abilities?


    But right now, he was more interested in their conversation. These people had been beside him for the longest period of time. Yet, he had never heard of this Bloodline ability.


    He closed his eyes and paid rapt attention to their conversation.


    "I didn''t do it, Father! It activated on its own as if someone else was controlling my body!"


    Xin Ruo helplessly tried to present her case to Feng Yan. The old man did not seem convinced. He responded to her im with cold silence.


    A few breathster, Ikasa heard him sigh loudly.


    "Whatˇ­ What would I do if those bitches from the Mystic Water Empire discover you? How will I face your mother?"


    Feng Yan spoke with a choked voice.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa was surprised to hear him sob. But he was bbergasted by the mention of the Mystic Water Empire. The reclusive empire upied the entire Sea of Serenity. More importantly, this empire was twice as big as the other two empires!


    So, Ikasa was naturally astonished to know that Xin Ruo had a connection to some force of the Mystic Water Empire.


    Ikasa saw Xin Ruo approach Feng Yan and hug him. He could not hear their quiet whisperings from the distance.


    Though he was disappointed that he did not get to know more about her bloodline ability, he was already satisfied to discover its existence. Now that he knew about it, he could slowly extract information about it from the duo.


    Ikasa dropped his charade and slowly got up. He felt something was wrong with the situation.


    ''Wait? Why am I not in pain?''


    He btedly discovered that there was not a single injury on his body. If not for his tattered robes, he would''ve thought that the explosion never happened!


    Seeing him get up, Xin Ruo and Feng Yan rushed to his side. Xin Ruo bowed her head apologetically. Before Ikasa could admonish her, she took out a parchment glowing with blue colored energy.


    "I - I am sorry. I don''t know what happened but I was suddenly possessed by a powerful being. She healed you and then she asked me to pass you this map."


    She did not give Ikasa a chance to speak. Ikasa stared at her as he wordlessly took the rolled parchment from her hands. Neither father nor the daughter sumbed to his inquisitive stares.


    When they refused to talk about the Bloodline, he decided to wait until they were out of the Rift to broach the subject. Just as he had his secrets, they were entitled to keep theirs a bit longer.


    Ikasa then turned his attention to the map left behind by the mysterious powerful being.


    He gently unfurled the beast skin parchment. His eyes were instantly drawn to the cross that glowed with golden blue color.


    "Is this perhapsˇ­ a treasure map?"


    Ikasa asked the two with bewilderment. He did not expect to receive this in exchange for losing a useful gadget.


    Xin Ruo nodded while Feng Yan just raised his hands, like he didn''t know anything about it.


    Ikasa turned his attention back to the map. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the map also showed his location!


    He quickly got up and changed his location. The small pointer marking his position also moved!


    "This is a GPS!"


    Ikasa eximed with joy. He forgot about the metal brain for a moment as he immersed himself in the wonders of the map. Not only did it show the topography of the Rift, it also clearly marked the locations where Steel Beasts roamed.


    "What is GPS?"


    Feng Yan asked, moving closer to inspect the map with Ikasa.


    "It is a device that can show your live location."


    Ikasa answered without looking up from the map. At first, he wanted to petntly hide the map from Feng Yan, who did not share the secret of the Bloodline with him, but then he realized how childish his actions may seem.


    He was also mindful of their current situation. They were in a Rift and if he wanted to harvest any treasures, he needed the old man''s help.


    So, Ikasa made space for Feng Yan and they carefully studied the map together.


    "If we go north and then turn west here, we can avoid most of the beasts."


    Feng Yan quickly found a route with minimal dangers and hardships. As a seasoned veteran of the military as well as adventuring, the old man had a good understanding of the map. Ikasa did not need to use his half baked knowledge toe up with a suitable route.


    ''So what? He is my employee! I may not have a good understanding of the map, but I have gathered people who can fill my shorings.''


    Ikasa smirked as he rolled the map. He turned to the girl and instructed.


    "Xin Ruo, keep an eye on kids. I think they will also awaken their Spiritual Sense soon. Your Father and I wille back with treasures as soon as possible."


    The young woman silently epted hismand. She still felt guilty over the whole thing even though it was not her fault. As such, she avoided looking at Ikasa.


    Ikasa could not see theplex emotions due to the limits of the Spiritual Vision. He cheerfully set off with Feng Yan on his first treasure hunt in this Rift!


    ˇŞ---


    In the space above the dark sky, the figure of a humanoid water elemental formed from minute droplets. The other Absolutes sensed her return.


    The Absolute of Water was clearly in a good mood, having achieved her objective.


    "Don''t you think you were a bit too hasty? You shouldn''t have given him the location of that ce so soon."


    The Absolute of Earth criticized the decision. Other Absolutes were also disgruntled but they kept quiet.


    The Absolute of Water was unfazed by theirints. She smiled and said, "We promised him answers. He deserves to get at least a few, correct?"

 Chapter 163 Hunting A Steel Guardian Beast

    After a short journey, the two treasure seekers reached the spot marked on the map. The map had led them to a huge mountain peak surrounded by a few smaller peaks.


    Ikasa saw numerous brightly colored energy spots shining on the grayish mountain range. All of them probably held a treasure worthy of his efforts. But one golden spot had aroused his greed.


    "Such arge Prime Gold deposit!"


    Feng Yan eximed following Ikasa''s vision. The entire peak of the smaller mountain shone with golden light. Even if they mined all the Prime Gold ores, Ikasa would not be able to carry it in his Spatial Storage.


    Eyes glinting with greed, the two men rushed towards the smaller mountain. Their sprint did notst long.


    All of a sudden, Ikasa grabbed Feng Yan and stopped him from going further. He pointed towards the green energy blob and quietly whispered,


    "Old Man, careful! There is a Steel Guardian Beast."


    Feng Yan stilled at his warning. He quietly retreated backward and observed the Beast.


    In therge background of golden and grayish energy lights, a green dot stood out. When his vision adjusted, he could clearly see the outline of the dreaded Steel Guardian Beast.


    This was the first time Feng Yan had seen a Steel Guardian Beast. Its awe-inspiring size and the brilliant energy glow intimidated him.


    "Fuck! How do you expect us to hunt that monstrosity?!"


    Feng Yan asked Ikasa with agitation. Ikasa also knew that taking that beast down would be difficult; even with two of them. Hence, he had prepared a strategy after studying the battle patterns of the beast and its carcass before.


    The Steel Beasts possessed wolf-like tendencies even though their bodies had grown as big as elephants. They liked agile warfare, where they could move around but their bodies limited their movements.


    Ikasa realized that they only stood a chance if they could confine the beast in a narrow space, restricting its movements.


    Fortunately, there was nock of such spaces in this region.


    Ikasa saw plenty of caves that suited his requirements after just a sweeping nce. If the beast entered any one of them, it would lose its mobility and be a sitting prey!


    He led Feng Yan to the cave nearest to the Beast. The entrance of the cave was just wide enough for the Beast to squeeze inside. It would be best if it got stuck in the entrance but even if it didn''t, the cave was notrge enough for it to move freely.


    Ikasa noticed a few pointed stctites hanging from the high ceiling. There were also stgmites on the ground, spread like a thorny trap. These natural features would injure the Steel Beast if it was not careful.


    The two men quietly reached the end of the cave and finished surveying it. They had managed to avoid the beast''s attention so far. Breathing a sigh of relief, Ikasa began to exin the weaknesses and the strengths of the Beast to Feng Yan.


    "Old Man, the metal limbs are very hard and impossible to damage. No matter how hard you strike, you will not be able to leave a dent on them. So focus on the softer and natural parts that shine with green, okay? "


    Ikasa implored Feng Yan.


    "If you find a chance to attack its eyes, take the shot. It is probably the fastest way to end the battle."


    After rying his instructions, Ikasa took a deep breath. It was his turn to act.


    He stealthily crept to the Steel Beast''s location. The green energy dot representing the Beast was constantly moving about in the limited small area.


    Ikasa realized that the beast was guarding something. He did not have the capability to approach nearer and determine what treasure it was protecting.


    ''Anyways, once I take care of this Beast, whatever it is guarding will be mine.''


    He smiled deviously and picked up a small rock. He was close enough to make the Steel Beast feel the threat, but far enough that the beast would not immediately catch up with him.


    He flung the rock at the Green energy spot representing the Beast. The rock bounced on the ground once before colliding with the metal paws of the beast with a tungk.


    The Steel Guardian Beast paused. It looked at the small pebble and then surveyed its surroundings vigntly.


    Suddenly, Ikasa felt its red eyes stop on him.


    ''It has discovered me!''


    Ikasa slowly moved his foot back, ready to run. A secondter, he heard an angry howl and the Beast pounced in his direction. Ikasa immediately turned tail and activated his movement technique.


    As he ran, he jumped over a smaller rock and sidestepped a crack almost instinctively. The top-grade technique, Wind the Way, showed its might as he skillfully weaved through the obstacles in his path.


    "Awoo!"


    The steel beast howled as he almost caught up with Ikasa. Had it not been for his mastery over the movement technique, Ikasa would have fallen prey to the Steel Wolf long ago.


    ''Just a few more steps!''


    Ikasa encouraged himself as he saw the cave and Feng Yan''s ochre yellow outline get closer and closer. Without his notice, the Beast had closed the distance. It was just a few feet away from him.


    Suddenly, Ikasa felt danger. He crouched mid-sprint as the giant beast leaped over his head, missing it by just a hair''s breadth. The beast stood between him and the cave a few feet away.


    ''Damn it! This was not supposed to happen.''


    Ikasa had overestimated his speed and had not taken the terrain into ount. The numerous obstacles had hindered Ikasa but not the beast. Still, he did not lose hisposure.<novelnext></novelnext>


    He could already see Feng Yan''s figureing out of the cave. The beast was also still for some reason and had not attacked Ikasa yet.


    Ikasa took out the ax from his Spatial storage and held it with both his hands. He quietly tried to take a step backward, only to see the energy of the beast re.


    ''It was preparing an energy attack!''


    The realization struck Ikasa and he dived to his left. A w shing with green light smacked the ce where he stood a second ago.


    Ikasa felt cold sweat drip down his back. At this moment, he heard a most wee shout.


    "You imbecile beast! You are courting death!"


    Feng Yan''s shout attracted the Beast''s attention. He didn''t care that his shout could attract other beasts in the vicinity as well. Rather, saving Ikasa was more important than being cautious.


    The Beast abandoned the fallen Ikasa and looked at its offender. Feng Yan was standing at the entrance to the cave with a tight grip on his Halberd.


    The Steel Wolf bared its fangs at Feng Yan and walked toward him with a steady gait. Each time it moved its limbs, discordant sounds came from its movements.


    Thump! Thunk! Thump! Thunk!


    This was because of the natural and metal feet of the Steel Beast.


    Ikasa could tell that it was exerting its dominance by the forceful steps it took. Because it had pursued him for so long and yet had not made any noise.


    Feng Yan''s hands trembled from fear and excitement. He slowly took a step back into the cave as the beast moved closer and closer. Without giving any warning, it pounced on Feng Yan!


    As Ikasa had expected, the Beast was a bit too big for the cave''s entrance. It became stuck in the entrance.


    The Steel Wolf wriggled its body, trying to squeeze through. Feng Yan and Ikasa did wait for it to seed.


    Ikasa found a soft spot on his behind and swung his ax with as much force as he could muster. The steely tail of the Wolf thwarted his attempts to attack the beast''s pink asshole.


    He changed his target to one of the fleshy hind legs and focused on making the beast lose his mobility.


    On the other side, Feng Yan jumped and raised his Halberd high before bringing it down on the snout of the Beast.


    A loud ng sounded as the full force attack with the Halberd only left a de-sized mark on the metal side of the snout. However, the vibrations from the collision disturbed Feng Yan''s blood cirction.


    He took a step back and brought his body to calm. He looked at the stuck Steel Wolf as he searched for an opening. When he looked at the beast''s face he saw the red eyes staring fiercely at him.


    All of a sudden, the Steel Wolf pushed its body forward and entered the Cave! The beast had freed itself!


    It immediately jumped on Feng Yan who had attacked its jaws and snout. Feng Yan reacted in time and stuck his Halberd in the open maws of the Beast, preventing them from taking a bite of his head.


    "Old Man!"


    Ikasa rushed into the cave to see Feng Yan backed against the wall. The Beast was right before him with its jaws wide open.


    The stgmites had already made a few scratches on the fleshy legs of the Beast but it simply ignored them. The beast was not paying any heed to its injuries as it tried to kill the human before him.


    Feng Yan could endure for now but his resistance was growing weaker as the Beast adjusted itself to its new environment.


    ''I have to do something. But what?''


    Ikasa looked up and saw arge stctite hanging right above the Beast''s back. Without thinking too much, he threw the ax at the ceiling and broke the structure.


    It came crashing down on the back of the Beast. The stony stctite managed to pierce through, making the beast howled in pain.


    The desperate Steel Wolf jumped against the walls and turned to face the entrance. It was preparing to flee from this dangerous location but Ikasa stood in its way.


    ''Uh Oh!''


    Ikasa searched for anything that he could throw at the wolf and buy himself a few seconds to get out of its way. The Serrated Sun Disc appeared in his hands.


    As ast resort, Ikasaunched the Disc at the Steel Beast''s face. The disc sliced through its eye as if slicing through butter and embedded itself in the Beast''s brain!


    "Huh?"


    Ikasa was shocked by the attack power disyed by the disc. He could not believe it sliced through the metal coatings on the wolf so easily!


    Just then the giant body fell sideways and crashed into the wall. Ikasa heard a familiar buzzing sound. Hearing the sound, he retreated a few steps and went outside the cave.


    He heard a boom muffled by the Beast''s head. Ikasa looked at the exploded head and sighed with dismay.


    "Fucking hell! This Brain also exploded!"

 Chapter 164 Treasures!

    "How did youˇ­?"


    Feng Yan looked at the dead beast with a wide O of his mouth. A dreaded Steel Beast had died just like that, with a single Attack from Ikasa!


    The old man looked at his young employer with admiration and amazement. Just when he thought he had gauged Ikasa''s powers, the young man exposed a new level, proving him wrong.


    The Dead Steel Beast was the best example.


    Feng Yan thought Ikasa brought him along because he alone could not handle the beast. It seems he was wrong. He just didn''t want to expose his full range of abilities!


    Complex emotions shed through his old and experienced eyes.


    ''May beˇ­ He may be the best candidate for Xin Ruo!''


    Seeing Feng Yan look at him with stars in his eyes, Ikasa shivered.


    ''What is this old man thinking of now?''


    Ikasa wondered as he simply smirked in response to Feng Yan''s admiring eyes. Even though he did not know how and why his Serrated Sun Disc was so powerful against the Beast, he was happy with the result. He only hoped to be able to replicate the results against other Steel Beasts.


    Still, he could worry about thatter. Right now, it was time to harvest his gains!


    "Old Man, if you have rested enough, should we go? The Prime Gold Ores are waiting for us!"


    ˇŞ----


    The Absolutes watched Ikasa struggle against the Steel Beast. They sat on the edge of their seats when the Beast charged at Ikasa at the end. When he took out the Serrated Sun Disc, the Absolutes became rmed.


    The other Absolutes turned toward the Absolute of Earth and the Absolute of Fire to see their reactions.


    The Absolute of Earth was rock faced in literal and figurative sense. She looked at the Absolute of Fire. The giant reddish orange me red up a little upon seeing the Disc.


    Absolute of Earth stoically asked,


    "The weapon we created and bestowed upon your blessed also ended up in his hands. What are you going to do?"


    The me red once more and then diminished as if sighing with resignation.


    "The bloodline I blessed no longer exists in this world. It is his fate to have obtained my artifact, he may as well use it."


    The Absolute of Water narrowed her eyes. She noticed the carefree and nonchnt attitude of the me when it spoke.


    The Absolute of Fire she knew was a possessive person. He should not be reacting so calmly to the news about his artifact. The humanoid water elemental felt something was wrong.


    She looked closely as Ikasa removed the Serrated Sun Disc from the Beast''s head and cleaned it. The scene caused her eyes to widen and she understood the reason behind the non caring attitude of the Absolute of Fire.


    "Aha! So that''s why you don''t care anymore! The artifact''s spirit has already been extracted or extinguished!"


    The Absolute of Water eximed, exposing the hypocrisy of the me. It turned slightly purple at having been exposed but it still maintained its holier than thou attitude.


    "So what if it does not possess the artifact spirit anymore? It is still a weapon that I had blessed in the past."


    The Absolute of Water snorted at his hypocrisy. She did not hesitate to expose him.


    "Without your blessing and the artifact spirit, that Serrated Sun Disc is only a slightly sharper piece of metal. How can you even call that an artifact? No wonder you were willing to give it up so easily."


    The me flickered violently, agitated by the Water Elementals words. He tried to defend himself.


    "As I said, it is fate. If fate brings him to the Sun Fire Festival, I will not only restore my blessing and artifact Spirit, I will also bestow upon him one of the sources of fire."


    Absolute of Water smirked, as if she had trapped the Absolute of Fire. The Absolute of Fire changed into a humane face as he had a bad premonition.


    He immediately took measures to prevent the Absolute of Water''s interference.


    "If you or any of the other Absolutes guide him to the Festival, then it is no longer a predestined meeting. I will not fulfill my word."


    The Absolute of me warned, his fiery face scrunched into a frown.


    The Absolute of Water was not deterred by his threat. She still smiled wickedly and solemnly warned,


    "Remember, this is what you said; when timees, don''t renege on your promise."


    ˇŞ-----


    Ikasa and Feng Yan reached the ce guarded by the Steel Beast. The two men discovered a huge tree. They did not discover it from afar because it shone with the same golden light as the Prime Gold Ores!


    "This must be the Golden Bell-fruit tree!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan eximed. Ikasa raised his eyebrow at the old man. Due to limitations of the Spiritual Vision his gesture went unnoticed.


    Ikasa then voiced his question.


    "Golden Bell-fruit?"


    "Yes. When I was injured, Elder Yi mentioned it. He said that this fruit tree grows only onrge deposits of Prime Gold or other Spiritual Gold ores. It has the ability to make a person recover from his injuries instantly."


    Ikasa''s eyes shined upon hearing the fruit''s characteristics. He could see 11 tiny green energy spots on the Golden Tree. This was equal to having eleven lifelines in this Rift!


    "This Fruit also rejuvenates the body and strengthens muscles and bones by two times."


    This effect made Ikasa salivate. If he ate this fruit, wouldn''t his body be as strong as Gu Dan and Feng Yan?


    Even though they cultivated the same Top Grade Technique, Ikasa did not perform many physicalbors. Hence, his body was stronger than other Sense Trainers but could not match Gu Dan or Feng Yan yet.


    And this Golden Bell-fruit would not only act as his lifeline in the rift, it could even strengthen his body when eaten over time!


    Ikasa''s mouth salivated as he looked at the pear-shaped energy dots hanging on the tree.


    "Too bad, the fruit decays within a few days after being separated from the tree."


    Feng Yan continued, making Ikasa''s ns to save them redundant.


    The fruits could only be used inside the rift. If he decided to use them after going out, the fruits probably would have decayed.


    Still, if he did not use them all while inside, he could also sell them to other desperate survivors and make a fortune!


    Ikasa did not hurry to gather the fruits. There was nobody in the vicinity except for himself and Feng Yan. So, he could afford to take his time.


    He turned his attention to the treasure that attracted him here in the first ce. The ores of Prime Gold!


    Ikasa began to survey the ground for the locations of the ores. He discovered something that made his job easier.


    The entire peak was a steep slope riddled with cracks with uneven surface and the fissures exposing the treasures hidden underneath. The golden light of the ores was exposed through these cracks.


    The light was so dense and bright that he had to avert his eyes, lest he lose his sight.


    Ikasa took out a pickaxe and began to mine for the ore. He picked at one of the cracks, one hit after another. A few minutester, a blinding ray of light hit his face. The ore inside had been unearthed!


    A smile bloomed on his face as he picked up the fist sized golden ore.


    "Whoa! This nugget alone must be around one kilogram!"


    Ikasa eximed with joy. His eyes surveyed the area and saw many more golden ores hidden under the firstyer of the mountain.


    "Old man, what are you waiting for, let''s start digging!"


    Ikasa shouted at Feng Yan who still had not moved away from the tree.


    A few hourster, Ikasa straightened his back with a cracking sound. He wiped the sweat rolling down from his forehead and looked at the broken pickaxe in his hands.


    "This is my limit. I can''t add anymore to my storage device."


    Ikasa muttered, looking at the small pile of ore gathered near the tree. Excluding the small pile near the tree, Ikasa had mined 60 Kgs of ore. It means he had gathered 60 One Star Spirit Coins in just a few hours!


    That was equal to the entirety of the Spirit Coins in his possession!


    And he had plenty more, waiting to be mined. The only problem was how to carry them outside. There was no more space in his Storage device. Except for his printer and limited rations, his entire Storage Space was full of ores.


    Ikasa looked above and saw the fruits hanging on the tree. He suddenly had an idea.


    ''Why should I be the one to excavate the ores? Can''t I just get others to carry it out and then get it from them?''


    The idea began to sound very much usible. The Prime Gold ores were only precious to those factions who dealt with merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire. To individual cultivators or smaller powers, they were no different from the gold coins.


    Now the only question was how to lure them over. The fruits hanging on the tree solved his dilemma. He could lure people over using the recovery fruits as bait!


    Ikasa smiled a devious grin. He immediately ordered Feng Yan to abandon his mining work.


    "Old Man, take 10 fruits and leave one on the tree. We will sell information about this tree and find workers to excavate the Prime Gold buried here."


    However, they had to do one more thing before they spread information about this ce; they had to clean up the other precious goodies!

 Chapter 165 Cloud Printer V2

    "Blue Silver Ore? Pass."


    "Orcichalk Ores? Pass."


    Ikasa and Feng Yan visited most of the spots shining with different colored energies. They dug out the ores and depending on their use or worth, they decided which ores to take and which ores to leave behind.


    "Red Lode Ore? Pass."


    Ikasa scratched another ore from his list of ores to keep. Feng Yan interrupted and expressed his desire to keep that ore.


    "Hey, I want those Red Lode ores!"


    "Why?"


    Ikasa asked with an annoyed tone. The old man had already asked him to keep three different ores and all for frivolous reasons.


    "Don''t you think we can make red eyes from those mas and sell them as ''Red Eye'' merchandise for my admirers?"


    The young man took a deep and heavy breath, suppressing his anger. This was another one of those frivolous reasons.


    ''Absolutes know where this Old Man learned about merchandising or the fact that he even had fans.''


    Ikasa thought before rejecting the old man with one word.


    "NO."


    Feng Yan''s face fell but neither could Ikasa see it nor did he care. Because if the old man saw something that caught his eyes, he would once again be begging to include it in his list.


    They had reached thest spot where dense grayish blue energy was concentrated. This ce was on the Central Peak, the tallest of the mountains.


    As he had done numerous times before, Ikasa looked for cracks in the cliffs and checked where the energy was concentrated. Then, he took out the axe and dug at the cracks, trying to see what ore was hiding underneath.


    However, his attempts were futile this time. The axe passed through the rock as if the surface was an illusion!


    "Hmm?"


    Ikasa looked at the ax and the cliff with surprise. He attempted once again, but the expected impact never came. He carefully tried to touch the cliff. His hands passed through without encountering any resistance.


    "Old man, can you see anything different here?"


    Ikasa called Feng Yan who was mining at a spot nearby. He came over, responding to Ikasa''s call.


    "The energy signature is same as over thereˇ­?"


    Feng Yan asked, confused why Ikasa called for him.


    "Try striking the cliff with your pickaxe."


    The old man looked at Ikasa with bewilderment but did as he asked.


    Thunk! The pickax hit nearly the same spot where Ikasa touched, but the response was very different from what Ikasa received.


    "Is there a problem?"


    Feng Yan asked, looking at Ikasa. Even Ikasa was taken aback by the different response. He did not immediately answer but requested Feng Yan to hit the cliff wall again.


    "Are you thinking of making me do all the digging, you brat?"


    Feng Yan grumbled but picked at the wall as requested. Nothing changed. He still heard the sound of metal hitting rock.


    "Weird."


    Ikasamented and tried to hit the wall with his ax. The ax as usual passed through the cliff without resistance. He turned to Feng Yan to show what he meant.


    "See thisˇ­"


    Suddenly, a gust of wind pushed Ikasa with force. He lost his bnce and was propelled towards the wall.


    "Aah!"


    Startled by the sudden push, Ikasa activated his Rock Solid armor in an instant and braced for impact but it never came!


    His entire body passed through the wall and thest words he heard were Feng Yan''s loud voice shouting his name.


    ˇŞ---


    "Aah!"


    Feng Yan watched with amusement as a strong wind pushed Ikasa into the cliff. He thought Ikasa would just m into the wall, face first and be alright.


    He even had a taunt ready, to ridicule him for being blown away by the wind. However, a blue light shimmered and Ikasa was sucked into the Cliff!


    The old man''s smile was quickly wiped off his face.


    "Ikasa!"


    Feng Yan tried to grab the young man''s back or leg and pull him outside, but his efforts failed. He could only watch helplessly as Ikasa disappeared into the cliff.<novelnext></novelnext>


    The unfortunate mishap shocked him. He tried to strike the wall again and again but he could not find the reason for Ikasa''s disappearance. A few hours had already passed and he had no food supplies.


    Feng Yan was also worried for Xin Ruo and the kids. He looked at the wall onest time with reluctance and turned to leave, deciding toe back here with Xin Ruo and kids.


    Just as he turned, he heard the wind whisper in his ears. Astonishingly, he understood what it said. A single word was delivered to his mind.


    "Wait."


    ˇŞ------


    "Aah!"


    In a dark corridor, a crumpled figure of the young man was deposited on the smooth floor made of rocks. This figure was none other than Ikasa.


    Ikasa slowly sat up, rubbing his bruised elbows. He blinked his eyes a few times to adjust to the low light of his surroundings.


    ''Where am I?''


    He thought as he scanned the corridor for any clues of his location. The passageway was entirely dark except for a small blue light shining through a half open door to his left.


    In the light, he could vaguely see the cobwebs formed on the ceilings and dirt umted on the floor. There were electricmps on the ceiling but they had turned ck long time ago.


    Ikasa stood up and looked at both the ends of the corridor. One side was shrouded in darkness, while on the other side he saw a half open door and lighting from it.


    With quiet steps, Ikasa walked towards the half open door. He armed himself with the axe in one hand and the Serrated Sun Disc in another.


    Ikasa reached the door and peeked inside while maintaining some distance. He couldn''t see anything other than a few tables and a beast-kin parchment lying on the ground.


    "Anyone here?"


    Ikasa asked, raising his ax. He did not receive any response, nor did he hear any movements. He kicked the door open and charged into the room.


    The wooden door was heavier than it seemed as his kick did not push the door openpletely. It made a krrr sound as its unoiled hinges grinded against each other.


    Luckily for Ikasa, there was no one inside the room. He breathed a sigh of relief and searched for the source of light. He noticed a hologram projection shining on one of the tables in the corner.


    "There."


    Ikasa whispered to himself to reduce the spooky vibes he was getting from this ce. But when he saw the projection, his voice was filled with shock!


    "Cloud Printer V2!"


    On the holographic screen, he saw a picture of a Printer, the same as the one he had!


    Ikasa immediately swiped at the screen. A 3D model of the printer appeared before him. He immediately took out his Printer andpared it to the one in the picture.


    It was almost the same except one chipset was missing in Ikasa''s version.


    Ikasa tapped at the missing part. Information about the part popped up. The part looked like a frame that covered the upper edges of the printer. He read the description.


    "Cloud frame module. Type - Antenna. With this module, the printer can ess the techniques stored in higher strata of the Cloud."


    The description was clear and yet confusing.


    "Is there a cloud server from where my printer esses techniques?"


    Ikasa murmured to himself. Still, his eyes shined as he saw a possibility to upgrade the Printer! All of a sudden, he heard a voice answer his question.


    "Yes."


    "Who is there?"


    Ikasa yelled as he raised his axe and swiftly turned around, ready to attack. Behind him, he saw a beautifuldy in a flowing blue gown, the same color as the screen. She seemed ethereal, yet, real; translucent yet solid.


    Her facial features were somewhat simr to Xin Ruo''s. The emerald green eyes pierced through his soul. Her silvery blue hair fell to her chest.


    She was a perfectbination of seductive and sophisticated beauty. With her one smile, she could cause the downfall of nations and empires.


    While Ikasa watched thedy with vignce, she approached his Printer. Ikasa blocked her way with his ax, but she simply passed through it.


    His eyes widened at the sight.


    "Ghost? Or a Spirit?"


    Ikasa muttered, as he quickly tried to keep the Printer back in his Storage Space. She covered the Printer in a bubble of water and foiled Ikasa''s attempts. Astonishingly, the water did not even touch the Printer!


    "Neitherˇ­"


    The Lady replied to Ikasa''s mutterings. She found the USB cable of the Printer and connected it to a socket that was hidden in the device projecting the holographic screen.


    A hiddenpartment opened in the desk with rattling noise. Thedy took out a box from thepartment and turned to look at Ikasa. She met his eyes and extended her hand, offering him the simple rectangr box, asrge as the Printer.


    Then in a rxed voice, she introduced herself to the vignt Ikasa.


    "I am the Absolute of Water."

 Chapter 166 Cloud Server

    "I am the Absolute of Water."


    Ikasa widened his eyes at the etherealdy''s revtion. His shoulders tensed and he unconsciously took a step back.


    Instead of lowering his guard, he had be more vignt. He tightened his grip on the ax surreptitiously even though he knew that it would be of little use against the Absolute.


    The Absolute of Water calmly noted the changes in Ikasa''s bodynguage. Her eyes flickered from his tightened grip on the handle of the ax to his tense shoulders. Then she looked at his face and saw cold perspiration form on his forehead.


    "Do you not want this gift?"


    Thedy spoke in a gentle voice when Ikasa still did not ept the Box from her hands.


    "Do you not want the answers I promised?"


    Ikasa opened his mouth and gaped at the dazzling beauty before him.


    ''She is the mysterious feminine speaker!''


    Realization dawned upon him. She sounded familiar because he had heard her voice after the Battle of Rights ended!


    Ikasa felt better upon knowing that she was not hostile to him. If she wanted to harm him, she would not need to go through so many ploys.


    He tried to raise his arms to receive the Box but his body did not respond!


    "Do you really not want the Gift? Or the Answers?"


    The Absolute of Water asked, voice turning cold.


    As if triggered by the Absolute of Water, a picture of the Old man in the Metal Brain appeared in his head. A screen kept shing before his eyes.


    [Don''t trust the Absolutes]


    [Don''t trust the Absolutes]


    [Don''tˇ­.]


    Ikasa felt like he had be a guest in his own body. He had almost lost control of his body just like in the Ruins of Sal City.


    ''No! This is my Body! I cannot let anyone take possession of it as they like. And if this old Man attacks the Absolute, I can forget about living!''


    Ikasa decided to struggle against the old man. As a Pinnacle Sense Trainer, his spirit had grown much more powerful than before. He exerted his Spiritual Body''s control over his Physical Body.


    His Spirit locked the image of the Old Man in ce. It was slowly getting weaker and weaker. Still, Ikasa had not regained full control over his organs and limbs.


    He started with his right hand. Slowly but surely, he raised it with jerky movements like that of a robot and received the Box from the Absolute of water.


    The Absolute of Water could see the battle between Ikasa''s spirit and the remnant from the metal Brain. She saw him slowly regain control over his body while the remnant gradually diminished in power and disappeared. For now.


    She smiled the most captivating smile Ikasa had ever witnessed in his life.


    He was enthralled by the dimples formed on her cheeks when she smiled. Her lips parted just slightly, giving him a glimpse of her pearly white teeth underneath.


    ''Isn''t Xin Ruo as beautiful as her?''


    Ikasa shook his head at the thought, as he regained control over his body and mind. He then looked at the box in his hands with a frown.


    ''But why help me? Where is this goodwilling from?''


    Ikasa deliberated the motives behind the help one of the Absolutes was offering him.


    Did he doubt the Absolutes? The answer was an obvious yes.


    Upon seeing the visuals of war between the Cultivators and the Cyborg Humans, he was wary of the Absolutes. However, he was not foolish enough to openly showcase his distrust in the almighty beings.


    In fact, Ikasa was more suspicious of the remnant from the metal Brain than the Absolutes at the moment. After the remnant of Old man tried to take over his body, he began to doubt the visuals of war.


    The Absolute of Water saw him look at the Box in a daze. Her gentle voice chimed in his ears.


    "Are you not going to open it?"


    Ikasa put away his thoughts and carefully removed the lid on the wooden box. Inside the box, a Cloud Frame module rested on a silken covering. A USB storage device sat at the center of the Box.


    "That device should contain instruction manuals for upgrading your Cloud Printer. ''He'' was always meticulous."


    The Absolute of Water said with a hint of nostalgia as she peeked over his shoulder into the Box.


    Ikasa turned his head to look at her. He dreaded the answer but he had to know for sure. Gathering his courage, he asked the question he was the most curious about.


    "What am I? Who am I? And who is this ''He'' you speak of?"


    His earnest tone tugged at the Absolute''s emotions.


    Sigh!


    Thedy exhaled a long breath. She looked into Ikasa''s eyes and chose every word carefully.


    "Unfortunately, you started with the questions that need no answer, Yi Ka San. You are who you think you are. If you consider yourself a human, that will be your only identity, no matter what others say."


    Her answer was more like a riddle than an answer.


    "If I think of myself as a Human, that will be my identity; No matter what others say?"


    Ikasa repeated her words out loud. They were still baffling. He felt like she was definitely alluding to something, but he didn''t know what.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''Does she mean I am not a human?''


    When Ikasa looked at her she simply smiled at him enigmatically. It did not seem like she would talk more on this topic.


    Also, Ikasa did not miss how she avoided talking about ''Him''.


    "Why don''t you start your upgrade procedure now? Our time here is limited after all."


    The Lady suggested looking at the USB Storage Device. Ikasa hesitated before he picked up the device. From the corner of his eye, he saw the Absolute of Water''s gaze focused on his chest where the slot would appear.


    ''Why do I feel like she knows more about my body than I do?''


    Ikasa shivered as he inserted the USB drive into the slot that appeared on his chest.


    "Fascinating!"


    The Absolute murmured. Then she stopped leaning on the desk beside Ikasa and walked to the holographic device.


    "''He'' was a good man who wanted to make the lives of those who couldn''t cultivate better. This Cloud Printer was also his idea."


    The Absolute of Water began to speak, reminiscing about the mysterious ''He''. She suddenly chuckled to herself, remembering the incident.


    She did not seem crazy or psychotic forughing so suddenly; only stunning and enchanting.


    "I still remember the day when he summoned me and made the most ridiculous request I had ever heard. He wanted to store his knowledge in the Cloud. He talked about making a Cloud Server or something."


    Ikasa paid attention to her words. Cloud Server was a term familiar to most people on Earth. However, the name would obviously sound weird to the people of this world!


    ''Was the mysterious ''He'' also a transmigrator from modern-day Earth?''


    The more Ikasa thought about this possibility, the more he found it usible. Or else why would the names of the gadgets be simr to those on Earth?


    Ikasa became eager to know more about this person. While he was thinking, the Absolute of water had resumed her story.


    "... ''He'' drew a box made from iron and said it was the Cloud Server. He said we, the Absolutes, were backward and primitive because we did not know what it was. Truly ridiculous!"


    She sounded like she was talking about a dear friend and not just any random human. Ikasa could see emotions sh in her eyes as she recounted the story.


    The Absolute looked at him and began to proudly recount how she had made the man swallow his words.


    "Though the other Absolutes ignored them, I took his words personally. I stored every technique and martial art into tiny water droplets and made a real Cloud from them!"


    Ikasa looked at the Absolute of Water in shock. She had taken the word Cloud Storage to an entirely different level!


    "My method was so much better than the idiotic iron box of ''his''. After seeing the Cloud I made, he had to admit it."


    Ikasa could imagine the Absolute threatening to unleash her powers if the ''He'' did not ept her superiority. He immediately schooled his face as she approached the Printer.


    The Absolute of Water touched the Printer wistfully and exined her attachment to it.


    "We worked together to make this Cloud Printer; the only device that can let you humans ess all the knowledge I stored in the Cloud."


    Ikasa stood gobsmacked by her revtion. This magical device was created from the joint efforts of the Absolute of Water and the mysterious ''He''!


    "No wonder the techniques are so good. But where do the Cultivation Points and the Battle Pointse from?"


    Heplimented, ttering the Absolute in hopes of extracting some more secrets from her mouth.


    The Absolute of Water saw through his facade. However, she had no problem showing off the greatest invention she had created.


    She opened her palm and a glowing blue water droplet condensed on it.


    "Energy Infused Water?"


    Ikasa eximed with surprise.


    The Absolute of Water smiled at his child-like astonishment. She was reminded of another person who held the same curiosity and excitement for everything she did.


    "Connect to the Printer and swallow this."


    She instructed Ikasa.


    As the controller of all Water attributed energies in this world, she could easily create a droplet of Energy Infused Water. Knowing this, Ikasa did not hesitate to follow her words.


    "How many CPs do you have?"


    The Absolute of Water asked before giving Ikasa the drop of Water. Ikasa looked at the number and answered, "263"


    Thedy nodded and sent the drop into his mouth. She then asked him to check again. Ikasa was puzzled but he did as he was told.


    "269!"


    Ikasa looked at thedy with astonishment! His CP had increased by 6 just from that one drop of Energy Infused Water!


    He had never eaten any supplements that would help improve his Spiritual Energy. So he never had a chance to notice this feature.


    "The Printer is only a conduit between you and nature''s energies. If you ingest any energy-increasing supplements, it will be reflected in your CP and BP."


    The Absolute of Water said with a smile. She then brought the Cloud Frame antenna to him and said, "When you add this module, you will discover another great feature. So, hurry up before our time in this ce ends."

 Chapter 167 More Questions Than Answers

    Ikasa put the outer panel of the Printer in ce and removed the USB drive from his chest. He wiped his forehead habitually after finishing the assembly.


    All he had to do now was check the new changes and improvements.


    He had just inserted the USB device of the Printer in his chest when he heard an overeager voice.


    "Do you see the changes?"


    ? The Absolute of Water asked Ikasa with a voice overflowing with excitement. She looked enthused to hear him praise her finest product.


    Ikasa was left speechless by her change in attitude. She never came off as cool and distant during their meeting but she had maintained her decorum. Now, she was behaving like an eager girl, expecting praise from an adult.


    Still, he did not answer her as he had not even read the Wee Message yet.


    [Wee back, User.]


    [New features have been detected. Would you like to check them?]


    Ikasa chose ''Yes''. Instantly, a new value added below the number of CPs and BPs was highlighted in the right corner.


    PP: 50


    "PP?"


    Ikasa incredulously whispered the new term added. A screen shed before his eyes that exined the Profession Points.


    [Profession Points: The points collected when cksmiths, Pill Refiners, Talisman Makers, Array Masters and other Cultivation rted professions use Professional Technique manuals printed by the Printer.]


    "When a Cultivation-rted professional uses the manual to learn the technique or form rted to their profession."


    At the same time, the Absolute of Water also spoke, hearing Ikasa whisper the new term.


    ''This means my target market has just expanded!''


    Ikasa cheered when he thought about the implications.


    World of Cultivation is ruled by the strong. But no one could deny the role the side professions yed in their advancement.


    Medicine Masters prescribe pills to treat their patients but they are made by Alchemists. Some pills can also give cultivators a temporary or permanent boost in their power.


    Most importantly, when a Cultivator is stuck at a bottleneck, a pill made by the Alchemists can help him ovee his limits!


    Simrly, the cksmiths yed a huge role in increasing a person''sbat prowess. If two Cultivators in the same realm fight, the one with better armament is almost always the victor!


    Hence, no strong person in the Cultivation World would deny a Master cksmith''s favor.


    The Spiritual Talisman makers are rare but respected everywhere. Their ability tomunicate with the Heavenly Laws and put them on paper made them desirable to every individual.


    Having just one Spiritual Talisman meant having an extra trump card in your possession. How can any sane person ignore such power?


    While the other three professions were focused on individual growth, the Array Masters could help any power grow collectively.


    Just a simple Energy Gathering Array could increase the fortunes of any power. A defensive arrayid around the important locations of a n or Sect or a Family can provide them security in case of hostile attacks.


    With these many benefits, which power would deny friendship with such an Array Master?


    As a Leader of an emerging power, GHBG would also need the services of all of these Professionals. He was worried about how to approach and strike up a friendship with the top masters in their fields. Now his worry had disappeared.


    ''With this new addition, I can lure the masters of various professions easily!''


    Ikasa smiled with ecstasy as he looked at the newly added option under the Targeted Printing. It read ''Profession Manuals''.


    "Do not underestimate the power of Professions." The Absolute of Water warned as if seeing through Ikasa''s thoughts. "After all, the Furnace Fire Empire is managed by the Guild of Pill and Weapon refiners!"


    Ikasa whipped his neck and looked at her with shock.


    Everyone knew that the Empires were Monarchies ruled by Royal Families of Yan, Mu and Shui. However, the Absolute of Water imed that the decisions of the Royal Family of Yan were influenced by the Guild of Refiners.


    ''Even in this World of Cultivation, strength is not everything. Money can still manipte the government.''


    Realizing this fact, his lips curled upwards. He would have liked to know more, but as the Absolute had said, they were on a tight schedule. He did not want to ask her questions whose answers he could get easily in the outside world.


    Ikasa checked the other features that had be avable to him. Under the Print button, a new feature had appeared.


    "Levels?"


    Ikasa asked the Absolute with confusion. The interface did not give much information. He could only see the Levels 1 to 9 pop up when he clicked on Print.


    "It seems ''he'' decided to organize and simplify a little."


    The Absolute muttered to herself. Looking at Ikasa she borated on the feature.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "''He'' liked to call the Cultivation Stages as levels. Level 1 was Path Forging Realm, Level 2 Sense Realm and so forth. It should be the same there."


    Ikasa decided to try. He chose Level 1 and clicked on the Random Print option. For the first time since he acquired the Printer, nothing happened. He clicked again and still no response.


    ''Did I assemble it wrong? Was there a mistake in the process?''


    He became anxious by the abnormality of the Printer. This was his cheat and he had broken it!


    The Absolute of Water saw Ikasa turn pale and his shoulders droop. She realized the reason behind his panic when she saw him click in the air without any results from the Printer.


    A chortle escaped her mouth. Ikasa immediately turned to look at theughing Absolute, his eyes filled with frustration.


    "The Printer will not work in this ce or even in the nar Rift. Because it cannotmunicate with my Cloud."


    "Oh!"


    Ikasa breathed a sigh of relief. He took a few breaths and disconnected from the Printer.


    The Young man kept the Printer and the USB drive back in his storage space while carefully studying the room that looked like someone''sb.


    Curiously, there was arge window but he could not see anything outside.


    "Just what is this ce?"


    Inadvertently, Ikasa muttered. The Absolute of Water also came and stood beside him near the window. She stared into the gray fog outside.


    "This is a ruined vestige of our ne. Had we not created a sanctuary, the entire world would have ended up like this."


    She said, smiling with sadness. Ikasa''s ears perked upon hearing the word ''sanctuary''. He remembered the words of the Old Man he had heard in the ruins near Sal City.


    [Sanctuaryˇ­ breachedˇ­ arriving soon. Energy gathering eleration is needed. ETA - 80 Years.]


    ''Are they speaking of the same Sanctuary?''


    Ikasa probed the Absolute further.


    "Sanctuary?"


    "Yes. Sanctuary. The entire World of Cultivation is protected by the powers of us five Absolutes."


    Ikasa believed her. The Absolutes were not humans. They were manifestations of their respective elements. So, this should be within their abilities.


    Still, this made Ikasa realize just how powerful an Absolute was.


    He looked outside the window. He wondered how a ne could be broken into pieces in the first ce.


    "How did this happen? And is the nar Rift also a part of the broken vestige of our ne?"


    Ikasa asked, wondering whether the word ''breached'' had something to do with the nar Rift.


    The Absolute of Water smiled at Ikasa, like a protective mother smiling at her child. She shook her head and stared into the distance.


    "nar Rifts are merely training grounds. To prepare cultivators for the forces that did this."


    Ikasa gulped loudly, hearing the implications behind her words. A force powerful enough to break nes was targeting the Cultivation World!


    For some reason, Ikasa thought of the visuals of war shown by the Metal Brain. He had a deep suspicion that the cyborgs in the Visuals were the enemies that Absolute was talking about.


    Ikasa tried to confirm his guess.


    "Does the enemy use Steel Guardian Beasts?"


    The Absolute of Water extended her hand and patted his shoulder.


    "You should focus on spreading your manuals to more people and making the World of Cultivation stronger. Maybe when you be an Immortal, you can start worrying about the World with us."


    Ikasa saw her smile to assuage him but at the same time her eyes held mncholy and fear for the enemy. She smiled onest time and snapped her fingers.


    The room rapidly crumbled around him and Ikasa was sucked into a blue portal. He was deposited in a heap near the cliff from where he entered the vestige.


    In the light of new information he received, Ikasa had to question whatever he encountered in the ruins of the Sal City and the visuals of War.


    ''Was the Old Man in the Ruins near Sal City warning me or merely notifying me?''


    ''What did the old man mean by elerating the Energy Gathering process?''


    ''And most importantly, am I an enemy of the Cultivation World or an ally?''


    In the end, Ikasa ended up with more questions than answers.

 Chapter 168 Pei Yuans Awakening

    On a wintry night, a family of three was huddled together in their thatched hut. A thin male, who was also the head of the family, had his arms wrapped around his wife. They cuddled a young boy with ck hair and greenish eyes between them, to shield him from the cold.


    "Laozi, start a fire. We may not survive the night at this rate."


    The wife spoke, her teeth chattering. The thin gown she was wearing barely provided any warmth. The case for her husband and their child was not any better. The hair on their body stood erect while they shivered from the chilly breeze.


    The husband hesitated to start a fire. Their hut was in a field full of dried ears of corn, ready for harvest. The roof above them was made of grass and the walls from dried husk.


    One spark was all it would take to start a fire that would engulf everything around them.


    "Laozi, the child is young. If he catches a cold what will we do?"


    The wife looked at the three year old boy who was shivering. His green eyes also looked at his father with hope. A father''s heart could not bear to see his child cold.


    He rubbed his hands and dug a hole in the ground inside the hut. Then he went outside and brought a few burning tinders and put them in the hole. Soon, the hut became warm and color returned to the face of the boy.


    Lulled by the warmth and tired from thebor, the eyes of the man and the woman drooped. The tinders in the hole burned out and soon the morning arrived.


    "Get to work! I want all the grain harvested by the evening!"


    The loud shouts of the farm owner sounded through the field. All the farm hands in the periphery gathered immediately upon his call. Except for one family.


    "Where are the Yuan''s?"


    The servant of the noble asked other farmhands noticing their absence. Other families looked at each other for answers.


    "Maybe they overslept. I will immediately go and bring them.


    One of the older men answered the servant. He was the elder in the group of farmhands so he was treated as the leader by others.


    The servant snorted and stopped the elder from leaving.


    "Wait, here. I will go and punish thosezy bums myself."


    Ackey who was more arrogant than his master strode towards the hut in the distance. He kicked open the thatched door, nearly making the entire hut copse.


    "How dare you sleep when the Master himself has arrived?"


    The servant roared, startling the family awake. His eyes went to the hole dug in the middle of the hut. When he saw the ash there, his eyes became cruel.


    He picked up the thin man by his neck and yelled in his face.


    "Bastard! How dare you light a fire in the Master''s field? Do you want to burn the entire crop this season? I should tell this to the Master."


    The Man was helpless before the servant. His face became pale at the usations flung by theckey. If the heartless noble came to know of this, he would definitely use this as an opportunity to take away their wages.


    What would they do without the bag of grain they were supposed to receive? Their entire family would starve to death this winter.


    sping his hands, the thin man begged for mercy.


    "Pleaseˇ­ Please spare us, lord. The young child was cold. He would''ve caught fever if not for the warmth. This will never happen again."


    The servant sneered. He looked at the woman shielding the child in her arms. She was thin and not to his taste. When he checked out the woman, he saw two green eyes ring at him from her bosom.


    He shoved the husband aside and grabbed at the child.


    "Who are you ring at, you brat? Should I sell your entire family to ve traders?"


    The young boy did not answer but still red at him fearlessly. The servant grew irked by his attitude. He raised his arm to p the boy when the thin man grabbed his arm.


    He could not believe the strength contained in the thin frame of the man. No matter how he tried to move his hand, it stayed in ce.


    "You dare?"


    The servant roared. The thin male did not back down. Though he had stopped the servant, he knew there was no way he could go against the Master behind him.


    "Lord Zhu, he is just a child. Why raise your hand on him? I will punish him appropriately for disrespecting you earlier."


    The servant once again tried to move his hand and then red at the thin man. Understanding his meaning, the man released the servant''s hand from his vice grip.


    The servant rubbed his wrist, where five distinct fingers marks had been imprinted. He red at the family once and turned around to leave.


    As the man watched the servant go farther, his face became colder.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Laopo, we need to leave. We cannot stay here any longer."


    The wife was taken aback by his deration. She quickly understood his reason. They were not naive enough to think that the servant would let it pass.


    She quickly gathered their meager possessions as they prepared to flee. However, they were toote. They saw the figures of a few people aggressivelye over.


    Realizing they had no way to escape, the mother quickly brought her son to the well nearby. She made him sit in the pail used to draw water. The young boy could not understand what was happening.


    "Pei Yuan, stay hidden. Don''t make a noise, no matter what happens, okay?"


    She spoke in a soft voice, holding the tiny shoulders of her son. Pei Yuan nodded in response.


    "That''s my goodboy."


    She gently caressed his face and hugged him once before pushing the boy and the bucket into the well.


    The wooden pailnded with a ssh in the water, shocking the poor boy. He did not drown thanks to the rope attached to the pail but he could not climb up either.


    Soon he heard the bad man from earlier loudly shout something. Then he heard a cry from his mother and then his father.


    "No! Spare them! I am sorry. I amˇ­ Sorry. Motherˇ­. Fatherˇ­."


    Pei Yuan cried from inside the well but his voice did not reach the cruel tormentors outside. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he wondered whether he would see his parents again.


    The little boy filled with worry exhausted himself and soon his eyes closed and darkness engulfed him.


    ˇŞ----


    "Motherˇ­. Fatherˇ­."


    ? Xin Ruo heard Pei Yuan cry in the darkness. She looked at the outline of the teenage boy curled up in a corner. Other kids were not doing any better.


    It broke her heart to see the kids suffer but there was nothing she could do. This was their trial. They had to ovee it with their will.


    She saw Pei Yuan quieten. It seemed as if he had woken up.


    ˇŞ--


    Pei Yuan shivered as he woke up in the hideout. He was still surrounded by the despairing darkness. Many times he felt like giving up and ending his struggles.


    Then he remembered his mother''s hopeful smile. He still had to find his parents. He still had to pay back the farmhands who had saved him from the well and helped him escape to the slums.


    He had yet to repay Xin Ruo and Feng Yan for their protection; Ikasa for his grace and generosity. He had not even learned the dagger arts from Yin Ying!


    Pei Yuan had many things to live for and merely losing his sense of vision and hearing could not force him over the edge.


    "I want to see through this darkness. I want to pierce through this veil of silence."


    Pei Yuan''s eyes burned with fire. He sat down cross legged and focused on the Sense Realm Cultivation technique, Tame Your Senses


    Surprisingly, his soul responded to his will on the first try.


    Pei Yuan became aware of his Spiritual Body. The senses of his spirit were sealed. The translucent white spirit had its eyes shut. The young boy willed for them to open.


    It was not easy. He only opened his physical body''s eyes the first few times. He could see nothing but darkness with them.


    On his fifteenth try, his eyes opened and a white light shed through them. He watched the world full of darkness be shaded with colors.


    Pei Yuan concentrated on each color and slowly learned to distinguish objects based on the color of their energy.


    Grayish energy meant rocks, greenish energy was from Hei Ying. Yan Xiao emitted vermillion energy and Chu Qing had white energy. He saw the outline of Luo Qiqi in dark yellow energy.


    Pei Yuan slowly got up and walked out of their hideout and he was greeted by another world. As far as he could see, he saw the red colored energy fromnd.


    The teen saw a blue outline approach him with an even darker blue dot near its chest. He raised his guard but quickly realized who it was.


    The figure took his palm and wrote on it with her finger.


    "Congrattions on awakening your Spiritual Vision."

 Chapter 169 Recruiting Workers

    "Hey, have you heard?"


    "What?"


    "The rumors about the Golden Bell Fruit Treeˇ­ Apparently, they found one in the mountain range to the north of here."


    "Really?"


    "Why would I lie to you? I approached you to ask if you want to team up?"


    "Sure!"


    The news about the mountain range quickly spread through the cultivators. Even though the Rift wasrge, most of the powers had imed one specific area. The unaffiliated Sense Trainers had also banded together and taken residence near the rift''s exit.


    Ikasa found them easily with the help of the mysterious map provided by the Absolute of Water. He only had to drop the news to one of the Sense Realm Experts there and it had spread to all the other Sense Trainers!


    Soon a group of people had set off towards the mountain range.


    ˇŞ-----


    After Pei Yuan, two other teens awakened their Spiritual Sense before Ikasa returned. Hei Ying and Yan Xiao.


    Hei Ying was always focused and determined, so her ability to activate her Spiritual Sense did not surprise anyone.


    The case was opposite with Yan Xiao. The youngest boy was the least perceptive person amongst the kids. He was a bit dull andckedprehension skills.


    And yet, he awakened the Spiritual Sense before Chu Qing or Luo Qiqi!


    Yan Xiao had trained his ears with Gu Dan when learning the Seven Notes hammering technique. Not being able to hear anything made him very ufortable.


    His desperation to hear anything directed his Spiritual Hearing to develop earlier than Spiritual Vision.


    Unfortunately, this ce only blocked the Auditory and Visual senses. If this ce also blocked the Sense of taste and touch as well, Luo Qiqi and Chu Qing would only need a te of food and a bag of gold to awaken their Spiritual Sense.


    Still, three teens had connected to their Spirit. This result was no short of a miracle!


    Ikasa and Feng Yan were pleased with the results when they returned. They did not wait for Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi to awaken as well. Instead, Ikasa brought the group back to the Mountain Range and had them carry as many ores as they could in their backpacks.


    Then they waited for the Cultivators to gather.


    ˇŞ------


    "The Golden Bell Fruit tree is right over there!"


    Feng Yan shouted as soon as they reached the Mountain Range in question. He had mixed in with them, pretending to be a vagabond and guided them to the correct location.


    The Sense Trainers immediately became alert and scanned the surroundings. They were on alert for the Steel Guardian Beasts. After ascertaining the safety, these Sense Realm experts approached the tree.


    "There is only one?"


    One of the Sense Trainers questioned with surprise. Feng Yan slyly smirked as he saw the Sense Trainers go silent. One fruit could not be divided amongst the 10 people and yet neither wanted to give up on this opportunity.


    Though they had banded together to protect themselves from other powers, they were still individuals who were here to find opportunities to grow further.


    Most of them were old fogies who had reached the bottleneck and couldn''t go further. Their bodies were deteriorating and senses dulled with deterioration of physique. However strong their Spirit may be, they had no chance to advance further without a strong physique.


    So, the Golden Bell Fruit, which could rejuvenate the physique and strengthen the muscle and bone, was a heavenly elixir for them.


    It had the power to lengthen their lifespan and give them a chance to break through to the Chakra Sensing Realm!


    A few breaths passed in silence and then all hell broke loose. The Sense Trainers charged at the tree, showcasing a variety of movement techniques.


    Feng Yan joined in the fun to avoid suspicion. He controlled his speed and stayed in the middle of the pack. The first person to get his hands on the fruit glowed with a turquoise blue energy outline.


    "Ha Ha Ha! Nobody can stop me from bing a Pathfinder!"


    Heughed, barely clinging to the thin branch of the tree.


    "Idiot! You should''ve eaten it first and then gloated."


    The Sense Trainer who was hot on his toes smacked the person''s hand away and snatched the fruit hanging before him.


    The thin branch could not bear the weight of the two Sense Trainers and it cracked. Bodies of the two fogies came crashing down with the tree branch.<novelnext></novelnext>


    As soon as they fell on the ground, other Sense Trainers jumped on them, turning it into a brawl. Without a precise vision, they could only swing wildly at the other energy outlines.


    "Aigoo! Let go of my beard!"


    "Which bastard wanted to end this Laozi''s lineage? I will die with you!"


    "Give me some face and stoˇ­."


    "stard, who hit my phace?"


    Chaos ensued and Feng Yan watched them go at each other with amusement. As their brawl continued, something rolled over to his feet. It was the Golden Bell Fruit.


    Feng Yan leisurely picked it up and wiped it clean. Then he climbed up the tree and sat on one of therge branches.


    Raising his hands up, Feng Yan shouted.


    "I have the fruit!"


    The fighting stopped instantly. The Sense Trainer who had plucked the fruit was in the worst condition. He had been the target and ended up with most injuries. On top of that, he had also lost the fruit!


    "You rashcal! Gib me back my phruit!"


    He yelled, though his swollen cheeks and bloody lips mangled his words.


    "Everyone here wants the fruit! I will be a public enemy if I give it to you."


    Feng Yan said with a smirk. The Sense Realm Experts below were not fools. Since Feng Yan was talking to them instead of sneaking away with the fruit, he must want something.


    "What do you want?"


    Someone asked from the Sense Trainers gathered below. Feng Yan grinned as everything was going ording to his n.


    "Hmm! I will hold an auction. Whoever bids the most, will win. That way it will be fair to everyone."


    The Sense Trainers cursed Feng Yan when he talked about fairness but they did not oppose his proposal.


    "The currency will be Prime Gold ore," Feng Yan added.


    His words caused confusion amongst the few unaffiliated cultivators.


    "What is Prime Gold ore?"


    "Where can we find it?"


    "Isn''t this just a ploy to trick us?"


    They questioned each other for information and even thought Feng Yan was fooling them. However, not all of them were ignorant. A few of them knew about the Prime Gold ore.


    It''s just that they didn''t want to waste their time to mine the ore.


    If not sold directly to the merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire, Prime Gold ore would hardly sell for 400 to 500 gold coins. Their time was much better spent on searching for opportunities like the Golden Bell Fruit tree.


    The eyes of the Elders from prestigious families shone with greed. They looked at the area around the tree. They were already standing on a mine of Prime Gold ores!


    They smiled contemptuously at Feng Yan, calling him an idiot in their mind. One of the old men then epted Feng Yan''s condition on behalf of the people gathered below.


    "We have no problem with your condition."


    Feng Yan looked at the greenish brown outline and smiled.


    ''Someone knew about the ores among this bunch of fools. Just as Ikasa predicted. When he starts digging, others will follow suit and dig with him.''


    Feng Yan cleared his throat.


    "I will only auction the fruit when all the 10 Sense Trainers present here arrive at the exit. You guys can take your time to gather the ore until then. See you soon!"


    Feng Yan dered and jumped down from the tree. Before anyone could catch up to him, he had disappeared from everyone''s view.


    With this, the goal of recruiting the workers wasplete. Now all they had to do was wait for the workers to deliver their goods!

 Chapter 170 Recruiting Workers (Duplicate , Sorry).

    "Hey, have you heard?"


    "What?"


    "The rumors about the Golden Bell Fruit Treeˇ­ Apparently, they found one in the mountain range to the north of here."


    "Really?"


    "Why would I lie to you? I approached you to ask if you want to team up?"


    "Sure!"


    The news about the mountain range quickly spread through the cultivators. Even though the Rift wasrge, most of the powers had imed one specific area. The unaffiliated Sense Trainers had also banded together and taken residence near the rift''s exit.


    Ikasa found them easily with the help of the mysterious map provided by the Absolute of Water. He only had to drop the news to one of the Sense Realm Experts there and it had spread to all the other Sense Trainers!


    Soon a group of people had set off towards the mountain range.


    ˇŞ-----


    After Pei Yuan, two other teens awakened their Spiritual Sense before Ikasa returned. Hei Ying and Yan Xiao.


    Hei Ying was always focused and determined, so her ability to activate her Spiritual Sense did not surprise anyone.


    The case was opposite with Yan Xiao. The youngest boy was the least perceptive person amongst the kids. He was a bit dull andckedprehension skills.


    And yet, he awakened the Spiritual Sense before Chu Qing or Luo Qiqi!


    Yan Xiao had trained his ears with Gu Dan when learning the Seven Notes hammering technique. Not being able to hear anything made him very ufortable.


    His desperation to hear anything directed his Spiritual Hearing to develop earlier than Spiritual Vision.


    Unfortunately, this ce only blocked the Auditory and Visual senses. If this ce also blocked the Sense of taste and touch as well, Luo Qiqi and Chu Qing would only need a te of food and a bag of gold to awaken their Spiritual Sense.


    Still, three teens had connected to their Spirit. This result was no short of a miracle!


    Ikasa and Feng Yan were pleased with the results when they returned. They did not wait for Chu Qing and Luo Qiqi to awaken as well. Instead, Ikasa brought the group back to the Mountain Range and had them carry as many ores as they could in their backpacks.


    Then they waited for the Cultivators to gather.


    ˇŞ------


    "The Golden Bell Fruit tree is right over there!"


    Feng Yan shouted as soon as they reached the Mountain Range in question. He had mixed in with them, pretending to be a vagabond and guided them to the correct location.


    The Sense Trainers immediately became alert and scanned the surroundings. They were on alert for the Steel Guardian Beasts. After ascertaining the safety, these Sense Realm experts approached the tree.


    "There is only one?"


    One of the Sense Trainers questioned with surprise. Feng Yan slyly smirked as he saw the Sense Trainers go silent. One fruit could not be divided amongst the 10 people and yet neither wanted to give up on this opportunity.


    Though they had banded together to protect themselves from other powers, they were still individuals who were here to find opportunities to grow further.


    Most of them were old fogies who had reached the bottleneck and couldn''t go further. Their bodies were deteriorating and senses dulled with deterioration of physique. However strong their Spirit may be, they had no chance to advance further without a strong physique.


    So, the Golden Bell Fruit, which could rejuvenate the physique and strengthen the muscle and bone, was a heavenly elixir for them.


    It had the power to lengthen their lifespan and give them a chance to break through to the Chakra Sensing Realm!


    A few breaths passed in silence and then all hell broke loose. The Sense Trainers charged at the tree, showcasing a variety of movement techniques.


    Feng Yan joined in the fun to avoid suspicion. He controlled his speed and stayed in the middle of the pack. The first person to get his hands on the fruit glowed with a turquoise blue energy outline.


    "Ha Ha Ha! Nobody can stop me from bing a Pathfinder!"


    Heughed, barely clinging to the thin branch of the tree.


    "Idiot! You should''ve eaten it first and then gloated."


    The Sense Trainer who was hot on his toes smacked the person''s hand away and snatched the fruit hanging before him.


    The thin branch could not bear the weight of the two Sense Trainers and it cracked. Bodies of the two fogies came crashing down with the tree branch.<novelnext></novelnext>


    As soon as they fell on the ground, other Sense Trainers jumped on them, turning it into a brawl. Without a precise vision, they could only swing wildly at the other energy outlines.


    "Aigoo! Let go of my beard!"


    "Which bastard wanted to end this Laozi''s lineage? I will die with you!"


    "Give me some face and stoˇ­."


    "stard, who hit my phace?"


    Chaos ensued and Feng Yan watched them go at each other with amusement. As their brawl continued, something rolled over to his feet. It was the Golden Bell Fruit.


    Feng Yan leisurely picked it up and wiped it clean. Then he climbed up the tree and sat on one of therge branches.


    Raising his hands up, Feng Yan shouted.


    "I have the fruit!"


    The fighting stopped instantly. The Sense Trainer who had plucked the fruit was in the worst condition. He had been the target and ended up with most injuries. On top of that, he had also lost the fruit!


    "You rashcal! Gib me back my phruit!"


    He yelled, though his swollen cheeks and bloody lips mangled his words.


    "Everyone here wants the fruit! I will be a public enemy if I give it to you."


    Feng Yan said with a smirk. The Sense Realm Experts below were not fools. Since Feng Yan was talking to them instead of sneaking away with the fruit, he must want something.


    "What do you want?"


    Someone asked from the Sense Trainers gathered below. Feng Yan grinned as everything was going ording to his n.


    "Hmm! I will hold an auction. Whoever bids the most, will win. That way it will be fair to everyone."


    The Sense Trainers cursed Feng Yan when he talked about fairness but they did not oppose his proposal.


    "The currency will be Prime Gold ore," Feng Yan added.


    His words caused confusion amongst the few unaffiliated cultivators.


    "What is Prime Gold ore?"


    "Where can we find it?"


    "Isn''t this just a ploy to trick us?"


    They questioned each other for information and even thought Feng Yan was fooling them. However, not all of them were ignorant. A few of them knew about the Prime Gold ore.


    It''s just that they didn''t want to waste their time to mine the ore.


    If not sold directly to the merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire, Prime Gold ore would hardly sell for 400 to 500 gold coins. Their time was much better spent on searching for opportunities like the Golden Bell Fruit tree.


    The eyes of the Elders from prestigious families shone with greed. They looked at the area around the tree. They were already standing on a mine of Prime Gold ores!


    They smiled contemptuously at Feng Yan, calling him an idiot in their mind. One of the old men then epted Feng Yan''s condition on behalf of the people gathered below.


    "We have no problem with your condition."


    Feng Yan looked at the greenish brown outline and smiled.


    ''Someone knew about the ores among this bunch of fools. Just as Ikasa predicted.''


    Feng Yan cleared his throat.


    "I will only auction the fruit when we reach the exit. You guys have a few hours to gather the ore until then. See you at the exit!"


    Feng Yan jumped down from the tree. Before anyone could catch up to him, he had disappeared from everyone''s view.


    With this, the goal of recruiting the workers wasplete. Now all they had to do was wait for the workers to deliver their goods!

 Chapter 171 Appreciation

    "Great job, old man!"


    Ikasa patted Feng Yan on his back as they watched the Sense Trainers frantically dig up one Prime Gold Ore after another. Though he had prepared the n, Ikasa was pleased with how Feng Yan had executed it.


    As a precaution, Ikasa was ready to provide back up to Feng Yan in case things go awry. He had brought Xin Ruo and the Kids over for the same purpose.


    However, they didn''t have to fight, thanks to perfect execution of the n by Feng Yan.


    Ikasa looked at the Sense Trainers who were diligently mining ores. As the piles of ore grew bigger beside his workers, the smile on his face also widened. He was ecstatic to know that all of that ore would end up in his pockets eventually.


    The two men watched them for a few more breaths until they noticed a worker reach his limit. He picked up as many ores as he could carry in his satchel and started his journey to the west, where the exity.


    Feng Yan and Ikasa also nodded at each other and they sneaked away from their hiding spots, toward Xin Ruo and the Kids.


    ˇŞ------


    "Moony, wait! Where are you going?"


    Xin Ruo shouted as she chased after the little critter. He had separated from the group as soon as Ikasa and Feng Yan had left to oversee the workers.


    Gru! Gru!


    Moony growled, as he came to a stop near a shrub. It had a dark colored energy outline and bluish white energy spots. Xin Ruo crouched down beside Moony and studied the shrub.


    "Starry Night berries?"


    She muttered as she plucked one of the bluish white spots from the shrub. Moony looked at the berry expectantly, as if he could not wait to gobble it up.


    Xin Ruo tossed the slightly soft and squishy berry to Moony, who jumped and urately caught the berry in his mouth. As soon as he had finished eating, Moony''s dark blue energy outline became more pronounced.


    "So, these berries can help you recover your energy?"


    Xin Ruo asked, bewildered. As far as she knew, Starry Night Berries could cause one''s vision to darken when eaten. Now she discovered that they could also help Moony!


    "This will allow Moony to exert more strength. In case others target us for the amount of Prime Gold in our possession, this will help us repel them!"


    The girl now looked at the worthless berries as if they were a treasure! She quickly plucked all the Starry Night berries from the shrub and tied them inside her robe.


    Moony saw Xin Ruo steal all his berries and he let out a frustrated growl.


    "I will keep them for you. When you do a good job, I will give them to you. Okay?"


    Xin Ruo consoled, gently patting his head. She gave him a berry to assuage him and picked up the rest of the berries, ignoring Moony''s expression that seemed to be asking for more.


    The little fox looked at the satchel in Xin Ruo''s hands with longing and then at the shrub. It was the only one of its kind in the vicinity. His ears drooped as he followed her back obediently to their cave.


    ˇŞ---


    "This Steel Guardian Beast is sorge? How could''ve Brother Ikasa and Uncle Feng killed it?"


    Pei Yuan muttered as he and Hei Ying gauged the size of the humongous corpse lying in the cave.


    "With good cooperationˇ­"


    "I oneshot it!"


    Feng Yan and Ikasa spoke at the same time as soon as they entered the cave. Only Yan Xiao heard their gaffe as Pei Yuan and Hei Ying still had not activated their Spiritual Hearing.


    Soon, Xin Ruo also arrived with Moony. When she told the two men about her discovery, Ikasa could not help but praise Moony.


    "You are the best, Moony! Hahaha!"


    Ikasa said, spoiling the little fox with pats on his head.


    While Ikasa yed with the Fox, Feng Yan readied Xin Ruo and the kids for departure from the rift. Luo Qiqi and Chu Qing cheered the loudest while the other three also could not help but feel relieved.


    They hurriedly gathered their bags and within a few breaths, they had left behind their base in the Mountain Range.


    ˇŞ----


    "Look at those bulging bags shining with golden light. It must be the Prime Gold Ore!"


    "Have the fortunes of the Sui Family thinned so much that they sent their Elder to mine inside the Rift?"


    "Hey! Look, it is not just the Sui Family''s third Elder; There are more heading this way! I need to report this to the Young Master."


    People from the other factions were astonished to see nine Sense trainers approach the exit with their bags full of the most precious mineral found in this Rift.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Some ridiculed them out of envy while others became greedy and contacted their factions. A few directly tried to approach them and buy the ore from their hands.


    "Elder Sui, I did not know your family was facing troubles. I am willing to buy all the ore you have. Just name the price."


    A rtively younger man from the He Family approached Elder Sui, the first of the Sense Trainers who arrived near the exit.


    Though the Sui family was much weaker than the He Family, they were still a genuine power of a tier-2 city. As an Elder, he could not let this trash insult his family and sully their reputation.


    The old man''s beard trembled as he roared at the young Sense Trainer, "Scram!"


    After his violent roar, Sense Realm Experts from other factions gave up on approaching the old man. He was not the only one who had a bag full of Prime Gold Ore.


    They set their sites on one of the unaffiliated Sense Trainers who arrived.


    "Mu Shi would like to purchase all the Prime Gold Ore you have. Name the Price!"


    Another arrogant Sense Trainer tried to pressure the helpless unaffiliate using the name of Mu Shi. But if the unaffiliate was so easily pressured, he would not have survived in the world without a backing.


    The unaffiliate red at the man who was from some third tier force. He took a step closer, deting the arrogance of Mu Shi''s man.


    "Golden Bell-Fruit. Or Breakthrough to Chakra Sensing Realm. Can your Master help me get either?"


    As if knowing the answer, the unaffiliated cultivator went to sit near the Sui Family''s Elder.


    His firm attitude left the man following Mu Shi tongue-tied. He could only re hatefully at the vagrant cultivator as he was not a match for him.


    Soon, all of the Ikasa''s workers had gathered at the exit. When they sat together, the eyes of the people were dazzled by the Prime Gold Ore in their bags.


    And then the Auctioneer arrived.


    Ikasa took the lead to greet the Sense Trainers gathered away from the other factions. He had taken on the role of auctioneer to prevent another brawl where these desperate oldies may jump on Feng Yan.


    With his honeyed voice, Ikasa began to speak.


    "Thank you for your patience, respected Sense Trainers. The Golden Heart Business Group has been assigned to conduct the auction for the Golden Bell Fruitˇ­"


    None of these people had heard the name of the Golden Heart Business Group before. So, they were confused by Ikasa''s appearance instead of Feng Yan.


    One of the impatient Sense Trainers rudely interrupted Ikasa.


    "Where is that other guy?"


    Ikasa narrowed his eyes at the cyan colored figure. He was the same guy who had plucked the fruit first.


    "He will only meet with the winner of the auction to give him the fruit."


    This was the exnation Ikasa had prepared. It satisfied the group.


    "Any other questions?"


    Ikasa asked, scanning the Sense Trainers gathered. They had all quietened and now waited for the auction to begin.


    The young man acquiesced to their desire and announced the rules of the auction.


    "We only have one Golden Bell Fruit for sale. So, only the Prime Gold ore you have here with you, will be counted. If you bid higher than what you can pay, your bid will be disqualified."


    Ikasa took a long pause and let his words sink in. Then he dered, "Now let''s begin the auction."


    Since everyone knew what they were bidding for, there was no need for introduction. Bids began to pour in as soon as the auction began.


    "I have 85 nuggets weighing about 16 dings in total."


    The Cultivators used standardized cauldrons called ding as a unit of measurement. Each cauldron was around 1 kg. So when they shouted ding, Ikasa converted them automatically to Kgs in his head.


    "63 ores weighing 18 dings!"


    "103 pieces of ore weighing 19 dings!"


    Each bid made him smile wider. Ikasa looked at the rest of the silent cultivators expectantly. Their bags indeed looked lighter, but he was not going to underestimate them.


    Four cultivators huddled together and then the Sui Family''s Elder announced a shocking bid.


    "204 ores weighing about 29 dings!"

 Chapter 172 What Is Your Price?

    "204 ores weighing 29 dings! Does anyone have a better offer?"


    Ikasa knew that it was impossible to surpass that bid individually, but if others also joined hands then it was possible. He looked at others waiting for them toe to this conclusion.


    The young man prolonged his count as he waited for thest minute negotiations to end amongst his customers.


    "29 dings of Prime Gold Ore! Going onceˇ­..!"


    The Elder of the Sui family became anxious as he also started to convince more people to sell him their ore.


    "I will give you 500 gold for every 1 ding of Ore."


    "Sell it to me. I will buy it for 600 gold."


    Another elder of some renown interjected. Elder Sui red at him and gritted his teeth before he announced his final offer to other Sense Trainers.


    "650 Gold for each ding!"


    His offer was truly extravagant. Outside, anyone would hardly pay 400 gold. And this was the price offered by the powers trading with merchants of the other Empires!


    Ikasa smirked at the desperation shown by the old Elders of various powers. Initially, he nned to buy the Prime Gold Ore from the losers of the auction. Now, he didn''t need to.


    The people here were spending their gold coins from their purse and putting them in his pocket indirectly!


    He continued the count to increase the pressure.


    "29 Dings of Prime Gold Ore! Going twiceˇ­!"


    The murmurs and whispers hastened and became urgent.


    Elder Sui''s offer of 650 Gold was too tempting to pass on for most Cultivators. The unaffiliated and smaller powers had realized by now that they stood no chance individually. So, they decided to sell a favor to the Elders of powers close to their home Cities.


    Ikasa soon heard a bid challenging Elder Sui.


    "214 ores weighing 30 dings!"


    It came from the Elder who was the swiftest to reach the tree. Elder Xiao belonged to the Xiao Family of Ebony City. To prevent himself from getting evicted, he had abandoned his posse and disguised himself as a wandering cultivator.


    "30 dings of Prime Gold Ore! Going once!"


    Ikasa loudly trumpeted the number. His eyes looked at Elder Sui, the previous highest bidder. He noticed the Elder''s difort from the disturbances in his stable energy outline.


    And as he expected, the Elder Sui responded to the challenge.


    "32 Dings!"


    He bellowed looking down on all the otherpetitors. The atmosphere had be heated from the auction.


    "32 Dings of Prime Gold ore for a Golden Bell Fruit! Going once!"


    Ikasa fanned the fire. All of these old fogies wanted to live longer and advance further in their cultivation. However, few people had the resources and the means to do so. Those few were the only ones left in the race now.


    Ikasa immediately heard the next bid.


    "33 Dings!"


    "34 dings.."


    "35 Dings.."


    "36 Dings.."


    The twopetitors bid and counter bid without letting Ikasa start the countdown. As the beneficiary, Ikasa was happy to let their egos sh.


    "51 Dings!"


    Elder Sui did not y around anymore and revealed his hand. This was the maximum he had been able to gather. It was his hard limit. If Elder Xiao challenged this bid, he had to concede.


    Elder Xiao looked at the other Elder with hatred. He only had 48 Dings of Prime Gold ore. There was no way he could bid for more!


    When the silence reigned, Ikasa understood that this was the maximum he would get for his fruit. He did not dawdle andpleted the countdown.


    "51 Dings, going once!"


    "51 Dings, going twice!"


    "51 Dings, going thrice!"


    "And sold!"


    The atmosphere became tense when he announced thepletion of sale.


    Ikasa approached Elder Sui and checked the weight of the ores. Satisfied, he directed the Elder to Feng Yan''s location.


    Once the Elder Sui disappeared from their sight, it was time to harvest the Ores from the losers.


    "Elder, the Gold Heart Business Group would like to purchase the ores in your hand."


    Ikasa bowed slightly, greeting the Elder with respect. Just this simple gesture increased his favorability with the Elder.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Had someone arrogant like theckey of He Family or that stooge of Mu Shi approached him, the Elder would have vented his frustrations on them violently and rejected them outright.


    However, Elder Xiao was willing to hear Ikasa''s offer since he showed him respect.


    "We will take the Prime Gold ores from your hand for 400 gold per ding."


    Elder Xiao''s face fell. He had spent 600 Gold per ding to buy the ore. And now he was being asked to sell them at a loss of 200 Gold!


    "Didn''t you see me buy them at a price of 600 gold for a ding?"


    The Elder hissed with fury. Ikasa was not at all affected by it.


    "Elder, you know what the market price of this ore is. Others would hardly pay 300 gold for it but I am already offering you the ceiling price out of respect."


    Ikasa''s maic voice persuaded the Elder. The words he spoke were nothing but the truth. But Elder Xiao could not reconcile suffering a loss of 200 gold per ding.


    He had brought 34 dings of additional ores from his fellow Sense Trainers. If he epted Ikasa''s deal, that meant he would suffer a loss of 6800 gold immediately!


    Ikasa understood the mental struggle Elder Xiao was going through. He yed the devil''s advocate and painted an even worse scenario.


    "Elder Xiao, you will lose more than 200 gold per ding if you sell to others. If you don''t sell at all, you will lose 600 ding per ore. So why not ept my offer?"


    His words resonated with the Elder and his stance wavered.


    "Iˇ­."


    Before he couldplete his sentence, an arrogant voice interrupted.


    "I will purchase the ore for 405 Gold coins per ding!"


    Ikasa pursed his lips when he heard the voice. He didn''t even need to turn his head to see who was the speaker.


    The arrogant tone devoid of respect andck of sense to not interrupt a conversation. Who else could it be but a He Family''sckey?


    The speaker walked over to the conversing pair of Ikasa and Elder Xiao. Ikasa and Elder Xiao took a look at him and noticed he was not alone.


    He was followed by more people from the He Family as symbolized by their yellowish brown outlines.


    ''These rock-heads! Do they have pebbles for their brains? Why can''t they be more like the fourth Elder He Ling and less like He Ding?''


    Ikasa cursed them in his head. These guys were supposed to be his allies, instead they were the first to ruin his deal.


    Their arrival attracted the attention of other factions. They too began to gather around then their attention was attracted by the golden light shining from the bags near Elder Xiao.


    The He Family, the Nian n, Mu Shi and his followers and the couples from Su Family; These people had all returned to the exit after searching for the Prime Gold ores in the Rift.


    After their search, they came to realize the rarity of the Prime Gold ore. So, their eyes went as wide as saucers when they saw therge bag full of ore beside Elder Xiao.


    "Damn! How? We barely managed to gather 10 dings of Prime Gold Ore. How did that old geezer get more than 40 dings?"


    One of the followers of Mu Shi eximed with shock. No one was in the condition to rebuke his words as all the other people had simr thoughts.


    "All of us from the Nian n only found 11 dingsbined. Where did he get more than 40 dings?"


    A guy with tattoos on his neck muttered quietly. His words were still audible to Ikasa. A smile appeared on his face as he thought about the 73 dings of Prime Gold Ore in his hands.


    ''If any of them knew, they would simply faint from shock!''


    Ikasa thought as he quickly suppressed the smile on his face. Still, he was not willing to give up the 48 dings worth of ore either. It meant he would give up on 48 Spirit Coins!


    "Elder Xiao, I will offer you 410 gold per ding. That''s my best offer."


    Ikasa spoke to the man holding the ore. But Elder Xiao did not reply immediately. His eyes were scanning the other parties, expecting offers from them.


    As he expected, the He Family indeed raised the price.


    "We are willing to offer 420 gold!"


    Ikasa did not raise the price immediately. He noticed the dark red outlines of girls from the Su Family approached Mu Shi.


    ''Oh Shit!''


    Ikasa had a bad premonition when he saw the bright green energy form of Mu Shi glow brighter, as if happy or excited.


    A few breathster, Mu Shi made the offer.


    "If you treasure your life, sell the ores to me for a fair price."


    This was no different than a threat. Just because Ikasa and He Family had been polite did not mean everyone would be courteous to an individual Sense Trainer like Elder Xiao.


    Ikasa expected nothing short of tyranny from Mu Shi and indeed he had shown his colors.


    Sense Trainer Xiao broke into cold sweat upon hearing the threat. He looked at the other parties and none of them jumped to his help. Wiping his cold sweat, he asked Mu Shi, "What is your price?"


    "1 Gold per Ding."

 Chapter 173 Tyrant Mu Shi

    "O-one Gold per ding?"


    Elder Xiao stuttered, unable to believe his ears. The old man did not have the guts to rebuke a scion of the Mu Family even after hearing his unreasonable demand.


    As the Elder of a family hailing from Tier 2 city, Elder Xiao knew just how powerful was the Mu Family. They had four Chakra Sages in their ranks and their ancestral guardian was a Seven Chakra Sage!


    He would not be so worried if it was just about the power they possessed.


    The Mu family was also known for its militancy. They had previous records of uprooting the entire ns and families of people who had offended them.


    If they wished, they could extinguish the Xiao Family with a flick of their fingers.


    Knowing this, how could Elder Xiao get angry with Mu Shi?


    Still, he could not afford a loss of nearly Twenty-one thousand gold coins as well. That was the quarterly ie of the Xiao Family!


    He could ept it if that amount was spent in exchange for a Golden Bell Fruit. It meant he had a chance to break through. However, if he took such a big loss for nothing, he would have no standing left in the Family.


    "Path Finder Muˇ­your offerˇ­Isn''t it a bit too low?"


    Elder Xiao asked with a quivering voice. He looked ready to wet his pants if Mu Shi so much as raised his eyebrows.


    The tyrant in Mu Shi took pleasure in seeing the old man shiver and await his judgment. His smile widened and he slowly uttered the words that shook the ground beneath the old man''s feet.


    "The offer is now one silver per ding."


    The old man''s legs trembled and he copsed where he stood. He looked at the other powers for help but no one stood out to help him. His hope was in vain.


    With resignation, the old man handed over the bag in his hands to one of the Mu Shi''sckeys.


    "Here," theckey spoke, tossing 10 gold coins at the old man,"You can keep the change." The people behind Mu Shi cackled at the joke.


    Ikasa looked at the exchange and shook his head. The bag should''ve been his but now it ended up in Mu Shi''s hands.


    He looked at the old fool on the ground and cursed in his heart, ''You should''ve taken my offer. At the least you would not have suffered such humiliationˇ­''


    To avoid this exact same situation, Ikasa had offered the highest price possible to the Old Man. And yet that old man had be greedy and dawdled until a much more powerful group snatched the goods in his hands.


    The atmosphere had be tense after this exchange. All the powers warily nced at Mu Shi and his band of hyenas. Those from the Su family even joined Mu Shi''s ranks.


    Ikasa looked at the two reddish pink figures standing beside Mu Shi. They were responsible for inciting the Path Finder.


    Emboldened by his sess, Mu Shi turned his gaze towards the other powers. Most of them had hidden their ores in the Spatial Storages. Then his eyes rested on Ikasa.


    The vixen beside him, Su Zhi, whispered something in his ears. Ikasa suddenly had a bad premonition. He was nning to sneak away when he heard Mu Shi directly address him.


    "Who is Ikasa? Path Finder Zhen Ya''s lover?"


    Hearing the question, Ikasa narrowed his eyes at Su Zhi.


    ''This vixen is responsible for those rumors!''


    He realized. Though he controlled his facial expressions, his energy signature responded to his anger. It red up before he could bring it under control.


    Mu Shi quickly located Ikasa whose white energy shone brightly for a moment. The angry Path Finder walked at a sedate pace and stopped before Ikasa.


    "So you are that bastard?"


    Mu Shi spoke,ing ufortably close to his face. Ikasa could feel the warm breath he exhaled on his face.


    Mu Shi was thest person he wanted to fight. Not only was he himself powerful, he had the Mu family backing him. Even the Zhen Family could not do anything if Mu Shiid a hand on him.


    So, he tooka step back and tried to clear the misunderstanding with words.


    "Hahaha! Path Finder Mu, why would Path Finder Zhen take a liking to a measly Sense Trainer like me? Only a prestigious Path Finder like you would make a good match with her."


    Ikasa ttered, trying to ease the tension. Unfortunately, his appeasement did not work.


    Mu Shi grabbed him by the neck and pulled him closer.


    "Then why do I hear the rumors about you and her? Why are you so close to her?"


    Ikasa looked down at the hand grabbing his cor and then at Mu Shi. He was getting angrier by the second. However, he still had hopes to resolve this situation peacefully.


    He was caught in a conundrum, ''To retaliate or to endure?''


    Then he heard the whispers of those watching the scene.


    "How dare a lowly Sense Trainer eye Path Finder Mu''s woman?"


    "However, they are mere rumorsˇ­."<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Does not matter. Remember when Path Finder Mu killed that merchant just because he praised Zhen Ya''s beauty?"


    "Yes, Path Finder Mu does not spare anyone who is associated with the girl he had set his sights on."


    "What''s more there are rumors of Ikasa and Path Finder Zhen being lovers. His fate is sealed."


    As he heard the whispers, he also noticed the energy around Path Finder Mu increase and put more pressure on him.


    ''This mofo is not attacking simply because he wants to make an example out of me!''


    Ikasa realized that the mad dog before him cannot be convinced with words. Mu Shi was talking just to humiliate him and to enjoy his fears.


    ''Should I endure? I don''t want to make an enemy out of Mu Family and certainly don''t want to fight him in front of so many people.''


    Then he heard cultivators from Mu Shi''s camp cackle.


    "Tsk! Pitiful bastard. He will die for sure now."


    "He stands no chance against a Chakra Sensing Expert likeˇ­."


    Ikasa also saw energy gather in the right fist of Path Finder Mu. Combined with the whispers of the crowd, his dilemma was resolved.


    ''There is no other option but to fight.''


    Ikasa sucked in arge gulp of air before his knee moved upwards and connected with Path Finder Mu''s groin.


    "Hup!"


    As soon as the Nutcracker Kick hit its mark, the Path Finder covered his crotch and fell to the ground on his knees. His balls had jumped to his throat with this one attack.


    The pain from having his most sensitive ce hit dispersed the energy gathered at his fist and also disturbed his mind.


    Ikasa knew it was not the time to fight fairly when his life was on the line. He took advantage of the precious few moments his surprise attack had bought him.


    Without wasting time, Ikasa executed Ax kick, aiming at the kneeling enemy''s head.


    Thud!


    The heel of Ikasa''s footnded on Mu Shi''s skull with a strong force. The brilliant white light shrouding his foot collided against the green energy of Mu Shi and chopped it apart.


    The impact was so powerful that the skull of the strongest person present in Rift could not bear the force and cracked.


    The fight progressed so quickly that the people watching couldn''t even react in time. The ones who were most shocked were the people from Mu Shi''s camp.


    A minute ago they were chatting about how miserable Ikasa would be. And nowˇ­


    "He stands no chance against a Chakra Sensing Expert likeˇ­. Mu Shiˇ­"


    Before the guy could finish his sentence, the person he was bragging about was lying on the ground, half-dead and incapacitated.


    A few breaths passed in silence and then people from all power broke out of stupor. The fight caused them to go wide eyed.


    They could not fathom how a Sense Trainer would dare to attack a Path Finder and win so cleanly!


    "Heˇ­ He really attacked Mu Shi!"


    "And he won! A Sense Trainer won against a Path Finder!"


    "He is done for! Mu Shi will not spare him once he recovers."


    While the others were marveling at Ikasa''s guts and his strength, Su Zhi became flustered. She had orchestrated this entire conflict just so she could im the share of Prime Gold Ore Ikasa had pocketed.


    However, tables had turned on her. She yelled at the stupefied followers of Mu Shi.


    "What are you doing? He will kill Master Mu at this rate! Hurry up and save him!"


    Ikasa looked at the mob charging at him and pinched his nose bridge. He really did not like killing but idiots like Mu Shi left him with no choice.


    Without caring about the few Sense Trainers charging at him, Ikasa took out his Serrated Sun Disc. He put the index finger in the hole in the center and shed the throat of Mu Shi with one quick motion, beheading him.


    "NOOO!"


    Ikasa heard a horrified shout of Su Zhi who had just lost her biggest backer.


    Other powers also came to their senses when they saw the green energy signature of Mu Shi bing dimmer and dimmer.


    They were shocked out of their mind upon realizing what it meant-


    The Sense Trainer before them was crazy enough to kill a scion of the Mu Family!!

 Chapter 174 Fluke? Skill?

    "How dare you? Do you not fear the Mu Family? They will eradicate you and every other person rted to you from this world!"


    Su Zhi shrieked hysterically as people following Mu Shi surrounded Ikasa.


    They were cowed by Ikasa''s disy of might but they also knew that the Mu Family woulde after them for failing to protect one of their members. If they could present Ikasa''s head to the Mu Family, they would at the least have a chance to beg for leniency.


    Ikasa stood calmly in the center of their encirclement, his foot inches away from the separated head of Path Finder Mu. His white energy outline was constantly ring and subsiding with his every breath.


    The situation had taken a turn for the worse but there was no other option but to get rid of Mu Shi.


    In the few breaths after his death, Ikasa had already thought about the consequences of his action. He could foresee the Mu Familying after him as soon as one of these spectators bbered about this outside.


    Ikasa knew his limits. He had a hard time dealing with the He Family. So, he could only dream of getting rid of the Mu Family who was a giant on another level.


    As such, there was only one way to resolve this issue - Shut every person up!


    Whether it be through killing or oaths, Ikasa had steeled his heart to do the necessary to protect himself and the people dependent on him.


    Ikasa looked at the six people surrounding him and the four from the Su Family standing behind them. If it was outside, Ikasa would have a hard time fighting them.


    However, he had a trump card called Moony inside the rift.


    The young man looked at the other powers who were watching the conflict from the sidelines. They were like vultures who would swoop down the moment the two parties were weakened.


    ''I have to end this quickly and overwhelmingly!''


    Once he had made a decision to not hold back, he called for his backup.


    "Feng Yan! Xin Ruo! Let''s take care of these pesky bugs."


    Ikasa shouted loudly. Before the stooges of Mu Shi could react, he activated Wind the way and covered the distance of nearly a hundred steps in a blink of an eye, and reached his target shining with purplish red energy.


    He shed his disc diagonally at his target''s right shoulder instead ofunching it from afar. The Sense trainer was shocked by Ikasa''s speed and he hurriedly raised his weapon to block the attack.


    Kachink!


    The Serrated Sun disc collided with the Sword in his target''s hands. The results shocked the Sense Trainer as he felt the sword in his arm be lighter. In the exchange of weapons, the Sun Disc had chipped a significant portion of the Sword''s de!


    The lighter weapon in his hands let Ikasaunch a flurry of shes. With multiple shes, Ikasa distracted his opponent and did not give him time tounch a counter-attack.


    Noticing that their partner was at a disadvantage, two cultivators near him rushed to his aid. s, they were toote!


    One, two, three, four ˇ­ ten! In one breath, Ikasa had furiously shed his opponent 10 times with his Disc!


    On the tenth strike, Ikasa heard a loud crack. The low-quality sword could not withstand the sharp edges of his Serrated Sun Disc.<novelnext></novelnext>


    After enduring just ten strikes, the sword''s de broke into pieces like it was made from brittle ss!


    "Howˇ­?"


    The Sense Trainer was shocked by the destruction of his weapon. He only had the hilt of the sword left in his hand.


    Ikasa did not show mercy and shed again, this time slitting the throat of the cultivator opposite him. Before his allies coulde to his rescue, the purplish red energy from the Sense Trainer had started to dim.


    People watching the fight were stunned by the turn of events.


    Especially those stooges who were following Mu Shi. They were still denying Ikasa''s victory over Path Finder Mu and thought of it as a fluke.


    They thought Ikasa only seeded because he dishonorably sneak-attacked their leader. In a fair fight, any one of them would be able to take him out.


    Their daydreams were shattered by this turn of events. Ikasa had killed one of them before any of them could react!


    The people encircling Ikasa were full of dread for his prowess. Two cultivators who had rushed to support their ally looked at each other.


    "He will not be able to handle us if we both attack him together, right?"


    One of the two spoke, trying to convince himself and his partner. They gathered the courage to face the dreadful opponent who had killed their leader and their brother within a few breaths!


    The two of them charged at Ikasa with a saber and a staff in their hands. Making use of his momentum from charging, the Saber-wielder thrust his saber at Ikasa''s figure, trying to stab him.


    At the same time, the wooden staff owner jumped into the air and swung his staff downward at Ikasa with a swoosh.


    Ikasa knew he could not defend against either attack, so he promptly moved five steps to his right, dodging their attacks.


    The Saber User tried to hack at him sideways as he charged past Ikasa by changing the trajectory of his saber mid-stab.


    Ikasa did not let him seed.


    He crouched to use Sweeping Kick and the de of the saber passed quite a bit above his head. On the other hand, his kick hit the running Saber User and caused him to stumble and fall.


    The momentum from his running prevented him from regaining his bnce quickly and he fell face first into the ground, tasting dirt.


    While Ikasa engaged with Saber User, the wooden Staff wielder hadnded and regained his footing. He quickly swept his staff horizontally trying to hit Ikasa in the back. His attack made Ikasa abandon his ns of killing the fallen Saber User.


    Ikasa jumped out of the trajectory of the staff and eyed his two opponents warily. He threw a quick nce at the other Sense Trainers to see if he faced any threat from them.


    He saw them hold their positions and look at the surroundings with vignce. They seemed to be on guard for Ikasa''spanions.


    ''Just where the hell are you guys?''

 Chapter 175 Spare None!

    Just as Ikasa cursed and got ready to deal with his opponents, he heard a thud. One of the people encircling him fell to the ground and his energy was slowly dissipating.


    Near him, Ikasa saw a small dark blue spot near him and he smiled in relief.


    Ikasa had anticipated friction in case someone decided to eye the ore he purchased from the losers of the Auction. So, he had asked Feng Yan and Xin Ruo to be on standby and provide him back up when he called for them.


    And finally, they were here!


    Feng Yan and Xin Ruo immediately faced resistance from the remaining two Sense Trainers on their way to help Ikasa. Feng Yan responded to their resistance by wildly swinging his Halberd.


    In this ce where you could only see outlines, there was no weapon as deadly as a halberd. It not only had a sharp edge, but it also had the momentum to imbnce the opponent.


    Parrying the halberd was a pipedream and Feng Yan''s opponent soon discovered this fact the hard way. The halberd''s depletely bypassed the longsword in his opponent''s hands and chopped away the arms holding it.


    Feng Yan swung his Bloody Eye once again and chopped his defenseless opponent in two halves. He quickly went to help weaponless Xin Ruo take care of her opponent.


    Ikasa breathed a sigh of relief after seeing Feng Yan win an upper hand and focused on the opponents in front of him.


    By now, the people left alive from Mu Shi''s group hadpletely lost their courage. Even Ikasa''s opponents were shaking in their boots despite having the odds on their side.


    Su Zhi and the people from the Su Family were gradually shrinking back, preparing to escape. The arrival of Feng Yan and Xin Ruo made them realize the futility of their efforts.


    The Saber user and Wooden Staff wielder both backed away a few steps. Ikasa could see their energy signatures fluctuating, indicating their fear and anxiety.


    Ikasa took out the ax and kept his Serrated Sun Disc back in his Storage Space. He charged at the two Sense Trainers who were ganging up on him and chopped with his ax at the Saber Wielder.


    The Staff user tried to defend his partner by poking his staff at Ikasa but he simply sidestepped and avoided the obstacle.


    As soon as Ikasa reached the Saber User, he vertically chopped at the Saber User. His opponent anticipated the attack and raised his saber horizontally to parry Ikasa''s strike.


    ng! The sound of metal des colliding sounded. Yet, surprisingly the Saber User''s energy signature became fainter and fainter until itpletely disappeared.


    His partner was going mad with anxiety.


    "Why? How - How did he die?"


    He asked, unable toe to terms with his partner''s mysterious death. He looked at Ikasa with even more dread and fear and his rapidly fluctuating Energy outline let Ikasa know of his condition.


    Ikasa turned his attention to him and smirked. Though no one could see it, his pure white outline had be ominous in the eyes of the spectators.


    He charged at the Staff wielder who had made use of hisrade''s death to create some distance between him and the mysterious devil named Ikasa.


    "P- Please, let me go! I am willing topensate you with all I have."<novelnext></novelnext>


    The Staff Wielder begged when he came to realize that he was the only one left alive of the bunch. The Su Family that had incited their leader had already shrunk back and were ready to flee.


    Ikasa looked at him and the reddish figure of the Su Family in the distance.


    He reached the proximity of the Sense Trainer in an instant. With a deft move, he switched his ax for the Serrated Sun Disc and tore the stomach of the Sense Trainer open. As he dug his weapon deeper, he whispered,


    "I will spare no one today."


    His loud whisper was carried to the ears of every Sense Trainer present at the scene. Su Zhi and her family members shivered with fear.


    "What are you waiting for? Let''s escape this ce!"


    Su Zhi reminded her brother and other family members. As soon as they turned around, they saw two figures blocking their path. One gleaming with radiant blue energy and the other with a dull shade of yellow.


    "I said, no one will be spared!"


    Ikasa spoke, arriving behind them. He was annoyed by this pair of couples who had made him a target. He detested killing and yet these people before him were the reason he had bloodied his hands multiple times today.


    How could he let them go scot-free?


    Su Yang came out and tried to reason with Ikasa with his glib tongue.


    "Brother Ikasa, isn''t one more friend better than one more enemy? I will have my sister apologize ''properly'' to you. Let bygones be bygone, okay?"


    Ikasa was not a kid who would not understand the innuendo in his words. Heughed loudly at Su Yang''s words.


    "I have never seen a brother pimp out his own sister. Why would I care for such a friend?"


    The Su Family was known for their dual cultivation techniques but Ikasa was under the impression that they only had one partner. He respected it. However, that impression was also shattered today.


    Having been exposed publicly, Su Yang''s reddish energy red. He was embarrassed and angered by Ikasa''s crude and blunt words.


    "Can you bear thebined wrath of the Su Family and the Mu family? We may not be as powerful as the Mu Family but just a single Path Finder from our family is enough to crush you and your third-rate organization!"


    Su Yang threatened as he was one of the few who knew about the Golden Heart Business Group.


    Ikasa knew this fact as well. Did he care? No.


    After offending the Mu family, why would he care about a measly Su Family from a tier 2 city far away from his base of operations?


    "Hahaha!" Ikasaughed hysterically at his threat. Then suddenly he stopped and his voice turned cold as he ordered Feng Yan and Xin Ruo, "Kill them all. Spare None."

 Chapter 176 Exacting Oaths

    "He has gone crazy!"


    He Ding muttered, petrified by Ikasa''s bold actions.


    Nothing could describe Ikasa''s actions better than the word insanity!


    He had killed Mu Shi and every Cultivator who followed him!


    At the moment, Ikasa and hispanions were massacring the Su Family, sparing none!


    Neither the little beauty of the Su Family, Su Zhi, was spared nor was the other girl in the group. Ikasa looked like an incarnation of the God of ughter to the other powers.


    Path Finder He Ding gulped his saliva with trepidation.


    When he had visited Ikasa, he would''ve never pegged him to be someone who would kill so decisively. The young man had endured his insults very calmly.


    Ikasa was so cool and collected in his presence that He Ding had lost his temper. After the battle with Zhen Ya, He Ding had marked Ikasa as someone timid and cowardly who hides behind women.


    He disparaged Ikasa; looked down on him. But he forgot how much courage it takes to face a strongman as a weakling. The mental strength required to endure such pressure is much harder to cultivate than the cultivation of Spiritual Energy.


    In his grudge against Ikasa, he poisoned the Young master He Qing''s ears and nurtured a prejudice against Ikasa in his mind. He had egged the Young Master to provoke Ikasa earlier, hoping he would get to teach the weakling a lesson.


    He Ding regretted his decision now. After seeing Ikasa and hispanions'' battle prowess, he realized that there was no one here who couldpete against them and emerge victorious.


    If Ikasa found him unpleasant, he could also kill him! In the face of the profits Ikasa helped earn, the He Family would not begrudge him at all!


    He Ding''s back was covered with sweat. He desperately wished for the Absolutes to start teleporting them out of the nar Rift. He did not want to meet Ikasa who had clearly tipped over the brink of sanity.


    ˇŞ--


    "Ikasa, that''s enough!"


    Feng Yan held Ikasa''s shoulder as he was about to chop on Su Zhi''s head once more. Her light had already started dissipating.


    Ikasa breathed heavily. He could not see the carnage he had caused but his body was sticky with blood. Sanity returned to his eyes after he had punished the culprits behind his troubles.


    Still, their work was not done yet.


    Ikasa looked at the powers standing in the distance. He let out a deep breath and fed Moony a few pieces of Starry Night Berries, replenishing his energy.


    With a slow and steady pace, Ikasa led their group to where the other Sense Trainers were gathered. The arrival of their group caused the other Sense Trainers to flinch or shrink back.


    Ikasa always tried to nurture a positive image of his Gold Heart Business Group. The fearful fluctuations of energy he saw were like a p in his face.


    ''Anyways, I can mend my image anytime. But this fear can help me attain my goal without further bloodshed.''


    Ikasa smiled ruefully.He went and stood in the center of the various powers gathered. To get a better response Ikasa decided to portray the Mu Family as the ultimate bad guy.


    "Brothers and Sisters, every one of you know that the Mu Family is famed and dreaded for its militancy. They start a war for the smallest of reasons."


    He paused and let his words sink into the minds of the people. He started with a well-established fact that all those present agreed with. His words immediately received support from the people.


    "The Mu Family really is too much. A few years ago, their young master abducted the young and beautiful daughter-inw of the Xui Family in broad daylight and killed all who resisted."


    "A Merchant Company of Ebony City refused to give goods for free to one of the Elder''s sons. The Mu Family killed the merchant and took over his business and ruined it."


    "They never pay taxes and demand a 100% concession from the City Lords of whichever city they set up shops in."


    "Their members behave like tyrants wherever they goˇ­."


    "They are not even the main branch of the Royal Family, just a side branch and yet their descendants are so arrogantˇ­"


    People shared numerous rumors and bad experiences they had of the Mu Family amongst themselves. Ikasa didn''t even need to fan the mes such was the infamy of the Mu Family.


    After the whispers slowly died down, Ikasa slowly brought out the topic of imminent threat.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "If theye to know that their Scion was killed in here while you watched without helping, what do you think will happen? Will they spare you?"


    Ikasa saw the energy signatures of Sense Trainers fluctuate. They came to realize what horrible fate awaited them once they stepped outside. Ikasa smiled, seeing things proceed as nned.


    Suddenly, an unpleasant opinion surfaced. And the one to propose it was the Young Master of the He Family.


    "What does that have to do with us? We can just hand you over to the Mu Family. Maybe the Mu Family will even reward us."


    One of the unaffiliated Sense Trainers also voiced the same thought.


    "Yes! Why must we share the me for your sins? We should just report what happened here to the Mu Family and the Su Family truthfully."


    He was tempted by the reward He Qing mentioned. As an unaffiliated Cultivator, resources were hard toe by and any opportunity to earn some had to be grabbed with both hands.


    Ikasa''s smile became chilly. He coldly looked at the Cultivator and sent his Serrated Sun Disc flying in his direction. A breathter, that Sense Trainer was no longer breathing.


    The Sense Trainers gasped upon seeing his energy signature disappear. The fear they had suppressed came rushing back up.


    "Anyone else shares the same opinion?"


    Ikasa asked with a frosty smile, looking specifically in the direction of the He Family and their young master. Though no one could see it, suddenly many of the He Family''s people felt that their backs turned cold.


    "Young Master, don''t spot nonsense!"


    Path Finder He Ding scolded He Qing and covered his mouth. He looked at the incarnation of the devil who had killed ten Sense Trainers and one Path Finder.


    He Ding was concerned by the fact that there were fewer people capable ofbat alive than the amount Ikasa had killed!


    The only path to survival was to bootlick Ikasa and concur with everything he says.


    "Sense Trainer Ikasa, don''t mind the words of the child. I agree that the Mu Family will not let any one of us go."


    Though his mouth said ''the Mu Family'', He ding meant Ikasa. He was more afraid of what Ikasa might do to all of them if they did not go along with everything he said.


    Ikasa''s frigid tone thawed a little after receiving the support of He Ding. He looked at the other powerful faction, the Nian n, and saw no resistance there.


    The rest of the Sense Trainers, either unaffiliated or hailing from small families, also had no power to stand up against Ikasa. They quietly gulped saliva and listened to what Ikasa had to say.


    "I propose that all the Sense Trainers take a collective Oath of Secrecy and forever bury the incidents that transpired here deep in our hearts. The penalty for the one breaking the oath shall be instant death!"


    Si!


    The Sense Trainers sucked in a cold breath at Ikasa''s proposal. A penalty of instant death? It was too harsh of an oath for them to bear!


    They looked at Ikasa with apprehension but not one single person opened his mouth to protest. Suddenly, one brave heart asked a question that gued everyone.


    "What should we say if they ask about Mu Shi?"


    The questioner was none other than Sang Yi, the leader of the Nian n''s expedition team.


    Ikasa had an answer ready. He nned to kill two birds with one stone.


    "Mu Shi''s followers got into conflict with the Su Family. Mu Shi fought for his people and killed the Su Family''s team. While he was recuperating, the Steel Guardian Beasts attracted by themotion killed him and the rest of his followers."


    A perfect story that would pin the me on the parties who were not alive to vindicate themselves. Nobody found anything wrong with Ikasa''s story.


    However, there was, in fact, a w in the story. With the sword hanging over their neck, no one noticed it.


    They were in fact relieved that they did not have to shoulder the me for anything. With a perfectly believable story, the Sense Trainers did not have much toin about.


    All of the people who had activated their Spiritual Vision and Spiritual Hearing began to repeat the words of the Oath as dictated by Ikasa.


    "I ˇ­. swear to keep the incidents regarding Mu Shi''s death and the real cause of it secret. If I disclose the information, may my blood run cold, and may I be struck to death. May the Absolutes be witness!"

 Chapter 177 The Fish Has Been Hooked!

    "..... May the Absolutes be the witness!"


    The Sense Trainers repeated the words after Ikasa. As soon as they finished reciting the oath, a golden light shed upon them, signifying the acknowledgment from the Absolutes.


    Ikasa smiled at the Sense Trainers with relief. A huge weight had been lifted from his chest.


    As soon as they realized Ikasa had nothing more to say, they flocked to the exit area and waited to be teleported out. They avoided Ikasa and his group like a gue.


    Ikasa smiled bitterly at their reactions.


    ''How am I supposed to conduct business if they are all like this? No, I need to improve my image in their hearts.''


    Ikasa resolved. Now that he had sworn them to secrecy, he no longer had any reason to maintain his image of an insane ughterer.


    He quickly changed his bloody clothes and cleaned up as best as he could. Then he began to socialize with the people.


    He started with the cultivators from the smaller families and also the unaffiliated wanderers. Though all of them wanted to avoid him, none of them dared to turn their face.


    They patiently listened to him as a formality. But what kind of businessman would he be if he could not even draw them in?


    Ikasa put his charm to use. He asked about things all the cultivators loved; their most epic battles! And before they knew it, the cultivators were genuinely engaged in a conversation!


    "... and then we managed to hoodwink the Steel Guardian Beast and escape from his grasp."


    "Whoa! That was so brave of you, Brother Xin. You must be feeling an awful lot of pain from your injury."


    "Haha! It''s just a small injury. Not enough to make you worry, Brother Ikasa."


    "How can that be? You should seek me after we exit the rift. We also have a Medicine Master in our group. He will definitely treat you if I request him."


    "There is no needˇ­"


    "I insist! In fact, if any of you have injuries, please find me. I will do my best to persuade our Medicine Master to treat all of you."


    "Then we will thank you in advance, Brother Ikasa."


    After experiencing his frigid side, the Sense Trainers were charmed by the warmth Ikasa showed them. In a single meeting, he had managed to capture their hearts with his generosity.


    Ikasa slowly began to broach the subject of his main business and promoted his manuals.


    ".... If you need any type of manual, do not hesitate toe to the Gold Heart Business Group. I will make sure that you get the best possible manual at a price affordable to you."


    Ikasa said, introducing his business. There were many people with varied backgrounds here. Some belonged to small families while others were lone wolves.


    They had heard of many different names of merchant groups but none was as unique as the Gold Heart Business Group. The name itself was fascinating to many.


    In a world where most of the Merchants adopted names like Martial Soul Trading Company or Daoxin Chamber of Commerce, the Business Group stood out.


    It was easily remembered by most people due to its uniqueness. Even those who found it difficult did their best to memorize the name.


    Although they came from different backgrounds, one thing wasmon to all of them - everyone needed good quality Battle Techniques and Cultivation Methods.


    Thus, they did not refuse Ikasa''s tempting offer.


    While Ikasa made friends with the individual Sense Trainers, Xin Ruo introduced the Gold Heart Business Group to the Nian n. Ikasa had directed her to sound out the Nian n for a potential partnership.


    Would it vite his contract with the He Family? No.


    The City of Elm was one of the rare cities in Deciduous County where the He Family could not establish a monopoly over the cultivation manual business. The reasons behind it were obvious.


    A journey from Maple City to Elm City took around three weeks or more. On top of that, the roads passed through forests infested with bandits and beasts, making it extremely hazardous.


    And yet, the logistics problem was the least important of all.


    Elm City was one of the three major trade hubs between the Holy Wood Empire and the Furnace Fire Empire. Naturally, the Cultivation techniques from the Furnace Fire Empire were also traded.


    These techniques circting in the markets of Elm City were superior to anything the He Family could provide. And they were cheaper too!<novelnext></novelnext>


    As such,peting in this extremely cutthroat market was impossible for the He Family. Not only could their techniques not generate any profits, but this was also the only city where they suffered a huge loss.


    Since then, the He Family had given up on the lucrative market of Elm City. If Ikasa decided to develop it, the He''s had no standing to obstruct his ns.


    ".... the manuals are truly miraculous. You have to see them with your own eyes to believe it."


    Xin Ruo whispered to the Nian n girls as if she was gossiping about some sordid affair with her girlfriends.


    The Nian n was made up of tribal people. They had little to no interest in the business. Making the Mystic Blood was part of their religious practice and they earned their livelihood by selling it.


    These simple people did not have the ambition to expand their business. So, Xin Ruo had to take a different approach to ignite their curiosity.


    Xin Ruo remembered that they were not even Ikasa''s first choice!


    His first choice was the Su Family, who were the business tycoons of Elm City. They ran brothels and taverns and also dabbled a little in the Cultivation resource market.


    However, he had killed the main line''s sessors. He had already formed bad blood with the Su Family.


    Though the fact that he had killed them may be hidden for some time, Ikasa was not naive enough to believe it would stay secret forever. When ites to light, the Su Family woulde after him with full vengeance.


    Of course, Ikasa could not get in bed with them now. It would be like sleeping with a ticking time bomb!


    Considering this, Xin Ruo suggested the Nian n to Ikasa.


    Firstly, Ikasa was apprehensive about the n. He appreciated Sang Yi as a person for his straightforward attitude but there was little to no business acumen in the current leaders of the Nian n. He was sure they would reject his offer.


    However, she convinced him to let her try. And judging from the faces of the girls she was talking to, she had indeed seeded in arousing their curiosity.


    Xin Ruo smiled as they began to ask more questions about the manuals.


    "You be a Path Forger as soon as you use one? How?"


    "Are they gifts from god?"


    Xin Ruo patiently answered each one of their questions. The girls eximed with amazement, their voices expressing their wonder.


    The conversation attracted the attention of others from the n and reached the ears of Sang Yi.


    The more he listened about the incredulous manuals, the more his eyes widened.


    When he heard that they also had a High-Grade Path Forging manual, he could not sit still. Sang Yi approached Xin Ruo.


    "Do you really have a High-Grade Cultivation Manual which can instantly promote you to Path Forging Realm?"


    Sang Yi asked, his breathing heavy from the excitement. He was the leader of the new generation of the Nian n, the next in line to be the n Head.


    He knew of a problem that persistently bothered the Nian n. Theck of High-Grade Cultivation Manuals.


    It was not that they were not avable; they did appear asionally in the Auctions held in Elm City. However, the Nian n did not have the financial power to afford it.


    Their need for a High-Grade Cultivation Manual became even more dire after the recent auction where the Su Family had gotten their hands on an ancient High-Grade Manual that suited their Dual Cultivation!


    Previously, there was no friction between the Su Family and the Nian n even though they were from the same city. They had simr levels of power. Hence, they knew that a battle would only result in a loss for both sides.


    This situation had changed after the auction. Everyone knew that a higher grade cultivation method could make advancing to the Chakra Sensing Realm a lot easier. So, the Su Family had a chance to widen the power disparity.


    Even though it would take a few years for the new Path Finders to emerge, the process had already started. If the Nian n did not want to end up losing, they had to keep up with the Su Family''s growth.


    The first step was obviously getting a High-Grade Manual.


    As the young leader, Sang Yi was thus intrigued by Xin Ruo''s introduction. He saw a hope to get ahead of the Su Family in the manuals she introduced.


    Xin Ruo noticed his nervous excitement through his fluctuating energy signature. She smiled widely as she thought,


    ''The fish has been hooked!''

 Chapter 178 Doubt

    "Do you really have a High-Grade Cultivation Manual which can instantly promote you to Path Forging Realm?"


    "Of course! Why would I lie?"


    Xin Ruo answered Sang Yi.


    The straightforward man did not hear any deception in her voice. He was convinced that she was speaking the truth.


    "Where can I buy it?"


    Sang Yi asked, unable to conceal his ecstasy. The way Xin Ruo had introduced them made him want to get his hands on one immediately.


    "Calm down, Captain Sang. We do not have them in the Rift. But you can see them once we are outside."


    Xin Ruo spoke, dowsing his enthusiasm. He realized how overeager he had been and took deep breaths to calm himself.


    ''The Manuals may sound miraculous but they also need to suit the n''s needs. If they are like any other High-Grade Manual, there is no point in buying.''


    Sang Yi thought once he regained rity.


    The Nian n had seen many different types of Martial Cultivation techniques in the Elm City''s markets. Quite a few were High-Grade Manuals too!


    Of those techniques, not many suited the Nian n''s needs. The ones that did were all outstanding techniques, coveted by all.


    The Nian n could not match the spending capacity of others and hence, lost every bid. Still, these techniques had raised their standards and requirements when looking for a High-Grade Technique.


    Sang Yi had inherited those biases. When he calmed down, he remembered all of those crappy techniques that barely met the mark to be considered a High Grade. His expectations fell further.


    ''How can a third-tier city have better manuals than the markets of Elm City?''


    Sang Yi sighed and shook his head as he looked at Xin Ruo who was enthusiastically telling his nsmen about their Battle Techniques.


    Just then he felt a lurch in his stomach. It was a telltale sign of teleportation.


    All the people in the exit area were teleported to outer space. They felt the familiar feeling of weightlessness and suffocation fromck of air.


    Soon, they were sucked into a portal and they were standing before the nar Rift in Beech City.


    ˇŞ---


    "... You should definitelye toˇ­"


    Ikasa did not get the chance to finish his sentence before he was teleported. A few secondster, he was spat out of the nar Rift along with many others.


    The bright light of the Sun blinded him after spending a long time in the dark of the nar Rift. His ears buzzed and he felt dizzy due to the sudden change in environment.


    A few breathster, Ikasa regained control of his senses. He immediately looked for Feng Yan, Xin Ruo, and the kids. When he saw them all sprawled on the floor, moving to sit up, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Look! The first parties are already back from the Rift."


    "Tsk! They didn''t evenst for the entire three hours! If I could enter the Rift, I wouldn''t have wasted the chance and tried to get as many treasures as possible."


    Ikasa heard the disdainfulments of the sparse few who were standing guard outside the opened Space Istion Formation.


    ''We were not even inside for three hours? How is that possible?''


    The time he spent inside felt like an entire month so he was shocked to know that less than three hours had passed outside.


    His astonishment was mirrored by the other Sense Trainers who came out of the Rift. They had never heard of such a thing happening before. However, they did not have much time to ponder over it.


    "The Space Istion array will close in fifty breaths! Everyone should leave unless you want to be stuck inside for the next month."


    Path Finder Qian''s loud voice sounded in the ears of all the Sense Trainers who returned from the Rift. They immediately crowded to the narrow entrance of the Array formation and hastily went out.


    "Master Ikasa! Brother Feng! I am d you are fine."


    Elder Yi Gan greeted Ikasa and Feng Yan. He then thoroughly scanned the kids and Xin Ruo to check if they had any injuries. Satisfied, he stopped fussing over them and awaited Ikasa''s orders.


    "Elder Yi, I have made a few friends inside. Would it be okay if they came to you for treatment?"


    During his time as the leader of hispany, Ikasa had learned this trick. Asking people for their convenience was the best way to make them feel valued.


    They would not feel like their Boss was a ve driver who worked them to their bones when in fact they took on more work than an average employee would.


    Elder Yi was touched by Ikasa''s words. He happily agreed to his arrangements.


    After Ikasa had taken care of his potential new customers, Xin Ruo alerted Ikasa about the potential interest shown by the Nian n.


    "Brother Ikasa, Sang Yi has shown immense interest in our manuals. Though they are only interested in purchasing, I think it is possible to turn them into our partners for Elm City."


    Ikasa looked at Xin Ruo with an incredulous expression. Then he broke out into joyousughter.


    "Hahaha! Xin Ruo, you did a great job! Getting that guy to talk about business is no easy feat."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa remembered the gathering he had attended before going into the rift. Sang Yi had rebuffed every merchant who had approached him with a business proposal.


    Ikasa had learned from them and preferred to talk about business with people other than Sang Yi.


    And here, Xin Ruo had prevailed over the experienced merchants who had practiced their glib tongues for many years!


    Just as they were talking, the Commander of the Zhen Family forces, Path Finder Qian Bu approached them.


    "I am d to see you are in good health, Brother Ikasa."


    The old man with a young face spoke with a wide grin. Ikasa smiled back in response. Though he had antagonized him, Ikasa didn''t lose his temper so easily.


    Commander Qian continued to speak.


    "I hope Path Finder Mu Shi did not trouble you inside. I heard a rumor that he was going to challenge you to a duel because of how close you are with Path Finder Zhen Ya."


    Ikasa narrowed his eyes slightly but the smile on his face did not fade.


    ''Was this bastard the one who spread those rumors?''


    He wondered but quickly decided to investigate itter. At the moment, he had to answer this two-faced snake before him.


    "Hahaha! Commander Qian, you sure have a good sense of humor! Why would a Path Finder challenge a Sense Trainer to a duel?"


    Commander Qian took Ikasa''s reaction as the nervous bravado of someone who was in trouble. The smile on his face widened.


    Ikasa then suddenly turned serious and ced a hand on Path Finder Qian Bu''s shoulder. Themander looked at the hand with distaste and annoyance. He shrugged his shoulder to make him move his hand, but Ikasa only tightened his grip.


    "Commander, speaking of rumors, I also heard a very horrifying rumor. I heard Mu Shi was killed by Steel Guardian Beasts. I may be wrong, but who knows the truth?"


    Blood drained from Commander Qian''s face. Ikasa gently patted the shell-shocked Path Finder on his shoulder and turned to walk away with his group.


    ''Why is that guy so concerned about Mu Shi?''


    Ikasa wondered as he walked away.


    Commander Qian recovered a few breathster and saw Ikasa and his group leave the premises of the Arrayplex without a hint of worry.


    ''Is that rumor true? I need to find out.''


    The Path Finder hurried over to other returned Sense Trainers. He heard simr variations from all of them -


    Mu Shi fought the Su Family and killed them. Then he was killed by the Steel Guardian Beasts.


    Commander Qian clutched his hair with frustration.


    Mu Shi was the fiance candidate chosen by the Second Elder of the Zhen Family for Path Finder Zhen Ya. His arrival in the Beech City was no mere coincidence; It was carefully arranged by the Second Elder.


    By sacrificing Zhen Ya, he wanted to secure the backing of the Mu Family. With their backing, his son had a chance to be the Sessor of the Patriarch!


    This ambitious Second Elder was the master of Commander Qian!


    Thus, the death of Mu Shi affected Commander Qian very much.


    Not only had his Master''s n to gain the favor of the Mu''s failed, but instead he may have attracted their hatred!


    When the Mu Family learns of this, they would definitely hold the Second Elder responsible. As the enabler and the man on the field, how could Qian Bu escape the me?


    It was no wonder that Qian Bu was frustrated and pale.


    Qian Bu abandoned his duties and returned to his room in a daze. He was constantly thinking about how to escape the me.


    He mmed his palm on the desk in his room with fury, cursing.


    "Damned, Steel Beasts! How could they kill Mu Shi?"


    Suddenly he had a thought.


    "Wait, Beasts?"


    Commander Qian went through the information he received once again. Almost all of them mentioned Beasts.


    He looked up with a strange face. He noticed a very ring discrepancy.


    "The Steel Guardian Beast are very territorial creatures. They never cross into the other beast''s territory. So, howe most of the people said that Mu Shi was attacked by multiple Beasts?"


    Had it not concerned him, Qian Bu would never have scrutinized every single word of the rumor he heard. However, this concerned his life and death.


    So, he became suspicious. Looking outside his window, Qian Bu saw the nar Rift in the distance. He narrowed his eyes and muttered,


    "Something is fishy hereˇ­."

 Chapter 179 New Features

    "Hah! The bed has never felt better!"


    Ikasa eximed as hey down on the soft mattress. After the hardships suffered inside the rift, he appreciated the small amenities avable to him even more.


    As he rested his back, he went through his gains in the Rift.


    ''The Printer has been upgraded. I also have a few Golden Bell Fruits. And how can I forget the Space storage essories of Su Yang and Mu Shi?''


    A smile crept on his face as he rolled back his sleeve, unveiling the two bracelets hidden below. He scanned the insides of Su Yang''s bracelet with his Spiritual Sense first and his lips began to twitch.


    "Truly a dual-cultivator!"


    Ikasa saw numerous pieces of lingerie inside with other tools that looked suspiciously like this world''s versions of sex toys. There was also a worn bamboo scroll inside.


    "Portraits of Carnal Pleasure."


    When he unfurled it, Ikasa saw numerous postures of a male and female engaging in the acts of coption. Their energy cirction paths were also described clearly.


    ''So this is a Dual Cultivation technique for the Path Forging realmˇ­''


    Ikasa did not have much interest in the Dual Cultivation techniques but the postures did attract him. Before he lost himself in his lust, he rolled the scroll and kept it back inside the storage space.


    His attention went to the most precious part of the loot, the Prime Gold Ores. When he took them out and weighed them, he mumbled with disappointment.


    "Only Nine dings?"


    Ikasa let out a sigh and put them back in the storage space. The storage space was also smaller than his own with only 1 cubic meter of space.


    He then turned his attention to Mu Shi''s bracelet.


    "Whoa! This one has a muchrger space. It is even more spacious than my bracelet!"


    This was Ikasa''s first reaction. The five cubic meters of space inside made everything seem smaller inparison.


    Ikasa saw numerous elixir bottles, a small stash of coins, and a pile of dirty brown ores that had specks of gold in them. There were also two weapons, a sword, and a whip, inside the storage bracelet.


    He first took out the weapons. The double-edged longsword had a de almost as long as his arm. Tapering to the end, it felt bnced and light in his hands. Rays of sunlight glinting from its edge hinted at its sharpness.


    There was a word written near the curved crossguard of the sword.


    "Tyranny."


    Ikasa appreciated the sword but he was reluctant to use it. This sword was engraved and easily recognizable. He did not want to be identified as the murderer just because he was greedy for a Sword.


    The case with the whip was no different.


    ''I should ask Gu Dan if he can melt this sword and reuse the materials to cast new weapons. Though it would be a waste to ruin such a beautiful sword by handing it to Gu Dan.''


    Ikasamented. Gu Dan wascking in technique but he was the only trustworthy cksmith under his employ. He had no other option if he didn''t want to be recognized.


    After going through most of the materials inside the storage ring, Ikasa realized that there was almost 60 dings worth of Prime Gold Ore inside. He also found ten of Null-Star Spirit Coins each worth 100 Gold.


    ''With these ores, I have a total of 143 dings of Prime gold ore. That means I can assuredly get 143 One-Star Spirit coins!''


    Ikasa grew ecstatic when he realized just how big the number was. It was more than double the Spirit Coins in his possession!


    Also, the Null-Star Coins only needed to be ced in the Energy Gathering array for a year and he would have 10 more One-Star Coins!


    The gains from the Rift exceeded his expectations. Just one expedition had doubled his worth in terms of Spirit Coins.


    ''Should I check what has changed with the Printer?''


    Ikasa eagerly connected to the Cloud Printer after locking the door of his room.


    If he had to consider the gains from the Rift, none was as big as the upgrade in his Printer. Not only had a new category of points opened for him, but he could also ess the upper level of the ''Cloud Server''.


    [Weeˇ­..]


    Ikasa skipped the familiar greeting screen and jumped straight to the Print option. Upon clicking on Targeted Print, Ikasa saw a notification he had never seen before.


    [Choose Level]


    Along with the notification, a click-to-scroll bar appeared. There were levels from 1 to 6 listed in the option but Ikasa could only choose between Level 1 and level 2. Other levels were grayed for him.


    [Choose Level 2]


    Ikasa selected a level. Then another option appeared, asking him to select between the Cultivation Technique, Battle Technique, or Professional Technique.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I should go with something familiar first. That way I can more correctly identify what is the deal with this ''level'' thing."


    Ikasa chose Cultivation Technique and waited for the Printer to go into action. The device sucked in energy more intensively than before and a book began to form before him.


    [You have obtained a Low-Grade Sense Realm Cultivation method.]


    The notification in the user interface chimed after the book formedpletely.


    The silvery book cover had a picture of a figure walking while looking upwards. When he picked up the book and read the title, his lips twitched.


    "Common Sense Training Guide."


    Ikasa could not believe he had paid 4 CP for this Sense Realm manual.


    This was another change. While the previous Targeted Printing only cost 2 CP, the cost for Targeted Printing also scaled with the Level. For example, while Level one still costs 2 CP, the second Level costs 4 CP.


    Ikasa remembered the words of the Absolute of Water. The Creator of Printer liked to ssify the Cultivation Realms into levels.


    "So, Level 1 should be Path Forging Manuals and Level 2 should be Sense Realm Manuals."


    Enlightened, Ikasa was pleased with the change. Even though the printing cost had increased, this way he could print the techniques ording to his needs!


    If he needed a new Sense Realm manual, he could simply choose Level 2 and get one. Unlike before, when he had to use Targeted Print multiple times and still he could not get a Sense Realm Manual.


    Next, Ikasa tried the Profession Technique option. He did not get any level option this time.


    [Would you like to spend 10 PP to print a Professional Technique?]


    "10 Profession Points?!"


    Ikasa sucked in a cold breath. The cost made him hesitate as he only had 50 Profession Points. With a heavy heart, he chose to check it out.


    A few breathster, a book with a picture of a disassembled sword was printed by the Cloud Printer.


    [The cksmithing technique- ''1,2,3ˇ­ Sword Ready'' has been printed.]


    Ikasa rubbed his forehead. The ridiculous names of the Printer left him speechless once again.


    "I should''ve asked the Absolute about this out-of-the-world naming sense of the Printer."


    Ikasa sighed as he checked the details of the manual. As the name suggested, this book taught the most fundamental of techniques for making swords.


    As he was no expert in this field, Ikasa decided to get Gu Dan''s opinion on the book.


    Ikasa disconnected from the printer and put the freshly printed manuals in his Storage Bracelet.


    Then, he looked at the two bracelets from Su Yang and Mu Shi. The bracelet from Su Yang was in and like any other bracelet. The only distinction in the appearance of Ikasa''s bracelet and Su Yang''s was the luster of metal.


    While Ikasa''s bracelet had long be dull, Su Yang''s bracelet shined like a new piece of jewelry.


    Then there was Mu Shi''s bracelet. Its appearance was far superior to anything Ikasa had seen so far.


    The bracelet was intricately carved to look like it was woven from leaves. A bright emerald the size of his nail was embedded in it.


    It looked so regal that Ikasa was tempted to keep it for his use. The muchrger storage space was also one of the other reasons for his temptations.


    Still, Ikasa resisted his desire. It was too distinctive and eye-catching. Someone would surely recognize it and connect Mu Shi''s death to him, reducing all his previous efforts to dust.


    "I can sell them to a merchant from Furnace Fire Empire and buy another Storage Space essory from the money earned."


    Ikasa came to a decision and he packed them deep into his luggage. Just as he stacked the firstyer of clothes, he was startled by a knock on his door.


    ''Who could it be?''


    Ikasa thought as he hurriedly stashed all the clothes back into his bag and stood up to open the door.


    "Xin Ruo, why are you here?"


    He asked with a lopsided smirk, winking at her. Her face became red when she saw him wink. She was reminded of the hot kiss she had shared with Ikasa back in Birch City and her ears became hot.


    Ikasa smirked seeing her ears turn red. He coughed slightly, reminding her of his presence.


    Xin Ruo immediately came back to her senses and futilely tried to hide her embarrassment. Without giving Ikasa a chance to tease her more, she told him the reason for her visit.


    "Captain Sang Yi would like to see our High-Grade Cultivation Manual."

 Chapter 180 Glasses Of Prejudice

    In arge hall of a mansion, Ikasa sat opposite Sang Yi. Xin Ruo stood by his side while the members of Nian n stood behind Sang Yi.


    The morning rays of sun glimmered on Ikasa, enhancing his charisma. His mere action of taking out two glossy manuals from his storage space seemed breathtaking and morous because of the lighting.


    "Brother Sang, these are the two High Grade Cultivation Techniques in my possession. These are the energy path diagrams depicted in those manuals."


    Ikasa spoke, cing the two embossed manuals on the table between them. He gently pushed the manual and the hand drawn diagrams towards Sang Yi, asking him to take a look.


    Sang Yi looked into Ikasa''s eyes as he picked up one of the diagrams ced on the table. His stormy gray eyes studied Ikasa, a young man from a Tier-3 City who imed to possess something that many powers from tier-2 Cities did not have.


    Sang Yi looked at the schematics of the Energy Path intended and his eyes widened. He had never seen an Energy Path as incredible as shown in the diagram. It epassed almost the entire body and was almost twice as long as any ordinary High Grade Technique.


    In fact, he would believe it if he was told that this was a Top-Grade Technique!


    "A Top-Grade Technique? It is too good to be trueˇ­."


    Sang Yi mumbled as his forehead wrinkled with frown.


    ''How can a small power from a tier-3 City possess such an incredulous Cultivation technique? Judging from the fresh ink, this diagram was drawn recently.''


    A dark thought came to his mind. Suspicious of being taken advantage of, Sang Yi looked up. As he stared at Ikasa, his eyes turned into narrow slits.


    "I am a straightforward man. Does that mean I am easy to fool? Do you people think I am a gullible idiot?"


    Sang Yi spoke in a cold voice, throwing the diagram of intended Energy Path on the table.


    Over the night, Sang Yi had enough time to think about the wondrous manuals propounded by Xin Ruo. His pessimism didn''t allow him a shred of hope to believe that the manuals were as amazing as she said.


    ''It is impossible for a tier-3 City level power to have decent martial arts for sale, let alone High-Grade Cultivation Techniques,'' His mind said.


    Still, he decided to take a look, going against his inner voice that constantly said that he would be disappointed.


    Ikasa looked at Sang Yi and understood what might be the problem from his mumbling. The man sitting before him was afraid of being duped. He was unable to believe in the authenticity of the manuals because of how long the energy path was.


    "When you see everything with prejudiced eyes, one even fails to recognize the opportunity in hands."


    The owner of the GHBG spoke words of wisdom while looking pointedly at the young leader of the Nian n.


    Sang Yi was startled by how urately the words described his current condition. His heart was sent into turmoil by his words.


    ''Should I trust him or not?''


    A conflict erupted in his heart around this question. His mind said that it was impossible for the diagram to be true. But he wanted to trust the small hope that had sprouted in his heart when he first heard of these manuals from Xin Ruo.


    "Are these manualsˇ­. real? Is that Energy Path genuine?"


    ? Sang Yi asked with doubt and hope.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa saw the same anxious expression reflected in the eyes of the four people standing behind Sang Yi.


    A serene smile bloomed on his face as Ikasa gently nodded yes in response. His tranquil expression glowing in the golden rays of morning sun made people want to trust him.


    Sang Yi once again picked up the scroll depicting the Energy Path he had thrown on the table.


    He still could not believe the authenticity of the diagram, so he passed it to hispanions with a question.


    "Do you think this might be real?"


    The four huddled together and discussed excitedly. They were enamored by the ingenious route carved through the body. The Energy Path meandered and turned, enabling the energy to reach even the difficult to ess areas of the Spiritual Body.


    A small smirk formed on his face as he saw them chatter with admiration while studying the Energy Path.


    ''They are unable to believe the energy path of the [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength]. Wouldn''t their brains stop working if they saw the Energy Path of [Around the Body in 80 Breaths]?''


    Ikasa gloated in his heart as he waited for them toe to a verdict. A few breathster, they had still not finished their discussion.


    Ikasa''s patience was running thin. He interrupted their debate and asked, "Is there anyone whose Energy Path conflicts with the path shown in the diagram?"


    The five of them looked at Ikasa with confusion. Still, none of them replied positively.


    Assured that using his Manual would not cause deviation in Energy cultivation, Ikasa tossed the [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength.] to the girl with the smallest tattoo.


    "Open that manual and read the first few lines."


    Ikasa ordered authoritatively. The girl felt the aura of ughter God she had witnessed inside the Rift. She quickly followed his instructions.


    Sang Yi furrowed his brow with slight displeasure seeing Ikasa mistreat hispanions, but he did not say a word.


    The girl was surrounded by an energy vortex as soon as she did as Ikasa said. Herrades panicked and looked at Ikasa for answers.


    Sang Yi stood up abruptly and leaned forward on the table, trying to look more imposing as he questioned Ikasa with gritted teeth.


    "What did you do?"


    Ikasa simply smiled and calmly reclined back into his chair. Without a hint of difort, he replied, " I am just proving the authenticity of my manuals."


    "She," Ikasa pointed to the girl consumed by the gust of energy with his chin, "will provide the proof. If her Energy Path is different from the one shown in the Diagram, I will give you 100 Dings of Prime Gold Ores."


    His deration caused eyes to widen and jaws to drop.


    The members of Nian n could not believe Ikasa''s offer. They quietly muttered ''100 Dings'', as they looked at the energy cocoon formed around the girl.


    They didn''t know what they should wish for; For the Energy Path to be the same as the diagram or for it to differ!

 Chapter 181 For Cheaper Manuals...

    Ni Cha was a simple girl who loved the way of life in the Nian n. The rites of passage for one to begin cultivating and the tattoos of valor were her pride and joy.


    She had hunted ten small beasts at the age of 16 and earned the right to learn the n''s signature Path Forging method, Iron Body Refinement Sutra.


    When the Pseudo High-Grade Cultivation Methodnded in her hands, she was beyond happy.


    She had diligently exercised the postures in the Sutra and consistently strengthened herself. This method had strengthened her limbs and helped her hunt a ferocious beast, the Sharp w Cougar, helping her earn her first tattoo!


    Disying her incredible talents, she had reached the Sense Training Realm at the age of 23. With the guidance of her elders and the help of the Totem, she had easily broken into the Advanced Stage of the Sense Realm!


    In her entire life, she had never thought that being an Advanced Sense Trainer would prove to be a disadvantage.


    However, as soon as she was enveloped by the cocoon of energy, she started cursing her activated Spiritual Sense.


    As the energy from the manual created new branches in her original Energy Path, she began to feel the pain from her Spiritual Body.


    It felt like a thousand needles were pricking under her skin and she could not do anything to stop them.


    The horrific sensation continued for the duration of an incense stick.


    During this period, she performed some mysterious exercises she had never seen before in her mind!


    She had performed them so many times that they were permanently imprinted in her memory!


    Slowly the prickling sensation began to recede and the energy cocoon around Ni Cha unfolded. When the girl emerged from the cocoon, she saw herpanions waiting for her with eager faces, not a hint of worry in their eyes.


    She was slightly disappointed, but they were not the culprits; it was the young man sitting rxedly on the soft couch before her.


    Ni Cha wiped the sweat from the torture she endured inside the energy cocoon. She red at the man responsible for her suffering.


    Ikasa noticed her gaze and ignored her re. He did not know of the pain she suffered; he thought the re was because of the fall in her cultivation realm.


    Looking at Sang Yi, Ikasa motioned him to check the Energy Path.


    The young leader of the Nian n politely asked for permission before scanning her with his Senses.


    His mouth made an O as his jaws dropped by what he saw!


    "What is the matter? Is something wrong?"


    One of the otherpanions asked with concern, when Sang Yi did not speak for a few breaths.


    "The diagram was real!"


    He eximed with shock.


    His otherpanions were simrly floored by his deration.


    They did not know what to think of these wonderful manuals. Should they be sad that they would not get 100 dings of Prime Gold Ore or celebrate for finding a treasure in this Tier-3 City.


    While hispanions looked at Ikasa withplicated gazes, Sang Yi noticed another anomaly.


    "Your cultivation has fallen to the sixth stage of Path Forging Realm?"


    Sang Yi asked, his eyes alternating between Ni Cha and Ikasa.


    "Of course it would fall. Her Energy Path is much longer than before and she needs to clear it all once again."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa answered nonchntly.


    Ni Cha groaned with annoyance after hearing his words. His words meant she would have to recultivate to the Pinnacle of the Path Forging Realm and when she cultivated, she would suffer the pain of prickling needles every time.


    Sang Yi looked at her weirdly before turning to Ikasa. Now that the authenticity of the Cultivation Technique and its miraculous nature had been proven, it meant he could get his hands on a Pseudo Top-Grade Cultivation Technique!


    The realization made his pupils dte with happiness. A wide smile bloomed on his face. He turned to Ikasa and was about to ce his order when he realized he did not know the price of the manual.


    Sang Yi turned to Ikasa with an embarrassed expression.


    "How much does one of those manuals cost?"


    "500 Gold per manual."


    "500 Gold?! So cheap?"


    Sang Yi yelled with surprise. Ikasa looked at him weirdly.


    Compared to traditional High-Grade Techniques, this price was ten times cheaper.


    However, if one took into ount the fact that these manuals could only be used once, then one can tell how exorbitant this price was!


    Sang Yi also calmed down a little and then he realized the trap. If a High Grade Martial Art cost 5000 gold in the auction, they could use it 10 times or 100 times and it would still be there. But, Ikasa''s manuals would disappear after a single use.


    His face fell upon realizing this fact. History was repeating itself once again. The Nian n was still too poor to afford the High Grade Cultivation Manual for all its nsmen.


    Ikasa saw the smile on Sang Yi''s face shrink. He was waiting for this chance. He wanted Sang Yi to initiate negotiations but it did not seem like he would. So, Ikasa took the initiative to reel the fish in.


    "Is there a problem, Brother Sang?"


    He asked, feigning ignorance of their situation. Sang Yi looked at him with a forced smile and shook his head.


    Sang Yi was thinking of how to convince the elders to purchase at least 10 of these manuals and invest them in promising talents.


    "Is the price too high, Brother Sang?"


    Ikasa asked, trying to get this young man to talk about money problems.


    "Actually, Yes. It is indeed a bit high."


    Sang Yi said, awkwardly scratching his chin. The smile on Ikasa''s face widened. One of the Nian n''s members realized where Ikasa was headed and resisted the urge to palm his face.


    "Brother Sang, money is such a small problem! Where can you find such good quality manuals anywhere for just 500 Gold?"


    Ikasa prodded, forcing Sang Yi to make a decision. Now that he had used one of his precious High Grade Manuals, he was going to force the Nian n into servituˇ­ Partnership.


    Sang Yi mostly agreed with Ikasa''s words but just because he agreed did not mean he would fall for them. So Ikasa dangled another bait before him.


    "Brother Sang, actually I can sell them to you for cheaper. 100 uses just for 5000 Gold butˇ­"


    The young leader''s neck whipped at the speed of light as he turned to Ikasa with excited eyes. He had just one question,


    "Really? What''s your condition?"

 Chapter 182 A Successful Partnership

    Any product could be sold for a sky high price as long as the customer was desperately in love with it.


    Ikasa''s manuals held the same allure for the Nian n''s young leader. He was willing to go against the elders of the n just to obtain a few copies and put his n''s finances in red.


    As such, the mere possibility of getting the manuals cheaper made Sang Yi excited. He did not bother to conceal his true emotions from Ikasa. With eyes shining, he waited for Ikasa to state his conditions.


    "I usually only sell my x100-use manuals to my Business Partners. If the Nian n is willing to manage a branch of my Manual Store in Elm City, I can definitely offer you a significant discount on top of the lower price."


    Sang Yi often let his emotions get the better of him. Many in the n would say he was impulsive. Yet, they chose him as the leader for expedition to the rift because he had learned to keep his impulsiveness under control.


    Ikasa''s offer sounded very good on the surface. But it went against the fundamentals of the n.


    The Nian n leaders avoided engaging in formal business. They encouraged their young ones to participate in hunts to fill their bellies.


    It was not like they had never thought of venturing into businesses in the past.


    The Nian n had started a business of selling Animal products and Bone Artistry. However, they had been fooled by the cunning merchants and suffered losses so heavy that the n was pushed to the brink of copse.


    They had no choice but to sell the Mystic Blood, a product of their sacred rituals, to sustain the n''s survival and clear the debts.


    The Elders of old learned their lessons from this incident. They grew so fearful of business ventures that they had instituted a rule prohibiting it. The n followed this rule to date.


    Sang Yi was brought up in such an environment which considered entrepreneurship as a cause for disaster.


    His eyes dimmed hearing Ikasa''s proposal. He would rather give up on the manuals than break the age-old rule of the n.


    Ikasa noticed Sang Yi''s enthusiasm fall rapidly. He realized that he had to word it in such a way that the negative connotations and risks rted with the ''Business'' would be eliminated.


    "You do not have to worry about any financial risks. I will bear them all. I will provide the goods and a shopkeeper. The Nian n only needs to promise its protection to the shop."


    His words reignited Sang Yi''s interest. Still, he was notpletely sold on his idea.


    "The Nian n does not even have to do anything much. As long as news spreads that you are protecting the shop, I am sure no one in Elm City would dare to attack it. Your n can earn profits every year for virtually doing nothing!"


    Sang Yi was finally tempted. The deal sounded way too attractive to pass up on.


    Since this was not a typical business deal, he was sure that the Elders of the n would also agree to it.


    "I will ry your proposal to the n-head."


    Ikasa''s smile froze.


    ''What? He had no power to agree to the contract? Was I just wasting my time on him?''


    Only when Sang Yi spoke the next lines did Ikasa feel better.


    "I am sure he will agree to it immediately. But for signing the contract you will have to visit the Nian n personally."


    Ikasa cheered upon hearing the condition. He began to think about who he should appoint as the Storekeeper in Elm City.


    Sang Yi became anxious when Ikasa did not reply immediately. He knew that the roads to Elm City were filled with dangers and thought Ikasa had a problem with his condition.


    "The Elm City will also host an Auction a monthter. Many merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire bring exotic treasures to sell in the Auction. Your journey will definitely be worth it."


    Ikasa did not expect to hear about this additional benefit from Sang Yi. He had already made ns to go to Elm City to sell his Prime Gold Ore. Now that he knew of the auction, he simply had to n his itinerary around it.


    "Brother Sang, you don''t have to worry about it. I will definitelye to Elm City to visit the n Head! Just do me a favor and search for a few good locations for the shop."


    After shaking hands on the deal, the two young men chatted like long lost brothers for the rest of the morning. Only when the sun reached the zenith did Ikasa and Xin Ruo take their leave.


    When the two returned to City Lord''s Manor, Ikasa found a message from He Ling on the te.


    [Opened a new shop in Oak City.]


    [x100 use Mid-Grade Cultivation Technique Manuals - 5]


    [x100 use Gazelle Punch - 1]


    [x100 use Peek -a- Boo Defense -3]


    [x100 use Loose Motions - 1]


    [x100 use Fast, Faster, Fastest - 1]


    [x100 use Swift Attack - 1]


    [x100 use Sweeping Kick -1]


    [x100 use Jab -1]


    .


    .<novelnext></novelnext>


    .


    .


    .


    [Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength - 10]


    [Send them with He Qing and He Ding if possible.]


    The long list of the order made Ikasa''s eyes widen. He Ling had ordered 13 hundred-use manuals of just the Mid Grade Techniques. Every manual cost 400 gold. The Mid Grade Techniques alone would earn him 5200 gold!


    There were 12 orders for Low Grade techniques. He had priced the hundred-use manual of the low-grade martial skills for 300 gold. 300 into 12 is 3600 gold!


    And his most premium product, the High Grade Cultivation Method, Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength. Ikasa charged 500 gold for each copy of this manual''s single-use version. The order for this manual alone would earn him 5000 gold!


    Ikasa calcted the gains from this order alone. He would receive 13,800 gold from this order.


    Thirteen thousand gold was more than what an average prestigious family of a Tier-3 City earned in a year!


    And Ikasa had earned this amount from a single order.


    Not to mention this order was for just one single shop in the Tier-1 City of Oak!


    "Hahaha!"


    The young manughed as he calcted the previous gains from his deal with the He Family. He had sold goods worth over 50,000 Gold in the past two months!


    If he included the 10% profits he would earn from the sales, Ikasa would receive more than 20,000 gold on top of the 50,000.


    Seventy Thousand Gold in two months! 35 thousand per month!


    An average prestigious family from any Tier 2 City only earned around 6-8 thousand gold per month. A merchant may do better but even his ie did not exceed the range of ten thousand gold.


    However, Ikasa had earned multiple times their amount from a single deal with the He Family.


    "What is a sessful partnership? This, right here, is the perfect example!"


    Ikasaughingly said to Xin Ruo. He was sure that the ie would only grow from here as he opened his shops in more cities.


    Because the seventy thousand did not even include his other ie streams like his shop in Birch City, his cooperation with the Xue Family and his Herb business.


    Including them all, the monthly sales of the GHBG would exceed fifty thousand gold!


    If powers were based on monthly ie alone, GHBG was fully qualified to be considered a top echelon organization even amongst the Tier 1 Cities!


    Xin Ruo was quite pleased to see Ikasa''s joy. However, she was also worried about the rate of growth. They were earning wealth way faster than their strength increased.


    Also, they had now contracted the enmity of Su Family and the Mu Family. She just hoped that everything would be okay.


    ˇŞ--


    "What? Mu Shi was killed in the Rift?"


    The Second Elder of the Zhen Family, Zhen Fa, stood up from his seat with shock. The news delivered a huge blow to his ns. More than the ns he was afraid of the consequences.


    He began to pace in his courtyard. After the nervous energy in his body dissipated a little, he asked the messenger before him a question.


    "How?"


    "Everyoneing out of the Rift said he was killed by the Steel Guardian Beasts. However, I think there is something amiss. The Steel Guardian Beasts do not enter each other''s territories and certainly do not attack together."


    The messenger read the relevant part of the letter to answer Elder''s question.


    After thinking things through, Qian Bu had decided to inform his master of the incident and of his hypothesis through a letter. He knew that if his master learned of the incident from somewhere else, his life would be over.


    However, if he came clean, his master would not me him too much.


    Judging from the Elder''s gritted teeth as he cursed Qian Bu, the Commander had apparently misjudged theplexity of events. Still, his timely message had saved him from the Sage Zhen Fa''s wrath.


    The Second Elder of the Zhen Family carefully considered the hypothesis presented by Qian Bu. He also did not believe that Mu Shi, a scion of the Mu Family, could be killed by the Steel Guardian Beasts.


    "Even if he was exhausted, he should''ve been able to elude them."


    The Elder mumbled. Then his eyes shined as a thought came to his mind. He called for his Butler and ordered,


    "Ask our informants to be on the lookout for the Emerald Leaf bracelet and the sword, ''Tyranny''. If it shows up in any markets, immediately apprehend the seller!"


    Smiling wickedly, the Elder turned to look in the direction of Beech City.


    "Let me see how long you can hide."

 Chapter 183 Home

    Inside a hut in the slums of Sal City, a little girl with dark brown hair sat in the embrace of her father. The man holding her was quite thin but traces of his previous muscr stature remained.


    His cheeks had sunk due to malnourishment and his bones showed. Yet, his eyes watched his daughter with delight as she munched on the sweetened hawthorn berry.


    "Qiqi, do you like the treat your father brought for you?"


    The man asked, gently trying to tame the wild hair of his little girl with his hands.


    Luo Qiqi nodded like a hen pecking at grain, fully engrossed in eating. She looked like a cute squirrel as she took small nibbles of the tiny sweetened berry, trying to prolong the eating process for as long as possible.


    "I am d."


    The thin man whispered. He looked out of the hut at the rising sun and gently moved the little girl out of hisp.


    He got up and slung the short bow made of wood over his shoulder and picked up the quiver lying in the corner.


    Luo Gan kissed the forehead of his little girl and ruffled her hair. She threw her father a disgruntled look.


    "Father, your beard is itchy!"


    The thin man with a scraggly beard smiled and kissed her forehead again causing her to groan.


    "Father!"


    The man stopped his actions seeing his little girl irked.


    "Qiqi, I will be back by the evening, okay? Be good and don''t wander outside."


    The little girl nodded and continued nibbling on the berries. She watched the back of her father as he exited the hut out of the corner of her eyes.


    Luo Qiqi believed his words as he said the same words every day and he was back by sunset every day.


    However, that day was different. When the 5-year-old girl returned from ying with her friends, her father was still not back.


    The sun went down and a crescent moon hung in the dusky sky, yet her father had not returned.


    Luo Qiqi started to grow afraid as the dark curtain of night fell. Her stomach growled with hunger and she began to miss her father.


    The scared little girl asked neighbors, and some of her father''s friends for his news. Nobody knew anything.


    She went back to their hut, dejected and alone. Tears streaked from her eyes as she remembered the time she spent with her father.


    "Father,e backˇ­ Qiqi will not ask you for treats. Qiqi will be a good girlˇ­e back please."


    The lonely little girl mumbled as she wept in the dark before she exhausted herself to sleep.


    Xin Ruo had found Luo Qiqi soon after her father went missing and brought her under her care. She had helped the little girl move past the painful memory.


    Eight years had passed since that incident. And yet, Luo Qiqi was seeing that same event in her dream.


    "Father,e backˇ­."


    Luo Qiqi mumbled in her sleep, her clothes drenched in sweat.


    The time she spent in the dark of the nar Rift had dug up the old memories she had buried deep in her heart.


    She saw the same scene again and again when she was stuck in the darkness of the Rift. It was a wonder how she did not go mad.


    Even after she hade out, the memory of herst exchange with her father haunted her. Although she was no longer the same 5-year-old girl, these memories had be a cause for her nightmares.


    "Qiqi!"


    "QIQI! Wake up!"


    A hand vigorously shook her body while loud voices called out her name.


    As the thirteen year old teen groggily opened her eyes, she saw the concerned faces of Ikasa, Xin Ruo, and the other kids. Then she remembered where she was.


    She was in a carriage, on the way back to Birch City.


    "Are you alright?" Ikasa asked the girl with concern.


    Seeing Ikasa and Xin Ruo, all the negative feelings Luo Qiqi had felt when she was inside the rift came rushing back.


    She jumped and hugged Ikasa and Xin Ruo tightly, sobbing loudly.


    Ikasa was taken aback by her sudden outpour. He gently patted Qiqi''s back to calm her and looked at Xin Ruo, raising his right eyebrow.<novelnext></novelnext>


    She helplessly shook her head slightly, unaware of the reason for Qiqi''s crying.


    After wetting Ikasa''s back with her tears, Luo Qiqi calmed slightly. Her sobs now had longer intervals between them.


    She released Ikasa and Xin Ruo from her tight hug and looked into their eyes.


    "Brother Ikasaˇ­ Sister Xin Ruoˇ­ youˇ­ you will not abandon Qiqi, right?"


    Ikasa tried his best to suppress the smile forming on his lips. He gently wiped the tears from her eyes and held her by her shoulder.


    He looked her in the eye and firmly replied, "Never."


    Ikasa also met the eyes of the other teens in the carriage.


    "Ever since I offered you kids a ce in my home, it also became your home. Your well-being became my responsibility, and you guys are now my family. So, don''t ever think I will abandon any of you!"


    Feng Yan''s ''desperation training'' had not only traumatized Luo Qiqi but also the rest of the teens.


    When they could not see or hear, every single one of them had called for Ikasa, Xin Ruo, and Feng Yan until their throats went dry. Yet, they had received no response.


    Fear of being abandoned had taken a root in their psyche. They were afraid of being thrown away as disposable objects when Ikasa had no use for them.


    It had motivated Hei Ying into activating her Spiritual Sense but for the rest, it had the potential to be a heart demon.


    At this time, Ikasa''s words full of conviction assuaged their uneasy hearts. When he called them his family, the unreasonable fear of abandonment was wiped out from their minds.


    They knew Ikasa meant the words he said because each one of them had experienced Ikasa''s care and love for them at some point.


    May it be Luo Qiqi''s unreasonable demand to eat at a restaurant beyond their reach or be it Pei Yuan''s wish to get a dagger. Even Hei Ying''s stubborn wish to keep a dangerous Foundation Establishment stage Spirit beast as a pet had been fulfilled by Ikasa.


    The person they called Big Brother merely out of courtesy had be a real Big Brother when he had stood up to a Path Finder for wrongly using Chu Qing!


    If they could not believe his words, were there any people worthy of their trust in this world?


    Teary but radiant smiles bloomed on their youthful faces as they began to let go of their dark and gloomy past. The light of the bright future beckoned them to embrace it.


    They vowed to be so capable that the unreasonable fear of abandonment would hold no power over them.


    ˇŞ--


    Without the notice of the people inside the carriage, it entered the boundaries of Birch City.


    Feng Yan who was sitting beside the Coachman announced their arrival in the City with a loud cheer.


    The worn out travelers looked out from the windows of the carriage and saw the familiar environment of peaceful Birch City.


    Shops here were bustling and not broken. The wooden houses here did not need rebuilding. Pedestrians walked on the streets without fear of offending some foreign power.


    Most importantly, there were no Sense Trainers patrolling in the City.


    Itforted them as they looked forward to returning home, to thefort of their familiar room.


    Their carriage turned to the eastern route to reach the north side of the City. They could see the vast fields of their Herb Garden from the window.


    At this moment, Moony who was napping on thep of Hei Ying for the entire journey woke up. He jumped out of the window of the carriage and ran towards the Herb Garden.


    Noticing the fox''s unusual behavior, Feng Yan stopped the carriage. Everyone in the carriage tensed up. They got ready to fight but their caution was for naught.


    Soon, they heard a familiar voice scold Moony.


    "You little critter, give me back my roujiamo!"


    Who else could it be but Chu Kuang? The only person Moony liked to steal food from.


    Everyone in the carriage let out a sigh of relief. Then small smiles formed on their faces that turned into wide grins. The carriage started moving again and only came to a stop when they reached the Vi.


    Ikasa got out from the carriage and Xin Ruo and the kids followed him out. Caretaker Han hurried over with other servants to take the luggage inside.


    He took a moment to gaze at the vast vi made of wood and stone. It was not as luxurious as the City Lord''s Manor he stayed at in Beech City but it evoked the feeling offort.


    Seeing the familiar sight, Ikasa voiced the thought in everyone''s heads.


    "It is good to be back home."

 Chapter 184 Mystic Fire

    The very next morning after returning to Birch City, Ikasa went to find cksmith Gu.


    He wanted to consult Gu Dan on a few things; The Profession Manual 1,2,3ˇ­ Sword Ready, and the metal obtained from the Steel Beasts in the rift.


    Most importantly, he wanted to erase another clue that might expose him to the Mu Family.


    "cksmith Gu, do you think you can melt this sword and make a good weapon from its remains?"


    Ikasa took out the sword named ''Tyranny'' from his bracelet and asked the only cksmith in his Gold Heart Business Group.


    Gu Dan carefully received the weapon and weighed it in his hand.


    "This has excellent bnce!"


    The cksmith eximed as he adjusted his grip to find the mostfortable holding posture. He gently ran his finger on the spine of the sword and flicked the tip and listened attentively to the sound vibrations.


    "The smelting waspleted in one go. The edges are two separate pieces of metal joined together."


    An appreciative gaze shed across his eyes as he admired the masterfully crafted sword in his hands. The more he learned about it, the more his awe towards the maker of the sword increased.


    "This alloy of Silver Iron and Cold Spirit metal must have been melted using some Mystic Fireˇ­."


    The cksmith spoke a bunch of terms, most of which made no sense due tock of context. Still, he was awed by the man''s skills.


    ''One can find so much about a sword by just flicking on the de?''


    Ikasa thought, left speechless by the older man''s actions. He looked at the man stroking the sword like it was his lover. Seeing his antics, Ikasa cleared his throat, reminding the old man of his presence.


    "Ahem! cksmith Gu, can you melt the Sword and reforge it into a weapon for me?"


    cksmith Gu looked at Ikasa, slightly sighing.


    "Boss, did you not hear anything I said? This sword is a work of some Master Forger. How can you expect me to melt it and create a better sword for you?"


    "So, no?" Ikasa asked, narrowing his eyes. He could see the reluctance in Gu Dan''s eyes.


    Ikasa did not care if the sword was made by a Master Craftsman. Since he could not use this sword due to fear of the Mu Family, he might as well melt it and use the material to forge a slightly better-quality weapon.


    Or else the sword would only upy the limited space he had in his storage bracelet.


    "Boss, I am reluctant, yes, but it is also impossible to melt this de with the fire we have. It needs Mystic Fire born in nature to make the temperature high enough and at the same time preserve the special properties of the metal."


    The detailed exnation satisfied Ikasa but it alsopelled him to learn more about the so-called Mystic Fire.


    "I understand that you need Mystic Fire but what is it? And where can we find it?"


    The knowledge about Mystic Fires was an open secret amongst the professions rted to forging and refining.


    As a cksmith, Gu Dan also knew about the Mystic Fires. He started to tell Ikasa all the information he received from his peers and superiors.


    "There are many types of Mystic Fires born in nature. Depending on the ce of their birth, their attributes vary. Different attributes mean they are useful for different professions. Of the many, I only know of the two fires useful for Forging and cksmithing."


    Ikasa nodded to Gu Dan to continue as he digested the information he received.


    "The Earth Core me is the most desired me among the cksmiths. As long as you can provide enough energy to this me, there is nothing it cannot melt in this world."


    "It would not be the most desired Mystic Fire of cksmiths if it only had this ability?"


    Ikasa probed further when Gu Dan stopped. From his interactions, he knew that the cksmith had an annoying habit of stopping in the middle of exining.


    "You are right, Boss. Smelting ores with this me also has a chance to enhance the material''s intrinsic characteristics. If metal is extra hard, this fire can make it even stronger."


    This sounded like a much more reasonable reason for the cksmiths to desire this Mystic Fire. Ikasa made a mental note to be on the lookout for this me and asked Gu Dan to continue.


    "The second most preferred fire is the Vajra Fire. It has purification properties and has a chance to add Thunder attribute to the Mystical Artifact forged with this fire."


    Ikasa saw a strong desire in Gu Dan''s eyes as he talked about the Vajra Fire. He saw the old man''s eyes quickly dart to his Storm and Thunder hammers.


    "Is this the preference of the cksmiths atrge or your own personal preference?"


    Caught, Gu Dan rubbed the back of his head and avoided the mischievous eyes of Ikasa. In a defiant tone, he justified his preference.


    "I do like it but it is also not a bad Mystic Fire for other cksmiths. Any attributed weapon can fetch a sky-high amount. Thunder Attribute Weapons are even rarer."


    The Vajra me was still far inferior in utilitypared to the Earth Core me but that was just Ikasa''s thought. He nodded and asked Gu Dan for information about any other mes.


    "I only know two fires rted to other professions but I am not too sure about their utility. The Alchemists love the Verdure Spirit Fire and the Array Masters are always on the lookout for Illusory Demon Heart me."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa made note of the four different types of fires he heard in his mind.


    ''The Earth Core me. The Vajra me. The Verdure Spirit me and the Illusory Demon Heart me.''


    After considering their names and upations that desired them, he reached a conclusion.


    ''Any type of Mystic Fire is precious. But some properties make them more desirable to one profession than the others.''


    The knowledge of Mystic Fire was vast and impossible to be covered in just a few sentences. Ikasa and Gu Dan chatted for a while more about the conditions for their birth and their appearance.


    The information was so detailed that Ikasa became doubtful. He could not help but ask Gu Dan, "Have you studied these Mystic Fires extensively?"


    Gu Dan smiled and shook his head.


    "You mean this is allmon knowledge amongst the cksmiths?"


    "The knowledge of the Earth Core me, the Vajra me, and a few other Mystic Fires is spread among all cksmiths."


    After taking a brief pause, Gu Dan continued.


    "Other professions also spread the detailed knowledge of mes useful to them to the lower tiers of their professions."


    This information baffled Ikasa. It went against hismon sense. Knowledge was precious and the people at the top always hoarded it.


    Then, why would the higher tiers of all Professions spread knowledge of the Mystic Fire to the lower tiers?


    Ikasa tried to find a suitable exnation but he came up with none.


    "Even if those at the top spread this knowledge to benefit more young talents by using the Mystic Fire, why would the middle tiers y along?"


    "Wouldn''t it be better for them to monopolize it?"


    Verbalizing his thoughts often helped Ikasa when he was stuck on a difficult puzzle. This time he did the same and his thoughts were heard by Gu Dan.


    "The answer is simple. The higher-ups are using us as informants."


    Ikasa was surprised by Gu Dan''s answer. He did not expect him to reply to his rhetorical question; Not to mention call himself an informant for the Higher Tiers of his profession.


    It did not satisfy his logic so Ikasa questioned Gu Dan''s assumption.


    "Then what if these lowest tiers, their informants, found the Mystic Fire and absorbed it?"


    Gu Dan shook his head with a bitter smile. He looked far to the left as he spoke. Ikasa had a feeling that he was speaking from experience.


    "Any of these Mystic Fires is violent and hard to control. Usually, only Path Finders or those who have surpassed that level of Cultivation can assimte the me and use it. So, even if the lowest tiers of the profession find the me, they would die if they try to absorb it."


    This was the key that Ikasa was missing. He didn''t know the conditions for absorption and use of these Mystic Fires. Still, he did not buy into Gu Dan''s pessimistic view.


    "If you find a Mystic Fire, why should you report it? You should just keep it hidden until you are strong enough to use it yourself."


    Gu Dan again shook his head. Ikasa was getting annoyed by this routine. Just when he thought he had received the full information, he came to know that it was notplete.


    He motioned Gu Dan to speak with an exasperated sigh.


    "The Mystic Fire grows stronger the longer it is left alone. After a time it grows so strong that the Absolute of Fire assimtes the fire to prevent it from causing trouble."


    Ikasa knew that this addressed just half of his problem. He still did not know why the lowest tiers of professions should report the news of the Mystic Fire to the Higher-ups and be treated as freebor.


    So, even after Gu Dan stopped, he waited with folded arms before his chest. His fingers tapped impatiently on his elbow to make the cksmith hurry up andplete his answer.


    "The lowest of tiers in our profession suffers from a severeck of resources as you have seen."


    Gu Dan opened his arms wide, showing Ikasa the pitiful condition of his shop. Ikasa didn''t need to be a genius to realize that this old man was just asking him for some funds!


    Ikasa narrowed his eyes in displeasure and Gu Dan quickly continued his exnation.


    "In exchange for the location of the Mystic Fire, those at the top offer us guidance, techniques, and materials that we can use immediately to advance our tiers."


    With this, the final question in Ikasa''s mind was solved.


    When he got all the answers he needed, he realized he had spent too much time talking about Mystic Fires.


    He immediately took out the two othermodities he had brought to show Gu Dan.


    Holding a giant silver paw in one hand and a ck-covered book in the other, Ikasa asked, "What do you think of these?"

 Chapter 185 Zero Expectations

    The sword ''Tyranny'' had exposed Gu Dan''s limits to Ikasa. He did not hold any expectations when he showed the metal paws of the Steel Guardian Beast to the cksmith.


    ''If there are no expectations, there is no chance for disappointment.''


    Ikasa chanted the Buddhist mantra in his heart as he watched Gu Dan tinker with the metal paws. He repeated the steps he had done with the sword and flicked the metal paw.


    As Gu Dan listened to the sound produced, he nodded his head. Ikasa was prepared to hear Gu Dan express his incapability. After all, he was just the lowest-tier cksmith from a Tier-3 City.


    And then the old man pleasantly surprised him!


    He looked up at Ikasa and said, "I can work with it. I can at least produce a superior-grade weapon using this metal."


    Ikasa did not express his joy immediately and waited for the cksmith to finish speaking. But after saying he could smelt the metal, Gu Dan had shut his lips.


    "Are you sure?" Ikasa probed.


    Gu Dan gave a firm nod in response to his question.


    "I will be able to make a weapon within a week."


    An approximate timeline assured Ikasa of the truth in Gu Dan''s words. He then handed the book in his other hand to Gu Dan.


    "What do you think of this?"


    The old man used his work robes to clean his dirty hands and received the book with care.


    "1,2,3ˇ­.Sword Ready?"


    The name was strange to his ears. He opened the book and just like that his head was surrounded by white light.


    Numerous tips and tricks of how to make a good standard sword poured into his mind. How to smelt the ore, when to quench the de, the best ways to assemble the handle with the deˇ­.


    It was as if he had received enlightenment!


    Seeing the many theories, Gu Dan''s hands itched to get started and test them out. He immediately picked up the metal paw and brought it into his furnace room.


    Gu Dan started the fire and began to pump the bellows to get it hotter. Soon the temperature of the furnace room rose substantially. The furnace was hot enough to melt iron.


    Ikasa followed the man inside the shop and watched his actions from the door of his Furnace room. When the man was about to put the Metal Paw the size of his torso into the furnace, Ikasa couldn''t help but remind him.


    "Wouldn''t that piece be too big for making a sword?"


    Gu Dan stopped and looked at therge piece as big as his chest. The advice of Ikasa made sense to him. He found a hammer and chisel to break a piece from therge metal paw.


    The cksmith put the chisel against a groove and brought his hammer down with full force. A loud ng sounded and a couple of sparks flew but there was not a single dent on the metal paw.


    Ikasa watched with amusement as Gu Dan looked at the piece of metal and then at the chisel in his hand, dumbfounded. He tried the same thing again, but it was a futile effort.


    Ikasa took pity on him and took out his Serrated Sun Disc. He approached the puzzled cksmith and asked with a smile.


    "Show me the size of the piece you want."


    Gu Dan looked up at Ikasa and disdainfully nced at the Serrated Sun Disc in his hands. Ikasa simply stared him down and Gu Dan obediently pointed to the toe of the Metal Paw.


    "One toe should be enough."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa nodded and brought his Sun Disc to the paw. The serrated edge of the disc sliced through the thick metal as if a knife passing through hot butter!


    Gu Dan looked at Sun Disc and then at the Chisel in his hands. He questioned his intelligence and life in that few breath''s time.


    "Have I been using the wrong tools all my life?"


    He mumbled as Ikasa presented to him the perfectly cut piece of metal. Ikasa smirked upon hearing his mumblings.


    The Serrated Sun Disc was not able to cut through any object so easily. It is just that the disc was the nemesis of the Steel Guardian Beasts. It could easily slice apart any of the Steel Guardian Beasts.


    A few joss sticks were burned and the sun moved towards the west. Gu Dan took out the red hot metal from its mold and began to hammer the sword into shape.


    "Huh?"


    After striking the sword once, Gu Dan stopped. He could instinctively feel that the way he struck the sword was wrong.


    It was as if he had an experienced cksmith in his head who was pointing out his faults. With the fault, Gu Dan also received a corrected method to strike the sword.


    Gu Dan tried to imitate the posture of the cksmith in his head and struck.


    T-tang!


    The metal immediately bent to his will. He was almost 90% correct but the force behind his strike was inurate.


    The forger immediately took a deep breath and brought his hammer down with urate momentum.


    TTang!


    The metal sparked but nothing significant happened, yet Gu Dan felt satisfaction in his heart.


    He began to strike the metal ording to his instincts. As he brought down his hammer, the red-hot mes of the forge flickered with his strike.


    This spectacle continued as Gu Dan continued to hammer once, twice, thrice, ten times, hundred times!


    Only when he had struck the metal for the hundred and eighth time did he feel it was enough. Gu Dan brought the burning hot sword near the pail of cold oil to quench it.


    Just from seeing the cold oil, his heart had an instinctive rejection. He felt like it would be best if he used cold water. He changed his direction and drowned the sword in the small tank of cold water nearby.


    Sizzle!


    Steam wafted from the tank and hid the figure of the cksmith in the fog. Gu Dan took out the de and looked at it. The surface was smooth and even.


    Gu Dan flicked his finger on the edge and listened to the sound of the de using his Forging technique.


    "Not a single crackˇ­."


    "The internal integrity is solid as never beforeˇ­."


    "Evenˇ­ even the veins have formed in the de!"


    "Do- Does this mean I have produced a Veined Weapon?"

 Chapter 186 Veined Weapon

    Gu Dan had no expectations when he forged the de. He was working with a new type of metal and a new technique.


    Yet, he had aplished something he had not even aimed for!


    "The Bnce is also good. After all it is a veined Weapon!"


    As he inspected various aspects of the de, the surprise on his face grew. He was truly astounded by the preliminary form of the de he had produced.


    "This de has exceeded the limits of my ability by far and this is not even the end product!"


    Gu Dan thought, as he listed the many steps to go before the sword could be consideredplete.


    Ikasa saw the amazement of Gu Dan. Since the sun had already set, Ikasa had to take his leave. Before that, he wanted Gu Dan''s experience with the manual.


    "Whereˇ­. How did you get such Manual? This manual is the savior of all the low leveled cksmiths like me!"


    Gu Dan excitedly grabbed Ikasa''s shoulders and expressed his appreciation for the manual. Ikasabed through his excited words and asked,


    "So, can this manual attract other cksmiths?"


    Gu Dan shook his head and dragged Ikasa to his de.


    "You are not understanding just how good your manual is! See this de? This is a veined weapon!"


    "Veined Weapon?"


    Ikasa mumbled to himself, trying to remember why the term sounded familiar. Then suddenly his eyes widened.


    The Weapons were divided into Mortal and Spiritual Grades.


    Mortal Grade weapons did not have the ability to channel Spiritual Energy of the Cultivator, so they were mostly used by those below the Chakra Sensing Realm.


    Their ssification was simply based on their durability and divided into Low, Superior and Supreme.


    On the other hand, the Spiritual Grade weapons were in apletely different ss!


    These weapons were divided into Veined, Energetic and Sentient. The Spiritual Weapons could aid their wielders to channel energy through them.


    The most basic requirement for channeling energy was a Vein. And the weapons who possessed a vein were called a Veined Weapon.


    "Are you talking about the lowest of the Spiritual Grade Weapons? That Veined Weapon?"


    Gu Dan excitedly nodded. Ikasa could definitely understand the reason behind his enthusiasm. He too gazed at the iplete form of the weapon with longing.


    Any Veined Weapon was coveted highly in the Tier 2 Cities of the Holy Wood Empire. They were just that rare!


    Ikasa took a few deep breaths to calm his heart. Then he asked Gu Dan about the Veins in the de.


    "So how many Veins have you detected?"


    The excitement on his face faded a little, reced by slight embarrassment.


    "There is only one. It is also a bit narrow."


    Any Veined Weapon could possess 1 to 7 veins. The more veins, the easier it was to channel the energy. And the vein in the de before him was the lowest of low!


    Excitement in Ikasa''s eyes for the weapon cooled a little.


    Gu Dan noticed this change. He immediately defended the de.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "It is because I made a few mistakes or else it definitely would have at least two veins!"


    Ikasa looked at him, with his eyes saying don''t make excuses. Gu Dan immediately changed the topic.


    "Anyways, do you know why I was so excited?"


    Gu Dan asked, with a little restraint. Ikasa yed along and asked, "Why?"


    "A Veined Weapon can only be created by Master cksmiths. The fact that I created one with the help of your manual means any other cksmith can do the same!"


    The ''Master'' rank was where the professional hierarchy started. Each Master cksmith had to create at least 10 Veined Weapons to be recognized by the popce as one.


    This hurdle was the reason why only 1 out of thousands of cksmiths could be called Master.


    Yet, with the help of the Profession Manual, it was possible for many cksmiths to cross this hurdle easily!


    Ikasa widened his eyes as soon as he understood the temptation of his manuals to the cksmiths. His lips curved into a smirk as he could foresee the GHBG''s poprity amidst the people of other professions.


    Still, it was in the future. Right now, He had to make preparations for his uing trip to Elm City.


    Ikasa suddenly had an idea.


    ''I may not want the Single Veined weapon, but many in Elm City may like it.''


    Ikasa quickly made the necessary enquiries.


    "cksmith Gu, how long will it take you toplete the Sword?"


    Gu Dan took his time to answer.


    "I thought it might take me a week to experiment with new metal. But with the help of your manual, I think I canplete it within the next two days."


    Ikasa nodded andpared it to his itinerary.


    ''I will need at least two weeks to travel to Elm City. The auction is still 25 days away. I can afford to set off a dayter than nned.''


    ording to his schedule, he was supposed to leave the day after tomorrow. However, he decided to extend his stay in Birch City for another day for the sake of Veined Weapon.


    "cksmith Gu, finish the weapon as soon as possible. Beautify it a bit. We will auction your first Veined weapon in the Auctions of Tier-2 Elm City!"


    Ikasa dered with a grandiose gesture.


    The eyes of the cksmith before him began to shine.


    Which craftsman did not want their craft to be recognized by masses? There was no such artisan in this world.


    Was there any better way to gain the attention of masses than an auction? Of course, there wasn''t!


    Gu Dan was injected with a double dose of inspiration and motivation. He bade Ikasa goodbye and mmed the door of his furnace room shut in his face.


    Ikasa looked at the closed door and shook his head with a smile.


    "You better not ruin that weapon, Old Man!"


    Ikasa shouted at Gu Dan from outside the door and exited the shop. As he boarded the carriage, he checked his diary.


    "Now I just need to find a suitable shopkeeper to manage the Elm City''s store."

 Chapter 187 Choosing A Shopkeeper

    Ikasa reached his Vi when it was dinner time. All the key members of Gold Heart Business Group minus Gu Dan were waiting for him at the dining table.


    Taking a seat at the center of the table, Ikasa listened to the reports from Yin Ying about changes in Birch City in his absence.


    The City Lord had found the secret hide out of the Dark Fang, the bandit gang Ikasa had helped eliminate on his way to Beech City. He had sent a portion of loot over as a goodwill gesture.


    "How much did he send?" Xin Ruo asked since she was also managing the finances of GHBG along with Chu Kuang.


    "They found loot worth around 80,000 gold coins. Commander Lu Shao sent twenty thousand gold to us."


    Chu Kuang answered as he was the one who received the gift on behalf of GHBG.


    Ikasa was not bothered by the smaller percentage. He already received the most precious item in Dark Fang''s possession, the Spatial Storage Bracelet.


    If City Lord came to know about the 100 energy stones Ikasa found inside the Bracelet, his intestines would turn green with regret.


    Yin Ying continued her briefing after the small interruption.


    A few merchants had formed a caravan together to initiate trades with Beech City. The Security of the Port had been beefed up and some other administrative decisions that did not concern Ikasa directly.


    Caretaker Han brought out the hot food as her briefing came to an end. Just as everyone was about to dig in, Yin Ying gave him another piece of news.


    "Path Finder Zhen Ya briefly stopped by the City Lord''s mansion a week ago."


    Ikasa slowly nodded as he took a sip of water.


    ''No wonder, I did not see her in Beech City.''


    A week ago, Ikasa was still in Beech City, fulfilling the order for the He Family. He had expected Path Finder Zhen Ya would find him at least once to talk about Mu Shi''s demise, but she was nowhere to be seen.


    Commander Qian had also avoided him after he hade out from the Rift. So, Ikasa had not stayed for too long in Beech City and departed as soon as he had handed over the manuals to the young master He Qing.


    "Do you know what the meeting was about?"


    Ikasa asked, picking up a slice of cold cucumber from the sd tray.


    "I don''t know what they talked about, but her visit was very short and she left the City after an hour."


    Yin Ying answered, after she finished chewing the food in her mouth. The answer was disappointing but if the meeting directly concerned Ikasa, City Lord Zhen would''ve found him by now.


    The dinner continued as the people around the table engaged in mundane chatter.


    Feng Yan bragged about the recent adventures and escapades in the Rift. He did not miss the chance to tease Chu Kuang who had been left behind in Birch City.


    "Brother Chu, you were once my Vice-Captain! Now all you are doing is uprooting weeds in the fields. We should go on an adventure together to exercise your bones and muscles."


    "Keep your hot-blooded thoughts to yourself, Captain. I am happy managing my Herb Garden."


    "What kind of life is that?" Feng Yan snorted in derision.


    To shut Feng Yan up, Chu Kuang began to talk about his sesses in cultivating new herbs and medicines.


    "Do you even know how well my Herb Shop is doing? Just today, I sold 30 gold worth of medicine. Do you even earn that much in a month?"


    Feng Yan looked at Ikasa recentfully. His sry was his real sore spot as Ikasa forbade him from talking about it. The old man angrily stabbed the meat in his te and upied his mouth with something other than talking.


    Chu Kuang gloated while others watched the exchange between the two old men with amusement. The smiles on the others'' faces made Feng Yan fume even more.


    ''What is the point of having a high sry if I cannot brag about it?''


    Feng Yan thought as he looked at Ikasa with annoyance. Sensing his irked gaze, Ikasa decided to change the subject.


    "Uncle Chu, do you have any trustworthy candidates who can manage a shop in a Tier-2 Elm City?"


    Ikasa asked Chu Kuang as he cut into a piece of meat on his te. As the person who managed all the families dependent on him, Ikasa knew there was no better person to ask this question than him.


    Chu Kuang fell into thought. For a shopkeeper, the ability toplete basic arithmetic calctions rapidly was a must. There were only a few people that came to his mind who possessed this ability.


    Another point was they should not be intimidated easily.


    Since this was a Tier-2 City, Chu Kuang thought that the Shopkeeper would have to be a Sense Trainer at the least to protect the shop. This point alone eliminated all the prospective candidates in his mind.


    That left only him. He looked at Ikasa with conflict in his eyes.


    "If Boss Ikasa wants me to go to Elm City, I am willing to obey your orders."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa paused in his actions upon seeing the resolve on Chu Kuang''s face. He looked like he was about to sacrifice his first baby.


    It did not take him time to understand that Chu Kuang had misunderstood him.


    Ikasa closed his open mouth and slowly put the piece of meat in his chopsticks back on the te. He looked at Chu Kuang with his lips twitching slightly.


    "If you go, who will look after the Herb Garden?"


    Chu Kuang struggled to answer the question. He was reluctant to handover his passion project to anyone else.


    Ikasa waved his hand at him dismissively and said.


    "Uncle Chu, it is okay if you do not have any candidates for the post of Shopkeeper. I will recruit one either here in Birch City or from Elm City."


    Chu Kuang became confused. ''Is recruiting Sense Trainers so easy?'' He thought to himself and asked Ikasa.


    "How will you find a Sense Realm Expert who can perform arithmetics rapidly and is still willing to work under you?"


    Ikasa was stunned by the question. He was interrupted once again just as he was about to put the meat in his mouth. Irked, he first ate the meat and savored it.


    The crispy outer skin crunched under his teeth. Then came the hot and soft tenderness of the meat. The juices from the piece were released in his mouth, sending him to Foodie Nirvana.


    A secondter, Ikasa opened his eyes and looked at Chu Kuang who was still waiting for the answer.


    "Who said I wanted a Sense Trainer to manage the Shop?"


    "Eh?" Chu Kuang was taken aback. He quickly asked, "Then what about securityˇ­.?"


    After listening to this question, Ikasa understood what was the problem. Chu Kuang had made the assumption from the security point of view. So, he was not to be med.


    "You do not have to worry about it, Uncle Chu. I have already taken care of the problem. Whoever we send will be protected by the Nian n."


    Chu Kuang looked at Ikasa dubiously. He did not know much about the powers outside Birch City and Sal City. Hence, he had never heard of this Nian n.


    "Uncle Chu, their n Leader is a peak Chakra Sensing Realm Expert. They also have few other Path Finders as Elders."


    Xin Ruo supplemented the gaps in Chu Kuang''s information. Listening to the lineup, the eyes of Chu Kuang and Yin Ying widened. They looked at Ikasa to confirm what they had just heard.


    These people had very few interactions with Path Finders. So, they still held them in high regard. For them, what Ikasa did was unthinkable.


    They could not fathom how Gold Heart Business Group, a power without a single Path Finder, could ally themselves with the Nian n, who had multiple of them.


    "Why are you not telling them the most shocking piece of information?"


    Feng Yan asked Xin Ruo as he found a chance to retaliate. His words made Chu Kuang and Yin Ying brace themselves for another shock.


    The old man looked both of them in the eye and slowly said, "The guardian elder of the Nian n is a Chakra Opening Realm Expert. A genuine Chakra Sage!"


    Feng Yan announced the news as if he was the one who orchestrated the alliance. A gloating smile emerged on his face as he saw their jaws drop.


    No matter how Chu Kuang or Yin Ying prepared themselves, they were not ready to hear this big of a news.


    Chakra Opening Realm Experts were considered gods in tier-3 Cities. The number of people who have seen a Chakra Sage in these Cities could be counted on the fingers of one hand.


    Now, Feng Yan was saying that their shop will be protected by such a god-like existence?


    How could Chu Kuang believe it?


    He looked at Ikasa with askance. When he received his nod, the gaze in Chu Kuang''s eyes became even more fervent. His gaze was so respectful that Ikasa thought he might get down on his knees and worship him.


    Ikasa smiled and slightly shook his head.


    ''If these guys learned about the number of Chakra Sages in the He Family and the Zhen Family, they may be the first casualties of heart attack in the Cultivation World!''


    The information about these families was only known to Xin Ruo and himself. Chu Kuang only knew about the details of transactions.


    By revealing the power of the forces they were dealing with, Ikasa did not want to scare them witless.


    Chu Kuang took a few moments to calm his rapidly beating heart. Yin Ying had a more subdued reaction but her breathing was also heavy, belying her excitement.


    Ikasa quietly enjoyed his meat while Chu Kuang thought of a suitable candidate. After the meat in his te was all transferred to his stomach, Chu Kuang suggested a name.


    "I have one candidate. His name is Zhong Xi."

 Chapter 188 Zhong Xi

    The name elicited an intense reaction from Feng Yan. He stopped eating. With a slightly emotional voice, he asked, "The one-armed teen?"


    Chu Kuang nodded. Feng Yan leaned back in his chair as he remembered the reason Zhong Xi had lost his arm.


    Ikasa was confused as to who they were talking about.


    "Was it someone from your City guard team?" He asked, seeing their somber reactions.


    Feng Yan shook his head. "He is a teen we recruited in Birch City."


    Chu Kuang supplemented the answer and provided Ikasa with more clues that would help him pinpoint the identity of the person in question.


    "Remember the grandma whose store we brought to set up the Manual Shop in this City?"


    Ikasa clearly remembered the Grandma who had begged him to employ her grandson. She had been the one who had provided Ikasa the solution for theck of recruitment to his Private Force.


    Seeing Ikasa nod, Chu Kuang said, "Zhong Xi is the grandson of that old woman. After he lost his arm, he has been learning arithmetics from his father and grandmother."


    "Oh! That boy?"


    The memories of a big burly boy standing next to his short and fragile grandmother surfaced in his mind.


    He was only seventeen and yet his muscles were more pronounced than many of the City Guards. Next to his grandmother, he looked like a giant!


    In his memories, the teen had both his arms intact, so why were they calling him one armed teen?


    "How did he lose his arm?"


    Ikasa asked with concern in his voice. This time Feng Yan answered.


    "He lost his arm while trying to save me."


    His voice had returned to normal but his eyes still exposed the guilt in his heart.


    "Save you? How would a kid in the Path Forging realm save you?"


    Ikasa asked, baffled. One was a Sense Trainer with plenty of battle experience while the other was just a teen who had not been into many fights!


    Feng Yan took a long breath and began to exin the circumstances in which he needed to be saved.


    "When City Lord and you were trapped inside the Hu n, Hu Bei attacked usˇ­."


    He recounted the fight outside the Hu n to Ikasa. Feng Yan embellished some facts and exaggerated some events to make Zhong Xi and himself look good.


    Ikasa had known the Commander of Gold Heart Guardians long enough to be able to see through his bullshit. He summarized the entire encounter in one sentence.


    "So, Hu Bei shed at you, and Zhong Xi stepped in to save you?"


    Feng Yan noticed the piercing gaze from Ikasa and swallowed the words on his tongue. He did not argue and mutely nodded his head, agreeing with the young man''s summary.


    Ikasa was gued by another problem. He thought that he was reported to most of the events happening in the Gold Heart Business Group.


    He reproachfully asked Feng Yan, "Howe I didn''t know about the incident until today?"


    "We had sent him to the Physician to get his arm reattached immediately after the fight. So, you did not see him when you walked with the troopster."


    "Then why didn''t you tell me about this?"


    Feng Yan avoided Ikasa''s eyes and stayed silent. This meant that Feng Yan had forgotten to make a report about it.


    Ikasa pinched his forehead and closed his eyes for a moment. He opened his eyes and asked quietly, "What about thepensation amount?"


    The old man jumped at the opportunity to prove hispetence.


    "I gave him 100 gold and had him retire from the Gold Heart Guardians."


    Chu Kuang looked confused as that was not the right amount for the permanently disabled. Also, the supposedpensation was not recorded in his book of finances.


    Seeing this, Ikasa had an urge to palm his face.


    Feng Yan was a great militarymander. He was charismatic and could easily earn the respect of his soldiers but the paperwork was his bane.


    Ikasa realized this earlier but he ignored it because he was busy with other matters.


    However, the mistakes were piling up and he could not afford his sloppy paperwork as the GHBG grew in size.


    Ikasa decided that Feng Yan needed a babysitter to handle the administrative aspect of his job.


    "Uncle Chu, find a few administrative aides for Commander Feng. They will look after all the paperwork. Their sries will be deducted from the Commander''s."


    Ikasa requested Chu Kuang while ring at Feng Yan.<novelnext></novelnext>


    The Advanced stage Sense Trainer looked appalled by Ikasa''s decision. Still, he could not protest after having his mistakes exposed. He had to ept this decision quietly.


    "Also, how much less did Commander Feng pay Zhong Xi?" Ikasa asked Chu Kuang.


    "We had decided on a standard pay of 300 gold for any permanently disabled member and 1000 gold for a casualty."


    The young man nodded his head.


    "We will go over to Zhong Xi''s house tomorrow and offer him the job as well as pay him the remaining 200 gold."


    Just as Chu Kuang was about to close his books, Ikasa stopped him.


    "Also, give 100 gold to Commander Feng. This foolish old man must''vepensated Zhong Xi from his own pocket."


    Chu Kuang''s lips twitched as he remembered his days when he was the Vice Captain of Feng Yan''s team.


    Even though thepensation from the City Guards was generous, Feng Yan always made sure to add a few gold coins from his own pocket for the family of the deceased or disabled.


    This was the only reason why forty members of his team stormed the Wei Family manor and decided to follow Feng Yan to the slums.


    It was because they knew their families would be looked after if something were to happen to them. Their trust in Feng Yan was that solid.


    Chu Kuang nodded to Ikasa.


    Few leaders truly cared about their subordinates. Even fewer understood the capabilities and tendencies of those in their employ.


    In Chu Kuang''s eyes, Feng Yan fit the first criteria while Ikasa fit both. The bald man considered himself lucky to have met such leaders and for receiving an opportunity to serve them.


    Chu Kuang bade everyone night and stood up. When he turned to leave, a wide smile was on his lips but his eyes were misty from emotion.


    ˇŞ----------


    "Grandmother, I swear I will be back without any injuries! I can''t just stay in this dormitory all day!"


    Zhong Xi tried to convince his grandmother. He had a backpack over his shoulder and a staff in his hand. From his clothes, it seemed like he was about to enter the forest.


    "I forbid you, Zhong Xi! The forest is dangerous. Many able-bodied men have died out there, how will you be safe?"


    Though the older woman spared the words, her nce toward his missing left arm conveyed everything. A bitter smile formed on the teenager''s face as he noticed her gaze.


    Zhong Xi did not resent anyone nor did he regret his actions. Before he met Ikasa, he was roaming the forests to gather medicinal herbs so that he could cure his father''s injuries.


    The injuries that goons from the Hu n had inflicted.


    When his grandmother brought him to Ikasa, he was offered a chance for revenge. Ikasa had also promised to help cure his father and he had kept it.


    Sister Xin Ruo had brought them to Physician Leong and paid for the medicines until his father recovered. Since then, Zhong Xi had sworn his loyalty to Ikasa.


    He was prepared to sacrifice his life against the Sense Trainer Hu Bei. So, he considered himself lucky to have lost just his arm.


    Still, he was in his teens, his prime. He enjoyed time with his family but staying home all the time made him restless. He felt like he was living on someone else''s pity money.


    Zhong Xi learned arithmetics, hoping to reopen their shop. In their shop, they used to sellc and other forest products.


    Zhong Xi knew where to find them from his numerous trips to the forest. He decided to gather some and build a stock of goods.


    But when he was about to leave, he was caught by his grandmother. The teenager could not bear to see tears streaming from her eyes.


    With his one good hand, Zhong Xi wiped the tears.


    "Grandma, how will I find you a beautiful Granddaughter-inw if I am a useless bum? Please, don''t worry, and let me go. With your blessing, not even a hair on my body will be harmed."


    The grandmother cupped the stubbled face of the teenager. She was not coaxed by his words. Her eyes kept ncing at his missing arm.


    She shook her head violently.


    "No! I brought harm to you. I asked you to find a safe job but you enrolled in some private force. It is my fault I introduced you to that man. While I am alive, I don''t want to see any more harme to you."


    The olddy did not budge from her ce and blocked Zhong Xi''s way out.


    "Grandmother, don''t me Boss Ikasa. He is the reason we have a safe ce to live and good food to eat. He also treated my father when he didn''t have to. I am very grateful to him."


    Upon being reminded of the things Ikasa had done for them, the resentment in the olddy''s eyes diminished. Still, she med Ikasa and herself for Zhong Xi''s missing arm.


    Just as Zhong Xi was about to speak more, a mellow voice sounded from outside their dormitory room.


    "I am d to hear you are grateful to me, Zhong Xi. Because I have a job offer for you."

 Chapter 189 Path Finder Ikasa?

    The dinner with his top executives was very informative for Ikasa. The shock on Chu Kuang and Yin Ying''s faces was unforgettable.


    Their reaction was ttering and yet it also alerted Ikasa to possible dangers.


    He could not rely on just the words of a younger generation leader of the Nian n; Ikasa himself had to make some preparations too.


    ''I have the insurance from the Zhen Family. It is good as long as no one reads it into detail.''


    Ikasa said taking out the contract between himself and Zhen Wu.


    The contract clearly stated that any attack on Ikasa or his subordinates would be perceived as an attack on the Zhen family.


    Nowhere was it stated that the Zhen Family was bound to retaliate against the attacker.


    Ikasa had cleverly hidden the lower half of the contract when He Ding visited with ill intentions. Combined with Path Finder Zhen Ya taking action, the He Family fell for his bluff.


    Had He Ding read the guarantee contract in full and carefully, today the He''s would not be his most valuable partners but the biggest threat.


    ''I cannot rely on this piece of paper for too long.''


    Ikasa thought as he carefully rolled the contract and put it in his storage space.


    ''I do not have to worry about the He Family for now since they have tasted the sweetness of cooperating with me but the same cannot be said for other powers.''


    The recent enemies he had made came to his mind. The Su Family and the Mu Family.


    The prestige of the Zhen Family name would not be enough to protect him if the Mu Family got wind of his crime in the nar Rift.


    They were so belligerent that instead of protecting the Zhen Family itself would present his head on the tter to the Mu''s!


    ''If only I could find a way to borrow Mu Family''s nameˇ­''


    Ikasa sighed in his heart.


    Having experienced the terror people held towards those surnamed Mu, Ikasa realized that there could be no better protection than the surname of Mu.


    However, it also had its downsides.


    Many people would be reluctant to deal with him. The positive image he had built of GHBG would also crumble in an instant.


    ''I guess there is no way I can keep relying on others'' names to protect my business.''


    Ikasa thought while connecting to the printer. He quickly toggled to the Cultivation Page and gazed at his nearly full Pentagram.


    His Spiritual Sense was at 96 and all his physical senses had reached 50/50.


    ''If I get a good Chakra Sensing Realm Manual, I can advance to the Chakra Sensing Realm today itself!''


    This was hisst thought as Ikasa added the remaining 4 points to his Spiritual Sense,pletely lighting up the Star formed in his Pentagram.


    His vision darkened as a life-sized soul form of himself appeared in his mind.


    Ikasa felt as if he was seeing a picture of the cosmos as numerous red and blue gxies spun behind the Spiritual Body, far in the distance.


    Then something shocking happened before his eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>


    The humongous spinning gxies shrunk until they were just a speck of light and they disappeared into his soul form. As each dot of light disappeared into his body, a sparkling dot formed inside the white outline of his soul.


    The size of the soul also grew with every new dot of light added to his body. The white outline became so big that he could not see the head of the soul form despite looking upwards!


    The process gradually came to a stop. Ikasa moved backward until his eyes could see the white outline in its entirety.


    The entire body of the soul form was covered with twinkling light dots like a starry night sky. Of the numerous shining light dots, seven stood out.


    They were bigger and brighter than the rest. Strangely, these seven dots were aligned in a straight line along the vertebral column of his soul form.


    The brightest speck of light was located at the forehead of the Spiritual Body. Ikasa spotted the second brightest to be between the nose and the mouth.


    The third light spot was near the end of the throat and the fourth was at the sr plexus.


    The fifth, sixth and seventh lights were located along his stomach, belly button, and his groin.


    "These lights represent Chakras!"


    Ikasa had an instinctive realization. When he counted the total number of the bright dots on his body, he found they were exactly hundred and twenty-one!


    This confirmed his guess as there were a hundred and fourteen minor chakras and seven major chakras in any Spiritual Body.


    As Ikasa looked at the scattered dots of lights, he realized the meaning of Path Finding. He had to connect as many as these miniature gxies in a single stroke and form a coherent energy cirction cycle.


    This differed vastly from the Path Forging realm.


    During the Path Forging realm, he could focus on only a small portion of the body during exercise and let energy cleanse it. Even if Energy traveled twice on the same path during two different exercises, there was no issue.


    However, during Chakra Sensing Realm, he had to make sure that the Energy would not pass on the same route twice while connecting the chakras.


    It was strictly to be a one-way route or it may cause him to fall into cultivation deviation.


    Even so, Ikasa''s condition was much better as he could see the locations of Chakras clearly.


    Other Path Finders had to sense the approximate locations of chakras before they could start weaving them into a coherent energy cirction path.


    This was the main reason why this realm was known as the Chakra Sensing Realm.


    The humongous figure gradually shrunk and Ikasa returned to the Cultivation Screen of his user interface.


    The 121 light dots were clearly marked on a humanoid outline on the Cultivation page of the User Interface.


    The brightest of the chakra required 40 points to be marked on the path. 35 points for the second of the brightest chakras, 30 for the third, 25 for the fourth, and so on.


    Each minor chakra needed 5 points to be marked.


    Below the humanoid figure, the total number of points required for the Chakra Sensing realm was shown.


    0/745.


    Ikasa became excited as the meaning of this development sunk in.


    He had advanced to Chakra Sensing Realm without a Cultivation Manual!

 Chapter 190 [Bonus ] Finding Paths

    ''Judging from the diagram, I don''t have to submit a Cultivation manual as well! I can directly start adding CP!''


    The newly advanced Path Finder thought with glee.


    He chose a random Chakra and was about to press the [+] button that meant Add CP when he noticed something written below the button. Written in fine print, it was a cautionary warning!


    [The order you mark the Chakras cannot be changed. It will be your final Path. Please be careful when choosing each chakra to be marked.]


    This was the first time Ikasa received anything like a note or a caution from the User Interface. His excitement cooled as he retracted the finger that was about to add CP to a random chakra.


    "I have to think carefully before marking a Chakra. If I want to form a Cirction path involving all 121 Chakras, every step needs to be perfect. The first Chakra I choose will determine how many more Chakras I can cover in my path."


    Ikasa did not rush as he realized the importance of the first Chakra. He saw countless possibilities as each of the 121 Chakras had the potential to be his first chakra but not all of them could form a coherent cirction path involving all the other chakras.


    "Should I start at the bottom?" Ikasa thought as he eyed the chakras in the legs. Then his eyes moved upwards and his attention was drawn by the chakra in the upper body, "Or should I start from the top?"


    Ikasa became confused as he could not decide on any one chakra. He had numerous options. Top, center, or bottom? Major or Minor?


    Even if he could decide on the broad categories, he was spoilt for choice when choosing one specific chakra!


    The night was not getting any younger as Ikasa was lost in thought. At one point he had even drawn the humanoid figure with 121 chakras and started the game to line the dots!


    A few hourster, Ikasa crumpled another piece of paper and threw it in frustration. Naturally, he had failed to connect all 121 dots even after tens of attempts!


    He always missed twenty or so chakras in one limb or another. Not to mention his diagrams did not look like anything!


    Ikasa had the urge to let out a shout of frustration but considering the silence of the night, he controlled his impulse.


    Ikasa stopped this pointless endeavor and decided to check what had changed with his breakthrough.


    As soon as he toggled to the Print screen, an animation appeared. The shackle around the Level 3 broke and it shone with golden light before disappearing.


    "So, I can print the Path Finding Manuals now, huh?"


    Ikasa mumbled to himself. He first checked his Cultivation Points. 480/540.


    He was d to notice that the limit had increased from 490 to 540 with his breakthrough.


    Without further adieu, Ikasa opened the Targeted Printing option. He selected Level 3 of the Cultivation Manuals and clicked on Print.


    [Would you like to spend 8 CP for Targeted Printing of the Level 3 Cultivation Manual?]


    This single print cost him 8 cultivation points! Ikasa considered the higher costs as a consequence of specification and epted by clicking on the Yes button.<novelnext></novelnext>


    The Cloud Printer began to suck the energy with whirring sounds and soon a new manual was formed on the table.


    To Ikasa''s surprise, the manual formed this time was not in the form of a regr book. Instead, it was a folded map.


    [Congrats, you have obtained a High-Grade Chakra Chart, The Middle Finger.]


    Ikasa read the notification on the screen before him. He looked at the dark sky and sighed.


    "I should have asked Absolute of Water about who came up with these brilliant namesˇ­"


    Lamenting the missed chance, Ikasa picked up the book. On the first page, he saw what the name suggested, a monkey showing his middle finger.


    Ikasa shook his head and unfolded the chart inside. He noticed that 93 of the 121 chakras were connected to form a vague image of a middle finger. This path included every major Chakra and many other minor chakras as well.


    As he traced the start, Ikasa noticed that the first chakra was located near the thighs of the humanoid figure.


    It then moved up to the palm of the figure and skipped many of the Chakras in the middle before reaching the minor chakras around the brightest major chakra.


    Then it moved downwards connecting several minor chakras and the major chakras before moving to the other thigh of the humanoid outline.


    From there, it connected to the starting point andpleted the Cirction Path.


    Ikasa looked at the Chart and realized something. The Chakras could be skipped!


    The lines Ikasa drew on his paper were all straight and the dots only connected to the chakras in the immediate vicinity. He did not try to curve around other chakras.


    "Hmm! Maybe this approach could work."


    Ikasa thought as he got new ideas regarding how to approach his Cultivation Cycle epassing chakras. Ikasa immediately got to work as he tried out the new ideas on the paper.


    Even after the sky turned orange, Ikasa did not have a single good Chakra Chart!


    Ikasa looked at the rising sun with his bloodshot eyes and stopped his futile efforts. The night he had spent awake could be said to be fruitful and fruitless at the same time.


    He walked into the bathroom and picked up the tender stem of the neem tree that served as his toothbrush. His attention was drawn to the mirror on the wall.


    As the weather grew colder, the kids would breathe their hazy breaths on the surface of the mirror and y a game of ''connect the dots'' on it. The traces of their previous games were still visible on the mirror.


    "If I am unable to think of anything, what is stopping me from enlisting the help of the kids?"


    "In fact, why don''t I just make it into a City-widepetition? There is no way I won''t find a suitable design answer after that!"

 Chapter 191 Familial Love

    "Did you hear about the newpetition?"


    "The one where one has to connect the dots?"


    "Yes. They have posted the puzzles on every street. The Prize for the winners is also very generous!"


    "I never thought someone would offer 1000 gold coins for solving this silly puzzle."


    "That''s not all of it. You can also get a single use of any manual from the Ikasa''s Manuals Store! I heard that even the High Grade Cultivation Manuals are included in it."


    "Oh? I should definitely get my son to try the puzzle then. Instead of scribbling and ying out all day, he may as well secure his future."


    "Hehe! I already copied the puzzle for my daughter. Let''s see whose child wins."


    Ikasa shook his head helplessly as he saw the two middle aged mothers turn from friends to rivals in an instant.


    On his way to the Herb Garden, Ikasa heard these types of conversations numerous times.


    This was all because of the implementation of the idea he had this morning. The idea of turning his problem with Chakra Chart into a City widepetition!


    Soon, the news of the Connect the dots puzzlepetition had spread throughout the City like a wildfire. A few hours was all it took for thepetition to be the talk of the town.


    Now, the 15 thousand citizens of Birch City were working to solve the problem he faced. Ikasa hoped that someone would be able to find a solution before his departure.


    The carriage he was traveling in arrived at the Herb Garden without Ikasa''s notice. Chu Kuang greeted him at the gates of the residences.


    "Zhong Xi lives on the second floor with his grandmother and his father."


    Chu Kuang exined as he led Ikasa inside.


    The atmosphere of these dormitories hadpletely changed from thest time Ikasa had visited. The empty rooms were now filled with people.


    The entire dormitory was lively and chaotic. Sounds ofughter and quarrels were mixed together, making them indistinguishable from one another.


    Wet colorful clothes were hung on the guard rails for drying, making it seem like the dormitory was decorated for a festival.


    Ikasa took in the atmosphere of the dormitory and he was reminded of his childhood on Earth.


    His orphanage was also located in one of such crowded apartment buildings. The people there also quarreled over the smallest of things but they also did not hesitate to help one another when one needed it the most.


    "We are here, Master."


    Chu Kuang''s voice sounded in Ikasa''s ears, waking him up from his reverie. Ikasa gazed at the open door of the one room dormitory before him.


    An old woman blocked the path of the one armed young man. Judging from his getup, Ikasa thought he was going out to the forest.


    Their conversation fell in his ears as he neared their room. The grandmother sobbed as she shouted loudly,


    ".... It is my fault I introduced you to that manˇ­."


    Ikasa paused in his footsteps when he heard the grandmother say this.


    Usually, he was not the type to jump to conclusions. Maybe theck of sleep had impaired his better sense because the words of the grandmother hurt him.


    He did not care about anything she saidter as her loudly spoken words reverberated in his mind.


    "It is my fault I introduced you to that manˇ­"


    Ikasa mumbled as he clenched his fists. He pursed his lips as the smile on his face faded. Everything he had done for his people shed through his mind.


    The young business owner always strived to do right by his employees. He provided them a generous sry, an opportunity to advance in status and the best resources to aid their growth.


    So, when he heard these words, he felt a surge of anger.


    He questioned whether these people were worthy of his care; whether Zhong Xi was the right candidate to be the new shop owner.


    Just as Ikasa was about to turn around, he heard Zhong Xi speak.


    "Grandmother, don''t me Boss Ikasa. He is the reason we have a safe ce to live and good food to eat. He also treated my father when he didn''t have to. We should be grateful to him. I am grateful to him."


    The cold look in Ikasa''s eyes softened. Ikasa realized just how foolishly he was about to act just now.


    The grandmother had seen her grandson lose his arm while under his employ. She had sent her grandson to him so that he wouldn''t have to do any dangerous work anymore.


    Obviously, she would resent him a little. Also, she med not only him but also herself.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Instead of sympathizing and understanding her pain, Ikasa was about to act like the other pompous fools he despised. Though he could not alleviate her pain, he could easily resolve her resentment with a few simple words.


    Ikasa walked to the dorm with a smile and said, "I am d to hear you are grateful to me, Zhong Xi. Because I have a job offer for you."


    "Boss Ikasa!"


    Zhong Xi looked at Ikasa with a bright smile and a touch of awe. His grandmother also slowly turned to look at Ikasa, her eyes full ofplicated emotions.


    His loud voice had attracted the attention of their neighbors. The new employees and their families were curious to know what their Supreme Boss looked like.


    People began toe outside and stare at the only person they could not recognize.


    "He is so handsome and good looking!"


    "I heard he is a Sense Trainer alsoˇ­"


    "Handsome, powerful and wealthyˇ­ Whoever marries him will be the luckiest woman in this worldˇ­"


    "Don''t forget your husband is standing right here."


    Ikasa''s lips twitched slightly as he heard the ttering praises of his employees and their wives. When things started to get out of hand, he coughed and asked Zhong Xi, "Can Ie in?"


    Zhong Xi and his grandmother immediately recovered from their stupor and made way for Ikasa to enter their small room.


    Ikasa entered and took a seat on the small bed lying in the corner. Chu Kuang remained standing. Ikasa looked at the interior of the room and found it a tight squeeze.


    The bed upied most of the space in the room. In the other corner, some luggage was neatly stacked. A small wardrobe upied the space between the two corners.


    When Ikasa looked down, he noticed two futons rolled neatly under the bed. Then he looked at the remaining floor space. He could not imagine how a guy the size of Zhong Xi could probably fit in the remaining space.


    This was despite this room being one of thergest rooms avable in the dormitory!


    When these rooms were empty, they looked much more spacious. However, Ikasa now realized that they were nowhere big enough to amodate a family of three adults.


    He decided to do something about itter and focused on the task he came here for.


    Zhong Xi and his grandmother stood before him with anticipation while the neighbors crowded outside the door to see what was happening.


    "Zhong Xi, soon we will open a branch of Gold Heart Business Group in the tier-2 Elm City. Will you manage the shop there?"


    Hearing Ikasa''s proposal, Zhong Xi was pleasantly surprised. The burly teen almost instantly said ''yes'' when he saw his grandmother look at him with anxious eyes.


    After his mother passed away during childbirth, his grandmother had raised Zhong Xi. His father was often away so the bond between the grandson and the grandmother was very tight.


    For the older woman, Zhong Xi was a piece of her heart. The thought of sending him to a faraway City alone scared her.


    She knew how far any tier-2 City was from the City of Birch. She knew that once her grandson left this City, there was no way she would ever see him again before her death.


    The grandmother didn''t want him to go, but she also did not want to be the one to halt his progress.


    Zhong Xi looked at his grandmother and then at the calm face of Boss Ikasa. He scratched his head as he fell into a dilemma. He gathered courage and asked, "Can my father and grandmother apany me?"


    Ikasa didn''t even have to think about his request. He nodded immediately.


    A giant grin bloomed upon the teen''s face but he still seeked his grandmother''s permission. She did not immediately answer. Seeing the look on her face, Zhong Xi guessed his grandmother was lost in thought.


    And he was right.


    Hundreds of thousands memories about this City passed through the old woman''s head.


    Birch City was her birthce. She had lived here all her life. She found a man, got married and had children in this City. She had raised her son to adulthood and seen her grandson be born in this City.


    One day, she would also be buried in this City with her husband, her parents and her siblings. Yet, her grandson had changed her destiny.


    She would be going to a tier-2 City, something she had only heard rumors about in her youth. Her teenage dream woulde true at the ripe age of 80, because of her grandson and the young man sitting before them.


    The olddy wiped her slightly misty eyes and a beaming smile appeared on her face.


    Zhong Xi took it as her consent and cheerfully answered, "Boss, Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will not let you down."


    Ikasa got up from his seat and patted Zhong Xi on his shoulder.


    "Make the necessary arrangements. We will depart tomorrow."

 Chapter 192 Home Loans And Yijian Sword

    The news of the arrival of Ikasa in Zhong Xi''s house had spread throughout the residentialplex of the Herb Garden. People began toe outside their houses to catch a glimpse of their young boss.


    Even the crowd outside Zhong Xi''s door doubled and tripled in numbers. Everyone wanted to know what their benefactor looked like.


    They wanted to confirm with their own eyes whether he had six arms and three eyes!


    Themotion outside did not escape Ikasa''s notice. He had not left immediately as he had not yet settled the matter ofpensation for Zhong Xi.


    Eying the crowd outside, Ikasa decided to turn it into a small ceremony to boost the morale of his people. He told Chu Kuang about his idea and the bald man went into action straight away.


    Soon, Ikasa and Zhong Xi were standing in the open space at the center of the residential area of the Herb Garden. Therge Honeygold Tree served as the perfect backdrop for the two men.


    Thousands of eyes watched them from the doors and windows and the balconies. Ikasa skipped the introductions and straightaway started to talk about Zhong Xi.


    "Zhong Xi, you got injured when you bravely stepped forward to save Commander Feng."


    Ikasa spoke with a loud voice. His maic voice reached every person in the audience.


    "Even when the opponent was an Advanced Sense Trainer, you did not hesitate in your action."


    These words made the Gold Heart Guardians and their families gasp. They looked at the one armed teen with gazes full of awe and respect.


    "For your immense courage and for your sacrifice, Zhong Xi, you will be awarded 300 gold coins and a house of his choice."


    The rewards blew the minds of the audience. They began to look at each other with disbelief, wondering whether they heard things correctly. They erupted into chatter as their hands pped for Zhong Xi.


    "Did he say, three hundred gold coins not silver coins?"


    "Yes. Gold coins. That brat Zhong Xi is rich now!"


    "More importantly, he also has the right to choose a house!"


    The rewards made many people salivate.


    One of the wives looked at her husband usingly, asking with her eyes, "Why didn''t you lose an arm trying to save Commander Feng?"


    The husband of this wife was left speechless.


    ''Damn woman! Just because you want a bigger house you want me to lose my arm?!''


    He cursed in his heart and med his mother, wondering what kind of toxic wife she found for him.


    On the second floor of theplex, a few of the maidens nearing the age of marriage were watching the ceremony downstairs. They were looking at Ikasa with dreamy eyes but now the subject of their attention was Zhong Xi.


    The prize money and praise Zhong Xi received made their eyes shine. When they heard he would also be receiving a house, suddenly he became very appealing.


    "Now that I think about it, he is not so bad looking."


    "Yes. His missing arm is also a mark of bravery!"


    "He would be a great husband."


    In their minds, Ikasa was a celebrity far out of their reach but Zhong Xi was a much more realistic target.


    Their gazes became hot when looking at the one-armed teen. A few naughty ones also winked in his direction.


    Sensing their hot gazes, Zhong Xi''s ears turned red. Quite a few of these girls had rejected Zhong Xi because of his one arm. Yet, today they were eager to throw themselves at him.


    This was all possible because of Ikasa. The one armed teen looked at Ikasa with gratitude. His voice was choked up because of emotions.


    Overwhelmed, he turned to look in the direction of his grandmother and father.


    A proud smile graced their lips even as a few tears of joy escaped from their eyes. They pped the hardest, with wide grins.


    Ikasa gently wrapped his arms around the shoulders of the overwhelmed teen and handed him the heavy money bag filled with gold.


    "When we reach Elm City, you can find a house for you."


    Ikasa whispered, lightly pushing Zhong Xi towards his father and grandmother. He was heartened by the looks of joy and genuine gratefulness in the eyes of this family.


    The misgivings he had of his employees being ungrateful were also dissolved. When the sound of apuse gradually came to halt, Chu Kuang came to his side.


    "Uncle Chu, is it possible?" Ikasa asked Chu Kuang about something he had mentioned in Zhong Xi''s house.


    Chu Kuang nodded and stepped back, letting Ikasa make the announcement. The spectators immediately became quiet as they saw Ikasa open his mouth to speak.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "It hase to my notice that these rooms are not big enough for many of your families. Hence, there will be a few changes in the current contribution point system."


    "The veterans of the Gold Heart Guardians will be given a discount of 20% when buying houses on the Monstrous me Peak. Those withrger families will be given priority."


    "A veteran of Gold Heart Guardian who retired due to permanent disability will only have to pay 50% of the amount when purchasing a house."


    This brought out another gasp. A few wives looked at their husbands critically, wondering without which body part they would still find their husbands appealing.


    The pressure in their gazes was so heavy that their husbands shivered. These poor men had no ce to vent their grievances. They silently cursed Ikasa and their wives in their hearts.


    "Any employee of the Gold Heart Business Group can also get a house on the Monstrous me Peak."


    The eyes of every employee and their families trained on Ikasa and their ears perked.


    "You only need to pay 20% of the amount at the start. A set amount of Gold Heart points will be deducted from your sry every month until the cost of the house is paid in full. You can contact Manager Chu Kuang for more details."


    Ikasa was basically introducing home loans to this world! Except in this case he himself was the bank and the builder!


    His naive and ignorant employees fell for his ploy. Their eyes shone as praises for Ikasa flowed continuously from their mouths.


    With this single impromptu event, Ikasa had won the hearts of every Gold Heart Guardians and their families.


    And best thing of all, it cost him almost nothing!


    Amidst the cheers of his subjects, Ikasa departed from the Herb Garden.


    ˇŞ--


    In the only smithy of Birch City, a joyous cheer of a middle aged man resounded from the furnace room.


    "Finally! My first Veined weapon!"


    Gu Dan had just finished sharpening the edge of his shining longsword.


    The de of the sword was slightly longer than his arm. It tapered towards the tip which was as pointed as an arrow head.


    "Beautiful!"


    Gu Dan eximed as he saw the piercing cold light glinting off from the sharp edge of the sword.


    After studying it carefully, he decided to test the sword. The cksmith ced a thick rectangr wooden block on the anvil and stepped back.


    He gripped the handle of the sword with both his hands and focused on the wooden block.


    "It is the moment of truth."


    Gu Dan mumbled as he chopped down. The sword cut through the block without any effort! Not only the wooden block was cut cleanly in two halves, but the strike also left a shallow mark on his iron anvil!


    The cksmith was incredibly happy with the results. He looked at the sword with joy and contemtion. He eyed the metal ores piled in one corner.


    Picking up one of therger ones, he ced it on the anvil.


    "Haiyah!"


    Gu Dan brought down the sword with little more force, expecting it to be stuck in the ore. He was proved wrong. The Sword got stuck, but not in the ore. It cleanly sliced the ore and half of the anvil.


    The forger was shocked by his own creation. He removed the sword and checked its edges to see whether they were chipped.


    Except a very minute dent, the sword was not damaged at all!


    "This is a great sword. As my first veined weapon, I will call it the yijian Sword."


    Gu Dan mumbled as he lovingly traced the spine of the sword until he reached the crossguard. He was proud of every aspect of the sword and this crossguard as one of them.


    It was shaped like a horizontal C with the open side facing outwards. If a weapon struck the de near the cross-guard, the wielder of this sword could hook the attacking weapon and yank it out of his opponent''s hands.


    Gu Dan had never made such a crossguard before but the manual helped him optimize and explore new paths.


    The cksmith then carefully sheathed the sword inside a red scabbard with purple stripes. This scabbard was made from the hide of a Spiritual Beast and this alone had cost him 200 Gold!


    Once the sword was sheathed,


    Gu Dan hurriedly cleaned up and rushed to the Vi, excited to show off his creation to the Brothers and Boss!

 Chapter 193 Departure

    Cleanly cut branches and leaves were strewn across the grounds of Ikasa''s vi. A number of trees and bushes had been cut haphazardly, ruining the efforts of Caretaker Han and the gardener.


    "Hahaha! This is a good sword but it is not as good as my Bloody Eye Halberd."


    Feng Yanughed as he handed the Yijian back to Gu Dan. The face of thetter twisted when his Spiritual Weapon waspared to a Mortal Weapon. After all, the two were not even in the same league!


    As he sheathed the sword, the forger mockingly muttered,"How can a Sense Trainer unleash the might of a Veined Weapon? This is like expecting a donkey to appreciate the taste of jaggery."


    Feng Yan''s eyes narrowed and he immediately grabbed Gu Dan in a headlock. Knocking his head with his knuckles, the old man menacingly growled.


    "You have grown quite bold, Xiao Dan. Using idioms to mock your Senior, huh? Should I knock some sense into you?"


    Just as Gu Dan was preparing a snarky remark, the old man tightened the grip. Gu Dan choked on his words as he tried to get Feng Yan to loosen the grip on his neck.


    "Iˇ­ amˇ­ sorry, Senior Feng."


    The cksmith barely managed to spit out words. Satisfied, Feng Yan let the man loose. Gu Dan took deep breaths as he red at Feng Yan with fear and frustration.


    During their scuffle, the scabbard had slipped from his hand and fell to the ground. Yan Xiao picked it up and noticed a mark on the pommel of the sword.


    Two hammers were crossed against each other and a tiny lightning bolt struck their hammer-heads. The workmanship was a little crude but Yan Xiao could clearly feel the protrusions and the grooves as he traced it with his finger.


    "What is this, Teacher?"


    Yan Xiao asked, indicating the mark on the Sword. His question drew the attention of Gu Dan and others present there.


    "That is my mark of identity."


    Gu Dan spoke proudly as he received the Sword from Yan Xiao. The youngd and the other teens were still confused.


    "Every Master cksmith leaves his personal mark on the weapons he creates. This will be the mark of your teacher in the future."


    Gu Dan exined, causing Feng Yan to chuckle.


    "You sure dream big, Xiao Dan. You haven''t even made a single decent Spiritual Weapon and you are already thinking of yourself as a Master cksmith."


    Feng Yan teased, making Gu Dan fluster with frustration. Their childish disy came to a stop when Ikasa arrived.


    "cksmith Gu, are you sure you don''t want toe to Elm City?"


    Ikasa asked the middle aged man for thest time. He had already decided on the group that would be leaving for Elm City.


    Xin Ruo was a permanent member of his excursion group. From the kids, only Luo Qiqi, Chu Qing and Yan Xiao expressed any interest in apanying Ikasa.


    Hei Ying stayed back to learn under Uncle Chu while Pei Yuan was training with Yin Ying. Moony was conflicted as to who he should go with but he ultimately chose to train with Pei Yuan and Hei Ying.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Feng Yan also stayed back as Ikasa had instructed him to recruit a few more members into the Gold Heart Guardians and expedite their training.


    Surprisingly, there was a new member who decided to join them. Bu Fan, the culinary genius. He expressed his desire to travel in order to experience new cuisines and enrich his pte.


    Ikasa had no reason to refuse his request. His inclusion meant Luo Qiqi would have a partner on her foodie adventures.


    Thest person left was Gu Dan. Ikasa wanted the cksmith to apany him as he was the only expert on metals and ores under his employ.


    In case, Ikasa met a merchant who had a few extra Weapon grade ores for sale, Gu Dan would prove to be very important in determining their quality.


    Gu Dan shook his head, refusing to apany Ikasa once again.


    ? "You are bringing Yan Xiao with you. After awakening his Spiritual Hearing, that little guy can differentiate the trash from the good better than me. There is no need for me to waste my time on this trip. I might as well make one more Veined Weapon while my inspiration is still flowing!"


    Ikasa looked at the youngest Sense Trainer with a hint of astonishment. He had no idea the young boy had progressed to such a level even after missing lessons for a month.


    Yan Xiao shied away from his Teacher''s praise and Ikasa''s gaze and modestly tried to deny it.


    "I am not as good as you sayˇ­"


    Gu Dan patted his shoulder and with a loud chuckle assured him.


    "Believe in yourself. You don''tck skill, you just need some confidence."


    Ikasa smiled at the advice Gu Dan offered Yan Xiao. He had noticed the same but he would rather let Yan Xiao stumble along the path and realize it himself.


    After all, the confidence built from experiences was stable and not fickle.


    Ikasa pped his hands once and led everyone back to the front yard of the Vi. Three carriages were waiting for them.


    In one of therge carriages, Zhong Xi and his family sat with Bu Fan. The other carriage was reserved for Ikasa, Xin Ruo, and the Kids.


    Thest small carriage carried the luggage belonging to Zhong Xi and his family.


    Once everyone was settled, the gates of the Vi opened. As the orange glow of the morning sun became golden, the carriages pulled by two horse beasts each exited the gates.


    When they passed the Western Gate of the City, a nervous excitement began to sh in Ikasa''s eyes. This was the first Tier-2 City he was going to visit. From the things he had heard from He Ling and other merchants, Ikasa was curious to know just how advanced a Tier-2 City was aspared to a Tier-3 City.


    Ikasa looked in the direction of his final destination for this journey and quietly muttered,


    "Elm City. here Ie!"

 Chapter 194 Dont Involve The Outsiders

    The estate of the Zhen Family covered a vast expanse ofnd in Oak City. No other building could match its grandeur in the City, not even the County Governor''s Manor.


    Area upied by this Estate was sorge that even the entire inner-city of any Tier 3 City would seem smaller inparison.


    In the north eastern area of this vast estate, there was a three storeyed courtyard. The entirety of the third floor of this courtyard was converted into a cultivation chamber.


    Fragrant smoke curled up from a lit agarwood incense. The smoke danced to the rhythmic breathing of the old man meditating in the chamber.


    The frail figure had a long mustache and a thin silky white beard reaching upto his chest. He sat in the lotus position with his eyes closed, trying to feel the energy inside his body.


    This figure belonged to none other than the Second Elder of the Zhen Family, Zhen Fa.


    Suddenly, his eyelids twitched and his eyes flew wide open. His dark murky pupils cleared as he hurriedly got up and rushed outside the courtyard.


    Up in the sky of the courtyard, Zhen Fa saw a man slowly descend towards the ground. A green lotus bloomed under his every step and supported his weight.


    The eyes of Zhen Fa widened as he recognized the martial skill.


    "Verdant Lotus Steps! The figure in the sky is a Chakra Sage from the Mu Family?"


    He mumbled with shock. Indeed his guess was correct.


    The person arriving at his courtyard was a Chakra Opening Realm Expert, someone the people of Tier-3 Cities venerate as gods!


    The figure of the woman gentlynded on the ground. Zhen Fa felt a slight oppression and fear when he saw her cold gaze. But this was not the first time he was seeing a Chakra Sage. He regained hisposure and approached her with a smile.


    "What brings this esteemed Sage of the Mu Family to my humble abode?"


    Zhen Fa may not have identified the woman but he recognized the signature skill belonging to the Sages of the Mu Family. Hence, he was extremely polite when speaking to her.


    "Path Finder Zhen, do you not know why I am here?"


    The woman asked with a chilly tone. Zhen Fa helplessly smiled while cold sweat ran down his back.


    ''The only intersection Zhen Family had with the Mu Family was through Mu Shi. It seems that this woman is here to demand an exnation.''


    The Second Elder thought as he pursed his lips.


    His silence irked the Sage and her patience ran thin. A wild green aura pressed down on Path Finder Zhen, causing his face to turn red and knees to buckle.


    "You sent my grandson to the nar Rift in Beech City! Exin to me why his soul te has shattered?"


    Astonishingly, this gorgeous woman who looked no older than twenty was a grandmother of a man in his 30s!


    The Second Elder sneaked a peek at her beautiful appearance with slight shock but he had nothing to report to her. So, he stayed quiet.


    When the second elder still did not answer her, she increased the pressure by a notch. This caused the old man to suffer from a splitting headache. He felt as if thousands of thorns were piercing his brain!


    The dignified second Elder of a County ss force kneeled on the ground and lowered his head as he begged the woman to retract her aura.


    "I am sure that the respected Sage also received the news. Iˇ­ I have nothing new to report."


    Aura from the Chakra Opening Realm Expert receded as it was never there. The Second Elder felt a piercing gaze of the old woman in young body. He did not dare to lift his head and meet her eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>


    A few breathster, he heard a coldmand.


    "Recount to me everything you know."


    The old man tried to get up from his knees when another st of pressure pressed him to the ground.


    "Did I permit you to stand?"


    Hearing the chill voice, the Second Elder could only grit his teeth and endure the humiliation.


    He told her everything, except for Path Finder Qian Bu''s spection. He still harbored a tiny hope of winning the favor of the Mu Family if he found out the real culprit himself.


    A few moments passed but Zhen Fa did not hear any reply from the Chakra Sage. He slightly raised his head to get a glimpse of her face.


    Unfortunately, his shifty eyes met the cold gaze of the Chakra Sage. The Second Elder felt a shiver run down his spine. That gaze held killing intent.


    "The Su Family, huh?"


    A long timeter, the Second Elder heard her whisper. Then suddenly he felt a swoosh of wind. When he lifted his face, it was pped by her billowing robe as she jumped up into the air.


    Watching her diminishing figure, Zhen Fa breathed a sigh of relief.


    Just as he was about to get up, he felt a familiar aura press down on him keeping him kneeling. This aura possessed a hint of heavy water energy. It caused the ugly face of the Zhen Fa contort with rage.


    "Patriarch! What are you doing?"


    Zhen Fa shouted, looking in the direction of the newly arrived figure. He was his elder brother, the Patriarch of the Zhen family, Zhen Yu.


    "I didn''t hear you shout when that little girl who had merely opened her first Chakra pressed you down? Did your old bones perhaps enjoy it?"


    Zhen Yu asked, ridiculing the pitiful condition of his younger brother.


    Patriarch Zhen had shed his mortal body and regained his youth by opening the seventh andst Chakra of the Chakra Opening Realm. This was the reason why he looked younger despite being older than Zhen Fa.


    The Path Finder red hatefully at his brother. He was the target he always wanted to surpass.


    But Zhen Fa knew there was no hope for him to do it in his life that was nearing its end. So he hoped his son would inherit the position of Sessor of the Zhen Family, letting him have at least onest victory over his brother.


    This was the reason he had decided to collude with the Mu family. Yet, he had been caught, that too in this embarrassing position.


    Soon, the pressure on him reduced and then dissipated. A hand helped him up from the ground.


    "Brother Fa, I know you want to surpass me. I know you covet the position of the Sessor for your son, but keep the matters of family within the family."


    The Patriarch spoke with a warm smile, patting the dust off from the embarrassed Second Elder''s robes. Then suddenly, his tone became very chilly and sharp as a warning escaped from his lips.


    "Don''t involve the outsiders."


    Nodding meaningfully at Zhen Fa, the Patriarch then leisurely stepped into the air with his hands behind his back and returned to his Courtyard.

 Chapter 195 Value Of Money

    A boulder broke apart from the mountain face and rolled down the rusty red cliff as three carriages traveled on the narrow road. Three young and weary faces looked out from the window of the carriage.


    They could see a vast expanse of red and green colors extend as far as their eyes could see. These were not flowers or fruits, these were the leaves of the trees in the Daruka Forest.


    Ikasa and hispany had traversed through this forest for the past three weeks. . Now, they were in the Darumaka Mountain Range, just a day''s journey away from reaching their destination.


    The carriage turned left, following the road winding around the mountain. Scenery before the eyes of the kids also changed with the change in direction.


    "Is that the City of Elm?"


    Pointing at the uniform skyline in the distance, Luo Qiqi asked Ikasa. Hearing her question, Ikasa and Xin Ruo also peeked out from the window of the carriage.


    Upon closer inspection, Ikasa realized that the ckish brown structure was actually the City Wall of Elm City.


    "That City Wallˇ­ It must be at least twice as tall as the walls of Birch City!"


    Xin Ruo eximed as she too identified the structure towering over the dense forest cover. Next to the wall, the tall trees of the forest looked like shrubs and bushes!


    "This is to be expected."


    Ikasa spoke as his astonishment faded.


    "The Elm City is actually an important military stronghold of the Holy Wood Empire to guard against the Furnace Fire Empire. When the peace persisted between the two, it waster converted into a trading post between the two Empires."


    Ikasa exined to his curiouspanions He had learned this info during the social gatherings in Beech City.


    He had an idea of what to expect but hearing and seeing it with your own eyes left a very different impact.


    The young man turned his attention back to the City Walls.


    As their carriage ascended higher along the mountain path, the upants of the carriage got a clearer view of the area around the boundary of the Elm City.


    The forest around the area near the City Wall was cleared. Through the clearing, a long line of carriages inched towards the city extending from the gates to the forest road.


    These tiny dots of the carriages looked like a line of ants marching to the sugar.


    As soon as Ikasa saw the road, he knew they were just a two hours journey away from Elm City. The wide road through the forest connected directly to the descending mountain road.


    Seeing their destination approach closer, excitement appeared in the tired and weary eyes of the kids. In their final stretch of their journey, Ikasa began to instruct them on some very important do''s and don''ts.


    "Qiqi, you are not allowed to wander off on your own in search of food. If you are going anywhere, you need to inform either Sister Xin Ruo or me. Also, Bu Fan will always apany you."


    Ikasa sternly warned the most likely troublemaker of the group. Not only did she have a cute and lovely appearance that may arouse desires of some pedophiles, her tongue was equally sharp.


    It was better to have a sensible man like Bu Fan chaperone her.


    Ikasa then handed arge bag full of coins to Chu Qing.


    "This bag contains exactly One thousand gold coins."


    A giant smile bloomed on his face as Chu Qing greedily took the bag. He protectively hugged the money pouch near his chest and looked at Ikasa with a bewildered expression, confused by his change of heart.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "I fulfilled your wish. Are you happy now?"


    Ikasa asked with a smile. Seeing the smile, Chu Qing had an ominous foreboding. His grip on the bag tightened as he cautiously answered ''Yes''.


    "You will be responsible for all our expenditures in Elm City. Food, Inn, any small misceneous purchases; all of them will be paid for by you. Understood?"


    Chu Qing''s face fell.


    "This- This is cheating! I asked for a thousand gold for myself."


    As if ready for hisints, Ikasa whipped out his small diary and showed the exact words that Chu Qing wrote.


    "I want a thousand gold. Not in the bank but in my hands."


    Smiling, Ikasa kept the diary back into his storage space.


    "Your wish is, hence, fulfilled."


    Ikasa said pointing his chin to the bag Chu Qing held tightly to his chest.


    A thousand gold was not arge sum to Ikasa anymore but it was still a significant amount for the kids.


    This did not mean Ikasa was against the kids possessing such a huge amount. He just wanted them to understand the value of each of those gold coins.


    In his time on Earth, he had seen many rich second generations be spoiled because they didn''t value the money their parents had earned with their sweat and blood. He did not want Chu Qing and others to be this world''s version of spoiled young masters.


    Just like he had braved dangers and matched wits against much much powerful opponents, Ikasa also wanted the kids to suffer through some hardships. Even if he had to give them hundreds of thousands of gold coins for their efforts, Ikasa would then happily hand it over.


    Because then these teens would''ve earned those coins.


    Right now, Ikasa still thought that Chu Qing did not deserve a sum asrge as 1000 gold. A hundred? Sure! But not a thousand.


    So, when Chu Qing''s face fell, Ikasa immediately threw him a bone.


    "Let me give you a fair offer. When we leave the City, whatever is left in that bag will belong to you. Butˇ­"


    The first half of the sentence made Chu Qing''s face light up like a firecracker in the night sky. However, his joysted just as long as the light of the fire cracker.


    Hearing the "But", Chu Qing schooled his face and looked at Ikasa apprehensively.


    "But if the money in that bag is all spent, the rest of the amount of expenditure will be deducted from your ount. Do you dare to ept the offer?"


    Chu Qing quickly began to calcte their possible expenses. Things like the home Ikasa would buy for Zhong Xi, things purchased in the auction house or deals made with merchants for Weapon Ores were not counted in this bet.


    ''Just how much can rooms and food cost? Even if we are 6 people, and we stayed for over a week, the expenses would be around 600 gold! I can thus keep the rest 400!''


    Chu Qing thought as his eyes brightened. He firmly looked at Ikasa and agreed to the bet!

 Chapter 196 The Difference Between A Tier!

    The carriage had descended down the mountain and sped down the forest road while Ikasa and Chu Qing decided on the terms of their bet. Beasts and their drivers alike were looking forward to reaching their destination and having a long rest.


    Soon, the three carriages from Birch City slowed as they also joined the line of numerous other vehicles waiting to enter the City Gates.


    They had to wait for a long time as the queue moved at a snail''s pace. When Ikasa''s carriages joined the line, it was noon. But when their turn came, the sky had already turned orange.


    The reason for the dy became obvious when they neared the first gate.


    Unlike the tier-3 cities, where the City Guards at the gates were merely for decoration, the Guards here strictly checked each person and recorded their soul signature.


    Ikasa and everyone in their group also had to drop a drop of blood on the strange artifact that registered the Soul signatures.


    This artifact looked like a kettle yet its opening was too wide to be considered one. The spout was carved like the mouth of an eastern dragon with its forked tongue sticking out.


    After Ikasa dropped the blood inside the opening, the amethyst eyes of the dragon glowed for a moment before bing lifeless again. The soldier paid it no heed as if it was routine and called out next, registering others the same way.


    Once their registrations wereplete, Ikasa and their carriages were allowed to move past the first gate. But soon they were stopped at the second checkpoint.


    "Do you have the permit?"


    A gruff voice of a grumpy guard asked the coach driver. He shook his head.


    Ikasa immediately deboarded the carriage with Chu Qing and said, "We will pay the entrance fee. These three carriages are with me."


    Seeing a cooperative person, the guard smiled slightly at Ikasa and showed him ten fingers.


    "10 gold per person?"


    Chu Qing asked with confusion. Ikasa corrected him and said, "100 gold per carriage."


    The smile on the face of the soldier widened. He had to deal with many obstinate people who tried to use their connections to get out of paying this small fee.


    People like Ikasa who understood the rules were like refreshing breeze.


    The soldier may be happy but Chu Qing was not. He was horrified as he looked at Ikasa. 300 gold of the mere thousand he received would be spent just like that!


    He looked reluctant and was about to haggle but Ikasa whispered in his ears.


    "100 Gold is a discount price. He can raise it if you annoy him."


    Chu Qing swallowed the words on his tongue and paid the coins even as his heart-ached.


    ''It''s okay. I still have 700 gold. If I don''t let anyone spend carefreely, I can still save some gold.''


    The young boy consoled his pained heart as the pouch hanging on his waist became lighter.


    When Ikasa was about to be seated, the soldier gave a friendly reminder.


    "If you don''t want to attract trouble, don''t use these carriages around the Northern and Eastern streets."


    Ikasa noticed his disdainful emphasis on the words ''these carriages.'' Though the face of the Coach Driver turned ugly, Ikasa did not take offense to his advice. There must be a reason for him to say such words.


    The astute businessman cupped his fist as a thanks. Then he muttered to Chu Qing, "Give him 10 gold coins."


    Though reluctant, Chu Qing paid the guard 10 gold under the intense re of Ikasa.


    A smile bloomed on the face of the guard. He respectfully cupped his fist and said, "If you encounter any problems, don''t hesitate to look for Song Po in the City Guard office. He will solve any of your problems for the right price."


    With this final tip, the man in leather armor went to the carriage behind Ikasa. Ikasa and his people faced no further obstructions as they entered the City.


    As soon as they entered the city, Ikasa heard the horse beasts neigh with joy. It did not take him long to understand the reason.


    Beasts were more sensitive to changes in energy density. Compared to outside, the energy was much more abundant inside the city.


    In fact, the energy density in the air was on par with the density of energy in the Monstrous me Sect''s training grounds!


    It only grew as they approached the central area of the City. When they reached the inn rmended by Sang Yi, Ikasa could feel his Spiritual Body be bloated as it absorbed energy like a starved child.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "No wonder He Ling was so dissatisfied with the environment of the Monstrous me Sect. If I lived here for all my life and had to go to a Tier-3 City, I would be dissatisfied too."


    Ikasa murmured as he got down from the carriage. The Inn before him looked nothing fancypared to some of the buildings he saw on the way here.


    It was built from simple white stone and wood and looked even smaller than his Vi in size. Unimpressed by its exterior, Ikasa entered the Pleasant Dream Inn without many expectations.


    As soon as he pushed the door open, he was floored. The interior of the ce was simply stunning!


    Upgraded versions of the Moon Pearls, the Sun Pearls floated above each table, illuminating them in a warm glow.


    These Sun Pearls could be formed only when an Spiritual Condensation stage Oyster mutates and can absorb the fire-attribute energy. Thus, chances of finding a Sun Pearl were one in a million!


    Yet, he saw sixteen Sun Pearls casually levitating in the air. This was not the only thing that caused him to be surprised.


    The soft carpet on the floor also emitted faint spiritual energy. When Ikasa stepped on it, a thinyer of air separated his foot from the actual surface of the carpet.


    This basically made it spill-proof and dirt-proof!


    Just as Ikasa was marveling at the wonders of this inn, he noticed a youngdy exit from the door behind the counter. Ikasa immediately reined in his excitement and casually walked to the counter.


    Putting on his charming smile, Ikasa politely greeted thedy.


    "Hello, miss. Are there any rooms avable?"


    Thedy politely returned his smile while scanning Ikasa from head to toe. His garments were better than the most but not quite in the same league as the clientele of this inn.


    Her eyes paused at the worn out bracelet on his dominant wrist for a second and she came to a decision.


    "Sorry Sir. We are booked to full for this week."


    Ikasa was not naive enough to not notice her contemtive gaze but he was helpless. He did not have ess to a better looking Space Storage Device.


    He clicked his tongue as he loudly expressed hismentation.


    "What a pity. Young Master Sang Yi rmended this inn to me. Guess I should find another ce."


    From the corner of his eyes, he saw the expression of thedy behind the counter change.


    "Sang Yi sent you? Are you perhaps the owner of Gold Heart Business Group, Ikasa?"


    ''To be able to address Sang Yi informally, thisdy must either be close to him or of a high social status.''


    Ikasa thought as he nodded. A small smile came to her face as she immediately said,


    "I apologize. I am Yao Ya. Had I known your identity, I would''ve directly brought you to the room that Master Sang Yi asked me to reserve for you."


    She came out from behind the counter and led Ikasa to the rooms upstairs. She opened a room and showed him the interior.


    A faint aroma wafted into his nose as soon as he entered the room. It was decorated asvishly as the Tavern downstairs.


    The mattress on the king sized bed looked incredibly soft. On one side of the bed was a dressing table while on the other side there was a study table with a chair.


    Each of them shined in a deep green color. When Ikasa neared the bed, he discovered the source of fragrance.


    The Pillows.


    Noticing his gaze, Yao Ya came forth and exined, "These pillows are made from the feathers shed by the Dream Swan, a Foundation Establishment stage beast! The aroma not only enhances your sleep quality, but also prevents nightmares. This is the specialty of our inn."


    A hint of pride could be heard from her words. Ikasa responded to her prideful exnation with appropriate amount of awe, pleasing her and improving her impression of Ikasa.


    "I like this room." Ikasa said, causing Yao Ya to smile. Just as she was about to take her leave, she heard Ikasa speak causing the smile on her face to freeze.


    "Can I get two more of these rooms?"

 Chapter 197 So Cheap?!

    The casual way Ikasa demanded for two more rooms left Yao Ya stunned.


    In all her years as the Innkeeper, she had seen many powerful people from the Tier-3 Cities. Though they were considered big shots back in their Cities, few dared to unt that status in a Tier-2 City.


    Each one of them, without fail, was awed by the decorations in the Tavern. Just like Ikasa.


    When they heard about the Dream Swan feathers, they would either treat her with utmost respect or brashly order her around to satisfy their low self-esteem.


    Yao Ya thought this young man would be no different. She thought that he would be intimidated by the opulence of Pleasant Dream Inn.


    He would consider it his great honor to be able to live in such an inn. But nothing of such happened.


    On the contrary, he showed no signs of being ufortable. It was as if he was actually returning to his natural environment after being away from it for a long time!


    Without waiting for her answer Ikasa had made himselffortable on the bed. Seeing his expression of happiness, Yao Ya wondered if her assumptions about this man were wrong.


    She decided to probe a little more.


    "Owner Ikasa, Sang Yi only reserved one room."


    Leaning against the pillows, he rested his head on his arm. Then, Ikasa furrowed his eyebrows.


    "Does that mean all your other rooms are full?"


    Ikasa asked the woman with a piercing gaze. He could sense her bias against him from the beginning. He tried to let it slide but she was now testing his patience.


    Before she could answer, they heard amotion downstairs. Yao Ya excused herself realizing she had left the counter unattended.


    Ikasa also grew worried as his people were still waiting for him outside. He also jumped up from the bed and rushed outside.


    As he pushed the door of the Inn open, he heard a nasal voice ridiculing hispanions.


    "Get lost from here, you mongrels!"


    Thedy managing the counter also arrived outside. Upon seeing her, the fat man in frilly golden robes immediately changed his tune.


    "Miss Yao Ya, are you hiring servants? With your reputation, you don''t have to stoop so low as to hire a disabled teen and an old woman? Or are you hiring them out of pity?"


    Trying to sound righteous, the merchant fawned over Yao Ya while putting Zhong Xi and his family down.


    Yao Ya also had no idea who these people were so she had no reason to defend them and offend a returning customer.


    That''s when the Merchant''s visionnded on Xin Ruo. He eyed her curvaceous body and licked his lips. Hisscivious eyes traveled from her long legs to her pretty face and he swallowed a gulp of saliva.


    "Miss Yao, you should think of hiring this girl as a maid. She would make a great bed warming servant."


    He said,ughing creepily. Even the hair on Yao Ya''s hands stood up when she listened to his pervertedughter.


    Suddenly, she heard a voiceing from behind her. What it said finally made her calm andposed smile disappear.


    "Miss Yao Ya, when you said that the specialty of your inn was Spiritual Beasts, I didn''t think you had also tamed a perverted beast in human skin."


    Ikasa ridiculed the fat man as he came out from the inn. The face of Yao Ya became ghastly at the tant insult and she was suddenly dragged into a word war that had nothing to do with her.


    The already small eyes of the fat merchant disappeared behind his plump cheeks as he attempted to narrow them at Ikasa.


    "Miss Yao Ya, who is this rude fellow?"


    The merchant coldly hissed. Yao Ya had to helplessly reply to her long-time customer.


    "This adult is the head of the Gold Heart Business Group, an emerging power from Birch City."


    His nasal voice became even more annoying as he derisively snorted upon hearing that Ikasa hailed from a Tier-3 City.


    His contemptuously looked at Ikasa and asked,


    "Boy, can you even afford the price of a single room? Do you even know it costs 100 gold per night?"


    A look of astonishment appeared on Ikasa''s face. His pursed lips opened slightly.


    Seeing Ikasa''s reaction, the rotund man gloated in his heart. He had a look that said, "I thought so."


    He immediately turned to Yao Ya and spoke,


    "Miss Yao Ya, I propose you throw these poor people outˇ­"


    His sentence was cut off in the middle as Ikasa eximed, "So cheap?"


    "Is the price correct? It is just 50 gold and not 500?"


    Ikasa asked Yao Ya with his left eyebrow raised.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Cheap?" Yao Ya mumbled as she looked at Ikasa with bewilderment. Her Pleasant Dream Inn was one of the top 3 Inns in Elm City in terms of price and luxury.


    She had only seen people suck in cold air upon hearing the prices. Yet this young man from a Tier- 3 city was calling it cheap?


    Still in daze, she dumbly nodded at Ikasa''s raised eyebrow.


    Opposite them, the fat on the merchant''s face trembled violently. His bushy mustache twitched as he watched the interaction between the Yao Ya and Ikasa with a fluster.


    He himself was a merchant from the Furnace Fire Empire. For this trip to Elm City, he had brought goods worth 60,000 gold with him. He expected to sell them for 100,000 gold.


    Though the transaction amount seemed big, his profits would only be around 10,000 gold. After paying for the escorting mercenaries and other travel expenses, the 40,000 gold would shrink to 10,000.


    Earning this amount still put him in the upper bracket of the wealthy merchants.


    If he himself thought that the price of 100 gold was a premium, who the hell was this brat to call this price cheap?


    He tried to console himself as he said in his heart, ''This young man must be bluffing. He must beˇ­ ''


    However, he was proven wrong the next instant.


    Upon receiving her answer, Ikasa immediately calcted in his head.


    ''Two rooms for Zhong Xi and his family, Bu Fan can share a room with Zhong Xi. One room for the girls and another for the boys. And one for myself.''


    "Miss Yao Ya, give me 5 rooms for all my people. This is 2500 gold for five nights. Depending on my business, I will decide whether to extend my stay."


    Ikasa directly booked five rooms and ced a bag full of money in Yao Ya''s hands. He could afford to do so because he earned more than 30,000 gold per month!


    This 2500 gold was nothingpared to his face. Indeed, it had the intended effect.


    His actions caused the face of the Merchant to stiffen.


    He could not believe that this man who he looked down on would splurge a fourth of profits he would earn without batting an eyelid!


    The chubby and bloated cheeks of the merchant turned bright red. Maybe because he had been pped in the face just now?


    Yao Ya who was looking at Ikasa with suspicion and slight arrogance suddenly became reverent as if she was in the presence of a god of wealth!


    She respectfully began to lead the people with Ikasa to their rooms. Just as she was about to enter the inn, she heard the voice of the merchant.


    "Miss Yao Ya, is my usual room avable?"


    The sound of her footsteps paused. She looked at Ikasa and the Merchant with conflict in her eyes.


    On one hand, there was Ikasa, a mysterious person who had some rtions to the Nian n.


    On the other hand, this Merchant had wide connections in the merchant group of Furnace Fire Empire.


    She didn''t want to offend either party.


    Noticing her dilemma, Ikasa decided to make his stance clear.


    "I would not feel at ease if a pervert like him stays in the same inn with my people."


    As he said ''my people'', Ikasa snaked his arm around Xin Ruo''s willow waist and pulled her closer. His zing eyes were locked on the merchant as he remembered thetter''s wandering eyes andments.


    Ikasa''s words enraged the Merchant. His face darkened as he was reminded that he did not earn as much as some bloke from a Tier-3 City!


    However, now he had to get a room to find a false sense of victory. So he pressured Yao Ya.


    "Miss Yao, will you choose some brat over your long-time customer? If so, I would be very disappointed and have to tell my friends about this."


    Yao Ya clearly understood the meaning behind his words. She weighed her options in her mind.


    ''Though his badmouthing will tarnish the reputation of my inn slightly, it possesses more than enough appeal to still attract other merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire.''


    Coming to conclusion, she wisely decided to choose a business of 2500 gold over the business of 700 gold.


    Yao Ya turned to the Merchant and with a polite smile refused his request.


    "I am sorry, Merchant Zhang. Master Ikasa already booked thest few rooms we had avable. Please,e again next time."


    The face of the Merchant turned ugly. He watched the sexy back of Yao Ya enter the inn with gloomy eyes.


    Impulsively, he called out to Ikasa.


    "You trash third tier boy, remember you have offended Zhang Chun of the ze City. You can forget about doing business with any of the Merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire."


    Ikasa threw him a skeptical nce and shooed him with his hand. Then he entered through the door with a swagger in his steps.

 Chapter 198 Insane Profits Or A Facade?

    "Hah!"


    Ikasa woke up the next morning refreshed and full of energy. He, who had been under a lot of stress recently, looked at the pillows with appreciation.


    "These pillows are truly amazing! No wonder the business of this Inn is booming!"


    The words Yao Ya had said to Zhang Chun were not entirely false. When Yao Ya registered his namest evening, he happened to see the status of other rooms.


    Of the 32 rooms avable in the Inn, 26 rooms were already upied! After his bookings, there was only 1 room left vacant!


    This was a upancy rate of as high as 97%!


    With 100 gold per night, the Pleasant Dream Inn was earning 3100 gold per night.


    Ikasa was tempted to invest in this Business upon hearing the incredible figures. However, when he thought about it, he realized that the business was not as profitable as it seemed.


    The seasonal vtility of the Business was the first reason.


    The Inn had a good amount of customers only during four months out of twelve. This was the time period when the Merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire arrived in the City.


    The rest of the time, the Inn would hardly host 4 or 5 customers in a month.


    Then came the operating costs. Each of the decorations in the Inn were rarities in the outside world. Their most famous feature, the Dream Swan Feathers alone cost around 400 to 800 gold per ding depending on the avability.


    To make a pillow one needs at least one ding of the feathers. And the Pleasant Dream Inn had nearly seventy of those Pillows!


    Even if they had obtained it for the cheapest rate possible, they still had to spend 28000 gold!


    This was excluding the other luxurious decorations in the Inn, the various arraysid in each room and the man power costs.


    Such was a capital sucking industry of Hospitality.


    Even on Earth, Ikasa had passed down the offer to invest in one of the major projects of the prestigious Hotel Group, W.J. Marite for the same reason.


    Ikasa stopped thinking about the potential risks and gains of investing in an Inn and started to get ready for the day. Just as he was checking his appearance in the mirror, he heard a knock on his door.


    "Master Ikasa, Young Master Sang Yi is waiting for you."


    Yao Ya informed Ikasa as soon as he answered the door. Ikasa nodded and asked her to take good care of his people.


    Then he picked up the three Spatial Storage devices hidden under the pillow and exited the room. When the door shut, a blue circle big enough to fit a person''s palm formed on the door.


    "I really like these small conveniences." Ikasa mumbled as he ced his hands on the circle .


    This small circle was actually a temporary array disc which was attuned to Ikasa during his stay. It was connected to the array inside the room.


    When this array was activated, it locked this room for anyone who did not possess the energy signature of Ikasa!


    "No wonder, the people of Tier-2 Cities look down on people of Tier-3 Cities."


    Ikasa mumbled once the array turned yellow signaling its activation. He then proceeded downstairs to meet with Sang Yi.


    Unlike the time Ikasa arrived yesterday, quite a few tables arranged downstairs were filled with people. Sounds of mundane chatter filled the eating area as the people enjoyed their breakfast.


    "Look at that brave guy. Every year there are one or two young ones who want to achieve the impossible."


    A ridiculing voice from a nearby table fell into Ikasa''s ears. He started to pay attention to them as he descended down the stairs.


    "Heheheˇ­ I had warned him that the people from the Nian n are very averse to business."


    Ikasa scanned the room upon hearing the name of the Nian n and spotted Sang Yi on a table near the entrance. Currently, he was staring down a young man in luxurious clothing.


    Many of the people on tables were looking in the direction of Sang Yi, either discreetly or tantly. They watched with amusement as the young merchant opposite Sang Yi sweated bullets under thetter''s gaze.


    Soon, the young man gave up and returned to his table with an embarrassed smile. He was greeted to taunts and ribbing from his fellow merchants.


    Then they saw Ikasa descend down the stairs and walk toward Sang Yi. Many of them thought he was another sucker.


    The young man who had just been grilled under the gaze of Sang Yi felt a sense of camaraderie with Ikasa.


    ''This guy should be a few years younger than me but he is also as ambitious as I am. To lessen his suffering, let me warn him as his senior.''


    The young man thought with an appreciative gaze. Just as he got up from his seat, he saw Sang Yi stand up and greet Ikasa with a big smile!<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Brother Ikasa! You arrived earlier than I expected."


    The smile on the young man''s face freezed.


    ''He must be an acquaintance or even friend of Sang Yi.''


    The young merchant quickly recovered andposed himself. Since the person was just a friend of Sang Yi, there was no need for him to poke his nose in their meeting.


    He pulled the chair out and began to sit down when their conversation fell in his ears.


    "Hahaha! Brother Sang Yi, it''s good to see you too! How did the n Head react to my proposal? Did he approve?"


    The word ''proposal'' made the ears of every merchant perk up. Even the young merchant left his butt hovering over the chair as he listened carefully to the conversation.


    Sang Yi and Ikasa noticed the sudden silence in the room. They looked at each other and helplessly shook their heads.


    Most of the Merchants here were Sense Trainers or had Sense Realm Experts as bodyguards. Even if Ikasa and Sang Yi kept their voice low and tried to be secretive, the enhanced ears of these Sense Trainers would hear everything.


    Sang Yi knew that these people would not stop until they had received the answer. He began to speak loudly on purpose so that these Merchants would understand that he was actually speaking to them.


    "Of Course, Brother Ikasa! Unlike some other merchants, you were not trying to scam our Nian n. You truly showed your sincerity by agreeing to shoulder all the risks. So, the n Head approved your proposal immediately. In fact, he is very eager to meet you."


    The group of merchants were shocked by this revtion. So shocked that the young merchant had missed the chair andnded on the ground!


    Looking at their dumbfounded gazes, Sang Yi shook his head and brought Ikasa outside.


    As soon as the duo left the Inn, the merchants went into a frenzy. Many of them admired him but more were envious of him for having the good fortune of working with the Nian n.


    They quickly memorized the appearance of Ikasa and mobilized their contacts to find any and all the information avable about this mysterious young man.


    Soon the name of Ikasa, the founder of Gold Heart Business Group, was heard by almost every merchant in the Elm City.


    After all, he had achieved what they thought was impossible!


    The deliberate exposure of the deal with the Nian n had the effect that Ikasa intended. His Gold Heart Business Group turned from an anonymous name to a brand synonymous with the Nian n.


    Due to this newfound reputation, Ikasa no longer had to worry about small yers like Zhang Chun targeting his people as they all were now protected under the name of Nian n.


    Sang Yi, the simpled, did not understand these considerations. He was still profusely apologizing to Ikasa for attracting the attention of all the Merchants to Ikasa.


    "I am sorry. I couldn''t help but let those idiots know that our Nian n appreciates sincerity. And you have been the only one to show us some."


    Ikasa''s lips twitched involuntarily.


    ''The way the Nian n defines sincerity is very different from the way the world defines the word. Which merchant can let you eat his profits without having a share in his risks? Even I am straight up employing you guys for security under the guise of Partnership.''


    Ikasa thought as he tried to change the subject.


    "Brother Yi, can you lead me to the Auction House before we head to the Nian n? I need to consign an item for the uing auction."


    Sang Yi grew nervous at Ikasa''s mention of the Auction House. He shiftily looked at the surroundings before he asked with a whisper, "It is not ''that'' Sword, right?"


    Seeing his suspicious behavior Ikasa did not know whether tough or cry. If people were not looking at them before, they were now.


    ''Brother Sang, do you think I am as dumb as you? Why would I auction off a sword that is easily recognizable? Wouldn''t the Mu Family find me immediately?''


    Ikasa controlled his snarky retort and innocently blinked his eyes before eximing.


    "Of course not, Brother Sang!"


    Sang Yi immediately exhaled a sigh of relief. He quietly exined the reason for his vignce.


    "I have seen quite a few Su Family''s people around the market. They have been keeping an eye out for a sword named ''Tyranny''."


    The tattooed man exined while nodding meaningfully. Ikasa did not react outwardly but he sighed with relief in his heart. His decision to not use this sword was the best one he had made.


    Then he remembered the Spatial Bracelet embedded with Emerald in his possession. He hurriedly asked, "Are they also looking for a bracelet?"


    Sang Yi shook his head. Then looking at Ikasa spectively, he probed, "If you want a ce to sell it, I can take you to the Blind Bazaar."


    Ikasa neither refused nor epted his offer. He simply said, "I''ll ask for your help when needed, Brother Sang."

 Chapter 199 Spiritual Beasts Everywhere!

    Sang Yi did not say much about the Blind Bazaar despite Ikasa''s several probes. Seeing his reluctance to speak more of the subject, Ikasa stopped prodding him.


    Two of them continued to walk in silence until Sang Yi turned to his left, leading Ikasa to an alleyway.


    "Why did you have to park your ride so farˇ­ "


    The question Ikasa was about to ask Sang Yi died on his lips. As soon as they entered the alley, Ikasa felt the intimidating presence of a Spiritual Beast!


    rmed, Ikasa trained his eyes in the direction of aura. There, right near the entrance, stood a majestic two horned horse tied to a carriage!


    Its thick golden brown mane like that of a lion''s shone under a few stray rays of sun. Two ckish brown eyes of the beast shined with intelligence as they stared at Ikasa.


    Ikasa stood rooted on the spot as all his instincts screamed danger. He was about to remove his weapon when the Dual-Horned Horse looked away, losing interest in Ikasa.


    It turned its attention to Sang Yi, tapping its front hooves impatiently. The crazy young man immediately reached the horse and caressed its mouth.


    "Isn''t my Little Horny beautiful?"


    Sang Yi asked as he dotingly rubbed his cheek against the mare''s neck. The mare made a ''phurr'' sound as if snorting disdainfully at its master and looked away.


    ''Little- Little Horny?''


    Ikasa repeated in his heart, trying to keep his face straight. To call this majestic beast such a cutesy name was sphemous!


    Ikasa raised his thumb at Sang Yi with his lips twitching with a barely suppressed smile.


    He could not trust himself to hold back hisughter so quickly boarded the carriage before Sang Yi. Inside, he took a few deep breaths and regained hisposure.


    He saw Sang Yi whisper something to the carriage driver, probably the destination. Then Sang Yi came to the back and joined him inside the Coach.


    The carriage set off and Ikasa immediately felt the difference between his vehicle and Sang Yi''s.


    Ikasa had arrived at the Inn using the same route they were traveling on now, yet the speed of the carriage was very different. The distance traveled by his carriage in half an hour was covered by Sang Yi''s carriage in less than a few minutes!


    Before he knew it, their Carriage turned right, connecting to the Eastern Street.


    The Eastern Street along with the Northern Street were like the inner-cities of the Tier-3 Cities. Here, only those who were truly rich and powerful could roam freely.


    Ikasa also remembered that this was one of the streets the guard at the city gates had warned him about. Soon, he understood why.


    As they went further on the street, Ikasa began to feel powerful auras not inferior to the Dual-Horned Horse. He parted the curtains and peeked outside, only to suck in a cold breath of air.


    The Spirit Condensation stage Beasts, which were an object of terror in a Tier-3 City, were being used to draw carriages here!


    Ikasa did not feel much of a surprise when Sang Yi showed his ride. As one of the two most powerful forces of the City, Nian n ought to have such strength.


    However, when he realized that the Spiritual Beasts weremonce here, he could not help but gasp. He once again came to realize the disparity between a Tier-3 City and a Tier-2 City.


    Ikasa focused his attention outside the window and observed the Spiritual Beasts on the streets with great interest.


    "Red-Crown Bird Beastˇ­ Silver Maned Horseˇ­ Purple-Striped Wolfˇ­ Rock Hoof Beastˇ­"


    The variety of Spirit Condensation Stage Beasts dazzled Ikasa!


    Though most of them were a variety of horses, there were a few predators like wolves mixed in as well.<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''No wonder the guard warned me not to bring the carriages drawn by ordinary beasts to this street. My ordinary horses would have been petrified by the mere aura of their natural predators and upturned the carriage in their panic.''


    Ikasa thought as his desire to possess a carriage pulled by a Spiritual Beast grew stronger.


    Sang Yi saw the shock on Ikasa''s face and he was reminded of thetter''s origins. Though Ikasa had miraculous manuals, he was still from a Tier-3 City. He had most probably never been in contact with domesticated Spiritual Beasts.


    A smile of satisfaction formed on his lips as Sang Yi watched the barely suppressed excitement mixed with envy on the face of the young businessman.


    "Rumors say that there is going to be a Spiritual Beast Carriage in the list of items for auction."


    Sang Yi said, remembering the gossip he heard from the n''s Elders. Hearing the words Ikasa whipped his neck and looked at Sang Yi with slight eagerness.


    "Really?"


    Sang Yi nodded his head.


    "If there are rumors about it, it must be one of the items in this Auction."


    Even if they were rumors, the possible avability of Spiritual Beast Carriage for sale made Ikasa happy.


    Seeing Ikasa count his chickens before they hatched, Sang Yi warned.


    "You are not the only one who desires a Spiritual Beast Carriage. If you don''t have minimum of 20,000 gold, you can forget about cing the winning bid."


    "20,000 gold?"


    Ikasa asked with wide eyes. His eyes darted to the Dual-Horned Horse pulling the carriage.


    ''I wonder how the Nian n had enough funds to buy a Spiritual Beast Carriage worth 20,000 gold but don''t have capital to purchase a high Grade Cultivation Scroll worth 10,000 Gold.''


    Sang Yi did not notice his spective look but his words cleared Ikasa''s confusion anyways.


    "Had I not raised Little Horny since she was young, I wouldn''t even have a Spiritual Beast Carriage. Even our n Head has raised his own Gold-Eye Tauruses from when they were calves to draw his Carriage."


    Ikasa was reminded once again that the Nian n lived directly off nature.


    Unlike other forces, these Totem-Worshippers did not rely on money to get what they needed. Though it may take a lot of time, these people would rather wait than spend coins to purchase what they wanted from the market.


    Ikasa also had the same option but he was not willing to wait. After all, he had a lot of gold but not enough ces to spend it.


    While they talked, the carriage came to a stop before their destination. Ikasa got down and raised his head to look at the humongous structure before him.


    At the first nce the building gave off a lofty feel. A giant overarching dome was supported by tall and thick pirs made of red stone. Murals of blooming lotuses were carved on the pirs, somehow emitting serenity and regal grace at the same time.


    As Ikasa and Sang Yi entered through the gates, they saw a giant que hanging over the entrance.


    Delicate words that looked like a string of flowers were written on the board. They read, "Fortune Lotus Pavilion".


    ''Is it perhaps rted to the Lotus Pavilion of Sal City?''


    Ikasa wondered upon reading the name. When Sang Yi tapped on his shoulder, he reined in his wandering thoughts and stepped into the auction house.

 Chapter 200 Meeting An Acquaintance

    As soon as Ikasa stepped into the entryway, his eyes were blinded by the gleaming light reflected from the Chandelier. The floor was as reflective as a mirror and the walls were lined with real gold tes!


    An attendant noticed Ikasa looking at the ceiling. This was not an umon urrence. Most of the first time visitors would be fascinated by the opulence disyed in this hall.


    The attendant smirked as she approached Ikasa,pletely missing the look of annoyance in his eyes. She helpfully supplied information about the Chandelier.


    "This Chandelier is made entirely from Star Crystals. Even 10,000 gold is not enough to purchase it."


    Her melodious but proud voice sounded in Ikasa''s ears. She expected to see the look of awe and respect in his eyes but she was sadly disappointed.


    Instead, she saw Ikasa click his tongue and slightly shake his head. When she heard what he muttered under his breath, her face became flush with anger.


    "Tsk. They have such an elegant name but their decorations are so gaudy!"


    These were Ikasa''s true thoughts. Rather than awe, the re from the reflective surfaces annoyed the hell out of him.


    Hearing the words, the attendant stomped her foot and raged away leaving Ikasa alone. Beside him Sang Yi was left speechless by Ikasa''s actions.


    ''He was usually so sensible. Why did he have to antagonize the attendant as soon as they entered the Pavilion?''


    Sang Yi thought, as he led Ikasa to the receptionists. Three prettydies with rouge dabbed on their cheeks were pleasantly chatting with the customers.


    Ikasa recognized one of them. His eyes widened as he immediately approached her leaving Sang Yi behind.


    "Madame Lian Hua?"


    Thedy was no longer in the pristine white robes but in the form fitting red cheongsam worn by the attendants. The tight dress hugged her mature body, highlighting her curves. Though her body exuded sex appeal her smile still remained pure and innocent.


    Astonishingly, she was the high and mighty Manager of the Lotus Pavilion of Sal City who was working as a lowly attendant in the Fortune Lotus Pavilion!


    The mature woman''s eyes darted to see who called her by her previous designation. Complicated emotions shed through her eyes as she recognized the young man responsible for the downfall of the branch she managed.


    The Lotus Pavilion had reopened after a month from the incident. She had even brought in apetent Appraiser from Maple City. But the Lotus Pavilion could not regain its past glory.


    The Li Family, one of the major customers,pletely boycotted them even after her attempts to make reparations. The City Lord and the Xue family also purchased only misceneous items.


    The bids for the auctions also fell and many items were sold for cheaper than their actual price. After suffering such losses, many merchants from other cities stopped consigning items to her Lotus Pavilion.


    The Lotus Pavilion was thus caught in the vicious cycle of no supply because of low demand and even lower sales because of no goods. It became impossible to sustain the operations and Madame Lian Hua had to close the branch in Sal City.


    She returned to her parent organization, the Fortune Lotus Pavilion, as a person who tarnished the name of the organization.


    Until the end, she was in the dark about the identity of the Adventurer who consigned the fake manual but from the rumors she heard, it may have something to do with the young man standing before her.


    The mature woman slightly narrowed her eyes at Ikasa and quickly put a smile on her lips. She excused herself from her current customer cum admirer and came to Ikasa''s side.


    "Young Master Ikasa! What a coincidence! What are you doing in a faraway ce like Elm City?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Lian Hua had no idea what had happened to Ikasa after he left Sal City. She still thought of him as a small-time shop owner. That''s why when she greeted him, her eyes were not very respectful.


    Ikasa did not mind it.


    Thisdy was one of the reasons he was able to exact revenge on that fraudulent Appraiser, Master Jin Ping. She could''ve easily lied when checking his Energy Path to save her skin but she had cared more about morality.


    In the end, she and the reputation of her Lotus Pavilion had ended up being the coteral damage. Ikasa held a slightest bit of guilt and lots of respect for this woman. If he could, he would definitely try to help her.


    With a smile Ikasa took out the Yijian sword and said,


    "Madame Lian Hua, I am here to consign some items for the uing auction."


    After her previous experience with this young man, Lian Hua was wary of his smile. She critically eyed the red and purple striped scabbard.


    On the first nce, she could see that the craftsmanship of the leather scabbard was not on par with the products of Artisans from a Tier-2 City.


    A sword in such a crude scabbard would at most be a Superior-Grade Weapon. Though valuable, she did not think it was worth her attention.


    She was about to hand him off to one of her junior attendants when Ikasa stopped her.


    "Madame Lian, please apany me to the appraiser. I assure you that you won''t regret it."


    Ikasa said with a charming smile. His handsome smile caused the heart of the olderdy to jump before she regained her logic.


    She looked at the line of customers waiting for her attention and then at Ikasa and his sword. She tried to calcte which would earn her more contribution.


    After all, the amount of transactions facilitated by an attendant determined their status in the Auction house.


    Ikasa knew this as well, hence his insistence on making her his attendant. This way he could help her without putting any extra effort.


    A few breaths passed in silence. Seeing thedy before him take so long to ept his goodwill, Ikasa felt a little disappointed but he was d to know he had tried.


    "Brother Ikasa, there you are!"


    The voice of Sang Yi jolted Lian Hua out of her stupor. She looked at the tattooed young man approaching their position and then at Ikasa with shock.


    Who in the Elm City did not know the distinguishing characteristics of the Nian n? Their tattoos were famous throughout the City.


    As an attendant of an Auction House, Lian Hua knew more than others about the hierarchical structure of the Nian n. She could clearly see that Sang Yi belonged to the upper echelons from the long tattoo on his face.


    Yet, this person addressed Ikasa, a small shop owner from a tier-3 city as Brother?


    Lian Hua was shocked out of her mind. She immediately came to a decision and answered Ikasa, "Young Master, please allow me to lead you to Appraiser Mo."

 Chapter 201 Appraisal

    This is a 2-in-1 Chapter. So, it may be a little longer. Also, Thank you everyone for supporting me and Wish you all a Very Happy Deepawali.


    ---------


    "Appraiser Mo practices the rity Mantra. The Clear eyes trained using this technique can see through all types of falsehoods. So, don''t try to fool her eyes."


    Lian Hua whispered a warning to Ikasa as they stopped before the closed door of the Appraisal chamber.


    Her bias against Ikasa was evident in her voice.


    Why would she not be?


    Even though she knew that her side was in the wrong, it was also true that she had lost everything because of Ikasa.


    She could ce the me on the mysterious Adventurer but she had not found any clues about him despite mobilizing all of her connections in Sal City. It was as if he never existed in the first ce!


    Thus, she could only ce the me on Ikasa''s head.


    Even so, Lian Hua never thought of revenge against Ikasa. She had epted the responsibility for the events that happened.


    After returning to this branch of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion, she had started over again from the bottom as an atonement for her sins.


    Now that she met Ikasa here, she did not want her efforts to be wasted just because he made a fool out of another Appraiser.


    In fact, she didn''t even want to be associated with him. She had only epted his request so she could form a connection with Sang Yi.


    Ikasa only smiled helplessly at her warning. His actions in Sal City were in order to expose a fraudster. Unless this Appraiser Mo is of the same creed as that Appraiser Jin Ping, he had no reason to antagonize him.


    Lian Hua did not fall for his docile smile but she had no other choice. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Soon, a young voice answered, "Enter."


    Lian Hua ced her lotus badge on the circle and the door clicked open. She led Ikasa and Sang Yi into a spacious and airy room.


    Ikasa''s eyes immediately met the clear and transparent eyes of the woman who seemed to be in her thirties. She hadpletely white eyes, and her pupils seemed absent.


    Yet, Ikasa''s intuition said that the woman could clearly see them. Ikasa ced the Yi Jian sword before Appraiser Mo and stepped back lightly.


    "This seems to be the beginning of something great."


    Without even touching the scabbard, Appraiser Momented. In a way, she was not wrong but Ikasa neither denied nor replied to herment.


    He simply stood before her, his hands folded behind his back as he awaited her evaluation of the Sword.


    The Appraiser did not care about theck of response. She removed the scabbard and ced the sword on the table.


    "The Tanner was inexperienced yet he did a good job considering hisck of proficiency. This leather of the Red-Skin Deer is durable and canst for a long time even with rough handling."


    She traced her finger on the Purple stripes on the leather and let out a disappointed sigh.


    "The craftsmanship of the scabbard is crude. The person who made it has mastered the technique but the technique he mastered is itself wed. Is the maker from a Tier-3 City?"


    Appraiser Mo asked, expecting an answer. When their eyes met, Ikasa simply replied with a ''Yes''. Thedy was not disappointed with the curt answer. She put the scabbard aside and picked up the Sword.


    She first tried to bnce the sword tip on the tip of her finder. A bright red blood drop emerged from the skin cut by the Sword.


    Appraiser Mo simply sucked her index finger and ced the pommel of the sword on her palm. Then she speedily oscited her palm front and back.


    The Sword danced on her palm but it never fell. Instead the hearts of the three observers jumped to their throats. In case the sharp sword fell, it would directlynd on thedy''s head, edge first.


    They only heaved a sigh of relief when she lightly tossed the sword and caught it skillfully in her right hand.


    "The bnce of the sword is the best I have ever seen. The forger must be incredibly talented to make such a sword."


    Ikasa felt like her eyes were focused on him as she said this; as if she meant topliment the maker of the Sword and for some weird reason, she felt that he was the one who created it.


    ''I must be overthinking.''


    Ikasa convinced himself as the expression on his face did not change. He quietly watched the Appraiser pour energy into the Sword.


    ''She was a Path Finder? Or is she perhaps a Chakra Sage?!''


    For the first time, Ikasa showed a visible shock on his face. The bluish white energy entered the Sword, shrouding the tip and edges with a ring light.


    After a few breaths, she stopped. She ced the Sword on the table and watched the light surrounding the sword start to fade away.


    "There is only one Energy Vein and that too is uneven. It is narrow in some parts while broad at others. The maker can use a lot of practice with the hammer."


    She once again looked pointedly at Ikasa as if reprimanding him personally.


    Then she turned to Lian Hua and said, "Record this weapon as a One Veined Spiritual Weapon."


    The plump lips of the mature woman opened slightly at the Appraiser Mo''s evaluation. She could not believe her eyes that Ikasa had brought a Spiritual Weapon to consign for an Auction!


    Just as she was wondering about the origins of the weapon, she heard the Appraiser ask Ikasa about the same.


    "This should also be the first weapon of a future Master cksmith, correct?"


    The Appraiser directly questioned Ikasa.


    He had nothing to hide and nodded as the evaluation was finished.


    "You are right, Appraiser Mo. This is indeed the First Spiritual Weapon my friend has made."


    "This weapon was not made by you?"


    Her nose and eyes scrunched together as she asked with confusion.


    "This sword was created by cksmith Gu Dan."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa answered, puzzled as to why she reached such a conclusion.


    Appraiser Mo narrowed her eyes. Her Clear Eyes could not see any signs of falsehood in his words. She grew even more confused.


    She once again ced a hand on the Sword and looked at Ikasa. To her eyes, the energies of the two seemed very simr, as if they were extensions of each other.


    ''How? Why thenˇ­?''


    Questions surged in her mind and she had no answers to these questions. Since she could not reach a conclusion, her face rxed.


    ''You are an appraiser not an investigator.''


    She consoled herself as she let go of her curiosity.


    She resumed her role as an Appraiser and started to dictate the pros and cons of the sword to Lian Hua who quickly noted them down.


    ".... The base price of this sword should be 1000 gold. Would you like to sell it to us for this price or consign it with us?"


    After presenting the options, the two women looked at Ikasa, waiting for his decision.


    "Shouldn''t the base price of a Single Veined Weapon be 1200 gold?"


    Sang Yi interrupted, having seen his fair share of Auctions. He could not let Ikasa get a shorter end of the stick for no good reason.


    "The Energy Vein of those weapons is smooth and even."


    Appraiser Mo answered sinctly and looked at Ikasa for his decision. Ikasa had already decided on the course of action long ago.


    Though the base price they offered was better than his estimations, Ikasa was here to consign the sword, not sell it to the Fortune Lotus Pavilion.


    "I will entrust your Pavilion to auction this Sword for me."


    Appraiser Mo sighed upon hearing his words and took out a contract from her ring.


    "The consignment fees are 5% and appraisal fees are 1% of the winning bid. If you agree, add your thumb here."


    Ikasa received the contract and quickly read through it. Compared to theplicated legalese on Earth, the terms and conditions were fairly straightforward and easy to understand.


    Still, he did not hurry toplete it. He took out two books with glossy covers and ced them before Appraiser Mo.


    "The Yijian Sword is not the only thing I want to consign for this auction."Ikasa said. Gesturing to the two books on the table, he invited thedy to take a look.


    Appraiser Mo was intrigued when sheid her eyes on the books. She had never seen anything like these glossy covered objects in her entire career.


    However, Lian Hua identified them immediately.


    "You want to auction the High Grade technique thatmoners in Sal City have learned?"


    She hissed with displeasure at Ikasa.


    If this fact was exposed, the reputation of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion would definitely fall. As the attendant to Ikasa, she would have to bear the me.


    Ikasa smiled and shook his head.


    "The Dumb Belle''s Guide to Strength is no longer in cirction."


    He exined, assuaging Lian Hua and Sang Yi''s worries. Pointing to the manual in Appraiser Mo''s hands, Ikasa said, "Also that book is not a Path Forging method but a Sense Realm Cultivation manual calledˇ­"


    "Think quick, Act quicker."


    Appraiser Mo finished the sentence for him by reading the title of the book.


    Ikasa had gathered many Sense Training manuals during these past few months but he did not consider selling them in his shop for two reasons-


    Firstly, not many people could pay the price of 1000 gold to get these manuals.


    Secondly, his GHBG may have 12 Sense Trainers, but none of them had the power to utterly suppress other hostile Sense Trainers.


    So, until GHBG had a few Path Finders at the helm, Ikasa had no ns to distribute the Sense Realm Manuals to the public and create problems for his own business.


    However, he had no such fears when auctioning the manual in Elm City.


    Unlike Tier-3 Cities, a single Sense Trainer was nowhere near enough to change the power equations here.


    Not only would he get a good price for his manual, it would also not attract any troubles for him.


    Also, he could introduce the ignorant merchants and other powers to his Single Use Manuals through this Auction, paving the way for the sess of his Manual Shop.


    Before that, he had to convince the Appraiser that his manuals were worth putting in the Auction.


    Ikasa watched thedy with white eyes skim through his manual. She did not activate the Spiritual Imprint because she was a Chakra Sensing Realm Expert.


    She could no longer train her Spiritual Sense even if she wanted to and thus did not fit the criteria for triggering the Spiritual Imprint.


    Soon, the Appraiser Mo finished reading through the description of the Sense Training Method and closed the book.


    "What a great technique! If I had it when I was a Sense Trainer, training my Spiritual Sense would have been much easier."


    Lian Hua became rmed upon hearing these words. She had a bad premonition as she had heard those words from another Appraiser before.


    Remembering his fate, Lian Hua gulped. She looked at the gentle smile on Ikasa''s face and thought,


    ''Appraiser Mo should not have offended this guy, right?''

 Chapter 202 A Hundred Petal Lotus

    The quality of the manuals that Ikasa sold was undisputed. Even a fraudster like Jin Ping had recognized it, then how could a genuine appraiser like Lady Mo pass up on it?


    Once the authenticity of the manuals was proven, Appraiser Mo looked at the book as if looking at a shiny new toy. She looked at


    "If this was a traditional Sense Training Method scroll, I would have priced it at a minimum of 1500 gold. Since it is a Spiritual Imprint that can only be used once, the base price should be halved."


    Lian Hua immediately noted remarks of Appraiser Mo regarding this item.


    There was only one book left on the table. Appraiser Mo looked at its shiny cover and asked, "Is this also a Spiritual Imprint?"


    Ikasa smiled and nodded. He further introduced the book as it was a Spiritual Imprint containing Professional Skill, something that was unheard of even in the higher tier cities.


    "This book contains a Spiritual Imprint for a Sword Forging Skill. The name is as unusual as the other books but the quality is top notch."


    Seeing the slightly skeptical eyes, Ikasa pointed to the Yijian Sword.


    "This sword was made after my friend learned this technique. His limit before that was Superior Grade of the Mortal-tier Weapons."


    This truly shocked Appraiser Mo to her core. Ikasa saw her transparent pupils for the first time as they shined with white and silver light.


    Lian Hua also looked at Ikasa with disbelief. She had served in this auction house for nearly half a year now and yet she had never seen such an intense reaction from the Appraiser.


    After a long while, Appraiser Mo managed to calm the raging emotions in her heart. She looked at Ikasa with a contemtive gaze.


    "Can you prove this manual is genuine and can indeed do as you said?"


    The previous demonstration of the Sense Training Manual had already convinced her. However, this Profession Skill manual was too shocking for her to believe.


    Ikasa helplessly shook his head.


    He knew how incredulous his ims sounded but he could not waste 10 Profession points of his meager 31 to just prove the authenticity.


    Who knows how long Gu Dan will take toplete another Sword and earn him another point?


    So, he started to think of a way to back his words.


    "Why don''t you swear on your words?"


    Sang Yi who had been watching the entire proceedings with interest suggested.


    "We of the Nian n, swear with our Totem Guardian, Lord Tianma, as witness when we have to prove the authenticity of our words."


    This suggestion solved all of Ikasa''s problems!


    His eyes lit up as he thanked Sang Yi for his suggestion. Then he turned to Lady Mo and looked at her with expectant eyes, asking for her agreement.


    "I have no problem. You can swear in the name of the Absolutes."


    Ikasa nodded and carefully thought about his words. He did not want to leave room for doubt and neither did he want to expose too much.


    "I, Ikasa, swear in the name of Absolute of Water that everything I have told Lady Mo about the Profession Skill Manual, 1,2,3ˇ­ Sword Ready is what I believe and know to be true."


    Ikasa closed all the loopholes that he could think of.


    He even swore using the name of a particr Absolute, the Absolute of Water, instead of invoking all the Absolutes. By doing so, he hoped that Absolute of Water would cut him some ck in case his tongue slipped somewhere.


    Finishing the Oath, Ikasa looked at the clear-eyed woman. She had no choice but to believe his words now that he had sworn on them.


    Though a little dissatisfied with how he had yed with words, she now had enough confidence to pass evaluation about the Professional Manual based on Ikasa''s introduction.


    "This Manual can help create Spirit-Tier Weapons. This alone is enough to justify its base price of 3000 Gold!"


    Appraiser Mo dered shocking Lian Hua. She had never seen such a high base price for any skill manual!


    Even the best High Grade Manual auctioned by the Fortune Lotus Pavilion was set at a base price of 1000 gold!


    Yet, Appraiser Mo imed that this Profession Skill Manual was worth three times as much?


    Lian Hua hesitated as she parted her lips to object but closed it. She looked like a goldfish as she repeated the same action quite a few times.


    Ultimately, under the re of Appraiser Mo, she noted down her remarks and the base price.


    Lian Hua brought the two men back to the reception room toplete the paperwork.


    "The base price of the Yijian Sword, 1000 Gold."


    "The base price for the Sense Training Manual, 750 gold."


    "The base price for the Profession skill manual, 3000 gold."


    Lian Hua read out aloud as she made the receipts for three items and handed them to Ikasa.


    She spoke formally and respectfully to Ikasa and did not dare to treat Ikasa like a small-time Shopkeeper anymore.


    He had transacted goods worth 4750 gold in a single breath, shocking her out of her mind!


    This amount exceeded the peak annual ie of her Lotus Pavilion in Sal City by far. Lian Hua took a deep breath and looked at the young man before her.


    "As you have transacted goods worth more than 1000 gold, you can get a Ten-Petal Lotus brooch."


    Lian Hua took out a beautiful red ornate box and ced it on the counter. She gently opened it revealing a crystalline lotus sitting on a red velvet covering.


    Threads of silver were woven into the crystal, outlining the shape of the Lotus. Against the red background, those outlines highlighted the lotus even better.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa reached out his hands to pick up the Ten- petaled Lotus but Lian Hua shut the box.


    "I suggest you make another transaction worth 251 gold and take the Hundred-Petaled Lotus."


    She whispered, making sure that people in the surroundings were not paying attention to her.


    Seeing her shut the box, Sang Yi also approached. He also happened to hear her advice and he looked at her with appreciation.


    The tattooed man echoed her advice to Ikasa.


    "She is right, Brother Ikasa. If possible get your hands on the Hundred Petaled Lotus."


    Ikasa had no problem with the suggestion but he had to know why. He raised his eyebrow and looked at the two of them.


    Lian Hua shut the box and kept it securely in the Storage Space. With a sickeningly sweet smile, she said, "Customer, would you like to browse through our wares?"


    Her eyes winked meaningfully at Ikasa asking him to follow her lead. Ikasa immediately understood her signal and allowed her to lead her into a huge hall where a variety of items were ced on shelves.


    There were ores, pills, weapons, books, herbs and many strange artifacts.


    Lian Hua led them to a secluded corner and breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Higher the starting number of Petals the better it is for you."


    Lian Hua said. She then began to count the numerous advantages of a Hundred-Petaled Lotus.


    "Every customer who possesses a Hundred Petaled Lotus and above can sit in private rooms, shielded from the prying eyes of others. They also get a permanent discount on all deals."


    "Also, the more petals on the lotus, the more you are valued by the Fortune Lotus Pavilion. If you reach the Thousand Petaled Lotus, your safety will be guaranteed by the branch of Fortune Lotus Pavilion in that City. There is only one way to get Thousand Petal Lotus; Upgrade a Hundred-Petal Lotus."


    Ikasa was not much enthused about the security aspect that Lian Hua talked about. He looked at her with little skepticism.


    Seeing the skeptical look in Ikasa''s eyes, Lian Hua said, " Don''t think this is a simple Auction House. The headquarters of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion is in the Imperial Capital. An Undying Soul is at the helm of our organization."


    Ikasa could not help but be astonished by this revtion. The Fortune Lotus Pavilion had an Undying Soul at the helm!


    An Undying Soul meant a person had broken through from the Chakra Opening Stage and reached Spirit Sublimation Stage!


    Number of powerhouses of this level in the entire Empire could be counted with one hand. Even the Emperors of the three Empires were only at this Stage!


    Ikasa gulped and understood what kind of behemoth this Fortune Lotus Pavilion was. This information also shocked Sang Yi who had bever seen a being stronger than his Chakra Opening Realm ancestor.


    They silently swallowed saliva.


    "Brother Ikasa, you are very lucky. Even my n Head does not possess a Hundred Petal Lotus Badge."


    Sang Yi enviously remarked after hearing the benefits of the Thousand-Petal Lotus badge and the background of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion.


    Ikasa looked at Sang Yi with doubt.


    "Howe? Has your n not done business worth more than 5000 gold with the Fortune Lotus Pavilion?"


    Sang Yi became speechless by the question. It was as if Ikasa was sprinkling salt over the poor financial conditions of the Nian n.


    "Do you think it is so easy to get a Hundred Petal Lotus?"


    Lian Hua scoffed, interrupting their conversation. Ikasa and Sang Yi focused their gazes on Lian Hua.


    "Only an attendant who has worked in the Fortune Lotus Pavilion for more than 3 years or someone who has brought in transactions worth 50,000 gold can bestow a Hundred Petal Lotus upon one Customer."


    The maturedy said with some haughtiness.


    "Then why do you need me to do transactions worth 5000 gold?"


    Ikasa asked with some confusion.


    "To bestow it, the minimum requirement is 5000 gold worth of transactions in a single visit."


    "Okay."


    Ikasa nodded as all the doubts in his mind were solved. The mature and sexydy in the red looked even more pleasing to his eyes.


    "Madame Lian Hua, thank you. I will definitely use the Lotus badge well."


    The charming smile full of sincerity caused Lian Hua to blush slightly. She randomly picked up an ore and ced it in Ikasa''s hands.


    "This must be worth 300 gold. Let''s go andplete the procedures."


    An hourter, Ikasa walked out of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion with a beautifully carved Hundred Petal Lotus hanging on his chest.


    Warm rays of sun bounced off the golden outline of the Lotus brooch attracting the attention of passersby. Many simply oohed and aahed at its beauty


    But those riding in the Spiritual Beast Carriages identified the symbol of privilege bestowed by the Fortune Lotus Pavilion. They looked at Ikasa with a hint of envy.


    "This is too eye-catching."


    Ikasa said as he grew annoyed by the gazes of the merchants and other wealthy and powerful people. Though Sang Yi was with him, he still became the center of their attention.


    "Brother Ikasa, now that your matters are taken care of, shall we head to my n?"

 Chapter 203 Judgment Feather Of The Heavenly Horse

    In the forests to the west of Elm City, a gentle breeze of theThank You for your support wind plucked a vermillion colored leaf from an Elm Tree. It slowly swayed with the wind and drifted towards the golden orange carpet of leaves on the road.


    "Autumn is here."


    Sitting in the carriage, Ikasa wistfully muttered as he saw the scenery of the fall outside the window. The red and yellow leaves strewn across the ground reminded him of hispanypound on Earth.


    Complicated emotions shed through his eyes as he realized that it has almost been a year since he transmigrated into this world. He was a nobody of a Tier-3 city back then who had to fear every resident of the Inner-City.


    Now, he was dealing on equal terms with one of the powers that dominates a Tier 2 City.


    While he was thinking, a yellowish leaf entered through the open window of the carriage andnded on Ikasa''sp. An involuntary smile formed on his lips as he picked up the jagged leaf.


    He was reminded of the Elm Tree that was outside his office window on Earth.


    Every autumn, a gust of wind would blow a few of its aged leaves into his office. The moist yellow and red leaves annoyed him back then, but now they were just a fond memory.


    Unaware of the thoughts in his mind, Sang Yi saw Ikasa smile while looking at the leaf. He couldn''t help but ask, "Beautiful, isn''t it?"


    Ikasa looked up at Sang Yi and nodded with a small smile. Then he looked outside the window.


    Elm trees full of red and yellow leaves lined the road. They looked like a bride dressed in red and bedecked in lots of gold jewelry. The foliage looked even more bright in the warm sunlight of the afternoon sun.


    Suddenly, a huge shadow fell on the trees, blocking the sunlight. The Dual-Horned Horse stood rooted to the spot, shivering with fear.


    In the carriage, Ikasa and Sang Yi trembled and became petrified. They were burdened with so much aura that they had no thoughts of resistance.


    Ikasa had never felt such a powerful coercive aura ever before. Comparing this aura to that of any Path Finder would be likeparing a phoenix to a chicken!


    Even Sang Yi felt that this aura was many times stronger than that of his Chakra Sage Ancestor!


    Ikasa gathered courage to peek out of the window. He was rewarded for his courage with an incredible sight.


    A pearly white horse glided in the clear blue sky above the forest. Its golden feathered wings, as big as that of an airne, eclipsed the sun.


    When the beast suddenly dived down, Ikasa missed a heartbeat. Its silvery spiral horn did not seem like a wonder of nature but more like a lethal weapon.


    Ikasa only felt relieved when the magnificent beast simply touched some tree and reascended into the sky.


    As it pped its wings, a shiny golden feather floated towards the ground. Itnded just a few steps away from where the carriage had stopped.


    The coercion from the beast had reduced as it had reascended into the sky. Ikasa jumped out of the carriage and quickly picked up the feather the length of his arm.


    An intense wave of energy assaulted him as soon as his hands touched the feather. Ikasa felt as if someone had shocked his soul!


    In his mind, he saw two bright blue eyes judging him. He felt like his soul was burdened with crushing weight that could destroy his soul.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Various memories of his life experiences in this world began to y in his mind. The moments of his happiness, his sadness, his love and his hate, they were all exposed before those blue eyes.


    Then the memory of his first kill in the Ruins near Sal City yed. When the figure of the hunchbacked old man appeared, Ikasa suddenly felt the weight on his soul increase by a fold!


    After that, every time a memory that contained the hunchbacked old man yed, he felt the burden on his soul increase. The pain he felt also increased.


    When the blue eyes finished sifting through all the memories of the hunchbacked old man, his soul had reached its limit.


    Ikasa felt as if his entire body was being torn into pieces and being stitched again. If the prying blue eyes did not stop, his life would really end here.


    Suddenly, the memory of his meeting with the Absolute of Water surfaced in his mind and began to y before his eyes.


    The moment thedy in his memories introduced herself as the Absolute of Water, the weight on his soul halved!


    As the memory yed further, the pressure he felt lessened. Eventually, the weight on his soul waspletely lifted and he was bathed in a warm white light.


    The pain he felt in his soulpletely disappeared. He felt as if he just had a fruitful training session and waspletely refreshed.


    Just as Ikasa opened his eyes, a loud neigh of the horse resounded through the forest, startling the birds and beasts alike.


    Ikasa saw the humongous flying beast looking at him with its wings fully unfurled. The horse reared in the sky by raising its front limbs up and then turned around and galloped into the clouds.


    When Sang Yi got out of the carriage, he noticed Ikasa facing away from him with his head tilted back. The tattooed man followed his gaze and saw a vague figure of the flying horse disappear into the clouds.


    "Guardian of the Tornado Totem, <anno data-annotation-id="1299f77b-0c2b-2a16-197d-afb396ff21d1">Tianma</anno> !"


    Sang Yi shouted with shock and excitement. He immediately fell to his knees with a putong and bowed his head at the disappearing figure of the beast.


    A long whileter, Sang Yi raised his head. Small bump had formed on his forehead from the collision with the ground.


    He looked in Ikasa''s direction and saw a pearly white feather in his hands.


    Sang Yi''s eyes widened as he struggled to string words together to form a sentence.


    "Youˇ­ How?... The Judgment Feather of the Heavenly Horse?... How?"


    Seeing the amused smile on Ikasa''s face, Sang Yi calmed down. He took a deep breath and looked at Ikasa with shining eyes.


    "You are the first outsider to pass the judgment of the Heavenly Horse. I am sure the Ancestor would be delighted to meet you!"


    <annotations style="disy: none;"><ol ss="tinymce-annotation-container"><li data-annotation-id="1299f77b-0c2b-2a16-197d-afb396ff21d1">Heavenly Horse</li></ol></annotations>",

 Chapter 204 [Bonus ]The Nian Clan

    "Who knew that one of the top two forces of the Elm City is located not inside the City but outside it."


    Ikasa eximed as a primitive settlement appeared before his eyes.


    Tall wooden pikes crossed against each other formed a barricade around the settlement. Beyond the protective barricade, Ikasa saw simple wooden houses with thatched roofs.


    These houses were arranged in three differentrge circles. These circles formed a triangr formation. A squarish obelisk, tapering towards the tip, rose from the center of the settlement.


    Sang Yi pointed to the Obelisk from the entrance and said, "That is our totem, The Totem of Tornado. Our n Head resides in the hut beyond the Totem."


    He began to lead Ikasa towards the central circle by circumventing the other circles. As they approached closer, Ikasa noticed ashes of what must have been a massive bonfire at the center of each circle.


    Sang Yi noticed the curiosity in Ikasa''s gaze as he looked at the arrangements in the n. Before he could ask, Sang Yi began to exin.


    "The Nian n is made up of 4 different entities. The Hou Tribe, the Lu tribe, the Xiong tribe and my Sang Family. The Hou, Lu and Xiong Tribes reside here while the Sang family manages the n branch in the City."


    The doubts of Ikasa cleared with Sang Yi''s exnation. It also exined the different styles of houses despite being in the same settlement.


    While talking, Ikasa and Sang Yi had reached the Obelisk. The Totem of Tornado glinted in the bright rays of the afternoon sun. Ikasa could decipher the murals carved on the obelisk after watching it closely.


    The scenes of a tornado devastating entire cities were depicted in the murals. Curiously, the shape of the tornado was simr to the Guardian Beast of the Totem, The Heavenly Horse.


    "Brother Ikasa?"


    Sang Yi called from the entrance of n Head''s house, drawing Ikasa''s attention. He stopped his observation of the mural and entered through the door.


    Ikasa swept a quick nce through therge room. Despite being one of the strongest powers in Elm City, this ce of residence did not show any signs of mor and splendor


    At the back of the hall, Four elderly men with unique headgears were seated on seats made from animal fur. As his vision moved from the left to right, Ikasa saw a colorful bird feather crown, headgear with deer''s antler, and a bear fur cap. Thest man had a ringlet made from the leaves of a mulberry tree on his head.


    From the aura radiated by these figures, Ikasa was able to gauge their cultivation realm. He was startled to know that each of these Tribe leaders were just a step away from Opening their first Chakra!


    Sang Yi bowed to the four elders in turn while introducing them to Ikasa. He started from the left, bowing to the elder with a bird feather cap.


    "Sang Yi greets the Tribe Leader Houˇ­ "


    "Tribe Leader Lu..."


    "Tribe Leader Xiong..."


    "Patriarch Sang."


    Ikasa also followed the etiquette performed by Sang Yi and bowed to each elder even as their hawk-like eyes watched his every move closely.


    Sang Yi gestured to Ikasa and said, "This is Businessman Ikasa. He hase here to meet n Head Ma."


    He then stepped back, leaving Ikasa alone in the room with the old fogies.


    A heavy silence reigned in the room as neither party spoke a word. Both sides were waiting for the opposite party to break first.


    Just as the four leaders were carefully scrutinizing Ikasa, he was also observing them. He picked on their minute ticks that showed how nervous or rxed they were.


    The Tribe Leader Xiong had grown fidgety as the silencested longer. The person hardest to see through was none other than the Patriarch Sang. Even after a long time had passed, not even a single line on his face had moved.


    Though Ikasa was not impatient, the silence had persisted for too long for his liking. He did not n to spend the night in the outskirts of Darumaka Forest when he could be in the soft bed of the Pleasant Dream Inn.


    Ikasa decided to take the lead to break the silence. Just as he was about to speak, the door of the room opened with a bang.


    A skinny old man supported by a walking stick stormed into the room. His thick white eyebrows were touching together and lines had formed on his shining bald head.


    "Ma Tian, get out here! What kind of games are you ying?"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Pointing his white stick at the wall behind the four elders, the old man roared. His thick silvery white beard trembled with anger as he shouted.


    Seeing the old man, the four Tribe Leaders jumped up to their feet and bowed deeply.


    "We greet the Ancestor, the Third n head, Ma San."


    Much to their surprise, the old man ignored their greeting and turned to Ikasa with a toothy smile. He looked at the young man with a fond gaze, like a proud grandfather looking at his aplished grandson.


    The four Tribe Leaders were shocked to see the Ancestor act this way. Then they heard the most shocking words from his mouth.


    "Can you show me the Judgment Feather you received from Lord Tianma?"


    The old man asked with slight anticipation. Eyes of the Tribe Leaders widened. They immediately understood the reasoning behind their Ancestor''s actions.


    With bated breaths, they too looked at Ikasa with anticipation.


    Seeing the eager faces, Ikasa had no choice but to take out the Pearly white feather from his storage space. The feather shined with beautiful golden light as soon as it was out of the Storage bracelet.


    However, Iksas saw something shine brighter than the feather. It was the eyes of the Chakra Sage Ancestor!


    "Hahaha! It really is true!"


    The ancestorughed heartily. He was so joyous that Ikasa even wondered if he had gone senile.


    While the old manughed heartily, a middle aged man wearing a headgear decorated with two pearly white feathers emerged from the wall behind the four elders.


    Seeing him, theughter of the Elder stopped. His white mustache red with his nose.


    "Ma Tian, have you grown so arrogant that you want to test someone acknowledged by Lord Heavenly Horse?"


    The oldman roared with anger as he sted the n Head with the full brunt of his aura. He had raised his stick, ready to strike the n Head if he heard one wrong worde from his mouth.


    n Head Ma immediately mitigated the coercion on himself with ease. When Ikasa noticed this fact, he was shocked as that meant the n Head had also reached a realmparable to the Chakra Opening Realm of the old man!


    Yet, the n head had a fawning smile on his face as he answered the Ancestor.


    "How dare I, Ancestor. I already knew this young man was righteous and a kind person from the business deal he proposed. I had already decided to approve it."


    "But these other Tribe Leadersˇ­"


    The tone of the n Head immediately changed from one that was ttering to one that of grievance as he pointed at the other Tribe Leaders.


    "They refused to believe my words. Not only did they have no confidence in this young man, but they also forced me into the secret room so that I would not disturb their test."


    The other Tribe Leaders looked at Ma Tian with horror on their faces. They looked at the n Head calling him a liar and traitor in their hearts.


    They opened their mouths before the Old Ancestor to deny these usations but one re from him shut them up.


    The lips of the old ancestor twitched as he brought his raised hand down. How could he not know the tant lie the n Head was spouting?


    These Tribe Leaders were still in the Chakra Sensing Realm while the n Head had advanced to the Chakra Opening realm long ago.


    If the test took ce, it happened because Ma Tian wanted it.


    Seeing the innocent look on Ma Tian''s face, the Old man had the urge to call this guy the one word he was -


    "Shameless!"

 Chapter 205 Contract Concluded

    "The Nian n will receive a percentile share of profits in exchange for protecting the shop and your people. Is that what you mean?"


    Ma Tian, the n Head of the Nian n summarized the business proposal Ikasa had put forth for the benefit of the other Tribe Leaders.


    "Or I can also pay the Nian n a fixed amount of 10,000 gold per year for the same." Ikasa added.


    The four Tribe Leaders began to contemte the two options. Both of the deals sounded too good to be true when they thought about it.


    If this proposal hade from any other merchant, they would''ve been wary of the merchant''s ulterior motives. However, this was Ikasa - A person judged by the Heavenly Horse''s Feather of Judgment!


    Any and all reservations the Tribe Leaders had towards Ikasa disappeared when he yed the ''Acknowledged by the Guardian Beast'' card.


    As soon as the options were put forth, the Tribe leaders started to choose sides. Since the sincerity of Ikasa was no longer in question, they just had to choose the option that would bring their n more prosperity.


    "10,000 gold is a big sum! We should choose this option over a measly 10% of the Profits."


    The leader of Xiong Tribe argued. His eyes were shining when he heard the number and he immediately decided to favor this option. Hou Tribe Leader also nodded in agreement.


    Ikasa hid the small smile forming on his face as he saw two of the Tribe Leaders take the bait.


    The amount of 10,000 Gold per year was nothing worth mentioning ifpared to the profits he would earn from the Shop in this City.


    Not only was Elm City a Tier-2 City with high spending power, it was also a trade hub. Huge amount of Mercenaries escorting the Merchants poured into the City every season. These people were Ikasa''s target customers in the initial phase.


    There were also troupes employed privately by the Merchants. Only the richest of the merchants could afford to keep their own Private Force. Naturally, they would not be stingy and purchase the best Battle Techniques for their forces.


    When the word of his manuals spread through the City, Ikasa was sure that these merchants would line up to fill his coffers. Each of them would spend at least 5 to 6 thousand gold in his shop, making the ie rise to more than 20k per month.


    If he had to give a 10% share to the Nian n he would be paying way more than 10,000 gold per year. Hence, Ikasa was happy to see the Xiong and the Hou Tribe Leaders favor the fixed amount option.


    He moved his eyes to the Patriarch of the Sang Family and the Lu Tribe''s Leader. They had yet to voice their opinion. The n Head Ma Tian also seemed more interested in their choice than the opinion of the other two Tribe leaders.


    "Brother Sang, your son has personally seen the manuals. How well do you think they would sell in this City?"


    The Tribe Leader Lu asked Patriarch Sang. He was unable toe to a decision because hecked knowledge about the product. He did not ask Ikasa, as no merchant would ever say their wares are bad.


    Rather, he asked Sang Yi''s father, the one person who had seen the manuals in person.


    Patriarh Sang traced the tattoo on his forehead that extended all the way to his neck as he carefully thought about the answer.


    "The Manuals areˇ­ Miraculous. However, they are limited to the Path Forging Realm. I am unsure as to how much ie the Shop can earn just from selling them."<novelnext></novelnext>


    As he spoke, he paid attention to Ikasa''s expressions. Ikasa hadposed his face immediately upon noticing his gaze.


    "Do you mean that we should choose the safer option that would provide us with a consistent amount every year?"


    Tribe Leader Lu asked, as he was one of the people most averse to risk taking endeavors. Patriarch Sang did not reply immediately but scrutinized Ikasa once thoroughly. Then he dered the option he favored.


    "The sum of 10,000 gold is indeed generous but I feel we would earn more if we choose to take a 10% share in profits."


    Since the failure of the first business venture, the Sang Family had been in charge of the trades regarding the Mystic Blood that kept the n afloat.


    Years passed but the trauma from their failure had not disappeared. They still preferred to avoid jumping into another business where they could potentially suffer a loss.


    To change the situation, Patriarch Sang himself had brought many business proposals but had been shot down by the other Tribe Leaders because of the risks involved or their distrust in the Merchants.


    Thus, the enterprising spirit of the Nian n had died long ago.


    However, Patriarch Sang saw an opportunity in Ikasa. He saw a hope to revive the entrepreneurial spirit of the Nian n by letting them experience the ups and downs of the markets.


    He chose the riskier option instead of the safe one because his goal was not the gold they would earn through this partnership. Rather he was aiming to revive the business ambitions of the Nian n through this partnership!


    The Tribe Leader Lu looked at Patriarch Sang with a hint of surprise. He decided to trust the man who had been looking after the finances of the Nian n for so many years and supported his choice.


    "I also prefer the option with 10% share."


    Ikasa became slightly anxious as two people chose the option he really did not want to offer. The votes had reached a tie with two for each option.


    He looked at the n Head of the Nian n with anticipation as his vote would decide which option the Nian n would choose.


    The n Head Ma looked at all the Tribe Leaders and then at Ikasa with an imposing gaze.


    "Since we are going to enter a partnership, How can we make you pay us a fixed amount even when your profits might be lower. We will thus take the 10% share in the Shop."


    After a long round of brainstorming, the governing body of the Nian n came to a decision. Though the offer they chose was not the one Ikasa wanted them to choose, he was prepared for such a scenario.


    ''To keep the Profits low, I just need to show losses by increasing the production cost and transportation cost of the manuals.''


    In fact, since Ikasa''s methods of making the manuals were a secret nobody knew what it actually cost him. So, he could manipte this cost as he wanted!


    With this in mind, Ikasa concluded the contract with the Nian n with a big smile on his face.

 Chapter 206 The Eight Guardian Beasts

    Under the hawkish gaze of the Chakra Sage Ancestor of the Nian n, the Contract was signed sessfully.


    Though everything seemed to have gone smoothly, it only happened because of the Judgment Feather of the Heavenly Horse. When Ikasa thought back to the awe and respect shown by the Tribe Leaders towards a simple feather, he could not help but grow curious about it.


    Luckily, he had the most authoritative elder, the ancestor of the Nian n, to address his curiosity. He would be a fool if he did not take this chance to uncover some mysteries.


    ''As Confucius said, "He who asks a question is a fool for a moment, but he who does not ask questions is a fool for lifetime."''


    Ikasa thought and turned to the Elderly man. He had many questions but he started with a simple one.


    "Elder, what does being judged to be ''worthy'' means? What am I worthy of?"


    "Trust."


    One word resounded in the hall. The old man had not opened his eyes but his lips verbalized the answer.


    Ikasa was taken aback by the simple but powerful reply.


    As a person who had navigated the business world, he knew how important this single word was. It was hard to earn but easy to lose.


    Yet, this single feather had earned him the trust of the Nian n.


    Ikasa knew how significant of a feat it was.


    People who have been burnt once find it hard to believe in the warmth of the mes. The current Nian n was like those people.


    Ikasa had seen the deep prejudice and skepticism shown by the Nian n towards merchants. Even he himself had experienced it first hand when he first met the Tribe Leaders.


    However, the Feather of Judgment helped absolve him of their prejudices.


    Ikasa once again stroked the silky smooth feather. He was reminded why he had rushed to pick up the feather in the first ce.


    It was a feather from a beast at the least in the Nascent Soul Stage! The cultivation base wasparable to the Spirit Assimtion stage of humans!


    Ikasa was sure that anything made from this feather would turn out to be an incredible Spiritual Weapon. That brought him to the next question.


    "Elder, would it be okay if I forge this feather into a weapon?"


    Ikasa''s suggestion drew gasps from the other Tribe Leaders. They couldn''t imagine such a sacrilegious thought about an object they considered sacred.


    Still, they had no right to butt in as the Heavenly Horse had bestowed the feather upon Ikasa. They could only keep their mouth shut and listen to the Ancestor''s reply.


    "You don''t know the real use of the feather do you?"


    The Ancestor asked, slightly amused. He did not wait for the answer as the brief moment of silence had told him all he needed to know.


    "This feather symbolizes the trust Heavenly horse has ced in you. I say trust because with this feather, you can summon the Heavenly Horse to aid or protect you!"


    Ikasa quickly ced the feather back in his storage. His eyes were shining with light upon hearing the use of the feather. This was as good as having the backing of an Undying Soul!


    The Chakra Sage was amused even more by Ikasa''s actions. He slightly shook his head and warned,"The Feather is only useful within the territory of the Heavenly Horse i.e. the Elm City and the Daruka Forest. If you enter another Guardian Beasts territory, the Heavenly Horse cannot help you."


    These limitations poured a cold water on Ikasa''s ambitions. However, he was relieved because the forests surrounding the three Tier-3 Cities of Deciduous County were also extensions of the Daruka Forest.


    It meant that he would be under the Heavenly Horse''s protection when he was in Birch City too.


    Suddenly, he had a thought.


    ''Since one guardian beast trusts me, shouldn''t the other guardian beasts also find me worthy of trust?''


    A greedy thought rose in his mind when Ikasa thought about being able to summon an army of Nascent Soul Stage Beasts!


    To bring this idea to fruition, Ikasa first had to know who or what the other Guardian beasts were and where he could find them.


    ''In the first ce what were the Guardian Beasts? Why were they called such?''<novelnext></novelnext>


    Before Ikasa came to the Nian n or even met the Heavenly Horse, he was not concerned about their origins. He only became concerned when the Beast easily searched through his memories. His intense hatred for the old man from the hologram, his supposed creator, also rmed him.


    This was when Ikasa was reminded of the mural he saw on the obelisk. A huge tornado that looked like the Heavenly Horse was blowing through the cities, destroying them.


    ''Could the Tornado be formed by the Heavenly Horse? Or did the Horse suppress the Tornado?''


    He had numerous guesses about the identity of the Guardian Beasts but why guess when he could get the answer from the old man before him.


    "Sage Ma, what exactly are the Guardian beasts? Are they somehow rted to the natural disasters?"


    The old man was startled by the inference drawn by Ikasa. He smiled and nodded.


    "As you know there are Eight Guardian Beasts. What you do not know is that each one of those beasts is a Transcendent Creatureˇ­."


    "Transcendent Creature?!"


    Ikasa jumped up with surprise. When one said Transcendent, it meant they had transcended thews of Birth and Death! As long as they had the will to live, they would not die.


    They were truly immortal in a sense!


    Even Ikasa, a tiny scribe from the Tier-3 City had heard of them. Now, he had obtained a favor from this mythological existence. Except for the Absolutes, who could he not offend in the world?


    An arrogant smile formed on his lips but he quickly regained his rationality. Wasting an important card like this on a small power like the Mu Family would be like using a WMD to kill a mosquito.


    The old elder gave Ikasa a few breaths to calm his emotions. When he had learned of the reality of these Guardian Beasts he had also been simrly shocked and excited.


    The Ancestor would have actually wondered if Ikasa was sane had he not disyed such a reaction full of awe for those beings at the top.


    Seeing Ikasa settle down, the old Ancestor continued from where he was interrupted.


    "As I was saying, each of the Guardian Beasts is a Transcendent Creature who is suppressing a disaster."


    Ikasa had gotten over his excitement by now. After listening to the Old Ancestor, he was reminded of his guesses.


    ''So my second guess was correct. After all, people would not worship the beasts if they brought them harm.''


    Ikasa inferred from the exnation offered by the Ancestor of the Nian n. He listened carefully as the Elder began to list the Eight Totems of Cmity and the Guardian Beasts suppressing them.


    "Totem of Tornado guarded by the Heavenly Horse."


    "Totem of Earthquake guarded by the Celestial Bull."


    "Totem of Haze guarded by the Nine-Tailed Fox."


    "Totem of Drought guarded by the Fire Dragon."


    "Totem of Volcano guarded by the Sun Lion."


    "Totem of Landslide guarded by the Mountain Digging Pangolin."


    "Totem of Rainstorm guarded by the Dragon Turtle."


    "Totem of Blizzard guarded by the Ice Phoenix."


    After naming the all eight totems and the guardian beasts, the Chakra Sage took a deep and long breath. Ikasa also had time to process the information.


    Then the Ancestor dropped a piece of news that blew Ikasa''s mind.


    "The Guardian Beasts are constantly absorbing the Energy from these Totems. A pointes when they can no longer maintain sanity and they undergo a shedding of their body and are reborn as new born beasts. When they do, they approach the people they have judged to be worthy of their trust."


    This meant that while Ikasa was under the protection of the Heavenly Horse for now, there maye a time when he had to protect the newly born Heavenly Horse from the covetous eyes as well!

 Chapter 207 Merchants Of The Furnace Fire Empire

    "Thankfully, there are only two Totems of Cmities in the Holy Wood Empire."


    Ikasa thought as hey on his bed in the Pleasant Dream Inn. His eyes moved to the silky golden feather on the dressing table and he sighed.


    "To think this world would be fraught with cmities and disaster were it not for the Guardian Beastsˇ­"


    The information from the Ancestor had truly opened his eyes. This world not only faced a threat from some cyborgs in about 80 years but also from the natural disasters.


    He had no reason to worry about either disaster but somehow he was inexplicably involved with both.


    His unusual body and his connection to the hunched old man involved him in the first disaster about the cybeic humans.


    The feather bestowed by the Heavenly Horse made him concerned about the second disaster.


    ''I wonder how long it takes for a Transcendent beast to be saturated with a totem''s energy and undergo rebirth.''


    Ikasa thought in his heart while looking at the feather. This feather was not only his ultimate protection but also a heavy responsibility.


    Someday when the Heavenly Horse will undergo rebirth, it maye to Ikasa to get protection during its weak period.


    ''All of this is far into the future. I should focus on things I need to do today. Like visiting the Fair of Furnace Fire Empire''s merchants!''


    Ikasa quickly got up and got ready for the day. Today was the day when he could fill his pockets with more 1-Star Spirit Coins!


    An hourter, Ikasa, Xin Ruo and the kids were walking towards arge open ground. This was the location of the trade fair organized with thebined efforts of the two neighboring empires.


    On the first nce, Ikasa saw numerous luxurious tents erected on one side of the ground while stalls were set up on the other side by the merchants from both empires.


    As the group passed by the tents, the nose of Luo Qiqi and Bu Fan twitched, smelling the aroma of delicious foods. Apparently these tents served as temporary restaurants!


    The greedy foodie and the ambitious Chef looked at Ikasa for his permission to break away from the group.


    Ikasa could not say no to the drooling and pouting faces. He slightly shook his head with exasperation and gave them the permission to do as they wanted.


    As soon as Ikasa nodded, the two foodies ran towards the nearest tent. Chu Qing ran after them so that he could keep their expenses under control. He was determined to save one more gold coin on this trip.


    After watching the trio disappear into the rows of tents, Ikasa and his group turned to the left.


    Merchants from both the empires had set up stalls here. The Furnace Fire Empire stalls had a distinct red and gold decoration while the Holy Wood Empire Merchants had decorated their stalls in green and brown colors.


    The stalls decorated in red and gold sold a variety of rare and precious goods like Weapon Ores and low tier medicine pills to misceneous trinkets like toys and clothes unique to the Furnace Fire Empire.


    On the other hand, the green and brown stalls showcased items like Agarwood essence, Calming tea, rare herbs and other products of the forest. Even spices and food grains were for sale on these stalls!


    Ikasa, Xin Ruo and Yan Xiao waded through the dense crowd of people as they visited the stalls that caught their fancy.


    "Do you have trouble meditating? Is your mind always distracted? Try ourbination of Agarwood Incense and Calming Tea! Guaranteed to increase your cultivation efficiency by 100%! Only a spirit coin for 100 taels!"


    "Tri Color leaf on discount! One unit for 1-Star Spirit Coin!"


    "Hot ck Powder! Sweet Scent Nut! Spicy Leaf! Dried Star Flower! Buy any one to bring vor to your food!"


    Ikasa heard numerous such solicitations as he passed by the stalls of the Holy Wood Empire Merchants. These were still okay but when he reached the area of the Furnace Fire Empire, the very first stall made Xin Ruo turn beet red.


    "Do you run out of stamina soon?" The salesman asked, blocking Ikasa''s path. He did not even wait for Ikasa to answer and turned to Xin Ruo. "Does the young master not satisfy you, Young miss?"


    Xin Ruo blushed and avoided eye contact with the salesman. They had not even done it a single time yet! How could she be a judge of satisfaction?


    The Salesman was as shameless as those on Earth. He thrust a jade bottle before her and said,


    "Try our Ironwood Form! For only one spirit coin, this magical blue pill can bring happiness to your bedroom!"


    Ikasa''s face turned dark and he rudely shoved the salesman to the side without speaking a word. He then snaked his arm around Xin Ruo''s waist and marched away from the stall with blushing Xin Ruo and a clueless Yan Xiao.


    The trio picked up pace and soon reached the area with thergest stalls in the fair.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Crowd around this area was thin. The Merchants had left their positions and were gathered around a single stall, chatting and talking.


    Their faces were grave and they looked outraged.


    "...that puny innkeeper dared to refuse me a room. She even said that any Merchant from the Furnace Fire Empire is not as good as a small merchant from their Tier-3 City!"


    The fat on the face of the speaker trembled with anger as he recounted his version of what happened at the Pleasant Dream Inn. His embellishment made a mountain out of molehill!


    He made it sound like he was denied room not because of his own fault but because the people of Holy Wood Empire had conspired to humiliate him!


    It seemed like his n had seeded. The other merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire grew incensed at the unfair treatment their colleague had faced.


    "Brother Zhang, they really do not look at the face of our Furnace Fire Empire! Rest assured, none of us will visit the Pleasant Dream Inn."


    "And that guy, Ikasa or whatever his name is, can forget about doing business with any of us."


    "Yes, unless that Ikasa gets on his knees and begs for your forgiveness, we won''t sell him any weapon-ores or buy anything he has to sell!"


    A wide smile appeared on the round face of Zhang Chun. He patted the backs of the two merchants closest to him and emotionally said,


    "Thank You, brothers. We need to show these people from the Holy Wood Empire that offending one of us means offending all of us."


    Suddenly, there was a hard knock on one of the counters of a nearby stall. A charming masculine voice asked, "Is anyone here?"


    The gathering of merchants immediately broke as they turned to see who had arrived. They saw a young man and a woman with a shy teenager looking at them. Their dressing style was simple but both, the man and the woman, had a Spatial Storage Bracelet on their wrists.


    Seeing the young man, Zhang Chun''s face turned ugly. He pointed his thick and girthy finger at Ikasa and spat out the words, "He is that insolent bastard, Ikasa!"


    Immediately, the way Merchants looked at Ikasa changed. Their gazes became full of hostility. They had already judged them to be poor from their simplistic dressing but they were still willing to do business with them as both of them possessed Storage devices.


    However, since these people had offended Zhang Chun, the merchants were no longer interested in conducting business with them.


    After all, there was no reason to incur the wrath of a big fish like Zhang Chun for a small sum they could obtain from this couple.


    Ikasa heard the words spoken by Zhang Chun and noticed the wariness and open hostility disyed by the merchants.


    ''Sigh! This is why I do not like pping faces. It only brings forth endless troubles.''


    Ikasa thought as he looked at the group of silent merchants. He decided to thicken his face and take the initiative to speak.


    "The board here says that you are buying Prime Gold ores?"


    Silence. His question was met with silence. Ikasa looked at the merchants who still kept quiet and then his eyes met Zhang Chun''s.


    "I told you, Ikasa! You have offended Zhang Chun of ze City means you have insulted our Furnace Fire Empire! None of these merchants will buy your few dings of Prime Gold Ores!"


    Zhang Chun roared withughter. Ikasa narrowed his eyes at the fatty and the merchants surrounding him.


    He did not want to beg them to buy his ores but approaching the other Merchants who dealt with Pills and herbs would not get him the best possible price.


    ''Well, what they would offer would at the least be better than having to beg before these bastards. Worst case, I will bring the ores to the Royal Family of the Furnace Fire Empire myself.''


    Ikasa decided to protect his pride and reputation and turned to leave.


    At this moment, Yan Xiao tugged at Ikasa''s sleeves and asked in a rtively quiet voice, "Brother Ikasa, didn''t you say we were selling a hundred dings of Prime Gold ore?"


    His voice was still not quiet enough. Most of the merchants opposite Ikasa had reached the intermediate stage of the Sense Realm at the minimum. Their sharp ears heard the words ''a hundred dings'' and a look of shock and excitement appeared on their face.


    From the corner of his eyes, Ikasa noticed the greed shine in the eyes of many of the merchants standing beside Zhang Chun. Their will to stay true to their words was wavering.


    As Ikasa took the first step to leave the area, he heard a merchant call for him.


    "Thisˇ­ Brother Ikasa, please wait! I am willing to buy all hundred dings of your Prime Gold Ore!"

 Chapter 208 In Face Of Profits...

    Hong Niu was the owner of the secondrgest tradingpany that arrived in Elm City. His Red Bull tradingpany was second only to Zhang Chun''s zing Winds merchantry in the metal ore business.


    When Zhang Chun recounted his humiliating experience at the Pleasant Dream Inn, Hong Niu sensed a slight bit of hypocrisy in his words.


    As a fellow Citizen of the Furnace Fire Empire, Hong Niu thought that he had the right to judge Zhang Chun. But what right did the people of the Holy Wood Empire have to expose the ws of Zhang Chun?


    Being a patriotic Citizen of Furnace Fire Empire, he was enraged that one of his fellow merchants was treated this way by the people of Holy Wood Empire.


    Since there were plenty of other Inns in Elm City, Hong Niu had no trouble boycotting the Pleasant Dream Inn. He also had no problem when Zhang Chun asked them to embargo a single person called Ikasa.


    Hong Niu was willing to keep both of these promises when Ikasa appeared. He acted in solidarity with Zhang Chun and refused to buy whatever few Prime Gold Ores Ikasa wanted to sell.


    However his will wavered when he heard that it was not just a few Prime Gold Ores but a Hundred dings of them!


    ''A Hundred Dings!'' Hong Niu thought excitedly in his heart. His brain quickly started to calcte -


    ''The Imperial family offers a 2-Star Spirit Coin for each ding; that is 1500 gold! I make a profit of 1000 gold for every ding of Prime Gold ore. If I can buy the entirety of the ore in his hands, I will make a profit of 100,000 gold!''


    Hong Niu widened his eyes as soon as he reached this conclusion. This number was more than what Zhang Chun would earn in a year!


    ''If my Red Bull Trading Company wants to surpass the zing Winds Merchantry, I need to close this deal!''


    Hong Niu came to a decision. He raised his hand and called to Ikasa,


    "Thisˇ­ Brother Ikasa, please wait! I am willing to buy all hundred dings of your Prime Gold Ore!"


    His shout caused the merchants around him to look at him with disgruntlement. He was not the only one who had calcted the profits, others were also able to see it.


    However, they did not dare to act for the fear of angering Zhang Chun and their fellow merchants.


    They turned to see the reaction of Zhang Chun to this tant challenge to his dignity. Just when he had dered that no one would do business with Ikasa, one of their fellow merchants stabbed him in the back!


    As they expected, the face of Zhang Chun had turned into an ugly shade of purple. He spat fire out of his eyes as he looked at Hong Niu who was walking towards Ikasa.


    To make matters worse, Ikasa smirked while looking at Zhang Chun and then asked Hong Niu, "Which stall belongs to you?"


    This was the final straw that broke the camel''s back. The dam of emotions broke and a vein on Zhang Chun''s forehead began to throb.


    "Hong Niu, you dare?"


    Unable to control his rage, Zhang Chun shouted. Spittle flew out of his mouth and drenched the merchants standing between him and Hong Niu.


    The leader of the Red Bull Mercenary Company stopped and looked at Zhang Chun. In a calm manner, he asked, " What is wrong? I am simply conducting a business. Isn''t that the reason why we are here?"


    The nonchnce of Hong Niu caused the other merchants to shout ''shameless'' in their hearts while at the same time they admired him for standing up to Zhang Chun.<novelnext></novelnext>


    As for the leader of the zing Winds merchantry? He was left speechless by Hong Niu.


    "Youˇ­ Youˇ­ Youˇ­!"


    Zhang Chun was so enraged that he struggled to find words. He looked at the merchants and noticed their displeasure with Hong Niu.


    ''If they could not trade with Ikasa, why should Hong Niu be allowed to?'' This was what most of them were thinking.


    Zhang Chun decided to take advantage of their discontent and turn Hong Niu into a Viin.


    "Hong Niu! Do you feel nothing when betraying your fellow countrymen? Why are you trading with the enemy, someone who disrespected our Furnace Fire Empire?"


    This finally caused Hong Niu to stop in ce. He was, after all, a citizen of the Furnace Fire Empire.


    Even if he made a huge profit from this deal, if he was boycotted by all these merchants, his Red Bull Trading Company would be in huge trouble.


    Ikasa frowned at this turn of events. He knew that if Hong Niu decided to turn back, he would have to return empty handed. He decided to take things into his own hands.


    "Brother Hong, What do we merchants want the most?"


    All of the merchants as well as Xin Ruo and Yan Xiao looked at Ikasa with puzzlement. They had no idea what move Ikasa was trying to pull.


    Hong Niu looked at Ikasa and hesitantly answered, "Profits? Riches?"


    "Yes!" Ikasa eximed, jumping on the answer. He continued,


    "We merchants pursue the profits and the profits know no boundaries! Businessmen like ourselves work for the prosperity of the Humanity. If we cannot look beyond our Empires, how are we supposed to enrich every human''s life?"


    The merchants did not expect Ikasa to spout such profound words. Their eyes went wide and their gazes held admiration for Ikasa. They mumbled the lines that made the most impact on them.


    "Profits know no boundaries! This is a sentence to live by for every merchant."


    One of the merchants in a red and ck jacket said, sighing with admiration.


    "We Businessmen belong to mankind! We cannot be bound to one Empire! How broad his vision must be to say such words!"


    Another merchant wearing a yellow jacket and red pants spoke, looking at Ikasa with reverence. In his eyes, Ikasa''s figure had grownrger than the sky.


    Hong Niu found his voice amidst the support from the other Merchants. He stepped out to pave the way for them to conduct business with Ikasa.


    "Ipletely support these words of Brother Ikasa. We are Merchants. We serve mankind. Whenpared to the prosperity of Humanity as a whole, what is the Furnace Fire Empire? What is the Holy Wood Empire?"

 Chapter 209 The World Is One

    "Well said, Brother Hong! You recognized this fact before us. We respect you!"


    A merchant who had a good rtions with Hong Niu spoke,pletely absolving him of the me of betraying the Empire.


    While the Merchants were engaging in ttery and trying to put themselves in Ikasa''s good graces, Zhang Chun snorted. He looked with contempt at the hypocritic bastards who were ttering him just a few minutes ago and promised to stand up for the Empire.


    Zhang Chun sneered and coldly spoke the words that sent shivers down the backs of these merchants.


    "Should I report all your words to Governor Hao? Would you like to see how he reacts to your ims when I tell him that you are colluding with a Holy Wood Empire Merchant to tarnish the image of Furnace Fire Empire?"


    The ''Governor Hao'' he mentioned was the Governor of the Forge County of the Furnace Fire Empire. All of the Merchants present here hailed from this county and had their base of business operations there.


    A figure as powerful as the Governor Hao could make conducting business in the Forge County very difficult for them.


    Merchants, who Ikasa had swayed with much difficulty, hesitated at this threat. They knew the threat was real as Zhang Chun had the same circle of friends as the Governor Hao.


    The Businessmen looked between Ikasa and Zhang Chun with conflict in their eyes. On one side was profit, on the other, a potent threat.


    Seeing their hesitant looks, an ugly smile of victory appeared on the fat face of the rotund man. Zhang Chun knew that his threat was much more effective against these spineless cowards and it had trumped the temptation of profits.


    He was about to look at Ikasa and shoo him away when he heard Ikasa address him directly.


    "Zhang Chun, are you saying that our Imperial Rulers are narrow minded?"


    Ikasa asked in a loud voice. The merchants were also left gobsmacked by the question. They could not believe Ikasa had dragged the Imperial Court into their sh of egos!


    But the man the question was directed at, became incredibly flustered.


    "When did I say that? Don''t put words in my mouth!"


    Zhang Chun refuted while nervously looking around. There was only one punishment for disrespecting the Emperor; Death. He wiped the sweat beads on his head when he did not find anything amiss.


    The young businessman continued to hammer down on Zhang Chun, ignoring his actions.


    "They possess much wider vision than a small toad like you! Why do you think Trade Fairs are organized in Elm City, Tinder City and Juniper City every four months?"


    Ikasa asked Zhang Chun, taking a step forward in his direction. He let his imposing aura re and intimidate the fat merchant. Zhang Chun took a step back with fear, as the imposing manner of the man sent shivers down his spine.


    "Is it only so that we merchants can meet and exchange our goods? No, this fair is organized so the citizens can broaden their horizons! This is so that we can see this World beyond the boundaries of our Cities, Counties and Empires!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Zhang Chun, you are going against the will of Emperor Yan and Emperor Mu by maliciously obstructing a fair trade between me, a merchant of Holy Wood Empire and the merchants of Furnace Fire Empire!"


    Zhang Chun grew paler and paler as Ikasa continued to speak. This was not just because of his righteous words but also because of how Ikasa had also dragged the Royal Families of the two Empires into their petty squabble!


    The problem was everything Ikasa said was close to the truth. The objective of the Trade Fair was indeed fostering good rtions between the two neighboring empires. The boost in economic activity was an added bonus.


    Thus, Ikasa could not be censured for speaking on behalf of the Imperial Court as he was merely saying what was announced officially!


    This caused Zhang Chun to be tongue tied. Refuting Ikasa''s words meant he would be indirectly refuting the words of the Imperial Courts of both the Empires!


    The fat man breathed heavily while trying to find ways to win this battle of influence.


    On the other hand, the other merchants were delighted by Zhang Chun''s misery. The way Ikasa schooled Zhang Chun made them feel like they had let out the umted foul air in their body.


    They now had a legitimate justification to trade with Ikasa despite whatever happened with Zhang Chun. One after another, these few merchants began to express their willingness.


    "Brother Ikasa has opened the eyes of I, Shang Chen. I can only repent by offering the highest price for your goods."


    "Brother Ikasa, your vision has impressed this Tan Wei. Please sell me your ores and allow me to be a part of your grand vision."


    "I, Duan Du, also want to form a connection with you, Brother Ikasa."


    As the merchants flocked to Ikasa one after another the face of Zhang Chun grew redder and redder. Each merchant who offered to buy Ikasa''s ores had directly pped him in his face!


    Even the merchants closest to him had abandoned his side and rushed to Ikasa!


    Zhang Chun realized that there was nothing more to be done here. He resigned, and copsed into the expensive chair. His eyes were listless and gloomy.


    "Why? Why are they bending over backward before a lowly man from a trash tier-3 city? Do they not have any pride as respected merchants of Tier-2 ze City?"


    He muttered to himself as he red hatefully at the merchants gathered around Ikasa, acting subserviently. Their fawning smiles and ttering words boiled his blood.


    Yet, the young man disdained spending more time with the merchants. He let the girl who arrived with him handle them and he himself took a seat beside himself.


    Then Ikasa said the words that caused Zhang Chun to feel as if someone had sprinkled salt on his wounds but at the same time they enlightened him.


    "In business it does not matter where you are from or which tier of city you belong to. In the face of profits, the World is one!"

 Chapter 210 So Weak!

    "I''ll pay Six Spirit Coins per ding! Sell them to me!"


    The Merchants mored around Xin Ruo trying to get her attention. They had also raised the price from the fixed price of 1-star Spirit Coin per ding in their bid to get her attention.


    "One 1-star and one dim-star Spirit Coins!"


    Hong Niu shouted, raising the price. Somehow the simple selling of the Prime Gold Ore had turned into an auction!


    Xin Ruopared the bids in her head.


    ''The Six Spirit coins mentioned in the first bid are all Null-Star Spirit Coins. Each of them is worth 100 Gold. A total of Six hundred gold.''


    She thought, looking at the first merchant. Then her eyes moved to Hong Niu.


    ''Hong Niu bid 1-star Spirit Coin worth 500 Gold and another Null star Spirit Coin on top. That is also 600 gold. However, even a fool knows one 1-star Spirit Coin is more valuable than 5 of Null-star Spirit Coins.''


    Suddenly another loud voice joined in.


    " One 1-star and 1 Null-star spirit coins and a t 10% discount on all items sold by the zing Winds Merchantry."


    This voice attracted the attention of all the people present. They were shocked to know that the one bidding was none other than Zhang Chun, the merchant who had proposed to impose sanctions on Ikasa!


    They saw Ikasa sitting not far from the huge figure of Zhang Chun, looking at him with surprise. A wave of respect arose in the heart of most of the merchants while some looked at him with suspicion.


    For most of the Merchants here, Hong Niu''s bid was already outrageous! Adding a 10% discount on all goods on top of that was too much for them to bear.


    Hong Niu narrowed his eyes at the round figure of Zhang Chun and loudly stated, "I am willing to match his bid!"


    Xin Ruo looked at the two merchants, unable to decide the winner.


    Hong Niu had been the first one to step out to buy their ores. He did not do it out of goodwill but simply for profits.


    On the other hand, the zing Winds Merchantry of Zhang Chun had a much wider variety of goods but he had irked Ikasa.


    Xin Ruo could not make a decision. Just because Zhang Chun had annoyed Ikasa did not mean he was out of the race. Previously, the He Family had also tried to get Ikasa killed but today they were earning the most amount of money for their GHBG.


    She looked at Ikasa for help. Other merchants also followed her gaze and looked at Ikasa.


    The young man in question was already weighing the options.


    When they had entered this area, he had scanned the stalls of the Merchants. He had found plenty or rare ores and equipment for sale on both the stalls.


    Ikasa began to contemte the options in his head.


    ''The Red Bull Company has fewer equipment and weapons for sale than the zing Winds Merchantry. The variety and quality of the Weapon grade ores is, however, the same. That is all I need.''


    After weighing the options he reached a decision.


    Ikasa stood up from thefortable chair and walked to Zhang Chun. The small beady eyes of the obese man lit up as he expected Ikasa to make a deal with him.


    From the other side of the room, Hong Niu also looked at Ikasa with anxious anticipation. If Ikasa chose Zhang Chun, he would regret having gone against the fat merchant.


    ''Even backing down now would not be a good idea.'' Hong Niu thought as he saw Ikasa stop beside Zhang Chun. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Ikasa pat the shoulder of the merchant with a smile.


    ''Don''tˇ­ Don''t choose him.''


    The calm facade of Hong Niu crumbled. He had maintained an indifferent poker face until now but his face paled slightly as he saw the vicious smile on Zhang Chun''s face.


    "Zhang Chun, I really admire your thick skin. Your shamelessness knows no bounds!"


    The smiling face of Zhang Chun stiffened as he looked at the smiling face of Ikasa.


    The way Ikasa delivered those words; Anyone would think Ikasa was trulyplimenting Zhang Chun! However, if they paid attention to the words themselves, not even a fool would consider them aspliments!


    As soon as the eyes of Ikasa and Zhang Chun met, Ikasa sneered.


    "How delusional must you be to think I would sell my Prime Gold Ores to you after insulting my people? After the shit you have pulled just now?"


    A genuine smile returned to Hong Niu''s face as Zhang Chun turned ashen. His lower lips trembled with such vibrations that they could generate heat!


    "Youˇ­ Youˇ­ IKASA!"<novelnext></novelnext>


    Zhang Chun roared with anger. This was the worst type of humiliation he had encountered. First, Ikasa had given him hope by enlightening him and now, he had stomped on his ego even more badly!


    Unable to control his rage at this humiliation, Zhang Chun swung his fist at Ikasa.


    Despite being a Sense Realm Expert, Zhang Chun was not at all fit. His punch seemed to be moving at a snail''s pace to the enhanced senses of Ikasa.


    He simply tilted his neck a little and let the swinging arm punch the air beside his head and held the thick forearm of the man with his right hand.


    "Really?"


    Ikasa asked with a smirk. It only served to infuriate the man further.


    Zhang Chun once again swung his other hand at Ikasa. This time Ikasa did not let him reach near his face. He grabbed the thick attacking arm with his left hand.


    Energy gathered at the back of his right hand as he let the fat merchant taste his Low grade Battle Technique Backhand!


    Smack!


    One p! That is all it took for Zhang Chun to roll his eyes into the back of his head and faint on the spot. Half of his hairy belly was exposed as his jacket tore open, unable to contain the excess mass.


    The gathered people were dazed as they watched the wealthiest merchant fall to the ground, unconscious. Zhang Chun had the best defense of them all yet he had fallen after taking a single p from Ikasa!


    This had proven Ikasa was no slouch at practicing martial arts as well. The Merchants looked at Xin Ruo by his side and could only sigh.


    ''You have a handsome face, a prettydy by your side and you are also rich? Now you have shown you are also good at Martial Arts! Brother, can you let the people live?''


    Hong Niu thought as he looked at Ikasa. When he heard the words he muttered, he was left stunned.


    "Tsk. So weak."


    Ikasa muttered looking at the fainted body of Zhang Chun with slight disdain.


    When he raised his head, Ikasa saw the stupefied figure of Hong Niu. He opened his arms wide and said,


    "Congrattions, Brother Hong! The hundred Prime Gold Ores will be yours!"


    Hong Niu shook out of the daze. The reality of winning the bid hit him as a wide grin appeared on his face.


    ''I will probably be the first merchant to sell a hundred dings of the Prime Gold Ore at once to the Royal Yan Family. Will they reward me extra for it?''


    Hong Niu was lost in his euphoric thoughts when he heard the sound of thumps, like heavy ores falling to the floor.


    A small mountain of Prime Gold Ore taller than his head formed before his eyes. The other merchants looked enviously as Hong Niu scanned the mountain with his spiritual sense.


    "This is indeed 100 dings of Prime Gold Ore!"


    Hong Niu eximed and immediately took out arge bag from his Storage Space. He counted 100 1-Star Spirit Coins and 100 Null-Star Spirit Coins and handed them to Ikasa.


    "Brother Ikasa, please find me the next time you have such a good haul!"


    The rough skinned merchant fawningly said to Ikasa, still looking at the small shining mountain of ore that belonged to him.


    ''After this single transaction, my Red Bull Trading Company may very well surpass the zing Winds Merchantry!''


    Hong Niu thought, forgetting the presence of Ikasa and hispanions. His face had turned red and he constantly gulped saliva as he was lost in thoughts.


    Even after a few minutes he had not awakened from his daydream. Ikasa snapped his fingers before his eyes and asked in a loud voice,


    "Brother Hong, are you not going to show us your wares?"


    Hong Niu awakened and cleared his throat with embarrassment. He immediately brought his benefactors to his stall and ordered the servants to pack the Prime Gold Ore mountain and prepare refreshments.


    Then the man personally went rummaging through the boxes ced at the back and began to bring out his best and most precious ores and wares.


    Gesturing to the dazzling array of minerals and ores and weapons and equipments, Hong Niu said ,


    "Brother Ikasa, take your pick."

 Chapter 211 Weapon Grade Ores

    The dazzling array of razor sharp des and colorful ores illuminated the eyes of Yan Xiao with desire.


    While Ikasa and Xin Ruo maintained theirposure, the teenager eagerly approached the counter to take a closer look at the variety of different ores.


    Yan Xiao hovered his hands over the numerous ores on the counter, thinking which one to inspect first.


    A rusty red ore with slight yellowish coloration caught his eye. He picked up the ore and scratched the surface with his thumb nail.


    Yan Xiao then flicked his finger on the ore and brought it to his ears, listening to the sound from the ore. The faint sound of crackling fire sounded in his ears, surprising Yan Xiao.


    "Aah?"


    A surprised look appeared on his face, causing him to look at the ore in his hands with astonishment.


    Hong Niu smiled, seeing that Yan Xiao had discovered the pecrity of the ore.


    "This is a Pyrostic Geode, an ore rich in energy of Earth and Fire. This ore is found only in the Huoshan Mountain range of our Furnace Fire Empire."


    Hong Niu proudly exined the origin of the Pyrostic Geode. Ikasa threw an admiring nce at the stone in Yan Xiao''s hands, satisfying the vanity of the Merchant.


    Enthused, the owner of the Red Bull Trading Company began to extol the piece of ore he had for sale.


    "A Geode is formed at the core of the Volcano after 1001 cycles of the sun and moon. It can only be found when a Volcano erupts and spits the Geode out."


    Ikasa immediately realized the tactics of Hong Niu. Though the Geode was rare in the Holy Wood Empire, it was not as rare as Hong Niu made it out to be.


    Everytime a Volcano erupted, thousands of such ores were spat out. The only thing that made these ores valuable was the elemental energy contained in them.


    Ikasa smiled and nodded as he waited for Hong Niu to state his price.


    "A team of Sense Trainers with a Chakra Sensing Realm expert at helm collected these Ores for me."


    Hong Niu spoke, boasting of his influence. Then the fawning smile returned to his face as he sugar coated his bitter price.


    "Considering our friendship and the huge favor you have done me, I will not ask for too high a price from you. For just 100 Gold Coins, you can take this Pyrostic Ore from my hands."


    "100 gold coins?"


    ''That is 1 Spirit Coin for one ore?''


    Ikasa looked at Hong Niu with surprise as he quickly converted the gold into Spirit Coin. After all, he would have to pay in Spiritual Coin whenpleting the transaction.


    Then he scanned the ore with his Spiritual Sense.


    The Geode swirled with dark red color. Tendrils of dull yellow sometimes extended from the core of the dark red, disturbing the harmony of fire energy in the red ball of light.


    Ikasa was no expert on ores but even he could see that the overpowering Fire energy had suppressed the Earth Element energy in the Geode.


    What''s more he had an actual knowledgeable person on his side. Ikasa threw a quick nce at Yan Xiao, who shook his head while raising one finger discreetly.


    It could only mean one thing - the quality of this ore was low and it could barely be considered a dual element ore.


    However, despite dissonance in attributes, this ore could still be considered a good quality weapon ore of Fire attribute.


    But the question was would he pay 1 Spirit Coin just to buy a single ore?


    Ikasa shook his head as he looked at Hong Niu.


    ''As expected. This bastard is still trying to jack up prices after calling me brother and what not.''


    The young business owner narrowed his eyes at the sickeningly sweet smile stered on Hong Niu''s face.


    A sugary sweet smile appeared on his own lips as he spoke.


    "Brother Hong, this ore is good. I will take a ding of this oreˇ­"


    Ikasa paused to see the joy of fooling a customer appear in the excited Hong Niu''s eyes. Then it quickly disappeared and was reced with horror as Ikasapleted his sentence.


    "I will take a ding of this oreˇ­ for a Spirit Coin."


    5 Pyrostic Geodes would usually fit in one ding. By asking one ding for a Spirit Coin, Ikasa had basically shed the price of a geode to its 1/5ths!<novelnext></novelnext>


    He was bargaining as ruthlessly as asian moms at a grocery market!


    Hong Niu paled in his face after hearing the counteroffer. He came to understand that Ikasa was not the kind of person who could be fooled easily. Just because the man had money in his pockets, he was not the kind who would splurge it.


    Hong Niu straightened his act and began to treat Ikasa with sincerity.


    "Brother Ikasa, 300 gold per ding only if you are buying two dings of the Pyrostic Geode. That''s the best I can offer."


    After having his ploy exposed, Hong Niu was not in a position to continue the dance where both of them would test each other to find the bottom line of the other party. He straightforwardly put the best price he could offer.


    From 100 gold per ore, Hong Niu had dropped his price to 60 gold per ore. A whopping drop of 40%!


    Ikasa considered the price for a moment and also deliberated whether it was wise to buy so many of an attributed Ore.


    ''Gu Dan has only worked with attributed ore once or twice in his life. If I give him two dings of Attributed ore, he would most probably waste most of them. But if he does not work with them, how will he learn? I''ll just write these 6 Spirit Coins off as R&D cost.''


    Ikasa decided to invest 6 Spirit coins off the meager 100 he had into the future of Gu Dan and Yan Xiao.


    He looked at Hong Niu and said, "Deal. But if you send me a quality lower than this sample, forget about receiving your payment."


    Hong Niu nodded and noted Ikasa''s order in his diary.


    Ikasa motioned Yan Xiao to choose an ore again.


    This time he had picked an obsidian colored rock with thin navy blue lines passing through it. As the sunlight shone on one side of the triangr rock, it came out from the other end in different shades of blue.


    Astonishingly, the warmth of the sunlight was reced by a slightly cool sensation when the light turned blue.


    "An excellent choice!" Hong Niu eximed as he let Yan Xiao go through his ritual of flicking the rock and listening to its sound.


    He introduced the name and origin of the Ore for Ikasa''s benefit.


    "This is Obsidian Trickled Iron ore. Found deep in the Mines, these rocks are formed only when a 100,000 drops of water trickle down the surface of an iron ore surrounded by dense dark energy. Due to this, this mineral is infused with the dark and water energy."


    Hong Niu waited for Ikasa to verify his ims. Indeed, as the merchant imed, Ikasa could see a swirling whirlpool formed from dark energy and millions of specks of blue light shining in it.


    This proved the authenticity of this dual element ore. It was also in perfect harmony, meaning its price would not be low.


    "I obtained this particr mineral with great difficulty. I would ept nothing short of a 4-star Spirit Coin for this ore."


    Ikasa could see the seriousness on his face when Hong Niu mentioned the price. He knew he meant business and was not simply talking out of his ass.


    ''A 4-star Spirit Coin? That would be worth 5000 gold coins! That means 10 1-star Spirit Coins!''


    Ikasa ckened in his chair upon thinking of the high sum Hong Niu was asking for a single ore. Yet, Ikasa did not think this price was unjustified.


    He once again observed the ore in question. The purity and the level of energy in this single Obsidian Trickled Iron ore was more than 50 times that of a single low quality Pyrostic Geode!


    This alone put it in a different league than the other ores avable for sale.


    If this orended in the hands of an experienced Master cksmith or even a Grandmaster cksmith, this ore would surely be at the least a Seven-Veined Weapon or even an Energetic weapon with attributes!


    Ikasa was tempted to buy the ore but then he had a thought.


    ''It would be difficult to buy with just 10 1-star Spirit Coins if Hong Niu is asking for a 4-Star Spirit Coin.''


    1-star coins could be obtained much more easily. However, obtaining 4-Star Coins was not so easy.


    Even though the absolute value of the 4-star coins was Ten 1-star coins, in the real market, to exchange one 4-star coin one would need anywhere between twelve to fifteen 1-star Spirit Coins.


    ''I am willing to write off 10 null-star spirit coins as R&D expenses but not Fifteen 1-Star Spirit Coins!''


    Ikasa gave up on the idea of purchasing the Obsidian Trickled Iron ore.


    Yan Xiao went through the other ores as well. However, most of them were ores with attributes and were very expensive.


    Ikasa wrapped up his shopping trip with arge order of low grade Weapon-grade ores for Gu Dan and Yan Xiao to hone their skills.


    "30 dings of Low grade Weapon Grade ores and two dings of Pyrostic Geode. That means your total is 30 x 100 + 2 x 300 = 3600 Gold i.e. 36 Null-star Spirit Coins."

 Chapter 212 Shocking News

    Ikasa was pleased with the amount of goods he received in exchange for 36 Spirit Coins. Instead of giving him a discount of 10%, Hong Niu even threw in 3 extra dings of Weapon Grade ores!


    A tall stack of boxes filled with ores formed before Ikasa. His small storage ring of 3 Cubic meters did not have enough space to amodate all the boxes.


    Though he was sure that all of these boxes could fit inside the emerald embedded storage device, he did not dare to take it out. After all, the bracelet belonged to Mu Shi, a scion of the Mu Family!


    "If only I had a storage device with enough spaceˇ­."


    Ikasamented as he carefully stored the tworge boxes carrying the Pyrostic Geode in his storage ring. He then turned to Hong Niu with a request.


    "Brother Hong, my storage device is notrge enough to fit all these goods in it. Can You please deliver the remaining boxes to the Pleasant Dream Inn?"


    Hong Niu readily agreed to Ikasa''s request and immediately ordered his servants to pack the boxes. While theborers worked, Hong Niu engaged Ikasa in conversation.


    "Brother Ikasa, I don''t know if you are lucky or unlucky."


    "Why do you say so, Brother Hong?"


    Ikasa asked, mildly surprised by Hong Niu''s ominous words.


    "I heard a rumor in my circle. They say that the Fortune Lotus Pavilion has acquired a Storage Ring made by Grandmaster cksmith Xi Fan of the Furnace Fire Empire. It at least has a capacity of 10 cubic meters!"


    Xin Ruo sitting beside Ikasa gasped and even his eyes widened slightly.


    A ring with 10 cubic meters had as much space as arge container truck on Earth! Only a Grandmaster cksmith could fit such arge storage space in a tiny storage ring.


    It would be a lie to say that Ikasa was not tempted. He also desired to have such an extraordinary object but they were prohibitively expensive.


    Also, the powerful sects, families or ns immediately snapped up any Space Rings appearing in the market. So, even if he could scrunch up therge sum, there was no way he could find a Storage Space Ring in the open market.


    This time should be no different. Although the Space Ring was being auctioned, Ikasa had no illusions of winning the bid for it.


    Yet, it was one of the things he deeply desired!


    ''No wonder Hong Niu said words like that. I, myself, don''t know whether I shouldugh or cry at this news.''


    When there was no avenue of getting the ring, Ikasa had no reason to even think about it. However, now that he had a definite clue, he was unwilling to let this opportunity pass.


    ''Maybe if I liquidate my unused assets like the Spatial Bracelet from Mu Shiˇ­''


    Ikasa became lost in thought during the brief pause in their conversation.


    The Servants had finished loading the goods while Ikasa and Hong Niu chatted. Confirming that everything was in ce, Yan Xiao boarded the cart and guided the men to the Pleasant Dream Inn.


    Ikasa also took leave from Hong Niu after obtaining valuable information about the Space Ring.


    When their main purpose for visiting the Elm City was achieved, Ikasa felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.


    ''Now as long as Sang Yi and Zhong Xi pick a few good options for me to choose from, I can cross the second of my main goals from the list.''


    Ikasa thought with a smile as he matched steps with Xin Ruo on their way to the other side of the ground to pick up Luo Qiqi, Chu Qing and Bu Fan.


    ˇŞ----<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Zhong Xi, remember this ce. That is thergest brothel in Elm City run by the Su Family."


    Sang Yi urged pointing to therge multi storeyed building built from white stone. The gold and red decorations on itbined with charming beauties waving at them from the entrance and the galleries left a deep impression on the one armed teenager.


    The eyes of Zhong Xi were transfixed on the ample fair bosom of some beauty standing in the gallery. A titteringugh escaped her lips when she saw Zhong Xi gulp down his saliva with a red face.


    Noticing his embarrassment, Sang Yi patted the boy on his shoulders and drew his attention to the street leading to arge manor.


    "If you follow this section of the Eastern street, you will end up at the Su Family''s residence. In fact, most of the establishments on this street belong to the Su Family."


    Sang Yi was usually not so talkative but he had quickly taken a liking to the one armed teen. He did not expect to find someone who was as straightforward as himself in Ikasa''s group. So he was pleasantly surprised to be acquainted with Zhong Xi.


    Suddenly, the backs of the two youths stiffened. It was not just them but every person on the street had gone stiff as a huge pressure pressed down on them.


    Resisting the unintentional pressure, Sang Yi hesitatingly peeked at the sky.


    A figure was walking in the air, moving towards the Su Family Manor. Magnificent green lotuses formed underneath her steps supporting her weight.


    Sang Yi had no idea who she was but he guessed her to be a Chakra Sage from her ability to sustain her flight!


    Soon, his guess was confirmed as the Chakra Sage Grand Elder of the Su Family came out to meet the approaching figure. His flight technique was not as spectacr as that of thedy, but the tiny pink swirls underneath his feet let him levitate in the air with stability.


    "A Chakra Sage from the venerated Mu Family. May I know what brings you to the Su Family''s humble Spring Mansion?"


    An aged voice reverberated in the area, falling in the ears of every onlooker on the street. The voice was neither warm nor cold, maintaining a polite but firm tone.


    A slightlyrger verdant lotus formed under the feet of the Chakra Sage from the Mu Family. She came to a stop in midair, maintaining some distance from the Su Family''s Grand Elder.


    "Are you sure you want to expose our talks to them?"


    Unlike the Elder, the Lady Sage did not show a slightest bit of humbleness. Her tone as she mentioned them while pointing to the pedestrians was clearly full of superiority and haughtiness.


    Yet, not a single person dared to open their mouths to challenge her words. Such was the terror of a Chakra Opening Realm Expert and what''s more this Expert came from the militant Mu Family!


    The Grand Elder was well aware of the fact that he was no match for thisdy from the Mu Family who looked young but was over 70 years old!


    He could only obey her wishes and invite her inside the Su Family''s Spring Mansion.


    As soon as the two Chakra Sages disappeared behind the tall walls surrounding the Mansion, the people felt the pressure being lifted from their shoulders. Most of them breathed a sigh of relief and went back to doing what they were but not Sang Yi.


    His mouth was wide open and blood had drained from his face as he realized the implications of the visit by a Chakra Sage from the Mu Family to the Su Family!


    ''Were we exposed? Did we perhaps leave some clue behind?''


    Sang Yi thought with an anxious face upon seeing the rtively amiable exchange of the two Chakra Sages. In just a few moments he gathered his thoughts and came to a decision.


    ''No, I need to immediately report this matter to Ikasa! Not just Ikasa but also the Ancestor and n Head!''


    Sang Yi abandoned the thought of searching for a shop on the street and dragged Zhong Xi towards their ride. Soon a carriage drawn by a Dual Horned horse raced down the Eastern Street towards the Pleasant Dream Inn near the southern part of the City!

 Chapter 213 Lesson And Lesson Fee

    "These spicy wheat noodles were really delicious!"


    Luo Qiqi eximed, still savoring the chewy texture of the noodles while blowing hot air from her mouth. Even as tears streamed down from her eyes, the glistening chili oil coating the noodles beckoned her to take another bite.


    Even after her group had met with Ikasa and Xin Ruo, she was still smacking her slightly swollen and stinging red lips. She had felt like breathing fire every time she slurped the strands of noodles but her taste buds wanted more!


    Ikasa rubbed the head of the short girl whose hair was tied in twin pigtails and turned his gaze to look at Bu Fan and Chu Qing.


    Bu Fan had a tranquil and blissful expression on his face as if he had attained nirvana after experiencing a foodgasm.


    ''This must be something like a post-nut rity for Foodie Chefsˇ­''


    Ikasa mused looking at his serene face. His eyes moved to Chu Qing. Not only were the teenager''s lips red and swollen, he also had a sulky expression on his face as he tightly held the pouch hanging by his waist.


    He asionally threw annoyed nces at Luo Qiqi and Bu Fan while weighing the money bag. Noticing his displeasure, Xin Ruo could not help but ask, "Why is your face so sour? Did you not like the food?"


    Her question broke open the dam as Chu Qing began to vent his frustrations andints about the two foodies to Ikasa and Xin Ruo.


    "These two idiots ate 300 gold worth of food! 300 Gold!"


    Chu Qing almost failed to suppress his shout. He had felt his heart bleed everytime gold coins disappeared from the pouch. When he hade to the trade Fair he had 800 gold in the pouch. Before he knew it, Luo Qiqi and Bu Fan had made it much much lighter!


    Ikasa had already made a concession and paid the Inn''s charges from his pocket. Chu Qing had celebrated this fact and thought he would be able to save at least 500 gold at the end of the trip.


    Yet, they were only on their third day of the trip and nearly 500 Gold had been spent on food expenses alone!


    "Stupid Qiqi, you know nothing but to eat! And that Bu Fan also is a starving ghost!"


    Chu Qing mumbled hisints. The enhanced senses of Luo Qiqi immediately picked up the insults directed her way. She red at Chu Qing and then coyly swung Ikasa''s hands whileining,"Big Brother, Chu Qing did not let us drink the cold and bubbly soda they had. It was only 10 gold per tumbler as well!"


    Then she pulled at Bu Fan and said,"If Brother Bu could try the drink, he definitely would have replicated it. We would be earning hundreds of gold just from selling the Soda and Chu Qing made us miss this chance."


    As she ended herint, she red at the eldest of the teens. To give credibility to her speech, she even drew Bu Fan into the conversation and asked, "Isn''t that right, Brother Bu?"


    Ikasa had an amused smile as he heard Luo Qiqi speak. He did not miss the small wink she threw at the stunned and speechless Bu Fan. How could he not understand the passive aggressive quarrel between these teens?


    One only wanted money, while the other only cared about food. Usually they got along well but now that their desires were intercepted, sparks were bound to arise.


    Ikasa shook his head slightly and patted Bu Fan on his shoulder who was caught in the middle of the teens fight.


    "Bu Fan, try the food to your heart''s content and also bring this little foodie along. But don''t forget that if you cannot make me a few delicious dishes, I will deduct all the money you spent from your sry, understood?"


    The first half assuaged the Chef and he nodded enthusiastically. Only when he heard the second half did he be nervous. He swallowed his saliva and nodded, resolving to not just enjoy the food but also pay attention to the techniques used to prepare the dishes.<novelnext></novelnext>


    Luo Qiqi became happier when she heard that she could still bring Bu Fan to various food stalls to try the food there. She made a face at Chu Qing who scowled at her.


    Then Ikasa brought Chu Qing to a side and crouched, such that his eyes were at the same level as the teenager.


    "Chu Qing, did you ever think everything will be so expensive in this City when making the bet?"


    Ikasa asked the teenager with a smile. He knew that Chu Qing had definitely not taken this into consideration. The teenager had calcted their expenses by the standards of a Tier-3 City and immediately jumped into the bet.


    Chu Qing shook his head with an aggrieved expression and confirmed Ikasa''s thoughts. Ikasa ced his warm palm on the teenager''s shoulder and imparted him with his wisdom.


    "Chu Qing, being greedy for money is good. However, before making a decision, you should not be blinded by greed; You need to be aware of the circumstances and conditions you will be facing."


    "Had you known about the price difference between a Tier-3 City and Tier-2 City, would you have still epted the bet as is?"


    Chu Qing shook his head. Vehemently. Ikasa smiled as he already knew this would be the answer.


    "You would have tried to negotiate the terms of the bet, right?"


    Ikasa asked with a small grin, specting about the teenager''s next course of action. Chu Qing moved his head up and down, like a hen pecking at grains.


    "I would''ve asked for more funds or reduced the ces where the funds could be usedˇ­"


    Chu Qing trailed off as he began to think what he would''ve done differently. Ikasa smiled as this was what he was aiming for - Educating the eldest of the teenagers.


    He wanted the teen to be aware of the consequences of a hastily made decision. Now, Chu Qing would be more cautious before he would agree to any deal.


    Ikasa patted the shoulder of Chu Qing twice and stood up straight from his crouching position. Looking down into the teen''s eyes, Ikasa gave him a word of advice.


    "Remember, always be aware of the situation before you jump into any decision. This is my first life lesson for you. I made a few mistakes and they cost me. I hope you don''t make the same mistakes yourself."


    Chu Qing was left stunned by his words for a few moments. He saw Ikasa and the group getting further away and he hastily caught up with them.


    He reached Ikasa''s side and whispered with admiration, "Brother Ikasa, thank you for the lesson. I have truly learned that Haste makes Waste and Knowledge is Power."


    However, he would not be Chu Qing if he did not have a motive behind his praise. With a slight hesitation and anticipation, he asked Ikasa, "Since I have learned my lesson, can I keep the rest of the gold in the bag?"


    Ikasa''s lips twitched. ''This money grubbing ghost!'' Ikasa cursed in his heart with slight amusement.


    "Consider this bet as your lesson and the money you will spend as your lesson fee." Ikasa said with a straight face and lengthened his strides leaving a stunned and fuming teenager behind.


    "Damn it!" Chu Qing yelled as he punched his left palm with his right fist and ran to catch up with the group.

 Chapter 214 The Blind Bazaar

    When Ikasa and others reached the Pleasant Dream Inn, they found an anxious Sang Yi pacing before the Inn. Zhong Xi, stood near the door nervously shifting weights from one foot to another.


    As soon as Sang Yi saw Ikasa approaching, he rushed toward him and pulled him aside.


    "Brother Ikasa, not goodˇ­"


    Ikasa shut him up as soon as he started speaking. He motioned Xin Ruo to take Zhong Xi and the teens inside and led Sang Yi to his carriage. Sang Yi also noticed the bystanders and patiently held his tongue until they were sitting in his carriage.


    Once Ikasa had made sure that there wasn''t anyone listening in on them, he closed the curtains and windows of the carriage. Then he turned to Sang Yi and ordered with an indifferent expression.


    "Now speak. What made you so anxious?"


    Ikasa asked Sang Yi. Upon hearing the question, the scene of the Sage from the Mu Family meeting the Sage from the Su Family shed in Sang Yi''s head. The panic returned to his eyes and his pent up emotions began to spill.


    "This morning, I saw the Sage from the Mu Family arrive at the Su Family''s residence!"


    Ikasa''s heart skipped a beat but he did not let it show on his face.


    With a calm voice, he asked, "So what?"


    Ikasa''s incessant calm annoyed Sang Yi while at the same time reduced his anxiety without his knowledge. When the question registered in his mind, Sang Yi was also left speechless, unsure of what he should answer.


    A few breaths passed where Sang Yi simply stared at Ikasa with a dumbfounded look. During this time, his anxiousness had also faded by a good measure. Then he heard Ikasa ask another question.


    "Did they disy any hostility? Did they fight each other?"


    Ikasa asked, still sounding calm but a hint of urgency had creeped into his voice.


    Sang Yi was reassured to know that Ikasa was as serious about this as himself. He quickly began to recount the scene of the meeting of the two Chakra Sages.


    "...Thedy Chakra Sage did not immediately start cursing at him nor did she whip him with her Wood Energy Vines! That is as good as a friendly greeting for a member of the Mu Family!"


    Sang Yi finished his long story without stopping for breath.


    The more Ikasa heard, the more his eyebrows bunched together, forming a frown. He now understood why Sang Yi was so panicked. Even he himself began to grow worried since it seemed like his n to get the Mu Family to target the Su Family had failed.


    ''I have left the Tyranny Sword back in Birch City. The only thing that can expose me and invite trouble is this Emerald Embedded Spatial Bracelet.''


    Ikasa thought, rubbing the intricately carved essory hidden under his sleeves. He was reluctant to give up a Spatial Storage that had the capacity of 5 cubic meters but he valued his life more than this material possession.


    Making a resolve to get rid of the Bracelet, Ikasa turned to Sang Yi.


    "You said the Blind Bazaar is the perfect ce to get rid of the spoils from the rift, right?"


    Sang Yi looked at Ikasa and carefully studied his calm eyes. He slowly nodded when he did not see fear or panic in them.


    "Let''s go. I have something I need to get rid of before it gets me in trouble."


    ? Sang Yi wisely kept his questions to himself. He did not ask Ikasa anything more and instructed the coachman to take them to the Southeastern part of the City.


    As the Carriage drawn by the Dual Horned Horse traveled on the Southern Street of Elm City, it began to draw the attention of the passersby.


    Young and malnourished kids pointed at the horse with wonder while their mothers or guardians shushed them and dragged them into their rundown houses.


    Ikasa saw the street full of pedestrians in shabby clothes be empty to make way for the carriage!<novelnext></novelnext>


    ''The life of themoners here is much worse than that of those in a Tier-3 City.''


    Ikasa came to understand the truth as the ugly reality of a higher tier city was exposed to his eyes. The gap between themoners and the cultivators was even more wide in this tier-2 City and it only made them more susceptible for oppression.


    ''The previous Ikasa had a goal to uplift these people. Since I have taken his ce, I will do my best to help him achieve his goal.''


    Ikasa made a resolve as he saw a boy with a few teeth missing smile and wave at the carriage. His upper body was bare and his ribs were showing. In this chilly weather, when he must''ve been cold and hungry, he had the courage to smile.


    This smile gave Ikasa the courage to face what the Mu Family may have in store for him.


    ''If he can smile when nature itself is against him, why should I be worried about one Family?''


    This thought may have been illogical but it helped to lessen the stress that was building up ever since he heard the news of the Chakra Sage from the Mu Family.


    Ikasa smiled and gently closed the curtains of the carriage. Soon he heard Sang Yi speak.


    "We are here."


    The heir to the Nian n handed Ikasa a doupo and wore one himself. A thin veil of light covered up their appearance making them seem like ethereal figures to the onlookers. Ikasa was amazed by how wondrous the array masters were as he saw Sang Yi turn blurry and finally turn into an obscure figure after wearing the conical bamboo hat.


    When the two got out of the carriage, Sang Yi pointed to arge shack in the distance and said, "That is the entrance to the Blind Bazaar."


    Therge shack was covered in a curtain of darkness despite the bright sun shining in the sky.


    A man with a disfigured face juggled and twirled unsheathed curved daggers near the entrance. His bloodshot eyes may scare even the adults yet two kids were pping and cheering as he performed a few tricks with the sharp weapons in his hands.


    The entire situation seemed crazy in Ikasa''s eyes.


    As Sang Yi and Ikasa approached the entrance, the man paused with his tricks and his cold gaze scanned Ikasa and Sang Yi from head to toe. He recognized the doupo that was exclusively given to the Blind Bazaar Customers and extended his hand towards them.


    Sang Yi immediately ced a small pouch of coins in the man''s hands and said a single word, "Two."


    The man nodded and opened the door for them. He seemed to have tapped on random points on the door but when Ikasa activated his Spiritual Vision, he saw that the door was covered in an array!


    Ikasa and Sang Yi took a step into the dimly lit room.


    He had a feeling as if he had walked into a bank as before him, there was a cashier''s cabin. There was a small opening in the cabin while the other part was covered with impervious wood instead of ss.


    Sang Yi approached the cabin and knocked on the counter top twice. A soft ethereal voice responded to the knocks as a question sounded in their ears.


    "What would you like to sell, dear customer?"


    A small circr array had lit up on the counter top where there was a small window in the barrier. Sang Yi motioned Ikasa to put the object he wanted to sell there.


    Ikasa was doubtful of this establishment but he did as Sang Yi said and ced the Emerald Embedded Spatial Bracelet on the circr array.


    As soon as Ikasa let go of the Bracelet, it levitated a few inches above the counter. The same soft voice began to appraise the Bracelet in a neutral tone.


    "A Spatial Storage Device with 5 cubic meters of space. Shoddily crafted by a Master cksmith who is close to oveing his limits."


    The voice paused for a few minutes and presented two possible ways of payment.


    "Would you like to barter or sell for gold coins?"

 Chapter 215 Barter

    "Would you like to barter or sell for gold?"


    Ikasa did not expect for there to be options for the form of transaction. He grew intrigued by what the Blind Bazaar could offer in barter.


    He had figured out by now that one couldmunicate using knocks in this ce. The number of knocks needed to correspond to the option you want to choose.


    Ikasa gently rapped his knuckles once on the counter, signifying he was choosing to barter.


    The room became silent after Ikasa knocked on the counter top. In the eerily quiet room, Sang Yi and Ikasa could hear each other''s breaths as they waited for a response from whoever was behind the counter.


    After counting nearly 20 breaths, Ikasa finally heard the soft voice again.


    "Blooming Nightshade Flower Chakra Chart. A High Grade Chakra Chart connecting 6 of the major chakras and 82 of the minor chakras. Rmended for those working with poison or dark attributes."


    A holographic image of a scroll with a picture of a flower appeared in the ce where Mu Shi''s Spatial Bracelet hologram was a few moments ago. Although the picture on the scroll looked beautiful, the Chakra Chart itself did not appeal to Ikasa at all.


    In fact, he immediately dismissed this item. Even if it was introduced as a High Grade Chakra Chart, he did not even consider it as something of worth because it only covered 6 of the 7 major Chakras!


    Each of the Major Chakras was important in the Chakra Opening Realm. Only by opening the next Major Chakra could one advance into the next stage.


    Unless one had no way to get ess to better cultivation methods, no one would cultivate ording to this Chakra Chart which only connected six Major Chakras.


    Using this Chart meant that the cultivation road of the user would end in the Chakra Opening Realm. He can never open his seventh Chakra and will forever be stuck as a Chakra Sage with no hope of bing an Undying Soul!


    Ikasa was not one of the desperate people this Chart could tempt. He had a supreme cheat called the Cloud Printer. Even ''The Middle Finger Chakra Chart'' that he had printed beforeing to Elm City covered 93 Chakras in total and also covered all 7 of the Major Chakras.


    It was no wonder he dismissed this item as soon as it was introduced. Ikasa then waited for the voice to introduce the next item avable for barter.


    "The Purple Spectre Sword. A short sword made from Anima Lodestones by a Master cksmith. This is a One-veined weapon with a rare Soul attribute."


    An holographic image of a short sword with purplish damascus patterns on it appeared in the Circr array. Both of its edges shone with sharp glint. The ovaloid tapering tip was also very pointed and great for stabbing.


    Ikasa was attracted to the Sword as he wascking a suitable melee weapon but he still did not think that the Sword was worth exchanging for the Spatial Bracelet. Although the sword possessed a rare Soul attribute, Ikasa still thought that he was on a losing end in this barter.


    Another reason he thought this way was Gu Dan.


    With the help of his Profession Manual, ''1,2,3ˇ­ Sword Ready'' Gu Dan had learned to make Spiritual weapons of Sword type. As long as suitable material and enough time was given to him, Ikasa was sure the cksmith would definitely make him a Sword customized for himself.


    ''Still, a material with Soul-attribute is very hard toe byˇ­''


    A tiny voice said in his head. Ikasa decided to check out thest option and then make his final choice.


    The soft voice once again sounded in the room.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "A Void Spider Beast''s youngling. Void Spiders have the potential to reach the Soul Formation stage and this spiderling has recently advanced to the Spiritual Condensation stage."


    This option aroused the child in Ikasa. He loved animals from a young age, okay, ever since he started watching Poke-mon in his early teens but he did like them.


    He always wanted a pet of his own but it was impossible for the Orphanage he lived in to allow traditional pets like cats, dogs and birds. So, Ikasa had started to treat the Spider he found in his room as his pet.


    Even after he grew into a sessful businessman, Ikasa kept a pair of Tarants in his office which used to freak out Donna, his secretary. Now, he had a chance to rekindle his love for spiders in this world.


    Ikasa narrowed his vision down to the palm sized image of the spiderling. It had a dark ck body with a few grayish silver dots. Tiny hair grew on its four pairs of legs.


    The grayish ck markings on its bulging back reminded Ikasa of a swirling ckhole. As the name suggested, it was obviously a Space Attribute Beast.


    It could also grow up to the Soul Formation stage of Cultivation, which was just a rank below the Transcendence!


    If Ikasa had to mark the potential of Void Spider in stars, he would give it 4.5/5 stars. He was so enamored by the Spiderling that he did not even think of weighing its value against the value of the Bracelet!


    Ikasa immediately knocked three times on the countertop, signifying his choice.


    A blinding light shed as the Bracelet disappeared from the array.


    Air shimmered to the right of the cabin and suddenly a door appeared there, startling Ikasa and Sang Yi. They immediately raised their guard as even Sang Yi had not been aware of the hidden entryway.


    A person dressedpletely in ck from head to toe came out of the door. That person was carrying a small cage in their hands.


    The ck clothed figure brought the cage to a stunned Ikasa and handed it to him. Before Ikasa or Sang Yi could ask questions, the ck figure had disappeared into the entryway from where it came from!


    Ikasa looked at the cage handed to him and saw a tiny spiderling in the center of the cage. It did not move or make any movements at all. Ikasa also noticed it had a few hai colored red on its legs.


    ''Either it has just eaten or it is feeling scared.''


    Ikasa surmised, bringing the cage away from his face. Another sh of light brightened the room, blinding the two young men. It also served to bring them out of their shock.


    Ikasa turned his attention to the counter and saw that another doupo, simr to what he was wearing, had appeared in the circr array. The soft voice sounded in his ears exining the appearance of the doupo.


    "Mister has earned the right to introduce a new customer to the Blind Bazaar due to reaching the required transaction amount."


    This message was obviously for Ikasa. He picked up the doupo and kept it in his storage ring.


    With their purpose achieved, Ikasa and Sang Yi walked out of the shabby building that hid the mysterious Blind Bazaar in in sight and got into the carriage.

 Chapter 216 Finalizing The Store Front

    Ikasa and Sang Yi reached the Pleasant Dream Inn when the sun was still high in the sky. Ikasa decided to check off another task from the list while it was still bright outside.


    Finalizing a suitable location for the Store.


    In the past few days, Sang Yi and Zhong Xi had gone around the City, searching for a few potential storefronts. They had found four very attractive locations for the shop.


    Now, Ikasa only had to visit the ces in person and choose the location he liked the best. There may be better locations avable if Ikasa waited for a few more days, but he wanted his store to open before the second day of the Auction.


    Why the Second day? Because that was the day his Sense Realm Training Manual, ''Think Quick, Act Quicker'' will be introduced for auction!


    There was a reason he entrusted his Sense Realm Training Manual to the Fortune Lotus Pavilion. When the Sense Training Manual is auctioned, it will introduce the rich and powerful of Elm City to the concept of Single-Use Manuals!


    This will in turn generate a buzz amongst the merchants and mercenaries which will serve as free publicity for his new shop!


    So, Ikasa was eager to get his shop ready as soon as possible.


    Sang Yi and Ikasa picked up Zhong Xi from the Inn and the trio set off to finalize the location for the store. As they walked towards the carriage, Sang Yi and Zhong Xi introduced Ikasa to the four locations they had picked.


    "The first store is located on the Eastern Street, near the Fortune Lotus Pavilion. It is a small two storey shop with a good amount of footfall. For its location, the tax rate is also incredibly cheap at just 20%!"


    Sang Yi spoke enthusiastically about his preferred location. Ikasa however noticed Zhong Xi''s silence and hisck of enthusiasm regarding this store.


    "Zhong Xi, is there a problem?"


    Ikasa asked, addressing the teen directly after Sang Yi finished speaking. The one armed teen looked at Sang Yi and Ikasa with some trepidation and then gathered courage to voice his honest opinion.


    "Iˇ­ ummˇ­ I don''t like this store very much."


    Zhong Xi said with some hesitation while gauging the reactions of the two men. Ikasa still showed an interested look while a frown had formed on Sang Yi''s face.


    Zhong Xi quickly began to exin his reasoning to spare the feelings of the man with a tattoo who had shown him around the City for the past few days.


    "Though the location is good, most of the traffic is in the form of Carriages drawn by the Spirit Beasts and servants rushing behind the carriages. I don''t think either of those would notice our shop."


    Ikasa was impressed by his detailed analysis. While Sang Yi only cared about the locality and the tax rate, Zhong Xi had taken into ount the customers as well.


    ''He is already taking his role as a Shopkeeper seriously.''<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa thought with a smile. He supported Zhong Xi and said to Sang Yi,


    "Let''s not think about this shop first then. Tell me what you think of the other shops you visited."


    Sang Yi was a little disappointed when Ikasa did not pay much heed to his words. However, he also knew that he had little experience in the matters of business, even less than Zhong Xi.


    He sensibly let Zhong Xi speak about the other three shops they had selected. Sang Yi trained his eyes on the one-armed teen and gestured to him with a motion saying go ahead.


    Zhong Xi smiled gratefully at Sang Yi and started to speak.


    "Of the three other shops, one is located at the intersection of Northern Street and the Eastern Street. The shop is spacious enough for other normal cultivation stores, but if we are to get people to use the manual in the store itself, it will be crowded and turn away our customers."


    A wider smile appeared on his lips as Ikasa looked at Zhong Xi with pride. He was d to have such a thoughtful subordinate under him who took into ount all his requirements without having been told to do so.


    Ikasa encouraged Zhong Xi with a smile and said, "Very good, boy. Please, borate on all the other shops as well."


    The encouragement from Ikasa boosted the teen''s confidence. He spoke about the pros and cons of the other two shops with even more conviction.


    "The third shop we selected is located on Northern Street. It is quiterge with three floors and has sufficient space for our use. If necessary my family can also stay in one of the upper floors butˇ­. it is too close to the Su Family estate."


    As Zhong Xi mentioned the Su Family, he looked at Ikasa with slight dread and hesitation. Ikasa naturally understood the teen''s fears.


    The Shop was where Zhong Xi would be spending most of the time. If necessary, his family would also help out at the shop. In case someone from the Su Family came to make trouble, Zhong Xi and his family might die before reinforcements arrive.


    Ikasa had a thought about using the shop to spy on the Su Family, but it was ultimately not worth the price.


    He would be leaving manuals worth thousands of Cultivation Points in this shop. If by chance the Su Family became greedy and attacked the shop, those Manuals could very well end up in their treasury before the reinforcements from the Nian n arrived from the opposite side of the City!


    In this case, even the Chakra Sages of Nian n would not be able to force the Su''s to spit out what they had already taken!


    Then Ikasa would not only lose a capable subordinate like Zhong Xi, he would also lose out on several thousands of CP. He would really have no tears left to cry.


    So, Ikasa dismissed the shop at a prime location on Northern Street because the security threat. He shook his head indicating his disapproval of this shop location to Zhong Xi and Sang Yi.


    "That only leaves the shop near our Nian n branch on the Western Streetˇ­"

 Chapter 217 Shop Finalized!

    "That only leaves the shop near our Nian n branch on the Western Streetˇ­"


    Sang Yi mumbled under his breath. It was not a very attractive locationpared to the other spots. Usually, only the servants andmoners frequented the Western Street to shop for groceries and grains.


    The Nian n only opened a branch on this street because they could not afford a piece ofnd on the Eastern or Northern Streets. Also, it was nearer to the main branch of the n that resided outside the City, in the Daruka Forest.


    Ikasa had traveled on the Western Street on his way to the Nian n. So, he was well aware of these conditions. Still, he waited for Zhong Xi to give his opinion.


    "The Shop on the Western Street is indeed not as good as the one on the other two streets when ites to luring the wealthy."


    Zhong Xi admitted to the shoring right at the start but he was not done yet.


    "But our shop in Birch City makes the most ie from themoners and the nouveau riche. This shop can easily lure this customer base. Also, Mercenaries, our other preferred customers also need to visit the markets to prepare for their journeys. So, I don''t think we would be losing out on much."


    Ikasa smiled at Zhong Xi as the teen tried to justify his reasoning for choosing a shop on the Western Street. He had indeed done his research but he thought from the perspective of Tier-3 City.


    It caused him to make an error when choosing the target customer group. While the number of merchants with private forces in a Tier-3 City were limited, there were too many of such merchants in Elm City!


    He could earn much more from them than he could from the poormoners.


    Still, Ikasa reserved his judgment and decided to take a look at the shop in question first. He got into the carriage and requested Sang Yi to set the destination.


    "Brother Sang, can you please take us to the shop on the Western Street?"


    Soon after, the Dual Horned Horse turned left from the Northern Street and connected to the Western Street. A few breathster the carriage came to a halt.


    "We are here?"


    Ikasa asked with surprise. From the grim tones of Sang Yi and Zhong Xi, Ikasa thought that the Shop was not touching the main street but deep inside some alley.


    However, they had stopped right at the intersection of Northern Street and the Western Street.


    They had only taken a turn toward the western street and yet the numerous Spirit Beast carriages of the Northern Street were reced with hordes of pedestrians.


    Zhong Xi got down from the carriage and pointed to a slightly rundown yet veryrge shop three blocks away from Northern Street and said, "I picked this storefront."


    Ikasa moved his eyes to follow the fingers of Zhong Xi. At the same time, he could not help but notice the stark difference between the two adjacent streets.


    Unlike the buildings on Eastern Street or the Northern Street, the structures here did not scream of wealth and opulence. There were no colorful stones or shiny white marbles used in the construction on this street.


    Instead, the buildings here had a rustic and solemn vibe. Made from solid and rugged ck stone bricks, every building on the western street seemed to have withstood a test of time.


    The storefront Zhong Xi pointed to was no different. It upied the space of nearly three normal stores and also had two storeys above the ground floor!


    Ikasa was impressed by the size of the establishment. He followed Zhong Xi''s hurried footsteps who pushed open the rickety old door made from wood.


    A slightly musty smell hit his nose as soon as Ikasa entered the premises. A wooden counter appeared before his eyes with plenty of open space to the right side of the counter.


    "This ce used to be a tavern before. The owner died and his heirs could not retain the old customers, eventually causing this ce to fall into disrepair."


    Sang Yi provided from the side, seeing Ikasa narrow his eyes at the bar counter. Ikasa had deduced the fact already but he still nodded gratefully at Sang Yi.


    Zhong Xi led Ikasa up the stairs to wide dormitory-like rooms. He spread his only hand, showing off the spacious dust covered hall and eximed, "This is the reason why I like this storefront!"


    Ikasa could not understand the reason for the teen''s enthusiasm. When they had visited the three more wide halls simr to the first one, suddenly light shed in his head. He looked at Zhong Xi with contemtive eyes and probed his thoughts.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "Are you, perhaps, suggesting to convert them into training rooms and then rent them torge groups for their breakthroughs?"


    Zhong Xi eagerly nodded his head with a wide grin, seeing Ikasa had understood his idea.


    ''The idea certainly holds some meritˇ­''


    Ikasa thought while rubbing his chin as he looked at the dusty floors and thick walls in new light.


    The rooms were wide enough to give 4 people enough space to spar and train their Battle Techniques at the same time. If it was just a breakthrough in cultivation, 10 people could simultaneously breakthrough in each of these rooms.


    Since the Cultivators using this room would mostly be Path Forgers or Sense Trainers, their destructive capability would also be much lower. That means a basic reinforcement array would also be enough for the job!


    The idea of turning this into a training room for his customers took a firm root in Ikasa''s head. The progenitor of this idea, Zhong Xi, became even more valuable in his eyes.


    "There are not only these rooms but also a basement that used to be a wine cer and ce to live upstairs."


    Zhong Xi spoke, leading Ikasa to the living quarters on the floor above. He opened the windows, letting the sunlight shine inside the room. The atmosphere became bright and cheery from dark and gloomy as soon as the golden rays of the sun entered the room.


    "There, beyond that huge Elm tree, lies the branch of Nian n. So, this ce should be as secure as it can be."


    Sang Yi said to Ikasa while looking out of the window, giving thetter another reason to consider this ce.


    Ikasa indeed hade to like this ce a lot. The location was not so bad that the rich would disdain visiting it in person. Footfall was also good and many of the pedestrians on the street had the potential to be his customers.


    In addition, the ideas of Zhong Xi about the training room really had him hooked. Not to mention, the teen had also chosen this ce as his home. Either way, Ikasa had to buy this property as a reward for the little guy, so why not turn the lower floor into a shop?


    However, there was one thing bothering Ikasa and he voiced it out loud for the other two to hear.


    "There are many reasons to pick this ce but everything is for naught if we cannot get this ce cleaned up and ready for opening before the day after tomorrow."


    Ikasa said in a wistful voice.


    This caused Zhong Xi to feel disheartened. Even if he tried his best, there was no way he could make all the repairs like recing the old creaking wooden door. It was even more impossible for him to find an Array Master toy the arrays.


    At this moment, Sang Yi jumped to offer his help.


    "I can take care of the repairs and the arrays. There is an Array Master who is a friend of my father''s. I am sure I can employ his services. You just need to pay for the fees."


    "Really?" Zhong Xi asked with a glint in his eyes. He turned to look at Ikasa with hope.


    Ikasa had no reason to refuse if his biggest problem, finding an array master, was going to be solved easily. After all, any problem that could be solved with money was not a problem at all!


    "Brother Sang Yi, thank you very much. I will definitely repay your favor. Please, ask him to set up the best defense array possible for the shop and the basement as soon as possible. The reinforcement arrays for the rooms upstairs can be prepared at leisure. Also, don''t worry about payment, I will not be stingy withpensation!"


    Then Ikasa turned to Zhong Xi and issued him a set of instructions.


    "Find some people to take care of the repairs and cleaning. Don''t try to do everything by yourself. By the time you finish cleaning, this property will be in your name!"


    A wide smile bloomed on the face of the teen as his eyes lit up. Simr matching grin had appeared on Ikasa''s face as he shared the teen''s joy of finding a great location. Leaving the teen behind to take care of the chores, Ikasa turned to leave with Sang Yi.


    Two dayster, this ce will officially open as the first branch of the Gold Heart Business Group!

 Chapter 218 Array Master Er Gou

    "2170 Gold? That amount is much less than what I expected to pay."


    Ikasa mumbled as Sang Yi handed him the title deed for the very building they were seated inside.


    The young man with the tattoo had taken care of all the procedures and paperwork involved in transferring the ownership of this establishment at the orders of his father. This was another gesture of goodwill by the Nian n towards the one judged by the Heavenly Horse.


    Ikasa quickly checked the particrs of the contract and added his signature to the paper.


    The procedure for the transfer of ownership had taken a little longer than expected but Sang Yi had managed to get it done before the start of the Auction.


    Sang Yi had also invited the Array Master he had mentioned before. At that moment, Ikasa and Sang Yi awaited the arrival of the esteemed guest.


    Soon, they heard the rhythmic sound of hooves pping against the ground. Ikasa and Sang Yi came out of the storefront and saw a chariot drawn by a pair of Silver Spotted Buckse to a stop in front of the shop.


    "He is here." Sang Yi notified Ikasa while his eyes were fixed on the figureing out of the coach. Ikasa nodded and put on a warm smile on his lips as he looked towards the carriage.


    A thin old man with a flowing white beard got down from the carriage. He wore silver robes with sleeves thrice as big as his spindly arms. On the right chest of his robes, Ikasa saw a green octagon that showed the eight trigrams.


    "Master Er Gou! Thank you foring. This is Owner Ikasa, the one who requested your services."


    Sang Yi immediately went forward and introduced Ikasa to the old man. Ikasa bowed his head slightly and paid his respects to the elderly with cupped fists.


    The Array master caressed his wispy long beard, as his sharp grayish eyes scrutinized Ikasa from top to bottom. Then his lips curled upwards in a smile that reached his eyes.


    "I was surprised to hear that the Heavenly Horse bestowed his Feather of Judgment upon some youngd. Now that I have seen your potential as deep as that of an ocean, I can see why the Heavenly Horse would choose you."


    The Judgment Feather of the Heavenly Horse was once again showing how useful it was. Ikasa thanked the Absolute of Water and the Heavenly Horse in his mind as he put on a humble smile.


    "I am ttered to hear such high praise from someone who is just a step away from reaching the Grand Mastery in arrays, Master Gou."


    Ikasa quickly returned thepliment as he weed the Array Master into the store.


    Zhong Xi had done a great job of cleaning up the ce. The dark ebony counter was shining with gloss. Redwood shelves had been arranged behind the counter to store the Manuals.


    Arge area to the left of the counter was partitioned for ordinary customers. It was big enough for two people to break through without interfering with each other.


    The Array Master took out an octagonal disc and began to adjust it until it formed the shape of the room. He turned to Ikasa and said, "I cany any Mortal tier array with confidence. If you want me toy an Spirit Tier array, I cannot assure you of its sess."


    Sang Yi had helped Ikasa understand the distinction between the arrays. There were three strata of Arrays ording to the Spiritual Energy and materials required - Mortal, Spirit and Apex.


    The Energy Gathering Array inscribed in the Monstrous me Sect''s treasury was a Mortal Tier Array while the Space Istion Array in the Beech City was most probably in the Spirit Tier.


    Ikasa was satisfied with a Mortal rank array as he was not sure he could afford the extravagance of a Spirit rank.


    "A Mortal Rank defensive array should be enough for the shop."


    Ikasa said, rying his expectations to the Array Master.


    ording to his knowledge, a good Mortal Rank defensive array could withstand the assault of any Path Finder and even receive a few blows from a Chakra Sage Expert. It should be able to buy enough time for the reinforcements from the Nian n to arrive in case of an attack.


    The old man nodded and immediately started to fiddle with his octagonal te. An image of the building formed in a holographic form on his device. Then the Array Master began to pinch and drag to zoom in on the building from various angles.


    Some timeter, Ikasa heard him hum with satisfaction. The old man turned towards him and said, "If you want the best possible security, I would rmend to you the Level 3 array of Mortal Rank, the Celestial Guardian Array."


    The old man looked at Ikasa expectantly while caressing his long white beard. But Ikasa was confused by an unfamiliar ssification. He looked at the Array Master and Sang Yi with a frown as he mouthed, "Level 3 Mortal Rank?"


    "Even though all arrays in the same rank consume nearly the same amount of energy and materials, the difficulty inying them differs vastly. So, depending on how difficult it is toy a formation, we Array Masters distinguish them into 3 levels. Of these, level 3 is the most difficult and so the most expensive."


    The Array Master exined as he gauged Ikasa''s reaction.


    The standard rate for a Mortal Rank Array was between 2000 gold to 5000 gold. Thus the Celestial Guardian Array would cost him 5000 gold!


    The Array Master provided more information about the array seeing Ikasa look outraged at the price.


    "Once this array isid, a Cosmic Guardian will be formed out of pure energy. It can exhibit thebat power of a Chakra Sage with one chakra as long as enough energy is provided to it. If needed, it can also create an energy barrier around the shop, foregoing offense."


    A Celestial Guardian with the power of a Chakra Sage! The defensive array was truly powerful but Ikasa noticed one caveat.


    ''As long as enough energy is provided to itˇ­''<novelnext></novelnext>


    Any Chakra Sage needed energy in one 3-star Spirit Coin topletely fill the first Chakra. The energy in a 3-Star Spirit Coin was equivalent to six 1-star Spirit Coins.


    That means every time the Array was activated, it would use up six 1-Star Spirit Coins!


    Also, the materials had to be provided by the one requesting the array.


    So, this array would cost Ikasa around 5000 gold in materials and 5000 gold fees to the Array Master.


    The young businessman let out a deep sigh as he understood that he would lose 10,000 gold just for one defensive array.


    ''But it would be worth itˇ­''


    Ikasa tried to reassure himself.


    After a deep breath, he resolved his mind and said to the Array Master, "Fine, I ept your rmendation. I urge you toy the Celestial Guardian Array within these two days of time, Master Er Gou."


    The three of them then went to the upper floors where Zhong Xi was waiting for them with some refreshments.


    He quickly began to exin his idea of the training rooms, earning an appreciative nce from Array Master Er Gou.


    ording to the ideas of the one armed teen, the old man fiddled with the octagonal te in his hands. He quickly found a suitable array.


    Master Er Gou rmended a simple Force Negation Array of Level 1 Mortal Rank to strengthen the walls and floors of the training rooms.


    Ikasa epted the rmendation without anyints. He needed four arrays for the four training rooms. Each array would cost him 2600 gold and just like that another 10400 gold was added to his burgeoning bill.


    As Ikasa led the Array Master downstairs, he had an idea.


    ''What if I ce an Energy Gathering Array down in the basement of this shop? But it will be easily detected and may attract even more greedy eyes. Unlessˇ­''


    "Do you know any concealment or energy istion arrays?"


    Ikasa asked the Array Master. The Old man regretfully shook his head in response.


    "Concealment Arrays or Istion Arrays are usually veryplicated and energy consuming. So they are mostly Spirit Rank and areid by Array Grandmasters."


    The old man exined as he made some changes to the octagonal disc in his hands.


    ''There goes my brilliant Spirit Coin making n.''


    Ikasa sighed with dejection.


    The Array Master did not pay attention to Ikasa''s emotional sigh and counted his fingers. Then he asked for confirmation from Ikasa.


    "I can prepare all the arrays in two days. Is that good enough?"


    ''Two days will be cutting it close. The auction will start tomorrow.''


    "Master Er, pleasey the Celestial Guardian Defensive array before the Grand Opening of the shop on the day after tomorrow. You cany the Force Negation arrayster this week."


    Ikasa also ced a heavy bag filled with coins in the Array Master''s hands and pushed Zhong Xi forward.


    "Master Er, these are 5000 gold coins, the payment for the Celestial Guardian Array."


    Then Ikasa pushed Zhong Xi forward and said, "You have met Zhong Xi. Please tell him the list of materials and he will make sure to fulfill all your requests."


    The Array Master nodded and kept the bag in his Spatial Bracelet.


    "You can expect the Celestial Guardian Array to beid before your Grand Opening."


    Master Er Gou assured Ikasa as he cupped his fists at his employer. He then waved his hand and asked Zhong Xi to follow him to his carriage.


    As Ikasa watched the departing back of the thin old man, he felt a slight ache in his heart.


    ''My 20 thousand gold coinsˇ­''

 Chapter 219 Vice Commander Tian Lang

    "Good Girl!"


    Ikasa cooed, carefully stroking the smooth back of the Void Spider. The little spider had just jumped sessfully from his right palm to the left palm, covering a distance of over a meter.


    Now she enjoyed her reward, a small piece of Energy Crystal, uncaring of Ikasa''s praises.


    "Brother Ikasa, can youˇ­ Can you not y with that thing?"


    Luo Qiqi spoke, pushing her te of food away with revulsion. Her face held equal amounts of fear and disgust towards the Spider in Ikasa''s hands.


    Ikasa red at her and chided with mock seriousness,"Be a little respectful! What if you hurt Xiao Zhizhu''s feelings?"


    When speaking, Ikasa had even gone to the extent of covering the entire Spider with his right palm.


    Luo Qiqi threw a look full of resentment at Ikasa and tugged at Xin Ruo''s sleeves who was sitting next to her.


    "Sister Ruo, Brother Ikasa no longer loves us now that he has a new pet."


    Xin Ruo was also frozen on the spot ever since Ikasa brought out Xiao Zhizhu. She too had an innate fear of spiders and disliked Ikasa''stest pet.


    In fact, except Ikasa, all the other members on the breakfast table were eying the Spiderling with apprehension. Not only was it a Spider, an insect feared by most children, it was also a Spiritual Condensation Stage beast!


    Yan Xiao and Chu Qing did notment but even they were disturbed by the presence of the Void Spiderling near their tes of food. They threw sneaking nces at the small insect while shifting away from it as much as possible.


    Ikasa noticed their looks and sighed.


    "Quit being melodramatic. She is just a cute little girl."


    Hearing Ikasa''s words, the jaws of the people dropped. They were appalled when Ikasa described the hairy and disgusting creature as ''cute''.


    Ikasa was disappointed to know that none of the people shared his love for the spiders.


    "Fine. I will keep her back in the cage."


    Ikasa gave in to the popr demand and put the Spiderling back inside her cage. As he put her back, he did not forget to console the little spider.


    "Don''t worry, little Zhizhu. We will definitely wear down their walls of dislike and make them love you."


    Xin Ruo could only shake her head upon hearing Ikasa''s delusional talk.


    "Not in this lifetimeˇ­"


    She muttered as she bit into the soupy dumpling in her bowl.


    After that delightful breakfast, Ikasa herded the Kids and Xin Ruo in the carriage sent by Sang Yi. They were headed to the Fortune Lotus Pavilion to join the opening ceremony of the Seasonal Auction.


    ˇŞ-


    The usually spacious and quiet Eastern Street was congested by the numerous Spirit Beast Carriages. Sounds of roars and whimpers turned the street chaotic as carriages drawn by the predators and the preys moved side by side.


    Thankfully, the Dual Horned Horse of Sang Yi was trained well. It resisted the primal fear of its species as it galloped beside a carriage drawn by a Giant Gray Wolf.


    Just when the magnificent venue of the Auction neared, all the Carriages on the street came to a stand still. Few of the weaker beasts shivered and directly sat on the ground, trying to minimize their presence.


    Ikasa also felt the overbearing pressureing from the sky. Xin Ruo and the kids who had never experienced such a powerful presence trembled in the carriage but Ikasa identified the source of trouble.


    "Chakra Sages!"


    Ikasa eximed as he spotted a few figures flying in the air towards the Fortune Lotus Pavilion. Of them two wereing from the direction of the Su Family and one flew in from the western part of the City.<novelnext></novelnext>


    As they reached the gates, two figures rose from the Pavilion. Astonishingly, they also emitted the aura of a Chakra Opening Realm Experts!


    These two waited for the arriving Chakra Sages near the gates of the Pavilion. Then a female voice loudly greeted the Chakra Sages while still in the air.


    "Third Elder of the Mu Family, Chakra Sage Mu Jie, the Fortune Lotus Pavilion wees you!"


    "Grand Elder of the Su Family, Chakra Sage Su Xing, the Fortune Lotus Pavilion wees you!"


    "Ancestor of the Nian n, Chakra Sage Ma San, the Fortune Lotus Pavilion wees you!"


    The previously chaotic Eastern street had be so quiet that one could hear the sound of pin dropping to the floor. In such silence, the introductions of the three figures in the sky rang in everyone''s ears, shocking them to their cores.


    "No wonder the coercion intimidated even the ferocious beasts to a stand still. There were three Chakra Sages radiating their aura from above."


    Xin Ruo said, looking at the interactions in the clear blue sky. Ikasa nodded absentmindedly to her statement. He was more interested to know the identity of Chakra Sages from the Fortune Lotus Pavilion. He did not have to wait long.


    "I am very ttered to know that Manager Yun Qi came out personally to greet me."


    The Grand Elder of the Su Family said with a fawning voice to the alluring figure d in red figure hugging cheongsam. She smiled politely in response to his ttery while cursing him in her heart, ''This perverted old man still has not given up! Thisdy will never dual cultivate with you!''


    She was saved from the awkward conversation by Ancestor Ma San of the Nian n.


    The old man with thick white eyebrows and shining bald head looked at the burly figure standing beside Yun Qi.


    "Your Fortune Lotus Pavilion is truly great! To think you even moved the heart of Chakra Sage Tian Lang and received his help for this Auction..."


    Ikasa''s face changed upon hearing the name. This man was the Vice-Commander of the Earth Elm Army, the third strongest army of the Holy Wood Empire!


    He had heard about this city being a bastion of defense against the Furnace Fire Empire. He had also heard about the Earth Elm Army from the mouth of Sang Yi but he had never seen any military building or personnel while moving through the city.


    Yet, now he came to know that the Vice Commander himself was guaranteeing the security of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion for the course of the auction!


    The indifferent eyes of the muscr man narrowed at Ancestor Ma San. He snorted and said, "Old Ma, I see your vision has not declined with old age."


    As he said so, he grabbed a corner of his chin and peeled the skin mask from his face. There was no point in maintaining this facade after the old man had exposed his identity.


    The earthy aura of a Chakra Opening Realm expert who had opened all seven of his Chakras red for a moment. A heavy feeling like that of a mountain pressing down on them caused the Chakra Sages in the air to lose their footing.


    It was even worse for the cultivators on the ground who could not withstand such powerful pressure. They found that air had be as thick as mud and could not inhale for a while.


    Thankfully, the pressure onlysted for a moment and it was withdrawn by the Vice Commander immediately.


    "Haha! I lost my control for a bit there. Please don''t mind me and enjoy the Auction."


    Vice-Commander Tian Lang said with an innocent smile. However, his smile did not reach his eyes. The other Chakra Sages were not fools and clearly understood that this was a warning to the troublemakers.


    After this demonstration of power, Yun Qi immediately apologized to the other Chakra Sages and weed them inside.


    Ikasa, Xin Ruo and the kids sucked in arge gulp of air to refill their emptied lungs. Cold sweat formed on Ikasa''s forehead as he came to understand just how powerful a top level Chakra Sage was.


    The mere aura radiated by him was enough to kill every being below Chakra Sensing Realm. It scared the teens and also punctured Ikasa''s bubbling confidence. But he quickly recovered.


    He looked at the three pale-faced teens in the carriage and said, "You need to be stronger than that man if you really want to protect the people you love."


    The redness returned to their faces as the three kids clenched their fists with resolve. Ikasa smiled as he knew that this dose of motivation wouldst them until they reached the Chakra Sensing Realm.


    He also obediently put on the shiny Hundred Petal Badge on his chest. After all, this badge meant that the Vice Commander Tian would ensure his safety within the premises of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion!

 Chapter 220 The Auction Begins

    Chapter 220. The Auction Begins


    As soon as Ikasa entered through the doors of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion, his eyes began to search for Lian Hua, the one who had given him his Hundred Petal Lotus Brooch. He soon found her mature figure d in red qipao near the reception desk.


    Ikasa led Xin Ruo and the teens towards Lian Hua, drawing her attention. She immediately excused herself from the guest she was talking to and rushed to Ikasa.


    "Master Ikasa! Come this way. I will take you to the room prepared for you."


    As she spoke, she began to lead the group up the stairs, to the second floor. Her words and movements attracted the gazes from the surrounding patrons.


    They began to murmur and point at the shining Hundred Petal Lotus Brooch on Ikasa''s dark blue robes. This seemingly useless ornate decoration attracted the envy of most of the guests gathered here.


    The reason behind their jealousy was clear. The Hundred Petal Lotus.


    People who possessed a Hundred Petal Lotus Brooch were treated as the favored guests of the Fortune Lotus Pavilion. Only these privileged few could receive the preferential treatment from the Pavilion and sit in their own VIP rooms!


    Ikasa had a bird''s eye view of the guests gathered downstairs when he reached the second floor. He could see many friends and foes amongst the crowd.


    He saw a few merchants of the Furnace Fire Empire gathered in one corner. A group had formed around Hong Niu, the owner of the Red Bull Trading Company, while the fatty merchant Zhang Chun had been ignored by most merchants.


    On the other side of the room, people had gathered around a man with a luxurious feather cape. He was none other than Ma Tian, the current n Head of the Nian n!


    "Even the n Head of the Nian n, a prestigious power of Elm City, only has a Ten Petal Lotus Broochˇ­"


    Ikasa mumbled for the kids to hear. Their eyes immediately shone with pride when they came to understand how awesome their big brother was.


    His words fell into the ears of another person sitting in the waiting area behind them. The man snorted loudly, drawing the attention of Ikasa.


    Ikasa observed the person in bright red robes sitting on the couch in the waiting area. The sissy man picked up the crystal goblet filled with golden liquor with his long, dainty fingers and started to walk over towards Ikasa''s group.


    "Smile. He is the Head of the Su Family, Patriarch Su Chun." Lian Hua quickly whispered to Ikasa as she forced her lips to curve into a gentle smile.


    Ikasa became wary upon hearing the introduction. He had every reason to be cautious because this man was the father of the Su Siblings he had killed inside the nar Rift!


    Ikasa gazed at the approaching figure of the man with vignce but he did not let it show on his face.


    The middle aged patriarch who was dressed like a hedonistic young man did not seem to have recognized Ikasa. He came near the group and leaned on the guard rails beside Ikasa.


    Patriarch Su''s eyes stopped on the Hundred Petal Lotus Brooch on Ikasa''s chest as he said,


    "Young Master, you must be new to this City. Or else you would have known that the Nian n can barely make their ends meet."


    The sissy man then took a long sip from the goblet as he gazed downstairs, at the n Head Ma.


    "They are a blight in the name of the prestigious powers."


    A hint of disdain shed in his eyes as he spoke and he turned his attention back to Ikasa and his group.


    Ikasa smelt a strong smell of alcohol mixed with rosy perfume from the man leaning on the guard rails beside him. He also saw a hint of rouge applied to the man''s cheeks to hide the dark circles under his eyes.


    As Ikasa checked out the man, the man also scanned Ikasa and then the two girls with him. He took a sip from his goblet and then licked his lips without realizing how perverse his action seemed.


    Or maybe he was aware and just did not care.


    "Please, send mypanions to our room, Attendant Lian."


    Ikasa ordered, with a slight edge to his voice. He was enraged to see the lustful eyes of the man, old enough to be Qiqi''s grandfather, trace the teen''s nubile figure.


    However, he did not want to cause trouble inside the Fortune Lotus Pavilion just yet.


    Patriarch Su clicked his tongue with disappointment when his eye candy was taken away and emptied the entire contents of the goblet in one gulp.


    To make a small talk, Patriarch Su asked Ikasa, "Young Master, I have never seen you before. May I know your name and affiliation?"


    Ikasa was already incensed by the actions of the man before him and was in no mood to entertain him. He was saved from answering by the announcement that rang through the Pavilion building.


    "All patrons are requested to take a seat. The Auction will begin in a few breaths."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa looked at Patriarch and he replied to his question in a single word, "No."


    Ikasa then turned and walked into the hallway to his room, without hesitation. The stunned Patriarch whose face had turned red with anger could only watch his back disappear into the long hallway.


    Ikasa found room 143 and stepped into the room. He immediately felt the sounds and smells from the hallway disappear, as if he had entered some isted space.


    He could clearly see the Auction Stage and therge number of people seated neatly in rows but none of them could notice his presence. The loud chatter of the crowd downstairs sounded in his ears, but not a sound from this box went outside.


    It was like he was behind a one way ss; even though there wasn''t an actual barrier separating his box upstairs, in the gallery from the audience downstairs.


    ''A one-way Concealment Array!'' Ikasa eximed with shock in his heart as he realized the source of the phenomenon.


    Lian Hua walked over to him and handed him a fist sized crystal engraved with strange violet lines.


    "Call out your bids into this device. It will let your voice pass through the barrier. It will also change your voice and help conceal your identity."


    She exined, guiding him to a luxurious chair left empty for him at the center of the box.


    Ikasa made himselffortable in the chair and trained his eyes on the stage.


    A very handsome young man and a seductively charmingdy walked on to the auction floor, drawing theplete attention of the spectators.


    "We wee you to the first day of our Autumn Auction."


    "I am Ren Meiˇ­"


    The gorgeous girl introduced herself, cing her hand on her bountiful chest.


    "And I am Ren Mi."


    The handsome teen said, his sonorous voice reverberating through the hall.


    "We Ren siblings will be your hosts for the duration of this Auction!"


    They said together. By now the crowd had be silent and their attention was drawn to the twins on the stage. Yet, their performance was not over.


    "We have spiritual weapons and wondrous pillsˇ­"


    "Rare artifacts and incredible manualsˇ­"


    "All waiting to meet their owners."


    "With the right price, any one of you could be the next owner of these treasures!"


    The deep and enthralling voice of the young man alternated with the soft and enchanting voice of his sister. They took turns to speak,pleting each other''s sentences.


    Their wonderful duet hadpletely grabbed the attention of the guests and their enthusiasm affected the room. It made the guests excited for the items toe.


    The handsome youth walked over to the podium and thedy pushed a cart to the center of the stage.


    "Let us start our Auction with an object which every Path Finder desires and yet cannot encounter. A spiritual weapon to channel his energy."


    Ren Mi spoke from behind the Podium, providing a cue for his sister Ren Mei. She removed the red cloth covering the object and revealed a shining scabbard with purple and ck stripes.


    "Our first item is a One Veined Sword made by a budding Master cksmith. Its vein may be uneven but it is made from sturdy material. For the first attempt at making a Spiritual weapon, this is an incredible feat!"


    Ren Mei introduced the weapon by slowly unsheathing the sword from its scabbard. As she spoke, the light shined on the sharp des arousing the desire of many Path Finders seated in the audience.


    She smiled and paused, waiting for her brother to continue.


    "The starting price for this Sword is 800 gold. Please call your bids."


    This was a privilege avable only to those who possessed the Hundred Petal Lotus Badge!

 Chapter 221 Fierce Bidding

    The moment Ren Mei unveiled the Sword, Ikasa recognized it. It was none other than the very first Spiritual Weapon made by Gu Dan, the Yijian Sword!


    The first item to be auctioned would usually set the tone for the rest of the event. If it did not excite the patrons enough to loosen their pockets, rest of the items would also be sold for a subpar price.


    So, any Auction House would be very careful when choosing the first item to be auctioned. Over time, the first item in any auction became a position of honor for budding Master rank professionals.


    Numerous emerging Master cksmiths dream to have their weapon be the opening act for any Auction. And here, Gu Dan''s very first Spiritual weapon had earned him this honor!


    ''If that old man had agreed toe, he would have gone delirious with joy.''


    Ikasa thought as he observed the atmosphere. As soon as the base price for the sword was announced, it had caused a stir on all the three floors . Bids began to pour in just as Ren Mi finished announcing the base price.


    "800 gold!"


    "850 Gold!"


    "875 Gold!"


    "900 Gold!"


    These were all the bids from the guests at the lowest floor. No one on the second or the third floor had yet called out their bid.


    Suddenly, an impatient voice roared from the second floor.


    "Go home, you cheapskates! 1000 gold!"


    As soon as the first bid came from the second floor, two more people raised the price in session.


    "1100 Gold!"


    "1150 Gold!"


    After the high price of 1150 gold, the auditorium went silent. Nobody raised the price as 1100 gold was already a high price for an imperfect One Veined Sword.


    On the stage, Ren Mei gauged the atmosphere. She knew that this Sword could be sold for a higher price if she appealed to people other than just Path Finders.


    "This weapon is not only a tool for killing, but it is also a precious collectible. As the first ever Spiritual Weapon created by a budding Master cksmith, this weapon would be a great addition to your collection."


    The sweet voice of Ren Mei enticed the rich connoisseurs of weapons present in the audience.


    Just like there were people who made a collection of weapons on Earth, there were rich people in this world who also collected weapons.


    They tracked down the first weapons from famous Master cksmiths which were either damaged or no longer useful to the owner and brought them at a high price.


    Many of the wealthy aspired to be this type of collector but not many couldpete with the ones who had started their collections early.


    Their best bet was to purchase the first Spiritual Weapon before the Master cksmith became famous and essentially gamble on the cksmith''s potential.


    Quite a few of such wealthy people were present amongst the guests. They became interested in Ren Mei''s words and they leaned forward in their seats.


    "1200 Gold!"


    A bid broke the silence. Ren Mei looked at the gallery from where the voice came and threw them a charming smile.


    The crowd''s eyes were bewitched by her beautiful smile. The spell was only broken after Ren Mi banged the gavel on the podium, starting the countdown.<novelnext></novelnext>


    "1200 gold! Going onceˇ­"


    "1300 gold!"


    "1400 gold!"


    "1450 gold!"


    A few of the bids came in quick session. This was the effect of Ren Mei''s words. She had managed to ignite the ego of the wealthy and pushed the price of the weapon to nearly twice its base price!


    Just as Ren Mi was about to start the countdown again, a feminine voice called out a bid from the third floor of the Auction Room.


    "1600 Gold."


    The Hall became silent as this was way more than anyone would pay for an imperfect One Veined Weapon, even if it was a collectible!


    Ren Mi quickly brought down the gavel and the first item of the Autumn Auction, the Yijian Sword, was sold for double its base price!


    Ikasa tried to find the winner of the Yijian Sword but he failed in his attempt. It was because the bidder was also sitting in a VIP box on the Third Floor!


    He turned his attention back to the stage as the Twins introduced the next item.


    "Tiger Whisker Grass! A medicinal ingredient necessary for Earth attribute pillsˇ­"


    Ikasa lost interest as it was something he could not use.


    However, The Alchemists and the merchants from the Furnace Fire Empire were excited to see the ingredient.


    The bids rose higher and higher until the three purple strands of Dragon Whisker Grass were sold for a price of 2400 Gold coins!


    The excitement of the audience only increased as the rarity and quality of the items improved.


    In the next few hours, the twins auctioned off treasures like Blessed Spirit Spring Water, Tranquility Incense, a 1000 Year Cold Jade and a mysterious fragment of an ancient relic.


    With each new item, the bids only grew higher and higher. For example, the winning bid for the ancient relic fragment was 15000 Gold!


    The excitement had reached its peak and it was time to bring out thest item of the day.


    Soon, a clip clop sound of a horse''s hooves pping against the floor could be heard by everyone in the room. Ren Mei walked over and pushed open the giant doors hidden behind the stage.


    A majestic Horse entered the room, towering high over Ren Mei. The beautiful girl only reached half the height of the horse and yet she gently guided the two beasts onto the Auction stage.


    As it slowly trotted to the stage, its pitch ck mane bounced with its movements. Its glossy ck coat gave out a radiant shine under the glow of Sun Pearls on the stage.


    It reached the center of the stage and neighed, its sound reverberating through the room. Then it narrowed its eyes at the guests seated near the stage.


    The people in the first row suddenly felt an overwhelming pressure, causing them to shrink back in their seats. It was as if they were not in the presence of a horse but a dragon!


    Ren Mei immediately pressed a small amulet on its head, calming the horse. While she worked on pacifying the Dragon Scale Horse, Ren Mi, her brother began to introduce it to the eager guests.


    "For the today''sst round of auction, we have a Spirit Beast Carriage drawn by a Peak Spiritual Condensation Beast, Dragon Scale Horse!"

 Chapter 222 Winning Bid

    "The Dragon Scale Horse!"


    Gasps sounded from the crowd as soon as the name of the beast was spoken. Any beast with the name ''Dragon'' in it received awe and respect from the masses and cultivators.


    Even Ikasa sat up straighter in his chair with slight anticipation. He took a closer look at the forehead of the horse and saw a few obsidian scales illuminated under the glow of the spotlight.


    "This is just the beastˇ­ Where is the Carriage?" Chu Qing muttered as he too was fascinated by the Dragon Scale Horse.


    As if hearing his words, Ren Mi waved his hand. Arge carriage made from some dark red wood materialized out of thin air and fell with a loud boom on the stage directly behind the Horse.


    People in the front rows were startled by the noise. They expected the Horse to be frightful but surprisingly, the beast showed no reaction. It merely nced back and then nudged Ren Mei with its snout, urging her to continue caressing it.


    "As the name says, the Dragon Scale Horse indeed possesses a bloodline of dragons. It has amazing endurance and speed. The distance covered by an ordinary Spirit Beast in a day can be traversed by the Dragon Scale Horse in an hour!"


    The more Ren Mi spoke about the Spirit Beast, the more he aroused the desire of the guests. Even the two boys sitting beside Ikasa had stood up and were looking at the magnificent beast with shining eyes.


    "How awesome would it be if we could get that Spirit Beast Carriage?"


    Yan Xiao asked Chu Qing, with his eyes filled with unhidden greed and expectations. Chu Qing also had the same thought but he looked at tranquil Ikasa and murmured, "It would be great but I don''t know if Brother Ikasa can afford itˇ­."


    Ikasa almost vomited blood when he heard such tant provocation from one of his own.


    Ikasa knew that Chu Qing was well versed in the financial conditions of the GHBG and knew that he could definitely purchase the carriage. Yet, this kid was taking potshots at him?


    ''Have I been living like a cheapskate until now?''


    Ikasa wondered and then immediately shook his head.


    ''No, it is these kids who have gotten too used to the riches! Once we get back, I''ll ask Feng Yan and Xin Ruo to doubleˇ­ no, triple their training and also cut down their allowance. That''ll teach these runts a lesson.''


    Ikasa thought as an evil smile formed on his lips. Chu Qing and Yan Xiao shivered as they saw the smile and rushed back to their seat, with their lips sealed, thinking ''What have we done?''


    On the Stage, Ren Mi had almost finished introducing the carriage.


    "... Combined with the reinforcement formations and ck Iron Wood, this carriage can easily withstand a few attacks from Chakra Sensing Realm Experts!"


    Ren Mi did not even need to exin the other special characteristics as the patrons were already pumped.


    The guests on the lowest floor had already given up any hopes of obtaining this carriage. They were simply prepared to eat melon seeds and enjoy the fierce bidding war that was brewing amongst the people on upper floors.


    "The starting bid for this carriage is 11,000 Gold coins. Only increments of 1000 gold coins will be entertained. Please, start bidding!"


    The Auction room became silent for a few breaths. Then a chatter erupted among the crowd as a loud voiceing from the third floor raised the bid directly to 15000 gold!


    Ikasa looked at the other VIP boxes on the Third floor. Except for Patriarch Su, he did not know any of the people in the VIP boxes. But he knew that they were going to be his mainpetitors for this round.


    "16000 Gold!"


    Someone from the second floor raised the price. Ikasa identified the nasal voice of the fatty merchant from the Furnace Fire Empire, Zhang Chun!


    He immediately decided to counter the bid. He activated the small crystal in his hand and bid for the first time in this auction. Yet, his very first bid, shocked Lian Hua out of her mind.


    "20,000 Gold!"


    A voice that sounded much different than Ikasa''s resounded in the room. Yan Xiao and Chu Qing looked at Ikasa with joy on their faces and even Xin Ruo was surprised by the amount of the bid.


    By raising the bid directly by four thousand Gold coins, Ikasa had made his intentions clear!


    Nobody should dream of snatching this Spirit Beast Carriage from his hands. Anyone who tried to do so would have to pay an overwhelming price!


    Ikasa''s resolve indeed deterred those on the second floor but those on the Third Floor were not afraid topete with Ikasa.


    "21,000!"


    Another voice sounded from the Third floor upping the bid. It was the same feminine voice that had imed the Yijian Sword.


    "Twenty -Twoˇ­ Thousand Gold."<novelnext></novelnext>


    Ikasa responded to the bid, enunciating every word as he spoke into the small crystal.


    Two rooms away from Ikasa a youngdy mmed her fists onto the table, shattering the tea cups and wine jars ced in it.


    "How dare he covet what this Sage has her eyes on?"


    She fumed as she spoke in an icy voice. It was none other than Mu Jie, the Chakra Sage from the Mu Family.


    "Find out who is in that box!" She ordered the attendant who was shivering under the oppressive aura emitting from her being.


    "Venerated Sage, I - I don''t have the authorityˇ­"


    The attendant stammered her excuse, further enraging Mu Jie. The raging woman flung the goblet in her hand at the poor attendant, drenching her with expensive spirit wine.


    "Useless." The Chakra Sage uttered a word filled with disgust and then picked up the small crystal.


    "23,000!"


    She shrieked into the crystal, slightly pained at having to dip deep into her reserves.


    Immediately, she heard a counter bid from the box next to her.


    "Twenty Five Thousandˇ­ Gold!"


    Eyes of Mu Jie zed with anger. She grinded her teeth as she looked at the box next to her.


    "Bastard! If I found out who you are I am going to skin you aliveˇ­" Mu Jie thought in her head.


    Although she came from the Mu Family which earned 30,000 gold every month, her personal ie was only 1500 Gold, a minuscule of that amount.


    After many years she had barely saved 50,000 gold coins. It pained her to spend so much on a simple Spirit Beast Carriage she had taken fancy to.


    Mu Jie took her time even as she heard Ren Mi call out the bid for the second time.


    "25,000 gold! Going twiceˇ­"


    Then suddenly a slurred voice, as if that of a drunkard challenged Ikasa''s bid.


    "Twentiii Seven Tousand Gollld!"


    Mu Jie was shocked as she recognized the voice. It belonged to none other than Patriarch Su!


    Ikasa also knit his eyes brows as he felt that the voice was somewhat familiar. However, he was more pissed that someone had jumped in and ruined his almost done deal.


    "30,000 Gold!"


    Ikasa yelled with a chilly tone. The price drew gasps from the ones on the lowest floors.


    The entire worth of quite a few of them was lower than the amount Ikasa just bid!


    Silence reigned in the Auction room as even Ren Mi forgot to begin the countdown.


    The price was exorbitant and had far surpassed their estimation. As soon as Ren Mi came to his senses, he started to bang the gavel on the podium.


    "30,000 Gold! Going onceˇ­"


    "Going twiceˇ­"


    Ren Mi took a pause hoping to see someone raise the price again. But no matter how long he waited, no one increased the price.


    With slight happiness and reluctance, Ren Mi hammered the gavel on 30,000 gold for the Dragon Scale Horse Carriage.


    "Congrattions to Room 143 for winning this Spirit Beast Carriage!"


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