The donkey's hooves clopped as Wang Chen left Datong County.
The city gates had just opened, and a sliver of dawn's pale light had appeared on the eastern horizon.
He followed the official road north.
After returning to Nanshao City, Wang Chen planned to enter seclusion in the Star Observation Pavilion until he advanced to the ninth layer of Qi Condensation.
Then he would consolidate his foundation until he reached the Grand Completion realm.
The process might take a year or two, or perhaps three to five years.
Although he had the Cultivation Panel as a cheat, if his foundation was unstable, then even if he forcibly succeeded in Breaking Through Apertures and Opening the Mansion, endless future troubles would remain. He absolutely could not rush it.
Wang Chen had felt this deeply during his cultivation of the Heavenly Dragon Vajra Righteous Dharma!
Just as he accelerated his pace, a burst of urgent hoofbeats suddenly sounded behind him.
Wang Chen could not help glancing back. Five or six riders were rapidly closing in.
The riders wore red headscarves and had burly builds. The coarse-looking man in the lead shouted, "Believe in Maitreya, gain peace!"
The other riders answered in unison, "Maitreya bless us, peace under heaven!"
Were they sick in the head, or just sick in the head?
Wang Chen had not intended to pay them any attention, but they came quickly. Catching up behind him, they shouted, "Daoist, please stay. Our Holy Maiden invites you!"
Wang Chen truly had not expected these people to be pursuing him. He immediately shook his head. "No time."
"Neigh—"
The coarse-looking leader yanked on the reins, and the fine horse beneath him reared up, barely managing to block Wang Chen's path.
He and several riders surrounded Wang Chen, saying grimly, "Little Daoist, don't