A terrifying act
Once outside the inner city, the scenery changed abruptly.
The buildings in the outer city appeared much lower and more cluttered. Although the streets were wide, the flow of people and vehicles was clearly mixed, and the air was filled with a stronger worldly atmosphere, occasionally mixed with the special smell of low-level Demon Beast materials, as well as the hustle and bustle of Cultivator and mortals from all directions.
The concentration of Spiritual Qi also dropped a level, appearing somewhat thin and mixed.
Zhang Ying came from an ordinary, scholarly family. Although not extremely wealthy, her parents were respectable officials in the county, and the family was well-off.
When she was discovered to have Spirit Root and embarked on the Immortal Path, although she was reluctant to leave, she left enough money and connections for her family, so that her parents, brothers and sisters should be able to live a peaceful life.
What on earth happened to cause this family to fall into such a miserable state?
Was it dynastic changes, years of war, or the bullying of local powerful clans?
Her mind was in turmoil, filled with all sorts of ominous speculations, and she wished she could fly to her family immediately to ask them for clarification.
Led by Lin Wan and Shen Shuangshuang, the three wandered through streets and alleys, eventually arriving at a deserted alley on the outskirts of the city, almost close to the city wall.
The alley was narrow and dark, with sewage flowing across the ground. On both sides were low, dilapidated bungalows, mostly inhabited by the lowest-class laborers in the outer city.
A faint musty smell and the stench of rotting garbage filled the air.
"It's right here."
Lin Wan stopped in front of a wooden door that looked like it was about to collapse, turned to Zhang Ying and said with a touch of just the right amount of sympathy on her face.
Zhang Ying was in a state of utter confusion, and no longer cared about observing her surroundings or the expressions of the two men. Hearing this, she didn't suspect anything, stepped forward, and forcefully pushed open the slightly ajar wooden door, urgently calling out, "Father! Mother! Little Brother! Little Sister! I..."
The words abruptly stopped.
The room was dimly lit, with only a few rays of light filtering through the broken windows, barely illuminating the empty space.
Apart from a crooked, broken wooden table and a few dilapidated stools, there was nothing else, and not a single person in sight!
A chilling aura swept over me, mixed with the smell of dust and decay from long-abandoned dwellings.
Wrong!
Alarm bells rang in Zhang Ying's mind, and a chill suddenly shot up from her tailbone to the top of her head!
Almost instinctively, the Spiritual Power of the Qi Refining Layer Six surged wildly within her body. She patted her Storage Bag, and Dark Yellow Small Shield, about the size of a palm and engraved with tortoise shell patterns, instantly flew out. It unfolded behind her with a "hum," transforming into a solid, pale yellow light screen!
Almost the instant the light curtain took shape—
"Puff puff puff!"
Several sharp whooshing sounds came from behind!
It was a hard spear formed from solidified soil, carrying a chilling killing intent, that slammed fiercely into the pale yellow light screen!
Thump thump thump!
A series of dull thuds rang out, the light screen rippled violently, and its color visibly dimmed.
Zhang Ying felt her Spiritual Power rapidly depleting as she used her Law Artifact to defend against the sudden attack. The impact sent her staggering forward a few steps, her Qi and Blood and qi churning.
"Lin Wan! What are you doing?!"
Zhang Ying turned around abruptly, both shocked and furious. Her round face was filled with disbelief as she stared intently at Lin Wan at the doorway, her face devoid of any warmth, only cold greed remaining.
Lin Wan was clearly surprised that Zhang Ying was able to summon a defensive Law Artifact in time. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a deeper greed.
She examined the well-made tortoise-shell shield and scoffed, "Oh, how long have you been working at Number Nine Pill Shop? You're already using a Tier 1 Middle-grade defensive magic Law Artifact? It seems Alchemist Lu Jiu has been quite kind to you... Zhang Ying, tell me honestly, have you already climbed into that genius Alchemist's bed and become his concubine/bed warmer?"
"Otherwise, why would he treat you so well and let you manage the shop?"
These malicious and filthy speculations were like a bucket of ice water poured on Zhang Ying's heart, shattering her last shred of illusion about their past friendship.
She felt both disgusted and desolate, her voice trembling. "We've journeyed together through so many years in the Cultivation World, sharing joys and sorrows... we were once the people we trusted most! Why... why did you have to do this to me?!"
"Years of experience? Trust?"
Lin Wan looked as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world, her face twisted with sarcasm. "Zhang Ying, Zhang Ying, you know we've been through so many years together! And what about you? You've hooked up with a rich man, prospered all by yourself, live in the inner city, run a large shop, earn hundreds of Spirit Stone a month, living a life of unparalleled glory! Have you ever thought of helping us out? Have you ever considered sharing our old friendship with us?"
Do you still see us, your "former sisters"? You're talking to us about trust now?
Her tone grew increasingly sharp and sarcastic. "I can't let you enjoy all the riches and glory all by yourself! I heard you can easily earn hundreds of Spirit Stone a month. In the past six months, you must have accumulated thousands of Spirit Stone, right?"
"Hand over the Storage Bag obediently, and out of 'old friendship,' I might consider... leaving you a whole corpse!"
She spoke the last two words, "complete corpse," lightly, yet with a chilling undertone.
Zhang Ying's heart sank to the bottom, feeling utterly cold.
She cast her last hope at Shen Shuangshuang, who had been standing silently beside Lin Wan, her voice trembling slightly, "Sister Shuangshuang... are you going to do the same?"
Shen Shuangshuang avoided Zhang Ying's gaze, a flicker of struggle crossing her face, but it was quickly replaced by a fierce look. She gritted her teeth and whispered, "I'm sorry, Yingbao... it's come to this now."
"Remove your defensive Law Artifact, and hand over your Spirit Stone and valuables... Perhaps, Sister Lin can grant you a quick death."
Her words shattered all of Zhang Ying's illusions.
Zhang Ying had completely lost hope in these two men.
Without further hesitation, she suddenly raised her tightly clenched left hand, her fingertips holding a Talisman with a faint spiritual light and fine, flowing lightning patterns on its surface!
Where are my parents?!
Zhang Ying's voice turned cold, filled with suppressed anger.
The only sliver of hope she still holds is for the safety of her family.
The Imprint Jade Slip was so realistic that Lin Wan and the others had at least actually seen her parents!
A cruel and triumphant sneer appeared on Lin Wan's face, as if she were enjoying seeing Zhang Ying's current suffering. "Even when facing death, you're still quite filial."
"I can tell you, but after that Image Recording was taken, your whole family, old and young, kept arguing and making a racket, and it annoyed me!"
"Since I already have the Image Recording, keeping them is just a burden and could cause future trouble... So, I just went ahead and killed them all!"
"The corpse? It's long been fed to the wild dogs outside the city, hahahahaha!" She let out a shrill laugh that was completely unrestrained.
"Ah--!!!"
Zhang Ying felt a "boom" in her mind, as if something had exploded, and her vision was instantly covered in blood!
The kind faces of her parents, the innocent smiles of her younger siblings, and the pitiful beggar in the Image Recording, all intertwined with Lin Wan's casual remark, "fed to wild dogs," transforming into heart-wrenching pain and boundless hatred!
"Go to hell!!!"
Without any hesitation or skill, Zhang Ying frantically poured all the remaining Spiritual Power in her body into the lightning Talisman in her hand!
The [Thousand Lightning Lure] mark left by Su Bai on the Talisman was fully activated!
"Snap--!!!"
It was as if a bolt from the blue had struck this small, humble room!
A dazzling, blinding silver-white lightning bolt suddenly erupted from Zhang Ying's center!
Countless thin, twisting, and leaping snakes of lightning shot out wildly, indiscriminately bombarding all directions!
Lin Wan and Shen Shuangshuang were the first to be affected.
The sneer and ferocity on their faces were instantly replaced by boundless horror!
They never expected that Zhang Ying would possess such a terrifying Thunder Method Talisman!
This power... this is definitely the work of Foundation Establishment Cultivator!
"No--!"
Lin Wan only had time to let out a short, shrill scream before she was instantly engulfed by several violent bolts of lightning!
Her hastily conjured Earth-Type Shield shattered like paper, and her body was violently carbonized in the lightning, eventually turning into a small clump of ashes!
Shen Shuangshuang was a beat slower, but she only survived for a second longer.
Terrified, she tried to flee towards the door, but was caught by an even thicker bolt of lightning that pierced through her from head to toe!
She remained frozen in place, her forward momentum gone, the light in her eyes quickly extinguished, and she collapsed to the ground like a wooden stake struck by lightning, wisps of smoke rising from her face, life extinguished.
The rampaging lightning snakes showed no signs of stopping; they relentlessly pounded against the walls, roof, doors, and windows of the house!
The already dilapidated walls were blasted with large holes, and the wooden doors and windows were reduced to charcoal and fragments under the intense heat of the Thunder. A large section of the roof was also torn off, revealing the gray sky outside.
The entire bungalow swayed precariously under the onslaught of Thunder, groaning under its own weight. Finally, with a deafening roar, half of the wall collapsed, and smoke and the smell of burning filled the air.
Zhang Ying desperately protected herself with her tortoise-shell shield, but the aftershocks still made her Qi and Blood churn and a trickle of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.
She stood there, seemingly oblivious, staring blankly at the ruins before her, at the ashes where Lin Wan had disappeared, at Shen Shuangshuang's charred corpse, and then down at the Talisman in her hand, now reduced to ashes...
He was breathing heavily, and tears mixed with dust left two muddy streaks on his face.
Parents... are they really gone?
She was so contemptuously murdered by these two people she once considered sisters?
Overwhelmed by immense grief and exhaustion, she could barely stand.
But a faint, lingering thought remained—what if? What if Lin Wan was just deliberately provoking her?
She has to go back and confirm it in person!
Zhang Ying took a few deep breaths, forcibly suppressing the churning Qi and Blood and the sorrow that almost overwhelmed her.
She put away the dimly lit and badly damaged tortoise-shell shield, staggered out from the gap in the ruins, made her bearings, and then ran as fast as she could towards the inner city without looking back!
Back in the inner city, back in the relatively safe Alchemy Street, Zhang Ying ignored the surprised looks from others and rushed straight back upstairs to the Number Nine Pill Shop.
Su Bai was in his private Alchemy Room, processing some medicinal herbs in preparation for the Disciple Recruitment Ceremony three days later.
"Boss!"
Zhang Ying suddenly pushed open the half-closed door to the alchemy room, her voice hoarse, her eyes red-rimmed, and her face still bearing traces of tears she hadn't wiped away, looking utterly disheveled.
Su Bai stopped what he was doing and looked up at her.
With his Foundation Establishment Realm spiritual perception, he could easily sense the intense Spiritual Power fluctuations remaining on Zhang Ying's body, the damaged aura of her defensive Law Artifact, and the thick, unsettled feeling of being in shock.
He asked calmly, "Biten by a poisonous snake?"
This seemingly innocuous yet incisive question instantly shattered Zhang Ying's fragile composure.
She couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably, her words tumbling out incoherently. "They... they lied to me... Lin Wan, Shen Shuangshuang... they set a trap to kill me..."
"They... they even... they specifically found my parents and younger siblings... and filmed them... and then... then Lin Wan said... that it was too much trouble... and killed them all... and fed them to wild dogs... Waaah... Boss... why... why did this happen... we used to... we used to be so good together..."
She sobbed uncontrollably, recounting her ordeal in fits and starts, especially Lin Wan's vicious words at the end, each repetition feeling like a knife being stabbed into her heart.
Su Bai listened quietly, his face expressionless, showing neither surprise nor anger, only a deep, still calm.
After Zhang Ying's sobs subsided, he slowly spoke, "They hate that you have it, laugh at that you don't, despise that you're poor, and fear that you're rich. Such is the darkness of the human heart."
"Cultivators shed their Mortal Body, but they may not be able to shed the most despicable aspects of human nature; sometimes, because they have power, they become even more wicked."
He paused, looking into Zhang Ying's confused and pained eyes, and continued, "In your future interactions with others, remember to maintain appropriate boundaries."
"Don't go too deep, or you'll easily give rise to delusional thoughts."
"Some people, after knowing you for a long time, will unknowingly regard you as their appendage. Your success will become their loss, and your independence will become betrayal in their eyes."
"How is this mentality any different from the behavior of those in the Demon Sect who treat their Disciple as their private property and do not allow them to leave? If you want to leave, you will naturally have a piece of your flesh torn off, or even... your life."
These words, so calm they were almost cruel, acted like a key, unlocking some long-standing, vague confusion in Zhang Ying's heart.
She listened intently, tears still streaming down her face, but the confusion and pain in her eyes were gradually replaced by a profound understanding.
She never imagined that her boss, who seemed to only know how to bury himself in alchemy and had a gentle temperament, would have such a thorough and cold insight into people's hearts and the ways of the world.
Yes, the boss's rise from a street vendor in the outer city of Heavenly Star City to become True Man He Personal Disciple is not solely due to luck and Alchemy Talent.
"Boss... I... I'd like to take a long leave."
Zhang Ying wiped her face, trying to calm her voice, but the grief and determination in her eyes were clearly visible. "I have to go back to my hometown... to verify things myself... to... to prepare the bodies for my parents, siblings, and other family members... It will probably take about a month."
Given her speed at the Qi Refining Layer Six and the potential troubles she might encounter, the journey from Heavenly Star City to her hometown would likely take at least a short time.
Su Bai didn't ask any further questions, simply nodding. "That makes sense."
He walked to the side, took out three blank Law Technique storage Talisman, thought for a moment, and then replaced them with a Specially Made Talisman Paper of higher quality that had a longer storage effect.
Immediately, he concentrated his Spiritual Power, simultaneously mobilizing the pure Lightning Spiritual Power within his body and a faint yet sharp Sword Intent (disguised as Thunder Method), causing lightning to blaze brightly at his fingertips!
Sizzle sizzle--
The violent yet condensed Lightning Spiritual Power was forcibly compressed and guided, meticulously inscribed into the three Talisman.
Throughout the process, Su Bai's face turned pale at a visible speed, and his breathing became slightly uneven.
These three [Thousand Lightning Lure] Talisman were not only infused with more Spiritual Power, but also incorporated a deeper understanding of Thunder Method and the sharp intent of Sword Qi. Their power far exceeded that of the first talisman he gave Zhang Ying for self-defense, and the storage time would be longer, but the consumption was also enormous.
A moment later, three Talisman, their surfaces covered in dense lightning patterns and exuding a faint, sharp aura, were completed.
Su Bai handed them to Zhang Ying, his tone still calm. "The journey ahead is long, and worldly ties must be severed."
"These three Talisman are of decent power, use them with caution. I will need you to manage the Number Nine Pill Shop for decades to come, so don't perish halfway there. Go and return quickly."
Looking at Su Bai's instantly pale face and feeling the terrifying aura of destruction emanating from the three Talisman, Zhang Ying felt an indescribable warmth welling up in her heart.
Her knees buckled, and she knelt down with a thud, respectfully kowtowing to Su Bai. Her forehead touched the ground with a soft sound.
She didn't make any empty promises like going through fire and water; she simply kept this kindness deeply in her heart.
"Thank you so much, boss! Ying'er will definitely be back soon!"
She took the three heavy Talisman with both hands, carefully put them away, said no more, stood up, and resolutely turned to leave.
The journey home was far longer and more arduous than imagined.
Zhang Ying was alone, and being a young female cultivator, her cultivation level of the Qi Refining Layer Six was not considered high in the outer city and the wilderness.
As expected, they encountered several groups of malicious spying and interception along the way.
There were lone cultivators who only wanted to rob her of her money and her virtue, and there were also Bandit Gang that roamed the Barren Mountain and wilderness, specifically targeting lone Cultivator.
Her first encounter with danger occurred in a hilly area not long after leaving the territory of Heavenly Star City. Three Mid Qi Refining Stage saw that her breathing was unstable and her face was haggard, so they had evil intentions.
Zhang Ying was initially panicked, but remembering the tragic deaths of her family and her boss's instructions, she steeled herself and directly activated a [Thousand Lightning Lure] Talisman.
In an instant, lightning illuminated the wilderness. The three rogue cultivators didn't even have time to utter a complete scream before they were reduced to charred remains by the raging Thunder.
Zhang Ying herself turned pale with fright, but she was even more shocked by the power of the Talisman.
The second time was when they were crossing a misty swamp, where they were targeted by a group of Swamp Bandits skilled in stealth and poison.
There were five people on the other side, and the leader even had Qi Refining Layer Eight.
Zhang Ying struggled to hold on with her tortoise-shell shield, fighting and retreating. When she was surrounded and her shield was about to break, she gritted her teeth and activated a second Talisman.
This time, the Thunder not only killed the two leading figures, but the pervasive lightning net also swept away the swamp mist. The remaining bandits were terrified and fled in disarray.
With the help of the Talisman bestowed by Su Bai and her own cautious perseverance, Zhang Ying made her way back to her hometown county town, a place she remembered, after a journey of half a month, without any major incidents.
The county town remained unchanged, untouched by dynastic change or war.
Zhang Ying suppressed her anxiety and secretly inquired about the matter.
After much difficulty, they finally learned from an elderly neighbor that about two months ago, Zhang Ying's parents took their young son and daughter to visit a distant relative in a neighboring county. They never returned and have not been heard from since.
The county government also sent people to investigate, but they found no clues whatsoever; it was as if the matter had vanished into thin air.
Zhang Ying's heart sank little by little.
Undeterred, she spent more Spirit Stone to inquire through shady channels and finally obtained a vague piece of information: around that time, two unfamiliar low-level female cultivators had appeared near the county town, their whereabouts shrouded in mystery.
At this point, Zhang Ying was basically certain that what Lin Wan said was true.
They actually found her family and kidnapped her!
That Imprint Jade Slip is irrefutable evidence.
The excuse of "visiting relatives" was probably fabricated by Lin Wan and her accomplice to cover their tracks and make it easier for them to carry out their plan.
Just as Zhang Ying was heartbroken and preparing to build cenotaphs for her parents and siblings, unexpected news arrived.
Her most mischievous and troublesome twelve-year-old younger brother, Zhang Haoran, escaped the disaster because he secretly slipped out to play with his friends that evening and spent the night outside!
Later, when the adults in his family went missing, he returned home to find the place deserted. Terrified, he dared not make a sound and lived a life of wandering and making ends meet with the little money left at home and the occasional help from neighbors. Recently, after going hungry for several days, he went to Inn to steal food, only to be caught red-handed and severely beaten.
Upon hearing the news, Zhang Ying felt both heartbroken and relieved, and rushed to the Inn.
Sure enough, they saw Zhang Haoran, who had lost a lot of weight and had bruises on his face and body, being kicked and beaten on the ground by the waiter.
Zhang Ying was enraged. She flicked her finger, and a wisp of Spiritual Power struck the waiter in the back of the knee. The waiter cried out and collapsed to the ground.
Zhang Haoran looked up and saw the round face he had longed for day and night. He froze for a moment, then burst into tears. "Second Sister! It really is you! Father and Mother... they're gone! Waaah..."
Zhang Ying felt a pang of sorrow. She stepped forward, helped her younger brother up, and carefully examined his injuries. Finding that they were all superficial wounds, she was somewhat relieved.
She glanced coldly at the bewildered waiter lying on the ground and the innkeeper who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion. Without saying a word, she flicked her fingertips, and a fist-sized crimson Fireball appeared out of thin air, blasting the Inn's door into a charred mess with a deafening roar, sending splinters flying everywhere!
"A small punishment! If you dare to bully my brother again, I'll burn down your entire Inn!"
Zhang Ying left behind a cold remark, ignoring the gasps behind her, and quickly departed from this place of trouble with a stunned Zhang Haoran.
Once outside the county town, they found a quiet place where Zhang Ying carefully examined her younger brother, treated his injuries, and gave him some dry food and water.
Zhang Haoran was extremely hungry and wolfed down his food.
Zhang Ying looked at him, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Her parents and other siblings had probably already met their demise.
Fortunately, the Zhang Family Bloodline was not extinguished, and Haoran was the only heir left.
However, just as she channeled a wisp of Spiritual Power to help her brother heal his bruises, she was surprised to discover that Zhang Haoran's Meridians were faintly showing signs of absorbing external Spiritual Qi on their own!
She was startled and quickly grasped her brother's wrist, examining it more closely.
A moment later, Zhang Ying released her grip, her face showing an expression of unbelievable surprise!
Fire-Earth Dual Spirit Root! Hao Ran actually possesses Fire-Earth Dual Spirit Root!
Although it can't compare to those peerless geniuses with Single Spirit Root or Variant Spirit Root, having Dual Spirit Root is already considered quite good talent in the Cultivation World!
It's far better than her own Three Spirit Root!
While they might not be considered top-tier in a place like Starlight Academy, they would definitely be key talents cultivated by smaller sects or cultivation Lineage!
"Second sister... what's wrong?"
Zhang Haoran was somewhat frightened by his sister's alternating crying and laughing expressions.
Zhang Ying took a deep breath, suppressing her excitement, and looked into her younger brother's clear eyes, asking earnestly, "Haoran, do you want to... become a cultivator with the power to fly and move freely, just like your second sister?"
Zhang Haoran's eyes widened instantly, and he even forgot to chew the dry food in his mouth. "A cultivator? Like you just now, Second Sister, you can create fireworks with a wave of your hand? I want to! Of course I want to! I dream about it!"
Teenagers are at an age when they yearn for power.
Zhang Ying nodded, having already made up her mind.
Originally, she only wanted to settle her younger brother in the outer city of Heavenly Star City, provide him with some property, and let him live a peaceful life as an ordinary person.
But now that my younger brother possesses Spirit Root, and even Dual Spirit Root, we absolutely cannot waste this Talent!
Although the inner city of Heavenly Star City is good, it has strict rules and fierce competition. With her current abilities, it is difficult for her to secure good resources and opportunities for her younger brother.
She thought of her boss Su Bai.
The boss is now Personal Disciple of True Man He, holding a prestigious position, possessing profound alchemy skills, and having extensive connections.
If... if the boss were willing to take Haoran in, even if it was just as an apprentice at the Pill Shop, his future would be a thousand times better than staying in the outer city or returning to the mortal world!
Even... there might be a chance to get some guidance from the boss, which would be an incredible stroke of luck!
"Haoran," Zhang Ying said solemnly, gathering her thoughts, "This time, your second sister is taking you to meet a senior."
"This senior is my second sister's employer and benefactor. He is Divine Ability powerful and holds a very high position."
"If he's willing to keep you, even if it's just to do odd jobs in the shop, it would be a blessing you've accumulated over several lifetimes! Remember, when you see a senior, you must be extremely respectful and not overstep your bounds in the slightest. Follow your second sister's and the senior's arrangements, understand?"
Although Zhang Haoran was mischievous, he knew what was important. Seeing how serious his second sister was, he nodded vigorously, "I understand, second sister! I will definitely be obedient! I will never embarrass you!"
Traveling with my younger brother slowed down our return journey considerably.
Zhang Haoran was just an ordinary teenager who had never cultivated and had limited mobility.
Zhang Ying felt sorry for her younger brother and was worried about encountering danger on the road, so she could only try to choose the relatively safe official roads, and sometimes she had to hire a carriage to travel.
More than twenty days later, at the end of October, Zhang Ying finally brought Zhang Haoran back to the Number Nine Pill Pavilion.
The three Talisman given by Su Bai were all used up. Two were used on the way, and the last one dissipated automatically due to the long time that passed.