Midnight Blaze

But as a menial disciple, he simply did not have the qualifications to obtain something like a storage pouch.

Nor was there anywhere in the market that sold storage pouches. They seemed to be issued exclusively by the sect.

They rarely circulated in the market, either.

That was why Li Ping'an had swallowed his pride and asked.

Qingyue waved her hand casually when she heard that.

"Pah, I thought it was something serious. It's just a storage pouch! Don't worry, it's no big deal!"

Qingyue felt around in her pockets, her cheeks flushing as she said softly, "I didn't bring anything with me today. Once I do another day, I'll definitely bring one over for you."

"Alright, then thank you, Senior Sister."

Li Ping'an was overjoyed. If Qingyue could truly get him a storage pouch, he would have struck it rich.

"Alright then, little brother, I'm off. Cultivate diligently and reach the Qi Refinement Realm soon. Maybe then I can introduce you to someone and help you find a master or something."

After giving him a few reminders, Qingyue skipped away.

Today had been a good day. He had gained something again.

Watching Qingyue's retreating figure, Li Ping'an mulled over her final words. She was right—he had to break through to the Qi Refinement Realm as quickly as possible!

Still, he did not want to take a master. It would be best if he could remain in the Waste Hall forever, because this Waste Hall was the source of his cultivation!

"Fine. Tonight, I'll cultivate through the night. No rest."

Li Ping'an made a grand sweep of his hand and declared those lofty words to spur himself on.

That evening, while Li Ping'an was cultivating bitterly in his room, he suddenly heard a commotion outside.

Someone was saying, "Brother Zhang, congratulations! Your son has taken such a powerful master, and your whole family has moved into a new residence. You've made me green with envy!"

"Ah, what's there to envy? You can have it too!"

"Come, come, Brother Zhang, let me toast you!"

Outside, Zhang Meng was hosting a banquet for the disciples. It was incredibly lively.

Li Ping'an smiled faintly. After spending some time in the Waste Hall, he had gradually integrated into life there.

Overall, the Waste Hall disciples were quite united. Though the work was exhausting every day, their relationships were harmonious. Compared to the other halls, there was far less scheming and backstabbing.

But he intended to cultivate bitterly today, so he had no mind to go out and drink Zhang Meng's celebratory wine.

Just then—

Knock, knock, knock!

Someone knocked on the door.

Helpless, Li Ping'an went to open it.

Zhang Meng stood outside with a broad smile, holding two cups of wine.

"Lord Li, today I invited everyone to drink and eat meat to celebrate my son entering Elder Yude's tutelage. Please do me the honor of drinking this cup."

As he spoke, he handed over one of the cups.

Li Ping'an cupped his hands in congratulations. "Congratulations, Brother Zhang!"

He accepted the cup, then deftly pulled out two pieces of broken silver from his person.

"This is my congratulatory gift. May your son achieve success in cultivating immortality soon!"

Zhang Meng froze. He had not expected Li Ping'an to give a gift of money as well. He immediately burst into laughter. "Lord Li, you're too polite! Then I'll thank you on my son's behalf. Cheers!"

Zhang Meng then drained his own cup in one gulp.

Li Ping'an did not refuse. A small cup of wine would do no harm.

However, just as he raised the cup to his lips, the Heaven-Tempering Hammer within his body suddenly stirred.

Hm?

Li Ping'an's heart sank. He had never expected the Heaven-Tempering Hammer to react at this moment.

Did that mean there was poison in this cup?

Li Ping'an glanced sidelong at Zhang Meng. Zhang Meng was staring at him without blinking, as if waiting for him to drink the wine.

Li Ping'an chose not to alert the snake in the grass.

Besides, this cup of wine might spell great trouble for others, but for Li Ping'an, it was fine wine enriched with a tonic.

So he tipped back his head and drained it in a single gulp.

"Hahaha, Lord Li, what a forthright man! I admire you, I truly admire you!"

Seeing Li Ping'an drink the wine, Zhang Meng seemed to let out a breath of relief. After a few flattering words, he turned and left.

Back in his room, Li Ping'an sat cross-legged on the bed once more. But now he had no mind to cultivate, thoughts racing through his head.

Why would Zhang Meng want to harm him?

If he remembered correctly, Zhang Meng was merely an ordinary menial disciple. They bore neither grudge nor grievance against each other, so why had he suddenly offered him a cup of poisoned wine?

Then Li Ping'an thought of something.

Why had Zhang Meng, an ordinary menial disciple, suddenly had a son accepted under True Person Yude, an outer sect elder? And why had his entire family moved into a new home?

There was definitely something fishy here.

Or perhaps this was the work of that Senior Brother Zhang, the chief disciple of the inner sect?

Countless possibilities flashed through Li Ping'an's mind, but he could not make heads or tails of it.

He then shook his head and chuckled. "Forget it. When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it. Let's see what tricks Zhang Meng intends to play. In any case, this poisoned wine has no effect on me."

Having thought it through, Li Ping'an resumed sitting cross-legged and began cultivating.

By midnight, Li Ping'an opened his eyes, delight filling them.

"I've reached the peak of the ninth level of Body Tempering! I'll be able to refine Qi soon."

Just as he hesitated over whether to take the Qi Refinement Pill and break through to the Qi Refinement Realm now, he suddenly heard someone moving outside the door!

Now that he was at the ninth level of Body Tempering, his physical abilities far surpassed those of ordinary people. His hearing was exceptionally sharp. Though the person outside moved carefully and lightly, Li Ping'an still heard him.

Who was it?

Li Ping'an wondered as he quietly approached the door and peered outside. He saw a shadow sneaking about the Waste Hall, seemingly moving something around.

Judging by that figure, it seemed to be Zhang Meng!

What was that fellow trying to do?

Li Ping'an muttered to himself, unsure of what trick Zhang Meng was playing this time.

But if Zhang Meng alone intended to harm him, he was not worried in the slightest.

After all, that fellow was only at the fourth level of Body Tempering. He posed no threat whatsoever.

Li Ping'an returned to his room, but he no longer dared to cultivate.

Instead, he sat quietly cross-legged on the bed, waiting for Zhang Meng's next move.

Time passed second by second.

By now, everyone in the hall had fallen asleep. All was silent, and even the chirping of insects and the rustling of wind could be heard clearly.

Li Ping'an sat on the bed, his eyelids beginning to droop. Could it be that Zhang Meng would not make a move tonight?

Just as he thought that, a roaring blaze suddenly erupted outside the window.

The flames spread with terrifying speed, instantly setting ablaze the entire area surrounding Li Ping'an's dwelling.

Fire!

Only then did Li Ping'an suddenly understand. He had wondered what Zhang Meng had been moving about earlier—he had intended to burn him to death!

That fellow truly wanted his life!

Such a trick might work against an ordinary person, but Li Ping'an was now at the ninth level of Body Tempering. Among mortals, he was a master-class powerhouse. How could he possibly be burned to death by such a fire?

Li Ping'an easily leaped out through the window.