F

"Then if I get the chance, I'll have to see it for myself."

Mu Feng smiled faintly, speaking with some anticipation. He had quite a few things to do today and had no time to spar with Da Shan again.

He accepted the blue-tinged longsword Grandpa Chu handed him. The moment it touched his hand, a chill spread through him. The blade was as thin as a cicada's wing, gleaming with a cold light beneath the sun. One look was enough to tell that it was no ordinary weapon.

"Good sword!"

Though Mu Feng knew little about swords, even he could tell from its appearance that it was exceptional. Learning swordsmanship had only been a passing whim for him, yet Grandpa Chu had specially prepared a sword for him. With that thought, Mu Feng bowed deeply to Grandpa Chu.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Grandpa Chu. I definitely won't disappoint your teachings!"

Mu Feng's swordsmanship had been taught by Grandpa Chu, so there was nothing wrong with those words.

"This sword is called Cold Soul. It was forged from century-old cold iron and contains a trace of cold energy. It is exceptionally sharp. From now on, you must practice your swordsmanship even more diligently."

A warm smile appeared on Grandpa Chu's face as he spoke half-jokingly.

"I understand, Grandpa Chu. I'll practice seriously."

Mu Feng smiled as well. Most of the time, Grandpa Chu was like a gentle old man next door, making people instinctively want to draw close to him without feeling any distance between them.

"Mm."

Grandpa Chu nodded and said nothing more. Although Mu Feng was a Spirit Cultivator, Grandpa Chu could sense that his physique was extraordinarily powerful compared to ordinary Spirit Cultivators of the same realm. While it could not compare to Martial Cultivators of the same realm, the gap was not great. That was why he had Mu Feng train in swordsmanship—he wanted to see just how far this young fellow could go in the future.

"Oh, right, Da Shan. Yan Leyao and I are going to Ice Silk Cave tomorrow. Do you want to come with us?"

He had come here this time partly to see whether Da Shan had made a breakthrough. Now that Da Shan had reached the Second Stage as well, their chances of success would be even higher with him joining them.

"Ice Silk Cave?!"

Clearly, Da Shan had heard of the place and knew a little about it.

"No problem. Just call me when you leave tomorrow, Brother Feng."

Da Shan grinned. Ice Silk Cave was west of the city and not far away. Going out through the west gate meant passing right by his home, so he could simply wait there for Brother Feng.

Mu Feng was slightly stunned. He had not expected Da Shan to agree so readily. Ice Silk Cave was not a place for sightseeing—it was a place where one could lose one's life. But on second thought, it was understandable. Mu Feng and Da Shan had few friends, so their relationship went beyond that of ordinary friends. Rather than friends, they were more like brothers.

"Alright, then. I'll go to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion to prepare some things first. I'll come find you tomorrow. Goodbye, Grandpa Chu!"

Mu Feng smiled and waved to Da Shan and Grandpa Chu before heading toward the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

"Other than Mu Feng and that girl, don't casually reveal your trump cards to anyone else in the future."

Grandpa Chu spoke to Da Shan with a serious expression. He had met both Mu Feng and Yan Leyao, and they were close friends of Da Shan's, so they could be trusted. But these children had yet to experience the cruelty of the cultivation world. Telling him now would help him suffer less in the future. Besides, the uniqueness of Da Shan's martial soul made it all the more important for him not to become too famous.

"I understand, Grandpa."

Da Shan scratched his head honestly. Though he was somewhat confused, he obediently nodded.

"Cultivate well. Ice Silk Cave will still be somewhat challenging for you."

After leaving the blacksmith shop, Lan Feng retraced his steps. As the largest shop in Norton City, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion naturally stood in the center of the city. It was said that the Myriad Treasures Pavilion in Norton City was merely a branch, with branches in surrounding cities as well. But all that was still far too distant for Mu Feng. After all, even the nearest city to Norton City was thousands of miles away, and the farthest place Mu Feng had ever been was only within a hundred miles of Norton City. Beyond that, he would encounter powerful demonic beasts. Going farther would be no different from seeking death.

Before long, he reached the city center. From afar, he saw a tall, magnificent building made entirely of marble. People came and went, making the place quite lively.

"As expected of the largest shop!"

Mu Feng sighed in admiration and headed toward the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. In his memories, Mu Feng had visited the Myriad Treasures Pavilion a few times, but that had been a long time ago. Now that he was alone, he truly was not used to it.

"Welcome to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion!"

Mu Feng politely nodded to the two beautiful maidservants at the entrance before walking inside.

The splendid hall was filled with people. The vast interior was divided into several areas: the spirit medicine area, the spell arts area, the Martial Skill area, and other sections. Every area was crowded.

Mu Feng glanced around before walking directly to the miscellaneous goods section. A maidservant behind the counter rose and approached him, bending slightly as she asked,

"What would this young master like to see?"

"I need three portions of healing medicine and three portions of antidote powder."

Mu Feng replied. Though Ice Spiders were not high-level, the poison they carried could not be ignored. To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, healing medicine was also essential.

"Certainly. Please wait a moment."

The maidservant smiled and turned to leave.

"Well, well, isn't this Mu Feng?! I never expected to see you at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Not just anyone can afford the things here!"

A shrill voice came from behind him. Mu Feng frowned slightly. Naturally, he recognized its owner. He rarely made enemies, and there was only one person who had it out for him.

"Hao Zhou, I didn't expect to see you here either. Shouldn't you be recovering from your injuries at home?"

Mu Feng gave a cold smile. When dealing with enemies, he could not even be bothered to pretend. Hao Zhou and Mu Feng had both once been students at the Primary Academy. Back then, Hao Zhou had relentlessly pursued Yan Leyao, but she had never even spared him a glance, while she was very close to Mu Feng. Naturally, that had made Hao Zhou resentful. He had caused Mu Feng plenty of trouble at the academy, but since his cultivation was inferior to Mu Feng's, all he could do was disgust him. The last time Hao Zhou had, as usual, tried to trouble Mu Feng, Yan Leyao had accidentally beaten him badly enough to fracture his bones. He had even missed the graduation ceremony. Mu Feng had thought they would have no more contact after graduation, but the city was so small that they ran into each other again before long.

Hearing Mu Feng's words, Hao Zhou's face turned livid. Being beaten to the point of bone fractures by the person he had pursued was hardly something glorious, yet Mu Feng had exposed it before everyone. It was easy to imagine just how foul Hao Zhou's mood was.

"Mu Feng, what kind of ability is running your mouth? If you've got the guts, let's have a duel!"

Hao Zhou said darkly. He knew that his talent was inferior to Mu Feng's, but his family was rich. The Hao Family was one of the prominent families in all of Norton City. What he lacked least were cultivation resources, something Mu Feng could not compare with him in at all. With his family's resources, he had already become a Second Stage Spirit Cultivator. Among his peers, he could be considered among the best, so naturally he no longer feared Mu Feng. In his eyes, no matter how talented Mu Feng was, without cultivation resources, reaching the Second Stage was not something he could accomplish anytime soon.

"A duel? I don't have time to play games with you. We'll meet at the entrance tournament for the Advanced Academy. I hope you can still say that then!"

Mu Feng shook his head. It seemed this fellow had also reached the Second Stage, though that was within expectations. Hao Zhou's talent was not weak, and with his family's help, breaking through to the Second Stage had only been a matter of time. But challenging him immediately after reaching the Second Stage was overestimating himself. Besides, Mu Feng truly had no time to play games with him.

"Your healing medicine and antidote powder. The total is three hundred Yuan Coins."

The maidservant handed Mu Feng a small package with a smile.

Mu Feng nodded and pulled a purple-gold card from his pocket, handing it to the maidservant.

"Charge it to the card."

The maidservant's eyes widened. A Purple Gold VIP Card? There were probably only a few of those in all of Norton City. Just who was this young man, to casually produce a Purple Gold VIP Card?

"Y-yes, please wait a moment, honored guest!" The maidservant's hand trembled as she held the VIP card. Even her speech became unsteady as she hurried away.

Hao Zhou beside him was just as wide-eyed. As a member of a prominent family, he naturally knew what a Purple Gold VIP Card represented. The Myriad Treasures Pavilion's VIP cards came in silver, gold, and purple gold. Even his father, the Hao Family's head and a Fifth Stage Spirit Cultivator, only possessed a Gold VIP Card. Wasn't Mu Feng an orphan? Where had he gotten a Purple Gold VIP Card? At that moment, Hao Zhou felt as though everything was unreal.

Mu Feng, meanwhile, stared ahead with a calm expression, though inwardly he was speechless. The only thing of any value his parents had left him was this Purple Gold VIP Card. There was not much money on it, but it was still a symbol of status and could at least intimidate quite a few people. Just like Hao Zhou now, who stared at Mu Feng in shock, with even a trace of wariness in his eyes.

"Young master, greetings. I am a steward of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion in Norton City. Purchases made with a Purple Gold VIP Card receive a thirty percent discount. Your total for this purchase is two hundred and ten Yuan Coins."

A somewhat plump middle-aged man approached Mu Feng and spoke respectfully.

"Thank you."

Mu Feng glanced at the middle-aged man and took back the Purple Gold VIP Card. It seemed this man was the highest-ranking person in charge of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. Sure enough, status made a difference. It was a pity that he knew nothing at all about his parents, and their departure had been so difficult to understand. There had to be secrets unknown to him. It seemed he could only uncover them after becoming strong enough.

"Do you still have something to say?"

Mu Feng gave Hao Zhou a cold look. If not for the Hao Family backing him, he had no idea how many times he would have beaten him senseless by now.

"N-no... Don't get cocky. We'll meet at the entrance tournament!"

Hao Zhou blustered somewhat guiltily. He was not an idiot. Since Mu Feng could produce a Purple Gold VIP Card, there had to be something unknown behind him. It would be better to investigate things properly first, lest he bring trouble upon his family. With that thought, Hao Zhou actually left without even looking back.

Watching Hao Zhou's retreating figure, Mu Feng pondered briefly before leaving as well. He had naturally had his reasons for producing the Purple Gold VIP Card today. Besides, he was not afraid of anyone stealing it. The Myriad Treasures Pavilion kept records of every card's owner. Taking it out would also intimidate Hao Zhou and keep him from constantly causing trouble in the future. What Mu Feng hated most were unnecessary troubles.

After leaving the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, Mu Feng returned directly home. Everything was now ready; all that remained was to set out for Ice Silk Cave tomorrow. Thinking of this, Mu Feng sat cross-legged, formed a hand seal, and began cultivating. Strands of Spiritual Energy poured into Mu Feng's Dantian. There, a five-colored vortex slowly revolved, its center filled with darkness like a deep eye that drew people into its depths. The strands of Spiritual Energy merged into the vortex, gradually strengthening it. Traces of five-colored energy then separated from the vortex and flowed through Mu Feng's meridians, circulating throughout his body. Everywhere they passed was stained with a faint five-colored glow, making the sight rather strange. Lan Feng could also feel his strength continuously growing. Though the increase was minuscule, it was real.

"Cuckoo, cuckoo."

He reached out and turned off the alarm clock. Though this was a world of cultivators, the art of mechanical puppets was also quite popular. Their combat power was not especially great, but they possessed certain peculiar functions. This mechanical bird alarm clock was one such creation. Mu Feng stretched, rose, and washed up. Though he had cultivated until midnight yesterday, years of habit would not allow him to sleep in, much less today, when he had important matters to handle.

After tidying up simply, Mu Feng wore white robes, his long hair tied behind him and the Cold Soul Sword strapped to his back. He looked every bit the young wandering swordsman. After hastily taking a few bites of food, a knock sounded at the door. It was Yan Leyao, already prepared to depart. Today, Yan Leyao was also dressed in a white gown, with her long hair tied into a ponytail and a longsword on her back. Standing side by side with Mu Feng, the two gave off an indescribably harmonious feeling.

Mu Feng had not expected their outfits to be so similar, but it was a small matter, and neither of them took it to heart.

"Let's go. We'll meet up with Da Shan first, then head to Ice Silk Cave together."

Mu Feng slung a package over his back and spoke to Yan Leyao.

"Mm."

Yan Leyao nodded. One more person meant one more safeguard, and Da Shan was no ordinary person either. If he truly went all out, she might not necessarily be able to defeat him.

Traveling at full speed, the two quickly arrived at the blacksmith shop. Da Shan was already waiting there, dressed in wild-looking beast-hide clothing and currently lifting a large hammer to train his arm strength.

"Da Shan, we're leaving!" Mu Feng shouted from some distance away.

"Brother Feng, Leyao."

Seeing the two of them, Da Shan grinned foolishly and greeted them.

"Da Shan, let's go!"

Yan Leyao called out to Da Shan as well. The three had known each other for a long time and had ventured outside the city together before, so there was no awkwardness between them.

"Coming."

Da Shan smiled and walked over to Mu Feng. The three of them headed toward the western city gate together.

Half an hour later, a tall city gate appeared before them. The imposing walls stretching into the distance around it were magnificent. Though it was not their first time seeing them, every sight still brought an indescribable sense of awe. This wall had blocked wave after wave of demonic beast attacks, protecting the tens of millions of civilians within the city.

After leaving the city gate, the three headed straight for Ice Silk Cave. Though it was not far, the journey still took some time. The snow-covered world was entirely white, and one careless step could leave them lost in that white expanse. Fortunately, Ice Silk Cave was not too distant, and they found it an hour later.

The three looked at the deep cave in the distance, their expressions growing grave. There were bloodstains at its entrance—green bloodstains, clearly belonging to Ice Spiders. Something had apparently changed here, though they did not know whether it was good or bad.

After hesitating briefly, Mu Feng decided to test it. He picked up a stone and hurled it into the cave with all his strength. A reverberating echo sounded before silence returned.

Mu Feng frowned. Could someone have gotten here first? That shouldn't be possible. Everything was fine when I came here last time. It couldn't be such a coincidence, could it? Would the three of us have come here for nothing?

"Let's go in and take a look."

Yan Leyao said after a moment of hesitation.

"Alright."

Mu Feng considered it briefly before agreeing. It was rather difficult for him to accept returning empty-handed like this.

"Everyone, be careful."

Though the Ice Spiders inside might have already been eliminated, Mu Feng still cautiously headed toward the cave entrance, with Da Shan and Yan Leyao following at his sides.

"Rustle, rustle."

A faint sound suddenly came from within. Mu Feng's mind instantly sharpened, and he immediately shouted,

"Fall back!"

The three figures rapidly retreated. At the same time, a spider half the height of a man suddenly appeared at the cave entrance. Its black body looked like jade and appeared extremely hard.

"Ice Spider King!"

Mu Feng stared solemnly at the spider at the entrance. He had not expected there to be an Ice Spider King here. This was a third-stage demonic beast—but something seemed strange.

Though alarmed by the Ice Spider King's arrival, Mu Feng remained calm. The more panicked one became before a powerful opponent, the more likely one was to fail.

"Look at its abdomen!"

Yan Leyao cried out in surprise.

"It's injured?"

Mu Feng looked uncertainly at the Ice Spider King's abdomen. A wound over ten centimeters long was dripping dark green venom, drop by drop. Its eyes fixed viciously on the three of them, as if it wished it could tear them apart.