A change of address

After leaving the Heavenly Works Tower, Jing Wen headed straight to the Seven-Craft Pavilion, exchanged his remaining Spirit Stones for several talismans, then quietly left the city.

In a deserted stretch of wilderness, he flicked his sleeve and summoned his Flying Sword.

Instantly, the sword rang like a dragon's cry, its azure light swelling. Air currents coiled around the blade, hinting at the power of wind and thunder.

Jing Wen lightly tapped his toes and landed steadily atop the blade. Following the instructions for Sword Flight, he slowly channeled his spiritual power into the sword's internal pathways.

At first, the Flying Sword merely trembled, as though testing its master's intentions;

As his understanding of the cultivation art's principle-"spiritual power follows the sword, and the sword guides Qi"-deepened, the Flying Sword suddenly dipped, then shot through the air like an arrow loosed from a bow!

"It really is much faster than the Wind-Riding Art!"

Jing Wen stood facing the wind, his robes billowing like clouds and snapping around him.

Mountains streamed past beneath his feet, rivers stretched like ribbons, and forests undulated like waves. Everything raced backward.

While feeling the rhythm of spiritual power circulating between his meridians and the blade, he made small adjustments to his posture, gradually mastering the subtleties of balance.

Before long, he not only flew faster but could also bank, dive, and stop abruptly, moving as though man and sword had become one.

And this is only a Superior-Grade Flying Sword... he mused, his eyes gleaming. With the Nine-Turn Wandering Sword, I could probably go several tenths faster!

The wind howled, clouds rushed into his face, and bold exhilaration rose within his chest.

Unable to contain himself, Jing Wen threw back his head and laughed, his clear voice soaring into the clouds.

Just then-

"Scree!"

A piercing eagle's cry exploded overhead.

An eagle with ironlike wings and eyes like golden torches circled high above. Its wings spanned well over ten feet, and it gazed arrogantly down at this human cultivator who had "recklessly intruded into the heavens," as though mocking his clumsiness and conceit.

Jing Wen raised an eyebrow, a competitive glint flashing through his eyes.

"A mere ordinary bird dares swagger before me?"

With a thought, his spiritual power surged faster, pouring into the Flying Sword's core like rivers rushing backward.

The azure blade beneath his feet hummed and trembled. Its light extended another three feet, and its speed suddenly soared!

Whoosh!

An azure rainbow tore across the sky, flashing past the eagle's side.

Caught completely off guard, the eagle jerked its wings. Feathers scattered, and the sword's force nearly overturned it. With a short, frightened cry, it veered away in panicked flight.

Jing Wen laughed aloud. Before his laughter faded, he had already become a streak of light on the horizon, piercing clouds and mist as he flew deep into the distant mountains.

Behind him remained only the whimpering wind and a badly shaken eagle, circling high above for a long time, no longer daring to look down upon human cultivators.

The Seven Mysteries Sect, Jing Wen's residence.

Dusk settled softly, and bamboo shadows swayed.

As usual, Han Li carefully placed his newly refined pills inside the jade box on the stone table. He was about to take his leave when a calm voice stopped him from behind:

"Han Li."

He paused and turned, cupping his hands. "What are your instructions, Senior?"

Jing Wen stood before the window with his hands behind his back, his gaze resting on a pine in the courtyard that hovered on the brink of withering. His tone was mild, yet carried a measure of solemnity:

"You've reached the eighth layer of Qi Refining now... From now on, how about we address each other as fellow disciples?"

Han Li froze, surprise flashing through his eyes. He almost blurted out, "Senior, what do you mean...?"

To him, Jing Wen was an unreachable figure-his cultivation unfathomable, his methods inscrutable. Time and again, he had cleared away Han Li's confusion, serving as his guide.

As though seeing through his thoughts, Jing Wen slowly turned around. His gaze was deep as an abyss, yet held a rare gentleness:

"My cultivation is indeed considerably higher than yours at present. But you possess the plant-and-wood sacred body and a spiritual root of profound potential-surpassing me is only a matter of time."

He paused, his voice low as wind passing through a forest. "Rather than letting differences in status drive a wedge between us someday, we should discard this title of 'Senior' early. Friendship between equals is the path that lasts."

Han Li's heart stirred at these words, and an awkward blush first rose to his face,

The plant-and-wood sacred body?

He laughed bitterly to himself.

He had no sacred body at all. He merely relied on that mysterious Little Green Bottle in his palm to accelerate the growth of spirit medicine day and night.

But the thought only flashed through his mind before he swiftly suppressed it.

On second thought, the Little Green Bottle's miraculous power exceeded imagination. With its endless supply of rapidly grown spirit medicine supporting his cultivation, his progress might not fall short of someone who truly possessed the plant-and-wood sacred body.

More importantly, he had long understood the principle that possessing a precious jade could itself become a crime-

If he rashly denied it and Jing Wen questioned the source of his millennium spirit medicine, he would have no explanation. Instead, he might expose the Little Green Bottle's secret.

After turning it over in his mind, Han Li still did not know how to respond. Unable either to confirm or deny it, he could only stand frozen, a subtle hesitation on his face.

Just then, Jing Wen continued:

"Besides... I'll be leaving in a while."

"Leaving?" Han Li abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with shock and an unexpected sense of loss. "Senior... no, Senior Brother, where are you going? Will... will you return?"

The moment the words left his mouth, even he noticed the tremor in his voice.

Over these past days, he had grown accustomed to coming here every month to deliver pills, listening as Jing Wen resolved his cultivation bottlenecks in a few brief words, and occasionally trading for treasures from the Cultivation World.

Though Jing Wen spoke little, he was like a lighthouse in the dark-not dazzling, but always there.

Now that the lighthouse was about to go dark, Han Li suddenly felt an emptiness unlike any he had known.

Seeing the hesitation and reluctance on Han Li's face, Jing Wen chuckled inwardly-the boy still possessed a youth's sincerity, valuing affection and loyalty.

Still, that suited him perfectly.

As the person who had led Han Li into the Cultivation World, he would give him a proper lesson today.

"Although your cultivation at the eighth layer of Qi Refining is barely enough to establish yourself among rogue cultivators," Jing Wen said calmly, each word striking like a hammer,

"In the vast Cultivation World, cultivation alone is far from enough.

Talismans, magical artifacts, formations, escape arts, secret arts... you cannot afford to lack any of them.

Missing even one could plunge you beyond redemption at a moment of life or death."

Han Li's heart tightened as he listened.

Although he had vaguely heard terms such as "talismans," "Magical artifacts," and "rogue cultivators," he had never gained a clear understanding of them.

He opened his mouth, wanting to ask for details, but had no idea where to begin. He could only stare blankly at Jing Wen.

Seeing this, Jing Wen smiled slightly and softened his tone. "Since you've acknowledged me as your senior brother, let me explain this Cultivation World properly."

He walked over to a stone stool in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, motioned for Han Li to sit, and began his unhurried explanation:

"In the Yue Kingdom's Cultivation World, the Seven Great Sects reign supreme-the Covering Moon Sect, Spirit Beast Mountain, Yellow Maple Valley, the Qingxu Sect, Blade-Transformation Dock, Heavenly Palace Fort, and the Giant Sword Sect.

Each commands its own territory, controlling spirit veins, mineral deposits, pills, and cultivation arts. They also maintain their own markets, draw in rogue cultivators, and establish laws."

"Among their experts, Foundation Establishment cultivators gather like clouds, while Golden Core cultivators stand guard.

Rumor has it that the Covering Moon Sect's master once drew forth subterranean fire in anger, burning a mountain for three days without the flames dying;

With a wave of his hand, Spirit Beast Mountain's Grand Elder laid down the Nine Luminaries Star Net Formation, trapping and killing two cultivators of his own realm..."

Han Li clicked his tongue repeatedly in wonder, gaining a visceral appreciation of what a "mighty cultivator" truly meant.

Jing Wen changed tack, his voice growing heavier. "Rogue cultivators, on the other hand, have neither sect nor backing, neither support nor protection.

A single ten-year-old sprig of azure spirit grass can send blood spraying three feet; fighting over a low-grade Spirit Spring often puts lives at risk.

Markets are filled with traps as well-forced purchases in black markets, fraudulent pills, stalkers who rob and murder...

One careless step, and your life ends, your cultivation scattered."

He paused, his gaze burning. "Do you think obtaining a cultivation art and buying a Flying Sword means you've entered the path of immortality?

No. The real Cultivation World means licking blood from a blade's edge and fortifying every step.

Only those who stay alive have the right to speak of longevity."

Han Li listened, utterly absorbed:

When he heard that rogue cultivators would fight to the death over a single low-grade Spirit Stone, cold sweat instantly seeped down his back, as though those bloody, brutal scenes were unfolding before his eyes;

Yet when Jing Wen described the Seven Great Sects' Golden Core cultivators wielding divine abilities, their immense power moving mountains and filling seas, Han Li could not help clenching his fists, his eyes filled with longing for such strength.

He remained silent for a long while, his brow furrowed, both shock and contemplation in his eyes.

He suddenly understood that everything he had relied on before was merely a small sanctuary Jing Wen had quietly sheltered.

Outside, the world was already swept by bloody rain and savage winds.

At that moment, the door called "innocence" slammed shut, while another, inscribed with "cruelty" and "clarity," slowly opened.

He raised his head, his voice low but firm. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother. I... understand."

Taking in the shock and dawning realization in Han Li's eyes, Jing Wen's lips curved almost imperceptibly, and he mused inwardly:

The timing is ripe. This fat sheep is ready for slaughter!

"In the Cultivation World, the strong devour the weak." Jing Wen suddenly pressed two fingers together like a sword. Spiritual power swiftly gathered around him, and a sharp streak of sword energy whistled forth, precisely pinning a falling locust leaf to the tree trunk,

"Cultivation alone makes you no different from this rootless leaf."

Jing Wen's low words and the sharp sound of sword energy striking the tree instantly pulled Han Li out of his reflections.

Han Li looked slightly stunned, a rare uncertainty rising in his eyes. His voice was so quiet the wind nearly scattered it. "Senior Brother... I suppose I count as a rogue cultivator now?"

Jing Wen nodded quietly, offering neither embellishment nor comfort.

"If being a rogue cultivator is so dangerous... what should I do?" Han Li looked up, a trace of helplessness in his gaze-

It was the most genuine bewilderment of a youth first discovering the world's treacherous nature.

"Improve your strength." Jing Wen offered only those words, yet they landed like a heavy hammer.

Han Li silently mulled them over.

Working hard at the Evergreen Technique naturally counted as improving his strength;

Learning spells also counted as improving his strength;

But... was that all?

Suddenly, he remembered Jing Wen's earlier words:

"In the vast Cultivation World, cultivation alone is far from enough. Talismans, magical artifacts, formations, escape arts, secret arts... you cannot afford to lack any of them."

His thoughts raced, and realization struck-

True "strength" meant a full range of capabilities, trump cards that could save his life!

And Senior Brother Jing Wen was about to leave...

If he missed this moment, he might never have such a fine opportunity again!

He drew a deep breath, gathered his courage, and looked straight at Jing Wen. "Senior Brother... do you have any treasures that could help improve my strength?"

Hearing this, Jing Wen pretended to ponder, his brows drawing together slightly as though weighing the matter. "Junior Brother, do you currently... have any talismans to protect yourself?"

Han Li shook his head, embarrassment written across his face. "No."

"Talismans are the best means for rogue cultivators to quickly enhance their fighting power, preserve their lives, and escape danger.

They require no refinement and can be used immediately upon activation-even against an enemy one realm higher, a Superior-Grade Fire Pellet Talisman can force them to retreat from its edge for a moment;

A Concealment Talisman may allow you to evade a Divine Sense search and escape with your life."

Han Li's eyes suddenly lit up, anticipation nearly spilling from them-

I want talismans! I want magical artifacts! I want anything that can keep me alive!

Though he said nothing, an expression of "Hurry and bring them out" covered his face.

Seeing this, Jing Wen finally chuckled. He shook his sleeve and lightly waved his hand.

Hum!

Spiritual light flashed from his Storage Bag, pouring out like a shower of stars.

In an instant, the stone table was piled with a dazzling array of objects.

Jing Wen first picked up several talismans and tapped them lightly with his fingertip, his voice steady and clear. "These are Diamond Talismans-once activated, they form a spiritual power shield around your body, harder than refined iron and strong enough to withstand a full-force strike from any cultivator below the Foundation Establishment Stage."

Before he finished speaking, he had already infused a trace of spiritual power into one.

Hum!

Golden light suddenly burst forth, reverberating like a morning bell, and a translucent golden barrier instantly enveloped him.

Sunlight fell slantwise across it, refracting into a brilliant, glasslike halo. Even the bamboo shadows in the courtyard took on golden edges.

Han Li held his breath, his eyes unblinking-the shield seemed as thin as a cicada's wing, yet patterns resembling dragon scales faintly flowed across it!

"This is a Fireball Talisman." Jing Wen picked up a scarlet talisman, its cinnabar markings resembling blood,

"No hand seals are needed. Simply activate it with spiritual power, and it instantly releases a fireball as powerful as a late Qi Refining cultivator's full-force strike. It is ideal for surprise attacks from a distance or driving back powerful enemies."

He flicked his finger.

Boom!

Scarlet flames soared as a head-sized fireball roared forth and suddenly exploded in midair. Heat surged, shattered stones scattered, and even distant bamboo leaves were scorched and curled.

Han Li instinctively stepped half a pace back, his heart shaken. If this were suddenly unleashed during a spell duel, how could an enemy defend against it?

"Finally, the Concealment Talisman." Jing Wen lowered his voice, as though afraid of disturbing the air,

"Once used, it conceals your figure and aura. Even a Qi Refining Stage cultivator sweeping the area with Divine Sense would find you difficult to detect."

He gently patted the talisman.

The next instant-

He vanished.

More precisely, Jing Wen could no longer be seen with the naked eye.

Han Li's eyes flew wide. He extended his Divine Sense, and only then did he detect Jing Wen's figure.

Only then did Jing Wen's calm voice drift from behind him. "For a rogue cultivator, staying alive depends seven parts on hiding and three parts on fighting.

Escaping without a battle is the wisest course."

As his words ended, his figure slowly reappeared, his robes unmoving, as though his disappearance had merely been an illusion.

With the demonstration complete, Jing Wen brushed his sleeve and lightly flicked his fingers.

Dozens of talismans, wrapped in gentle spiritual light, fluttered like a flock of golden butterflies and landed softly on the stone table before Han Li. Their spiritual patterns shone, and a medicinal fragrance subtly wafted forth.

"I won't demonstrate the others one by one, such as the Lightening Talismans, Water Arrow Talismans, and Thunderclap Talismans." His tone was plain, yet every word carried immense weight. "But every single one is a fine tool for defeating enemies and preserving your life."

Han Li gazed at the stacks of talismans before him, his fingertips trembling slightly.

These were bargaining chips for survival.

For a rogue cultivator lacking means to protect his life, these talismans were worth a fortune.

Looking at the table full of talismans shimmering with spiritual light, Han Li's heart burned with desire. Yet he hesitated briefly before finally asking with great care, "Senior Brother... how much do these talismans cost?"

Jing Wen did not answer directly. He merely smiled faintly, his tone unchanged. "The usual rules-you name a price first, junior brother."

Han Li immediately found himself in a dilemma.

What did he know about the market price of talismans?

If he offered too much, he would lose out;

But if he offered too little...

Senior brother is clearly giving me something to save my life. If I take the opportunity to drive down the price, wouldn't I be repaying kindness with ingratitude?

For a moment, his brows knitted tightly, and his fingertips unconsciously rubbed his cuff as a fierce battle raged within his heart.

Jing Wen saw it all. Rather than urge him, he gently offered a hint. "These talismans are worth more than eight or nine times as much as that low-grade flying sword from before."

Han Li's heart jolted!

He had traded seven stalks of millennium spirit medicine for that flying sword!

And now this pile of talismans was worth seven or eight times as much...

He gritted his teeth, weighed it briefly, and tentatively named his price in a low voice. "Sixty stalks... of millennium spirit medicine."

At that, Jing Wen laughed heartily and declared with easy generosity, "Since you've named your price, junior brother, how could your senior brother haggle? Sixty it is!"

Han Li first felt a surge of joy, only for the immense pressure that followed to catch his breath in his throat.

Sixty stalks... At the Little Green Bottle's growth-accelerating rate, gathering sixty stalks of millennium spirit medicine would take eight full years!

His lips stirred, his voice filled with embarrassment and helplessness. "Senior brother... I really can't gather so much spirit medicine anytime soon. Do you think... you could give me a little more time?"

Jing Wen waved a hand, looking as relaxed as though he were discussing a cup of tea. "No matter. Just repay me within a hundred years."

"A... a hundred years?" Han Li looked up in astonishment.

"What is it?" Jing Wen's smile was gentle. "Surely you don't think you'll fail to live past a hundred, junior brother?"

Han Li froze, then shook his head with a rueful smile. "Of course not... It's just... With you placing such trust in me, senior brother, I truly..."

"The path of cultivation is long to begin with." Jing Wen's gaze was deep and far-reaching, as though he had seen through the worries in Han Li's heart. "Since we are fellow disciples, why must we count every last copper?"

Han Li's throat tightened, and he bowed deeply. When he raised his head again, his eyes held not only gratitude, but also the weight of a solemn promise.