CH 108

As everyone knows, cultivating immortality is defying the natural order. Every breakthrough requires undergoing the tribulation of thunder.

However, some top-tier dual-spiritual-root cultivators cheat like this—they have a rare spiritual root, the Thunder Spiritual Root, equivalent to only undergoing half of the tribulation, as if they were only taking half of the exam paper.

Moreover, metal-fire is the strongest spiritual root. Being between these two, one can master both physical and spiritual cultivation, excelling in every aspect. It’s truly enviable.

Ye Shuangfei was born in the Ye family. How many people have knocked on his family’s door just to obtain a pill? He had been the child of someone else’s family since childhood, already outstanding enough. But because of this, he had seen even more outstanding individuals, such as the young master of the Duan family, who would be a target of flattery throughout the entire immortal realm in the future, and that demonic cultivator Xiao Zhu, mysterious and unpredictable—they were all stronger than him.

This was something Ye Shuangfei had long anticipated, so he remained calm.

But what he didn’t expect was that there was actually someone with the extremely rare Heaven Spiritual Root!

Having only one spiritual root, with a cultivation speed and level of mastery that were worlds apart from others, and it was even the Thunder Spiritual Root?

Is there anything more cheating than this?

Today, he finally broadened his horizons. Even if hundreds of Heavenly Thunderbolts were to strike down, it would probably be like taking a bath for this guy…

A person can be intelligent, have a good memory, and be highly insightful, which would make them a genius. But if you say that they can score full marks even when turning in a blank paper, isn’t that too much of a disadvantage for others? How can others play?

From childhood to adulthood, the education they received was that it was normal to die halfway through cultivation. But now, a classmate standing beside you suddenly gets promoted to immortality, and your mentality instantly collapses…

But what could Ye Shuangfei say?

As a businessman who would inherit his family’s pill business in the future, he still had to maintain good relationships with a smiling face :).

“Esteemed… Master Ren?” Ye Shuangfei enthusiastically introduced himself, “I come from the Ye family in the Sand Island. We make a living by refining pills and selling medicine. My name is Shuangfei. If you ever need any pills, feel free to ask me. Don’t be shy.”

Ren Shuhan could actually make use of him.

Although he didn’t have any needs himself, his Qingyue would definitely need a lot of pills for cultivation.

He had thought about finding an opportunity to get to know people from the Night Market of the Sand Island. However, alchemists were all eccentric and had high standards. It was difficult to strike up a conversation, especially on the territory of the Duan family. Now, he had a chance to approach them himself.

“Ren Shuhan,” he bowed to Ye Shuangfei, “please enlighten me.”

“Are you also from the Longmen Pass?” Ye Shuangfei saw that he was easy to talk to and took the opportunity to get closer, “I have a friend who is from the Lantern City in Qiongzhou…”

The young masters of the immortal realm were born in the immortal realm and looked down on the mortal realm.

Originally, the two continents were only separated by a sea, but they still called themselves the immortal realm and others the mortal realm, which showed how proud these cultivators were. Who had the leisure to remember the territories of the mortal realm? Ye Shuangfei just happened to know such a cultivator from the mortal realm, but he usually didn’t mention such backgrounds.

Unfortunately, as soon as he mentioned it today, someone else intervened.

The Third Young Master had already come to Ren Shuhan’s side and smiled, “The friend Shuangfei mentioned happens to be my distant cousin’s daughter. Shuhan, why don’t you come to Guangsha for a while? I’ll introduce you to her.”

Ye Shuangfei was speechless.

For many years, the Third Young Master had been rampant in the immortal realm, and he could find some distant relation with almost any prestigious family. However, the extent of their relationship was unknown.

Moreover, the friend Ye Shuangfei mentioned came from the mortal realm, and had nothing to do with the Duan family. It was very likely that she only shared the same surname with someone from the Duan family, and yet the Third Young Master dared to call her a “distant cousin’s daughter”…

Ye Shuangfei thought to himself: My uncle and her were from the same family three hundred years ago. I miscalculated. I should have said she’s my cousin. It’s still a young face and thin-skinned, unlike the cunning and crafty Third Young Master!

Similarly, he couldn’t afford to offend the alchemists. Pills needed to be tailored to individual needs, just like weapons.

But it was obvious that the Ye and Duan families weren’t very united. Ren Shuhan also didn’t want to take sides, so he couldn’t enter Guangsha. He could only stand there and make meaningless polite remarks: “What a coincidence? But I also come from a remote village in the mortal realm, and I dare not offend.”

In the mortal realm, high-status families attach great importance to the giving and receiving of engagements. If a woman’s reputation is damaged after an introduction and no engagement is made, it would be detrimental.

However, Ren Shuhan didn’t know that such rules were less common in the immortal realm. Those with open-minded sects, such as demonic cultivators, demonic beasts, sword cultivators, etc., even considered such rules shameful.

Therefore, after hearing this, Xiao Zhu walked over and sneered, “Where did this bumpkin come from? Can Fairy1That’s a title/nickname Zhixi really look at him?”

Ren Shuhan turned his head and glanced at Xiao Zhu without saying a word.

Xiao Zhu recognized him as the one he had robbed of the jade comb last night. Now he was backing down without saying a word, so he became even more arrogant. He secretly planned to kill him before he became a big shot, to avoid future trouble!

The Ye family and the Duan family were just at odds, and they couldn’t get along with demonic cultivators. He was itching to retort, but just as he uttered the word “you,” the Third Young Master cut in.

“Hehe, that’s not necessarily true,” the Third Young Master gestured towards someone not far away, lifting his chin slightly. “Look who’s here?”

Originally, it was just young men from various prestigious families coming to test their spiritual roots and gain some experience. The elders of the families and sect leaders wouldn’t come forward, at most privately meeting with the Third Young Master.

However, one of the masters of the Sound and Music Five Cities and Twelve Towers did have some acquaintance with the Third Young Master. Perhaps she was worried that her juniors wouldn’t be competent enough, so she came over to greet them personally—

After all, her charm was much greater.

Ye Shuangfei hurriedly took the opportunity to introduce, “Miss Jiang, this is Master Ren Shuhan; Master Ren, this is the lady I just mentioned, Miss Jiang Zhixi, the owner of the Moon Tower in the Jade Capital.”

Ren Shuhan was slightly stunned when he saw the girl’s appearance.

Jiang Zhixi was also dressed in blue, but her temperament was completely different from Yun Xiangrong’s, stunning yet refined, charming yet not vulgar, holding a sheng2It’s an instrument with vertical pipes in her arms… Her eyebrows and eyes were very similar to Jiang Qingyue!

Ren Shuhan asked the system a question and received a confirmation—

She was the one who had enlightened on the Jade Peak Mountain many years ago.

Considering the entire Lantern City, Jiang Family, Qingyue, and Ren Shuhan himself, they all benefited from Jiang Zhixi’s grace. However, Ren Shuhan never thought that this person would actually be a young woman, because the people in the mortal realm all swore that she was an old man with a long beard.

It seemed that all the talk about being acquainted with immortals on the Jade Peak Mountain and in the Jiang Family was just a bunch of nonsense… What if Jiang Zhixi suddenly had a whim and returned to her old haunt, only to find a statue erected in her honor with a long flowing beard? How would she feel then?

“Ahem.”

Ren Shuhan cleared his throat and quickly withdrew his thoughts, shifting his gaze away and trying hard to suppress his laughter.

Little did he know, in the eyes of others, this scene was interpreted as a young fool falling in love!

The Third Young Master felt somewhat regretful. After all, the Five Cities and Twelve Towers were neutral sects, not even offending demonic cultivators. He would have liked to introduce one of his sect’s female cultivators to Ren Shuhan, but seeing how young Ren Shuhan was, he figured he might be easily swayed by emotions. It could be done later.

Ye Shuangfei felt a bit sour.

Jiang Zhixi was a famous beauty, attracting the attention of all the sect lords. Naturally, Ye Shuangfei also admired her, but she had never given him a second glance, always treating him like a child. Now she smiled brightly at Ren Shuhan, who was of the same age, which clearly indicated something!

Ah, I’m not angry, Ye Shuangfei silently comforted himself. He has a Heaven Spiritual Root, and even a Thunder Spiritual Root. Ah, why do I feel more sour the more I think about it…

“Zhixi,” the Third Young Master deliberately called Jiang Zhixi affectionately, taking advantage of his seniority, and deliberately addressing her in a way that Ren Shuhan could hear, making Ye Shuangfei half dead with anger. “You’re here too. Have you ever seen such a person in Qiongzhou?”

This remark didn’t sit well with Xiao Zhu.

He also liked Jiang Zhixi and was seething with jealousy, his eyes turning red. How could this be seen as not looking down on Master Xiao Zhu?

However, Jiang Zhixi cooperated very well, raising her hand to cover her cherry lips. “Not to mention in the mortal realm, even if you search through the Five Cities and Twelve Towers in the Jade Capital with lanterns, you won’t find such a young man.”

Ren Shuhan was greatly embarrassed.

Every year, during the New Year celebrations at the Jiang Family and Jade Peak Mountain, he had never been so embarrassed before, despite hearing his elders boast like this.

“Uh, Miss Jiang is too kind,” Ren Shuhan thought for a moment and decided to retreat first. Turning to the Third Young Master, he quickly bowed his thanks, “I’m just an ordinary Foundation Building cultivator, thanks to the Third Young Master’s kindness, I was able to gain enlightenment. In the future, I will focus on cultivation and repay this kindness when I have the opportunity.”

After speaking, Ren Shuhan nodded to everyone and was about to leave.

Except for the Third Young Master, everyone’s faces didn’t look too good, but they didn’t say anything, still warmly exchanging pleasantries. The Third Young Master even gave an extremely insincere “Give my regards to Miss Yun” remark.

After all, Ren Shuhan had said that he would focus on cultivating his body, and with his Thunder Spiritual Root being suitable for it, the best place for him to go was the first gate of the Sword Cultivators.

To put it plainly, Sword Cultivation was just a type of body cultivation. In recent years, the first gate had also declined, and hardly anyone came to the Spiritual Root Testing Conference. If Ren Shuhan wanted to go, then in the future, he would be in competition with the sect masters. He would be on equal footing with the Third Young Master, the head of the Ye Family, and others.

Ye Shuangfei could only console himself. Even if he now says he owes a “debt of gratitude,” it’s still uncertain whether he will swallow the entire Guangsha in the future.

Jiang Zhixi was even more angry. It was the first time she had shown interest in a man and ended up being ignored, and she could only endure it. After all, they were from prestigious families, and maintaining surface peace was necessary.

So after Ren Shuhan left, only Xiao Zhu followed him with a gloomy face.

Let these two fight each other—

Everyone secretly anticipated it.

Even though Ren Shuhan was a young genius, he had no foundation. It was very likely that he would be killed by Xiao Zhu, who was taken to the demonic lair by him. Or in another case, Xiao Zhu was arrogant and headstrong, and might be defeated by him.

What is not obtained is best destroyed, so that everyone benefits.

Xiao Zhu indeed lived up to expectations, bringing only one Golden Core stage follower, chasing after Ren Shuhan left and right, and entering a deep alley…

Then Ren Shuhan disappeared.

Xiao Zhu: “? Find him for me!”

The Ten Thousand Flowers Cave mobilized over a dozen Golden Core cultivators to search high and low nearby, but even after a full day and night, they couldn’t find Ren Shuhan.

Meanwhile, Ren Shuhan, who had disappeared from the mortal realm, casually visited Ye Shuangfei after nightfall.

“Oh my! Ren Shuhan, what an unexpected visit! Please forgive the lack of formality!”

Ye Shuangfei was pleasantly surprised and quickly served up some good tea.

“I heard that Xiao Zhu is searching everywhere for you, even sending people to inquire. I was really worried, but fortunately, you’re safe after all! But it’s really important to be careful when you’re alone outside. If you don’t mind, why not come back with me to Sha Island to avoid the limelight?”

Although Ye Shuangfei asked about it, it wasn’t certain if he would help. After all, he was young and too impatient. Ren Shuhan couldn’t possibly accompany him to Sha Island, and he didn’t even dare to casually drink his tea.

But Ren Shuhan still pretended to draw closer to him and said, “I’d like to trouble Shuangfei for a few days, but there are a few important matters to attend to, related to my master, so I can’t be lax.”

Ye Shuangfei naturally offered his enthusiastic support, seeing it as a chance for cooperation.

“Ren Shuhan, just say the word. Even if I can’t help, the power of the Sha Island Night Market can still be of assistance!”

Observing his expression, Ren Shuhan asked, “I wonder if Shuangfei has heard about Jian Ci’s news? I haven’t seen him in over ten years. I came to the immortal realm this time to look for him.”

When asked about Jian Ci by the Third Young Master, Ren Shuhan’s response was vague, as if he had severed ties with Jian Ci, which Ye Shuangfei heard. But now, it seemed like that wasn’t the case at all. He was still searching for him.

Ye Shuangfei was overjoyed: Despite appearing closer to the Third Young Master on the surface, Ren Shuhan was actually close to our Ye Family!

“Jian Ci’s mother’s surname is Xie, she is Xiao Zhu’s aunt. Have you heard of her?” Seeing him shake his head, Ye Shuangfei became even more curious.

“It seems that she had some disagreements with the Xie family back then, so she went to the mortal realm and gave birth to Jian Ci. Until Jian Ci returned four years ago, it’s said that he displayed remarkable talent. Xiao Zhu’s position in the Ten Thousand Flowers Cave is probably not secure anymore. Fortunately, Jian Ci left in a hurry and no one knows where he went. Now, if you return with the status of Jian Ci’s direct disciple, you’ll definitely be able to compete with Xiao Zhu!”

Ye Shuangfei lowered his voice, making a throat-slitting gesture.

“The Third Young Master holds grudges against demonic beings, treating all demonic cultivators equally, but we Sha Island are not like that. We refine pills and do business as usual.”

The implication was clear: Regardless of where you go to cultivate in the future, our friendship remains unchanged.

It seemed that Yun Xiangrong had avoided the world for too long, and now the world was not as dangerous as before.

The Ye Family understood flexibility, which Ren Shuhan appreciated. “No wonder Xiao Zhu is putting in so much effort to find me. It seems the Third Young Master also has some issues with Jian Ci.”

“He’s an old stubborn fool. Our Ye Family is the rising star of Sha Island, understanding what’s important and urgent,” Ye Shuangfei boasted, “If you want to contend for the demonic lair, Sha Island will surely support you!”

Ren Shuhan smiled and said, “But I don’t plan to get involved with them.”

“Then do you want to go to the first gate?” Ye Shuangfei asked knowingly. “But the first gate has been in decline for a long time, and there are few usable people left. If you want to go, I’ll refine a few more pills for you and cultivate some trusted followers.”

Ren Shuhan appreciated the gesture but shook his head. “I also don’t plan to go to the first gate.”

Ye Shuangfei was taken aback, then slapped his thigh. “Then come to my Sha Island Night Market!”

“To be honest,” Ren Shuhan sighed, looking regretful, and began to fabricate a story, “Jian Ci fled the demonic lair for a reason—he actually practiced demonic cultivation. The important matter I have to attend to this time is to seek medicine for him and help him successfully overcome the Golden Core stage.”

“Ah,” Ye Shuangfei was startled, then expressed loyalty, taking out a few pills. “Ren Shuhan, don’t worry. Cultivating demonic arts actually makes it easier to form the Golden Core. Take these protective pills, and be careful not to be affected by demonic energy.”

He didn’t explain too smoothly, after all, he couldn’t say directly, “Stealing someone else’s Golden Core saves you from the Heavenly Tribulation, making it much simpler.” Prestigious sects still valued face.

With his goal achieved, Ren Shuhan accepted the pills with gratitude and quickly took his leave.

He returned to his home in Lantern City at night, tested the pills with the system given by Ye Shuangfei, and confirmed that they were indeed usable. He let out a sigh of relief to Jiang Qingyue, saying that he was confident about forming the Golden Core in the future, but briefly skimmed over the matter of testing his spiritual roots.

Jiang Qingyue was silly, always listening to whatever he said, and didn’t realize how amazing Heaven Spiritual Roots and other Spiritual Roots were. He only cared about his own Core Formation, after all, his big brother was already amazing enough, so why bother?

“Then whose Golden Core do you plan to steal in the future?” Jiang Qingyue was still worried about this matter. “It’s very dangerous. I think it’s better not to do it.”

“Don’t worry, I probably have a target in mind.”

Ren Shuhan just ruffled his hair, telling him not to worry too much.

At this moment, Jian Ci, who was far away on Cold Mountain, suddenly sneezed.

Lol planning to steal your master’s core… that’s savage.

Thank you for reading