---
Just three seconds later…
"I get it now. I finally understand!"
Su Zhan's eyes lit up as he figured everything out.
The black clones could only perform one task at a time.
They could either appear and carry out various laborious tasks for him, working tirelessly 24/7 without fear of death, or they could sit in the shadows and assist in his cultivation—whether he was eating, sleeping, or even using the restroom, they would continuously contribute to his training.
Both options were invaluable, but he could only choose one at a time.
To confirm his theory, Su Zhan dived into his consciousness again. With a single thought, he extracted a wisp of black mist from one of the cross-legged shadows.
"Come out."
As he opened his eyes and casually waved his hand, a single black clone materialized.
Normally, this simple action would summon a dozen clones at once. The fact that only one appeared now confirmed his hypothesis.
"Hah…"
"It's not that this new ability isn't powerful—it's that I'm too greedy!"
Su Zhan chuckled in self-reflection.
He wanted to boost his cultivation speed by 22 times while also maximizing mining and logistics. But reality wasn't that convenient.
Instead of feeling disappointed, Su Zhan appreciated the new ability's true value.
After all, this power allowed his clones to cultivate on his behalf—even multiple at once. A technique that made him stronger just by sitting back? That was an absolute game-changer!
It was understandable that it came with some limitations. Even if it required multiple cooldowns, he had no complaints.
Now, he had to make a decision—how should he allocate his resources?
"For now, focusing entirely on cultivation is the best choice," Su Zhan decided.
Having experienced firsthand the benefits of increasing his cultivation level, he was eager to advance as quickly as possible. A stronger realm meant better mining efficiency and greater self-protection!
"Although my black clones can't absorb spirit stones like I can, their cultivation efficiency is about one-fifth of mine. But if all 22 of them cultivate together, the combined effect is nearly four times my own speed."
"That means… in just seven days, I'll reach the third level!"
That kind of progress was impressive—especially considering he was in a mine.
In the outside world, talented geniuses or major sects could use special methods to rush from the first to the ninth level of the Mortal Realm within a day. But here? In a place where most people struggled just to meet their daily mining quota? Advancing from the second to the third level in only seven days would undoubtedly draw attention.
"Not to mention, for seven days straight, I wouldn't earn a single spirit stone. My clones could normally mine at least 1,320 stones per day, meaning I'd be giving up nearly 10,000 stones in total. That stings a little..."
"But as the saying goes—no pain, no gain. If increasing my realm is the priority, then losing some spirit stones is a small price to pay!"
Without hesitation, Su Zhan made his decision. He would dedicate all his resources to training!
So what if it attracted attention?
So what if he lost some spirit stones?
As long as he grew stronger, none of that would matter.
"Besides, with free time on my hands, I can finally focus on learning a new technique."
That was another advantage of focusing on cultivation.
There were two main ways to grow stronger—improving one's realm and mastering powerful techniques. If realm advancement was the most direct and effective method, then learning new techniques was the next best thing.
However, just like mining and training, he couldn't do both at once.
Previously, he had prioritized realm breakthroughs, leaving no time for techniques. But now that his clones could handle cultivation, he had the freedom to focus on skill development!
"Fourteenth clone, continue mining and make noise."
"Thirteenth clone, sneak past the guards and head to Fengshi Town. Exchange these miscellaneous spirit stones and visit the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce."
Su Zhan summoned another clone.
With 22 in total, he left 20 to cultivate. That was enough.
The remaining two had different tasks—one to mine and create the usual noise for cover, and the other to handle finances and supply runs.
The second clone would exchange spirit stones, buy good food, acquire spiritual tools, and purchase new techniques—everything Su Zhan and his clones needed to grow stronger.
The Wanbao Chamber of Commerce was a massive chain store that sold everything—spiritual tools, techniques, pills, rare materials, ores… anything imaginable.
"Understood, Master," the two clones replied in unison before getting to work.
---
Since the clones had no life aura, they were nearly undetectable. Even a stronger cultivator wouldn't notice them unless they were seen directly.
The blue-robed man monitoring the mine casually walked around and returned, completely unaware that Thirteenth Clone had already slipped away toward Fengshi Town.
After exchanging 2,000 miscellaneous spirit stones for 200 low-grade spirit stones, the clone, fully cloaked, stepped into the Wanbao Chamber of Commerce.
"Welcome, guest… ah—"
The receptionist, a cultivator at the first or second level of the Mortal Realm, hesitated. Upon realizing the customer had no life aura, his voice faltered slightly in shock.
Following Su Zhan's instructions, the clone raised a hand to silence him and proceeded directly to the second floor—the techniques section.
"This guy… no life aura? Is it a puppet? Or some kind of external incarnation?" the receptionist wondered.
It seemed this "person" was tied to a powerful figure.
A moment later…
"I got it."
"The technique. The weapon."
Su Zhan smirked as he remotely retrieved two items through his clone's spatial connection.
The first was an entry-level sword technique, Blood Shadow Blade, purchased for 100 spirit stones.
The second was a basic spiritual long sword.
Su Zhan had always preferred long swords as his weapon of choice.
At first, he experimented with other weapons—an elegant scholar's sword, a wide broadsword for heavy attacks, even a spear. But nothing felt as natural in his hands as a long sword.
From that moment on, he decided to stick with it.
Blood Shadow Blade was a technique specifically designed for long sword combat.
It had no fancy, complicated moves—just one: Blood Shadow Strike.
This technique was all about explosive power. The moment an opening appeared, the user would unleash all their strength in a single, overwhelming slash.
One precise strike. One shadowy blade. One instant kill.
Now, imagine this—once Su Zhan mastered the technique, all of his clones would automatically learn it too.
And once each clone was equipped with a spiritual long sword…
They would all unleash Blood Shadow Strike at the same time.
A motionless army, waiting.
And then—dozens of synchronized slashes, cutting down the enemy in an instant.
A gruesome yet unstoppable force.
Su Zhan's smile deepened.
His rise to power had only just begun.