"This thing—you can't use it yet. You'll only need it after becoming a Martial Saint. Of course, that's assuming you live long enough to get there."
Chen Sanshi didn't stand on ceremony.
His stock of incense power had long since run out. Now that the temples had been taken over by the imperial court, it was difficult to replenish.
Besides, incense was only a substitute—never a true path.
Now, with this spiritual energy, it meant only one thing—
He could finally cultivate The Five Elemental Formula left behind by Cao Xie and step onto the path of immortality.
But judging by the current situation, he didn't have the luxury of waiting until after breaking through to Martial Saint to begin cultivating the Dao.
The Gate of The Edge of the World wouldn't open again for another fifty years.
And within the Luotian Mountain Range, those so-called "immortals" were clearly up to something dangerous.
Either way, if he could at least enter the immortal path, he'd gain new means of survival—like performing Sword Qi Techniques without depending on incense power.
That night.
Chen Sanshi entered his bedroom.
The Empress was sitting at the table, idly turning a teacup in her hand. "Out."
"Little sister, this happens to be my room," Chen Sanshi said. "Your guest room has already been prepared."
"Yes, Guiyi," Gu Xinlan chimed in. "You're leaving for Great Qing tomorrow. Can't you at least let your brother-in-law spend one quiet night with me?"
"You have one hour," the Empress said flatly. She cast her "brother-in-law" a disdainful glance, set the cup down with a sharp clack, and left the room. She didn't go to the guest chamber—he didn't hear where she went.
"My sister," Gu Xinlan said with mild annoyance, "I don't know what's gotten into her. She's acting strange—and she doesn't even like her own nephew, Duhe."
"Maybe it's because she's the emperor," Chen Sanshi said dryly.
In truth, he knew it was because she saw herself as something far beyond mortal.
"I think she's just been through too much hardship," Gu Xinlan mused softly. "I still want to bring Duhe along. First, I don't trust anyone else to nurse him. Second, having the child around might help her soften that cold face of hers."
"Let's not talk about that for now."
He leaned in closer. "Your Highness, Princess."
"Hmm?"
"It's time for bed."
The next morning, golden sunlight streamed through the window lattice, scattering across the room in thin, glowing ribbons.
At the vanity, Gu Xinlan sat quietly, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders like silk.
"Don't move," Chen Sanshi said, combing her hair carefully with a wooden comb.
"Shi-ge'er," she murmured softly, "then I'll really be leaving in a bit."
"Mm. Go on."
They stayed together for a while longer before the Empress appeared again—draped in her black robe, silent as a shadow.
"Sister. It's time."
Only when she spoke to her sister did that lofty, imperial tone fade slightly.
"Hmm?"
Her gaze fell to the baby in Gu Xinlan's arms. "We agreed…"
"Then I'm not going," Gu Xinlan interrupted. "You've already scowled at everyone since you arrived, and now you want to separate me from my child? He's only half a year old! I won't leave him behind. If you won't let me take him, I'll stay."
In the end, the Empress relented.
The two sisters left quietly through the back gate, carrying the baby with them, not disturbing anyone in the household.
By the time Chen Sanshi came out to see them off, they were already gone.
Forget it.
At least Lan-jie was with her own sister—and that sister was strong enough to protect her. That, in itself, was a comfort.
But the Luotian Mountain Range, and the matter of The Edge of the World, weighed heavily on his mind.
He'd have to speak with his senior brother soon—once his senior reestablished contact with their master.
Without the baby's cries, the house became unusually quiet.
Chen Yunxi sat in the front pavilion, reading aloud in a small, steady voice.
Siqin and Mohua went about their duties—preparing breakfast, cleaning the house.
Chen Sanshi, meanwhile, trained alone in the backyard.
With the nourishment of exotic beast meat, his cultivation progressed rapidly.
He remained in seclusion for ten days straight.
To transform Inner Force into Gang Qi—that was the path to Profound Manifestation.
Once a warrior attained Gang Qi, they were no longer ordinary mortals.
From Chen Sanshi's own observations, the Incense God Sect and Seeking Immortals Tower disciples—if they lacked protective arts—could have their bodies shattered by pure Gang Qi alone.
Buzz—
The Five Tiger Soul-Breaking Spear whirled in his hands, resonating with the waves of force coursing through him.
Inside his body, all his major meridians—including the Eight Extraordinary Channels—worked at full capacity, generating endless Internal Force. He cycled it through his spear forms, burning it away in motion, then replenished it again through breathing techniques.
Over and over, countless times—
Until, in one silent moment, the Internal Force within him ran completely dry.
When a martial artist lost their force, it was like a machine losing its power source—lifeless, inert.
In that powerless state, Chen Sanshi forced himself to move.
Without any Internal Force to support him, he manually executed techniques only usable at the Profound Manifestation level. The result was agony—his body burned as if molten fire and pepper oil were flooding through his veins. His limbs trembled, his breath stuttered, his consciousness blurred.
Still, through sheer willpower, he clung to the rhythm of his breathing technique.
The chaotic energy of heaven and earth entered his nostrils, flowed through his windpipe and lungs. What was useful fused into his body as fuel; what was waste was exhaled and returned to the world.
With every breath, more pure energy was drawn in, more impurities expelled. Bit by bit, he refined the air itself, until the world around him seemed to clear.
Now, more than 90% of every breath he took was usable qi.
With so much "fuel," his Eight Channels surged back to life. The True Dragon Force returned—purer and stronger than ever before—transforming in nature.
Gang Qi!
Buzz!
The Vajra Body hummed like a great bell.
Chen Sanshi thrust his spear forward. The Gang Qi exploded outward, shattering an artificial mountain into dust.
A glowing panel flickered before him.
[Technique: Dragon Spear of Nation-Suppression · Profound Manifestation (Initiated)]
[Progress: 0/500]
[Effect: Breath of the Black Tortoise — alters breathing to generate Gang Qi, stable, enduring, and self-sustaining.]
'Another one tied to the Black Tortoise, huh…'
Chen Sanshi exhaled, looking at the faint traces of vapor rising from his skin.
He had finally stepped into the Profound Manifestation Realm.
Chen Sanshi began testing his strength firsthand.
His Gang Qi was among the heaviest and most forceful in the world—dense, solid, and fierce. Now that he had comprehended the breathing method, his recovery rate had multiplied many times over. Facing multiple opponents alone would no longer be a problem.
He had finally reached the Profound Manifestation Realm.
When he thought about it, though—he had only been training in martial arts for a little over two years.
And since arriving in Liangzhou, barely more than one year had passed.
In such a short span, to break through to the Profound Manifestation Realm and become a battalion commander—among his entire generation, there was no one comparable. No, even looking back a hundred years, not a single name could match his pace.
Even Sun Buhuai, the elder brother of Sun Buqi, couldn't have advanced this fast.
"This spear… should be replaced."
Chen Sanshi glanced at the hairline cracks along the shaft of his weapon, scars from countless battles.
As a battalion commander, he naturally had access to the best armory resources. But instead of claiming one from the military depot, he decided to forge his own weapon—personally made, perfectly attuned to his strength.
And while at it, he planned to craft a new batch of Ghostvein Arrows and refine his smithing skill to the master level.
"Xixi, let's go. I'll take you to Grand Marshal's Manor for your lessons."
"Alright!"
Father and daughter rode together on horseback.
"Papa," Chen Yunxi tilted her head, looking up at his chin. "I saw that mister again."
"Oh?" Chen Sanshi asked. "Did you ask his name this time? Who exactly is he?"
She shook her head.
Chen Sanshi noted it silently, then helped his daughter down from the horse, waiting until she safely entered the manor before turning his steed toward the barracks.
In the forging hall, he retrieved several large blocks of refined black iron and began hammering.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The rhythmic pounding of metal echoed endlessly.
After several days, he had forged over one hundred arrowheads, and the Ghostvein wood shafts were being shaped one by one.
Clang!
[Skill: Forging · Mortal (Mastery)]
[Progress: 0]
[Effect: Master Blacksmith — all weapons personally forged are top-grade mystic-level arms.]
Top-grade mystic weapons could better channel Gang Qi.
Even many professional forging masters rarely achieved such results, making these weapons incredibly valuable.
Chen Sanshi had never cared much about such things before.
Since arriving in Liangzhou, he'd lacked for nothing—treasures, herbs, weapons—everything was available at will. Other than hunting exotic beasts, he'd never needed to worry about supplies. But now, it all felt too easy, too shallow.
Having reached forging mastery, he began creating his new weapon.
He opened an ancient manual, Records of Spear Arms, and soon found the one that resonated with him—the Liquan Spear.
The weapon's design called for a total length of one zhang and eight chi—roughly 18 feet.
Its defining feature: the entire spear, from tip to butt, was forged of black iron—no wood involved. It had to be forged in one continuous process; one mistake, and the entire ingot would be wasted.
Chen Sanshi drew a deep breath, steadied his mind, and got to work.
For a high-level warrior, forging was far more efficient thanks to Inner Force and Gang Qi. After only seven days, the weapon was complete.
Hiss…
He quenched the blade in cold water, steam rising as the metal sang.
Liquan Spear — completed.
The spear was roughly 18 feet long, forged from a single piece of iron, its color a deep onyx like polished jade. Firelight from the nearby forge reflected off the surface, glimmering in rippling patterns.
The blade gleamed with deadly sharpness.
True to its name, the weapon looked as if it were carved from solidified cold spring water—its silvery luster was chilling to behold. Along its shaft, Chen Sanshi engraved intricate patterns of divine beasts coiling and soaring. Crimson tassels hung from the grip, swaying lightly in the breeze, adding a sense of noble authority.
He spun the spear once, feeling its perfect balance, the seamless weight in his hands. Just by infusing a touch of Gang Qi, the weapon began to hum—alive, resonating with his pulse.
But still…
It was a mortal weapon.
And every time he recalled those immortals drifting through the skies, sleep evaded him. Not from fear—but from frustration.
His strength wasn't enough. His understanding wasn't enough. His realm—too low to protect what he cared for.
'Mass slaughter of all beings?'
These so-called immortals, without even showing their faces, intended to reduce Liangzhou to ash?
What kind of "immortals" were they?
So they could cultivate the Dao—but he couldn't?
He gripped the Liquan Spear tightly, left the forge, and returned to camp.
Soon after, a deputy from the Azure Dragon Battalion came running. "General Fang requests your presence."
"Qianxun," Chen Sanshi called out.
The warhorse stopped bullying the others and trotted over.
"Why do you keep picking fights with the other horses? You trying to train them yourself?"
He snapped the whip lightly against Qianxun's flank, and the stallion shot forward.
Within moments, the scenery blurred past, and they reached the destination—
By the lakeside behind Grand Marshal Fang Qingyun's Manor.
Fang Qingyun had been waiting in the pavilion. "Two things," he began. "First—your wife's background is now clear, along with that uninvited guest who stayed in your home. Judging by your face, I see I don't need to explain."
"Then let's move to the second matter."
He continued, "Master sent word. If you've made up your mind, head straight to The Edge of the World. Before you depart, I'll arrange for two reliable people to accompany you."
"Thank you, Senior Brother. Also…"
Chen Sanshi briefly described what he had witnessed in the mountain's core.
"Immortals?" Fang Qingyun's face grew grave. "I've only heard Master mention them. If they're now appearing openly, it means their plan is nearly complete. Go, then—but be cautious. You might even meet Master along the way."
"I'll remember."
Chen Sanshi added, "After I leave, tell others I'm in seclusion. Please cover for me. Also… Xixi and the two maids at home—I'll trouble you to watch over them."
To enter the immortal path… if the emperor ever learned of it, it would be his death.
"I'll handle everything," Fang Qingyun said. "And your wife's sister—the Empress of Qing Kingdom—she probably has spiritual energy. You might want to borrow some from her. Starting your cultivation with spirit essence will make it safer."
"Understood."
In truth, Chen Sanshi already had some stored at home—he just hadn't used it yet.
He returned to the courtyard, intent on spending some time with his daughter before leaving again.
"Papa's going to shut himself in for training?"
Chen Yunxi stopped mid-bite on her candied hawthorn, eyes wide. "When will you finish, Papa?"
"Half a year."
He ruffled her hair gently. "In the meantime, go play at your grandmaster's house more often. Didn't you say all the elder brothers and sisters there treat you well? Even your uncles like you a lot."
Then he noticed her candy stick. "Hmm? Who bought you that?"
"The mister did," she said, holding it out. "Papa, do you want some?"
Again… that person?
After checking that the candied hawthorn was fine, Chen Sanshi didn't refuse his daughter's kindness. He took it and bit into one. He hadn't eaten this kind of sweet in years—soft, sour, and sugary, just as he remembered. Without realizing it, he ate five in a row.
Chen Yunxi stared at him, her round eyes blinking, frozen in surprise.
Looking at the empty bamboo skewer in his hand, Chen Sanshi cleared his throat awkwardly. "Children shouldn't eat too many sweets, or your teeth will rot. Papa helped you finish it."
"Miss Yunxi!"
A maid from the Grand Marshal's Manor came running. "The tutor is waiting! He's about to test you—hurry up!"
"Papa, I'm going now, or he'll hit me with the board!"
Chen Yunxi licked the sugar off her lips and ran off with the maid.
The courtyard suddenly felt empty.
Chen Sanshi sat on the stone bench, idly twirling the bamboo skewer in his fingers, his mind already planning his upcoming journey—routes, supplies, and what more he could prepare.
With the spiritual energy he possessed, he could already use Sword Qi Techniques freely. Then he needed to initiate The Five Elemental Formula, and finally, there was the Mystic Pearl...
Ever since returning from the Eastern Region, the pearl's inner energy had been steadily growing—and not slowly, either. At this rate, it would soon recover to the level required for the Ninefold Heavenly Soldier Formation.
Now that he thought about it, the formations within the Celestial Tome were techniques once used by true immortals. If he layered the tome's formations with the pearl's energy... would the effect multiply?
"Little brother."
A calm, gentle voice spoke beside him.
Chen Sanshi looked up and saw a young man standing nearby.
The man wore a faded but tidy long robe, bound at the waist with a worn cloth belt that held an old book. He wore simple cloth shoes—plain attire that suggested poverty, yet the aura around him felt vast and unfathomable.
From appearance alone, he looked barely over twenty, but his eyes seemed to hold the weight of centuries.
The man smiled faintly. "Little brother, are you planning to seek immortality?"
Out of courtesy, Chen Sanshi rose and cupped his fists. "May I ask this gentleman's name?"
"My surname is Mei," the man said lightly. "Single name—Xiao."
Mei Xiao.
Chen Sanshi froze for a moment.
He remembered that name.
His fourth senior brother once mentioned it—the very immortal who had guided their master in the past!
And now, that very figure stood here in the Grand Marshal's Manor, speaking casually before him as if visiting an old friend.
"You're... an immortal?"
Chen Sanshi bowed deeply. "This junior greets Senior."
If this man had truly once advised his master, such respect was only right.
"Rather than 'immortal,' I prefer being called 'teacher,'" Mei Xiao said, gesturing for him to sit. "When I have free time, I like to wander around and teach where I can."
That confirmed it—
The "mister" Yunxi had mentioned so many times before was none other than this Mei Xiao.
"Thank you, Teacher Mei, for guiding my daughter," Chen Sanshi said, though he remained cautious. "May I ask what brings you here today?"
"No need to be tense," Mei Xiao replied with a warm smile, motioning for him to sit again. "I simply came to talk. How is the Mystic Pearl treating you?"
"The Mystic Pearl?"
Chen Sanshi was startled.
He recalled that Liang Jinian had once claimed the Mystic Pearl and Celestial Tome were gifts from an immortal.
Could it have been—this very man?
Was he here to take them back?
"That object is mine," Mei Xiao said, as though reading his thoughts, "but I wasn't the one who gave it to Liang Jinian."
He waved his hand dismissively. "You don't need to return it. It's an object of fate. Anyone destined for it may wield it—how much of its power you can draw out depends entirely on you."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Chen Sanshi grew even more curious. If this was truly a being from beyond the mortal world, what was his real intention?
"Little brother," Mei Xiao said softly, "when you head to The Edge of the World in search of immortality, you must be extremely cautious."
He paused, then added, "May I borrow the Mystic Pearl for a moment?"
"Of course."
Whether or not Chen Sanshi trusted him didn't matter. Anyone who could appear inside the Grand Marshal's Manor unnoticed—and stand right beside him without triggering his senses—was clearly far beyond his level.
And more importantly—
Even his Qi-Observation Technique couldn't see through this man.
But Mei Xiao didn't touch the pearl. He merely pointed at it lightly.
A stream of Azure Profound Energy entered the orb, swirling for a moment before returning to stillness.
"This artifact," Mei Xiao said with a faint smile, "can now suppress all laws and techniques. Consider it my greeting gift to you. As for how or when to use it, you'll have to discover that yourself."
Suppress all laws?
Chen Sanshi wasn't sure if he understood correctly.
If that were true... that was beyond comprehension.
And to give it away so casually—why?
They weren't family. Not even close.
Because of his master, perhaps?
"Well then," Mei Xiao continued, withdrawing his hand, "before I leave, let me ask you one question."
He spoke slowly, his tone calm yet heavy. "Little brother, how do you interpret the word 'immortal'—'xian'?"
In this world, the written characters were still derived from ancient pictographs. Many words shared similar structures, and xian was one of them.
"'Xian,'" Chen Sanshi said thoughtfully. "There's a saying: 'A mountain is not sacred unless an immortal dwells upon it.' The character represents a sage or recluse living deep in the mountains."
"Little brother," Mei Xiao said gently, "try looking at it another way."
"In my view, 'xian' is composed of 'person' and 'mountain.' A mountain of corpses of men—that is what makes an 'immortal.'"
His voice deepened, echoing faintly through the courtyard.
"People say to live as long as heaven and earth, to roam freely without restraint—that is to become an immortal. But in truth, it's nothing more than indulgence in endless greed, an eternity of selfish desire."
He smiled faintly again. "Of course, that's just my view. As for how you interpret it—you must find your own path and your own answer. If fate allows, we'll meet again. Farewell."
The words faded—so did the man.
Chen Sanshi blinked. The space before him was now completely empty.
He looked up instinctively—and saw, across the courtyard, the same figure again.
But this time, the man looked different—younger, livelier, filled with passion. He seemed to be arguing with someone unseen, or perhaps making a great vow.
Chen Sanshi couldn't hear his words—only saw his gestures, his expression full of conviction.
Before he could step closer, the image dissolved into air.
This time, it was truly gone.
"How strange," Chen Sanshi muttered softly.
He didn't linger any longer. After leaving the Grand Marshal's Manor, he rode straight home.
Above the gates of his residence, the old plaque reading Chen Residence had been replaced by one bearing imperial calligraphy—Marquis of Martial Valor's Residence.
"Master," a familiar voice called from within.
Siqin and Mohua were outside the gate holding the reins.
Chen Sanshi went straight to the backyard and took out the Mystic Pearl, examining the mysterious power Mei Xiao had left behind.
Inside was a strand of azure profound energy—or more precisely, a force.
He tried to activate it, but failed.
He couldn't tell whether the white energy within the pearl was incompatible or if his current cultivation simply wasn't strong enough to stir it. All he could sense was that this power was profound and overwhelming—completely beyond his reach for now.
To suppress all laws...
Those three words—"suppress all laws"—echoed in his head. For someone like Chen Sanshi, who had only just begun to understand the concept of cultivation, the idea was nothing short of unbelievable.
If it were true, then what kind of being was this Mei Xiao?
If he was a cultivator, then at what level? Qi Refining? Foundation Establishment?
But to appear and vanish so effortlessly... at least Golden Core Realm, if not higher.
At that thought, a powerful desire burned within him.
If the path of immortality truly existed, then he must pursue it. Otherwise, he would remain a powerless ant—unable even to control his own fate.
He opened the brocade pouch given by Shen Guiyi. Inside was a deep-blue spirit stone, translucent and dazzling, overflowing with azure spiritual energy.
This must be the same kind of spirit stone that Cao Xie once mentioned.
By comparison, the ones he'd seen before from the Seeking Immortals Tower were likely just fragments of lesser quality.
Within the pouch, alongside the large spirit stone, were several smaller ones.
The small spirit stones were greenish-blue, containing much less energy and of lower purity—clearly a difference in grade.
'That sister-in-law of mine... not stingy at all.'
Chen Sanshi gauged the stones carefully. The amount of energy within them would last him for quite some time.
He grasped the large spirit stone in his palm, closed his eyes, and recalled the contents of The Five Elemental Formula, formally beginning his journey on the immortal path. Alongside anticipation, there was unease—he didn't yet know how gifted he truly was in cultivation.
The Martial Path, after all, was the way of mortals—drawing fragments of life force from the chaotic energy of heaven and earth, strengthening the body through immense pain until transcending mortality to reach sainthood.
That was defying the heavens.
The Immortal Path, on the other hand, relied on harnessing the world's spiritual energy—refining one's body until the mortal shell was shed, achieving the form of an immortal.
That was borrowing the strength of the heavens.
Spiritual energy was the foundation of all cultivation.
Buzz—
Because he had already practiced Sword Qi Techniques, Chen Sanshi quickly passed the "Qi Perception" stage. Following the guidance in The Five Elemental Formula, he began testing his spiritual roots.
Strands of spiritual energy entered his body, drawn along invisible meridians. Through countless cycles of circulation, they began to refine and settle within him.
Cultivation, unlike martial training, was not painful. It was a test of patience.
He didn't know how much time passed before the first wisp of refined spiritual energy condensed like mist within his dantian.
[Technique: The Five Elemental Formula · Qi Refining (Early Stage, Uninitiated)]
[Spiritual Roots: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth (Inferior Mixed Root)]
[Progress: 0/100]
[Effect: None]
Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth?
At first glance, Chen Sanshi thought it sounded perfect—five elements, all complete, a balanced and versatile root. But the words Inferior Mixed Root quickly crushed that thought.
"I'm... not a genius?"
He felt a wave of disappointment.
In martial arts, he possessed the Innate Martial Saint Body, yet when it came to cultivation, he had the lowest-grade aptitude?
The contrast stung.
But he quickly steadied his heart.
So what?
Back then, he was just a frail scholar. Step by step, through sweat and effort, he climbed to where he stood today.
The immortal path would be no different.
Heaven rewards diligence.
With that conviction, Chen Sanshi's determination burned anew.
He trained intensely, losing track of time completely.
When he finally opened his eyes again, his mind was clear, his spirit refreshed, and—surprisingly—he felt no fatigue at all.
[Technique: The Five Elemental Formula · Qi Refining (Early Stage, Uninitiated)]
[Progress: 41/100]
[Effect: None]
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Master! Are you alright in there?"
Voices came from the backyard gate—Siqin and Mohua, both anxious.
Chen Sanshi packed away his things and opened the wooden door. "What's wrong?"
"Master, you're fine…"
"You scared us half to death!"
Siqin clutched her chest while Mohua sighed in relief.
It turned out several days had passed since he'd started cultivating.
Normally, even when Chen Sanshi went into martial retreat, he still ate daily—and only the best food at that: exotic beast meat and precious tonics.
Siqin and Mohua would bring three meals a day and leave them by the door, waiting for their master to eat when he was ready.
But this time—
There hadn't been a single sound.
The food they left remained untouched for days.
The two maids hadn't dared to disturb him.
They'd held back for five or six days, worrying he might have met with trouble, until at last their anxiety won over their fear and they finally gathered the courage to knock.
"It's fine. I was just recovering from some injuries."
Chen Sanshi made up a casual excuse. "From now on, I might go into seclusion like this more often. I'll handle food on my own—probably head into the mountains for that. No need for you two to worry."
"Yes, Master."
Siqin and Mohua answered together, bowing obediently.
Afterward, Chen Sanshi went to the military camp first, preparing several cauldrons of medicinal soup for his men before heading to the Grand Marshal's Manor. He intended to report to his senior brother and then set out for The Edge of the World. By the time he reached it, he would likely have entered the Qi Refining Stage, and as long as he remained cautious, scouting ahead shouldn't be a problem.
"Junior Brother, it's too dangerous for you to go alone."
Fang Qingyun set down the book in his hands. "I've arranged for two companions to travel with you. It's better to have some mutual support along the way."
"Who?" Chen Sanshi asked.
"Ningxiang and Zhaozhao," Fang Qingyun replied calmly.
"Them?"
Chen Sanshi frowned. He'd only recently refused Ningxiang's request to redeem her freedom. He hadn't expected she'd go to Fang Qingyun afterward. "Are they reliable?"
"That Ningxiang…"
Fang Qingyun's tone was slow and measured. "She was originally the successor of the Fiftieth Mistress of Seeking Immortals Tower. But the current mistress usurped her position, taking all the resources for herself. Not long ago, when part of the Tower's members left for Ziwei Mountain, the current mistress went elsewhere.
"Ningxiang took that chance to return, struck back, and stole her ancestral treasures and several resources.
"Now she's being hunted by the Seeking Immortals Tower.
"I promised her that if she accompanied you safely on your journey, Master would offer her protection afterward.
"But remember—cultivators are the most cunning of all people. She and her disciple are no exception.
"You should meet them yourself. Speak with them.
"If they can make a proper commitment, having company might not be a bad thing."
"I understand."
With that, Chen Sanshi decided not to leave just yet. That night, he went to Red Sleeve Pavilion once more.
"General."
This time, Ningxiang and her disciple Zhaozhao behaved far more properly than before.
"Greetings, General," Ningxiang said respectfully, bowing low.
Zhaozhao followed, though her gesture was clumsy and unpracticed.
"General," Ningxiang continued humbly, "I know you have doubts about me, so I went to General Fang. He now speaks on behalf of your Master. Will the General give me a chance?"
Chen Sanshi looked at her silently for a moment. "No matter what's happened between us, we've dealt with each other enough times to know each other a bit. But tell me—why should I trust you?"
The memories of Ziwei Mountain were still fresh.
Back then, he had cooperated sincerely with the Seeking Immortals Tower, even saving that eunuch's life—and what had it brought him?
Betrayal.
He wasn't naive enough to trust these two just because they were women or seemed harmless. That last time, the risk had been over relics. This time, it was The Edge of the World itself—possibly the very gateway to the cultivation realm.
The temptation such a place held for cultivators was immense. He knew better than anyone how easily greed could twist loyalty.
"General, I'm serious."
Ningxiang's eyes shimmered with tears, her voice trembling with a pitiful tone. "If you take me in, I'll give you anything."
"If you keep this up," Chen Sanshi said flatly, "then there's nothing more to talk about."
He turned to leave.
As he did, he noticed the faint stir of spiritual energy within her body. She was using a minor charm technique to sway his heart and cloud his mind—hence the helpless, sorrowful look she wore.
"Wait!"
Ningxiang realized she'd been seen through.
Her expression shifted to one of grim resolve. "I'm willing to sign a Blood Pact—and serve as your bondslave."
"Blood Pact?"
Chen Sanshi tilted his head. "Go on."
"Perhaps the General isn't familiar with such a thing," she explained. "A Blood Pact is made with special paper and ink, infused with a cultivator's own blood and sealed with an oath to the heavens. Once sworn, the promise must be kept. If the contract is broken, it inflicts fatal backlash on the weaker side."
"Master…"
At that, Zhaozhao's eyes widened. "Master, you can't—"
"Silence."
Ningxiang didn't look at her disciple. Her tone was steady. "If the General agrees, my life will be his. How about that?"
"Is that really necessary?"
Chen Sanshi said honestly, "Handing your life to another—how is that any different from dying?"
"If I'm already as good as dead, why not fight for something first?"
Her face dimmed, hatred flickering beneath her calm. "I have only one condition. If I die, the General must either destroy my ancestral treasure—or, if you wish to keep it, then someday, when your strength is great enough, avenge me. At the very least… don't let that thing fall into his hands."
Chen Sanshi could see it clearly—this woman truly bore a deep, bitter grudge against the mistress of Seeking Immortals Tower.
If the Blood Pact was genuine, then perhaps this arrangement could work.
It wasn't that he wanted to control another's life—but he had been betrayed before. Once bitten by a snake, you learn to fear the grass.
If they built real trust later, he could always dissolve the pact.
After a long silence, he nodded. "Alright. I agree."
Ningxiang bowed deeply. "Also, the Blood Pact will bind only me—not my disciple."
She straightened, her eyes calm again. "This is my choice. Zhaozhao has nothing to do with it."
Chen Sanshi glanced at the young girl before him—flat-chested, small in stature, her spiritual energy so faint it was barely there. "No problem."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"
Zhaozhao planted her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "You looking down on me? Just wait!"
"Since everything's settled…"
Ningxiang regained her usual charm, walking toward him with a graceful sway that carried a faint, sweet scent. "Then, General, shouldn't you buy my freedom now?"
"What are you doing?"
Chen Sanshi immediately understood her meaning.
She wanted it made public—an open declaration to the world and to the Seeking Immortals Tower that she now belonged to someone else, and they'd better stop causing trouble.
It seemed his master's reputation carried quite the weight.
He held out his hand. "Silver."
"Oh, fine."
Ningxiang rolled her eyes. "I've already offered you my life, and you're still being stingy with money?"
"You're too expensive. I'm poor," he said flatly.
If he remembered correctly, the ransom price for the head courtesan of Red Sleeve Pavilion was over one million taels of silver.
These courtesans were valuable assets, the establishment's golden signboards—no brothel would ever let one go cheaply.
He could forcibly take her using his rank, but that didn't sit right with him. Besides, while he did have money, wasting it here was foolish—better to buy medicine and equipment for his men to strengthen the army. That would yield real value on the battlefield.
"Zhaozhao, bring the banknotes."
"Ah? Master, Madam said the ransom is two million taels! Even with the treasures we've sold and all those disgusting men we've fooled, that's everything we've saved up. If we pay that, we'll be broke!"
"You idiot."
Ningxiang flicked her disciple's forehead. "We're following the Marquis now. You think we'll go hungry or sleep on the streets?"
"Oh."
Zhaozhao pouted but obeyed, unlocking a chest and pulling out a stack of banknotes. "Here, take it."
Chen Sanshi accepted the money and went to find the madam of Red Sleeve Pavilion.
"Oh my heavens!"
The madam's face lit up with exaggerated delight. "Lord Chen! To think you'd favor one of our girls! Red Sleeve Pavilion's reputation will soar because of this! Quick, bring out Ningxiang's contract! From today, she belongs to Lord Chen. Prepare a carriage and escort them properly to his residence!"
After handing over the full two million taels, Chen Sanshi finally "brought home the beauty."
The madam watched them leave, her face twisting once they were gone.
"Losing Ningxiang is a disaster. We'll lose far more than two million taels without her! That Lord Chen—he could've had any woman he wanted, and he takes one every man in the capital's had a turn with!
"Quick! Spread the word! Tell everyone that Lord Chen caused an uproar at Red Sleeve Pavilion and bought Ningxiang's freedom! The more dramatic, the better!"
Spinning gossip was, after all, a tried-and-true business strategy for a brothel.
At the Grand Marshal's Manor, by the lakeside pavilion behind the mountain—
"These materials," Ningxiang said, setting down the items she brought, "are exclusive to the main sect of Seeking Immortals Tower."
Before Fang Qingyun, she wrote out the Blood Pact, recited the incantation, and swore the oath aloud. "General Fang, please keep your word."
"Don't worry, Miss Ningxiang."
Fang Qingyun examined the pact carefully. Once satisfied, he stored it away. "I'll keep this on behalf of my junior brother. When he returns safely, he'll get it back. But if anything happens to him…"
He leaned forward, his tone cold. "If you die, your disciple won't escape either. And your father's grave—I know where it is. You understand what I mean?"
"The Blood Pact's signed. Isn't that sincerity enough?"
Ningxiang sighed softly. "I do have a spiritual root, you know. Yet now, I'm forced into servitude."
She turned toward the white-robed man beside her. "Master, shouldn't you take me home now?"
Now that he had two more followers, preparations had to be adjusted.
Back at the Marquis' Residence, Chen Sanshi began arranging living quarters for them.
The front yard already housed Siqin and Mohua. The middle courtyard was for Sister Lan and Chen Yunxi. Only the back courtyard still had enough room.
"Ah, Master…"
Siqin's eyes widened when she saw him walk in with two women.
Mohua caught her glance and quickly tugged her arm, bowing together. "Greetings, ladies."
Inside, both were silently thinking the same thing.
Madam's only been away for two days, and Master's already brought home new women…
"An Earl's residence isn't as grand as I expected," Ningxiang commented, glancing around. She sauntered casually toward the bed and lay down without hesitation. "Your wife's not home? Perfect. Should I sleep in her bed then?"
"That's enough."
Chen Sanshi rubbed his forehead. His thoughts were already consumed with The Edge of the World and the strange phenomena within Luotian Mountain—he had no patience for her teasing.
Still, he now had two helpers.
Ningxiang, in particular, seemed knowledgeable—she might prove useful.
Aside from that, there was one more thing he had to prepare.
The Celestial Tome Formations.
Within the tome were not only large-scale battle arrays but also smaller, specialized formations—each originally designed for cultivators.
Since mortal soldiers lacked cultivation, they had to substitute white profound energy from the Mystic Pearl in place of true spiritual power.
If he could master even one or two immortal-grade arrays, his journey ahead would be far safer.
"You two, come here."
He motioned for them to follow. "I'll teach you a formation. I'll serve as the array's core—you two will act as supports. Understood?"
"An immortal formation?!"
Ningxiang froze, eyes wide. "You know how to use those? Then the rumors—about Silver Pine Cliff summoning heavenly lightning, and the fog that shrouded Tiger Gate Fortress—they were all true?"
Before, she had signed the Blood Pact simply to survive—to buy time and one day take revenge.
But now… for the first time, she thought she might have made the right choice.
Following this man might be far more meaningful than serving the Seeking Immortals Tower.
Under Chen Sanshi's command, the three sat cross-legged in precise formation, channeling their spiritual power and linking their energy together.
At that moment, a translucent panel appeared before his eyes.
[Divine Ability: Commanding the Immortal]
[Progress: 0]
[Effect: None]