This child is teachable.
When the corpses of the demon wolves had all fallen, the Demon Lord Rakshasa brushed off his clothes with an air of nonchalance and said, "Do you understand now?"
Bai Zongnan swallowed hard and replied haltingly, "I... understand."
The Demon Lord Rakshasa nodded. "Good, you are teachable."
A strong sense of defeat surged in Bai Zongnan's heart. He had actually been looked down upon by a boy who was even younger than himself, and his cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.
"I'm heading back," said the Demon Lord Rakshasa. "When your internal strife in Rakshasa Country is over, I'll return."
With that, he vanished.
Bai Zongnan watched the departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Suddenly, a violent pain erupted from his dantian, as if countless needles were piercing his flesh. He bent over, unable to withstand the agony, and let out a groan.
He abruptly opened his eyes and saw Lin Xiyue gazing at him with concern.
"A-Liang!" Lin Xiyue hurried to support him, her voice anxious. "Are you alright?"
Bai Zongnan managed a weak smile. "I'm fine."
Lin Xiyue checked his pulse and breathing, and, confirming he was not in immediate danger, finally exhaled in relief and wiped the cold sweat from her brow.
His face was pale, and he leaned against the trunk in silence for a long time before finally asking, "What happened just now? Why did I pass out?"
Lin Xiyue sighed. "You've only been cultivating the 'Heavenly Evolution Technique' for a short time; your realm is unstable. When you circulate your energy, the spiritual power within you pours out like a dam breaking, and you can't control it, leading to deviation."
"I see." Bai Zongnan nodded. "Luckily you were here, or I might not have made it."
"You don't have to thank me," Lin Xiyue shook her head, tone apologetic. "It was my fault—I shouldn't have brought it up..."
"No, I was too impatient," Bai Zongnan replied. "I always thought I was exceptionally gifted, sure I could outpace my peers. Who could have guessed I'm only suited to swordplay and utterly lack talent for martial arts? My recent breakthrough was due to sparring with a peerless master in my dreams. I came out full of confidence to test myself, but... ah, it's all my own fault."
Lin Xiyue felt even more guilty at his words. She lowered her head and took his cold hand in hers, gently comforting him. "A-Liang, I know you work hard, but you're too restless and impetuous. That's why you lost your way."
"I understand," Bai Zongnan nodded slightly.
"Since you're awake, let's continue on our journey," Lin Xiyue said.
Bai Zongnan hesitated a moment before asking, "That person..."
Lin Xiyue smiled, "That was the Demon Lord Rakshasa."
Bai Zongnan's mouth dropped open, and after a while he managed, "...So that's the Demon Lord?"
Lin Xiyue nodded. "His cultivation is extraordinary, not inferior to any Golden Immortal."
Bai Zongnan was stunned. "But he's only thirteen!"
Lin Xiyue smiled softly. "So what if he's thirteen? His talent surpasses even mine."
A faint bitterness stirred in her heart.
When she left her sect, her senior brothers all tried to dissuade her. Her master warned her over and over to be careful while training outside, to avoid bad people lest she fall victim to them. Her master once told her that the world, though beautiful, was not to be trusted blindly.
She once thought her master was jealous of the disciples, until she witnessed the tragedy of her junior sister and realized her master hadn’t lied—the world was full of sinister schemes.
Her master’s teachings echoed in her mind, but Lin Xiyue had long forgotten her original intentions, becoming a vain, worldly woman. To marry into a wealthy family, she abandoned her childhood sweetheart brother. She fell in love with another emperor, and to secure her position, she killed her brother and monopolized the throne.
She had made herself into the ugliest, most sordid version of herself. And it was all thanks to her master.
If not for her master, she wouldn't have ended up like this!
The more Lin Xiyue thought, the angrier she became, crushing the teacup in her hand, her eyes shining with resentment.
She wanted revenge!
Not only against her master, but also to reclaim everything that was rightfully hers!
"What’s wrong?" Bai Zongnan noticed the cold murderous aura emanating from her and frowned.
"Nothing," Lin Xiyue concealed, "I just remembered some unpleasant things."
"Oh," Bai Zongnan didn’t dwell on it. "Let’s get moving."
Lin Xiyue nodded gently, and the two set off again.
Bai Zongnan felt uneasy inside. Earlier, Lin Sitong's voice was identical to Li Sikui's, and now Lin Xiyue had appeared as if conjured from thin air, without warning or a model—was this an experiment, or was she an NPC of the trial mode?
If she were part of an experiment, she shouldn’t be here. And how would she have arrived?
If she were an NPC, then who was she? Why was she helping him?
Bai Zongnan was lost in confusion.
"A-Liang," Lin Xiyue’s gentle voice sounded beside him, "What are you thinking?"
He snapped back. "Nothing."
"Worried about that person just now?" she asked. "Don’t worry, he saved your life; he won’t harm you."
Bai Zongnan paused, then asked slowly, "Who is he really?"
Lin Xiyue was surprised for a moment, then showed a strange expression.
She hadn’t expected Bai Zongnan to ask this, since they weren’t familiar and he was not a busybody.
Could it be...
Lin Xiyue speculated, "Does he like you?"
Bai Zongnan: "..."
Lin Xiyue continued, "It is odd—why did he choose us two and not anyone else?"
Bai Zongnan: "..."
"Maybe it’s because you’re so handsome?" Lin Xiyue teased. "I remember someone saying 'a hero deserves a beauty.' You’re pretty good-looking, probably a loli-con."
Bai Zongnan: "..."
Irritation welled up inside him. "Don’t be ridiculous."
"Alright, alright," Lin Xiyue said, "I won't imagine things."
Bai Zongnan: "..."
He felt Lin Xiyue was being perfunctory.
He frowned, wondering if he had guessed wrong.
The two continued toward the Northern Wilderness.
As they walked, Lin Xiyue explained the rules of the trial.
Bai Zongnan listened closely.
The task this time was straightforward—find the hidden treasure deep within the Northern Wilderness.
The Northern Wilderness was one of the five forbidden zones of the Heaven’s Awakening Continent, filled with all manner of dangerous beasts. Any cultivator who wandered in would be torn apart.
But anyone who passed the trial would receive rich rewards, even exchangeable for immortal weapons, pills, and other cultivation items.
Because the Northern Wilderness was shrouded in fog all year, cultivators couldn’t orient themselves. Bai Zongnan could only follow Lin Xiyue's guidance, searching step by step.
Lin Xiyue told him this forest was called the "Cloudsea Woods."
The Cloudsea Woods covered the continent’s southwest, spanning hundreds of miles, the largest forest on the continent, filled with rare herbs and magical beasts, all priceless.
These precious herbs and beasts contained immense energy, boosting cultivators’ strength. Their flesh had body-tempering effects, strengthening physique, improving aptitude, even activating bloodlines.
This was why cultivators flocked to Cloudsea Woods.
Yet, the woods were full of beasts, some ordinary, others so formidable that carelessness meant death.
Bai Zongnan traversed the woods for days, finally experiencing its vastness and ferocity.
A winding black serpent burst from the depths, lunging at them.
This serpent was as thick as a barrel, its scales like forged steel, hard as iron.
Lin Xiyue slashed at it but only broke a few fangs, wounding her arm instead. Blood soaked her clothes, staining her pale cheeks.
Bai Zongnan quickly drew his sword, severing the serpent wrapped around the trunk.
“Hisssss!”
The serpent writhed in agony, shrieking as if to threaten them.
Lin Xiyue snorted, “Wretch, daring to ambush us! Take this!”
She stepped lightly, her figure flickering, closing in and slashing at the serpent.
A metallic clang! Sparks flew, blood splattered.
“Roar—”
The serpent, badly wounded, let out a piercing scream.
It curled up, eyes fixed on Lin Xiyue.
She squinted, “This thing can dodge, too.”
She rushed forward again, wielding her iron blade, hacking at its weak spot.
Clang!
The serpent’s tail swept the blade aside, forcing Lin Xiyue back.
“Careful!” Bai Zongnan grabbed her wrist, pulling her into his embrace.
“Hm?” Lin Xiyue looked up, meeting his deep, dark eyes.
His gaze was calm and sharp, as if seeing through everything.
Lin Xiyue smiled softly, “A-Liang, thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Bai Zongnan released her indifferently and turned away.
Lin Xiyue ran after him, “Hey, wait for me!”
She kept at his side, saying, “A-Liang, my leg hurts a bit.”
“I’ll carry you.” Bai Zongnan knelt, “Climb on.”
Lin Xiyue climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder.
Bai Zongnan stood up.
She hugged his neck, eyes closed, lips curled in a faint smile, peacefully enjoying the moment.
“A-Liang,” she suddenly murmured.
“Hmm?” Bai Zongnan lowered his head.
“Do you prefer boys or girls?” she asked.
He was startled, not expecting the question.
“Embarrassed?” Lin Xiyue laughed, “I won’t force you, forget I asked.”
Bai Zongnan pressed his lips together. “Boys.”
Lin Xiyue: “...Oh.”
A hint of disappointment flickered in her heart, but she hid it well and quickly brightened, “Boys are good—they grow up to protect their sisters, like big brothers!”
“Mm,” Bai Zongnan nodded. “You all need protection.”
Lin Xiyue giggled, “Of course! Both A-Qing and I hope you’ll protect us, but we’ll work hard to get stronger too!”
“Alright, I’ll protect you.”
“Hehe.” Lin Xiyue buried her head in his neck, nuzzling him.
“We’ve been flying for half a day,” Bai Zongnan glanced at the sky. “Are you sure you want to rest here?”
Lin Xiyue: “Let’s find somewhere to spend the night, replenish food and water.”
“Mm.”
Lin Xiyue led Bai Zongnan north, asking as they walked, “A-Liang, have you ever been to the Northern Territory?”
“Never,” he replied. “I’ve always traveled alone, rarely with companions.”
Lin Xiyue sighed, “I’m still all alone, it makes me sad every time... I really should have joined everyone sooner for training.”
She paused. “I know, you probably think I’m a burden, right?”
Bai Zongnan shook his head, “That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what do you mean?” she asked. “I don’t want to drag you down.”
“It’s not that,” Bai Zongnan said softly. “You don’t need to drag me down, I can take care of myself.”
Lin Xiyue was stunned.
She looked up at his strong profile, and a tender part of her heart quietly melted.
After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, they saw a distant valley.
It was a beautiful, pleasant place, with lush trees and a murmuring stream.
They stopped beneath a large tree.
---
Lin Xiyue sat in the shade, gazing at the blue sky and clear waters in the distance, sighing, “It’s been so long since I breathed fresh air.”
Her delicate skin was tinged red by the sun.
“Sleep for a while,” Bai Zongnan set down his bundle and handed her a flask of wine. “Drink, then rest.”
Lin Xiyue gulped down the wine and lay down comfortably.
She turned her back to him. “I’m sleeping. Don’t wake me.”
Bai Zongnan silently watched over her.
She soon drifted into sleep, feeling truly exhausted.
After she slept, Bai Zongnan took a blanket from his storage ring and covered her.
Standing in the shade, he gazed at the vast sky.
He had never encountered such a strange venomous python—though only in its infancy, its defense was incredible, impervious to blades and bullets.
Lin Xiyue’s attacks were weak, but she was adept at channeling spiritual power, and her superior blade could instantly kill a first-level beast.
Yet even so, she was no match for the python.
Its venom was vicious—just a trace would cause the body to rot and die.
Fortunately, Lin Xiyue possessed the Celestial Mansion; otherwise, she would have perished today.
Even so, she suffered many wounds, her hand especially bitten and bleeding.
She was lucky—if not for a fateful encounter with the Nine Nether Ice Pearl, she could not have escaped the python.
Lin Xiyue lay on her back, gazing at the clear sky, lost in thought.
What secrets did this continent hide?
She felt the land might conceal earth-shattering mysteries.
But she could not see through it.
Perhaps she could only let fate decide.
Lin Xiyue cleared her mind and slept.
...
At dusk, Lin Xiyue awoke to find Bai Zongnan roasting meat nearby.
He wore loose clothes, revealing his sturdy chest and long legs.
He slowly roasted wild game over the fire.
Lin Xiyue jumped down and came to his side.
“Why didn’t you call me?” she grumbled.
“You were sleeping soundly,” Bai Zongnan replied. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
She looked at his profile, warmth welling up in her heart.
“You look so handsome eating,” she praised sincerely.
Bai Zongnan glanced at the rabbit in his hand. “I looked even cooler when I hunted beasts.”
“Wow, you’re so amazing!”
Lin Xiyue’s eyes widened in admiration.
“I heard hunters use sticks to lift animals, then bind them with boards,” she said. “How do you kill beasts without sticks?”
“I use a dagger,” he replied calmly.
Lin Xiyue was astonished.
She knew hunting was dangerous, requiring battle with fierce beasts. A mistake could cost a life.
Thus, hunters were experienced, skilled experts.
She never expected to witness a hunter’s bravery firsthand.
“I’m so stupid,” she said with shame. “I can’t even do such a simple move.”
“Your reflexes are slow,” Bai Zongnan said. “It’s not suitable for you. Once you learn, I’ll teach you.”
“Alright,” Lin Xiyue nodded.
“Eat,” Bai Zongnan handed her the roasted rabbit.
Lin Xiyue took it. “Thank you, A-Liang.”
“My name is Bai Zongnan. Don’t call me ‘A-Liang’ anymore,” he corrected. “I’m a man.”
“Okay,” Lin Xiyue nodded obediently. “I remember.”
She tore off a rabbit leg and ate with gusto.
“So fragrant...” she murmured. “I was starving.”
Bai Zongnan watched her, his gaze turning dark.
She savored each bite, her expression blissful.
The toil of the past days seemed distant.
She no longer mentioned her parents, never acted spoiled or sought help.
She was like a rose blooming wild in the wilderness, beautiful and resilient, yet lonely and cold.
Her eyes shone bright.
After eating, she yawned. “A-Liang, I’m sleepy.”
Bai Zongnan chuckled. “Sleep then.”
“Mm,” Lin Xiyue lay down and soon began to snore softly.
She slept soundly.
But as she slept, a vision appeared in her mind.
A majestic palace, dazzling and luxurious.
At its gate stood a giant stone stele inscribed with four words: Palace of Lingxiao.
Lin Xiyue frowned.
Whose palace was this? Why was it in her mind?
“Who are you?” she asked the system inside. “What’s going on?”
“What you see is only an illusion,” the system explained. “It’s your nightmare, nothing to fear. It’s just a memory.”
“I don’t understand…”
“Your current strength is too low. Only by growing stronger can you escape the nightmare and recover your memories,” a mysterious, aged voice sounded. “You are in a realm called ‘Immortal Sword,’ a game where your character Lin Xiyue is a promising player, once earning the title of Immortal Lord’s disciple. But you never ascended. Others succeeded after you. And you need the young man beside you.”
Lin Xiyue was surprised. “I need him?”
“Yes, you need his help to become Immortal Lord’s disciple and save all living beings.”
“Save all living beings?” Lin Xiyue was incredulous. “I… a mere mortal, how can I save anyone?”
“You don’t need to save everyone—just him.”
She frowned. “Save him from what?”
“That’s your destiny, you must comprehend it yourself.”
“Destiny…”
“It’s your fate.”
Lin Xiyue sighed and asked no more.
She turned to the youth beside her.
He sat cross-legged by the fire, handsome and focused, occasionally sprinkling salt on the rabbit.
“You really won’t consider going back with me?” Lin Xiyue asked. “You can choose any path you like.”
She could tell he didn’t belong here.
He must be from another world, not the immortal realm.
Their destinies intertwined—if they could coexist, it would be best.
But she didn’t want him to stay, it was too dangerous.
Her fate had already changed.
Lin Xiyue wondered what she would become.
“You said I’m the brightest girl you’ve met, right?” she tried. “If one day I become truly wise, we can leave here and find my parents.”
Bai Zongnan looked at her. “Do you want to be wise?”
“Yes!” she replied firmly. “I do!”
“In that case, let’s start now,” Bai Zongnan stood. “Stay here, don’t wander. Wait for me to return.”
“Alright!” Lin Xiyue nodded obediently.
Bai Zongnan left the cave and entered the dense forest.
This time, Lin Xiyue was no longer nervous, patiently waiting beside the fire.
She didn’t know how long she would wait for his return.
But she was willing to wait.
Time passed slowly. Night deepened, cold winds howled, and leaves rustled.
A figure crept up to the fire.
Lin Xiyue opened her eyes warily.
In the darkness, she couldn’t see the newcomer’s face, but sensed a chilling aura.
He squatted by the fire, pressing his ear close, listening carefully.
Lin Xiyue was fully alert, fingers gripping her dagger, ready to strike.
Suddenly, she saw his face and froze.
He wore loose white robes and a hood, his face obscured.
His features were indistinct, but his exposed skin was eerily pale.
“Who… what are you?” Lin Xiyue trembled.
He was silent a moment, then slowly removed his hood.
A bloodless face appeared—a beautiful, delicate youth. His amber eyes sparkled like crystal, nose straight, lips thin, expression solemn and dignified.
Lin Xiyue fell to the ground in fright, stammering, “Are you human or ghost?”
“Is there a difference?” he asked, voice hoarse.
“Not… not really…” Lin Xiyue forced a smile.
“I’m still alive,” he said.
“Huh?”
“I’m not dead. I’m alive,” he looked at Lin Xiyue. “What about you? Are you dead?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“That’s good,” he relaxed. “We’re both alive. That’s wonderful.”
Lin Xiyue: “…”
She felt inexplicably sad, her nose tinged red.
He suddenly smiled. “Why cry? You’re luckier than me.”
“Why did you lie to me?”
“What did I lie about?”
“We’re the same kind.”
“Not really.”
“We’re both players, aren’t we the same?”
“Of course not. You’re the Immortal Lord’s disciple, you can shape the fate of the immortal world. I have nothing,” he looked down.
Lin Xiyue was surprised. “Aren’t you a divine beast?”
Divine beasts, as legend had it, were born of gods and spirits.
Gods’ descendants were highly talented; spirits’ offspring rarer still.
Spirits excelled in cultivation, advancing swiftly.
They were cunning and adept at schemes.
Originally, spirits and gods kept to themselves, but spirits coveted the gods’ treasures.
Eventually, war broke out.
The god king was slain at the altar.
After his fall, the gods fractured and fled.
---
The spirits seized the opportunity, conquering the gods and plundering the treasures of the divine realm, leaving devastation and homelessness.
The spirit emperor, to consolidate power, sealed the souls of the gods in temples for his use.
“The souls of the divine realm shouldn’t be imprisoned. We must break free of our shackles,” the youth’s tone was calm, but possessed an irresistible force.
“But… we can’t defeat the spirits,” Lin Xiyue whispered.
He looked at her. “We have weapons!”
Weapons?
Lin Xiyue asked, “What weapons?”
He picked up a bow stuck in the ground, nocked an arrow, drew it, and aimed.
“Swish—”
The arrow cut through the air, striking a distant tree.
Boom—
A tree several zhang tall collapsed.
“Wow…” Lin Xiyue was amazed.
“That’s a weapon!” he smiled. “Want to learn?”
Lin Xiyue nodded eagerly.
He handed her an arrow, teaching her how to draw and shoot.
She clumsily repeated his instructions.
He patiently taught her again and again.
Lin Xiyue finally learned to shoot, thrilled to try her newfound skill.
“Whoosh—”
An arrow pierced a stone, embedding itself in the rock wall.
“Yes!” she cried excitedly.
“I did it! I can be as strong as you!” She hugged his neck.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you get revenge,” he said, then vanished.
Lin Xiyue stared, stunned.
“Look what I brought back?” Bai Zongnan was quite satisfied—he had created the youth as his own clone, even matching his temperament exactly.
Lin Xiyue turned and saw Bai Zongnan holding a large lotus pod.
He felt troubled and uncertain.
Before he entered this world by crushing the jade pendant, the elder hadn’t told him how to leave, and now, this world seemed to give him a new obsession.
Because he wanted to see Lin Xiyue.
“These are lotus seeds. Eat them. You won’t need to sleep anymore, and you might gain divinity, cultivation, and eternal life.”
“Really?” Lin Xiyue’s eyes widened.
“Yes. Eat,” Bai Zongnan said.
“Okay.” Lin Xiyue immediately plucked a seed and popped it in her mouth.
Instantly, warmth surged through her, filling her with energy.
“So fragrant! I’ve never smelled anything so wonderful,” she closed her eyes, savoring it.
“As long as you like it.”
“What is this? Why is it so sweet?” she asked.
“Try it.”
“I’ll take a bite,” she said.
Her eyes flew open in shock.
She felt boundless vitality within the seed.
After swallowing, warmth rose in her dantian, her cultivation rapidly increasing, reaching the peak of the Nascent Soul realm.
“What powerful medicine! I can advance any time now!” Lin Xiyue said in surprise. “Where did you find these lotus seeds?”
Bai Zongnan shook his head. “I don’t remember.”
“Can I give these seeds to you?” she asked.
He smiled. “If you want to give them away, do so.”
Lin Xiyue panicked.
“That can’t do! You worked so hard to find them,” she protested.
“We’re friends—friends exchange gifts. It’s natural,” Bai Zongnan said.
Lin Xiyue frowned, deeply conflicted.
“These seeds are useless to me. Giving them to you is best. Besides… I don’t know how long until I regain my strength, maybe never. I’m afraid I’ll never see you again, or talk with you,” Bai Zongnan lowered his head, eyes dim.
“What nonsense are you saying?” Lin Xiyue stared at him.
Though she was a woman, she trusted him completely. She felt he must be a peerless beauty. His handsome appearance, gentle temperament, and cultured demeanor—he must be extraordinary.
Lin Xiyue thought he had a story; she was eager to uncover his secrets.
Bai Zongnan looked up, his dark eyes burning, “Aren’t you afraid I’m a bad guy?”
“You’re a good person, not a bad guy,” she patted his shoulder with a smile.
“Silly girl,” Bai Zongnan thought.
Lin Xiyue looked around—it was a remote cave. She worried the commotion would attract beasts. She took his hand, “Let’s leave here.”
“You’re not eating?” Bai Zongnan was surprised.
“No, I’ll save it for you.”
“Thank you.”
They quietly left the cave.
Lin Xiyue led Bai Zongnan deeper into the forest, now safe.
She found a clean spot to sit.
She took out the lotus flower, handing it to Bai Zongnan. “For you.”
“It’s precious, you’re willing to give it?” he looked at the golden lotus. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll steal it?”
Lin Xiyue giggled, pointing to the lotus emblem on her chest, “If you dare steal from me, I’ll crush it underfoot.”
“Pfft—” Bai Zongnan couldn’t help laughing.
His voice was melodious, clear as a mountain spring.
“Hey, who are you?” Suddenly, a lively voice sounded behind them.
A graceful young girl appeared, dressed in pink, cheeks flushed.
She walked over, saying, “This world is dangerous. I almost turned into a plant spirit. Luckily, I ran fast! Who are you?”
“This girl… seems familiar,” Bai Zongnan frowned. Wasn’t this immortal world just a side quest? Why were there so many arrivals, yet he didn’t know their identities?
So passive. Bai Zongnan steadied himself and asked,
“Who are you, and where are you from?” The girl examined him, “You’re so handsome!”
“...” Bai Zongnan.
“I’m in soul form, you can see me?” he asked, noting her ethereal figure.
“Soul form?” she blinked.
“Yes, soul form,” Bai Zongnan nodded.
She tilted her head. “Are you looking for treasures too?”
“…I don’t know any treasures,” Bai Zongnan replied honestly.
Her gaze landed on the lotus seed. “What’s that?”
“Lotus seed,” Lin Xiyue answered. “Who are you?”
“I’m Murong Xiaoxiao, nine years old.” Long Xiaoxiao eyed the seed. “Is it edible?”
“Yes,” Bai Zongnan nodded. He wanted what he wanted, no matter the cost.
“Can I try it?” he handed her the seed.
Long Xiaoxiao took a bite, chewed, and swallowed.
Lin Xiyue watched her—she really swallowed it, and showed no discomfort.
“How is it? Tasty?” Lin Xiyue asked.
Murong Xiaoxiao licked the juice from her lips, “Mm~ pretty tasty, just a bit sour.”
“You’re still eating?” Lin Xiyue’s eyes widened.
“Why not?” Long Xiaoxiao grabbed another seed.
“It’s hard to digest; are you sure?” Lin Xiyue wondered. This girl’s thinking seemed unusual.
Long Xiaoxiao smiled, “Don’t you know? Lotus seeds increase merit and cultivation.”
“Uh…” Lin Xiyue rubbed her forehead, forgetting that people here practiced magic.
“I can’t cultivate, can’t absorb this magic,” Lin Xiyue shook her head.
“I know! That’s why I eat these things,” Long Xiaoxiao blinked, “Don’t worry, I’m just trying. If it doesn’t work, I’ll stop!”
Lin Xiyue sighed. People here were obsessed with such things, calling them spirit stones. Yet, spirit stones only increased cultivation, nothing else.
Since the girl liked lotus seeds, Lin Xiyue let her be.
“Come, sister will take you hunting for wild chicken to roast,” Lin Xiyue took her hand.
“We need to hurry.”
“No rush. Let’s go slow.”
Lin Xiyue led her through the forest, killing prey as they went.
They raced through the woods, a rabbit bursting from the brush toward Lin Xiyue.
Bai Zongnan watched their retreating figures, both amused and exasperated. He gathered spiritual power in his palm and struck the rabbit’s abdomen—it died instantly.
Lin Xiyue turned and saw the rabbit, rushed over, “Wow, amazing!”
She was thrilled, picked up the rabbit, “This can be sold for money!”
“Mm,” Bai Zongnan nodded, “Let’s hunt more.”
With their combined efforts, they harvested enough for days.
“Ugh, I’m hungry. You?” Lin Xiyue rubbed her stomach. She hadn’t eaten in two days.
“I’m hungry too,” Bai Zongnan coughed, “Let’s rest and drink some water.”
Lin Xiyue tossed the rabbit down and took out two porcelain bottles from her storage ring.
“Here, yours, mine for you.”
“Mine’s ordinary potion for wounds, yours restores spiritual power.”
“How do you always carry these?” Bai Zongnan asked, surprised. He’d never seen such strange potions.
Lin Xiyue tossed him another bottle, “Hold this.”
“Oh,” he caught it, curious as he uncorked it and sniffed, “This scent… is it…”
“Dan fragrance?” Lin Xiyue raised a brow, “You know alchemy?”
Bai Zongnan scratched his head awkwardly, “Just a bit. My ancestor taught me, but I’m too slow-witted to master it.”
“Your ancestor was an alchemist?” Lin Xiyue asked. She was one herself, but alchemy needed flame, materials, and cauldron. Her ancestor only drew talismans, not skilled in other arts. She was disappointed; alchemy was her forte.
“No, my ancestor was a poison master. But there are no poison masters here,” Bai Zongnan explained.
Lin Xiyue understood.
“No wonder—this world has no toxins!” Lin Xiyue marveled.
Bai Zongnan nodded, “This world suits martial arts, not poisons.”
“Oh~” Lin Xiyue accepted. This was a martial world, not fit for poison; cultivation was key.
Here, spiritual energy was dense, aiding cultivators, but also limiting development. Practitioners valued combat and training, unlike the 21st century, where talent mattered more. In this world, unless you could defy fate, you were a waste, never breaking through to the Foundation stage, never achieving Golden Core.
That’s why the cultivation world so desperately needed high-level spirit veins.