Chapter 6
With his schedule meticulously arranged, Wang Shitian settled into his room, ready to embark on a month-long journey of dedicated practice. The golden hands technique required him to mix the metal essence with water and soak his hands in the solution for six hours every day, for a total of one month. The remaining three techniques demanded three hours each, leaving him with nine hours for rest. During this time, he dedicated four hours to meditation and chanting, experiencing an enlightened state that left him with a profound sense of growing strength. The remaining five hours were devoted to sleep, ensuring his body's rejuvenation.
Unbeknownst to Wang Shitian, Senior Brother Yang had sent people to observe him daily, growing increasingly frustrated with his reclusive nature. Yang couldn't fathom why Wang Shitian spent most of his time indoors, only venturing out to the training ground and for meals. What perplexed him further was Wang Shitian's ability to avoid trouble, even when provoked. Yang had laid numerous traps to test him, but Wang Shitian always managed to elude them.
In Wang Shitian's mind, he knew he had five enemies—Mao Song and his four lackeys. Their enmity had reached a life-and-death level, and he was prepared to face them head-on. However, he remained ignorant of Senior Brother Yang's growing interest in him as a target.
Having just completed his final session of soaking his hands, Wang Shitian admired the transformation. Although his hands hadn't physically changed, they appeared as if they had been coated in a layer of golden paint. The shimmering hue extended from his fingertips to the midpoint between his wrist and elbow. Bringing his hands together, he heard a faint clinging sound, and with a mere thought, the golden color vanished.
Confident in his progress, Wang Shitian believed he was now capable of defeating a second-level Qi gathering practitioner and could even hold his ground against someone at the third level. However, he faced two pressing challenges—money and continuing his refinement. He had exhausted all his contribution points and three of his spirit stones on food. Only two spirit stones remained, saved for unforeseen circumstances.
His only recourse now was to venture outside and undertake missions to earn rewards. Wang Shitian's interest was piqued by missions involving demonic beasts. Not only did they offer potential monetary gains, but they also presented opportunities for him to test his newly acquired skills.
Entering the mission hall, Wang Shitian scanned the array of tasks displayed on the board, each accompanied by its corresponding rewards. He contemplated the various options before him, unaware that his every move had been anticipated by the individuals who had been stalking him for the past month. Hastily, they reported their findings to Yang Ling, their superior.
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Within the One Leaf Sect, only 30 disciples held the esteemed position of inner sect members. To achieve this status, one had to advance to the 6th level of the Qi gathering realm. Yang Ling's position as an inner disciple spoke volumes about his strength and influence. With a single word from him, many would eagerly strive to please him.
Upon hearing the report from his subordinates, Yang Ling's excitement surged. "Finally, that turtle decides to come out of its shell," he muttered to himself. Initially regarding Wang Shitian as a mere annoyance, the frustration of the past month had transformed this minor pest into a source of immense anger.
Unbeknownst to Wang Shitian, much of the extortion conducted by Mao Song benefited Yang Ling directly, including the regular provision of girls for his indulgence. By speaking out against Mao Song and instigating an investigation, Wang Shitian had encroached upon Yang Ling's illicit gains. If not for his previous bribe to an influential elder, Yang Ling would be facing severe consequences.
With his thoughts racing, Yang Ling called upon two of his underlings, Xu Li and Tuo Sen. In a commanding tone, he ordered, "Kill him. I don't want him to return from his mission alive, and leave no evidence behind." The air around him grew chilling, a manifestation of his first comprehended skill in the longevity art—the ice blades technique. The intensity of his presence sent shivers down the spines of those present, a clear indication of his power and authority.
Xu Li and Tuo Sen immediately departed, finding a concealed spot outside the sect to lie in wait for Wang Shitian. Their confidence in successfully eliminating him stemmed from their status as third-level Qi gathering realm practitioners. Killing a newcomer who had only recently qualified for the outer sect was a task they deemed effortless—a piece of cake.
Meanwhile, Wang Shitian remained oblivious to the impending danger. He focused his attention on the mission board, which presented a plethora of tasks ranging from herb gathering and acting as guards to beast hunting and pill refinement. It served as the ideal platform for those who needed assistance or were unable to complete tasks themselves.
Having set his sights on a mission to search for the elusive Silverleaf grass, Wang Shitian eagerly signed up for the task. The herb, known for its silver leaves, was said to be found within the treacherous Iceheart Mountain range. The sect offered a generous reward of 10 contribution points for each Silverleaf grass handed over.
As soon as Wang Shitian registered for the mission, it was swiftly taken down from the board, marking his commitment to undertake the quest. Unbeknownst to him, two pairs of eyes watched his every move from a concealed location, their gazes filled with anticipation.
The journey from the sect to the Iceheart Mountains was estimated to take about a day. The path was well-traveled, as numerous individuals frequented the mountains for various reasons. Xu Li and Tuo Sen, waiting in their hidden spot, expected Wang Shitian to follow the usual route. However, to their surprise, he suddenly veered off course, leaping into a nearby forest and swiftly disappearing from sight. Perplexed, they couldn't fathom his intentions. "What is he doing? Could it be that he discovered our presence and this is his desperate attempt to survive?" they wondered, finding no logical explanation for his unexpected actions.
Unbeknownst to the puzzled duo, Wang Shitian had chosen a different path. He ventured deeper into the forest, driven by a simple idea—to hunt demonic beasts and refine his body while making his way towards the mountains. Rather than taking the usual route, he saw an opportunity to continue his cultivation in the process.