[Name: Jiang Hao][Age: Twenty][Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Perfection][Techniques: Hundred-Turns of Heavenly Sound, Primordial Mind Sutra][Divine Powers: Nine-Turn Substitute Death (Unique), Daily Appraisal, Clear Mind and Heart][Vitality: 49/100 (Non-cultivable)][Cultivation: 54/100 (Cultivable)][Divine Power Usage: 1/3 (Non-obtainable)]
"Halfway there."
Jiang Hao strolled through the Spirit Herb Garden, absorbing the bubbles scattered around him. His strength and mental clarity were steadily improving.
This peaceful and gradual progress was exactly the kind of life Jiang Hao desired.
However, after a month, he started to notice a hostile gaze.
Walking through the Spirit Herb Garden, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that someone was watching him. Though faint, it was perceptible.
He turned to look, only to see a few Qi Refinement disciples collecting spiritual herbs—some of whom seemed unfamiliar.
“Who are they?”
Jiang Hao summoned an outer sect disciple who often worked there.
“Senior Brother, they’re from another main branch sent here to help,” replied Cheng Chou respectfully.
“Is that so?” Jiang Hao glanced at the five individuals and asked further, “Which branch are they from?”
The five appeared to be at the Qi Refinement stage, at least on the surface.
But Jiang Hao wasn’t fooled. Having cultivated an unnamed manual that taught him to conceal his own cultivation level, he had also learned how to discern others’.
Among the five, one of them had recently advanced to the early Golden Core stage. However, they concealed their strength, appearing as a Qi Refinement fifth-layer cultivator, like a wandering cultivator who had joined the Heavenly Sound Sect.
"Appraise."
Jiang Hao focused on a burly man with a beard and robust vitality.
In a flash, his divine power responded:
[Jinzhou Heng: Inner Sect Disciple of Falling Sunset Sect, undercover in Thunderfire Peak. Years ago, he cultivated alongside his junior sister Yun Ruo and became enamored by her beauty. Upon learning of Yun Ruo’s death, he advanced to the early Golden Core stage in a rage. He has come to seek vengeance against you, even at the cost of his life.]
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Jiang Hao: “...”
Reading the results, Jiang Hao felt a chill run down his spine.
He wasn’t particularly concerned about the details—what truly unnerved him was the last line: “even at the cost of his life.”
In other words, this man intended to perish alongside him.
Even the strict regulations of the Heavenly Sound Sect wouldn’t deter someone who didn’t fear death.
But Jiang Hao couldn’t fathom why Yun Ruo warranted such devotion. Was she really worth dying for?
Golden Core cultivators enjoyed long lifespans and high status. Why throw it all away for something so trivial?
“Even demonic cultivators understand the importance of self-preservation. Yet here’s a righteous sect disciple, forsaking his bright future for romance?”
"Are there really no other women in the Foundation Establishment realm as beautiful as Yun Ruo?"
Jiang Hao sighed softly, not dwelling on the matter further.
While he pondered, Cheng Chou interrupted:
“They’re likely from Thunderfire Peak. The roster is outside. Would you like me to retrieve it, Senior Brother?”
“Let’s take a look.” Jiang Hao nodded subtly.
He didn’t dare linger in the garden any longer, fearing that the Golden Core cultivator might suddenly attack.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator at his level stood no chance against a Golden Core opponent.
But his cultivation and vitality were nearing their limits, and he would soon attempt to break through.
Still...
Since the other party had already seen him and would soon learn where he lived, the confrontation was likely imminent.
“The fact that he hasn’t acted yet suggests he values his life somewhat,” Jiang Hao thought.
The intruder would probably strike at night, hoping to kill him quickly and flee the sect to return to the Falling Sunset Sect. The Heavenly Sound Sect wouldn’t be able to retaliate in time.
Taking the roster, Jiang Hao left Severance Cliff and made his way to the Enforcement Peak.
He sighed deeply.
His only option was to seek help from Liu Xingchen. Though they were both undercover agents, not everyone wished for his demise.
“Does Junior Brother need something?” Liu Xingchen seemed surprised when he appeared.
Jiang Hao’s reluctance to leave Severance Cliff, especially after offending the Heavenly Delight Pavilion, was well known.
He barely left the Spirit Herb Garden, let alone the sect.
“Senior Brother, I wanted to report something.” Jiang Hao handed over the roster. “One of these five might be a traitor.”
“Are you certain?” Liu Xingchen asked, showing no emotion.
“Not entirely,” Jiang Hao replied cautiously.
Liu Xingchen didn’t comment further on whether or not he would investigate. Instead, he asked, “Where did you see them?”
“The Spirit Herb Garden at Severance Cliff,” Jiang Hao answered truthfully.
Liu Xingchen pondered for a moment before saying, “I’ll look into it. In the meantime, stay cautious.”
Jiang Hao nodded and expressed his thanks.
Though he hadn’t explicitly said so, Liu Xingchen would undoubtedly deduce that if there were indeed a traitor, they were likely targeting Jiang Hao.
Returning home, Jiang Hao reviewed the first form of the Heavenly Blade Technique. After a month of practice, he had already mastered it, though he still lacked complete proficiency.
At midnight, he took out the Crescent Blade and began to swing it.
Blade intent emerged.
The blade’s radiance cascaded like moonlight, leaving deep grooves in the ground.
“A slight exertion of strength, and it’s already on par with the Demon Sound Slash. If I go all out, I wonder how powerful it could be.”
Staring at the blade in his hand, Jiang Hao briefly entertained the idea of testing it against a Golden Core cultivator.
He quickly dismissed the thought.
“Too dangerous.”
“Strength can be deceptive,” Jiang Hao reminded himself. His rapid advancement and newfound techniques had nearly made him overconfident.