The news spread quickly through Black Cloud Town: an exceptional disciple from Windy Path Dao Temple had been defeated in a single strike, unable to even block the sword, not even the unsheathed one.

As one of the regional powerhouses, the reputation of this Dao Temple was well-known, and its prestige was respected across neighboring counties. However, this disciple, a practitioner in the Bone Cleansing Realm, couldn’t even withstand the blow of their opponent.

Naturally, people were left in shock.

Didn’t the news get reversed? Shouldn’t it be Windy Path Dao Temple’s disciple defeating the so-called "Taibai Han" with a single sword?

Who’s really the country bumpkin here?

In an unseen corner, Chen Xiao’s resentment brewed.

Who spread the rumor that Taibai Han was just a novice in the Meridian Realm?

That’s pure slander! He was clearly at the small completion stage of the Meridian Realm!

Chen Xiao was furious. If it weren’t for everyone saying Han was merely a beginner in the Meridian Realm, why would he challenge him, using precious spiritual herbs?

He had no intention of picking a fight with someone above his level!

He didn’t want to fight weak against strong. He wasn’t crazy!

Fighting martial arts wasn’t about throwing money away!

Chen Xiao fumed. The rumors had misled him—he just wanted to know who started them.

But, being cunning, he chose to keep this fact hidden.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He couldn’t let himself be the only one to suffer.

And the real experts? They wouldn’t just sit at the Taibai Martial Hall, waiting for others to challenge Han. Elite martial artists at the Bone Refining Realm in Black Cloud Town were discreet, and those at the Organs Realm had retreated to Black Mountain.

So, the bystanders who witnessed Chen Xiao’s defeat failed to recognize Han’s true strength.

Thus, Chen Xiao’s "scheme" worked.

"Falling Rain Martial Hall, Ni Zhengang, here to challenge!"

"Who is this?"

"An outstanding disciple from one of the four great martial halls of the county city, in the small completion stage of the Meridian Realm!"

"Hiss, no wonder he dared to challenge after Chen Xiao's defeat, his realm is higher."

Instead of spiritual herbs, Ni Zhengang presented two valuable healing pills—rare currency in Black Cloud Town.

Seeing the treasures, Shen Yu stepped forward to fight.

Though Han said she could sit this one out, since Ni's realm was higher, Shen Yu still wanted to try.

Her requirement was that anyone challenging Han would first need to defeat her.

She was no slouch!

So, Han indulged his senior sister’s wish. After all, Bai Tian was observing in secret, so there was no chance of anything going wrong.

Predictably, Shen Yu was defeated, but she wasn’t discouraged. Ni Zhengang’s martial arts and techniques were just as good as hers, and his realm suppressed her. Losing was expected.

As long as she learned something from it, that was enough.

After all, Bai Ruo Yue from Taibai Martial Hall was already a monstrous talent. Not every disciple could break through realms in battle.

They were exceptional within their own rank, but when facing independent cultivators, they could still hold their own even against those a small stage above them.

But the disciples challenging Taibai this time came from a stronger sect.

If every Taibai disciple was expected to fight above their rank in any situation, then Bai Tian would have to be replaced by Taibai Jinxing as the hall master…

"Ni Zhengang?"

"Indeed."

Han nodded, sheathed his sword, and turned away.

"Come again next time."

Why accept the challenge?

Apart from the appearance fee, it was quick and easy—just a minute or two at most.

Shen Yu followed Han, joyfully skipping behind.

"Little Junior Brother is amazing!"

Silence reigned at the Taibai gate.

A small completion of the Meridian Realm couldn’t defeat a beginner?

Could it be that Black Cloud Town was the true capital of Tianyue County, and Tianyue City was actually a rural backwater?

Ni Zhengang was furious. "Chen Xiao, you hid the truth!"

If you didn’t say it, then I won’t either!

"Let’s keep our secrets."

However, Ni Zhengang was still deeply shocked. He had lost to someone of the same realm in a single strike.

Truly terrifying.

When word spread that another outstanding disciple from Falling Rain Martial Hall had followed in Chen Xiao’s footsteps and been defeated, some people finally took interest. They gathered at the Taibai gate to observe in secret.

Could this "Black Cloud's number one genius" really be that extraordinary?

"The Great Thunderstorm Temple, Zhen Fao, comes to challenge!"

A monk, slightly higher in realm but not yet at the grand completion of the Meridian Realm, arrived, offering Buddhist medicinal secrets in exchange for Han’s guidance.

Han, with a heart as kind as a Bodhisattva, couldn’t bear to disappoint him.

But alongside this compassion, Han also possessed the "methods of the Buddha."

"They are a bit stronger than those two, but not by much."

This referred to the three of them being at the same realm.

Another swift comment, another graceful figure leaving, and once more, a silent gate.

As Zhen Fao’s words fell, Han’s figure began to fade.

"You’re not just a beginner in the Meridian Realm, you’re at small completion?!"

The honest man finally spoke.

Han stopped, looked back at the rare Buddhist medicine, and answered the question.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"When did I ever say I was just a beginner in the Meridian Realm?"

"That’s what everyone says."

"Who am I?"

"Han."

"You know my name, not what others call me."

Han disappeared, leaving behind increasingly silent onlookers. Small completion of the Meridian Realm? Beginner?

Who spread this rumor?

Pfft, laughable.

How dare they view me with the same eyes they did over ten days ago? Do they even understand the value of Black Cloud’s number one genius?

"Impressive. Truly impressive," sighed a Bone Refining master in the shadows.

"Did he really only start training over a month ago?" another expert doubted.

"Could there really be such a genius in the world?"

"Go investigate if you want, Han’s info is easy to find."

"Black Cloud Town, even as it nears its decline, produces such an unbelievable genius..."

The experts in the shadows fell silent, their hearts conflicted.

Some were envious, some with murderous intent, others resigned.

Black Cloud reigns, and everyone who sees Taibai’s purity can only whisper in awe:

"Terrifying indeed."

The news spread like wildfire, faster than anyone could react.

Black Cloud trembled, then fell silent once more.

But none of this affected Han, who was still working up a sweat in the Taibai Martial Hall's backyard.

And soon, more challengers came. Such a genius could not go unnoticed. People were eager to test his true strength.

Is he really that amazing?

I’ll go try him myself.

Rich folks everywhere, they’re willing to spend on spiritual herbs for training, but for non-training treasures of equal value, they don’t mind parting with them.

Just to witness Black Cloud’s number one’s style!

Defeated. Defeated. Defeated.

No challenger could defeat Han.

However, Bai Tian later asked Han to be more restrained, not to show off too much.

He suddenly realized, if this kept up, with how remarkable Han was as his disciple, he might not be able to control him.

He had miscalculated by speaking too soon.

As for Lu Qingmo, the disciple from Xuandu Temple?

Hmph, Bai Tian’s disciple didn’t need the reputation of outsiders!

Unless forced.

So Han began to restrain himself, not showcasing his full potential. He would only fight until the Meridian Realm’s grand completion without anyone daring to speak.

Families, martial halls, Dao temples, Buddhist temples.

Various forces.

Tianyue County, Tianyang County, Tianhai County.

The surrounding three counties.

All had sent warriors, but all, without exception, had been defeated, barely lasting a few exchanges against Han.

After Han defeated yet another challenger, he stood at the gate, looking down on all directions.

"Anyone else?"

The surrounding crowd remained silent. No one dared to respond, let alone step forward to challenge.

The weight of his victories silenced them and bound their feet.

"Not fighting, not retreating—what’s the meaning of this?"

Han’s sharp shout made someone involuntarily step back, pressured by his overwhelming aura.

Seeing this, Han smiled faintly and turned to enter the Martial Hall.

Outsiders may claim to be geniuses, but they didn’t measure up.

"Black Cloud’s number one, truly worthy of the title."

Someone sighed softly.

"How could he be so strong? Is there really no Meridian Realm cultivator who can rival him?!"

"We’ve all been deceived, the Black Cloud cultivators deliberately spread false rumors about Han to trick us into offering him our treasures."

This kind of strength could never have appeared out of nowhere. The people of Black Cloud Town must have known, but intentionally withheld the truth.

Black Cloud’s cultivators were despicable!

No one else came to challenge. It was obvious to any discerning eye that Han’s strength had reached the peak of the Meridian Realm, and no practitioner of that realm could defeat him.

Perhaps they could match him, but it wouldn’t make a difference.

Weak fighting strong, not losing was already victory.

There were a few who wanted to give the "Organ Realm" a try, but they were too embarrassed to even show their faces. Han didn’t even need to meet them face to face; they were turned away right away.

As for the cultivators…

They dared to bring treasures, but Han didn’t even dare to accept them.

Cultivators challenging martial artists in broad daylight? It seemed like they were just looking for trouble. With a soul leaving their body, they would be lying on the ground in no time.

Ah, looks like Han would be paying a visit to Lu Qingmo for some government food soon.

By the time everything had wrapped up, the sky had darkened.

When Han left the martial arts hall after dinner, there were still people loitering outside, waiting. As soon as they saw Han, the lively atmosphere suddenly fell silent.

Han smiled, “Everyone, it’s getting dark now. I don’t think anyone else will come. Even if they do, I’ll be heading home. No more challenges accepted.”

“You all should go back.”

These people were mostly there just to watch.

They were drawn in by the rumors of Black Mountain but lacked the strength to stay, so they just gathered together to chat and boast.

And Han's actions, no doubt, were the hottest topic.

As they watched Han’s retreating figure, the bystanders began discussing amongst themselves.

“This Black Cloud’s top genius seems pretty easy-going, no arrogance at all.”

“Hah, you don’t know yet. Wait until you see someone challenge him, then you’ll understand.”

“By then, he’ll be as proud as can be.”

“If he’s got the talent, what’s wrong with being proud?”

“True, a genius like him is bound to be arrogant.”

“…”

In a world like this, the strong and high-ranking will always have admirers, while the weak and lowly will see their virtues overlooked.

Han didn’t go home but headed for the peach orchard.

Mo Yi was probably thinking of him.

As Han entered the orchard, the first thing that caught his eye was another perfectly round and plump peach, its curve flawless.

Ah, Mo Yi was watering the flowers again. Good thing I’m the one coming in.

“Mo Yi, let me water the flowers for you,” Han offered, eager to help.

Lu Qingmo shook her head. “No need, just leave it. I’m fine.”

She set the watering can down and looked at Han, a gentle smile forming on her face.

“You sure made a big splash today.”

Seeing this once clueless person, who didn’t even understand cultivation, grow to this point made Lu Qingmo feel both joy and pride, even though she hadn’t contributed much.

But isn’t this a result of her guidance?

Han smiled shyly. “It was all forced upon me.”

Lu Qingmo stepped into the pavilion. “After today, your name won’t just be known in this small Black Cloud Town. You’re becoming a young hero with a rising reputation in the martial world.”

“However, with fame comes trouble. You need to be prepared for that.”

Han followed Lu Qingmo, nodding. “I know.”

“But don’t worry too much. In this world, every genius who makes their debut is bound to stir up a storm.”

In such a world, unless someone hides away in the mountains for solitary cultivation, if you’re good enough, it’s impossible to stay hidden.

Fame, after all, is something that will eventually come out.

Besides, the world is so vast; a few counties in a single nation don’t amount to much.

Forget about making waves across the world. Even making waves in one province is still a far cry.

“Mo Yi, there’s something I don’t know if I should say…”

“Say it.”

“I feel like the so-called geniuses in these county cities aren’t all that impressive.”

In the past, I could easily beat Black Cloud Town’s disciples from other martial halls. Of course, it’s just a small town. Despite having resource advantages, the inheritance here isn’t as strong as in more prosperous places.

But now, I’ve easily beaten the so-called geniuses from the county cities...

So, does that mean my achievements could go from Black Cloud Town’s limited edition to Tianyue County’s limited edition?

As for bigger places, let’s keep it low-key for now. No need to speak too soon.

Lu Qingmo didn’t expect Han to say something like this.

Perhaps I should have told him not to.

“Your strength is indeed impressive. It’s rare to find a worthy opponent in most counties,” Lu Qingmo said, initially praising him, but then her tone turned more serious.

“But remember not to get too arrogant. I went outside when I was younger and saw a bit of the world. You can ask someone about it. Some geniuses are simply on a level that ordinary cultivators can’t match.”

“Now, let me see how your cultivation has been going these days. Have you been slacking?”

Lu Qingmo smiled at Han.

“If all you’ve been doing is focusing on martial arts and neglecting your soul cultivation, I’ll punish you.”

Seeing Han extend his hand, Lu Qingmo paused for a moment.

“No need to focus on the body. Let’s see your soul.”

Han’s soul left his body, and Lu Qingmo carefully examined it, nodding with satisfaction.

As always, Han was relentless and diligent.

The moonlight surrounding the edges of Han’s soul was already glowing quite intensely.

“Very good. Even though you’re in Black Mountain, it seems you haven’t been slacking off.”

“That moon imprint you have is quite effective,” Han said with a sigh. “Without it, my cultivation would definitely be affected.”

Thank you, Moon God.

The abundant moonlight, offerings from the moon demons, as well as incense and magical artifacts, made it hard for Han not to improve.

In addition, Black Mountain also had soul plants and other soul-related treasures.

Among the Taibai disciples, Han was the only one cultivating, so most of these treasures were given to him.

A few items that could also be used by martial artists were shared with Bai Ruoyue and the others.

“If you go back into Black Mountain, you’re bound to have conflicts with others. Your safety should be your top priority,” Lu Qingmo reminded him.

“Unless you have a grudge, don’t start trouble. But don’t be afraid of trouble either.”

Han understood. Without grudges or any vested interests, seeking out trouble would be foolish, wouldn’t it?

Lu Qingmo said many more things to Han, all words of concern.

Then, she began guiding him in his cultivation of the various Taoist arts she had mastered.

While his realm of cultivation couldn’t help Han too much, mastering Taoist arts would certainly assist him in his endeavors.

Later, Han stayed in the peach orchard, cultivating his soul. The vast moonlight poured down from the heavens, making the area around the pavilion as bright as daylight.

As Han’s cultivation grew deeper, the effects of the Moon God’s imprint became more pronounced.

More and more moon demons came to offer their tributes, and some of them seemed to have a deep affection for Han, leaving him truly touched.

Demons, you are the dearest of friends to me!

After tonight’s training session wrapped up, Han looked at the sky and was about to take his leave.

But suddenly, an idea struck him. He turned to Lu Qingmo and said:

“Mo Yi, after what happened today, do you think anyone will be spying on me at my house?”

Lu Qingmo looked at him in confusion. “What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve been improving so quickly, someone’s bound to be curious if I’m hiding any secrets…”

Han rambled on a bit before finally revealing his purpose.

“Do you think I could stay here tonight?”

The truth came out.

“…”

Aren’t you worried I’ll be the one keeping an eye on you?