In a small open clearing deep within the forest, the remnants of broken branches were scattered everywhere, and the lingering scent of demon beasts still filled the air. Gray tufts of fur clung to the splintered wood. Nie Li’s gaze sharpened as he identified the source of these traces—the Fox Bear demon beast.
Before he could investigate further, a stern voice called out, “Who’s there?”
Nie Li turned toward the voice. A figure emerged from behind a tree, and to Nie Li’s surprise, it was Chen Linjian. Shortly after, a few others stepped out from the shadows behind him. Two were Chen Linjian’s personal guards, and the last one was Shen Yue.
“What are you doing here?” Chen Linjian asked guarded.
“When I was cultivating, I sensed an unusual odor in the air. I followed it here,” Nie Li replied, his eyes moving cautiously between Chen Linjian and Shen Yue.
The two were familiar with each other but were not true allies. In his past life, Chen Linjian had slaughtered many members of the Sacred Family. This unexpected collaboration between them was unexpected.
Both Shen Yue and Chen Linjian exchanged glances. “Strange odor? Why haven’t we noticed it?” they thought to themselves.
“When a couple of my men were scouting the area, they stumbled upon this abandoned nest,” Chen Linjian explained. “I called Shen Yue over to investigate since he was nearby.”
His gaze shifted back to Nie Li, the suspicion easing slightly. “It seems you’re more perceptive than I gave you credit for.”
“This nest has been deserted for some time now,” Shen Yue added curtly. His eyes narrowed with annoyance as he glanced at Nie Li. The expedition to the Ancient Orchid City Ruins would provide him ample opportunities to settle things with Nie Li.
Chen Linjian nodded thoughtfully, observing the scene. “You seem to know a lot about this sort of thing,” he said, directing his question at Nie Li. “What’s your take on it?”
Nie Li stepped closer, scanning the area carefully. “The fur on that trunk over there—see how it’s embedded in the bark? That suggests that the beasts living here rubbed against it regularly. Based on the layering and the texture of the nest’s construction, I’d say it belonged to Fox Bear demon beasts. They’re not particularly large. An adult Fox Bear would stand around a meter tall, maybe two at most if it’s well-developed. This nest is big enough to house a small colony, which means there were likely multiple families living here.”
His detailed analysis left Chen Linjian and his guards visibly stunned. The St. Ancestral Mountains were home to ten thousand different species of demon beasts. Identifying one from just a few scraps of fur and traces of a nest was no small feat. It required not only knowledge but also keen observation skills.
Chen Linjian’s gaze lingered on Nie Li with newfound respect. Bringing him along hadn’t been a mistake after all. “You’re well-versed in demon-beast habitats. I can see why you’re confident in joining us on this expedition,” he said, his tone light but appraising.
Nie Li shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve spent a lot of time studying. Knowing one’s enemies is crucial, after all.”
Nie Li continued, “Typically, an adult Fox Bear is a silver-rank demon beast. Based on their habits, they spend nearly three-fifths of the year hibernating in their caves, especially during the coldest months in the St. Ancestral Mountain. It’s only in early summer that they emerge to hunt in the forest.”
Chen Linjian's eyes widened in surprise. “Isn’t that the time of year we're in now?”
“Exactly.” Nie Li nodded. “The scent in the air is fresh. If this had been left over from last year, rain and wind would’ve already washed it away. Fox Bears are territorial creatures. I believe they’ll be back soon.” His words left Chen Linjian impressed, admiring how much detail Nie Li had gathered with such limited information. It was as if Nie Li were an encyclopedia of demon-beast knowledge.
“So, what should we do?” Chen Linjian asked, deferring to Nie Li’s judgment.
“We need to leave immediately,” Nie Li advised. “The Fox Bear’s sense of smell is incredibly sharp. If they detect intruders in their territory, they’ll attack without hesitation. While we’re strong enough to handle them, the casualties would be unavoidable. Our goal is the Ancient Orchid City Ruins, not to fight unnecessary battles. It’s best to retreat.”
Nie Li’s confidence came from memories of his past life, where Ye Ziyun had told him about being ambushed by Fox Bears near the Ancient Orchid City Ruins, leading to tragic losses. This only strengthened his belief that this area was a dangerous trap.
Chen Linjian fell into thought for a moment before resolutely nodding. “Alright, we’ll leave tonight!”
“Chen Young Master, you can’t be serious!” Shen Yue interjected. “This area is abandoned. No Fox Bears will appear. Moving through the forest at night is far more dangerous. We should wait until daybreak!”
Nie Li simply shrugged, raising his hands. It’s up to Chen Linjian. It won’t affect me either way.
Chen Linjian’s decision was firm. “We’re leaving.” He was not a man easily swayed by doubt and chose to trust Nie Li’s judgment. Back at camp, he quickly roused the group from their rest.
“What’s going on, Chen Young Master?”
“Why are we moving in the middle of the night?”
Questions filled the air as everyone looked to him for answers.
“Don’t question me. Just follow my orders!” Chen Linjian’s tone brooked no argument, and despite grumblings and confused looks, he led the group out of the forest.
Not long after they had left the clearing, the ground rumbled beneath their feet, and distant roars echoed from the forest they had just vacated. Tremors reverberated through the earth as the cries of the Fox Bears filled the night.
“Chen Young Master is wise!”
“Thank the heavens he led us out! We would’ve been caught in a fight with those demon beasts!”
The group murmured praise for Chen Linjian’s leadership, but the young leader knew the truth. It was all thanks to Nie Li. Without his insight, they would’ve faced a deadly confrontation. Though Chen Linjian had always been a natural leader among his peers, even he had to admit that Nie Li’s knowledge was beyond his own.
Meanwhile, Shen Yue clenched his fists in frustration. He had dismissed Nie Li’s warning, only to be proven wrong once again. Every encounter with Nie Li ended the same way, with Shen Yue being outsmarted. His resentment grew with every loss. But he took solace in one thought: the Main Affairs Elder had sent three silver-rank experts to deal with Nie Li. Soon enough, his chance for revenge would come.
Nie Li quietly walked at the back of the group, his senses alert. He glanced over his shoulder, already aware of the figures trailing behind.
From Shen Yue's distracted expression, Nie Li easily deduced that the pursuers were members of the Sacred Family. Ye Ziyun and the others were oblivious to the fact that they were being followed, but none of this escaped Nie Li’s keen perception.
As dawn slowly broke, Chen Linjian made his way to Nie Li's side. "I’d like to thank you for your foresight, Brother Nie Li. Without it, we would’ve been ambushed by those demon beasts. While we could’ve survived, casualties would’ve been inevitable. I, Chen Linjian, owe you one."
With most of the group being Bronze Rank 2, and a few at Bronze Rank 3 and 4, even a handful of casualties would have seriously impacted morale. Losing members on the first day would’ve demoralized everyone, making their expedition far more difficult.
"Chen Young Master is too kind," Nie Li replied, his tone measured and composed. His calm acceptance of the praise only deepened Chen Linjian’s admiration. He had already come to realize how capable Nie Li was, and now, seeing his unwavering composure, Chen Linjian respected him even more.
The rest of the group overheard Chen Linjian's gratitude and looked at Nie Li in surprise. None had expected that Nie Li had been the one to foresee the danger of the Fox Bears. It was only thanks to him that they had avoided a brutal fight.
Despite the murmurs of admiration, I remained unimpressed. I scoffed inwardly. So what if there were demon beasts? So what if it was dangerous? Are we going to run every time we face danger?, What if there are beasts in the Ancient Orchid City Ruins? Will we run again then? We have 48 fighters, and with prior warning, we could’ve set up a defensive formation to repel the Fox Bears.
Nie Li lowered his voice, whispering, "Chen Young Master, we’re being followed."
Chen Linjian's surprise was visible as he instinctively turned his head toward the forest behind them. Nie Li quickly added, “Don’t look. There are three silver-ranked demon spiritists following us. I’m not sure who sent them.”
Chen Linjian immediately averted his gaze, pretending to stay calm. “What could their motives be?” he muttered with a frown. He hadn’t made any enemies in Glory City, so the idea of being followed puzzled him.
“They might be from the Dark Guild,” Nie Li suggested.
Though he knew the truth—they were Sacred Family operatives—he couldn’t resist sowing discord by framing them as assassins from the notorious criminal organization. The Dark Guild was infamous for its clandestine activities, assassinations, and villainous plots against Glory City.
Hearing Nie Li’s claim, Chen Linjian’s eyes grew cold. The Dark Guild, the very symbol of treachery in Glory City, was every family’s sworn enemy. "You can leave this to me," he said to Nie Li before stepping forward, masking his growing tension with false confidence.
Meanwhile, I walked near Chen Linjian, observing the surroundings in silence.
I’d already noticed the silver-ranked followers but chose not to intervene. These guys must be from the Sacred Family, I thought. They seem to be after something—or someone—but it doesn’t concern me. As long as I remain with this group, no assassin would dare strike so openly.
Shen Yue, however, remained oblivious to the fact that Chen Linjian had already set his sights on the three Sacred Family experts. If Shen Yue had known that Nie Li had framed his operatives as Dark Guild assassins, he might have intervened. But now, Chen Linjian wouldn’t hesitate to act ruthlessly against them under the false assumption that they were criminals.
You want to play with me, Shen Yue? You’re still too inexperienced, Nie Li thought with a smirk. Without lifting a finger, he had set events in motion that would entangle Shen Yue in trouble.
As I walked, the conversation in my group shifted from mundane topics to more serious matters—cultivation, inscription patterns, and martial arts. Ye Ziyun joined in, and we exchanged thoughts on various techniques.
Just as the conversation flowed, I sensed a shift in the air—a ripple of soul force emanating from the forest.
Activating my Byakugan, I glanced back, catching sight of the commotion. The three silver-ranked fighters were now surrounded by five silver-ranked experts from Chen Linjian's group. A tense confrontation was unfolding.
“Speak! Who sent you? What are your intentions? If you don’t talk, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” Chen Linjian's voice boomed.
Given the constant threat of demon beasts, families of Glory City usually avoided killing one another. But the Dark Guild? They were fair game.
The three silver-ranked Sacred Family experts exchanged furtive glances. They couldn’t afford to let their true allegiance be discovered. If anyone found out they were from the Sacred Family, the fallout would be disastrous. Without uttering a word, they silently chose the only option left to them—to break free.
They swiftly unfurled their inscription battle scrolls and activated them, unleashing a flurry of attacks that surged toward Chen Linjian's position.
"Young master, be careful!" One of the three silver-ranked demon spiritualists leapt in front of him, casting a shield to block the incoming assault.
At silver rank, a demon spiritualist could summon such techniques, though the barrier he produced was weak and strained under the impact.
"Since you refuse to identify yourselves, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!" Chen Linjian shouted, now fully convinced of their guilt. "Kill them!"
With his command, his men surged forward, and the forest soon echoed with the brutal sounds of battle.
The silver-ranked Sacred Family warriors fought fiercely, wielding their swords with desperation, but they were vastly outnumbered and hopelessly outclassed by Chen Linjian's silver-ranked demon spiritualists.
One of the three silver-ranked fighters collapsed mortally wounded. Before his death, he activated a technique to obliterate his body, erasing any evidence of his true identity.
Meanwhile, the other two were severely injured but managed to narrowly escape into the depths of the forest.
News of the fight soon reached Shen Yue, and his anger boiled over. Those three were supposed to take out Nie Li, but now one’s dead and the the other two were missing! He could hardly believe it. He never expected Chen Linjian to strike so decisively, nor that Nie Li would be behind it all.
Chen Linjian soon returned with his five silver-ranked experts. “Chen Young Master, did you find out who they were?” one of his subordinates asked.
“My guess? They were probably from the Dark Guild,” Chen Linjian responded confidently.
Hearing this, his men sneered. “The Dark Guild, huh? They deserve death for trying something like this.”
I watched the scene unfold, nodding to myself. Better that these guys stay far away, I thought. Whether they were from the Sacred Family or not, they’re a threat I don’t need. Being part of Chen Linjian’s group was safer by comparison, and for now, it seemed like the best option.
After the skirmish, I ordered my servant to collect the fallen silver-ranked expert's body. Every resource, no matter how small, was valuable.
Knowing that Chen Linjian now valued Nie Li, Nie Li’s standing in the group began to rise. Some of Chen Linjian’s friends, previously indifferent, now approached Nie Li. One of them, a striking woman with dark pink hair, introduced herself. "My name is Huyan Lanruo, a friend of Chen Linjian, and I’m from the Huyan Family," she said with a smile.
Her appearance was nothing short of captivating. She radiated confidence, her figure alluring with her proud posture and sharp gaze. While her beauty drew attention, Nie Li remained composed, unaffected by her charms.
Although the Huyan Family wasn’t among the three major families, it still held considerable influence within Glory City’s Noble Families.
"Nice to meet you; you can call me Nie Li," he responded calmly, his eyes meeting hers with an air of casual confidence. He remembered Huyan Lanruo from his past life. A talented cultivator, she was already at 3-star Silver rank, and in the years to come, she would rise to become the substitute housemaster of the Huyan Family.
Huyan Lanruo, accustomed to men falling under the spell of her beauty, was caught slightly off guard. Nie Li’s unwavering gaze and clear eyes set him apart. Most men would struggle to keep their composure around her, but not him. There was something about his calmness that intrigued her.
"I’m a few years older than you, so in the future, you can call me Sister Yanruo," she said playfully, her smile teasing.
"Sister?" Nie Li repeated, a faint hint of amusement in his tone. He couldn’t help but think of how she might react if she knew his true age, accumulated through countless lifetimes.
"Why not? Is it such a difficult title to accept?" Huyan Lanruo laughed, her teasing tone not lost on him.
Nearby, I observed the interaction, my gaze flicking briefly to Huyan Lanruo. 'Another beauty with an enchanting smile and seductive curves,' I thought. 'If I had a nickel for every time I encountered someone like her...'
"What are you all chatting about? Mind if I join in?" a voice interjected. It was Chu Yuan, his expression warm but hiding a trace of disdain when his eyes landed on Nie Li. According to his information, Nie Li came from a small family, without even a 1-star Bronze rank to his name. Moreover, Nie Li had offended the Sacred Family—foolishly, in Chu Yuan’s view.
"We were discussing inscription patterns," Huyan Lanruo replied, her tone casual, though her annoyance was evident. She didn’t care much for Chu Yuan, but his family held a certain standing in Glory City, so she maintained a cordial attitude.
"Inscription patterns? That’s my area of expertise!" Chu Yuan boasted, a smug grin on his face. "If Lanruo has any doubts, you can always come to me. My knowledge of inscription patterns is far superior to someone like... him." His gaze flicked dismissively toward Nie Li.
'Shameless braggart,' Huyan Lanruo thought, rolling her eyes. The only reason she had shown any interest in Nie Li was because of his remarkable insight into the <
"Age doesn't determine expertise. There are always those who transcend the boundaries of age, surpassing their peers. We call them geniuses," Huyan Lanruo replied, her voice steady but with a subtle note of admiration as her eyes briefly landed on Nie Li.
'Huyan Lanruo thinks Nie Li is a genius?' Chu Yuan's sneer deepened as contempt filled his thoughts. 'If you were talking about someone like Ye Ziyun—the daughter of the City Lord, or even Naraku or Shen Yue, I wouldn’t argue. They all have undeniable talent. But Nie Li? With a red soul realm and pitifully low soul force? If someone like him is called a genius, then the word has lost all meaning. Even if he knows about inscription patterns, archeology, or has traveled widely—so what? In Glory City, strength is what earns respect, not knowledge.'
Chu Yuan’s disdain was clear, though he refrained from openly contradicting Huyan Lanruo. His posture, however, spoke volumes about his low opinion of Nie Li.
Nie Li, as expected, remained indifferent. Whether it was Huyan Lanruo's praise or Chu Yuan’s contempt, it was all inconsequential to him. Having lived for hundreds of years, Nie Li's mind had long since been tempered to remain unmoved by such trivial opinions. After his rebirth, someone like Chu Yuan was hardly worth the effort. As for Huyan Lanruo, while polite, she too didn’t yet have the qualifications to engage him on equal footing.
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"Chu Yuan, why the attitude?" Huyan Lanruo frowned.
Chu Yuan scoffed. "I just find it amusing. What kind of bewitching potion did this brat feed you for you to actually think he’s a genius? With a red soul realm, what kind of future could someone like him possibly have? He’s a waste, and wastes don’t belong in our circles."
Nie Li’s expression darkened slightly. He had tolerated Chu Yuan’s provocations out of disinterest, but that didn’t mean he would allow him to humiliate him openly. His patience had limits, even for clowns like Chu Yuan.
Huyan Lanruo’s gaze sharpened as she spoke. "Chu Yuan, for someone so quick to criticize, your talent doesn’t seem very impressive either. You’re five years older than Nie Li and yet, you’re only at 3-star Bronze rank. Do you really have the right to look down on anyone?" Her words were laced with irony, calling attention to Chu Yuan’s lack of progress. Many of their peers were already close to reaching Silver rank, while Chu Yuan remained stagnant.
Chu Yuan flushed with embarrassment. He knew his lack of progress wasn’t due to poor talent but because of his laziness. His indulgence in pleasures had stunted his growth. It was an open secret among his peers.
"So what?" Chu Yuan shot back, his pride wounded. "At least I have a yellow soul realm. If I put in even a little effort, breaking through to Silver rank won’t be a problem. But as for him," Chu Yuan sneered, gesturing towards Nie Li, "he’ll be stuck at 1-star Bronze rank for the rest of his life."
Nie Li glanced at Chu Yuan and chuckled, saying, "Then I’ll challenge you right here. Whoever loses has to crawl like a dog for three rounds. How about it?"
Huyan Lanruo frowned at Nie Li’s boldness. What’s gotten into him? she wondered. Nie Li isn’t even at 1-star Bronze rank, while Chu Yuan is already at 3-star Bronze! The gap between them is too vast!
Chu Yuan froze, then burst into laughter. "Did I hear that right? You want to challenge me? Haha! This is the best joke I’ve heard all day! You, a barely 1-star Bronze rank, want to challenge me? You’ve lost your mind! Even if I don’t use my soul force, I can beat you into the ground with my bare hands! Brat, if you're scared, it's not too late to back down."
Nie Li’s eyes remained indifferent as he coolly responded, "If trash like you keeps strutting around in front of me, it gets annoying."
Chu Yuan's expression turned dark. "You're begging for it!"
The tension caught the attention of Chen Linjian and others nearby. Chen Linjian knew Nie Li was intelligent and knowledgeable, but as Chu Yuan pointed out, his cultivation was barely at 1-star Bronze rank. Without using his soul force, Chu Yuan should easily overpower him. Still, Chen Linjian couldn't suppress his curiosity and gestured for the surrounding bystanders to step back.
I, too, shifted my attention to the fight, eager to see what would unfold.
Rest assured, Ye Ziyun, Nie Li thought. As your future man, if I couldn’t handle a situation like this, I’d be better off dead.
The crowd moved back, creating a makeshift arena for Nie Li and Chu Yuan. Chu Yuan’s eyes gleamed with malice. He actually dares to challenge me? Chu Yuan seethed internally. Nie Li had been praised nonstop lately for no good reason, and Chu Yuan was fed up with it. He had spoken with Shen Fei before and knew that given the opportunity, he’d happily get rid of Nie Li.
"I’ll give you three moves," Chu Yuan declared, smugly folding his arms behind his back. "Wouldn’t want you crying later that I took advantage of our age difference."
Nie Li’s soul force was only 88, and his physical strength hovered around 50. However, Nie Li possessed a far deeper understanding of soul force and physical power than anyone realized. He channeled his soul force to enhance his body, causing his muscles to swell ever so slightly.
"Fine by me," Nie Li said, charging directly at Chu Yuan with an elbow aimed at his abdomen.
"You think you can beat me with that weak little punch?" Chu Yuan scoffed, mocking Nie Li’s move. Confident in his superiority, Chu Yuan casually swept his hand, maintaining a comfortable distance from Nie Li. In his mind, there was no way such a basic attack could even land.
But as Chu Yuan swatted at Nie Li, something unexpected happened.
Nie Li suddenly accelerated; his elbow strike shifted to a fist in the blink of an eye. Though Chu Yuan came from a noble family and had the strength of a 3-star Bronze rank, his fighting experience was clearly lacking. His physical power, gained through excessive consumption of elixirs, was superficial, and he hadn't truly honed his body through rigorous combat.
As his fist connected, the muscles in Nie Li’s arm coiled with terrifying precision, unleashing a concentrated burst of power. The smugness drained from Chu Yuan’s face instantly. He crumpled like a shrimp, clutching his abdomen, his back arching painfully as he hit the ground. His body convulsed, and the sound of him retching echoed in the stunned silence of the crowd—Nie Li’s punch had flipped his insides upside down!
The surrounding spectators stood in disbelief. Even if Nie Li landed a hit, it shouldn’t have done this much damage. Chu Yuan’s body is far stronger. Did Chu Yuan miscalculate so badly that Nie Li found an opening, or had he simply underestimated him?
But then a thought dawned on them. Nie Li must have been hiding his strength all along. Though he hadn’t even reached 1-star Bronze rank officially, it's possible that he has a strong physique.
When Nie Li struck, he directed all his power into a single point, targeting the weakest part of Chu Yuan’s waist. In terms of controlling physical force, Nie Li was leagues ahead of others. His precision and restraint made brute strength look primitive.
"Interesting," Chen Linjian muttered, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. He watched the fight, intrigued by Nie Li’s hidden capabilities.
Nie Li, standing over Chu Yuan, wore an innocent expression as he spoke calmly. "You said you’d give me three moves. This was only the first. There are still two left. Get up!"
Hearing Nie Li’s taunt, Chu Yuan, barely conscious and struggling to stand, thought bitterly, Does he even have a shred of humanity left? That last move almost killed me, and now he wants to hit me twice more?!
After some effort, Chu Yuan managed to stand. His leg whipped through the air, creating a sharp, whistling wind. But Nie Li, with his superior reflexes and keen battle sense, leaned slightly to the side, allowing the kick to graze his face, before instantly countering with a well-aimed high kick to Chu Yuan’s chin.
Though Nie Li’s raw strength was inferior to Chu Yuan’s, his mastery over martial techniques and his precision in exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses more than made up for it. Every strike he executed was deliberate, targeting Chu Yuan’s blind spots with surgical accuracy.
Chu Yuan, disoriented after missing his mark, felt a sudden sharp pain as Nie Li’s kick connected with his chin. His body was sent flying several meters, crashing heavily onto the ground.
Humiliated beyond measure, Chu Yuan lay on the ground. A 3-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritist like him, with a physical body that rivaled a 1-star Bronze rank warrior, had been beaten twice by someone who hadn’t even reached that level. He knew for certain that Nie Li’s raw power was far inferior to his own, yet Nie Li’s precision and skill in combat left him defenseless.
Without a demon spirit to integrate with, soul force couldn’t be directly used to attack. However, it could still be unleashed to overwhelm an opponent’s soul realm. Chu Yuan knew that his soul force, which had reached 306, had the potential to flood Nie Li’s soul realm and destroy it.
Glory City, constantly besieged by demon beasts, had fostered a rare sense of unity among its Demon Spiritists. Typically, they refrained from killing each other, as their strength was needed for survival. But at this moment, Chu Yuan couldn’t care less about any of that. His soul force surged like a tidal wave, crashing toward Nie Li with murderous intent.
Nie Li, feeling the powerful soul force bearing down on him, narrowed his eyes, a chill flashing through his gaze. "If you want to destroy my soul realm, come and try!" he sneered coldly. In Nie Li’s experience, opportunity and danger were two sides of the same coin—there was no such thing as a hopeless situation.
Nie Li didn’t panic. Silently, he chanted the [Heavenly God Technique], circulating his soul force to patch the cracks and prevent the impending explosion of his soul realm.
Watching Nie Li’s face pale and beads of sweat roll down his forehead, Chu Yuan felt a dark satisfaction bloom inside him. He doubled down, frantically pouring more soul force into Nie Li’s soul realm, wave after wave. With each surge, Nie Li’s soul realm swelled dangerously, the pressure threatening to tear it apart.
Though Nie Li had a wealth of experience from his previous life, his soul force was still too immature in this body. Chu Yuan’s soul force, more than three times stronger, was far beyond what Nie Li’s soul realm could contain. Cracks began to spread across the surface of Nie Li’s soul realm, and a searing pain shot through him, his face paling from the unbearable agony.
Each wave of Chu Yuan's assault pushed Nie Li closer to the brink. Yet something strange was happening. With the use of the Heavenly God Technique, Nie Li’s soul realm barely held together, cracking under the strain only to be repaired moments later. Under this crushing pressure, Nie Li’s soul force, instead of collapsing, began to gather and expand, growing stronger with each passing moment.
Though Nie Li was enduring immense pain from the strain on his soul realm, clarity returned to his eyes, and the pain, though still intense, began to ease as his control increased.
Soul force, though invisible to ordinary people, is a mysterious and profound power. Legend spoke of soul force as a divine gift, an energy bestowed by the heavens. Those who possessed great soul force could break through the mortal limits of the human body and step onto the path of ascension, becoming gods in their own right.
Within every person lies a soul realm, nestled deep within the core of their being. As one cultivates their soul force, this realm expands, increasing its capacity over time.
However, if the soul force surpasses the limits of the soul realm, it risks shattering, unleashing devastating consequences.
If that happened, Nie Li’s soul realm would explode—ending his future as a Demon Spiritist. Without a soul realm, one could never cultivate soul force again.
But such danger can also present a rare opportunity. In this extreme case, Chu Yuan had unwittingly pushed Nie Li to the brink—only to strengthen him. Rather than causing Nie Li's soul realm to burst, Chu Yuan's overwhelming force forced it to grow, repairing itself under the pressure and expanding its capacity in response to the assault. His soul force, which had been chaotic, gradually stabilized and grew stronger.
Since you’ve given everything, there’s no turning back now, Nie Li thought, his gaze sharp as a blade, and a chilling light flickered in his eyes as he began to close off his soul realm.
“Not good!” Chu Yuan gasped, his face draining of color as he felt his own soul force being pulled and then trapped.
Normally, only cultivators of Gold rank and above possessed the skill to seal off their soul realm. With Nie Li sealing his soul realm, a portion of Chu Yuan's soul force would be trapped inside, beyond recovery.
Fear gripped Chu Yuan, and in a frantic attempt to salvage the situation, he desperately tried to withdraw his soul force from Nie Li’s soul realm.
But the closing process was swift. Despite his best efforts, he could not retrieve his power, and a painful tearing sensation hit him as he felt his soul force sever. A fifth of his soul force—an integral part of his cultivation—was lost to Nie Li, trapped within the confines of Nie Li’s soul realm.
Nie Li could feel the surging power within his soul realm. He had managed to fuse a portion of it, and his soul realm shone with a radiant light, growing ever brighter as his power built. Nie Li could sense it—he was on the verge of breaking through to 1-star Bronze rank.
Within his soul realm, the barrier that had held him back began to crack. And then, with a loud boom, the barrier shattered. A powerful ripple spread across his soul realm, accompanied by a faint, echoing sound.
1-star Bronze rank! Light flashed in Nie Li’s eyes as he realized he had broken through.
Yet, there was something different about his soul realm this time—something hidden within it. In his previous life, he hadn’t sensed anything unusual within his soul realm, but now, in this life, it seemed to hold a deeper mystery. Could this be related to the Temporal Demon Spirit Book?
Nie Li had only managed to refine a fraction of Chu Yuan’s soul force, but it had been enough. His breakthrough was complete.
"Chu Yuan was actually defeated!" someone exclaimed, disbelief in their voice.
"I never thought I’d see this!" another murmured.
"If Nie Li didn’t have something up his sleeve, he wouldn’t have dared to challenge Chu Yuan. I thought he was being arrogant, but it turns out he had the strength to back it up."
Those watching the confrontation were murmured. Unable to perceive the subtle battle of soul force with their eyes. But I saw everything. My Byakugan allowed me to witness the subtle exchanges between their soul realms—Nie Li’s defense, Chu Yuan’s loss, and the moment Nie Li took and absorbed a portion of his opponent’s essence.
My eyes gleamed with intrigue. So, it’s possible to steal another Demon Spiritist's soul essence...
This discovery opened up new possibilities.
"I really underestimated him," Chen Linjian muttered to himself. "Challenging someone three levels above his own... that’s the mark of a true genius." He frowned, still skeptical. Does Nie Li really only have a red soul realm? The thought gnawed at him. A feat like this would be more believable if Nie Li possessed an azure soul realm, one of the rarest and most powerful.
Ye Ziyun’s eyes flickered with surprise. She didn’t like Nie Li, having thought of him as a nobody. But seeing him triumph over Chu Yuan had clearly shattered her expectations.
As for Shen Yue, his gaze was fixed on Nie Li’s back, his teeth grinding in frustration. He had always believed Nie Li’s victories over him had been flukes, the result of dumb luck. But now the truth hit him—Nie Li had been toying with him all along. No wonder those three 2-star Bronze rank underlings of mine couldn’t touch him, Shen Yue thought bitterly. Not only was he wearing bronze armor, but his power far exceeded his rank. Shen Yue recalled the day Nie Li had worn an expression of pain during their fight—an act, nothing more. The realization that he had been so thoroughly fooled set Shen Yue’s blood boiling. Nie Li, you treacherous wretch!
Meanwhile, Huyan Lanruo’s chest heaved as she tried to steady her breath. To think that someone who hadn’t even reached 1-star Bronze rank could leap so many levels and defeat a 3-star Bronze rank expert... How many more secrets is this guy hiding? Her lips curled into a smile, her cheeks flushed as thoughts of intrigue—and perhaps something more—flashed in her eyes. This sister has to find some time to uncover everything you’re hiding.
Chu Yuan, drenched in sweat and panting heavily, struggled to stay on his feet. The injuries to his soul force had left him severely weakened—his cultivation had taken a significant blow, and it would take at least six months to fully recover. Rage burned in his chest as he glared at Nie Li, hatred boiling in his heart. "This won’t end here!" he vowed silently.
Humiliated, Chu Yuan turned on his heel and left, his steps heavy with shame.
Nie Li’s battle with Chu Yuan quickly became the talk of the group. His unexpected victory had left a lasting impression, but few realized the full extent of the battle’s aftermath.
The confrontation had only lasted a few breaths, but its impact lingered. As the group continued along the narrow, rugged mountain path, the air was filled with quiet murmurs about Nie Li’s strength.
"Little brother, you truly surprised your sister," Huyan Lanruo teased, her voice dripping with seductive intent. She walked beside Nie Li, close enough for their arms to brush occasionally. "Last night, I saw you setting up your tent all alone in that corner. Why don’t you pitch it next to mine tonight? We could discuss the finer aspects of cultivation together."
Huyan Lanruo’s proximity was impossible to ignore. Her ample figure pressed close; her fragrance, a sweet scent of orchids, lingered in the air between them. Nie Li glanced at her briefly, acknowledging her charm.
In his past life, he had been just an ordinary boy—someone girls like Huyan Lanruo wouldn’t have spared a second glance. But that boy no longer existed. After his rebirth, Nie Li had different priorities, and beauty alone wasn’t enough to sway him. His heart had long since been claimed by Ye Ziyun. She had loved him in his previous life, even when he was nothing, and for that, Nie Li was determined to protect her in this life.
Huyan Lanruo clearly believed that seducing him would be simple, her confidence radiating through her every move.
Ye Ziyun, who had been watching from a distance, felt an immediate sense of disgust rise in her chest. That woman... she's always flaunting herself, she thought, her lip curling in disdain. But her irritation wasn’t solely directed at Huyan Lanruo. She found Nie Li just as strange—something about him unsettled her. What’s his problem? she thought. No doubt he'll throw himself at her like every other guy. She quickly turned her attention away, deciding it wasn’t worth her concern. Heck, I care; not my problem anyway.
Nie Li, however, remained unaffected by Huyan Lanruo’s advances. "I appreciate Miss Huyan’s kind offer," he said with polite firmness. "But Miss Huyan is already at Silver rank. I’m afraid there’s nothing I could discuss with you that would be of any value. Let’s leave it at that."
Huyan Lanruo blinked in disbelief, her expression briefly faltering. She wasn’t accustomed to rejection. While she hadn’t truly been intimate with many men, she knew the power of her charms. Normally, men fawned over her with little effort on her part. Seducing a boy like Nie Li should have been child’s play. But here he was, flatly refusing her and with such resolve.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as her voice dropped to a soft, almost teasing tone. "Does little brother Nie Li really not want to get closer to his sister?" She asked, leaning just a bit closer. Her body language spoke volumes—her chest proudly pushed forward, her gaze lingering on him with intent. Despite her playful words, Nie Li could sense a subtle challenge in her eyes.
After you take my art of charm, we’ll see how long you can continue to pretend! she thought, pride swelling within her.
Nie Li’s heart trembled, a flicker of unease crossing his mind before his resolve solidified. He shook off the illusions, clearing his thoughts.
Huyan Lanruo underestimated him. Her charming technique was effective only against those lacking willpower. Having lived two lives, Nie Li’s heart had become unshakeable. How could she think she could easily tempt him?
"Snow Sakura Demon Spirit! I never expected Miss Huyan to possess such a rare demon spirit!" Nie Li exclaimed, his eyes glinting with interest.
At that moment, Huyan Lanruo felt as though she had been struck by lightning. As a 2-star Silver rank Demon Spiritist, her soul was intertwined with the Snow Sakura Demon Spirit, a rare entity found deep within the St. Ancestral Mountains. It possessed powerful charm abilities, irresistibly attracting all manner of creatures, which ultimately led to their demise. When Huyan Lanruo had integrated with the Snow Sakura, charming a demon spiritist of the same rank should have been a straightforward task.
Typically, Huyan Lanruo could manipulate others with ease, and her charming technique had never failed her before. But here she was, facing an unexpected setback. Not only had Nie Li seen through her charm, but he also recognized her demon spirit immediately. The Snow Sakura was a unique treasure bestowed upon her by her grandfather, and few had even heard of it, let alone understood its powers and origins.
For a moment, Huyan Lanruo stood speechless, grappling with disbelief. The target of her charming technique was just a boy, not even a 1-star Bronze rank!
Two types of people were immune to her charm: those with pure minds and seasoned experts who were well-versed in such techniques. Given Nie Li's youth, she assumed his mind should be easily influenced and lacking purity. The only possibility of his immunity would be the latter, yet how could that be? Huyan Lanruo could hardly fathom that this seemingly ordinary boy harbored the soul of a legendary supreme expert.
Seeing Huyan Lanruo’s astonishment, Nie Li smiled faintly as he continued walking past her.
Huyan Lanruo is indeed beautiful, but how can she compare to Ye Ziyun? Ye Ziyun’s grace and charm far surpass Huyan Lanruo’s. As for her figure... well, she’s still a little less developed compared to Huyan Lanruo. A smile crept across Nie Li’s face as he assessed Ye Ziyun, But in a few years, Ye Ziyun, you'll be stunning. Your figure will rival Huyan Lanruo’s. He couldn’t help but think. Ye Ziyun, only I know how alluring and beautiful you will become—graceful and kind, in contrast to Huyan Lanruo’s flaunted seduction, which can’t compete with your elegance.
Ye Ziyun, catching the strange and lingering look in Nie Li’s eyes, felt a wave of disgust wash over her. Becoming friends with him would be a mistake, she thought firmly. I must focus on my cultivation and aspire to become a Legend rank Demon Spiritist like my grandfather.
Meanwhile, Huyan Lanruo turned her gaze toward Nie Li’s retreating form, frustration bubbling inside her. Is my charm really less captivating than Ye Ziyun’s? she seethed. I refuse to believe I can't subdue a mere child like you! Indignation flared within her. Nie Li, one day, I will have you kneeling at my feet, as a slave under my skirt!
The group pressed on, traversing through the rugged mountains.
“Nie Li, would you like some apricot cake?”
“Nie Li, are you tired? I can lay down a cushion for you to rest.”
Huyan Lanruo flitted to Nie Li’s side like a persistent ghost, her attempts at seduction only serving to irritate him further.
“I say, Can you stop being so annoying? Go! Go! Do whatever you want, but leave me alone! Just... go further away!” Nie Li waved his hands dismissively, impatience seeping into his tone.
Huyan Lanruo’s eyes flared with anger. When had she ever been treated like this? Is Nie Li blind to my beauty? The thought festered in her mind, fueling her frustration. In a huff, she turned and walked away.
“Whew! Finally, some peace!” Nie Li muttered, relieved to have the troublesome woman out of his hair.
But after just a few steps, Huyan Lanruo turned back, her voice ringing out. “Nie Li, do you want a drink? I have some excellent apricot wine!”
Nie Li nearly collapsed at her persistence. What is wrong with this woman? he thought in exasperation. Why can’t I shake her off?
“Can you stop being so ridiculous? Are you really that bored?” he replied, rolling his eyes.
Huyan Lanruo blinked at him, a shy smile forming. “I’ve realized that I’ve fallen for you. Even if you don’t like me now, that’s okay. Soon, you’ll see just how beautiful and cute I really am!”
“I’d have to be blind to fancy you!” Nie Li shot back, quickening his pace to escape her. This woman is hopeless!
He knew Huyan Lanruo didn’t genuinely care for him; she likely just found him amusing and expected her interest to fade in time.
Making his way toward Ye Ziyun’s group, Nie Li felt a familiar warmth in her presence. No matter the life he lived, Ye Ziyun remained his one true love. Meanwhile, the girls surrounding her exchanged smiles as they observed him whispering amongst themselves.
“That’s the one Huyan Lanruo is chasing.”
“He looks pretty silly.”
“Why would anyone like that match with Huyan Lanruo? It makes no sense!”
Nie Li couldn’t help but sweat under their scrutiny. He opened his mouth to defend himself but couldn’t muster the words. His heart sank as he gazed at Ye Ziyun’s gentle profile. When can I hold you in my arms like I did in my past life?
The road ahead remained long and treacherous. He needed to focus on improving his strength.
In a little over a decade, Glory City would face a devastating threat from demon beasts, and even Ye Ziyun’s grandfather, a Legend rank Demon Spiritist, would perish in that battle. Thus, Nie Li had to reach the Legend rank before then. It was a monumental challenge, especially with the time constraints weighing heavily on him.
He had to employ every method at his disposal to enhance his abilities, which included this journey to the Ancient Orchid City Ruins.
In the days that followed, Nie Li devoted himself to refining his soul force. Yet, Huyan Lanruo remained an unwelcome shadow, standing vigil beside him while he practiced, and would chime in with offers of food, drink, or even playful banter. 'You can’t ignore me forever, you know. One day, you’ll appreciate my charm!' Huyan Lanruo would think.
Nie Li found it increasingly difficult to ignore her presence.
Heh, Nie Li, I chuckled. This is what happens when you try to show off., For someone like you who enjoys stalking others, you now have someone determined to force their love on you.
After two days of trekking through the mountains and navigating a deep canyon passage, a vast plain valley finally came into view.
Before them lay the relics of an ancient city, sprawling across a hundred-mile radius. Most of the area was engulfed in dense woods, with only a few mottled walls peeking through the foliage.
The distant roars of demon beasts echoed ominously from within the ruins. The Gold-ranked beasts had long abandoned this place, leaving behind only Bronze and Silver-ranked beasts.
These remnants from the Age of Darkness whispered tales of humanity's once-great glory.
As they beheld the crumbling walls and scattered bones, a sense of desolation washed over the group. If the demon beasts ever breached Glory City, it would inevitably end up like this ruin—littered with bones and rubble.
During the Age of Darkness, the rampaging demon beasts obliterated humanity’s empires, leaving only a handful of survivors to fight for their lives against the relentless hordes.
Much knowledge and civilization had been lost in the ensuing chaos. Many of Glory City’s cultivation techniques, martial arts, and inscription patterns remained incomplete due to this disaster. Therefore, exploring these ancient ruins might yield remnants from that dark era.