Mortal minds contend with fate’s vast hand, And knowledge steeped in Heaven’s grasp is torn, The ancient truths, though written in the stars, Find challenge in the soul that dares to soar.
And so it had come to this. Nie Li had always despised his teacher in his past life—an arrogant woman who looked down on commoners with disdain.
After hundreds of years of cultivation, enduring countless disasters, hardships, and surviving life-and-death battles, Nie Li had learned patience. But today, his anger was slipping beyond control. He had crossed one of the most powerful elders in Glory City, making an enemy of someone far beyond his current level of cultivation. His power was pitifully low, and he had no allies or backing to support him. Yet, he moved forward defiantly.
However Naraku could not allow Nie Li to win over the support of the commoners with his impassioned speeches. If left unchecked, Nie Li could discredit him and the Sacred Family, making them appear like fools in front of everyone.
Naraku, who observed the unfolding drama, understood the patterns of stories like these. How the arrogant upstart could turn into a hero in the blink of an eye if not challenged. He wouldn’t let Nie Li gain the upper hand so easily.
Naraku turned and addressed Nie Li in a sharp, almost condescending tone. “Nie Li, tell me—does Glory City have trade relations with any other human settlements?” Naraku's voice was cold, filled with an air of condescension as he turned toward Nie Li. The students, who had been buzzing with the excitement of Nie Li’s rebuke of Shen Xiu, fell silent immediately, their attention shifting to Naraku.
Shen Xiu’s eyes gleamed with a flicker of hope as she watched Naraku. She had been made to look incompetent, a fool in front of her students, her earlier humiliation at Nie Li’s hands still stung, but if Naraku could bring Nie Li down, she could salvage her shattered pride, and her position of authority might still be restored.
Nie Li remained silent, his eyes steady but unwilling to answer.
Naraku smirked slightly and continued, his voice carrying across the room. “No? That’s odd. You claimed there are other human communities your family knows about. Have you never thought of making contact with them? Never considered trading with them to bring prosperity to our city? Or perhaps you haven’t informed the City Lord of their existence?”
He leaned forward slightly, the edge of his words cutting deep. “Nie Li, are you playing games with us?”
The classroom grew tense as Naraku pressed on. “Is the Heavenly Marks Family so wealthy and self-sufficient that you don’t need to trade with anyone else? Or is the safety of Glory City so trivial to you that you would withhold critical information about potential threats from the City Lord?”
Naraku’s eyes narrowed as he added, his voice dripping with suspicion. “Or perhaps your family simply doesn’t know about these places after all. Then how do you, Nie Li? Are you, by any chance, an outsider from beyond Glory City?”
The murmurs spread through the classroom like wildfire. Eyes turned toward Nie Li, suspicion and doubt replacing whatever trust or admiration they might have had. None of them had ever heard of these other places. If Nie Li’s family knew about them, why hadn’t they shared this information? Why hadn’t they opened trade routes?
If these human settlements truly existed, why not make contact with them?
Could it be that Nie Li wasn’t who he claimed to be? Was he an outsider, a spy infiltrating their city?
The most logical conclusion for many of them was simpler: 'Nie Li was lying.'
Naraku had already planted the seeds of suspicion. His gaze sharpened, his plan unfolding exactly as intended.
---
In truth, Naraku wasn’t entirely sure if Nie Li truly had knowledge of the human settlements within the Tiny World. Naraku himself only had vague details—fragmented pieces of information from his Karma Template, recounting events from the previous timeline. While the template provided insight into past occurrences, it lacked any clear predictions of the future. Naraku couldn’t rely solely on what had happened before, as the future remained an uncertain path, open to change.
In the original future of this timeline, had Naraku not transmigrated, Nie Li would have offered help only to the Heavenly Fate Plateau tribe, and even then, his contribution was minimal—merely drawing them a map after a chance encounter during one of his journeys.
For the families of the Abyss Prison Realm, Nie Li would only provide a way to activate a teleportation array. Yet, despite these minor acts, he would boldly claim the title of "savior of humanity" in the eyes of Yu Yan, the fire goddess.
The world was said to be dominated by Demon Beasts, with humanity on the brink of extinction. Despite his self-righteous portrayal as someone who couldn’t stand injustice, Nie Li remained indifferent to the plight of isolated human settlements.
Glory City itself had once boasted a population in the tens of millions, supported by thousands of experts. Now, however, only a million remained. Its glory was fading fast, and its last hope—its sole Legend Rank expert, Ye Mo—had disappeared without a trace. No one even knew if Ye Mo was still alive.
Instead of using his vast knowledge to uplift humanity’s remnants in the Tiny World, Nie Li focused on his personal goals. He gathered a small circle of companions, calling them friends, and groomed them to be his soldiers in the Draconic Ruins Realm for his secret war against the Sage Emperor.
With the powerful cultivation techniques at his disposal, Nie Li could have easily created an army of experts to reclaim lands from the Demon Beasts and mount a challenge against his enemies. It would have taken little effort on his part. But no—he made no plans for the future of the Tiny World after his ascension.
Most troubling of all, Nie Li would even disable or tamper with the barrier protecting the Tiny World, fully aware that it was the last sanctuary safe from the Sage Emperor’s reach. His actions were careless, as though this entire realm was merely a stepping stone in his grander scheme.
Even after ascending, Nie Li’s only plan for Glory City was to entrust its safety to the Nether Lord—a figure who had already failed to protect the city once before in his past life. Why place the city's future in such unreliable hands again?
Nie Li often claimed that Glory City was his home and that he would do anything to protect it. Yet, in the end, his aid was just enough to keep the city afloat—never to allow it to thrive. His immense power and knowledge could have reshaped the fate of the entire world. But to him, the Tiny World was simply a tool, to be discarded once its purpose was served.
To the masses, Nie Li would become the reckless hero who stood up for the common people. But Naraku saw through him. Nie Li wasn’t the honest, selfless hero he pretended to be—he was calculating, just like Naraku.
However, Naraku wasn’t overly concerned about a regressor like Nie Li. His access to higher cultivation techniques, knowledge of soul realms, and understanding of their attributes were all valuable resources that Naraku intended to tap into.
Despite knowing little about Nie Li's true intentions, Naraku had already formulated a plan: he would use Nie Li’s brilliance and destiny to grow his own Karma. By doing so, he would gather the resources needed to advance his cultivation and carve his own path to power.
---
Before Nie Li could respond to the earlier accusations, Naraku struck again, cutting him off with another pointed question.
"Nie Li, you’ve mentioned Lord Ye Mo, claiming that commoners can rise above their status just as he did. But do you know what soul realm Lord Ye Mo possesses?" Naraku paused, letting the room simmer with curiosity. "It’s the rare Cyan Soul Realm—something only one in a million geniuses are born with. Now, I also believe that commoners can achieve greatness and become nobles. But let’s be real, without the backing of a noble or a miracle, someone with low-grade talent will struggle immensely in their cultivation."
"Everyone has a chance to improve their lives, but without a miracle, becoming a powerful Demon Spiritualist with a Red Soul Realm? That's nothing more than a pipe dream. Or am I wrong?"
Nie Li, unable to contain his frustration any longer, snorted angrily and glared at Naraku.
"Naraku, you're wrong! You’re just a narrow-minded fool who can't see beyond your own limited vision!" Nie Li snapped.
"Naraku, you seem to think that a person's Soul Realm determines their future. I have a Red Soul Realm myself—so what? Aptitude alone doesn't define a person’s destiny. It’s their mindset, their dedication to cultivation that matters!"
"One day, I will become a Legend Rank Demon Spiritualist, just like Lord Ye Mo."
The class was silent as Nie Li declared, "I, Nie Li, will become the greatest spirit master in the world."
"And I will marry the most beautiful woman in Glory City."
Naraku erupted in mocking laughter. "Aha, ha, ha, ha! The greatest sorcerer? The most beautiful woman in Glory City? Ha, ha, ha! How deluded can you be?"
The moment Nie Li made such a bold claim, Naraku knew exactly what to do.
"Let me tell you all a story," Naraku sat up, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"There was once a poor boy with fiery orange hair, who dared to fall in love with a girl beyond his reach. In his arrogance, he sought to impress her by offending my Sacred Family. To him, it seemed a bold move—an act of defiance to win her heart.
But his ending was a pitiful one. He was expelled from the clan in disgrace, left to wander the wilderness, where beasts roamed and dangers lurked at every corner. Without protection or cultivation, he met his inevitable demise—alone, forgotten, and swallowed by the very wilderness he had once thought he could conquer."
Naraku's words stung, a warning to all. The class, now watching intently, began to laugh, and Naraku turned to face Nie Li, as he continued.
"Nie Li, could it be that the most beautiful woman you dream of marrying is Ye Ziyun? The one sitting right here, next to me, whom you've been ogling this whole time?"
Naraku sneered, his voice dripping with ridicule. "You've made your decision, but tell me—do you think she’s agreed to marry you? Does she even look your way?"
At these words, Ye Ziyun's positive opinion of Nie Li shattered like fragile glass. She had always despised young masters who pestered her with unwanted proposals, believing themselves entitled to her hand in marriage. Her expression twisted in disgust as she looked away, refusing to make eye contact with Nie Li, who now seemed no different from the rest.
When everyone heard this, their opinions of Nie Li shifted like a storm blowing through the room. What was once admiration quickly turned to suspicion and disdain. It seemed Nie Li, with all his bold words, was nothing more than a pretender.
"Nie Li, let me ask you something." Naraku's voice turned sharp as a blade. "You claimed there are humans beyond Glory City’s walls, that life flourishes outside while we cower within. How can you be so confident when you’ve never set foot in those distant lands yourself?"
Naraku glanced around the room before continuing. "And while our teacher may not have traveled the world, neither has anyone else in this city. The world outside is deadly—our city faces extinction at every turn. Unless you reach Legend Rank, you can’t step beyond our walls without risking death at the hands of beasts, traps, and nature itself. Do you even comprehend the dangers?"
The students nodded in agreement as Naraku listed the perils.
"Do you know how hard it is to cross a jungle filled with swamps and teeming with man-eating beasts? To survive an ice field without freezing to death? Or to traverse a desert without succumbing to the intense sunlight and heat?"
The room fell into a tense silence as Naraku pressed on.
"You’ve also said that everyone can become a demon spiritualist. Do you realize how absurd that sounds? Even if every person here had the talent to cultivate, do you understand the resources, the tutoring, the cultivation techniques, and the demon spirits required for that path? These are luxuries that the common folk don’t possess—things that cannot be freely provided by the city or the academy."
Naraku's words were merciless, each sentence cutting into Nie Li’s grand claims.
"You’ve been spouting grand words about commoners rising to the top and challenging the heavens. But if it were so easy, why then does Glory City have so few demon spiritualists?"
"The truth is, only one in a million can reach Legend Rank. Talent, aptitude, and destiny restrict most of us from ever touching that level."
"Nie Li, have you ever truly experienced the hardships of the common folk? You've had the luxury of a noble birth, haven’t you? So tell me, how can someone like you, who’s never faced the harsh realities of a commoner's life, stand here and preach about their potential?"
"How can you make the promise that everyone here can ascend to become a demon spiritualist?"
"Or do you happen to know of a way for someone with a Red Soul Realm to reach Legend Rank?"
Naraku's smirk deepened. "If you truly possess a secret method to make every one of us a demon spiritualist, then please, share it with us. After all, it would bring salvation to our city and end the threat of demonic beasts once and for all!"
The class was now fully fixated on Nie Li, their eyes hungry for the "golden method" that could elevate them all.
"Of course, such a magical method doesn’t exist, does it?" Naraku’s voice lowered, almost in a whisper but still sharp as a blade. "If it did, our forefathers, the previous Legend rank leaders, would have already shared it with us. If even our founder didn’t possess such a method, how could you, a mere student, claim to?"
The weight of Naraku's words settled over the room, each syllable sinking deeper into the hearts of the students.
Naraku raised his eyebrows, the smirk never leaving his face. "And if it’s so simple for you to reach Legend Rank, why haven’t you even achieved Bronze Rank yet?"
Nie Li froze. Naraku’s words had struck a nerve, and now the entire class stared at him, waiting for an answer. If he truly knew such a method, why wasn't he helping others rise? Why hadn’t he risen yet?
The class erupted in a wave of murmurs. If Nie Li truly had a secret method, why wasn’t he sharing it?
Naraku's final words struck a chord, casting doubt over everything Nie Li had said. The students, their hopes now stoked, stared at him, waiting for the "method" that could change their fates.
But in their hearts, they did not care for the truth or for Nie Li’s claims. All they wanted was a way to ascend and become powerful, a way to grasp their own destiny.
If Nie Li refused to share his hidden knowledge, he would seem greedy and dishonest, keeping such a treasure for himself. And if he admitted he had no such method, it would confirm what they all were beginning to believe—that Nie Li’s words had been nothing more than lies.
For all his boasting, Nie Li hadn't even reached Bronze Rank at the age of thirteen. 'How could he possibly claim to reach Legend Rank?'
The class, once again, erupted into whispers and laughter. It was common knowledge that those with Red Soul Realms couldn’t cultivate Soul Force, with only rare exceptions barely reaching 1-star Silver Rank in their lifetime. Nie Li’s boast seemed, to them, ridiculous.
"At your age, Lord Ye Mo already had a 1-star Silver Rank cultivation," a noble chimed in, causing a few more students to laugh at Nie Li’s expense.
"That’s right! Why aren’t you even at Bronze Rank yet, Mister ‘Legend Rank’?" another voice mocked.
"During the last test, Nie Li’s Soul Force was the weakest in class, wasn’t it? It was like, what... five?" one of the noble students jeered, laughter spreading through the room. "He’s really delusional!"
The laughter stung Nie Li as his frown deepened. For a moment, he couldn’t find the words to respond. He had regressed, after all—his cultivation was naturally still low. But he couldn't exactly share his top-tier cultivation techniques with just anyone. Not yet.
Naraku skillfully trapped Nie Li with questions that force him to either produce proof or admit defeat, both of which would undermine him in front of his peers.
---
Seeing Nie Li’s hypocrisy, Naraku began his own grand, inspiring speech.
“Nie Li, you’re so optimistic about becoming a Legend Rank master. But tell me—do you really think those who came before you but failed didn’t have the same drive? Were they not as willing? Did they not work hard? Did they not make sacrifices?”
He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air before continuing.
“As the teacher said, this world does not have equality. Only those with connections and powerful backing can reach the top. Commoners like you are destined to remain mediocre, no matter how grand your ambitions might be.”
Naraku's gaze swept across the room, his voice rising with conviction.
“Does anyone here truly believe a person can change their fate? Or is a man’s worth determined the moment he is born? Is it his actions or his status that define him?”
He shook his head, his tone hardening. “Sadly, society believes in the latter. The day you were born, your value was set. It doesn’t increase because you’ve lived longer, and it doesn’t change based on how hard you’ve worked. You are worth exactly what you are, right now.”
Naraku’s eyes gleamed as he delivered his offer.
"If any among you truly seek to change the course of thy fate, I can offer you a path," thus speaks the scion of the Sacred Family. "My house doth ever search for talent, even among those deemed common or bereft of natural gifts. For those who toil with steadfast heart, who study with tireless resolve, and are true in their devotion, I shall make the way for them to join as an outer member."
"The Sacred Family, in its boundless benevolence, extends a cultivation method unto those souls, even unto the lowly with Red Soul Realms. Though the world spurns equality, we offer thee the chance to ascend. A hand is offered; yet, the choice to grasp it lies with thee."
Naraku smiled slightly, as if the offer itself carried weight beyond measure.
His words were a calculated move, and they struck deep. After hearing his speech, all the students in the class began glaring at Nie Li in annoyance and frustration. What had Nie Li offered them? Nothing but empty boasting. Meanwhile, Naraku presented a reasonable and practical path forward.
The only person to ever rise from a commoner to a noble had been a rare genius with an extraordinary Soul Realm. Without that natural talent, someone needed the support of a noble backer. Naraku had just offered that chance—his Sacred Family was willing to recruit diligent commoners, even those with a Red Soul Realm.
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For many of the commoners in the class, this was a golden opportunity. If they could get on Naraku’s good side and be noticed by him, their future could be bright. Far brighter than what Nie Li had proposed.
With this realization, they couldn’t afford to align themselves with Nie Li, whose words seemed more and more like hollow brags. They had to show their desire to study and improve, not follow in the footsteps of a disruptive loudmouth.
Du Ze, who came from a dirt-poor family drowning in debt, was particularly affected. His eyes, which had once looked toward Nie Li with hope, now glimmered with interest in Naraku. This was a real opportunity.
Even Xiao Ning’er, who had watched the entire spectacle unfold, felt a deep irritation toward Nie Li. Instead of boasting to gain attention, why didn’t he focus on training and studying? She had been in this class with him for some time, and she hadn't even noticed his presence until recently, which meant his cultivation talent was likely mediocre at best. He was only making noise to get Ye Ziyun’s attention—how pitiful.
Her thoughts echoed in the minds of many students. Naraku had once been arrogant, but now Xiao Ning’er understood that his arrogance came with merit. He had the status and talent to back it up. The difference between Nie Li and Naraku was like the difference between heaven and earth, or more appropriately, the difference between clouds and mud.
Ye Ziyun, too, felt nothing but pity as she looked at Nie Li. How sad—making up stories just to be noticed.
Nie Li on the other hand was simply dumbfounded. He had intended to uplift the spirits of the commoners, to inspire them. Yet, they now looked at him as if he were an arrogant fool. Worse, instead of supporting him, they were gravitating toward Naraku. They were searching for a noble to support them in their cultivation, and it was exactly what Nie Li had planned to offer them later after class!
Naraku smirked inwardly, Nie Li was all talk. He claimed that anyone could achieve anything and reach the peak, but he conveniently ignored the fact that he had achieved his miraculous future through sheer luck and the cheat-like powers of the Temporal Demon Spirit Book, which held heaven-defying cultivation techniques. Without those, would Nie Li still believe in his ideals?
In the original story, when Nie Li would left the Tiny World for the upper realm, the millions of Red Soul Realm commoners would still be left in mediocrity, unable to cultivate beyond a meager level. They would never even touch Bronze or Silver Rank!
Despite all his grand words about principles, did Nie Li intend of giving the commoners any real opportunity to rise—apart from the few close friends he personally grooms?
Shen Xiu, who had been observing the entire exchange with cold amusement, curled her lips into a ridiculing smile.
She had now uncovered the truth behind Nie Li's arrogance, and a cold laugh escaped her lips, echoing through the grand hall. "Ha! Nie Li, you are naught but a child, blinded by your own arrogance and foolish infatuation."
"All this noise, this clamor, merely to impress a girl? You've made up lies, claimed to have some secret path to Legend rank, all to win favor with a mere woman. How utterly foolish!"
Her eyes, gleaming with scorn, burned into him. "Love hath blinded thee, and now you have strayed too far. Speaking lies, offending thy elders—such transgressions are unforgivable!"
"Though you dream of greatness, yet in truth, you are but a boy desperate for attention. How pitiable."
Upon hearing Shen Xiu's sharp rebuke, the hall erupted into laughter, a wave of derision that swept through the crowd like a tempest.
Shen Xiu’s words, laced with venom, clung to him like a shadow, wrapping him in humiliation’s cruel embrace. Yet, amidst the laughter and the crushing weight of mockery, a spark remained within Nie Li. Though battered by their scorn, deep inside, he still held one final card.
Nie Li turned towards Naraku and said. "Naraku, since you don’t believe in my abilities, how about we make a bet?"
Naraku raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Nie Li's sudden boldness. "Oh? What kind of bet?"
"The bet will be on the test day two months from now. We will fight in the arena." Nie Li said.
The class went silent, the weight of Nie Li's words settling in the air. A fight? With Naraku?
Nie Li continued. "If I lose, I'll drop out of the academy. But if I win, you'll have to quit."
"Absolutely absurd!" Naraku said. "You think you can raise your soul force power enough to defeat me in two months? You'd be a legend if you managed to reach even half my strength after two years, let alone two months!"
The idea was ludicrous—raising one's soul force from the bottom of the class to match someone from the Sacred Family in such a short time? It was beyond impossible.
The students exchanged glances, half amused, half pitying Nie Li's seemingly blind confidence.
Naraku shook his head. "You clearly have no idea how cultivation works. Even a noble with access to the best resources couldn’t achieve that in such a short time. And you, a commoner, dare to dream of it?"
"It's no trouble for you, is it? After all, if you're so confident in your words, there's no reason to be concerned. Unless, of course," Nie Li's voice turned sharp, "you're afraid of losing to me. In that case, feel free to refuse. I wouldn’t want to damage the Sacred Family’s pride by exposing their fear of a commoner."
"No, I accept your bet. Two months from now, we will fight in the arena with no items and gear." Naraku said.
A collective gasp rippled through the classroom. The challenge was set. Two months. Naraku versus Nie Li.
Naraku crossed his arms, his gaze bearing down on Nie Li. "Two months from now, you’ll be beaten and humiliated before everyone. I will show you the difference between a commoner like you and someone like me, born of the Sacred Family. Your arrogance will be your downfall."
Naraku gave a final scoff, turning his back on Nie Li. “We’ll see if you can even stand in the arena when the time comes.”
The class buzzed with murmurs, the students glancing between Nie Li and Naraku. None of them believed Nie Li could pull off such a feat either, but Nie Li was unshaken in the face of Naraku’s mocking, that made them curious.
Would Nie Li really defy all expectations, or would he be expelled in disgrace?
A bet between a commoner and a noble. A fight that would determine their future in the academy.
Nie Li wasn’t intimidated. He stood firm. The class didn’t know the truth—this wasn’t the first time he had faced impossible odds.
He had lived through failure and triumph, seen the rise and fall of cities, and tasted both despair and victory. The Nie Li of this life had something far more valuable than talent or nobility: he had experience.
Two months. That was all the time he had. But according to Nie Li, two months would be more than enough.
---
Shen Xiu's eyes blazed with anger as she turned toward Nie Li, her voice cutting through the tension in the room like a blade.
"You dare interrupt my class with this nonsense?" she snapped. "For such blatant disrespect toward your teacher, I will not tolerate your arrogance any longer. Go stand at the back of the class for the rest of the month!"
Her gaze sharpened, filled with scorn. "Listen quietly and make use of the little time you have left before you are expelled from this academy. Consider this your final warning."
The entire class watched in stunned silence as Shen Xiu’s fury settled over the room like a heavy storm cloud.
“I don’t want to hear another word from you during lectures,” she added, her voice dripping with venom. "Not a single one."
She didn’t believe any of Nie Li’s outlandish claims. As a member of the Sacred Family with years of cultivation experience, Shen Xiu was certain his words were nothing more than delusions of grandeur.
Nie Li's face darkened. Shen Xiu was known to be unreasonable. If he defied her, he risked being expelled from the Holy Orchid Institute. While Nie Li didn’t need the Institute’s teachings, being expelled would mean losing his chance to see Ye Ziyun, as well as access to the Heavenly Sacred Border.
Under Shen Xiu's oppressive gaze, and the disapproving stares of his classmates, Nie Li knew he had no choice. His bitter expression barely concealed his seething anger as he reluctantly made his way to the back of the classroom.
The noble students wasted no time, their mocking whispers cutting through the silence.
"The future Legend Rank Demon Spiritualist got punished, huh?"
"Tsk, tsk. So, even he’s scared of getting expelled after all!"
"Where did all that arrogance go?"
"What a joke."
The noble students leaned toward each other, their voices dripping with mockery.
"He was so confident before, wasn't he? Talking about becoming the greatest spirit master in the world—now look at him, standing at the back like a scolded child."
"I bet he thought he could impress Ye Ziyun with all that big talk. What a pathetic attempt!"
"Legend Rank? Please. He can't even reach Bronze Rank. All bark, no bite."
Another noble student smirked, his voice loud enough for Nie Li to hear. "With a Red Soul Realm like his? Even if he worked for a hundred years, he'd still be no match for someone like me."
The laughter grew louder, spreading through the classroom like poison.
"Do you think he’s finally realized how ridiculous he sounds? Maybe now he'll stop pretending he’s anything more than a delusional commoner."
"I doubt it," another sneered. "He’ll probably keep spouting nonsense. Guys like him never learn."
Nie Li stood at the back, fists clenched tightly by his sides. Every word felt like a dagger, but he kept his head down, silently fuming like a boiling kettle. He could feel their eyes on him—mocking, taunting, challenging his every claim.
But they didn’t know what he knew. They hadn’t seen the things he had seen, lived through the future he had lived.
In the depths of his heart, Nie Li made a vow. He would prove them all wrong. Every last one of them.
Shen Xiu sneered. So what if Nie Li had tried to act superior? She still had full control over the classroom. And now, Nie Li stood alone in his humiliation. None of the other students came to his aid. Supporting him would mean offending the nobles.
From his seat, Naraku watched the scene unfold with a cold smirk. Even Lu Piao, one of Nie Li’s supposed friends, was pretending not to know him. Du Ze didn’t even spare Nie Li a glance.
Naraku’s mocking expression was unmistakable, and Nie Li’s frustration boiled over internally. He had been played. Caught up in Naraku’s words, he had been humiliated in front of everyone.
But as his anger simmered, Nie Li’s hardened resolve emerged. So what if he was humiliated now? He had faced far worse in his previous life. His experiences, knowledge, and cultivation far surpassed anyone in this room. Soon, Naraku and the other students would realize the vast difference between them—Nie Li would rise, and they would be left in the dust, able only to watch from afar.
Nie Li’s friends might distance themselves from him for now, but once he apologized and explained everything, once he began sharing his knowledge and helping them cultivate, they would come back. Everything would be resolved.
However, what stung the most wasn’t the mocking laughter or the glares—it was the disappointed look Ye Ziyun gave him. She thought he was a braggart, a show-off. He had wanted to impress her, to make her notice him, but it had backfired terribly. In her eyes, he was nothing more than an arrogant fool.
Nie Li’s fists clenched tightly in anger.
'Naraku, you will pay for this,' he thought seething with fury. 'I will repay this humiliation a hundredfold. And when I’m done, your Sacred Family of traitors will be nothing but ashes.'
Naraku glanced at Nie Li, the so-called genius who dared challenge him. The boy had spirit, Naraku could admit that. But in two months, spirit wouldn’t be enough. Nie Li had no idea what he was up against.
Two months from now, Naraku thought, his eyes narrowing. I will show you and everyone else that power belongs only to those who dare take it.
As the class continued around him, Naraku sat back, already planning his path to strength. If this world had rules, he would break them. If this city had limits, he would shatter them.
[+2 Karma]
[+1 Karma]
[+1 Karma]
Naraku’s eyes flickered as the notifications appeared in his Karma template. The satisfaction that came with each new addition was subtle, but undeniable.
Nie Li’s mounting hatred, coupled with the class's growing scorn, was slowly fueling his template, strengthening him with every disapproving glance and mocking whisper aimed at Nie Li.
Naraku allowed himself a small, knowing smirk. Every time he challenged Nie Li, every time he refuted his bold claims, the students around him responded exactly as he had hoped—sowing doubt and disdain, which in turn fed his Karma.
He hadn’t even needed to exert much effort. The moment Nie Li opened his mouth with those grand declarations, Naraku knew he could turn the class against him. And the more they looked down on Nie Li, the more power he would gather from their reactions.
Quietly, he leaned back in his seat, basking in the atmosphere he had orchestrated. His eyes flicked over to Nie Li standing at the back of the room, bitterness etched on his face.
“See, this is what happens when someone overestimates themselves. There are no shortcuts in cultivation, no miracles that will suddenly elevate someone like Nie Li from the bottom to the top.”
“Only those with true talent and backing can hope to rise. The rest… well, they should learn to stay in their place.”
---
After the commotion caused by Nie Li, Shen Xiu resumed her lecture.
"Following the results of the latest test, Ye Ziyun and Naraku, who possess a Cyan Soul Realm, have a soul force of 86. Shen Yue and Xiao Ning'er, both with Green Soul Realms, have soul force of 82. They are on the verge of reaching 1-star Bronze rank. Congratulations to them!"
The students gasped in surprise. To them, these four were like the full moon—brilliant, yet distant and unreachable. The accomplishments of such prodigies were beyond anything the average student could imagine.
For those of ordinary talent, catching up was an arduous journey. It required an immense amount of time, with some only reaching this level by the end of the school year—if at all.
As time passed, the gap between ordinary talent and exceptional talent became increasingly obvious.
Eventually, those with mediocre abilities hit bottlenecks, requiring external resources and assistance to progress any further.
This is why most commoners, who had average talent and lacked the necessary resources, turned to physical cultivation instead and became warriors.
"In two months, there will be a Fighter and Demon Spiritualist test. I hope we’ll see a few 1-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualists by then. Both the Holy Orchid Institute and I will be proud!" Shen Xiu announced, her voice brimming with pride.
Obtaining 1-star Bronze rank was considered the true beginning of cultivation. Once a Fighter’s strength or a Demon Spiritualist’s soul force reached 100, they would be officially recognized as a 1-star Bronze rank.
However, this was no easy feat. Even reaching this initial level was a challenge, and only a small fraction of students their age would succeed.
As Shen Xiu’s words sank in, the classroom filled with murmurs, as though the weight of her expectations bore down on the students like a boulder. The idea of becoming a 1-star Bronze rank Fighter felt daunting, her words setting the bar high. Lifting a 100-pound rock? Breaking a tree with a single punch? Such tasks seemed monumental to the majority of the class.
Naraku, however, sat in quiet contemplation, his gaze distant yet sharp. His previous Soul Force had been 86, a number respectable for his age but unremarkable in the grand scheme of cultivation.
But now, after his transmigration, his soul had surged with newfound strength. At the peak of the 1-star Bronze rank, his Soul Force was nearing 100. With but a single thought, he could break through, ascend to the next rank with ease.
Yet, it was not enough.
Naraku understood the path of cultivation was more than simply accumulating power and blindly advancing through ranks. The Sacred Family’s technique, though functional, was far from the pinnacle of cultivation. It lacked the intricacies, the refinement, to carry him beyond the limits of mere mortals.
To break through now, under its constraints, would lock him into a path that could hinder his ascent to Legend Rank in the future.
No, his progress had to be perfect—every step intentional, every decision calculated. This was not a game of numbers but a path of precision. Naraku knew that to merely rush forward without laying a solid foundation would jeopardize his long-term potential. And he, of all people, could not afford recklessness.
If he was to ascend, it had to be through a technique worthy of his ambition. Something deeper, more profound than what the Sacred Family had offered him thus far.
He would not break through today, nor tomorrow—not until the time was right. First, he would need to find a technique that aligned with his vision, something that would allow him to step onto the path of true cultivation.
The students continued their chatter, oblivious to the thoughts forming in his mind. Shen Xiu’s words had rattled them, as they should, for they were weak—unfit for the world of cultivation that awaited them outside the academy’s walls.
As Shen Xiu droned on about expectations and duty, Naraku’s thoughts drifted toward the upcoming trials. The academy focused on developing Fighters and Demon Spiritualists, but their teachings were structured, predictable, limiting. The true world of cultivation was chaotic, bound by neither rules nor tradition. And that was where Naraku thrived—in the unknown, where only the strong and cunning survived.
I need more time, he thought to himself. More time to perfect my plan. For now, his focus was singular: ascend, but ascend with the strength that would make him untouchable. He needed information.
He knew his place in the Sacred Family was tenuous at best. While he enjoyed the privileges of being one of its young masters, his growth and position was still far from secure.
His eyes flicked toward Shen Xiu, whose arrogance filled the room like a suffocating fog. Her dismissive sneers and grandiose proclamations of superiority grated on his nerves, though he showed no outward sign of disdain. Shen Xiu prided herself on her demon spiritualist's cultivation, and her mastery of the Sacred Family techniques. But in Naraku’s eyes, she was nothing more than a frog at the bottom of a well, unaware of the vast sky above her.
Naraku’s lips curved into a faint smile, unnoticed by those around him. 'Let them chatter, let them dream of bronze ranks and shattered trees.' He had his own path, one that would take him far beyond their reach.
"Unless you’ve been consuming elixirs since childhood, this is impossible," one student muttered, voicing the common doubt that filled the room.
Becoming a Demon Spiritualist was an even steeper climb. It required refining a substantial amount of soul force within one’s body—an effort far more arduous than merely building physical strength.
The key factor that determined success or failure in this endeavor was one’s innate soul realm talent.
Soul realms were categorized into seven colors, each representing the strength of an individual's potential.
- Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Azure, and Indigo.
For an average human with a Red soul realm, the path to becoming a Demon Spiritualist was almost unattainable. Most with Red soul realms would resign themselves to becoming Fighters instead.
Those with Orange or Yellow soul realms had a better chance, finding it easier to cultivate soul force than their Red-soul counterparts.
Meanwhile, those with Green or Cyan soul realms were considered exceptional talents.
As Shen Xiu spoke, the students’ gazes instinctively shifted toward Ye Ziyun, and Naraku. Envy flickered in their eyes. These two, possessing the highest soul realms, were the ones most likely to reach 1-star Bronze rank within the next two months.
Several girls in the class gazed at Naraku, their cheeks flushed with admiration. Not only was he handsome, with a noble background, but he was also a genius Demon Spiritualist. His refined demeanor and the boldness with which he carried himself only enhanced his appeal.
It’s not so bad being the popular one for a change, he thought. This could actually work to his advantage in building a fighting group.
He had already promised that the Sacred Family would back them up. If he could recruit these admirers into his own group, they might prove useful.
Beyond his appearance, his soul realm talent was of a high grade, further solidifying his standing. Naraku silently offered a prayer to the god who had blessed him with these gifts.
Meanwhile, Shen Xiu continued her lecture in a dismissive tone. "For those with a Red soul realm, becoming a Demon Spiritualist is nearly impossible. Focus on your studies and build up your physical strength instead. If you create a strong foundation early, your growth as a warrior will be swift."
Shen Xiu cast a glance toward Nie Li, sitting at the back of the classroom as she finished speaking.
Seeing her gaze, a surge of anger rose within Nie Li.
The Sacred Family is nothing but a vile nest of traitors. They deserve to be purged for their crimes.
He wasn’t going to let Shen Xiu or Naraku enjoy the satisfaction of belittling him for much longer.
After everything I've endured, after being reborn with the knowledge of my past life, how could I fear facing such nobodies? he thought, his resolve hardening.
In his previous life, he had been timid and shy, never daring to oppose the Sacred Family. But after hundreds of years spent traveling, battling both humans and beasts, things were going to be different this time.
If he remained weak and insignificant like before, he might as well abandon his goals entirely. But that wasn’t who he was anymore.
Eventually, he would rid Glory City of the Sacred Family’s hypocrisy and villainy.
To Nie Li, Shen Xiu and Naraku were nothing more than minor obstacles—mere distractions from his greater purpose. His true enemy was far greater: the Sage Emperor himself.
How could he waste time even considering these two?
Nie Li had already planned everything.
So what if people suspect I have a method to elevate even a Red soul realm to the rank of a Legend Demon Spiritualist?
By the time his full potential was revealed, he would either have the protection of Glory City's authorities or be strong enough to defend himself.
He could always claim his rapid cultivation was due to some rare inheritance from ancient ruins or invent a mysterious master who had guided him. The possibilities were endless.
The truth was, no one suspected that Nie Li possessed any hidden cultivation techniques or treasures. In everyone's minds, Nie Li was nothing more than a joke. His claims were seen as nothing but the delusions of a daydreamer.
Unless he could show real progress in his strength, no one would ever believe that he was capable of anything significant.
Once my talent and status reach a certain level, no one in Glory City will dare to provoke me.
As for reaching 1-star Bronze rank by the year-end exam, that was trivial. I could easily control my soul force to show a score of exactly 100—average enough not to draw unwanted attention, yet respectable enough to silence the doubters.
Surpassing Naraku's soul force of 100 within the next two months and defeating him in a duel? That would be no challenge at all.
With the high-level cultivation techniques Nie Li possessed from his previous life, it would be almost too easy.
However, if everyone in Glory City continued to look down on Nie Li with contempt—Ye Ziyun and Du Ze included—it would become impossible to reverse their opinions.
At the same time, Naraku intended to present himself as the hero—the figure everyone would admire.
Once the public saw him as the protector of Glory City, any attempt by Nie Li to defame him would be futile. Naraku had already begun to strategize, planning to recruit those with good soul realm talent.
He had already promised Du Ze assistance for his family, provided he passed his tests.
Next, Naraku's targets would be the commoners who would have fallen for Nie Li's inspiring speeches—if not for his intervention.
Du Ze, with his Yellow soul realm, was a valuable asset, but most of the commoners lacked remarkable talent. It wouldn’t be entirely suspicious for Naraku to approach them, but because of his growing suspicion that Nie Li was a regressor, Naraku decided to hold off for now.
In the original story, Nie Li’s only true friends had been Lu Piao and Du Ze. The other three commoners Nie Li recruited were more like Du Ze’s subordinates than true allies. Without those key figures by his side, Nie Li would soon find himself isolated, with only Lu Piao remaining as a genuine companion.
Naraku had noticed how Nie Li referred to Lu Piao as his friend and briefly considered pulling Lu Piao to his side as well. But ultimately, he knew it would be a waste of time. Even if Lu Piao had some hidden talent, his lazy nature made him unworthy of Naraku’s investment.
Someone unwilling to put in the effort doesn’t deserve top-tier cultivation techniques and resources, Naraku thought.
Besides, Naraku possessed the Dark attribute. It would be far better for him to keep any Dark-attributed artifacts and Demon Spirits for himself rather than sharing them with someone as unmotivated as Lu Piao.
Letting Nie Li keep one lazy, useless friend would also serve another purpose—Nie Li wouldn’t immediately feel as though the entire world was scheming against him. This would give Naraku and the Sacred Family more time to manipulate events behind the scenes before Nie Li could fully realize what was happening.
Yet Naraku didn’t want to completely cripple Nie Li. After all, there was much to be gained by keeping him alive and growing stronger. There was no faster way to grow, Naraku knew, than by profiting from the hero’s journey.
The sharpest blade did not always win the battle—it was the blade wielded by the one who knew when to strike and when to wait.
If Naraku truly wanted to ruin Nie Li’s future, he would have to eliminate any possibility of anyone developing a favorable impression of him.
As long as Nie Li relentlessly chased after someone like Ye Ziyun, his energy would be wasted on unrequited love. Steering him down the wrong paths, keeping his focus misaligned. The distractions would be enough to stall his cultivation, a fatal flaw in the unforgiving world of cultivation.
He didn’t need to crush it outright, only let it fester into obsession, something that would burn Nie Li’s time and energy.
Naraku speculated that Nie Li’s interest in Ye Ziyun wasn’t solely romantic; perhaps he aimed to gain influence by getting close to her father, the City Lord.
If Nie Li married into the City Lord’s family, he could secure a high-ranking position within Glory City, controlling valuable resources and warriors.
This was precisely what the Sacred Family had been aiming for as well. Before his transmigration, they had arranged for him to join the academy at the same time as Ye Ziyun, with the intent of romancing her and making her fall for him.
Though Naraku had no immediate plans for that yet, it was a piece of the strategy he kept in mind.