Finally, the bell echoed through the corridors of Glory City. Like a tide, students flooded the hallways, their chatter a sea of noise. Some, however, lingered behind in small clusters, exchanging superficial words or perhaps thinking of their next cultivation session.
I remained where I stood, eyes catching sight of Xiao Ning'er, still seated at her desk, unmoved by the bustle around her. The subtle tension in her posture spoke of focus.
A fleeting glance passed between us, her amber eyes meeting mine only briefly before she closed them, slipping into cultivation. The faint glow that now enveloped her was the energy of soul force, rich but unstable, danced erratically in the air around her.
She's pushing herself too hard, I thought, my senses attuned to the slight inconsistencies in her flow. It was a common flaw—impatience. The quest for power often blinds even the most gifted.
But it wasn’t my place to interfere—not yet. Her path was hers to tread, and her limits were hers to discover.
Leaving her to her silent struggle, I stepped out into the corridor, my mind already shifting to more pressing matters.
The library of the Holy Orchid Institute was a place containing many volumes of knowledge, an archive of cultivation wisdom, martial techniques, and arts.
I made my way to the section dedicated to inscriptions, my fingers brushing against the tomes. There, nestled among them, was a worn volume: Inscriptions of the Sacred Empire's Era.
Pulling it from the shelf, I found a quiet corner. The Sacred Empire was long gone, but its legacies of a thousand years—its knowledge—persisted in the form of these forgotten arts.
Inscription patterns were symbols, the conduits for energy, often drawn with blood as the medium and infused with one’s soul force.
The knowledge was both ancient and practical, used for everything from creating enchanted artefacts to sealing complex techniques. Even something like ninjutsu scrolls could be crafted this way, capturing the essence of a cultivator’s battle skills within the patterns.
Battle skills are inscribed techniques imprinted on scrolls. These skills can be quickly activated during combat and serve a similar purpose to ninjutsu and mystical arts.
Settling deeper into my quiet corner, I opened the first book.
Inscriptions... I thought as I scanned the diagrams, are the keys to unlocking hidden potential in both artefacts and weapons. The right patterns can amplify their power significantly.
The first book detailed how inscriptions were etched onto objects, channeling energy through the drawn lines and symbols to enhance abilities. The diagrams were rudimentary, but they held the precision of ages, outlining methods that had remained unchanged.
Even these basic inscriptions... I thought as I traced the lines with my fingers, can strengthen ordinary weapons and armor when applied correctly. Mastering them will give me an advantage.
The Sacred Family's private collection should certainly contain more advanced texts than these. Still, these basic volumes would serve me well for now.
With careful attention, I began sketching the inscription templates onto a blank page. My goal wasn't merely to replicate them. Eventually, I would modify and combine them to create unique inscriptions.
Even without understanding the deeper language of the inscriptions, copying their patterns effectively is within my grasp. My memory ensured that I wouldn’t need repeated study.
But more than just memorization, what mattered was understanding the foundational patterns. The structure of these symbols was the language of power, and by learning enough, even the more complex inscriptions could be deciphered.
Mastering these basics will allow me to craft inscriptions powerful enough to enhance my cultivation and weaponry far beyond what’s available to ordinary students.
And more than that, I realized, creating items for profit was where true power lay.
With the Sacred Family's connections, these inscriptions could be sold at a high price. The market for such craftsmanship was always ripe.
I could turn my knowledge into influence, selling crafted items to those who needed an edge in their cultivation strength.
I closed the book. With this knowledge, I'll be able to craft inscriptions of a quality that few in Glory City could match. The creation of inscriptions was complex. Those who mastered it were sought after, usually recruited by powerful families and businesses alike.
---
Not intending to waste more time, I made my way toward Shen Xiu’s office. Her office, adjacent to the Fighter Apprentice Class, had two entrances—one from the classroom, the other from the hallway. I approached the latter, preferring to avoid unnecessary attention.
I knocked on the door. “It’s Naraku.”
“Wait a moment,” Shen Xiu’s voice called out from inside.
A second later, the sound of a lock clicking echoed, and the door swung open to reveal Shen Xiu. She stood tall, exuding an aura of pride and authority. Her posture was impeccable, and her gaze was sharp as she looked at me up and down.
“What is it, Naraku?” she asked, arms crossed, her posture radiating her usual imperious air.
“May I come in?” I asked.
She nodded curtly, allowing me to enter.
Once the door shut behind me, I wasted no time. “I’m here to inform you that I might be skipping some classes.”
Shen Xiu’s brows furrowed. “Skipping class? Why?” Her tone was clearly displeased. After all, wasn’t I supposed to be attending these ‘useless’ classes for one reason—getting closer to Ye Ziyun, with the goal of securing an engagement?
I shrugged, adopting a casual tone. “It’s not wise to be too available. Ye Ziyun doesn’t like clingy men. I want her to wonder where I am, think about me more.”
Her eyes narrowed, clearly not entirely convinced by my explanation. “Hmm?”
After a moment of contemplation, she waved her hand dismissively. “Very well. If you think that’s the best approach, you may skip classes.”
I inwardly marveled at how easily she let that slide. My true motive was far simpler: to escape the drudgery of these lessons and focus on more productive pursuits—cultivation, making money.
“There’s something else,” I continued, my tone becoming more serious. “I need you to stop being so harsh toward commoners, and don’t heap excessive praise on the nobles either.”
“What exactly do you mean?” she asked, her arrogance temporarily giving way to confusion.
“I made a speech today, offering support to commoners. It’s part of a strategy to showcase the Sacred Family’s positive side,” I explained. “I plan to recruit commoners as my subordinates. If you keep insulting them, they won’t remain loyal.”
“Everyone already knows nobles are superior to commoners after today’s lesson. You don’t need to keep reminding them. That fact will become even clearer when I fight Nie Li.”
Shen Xiu’s face stiffened, but I wasn’t done. “Furthermore, Ye Ziyun is compassionate. She empathizes with commoners and despises arrogant nobles who look down on others.”
I leaned forward slightly. “Students like Du Ze, Xiao Ning'er, and even Ye Ziyun herself will start to see you, and by extension, the Sacred Family, in a negative light.”
I smiled politely, finishing my point. “I prefer to maintain a good image. If you undermine that, things won’t end well. So, for the next month, it's better to stick to your lessons and avoid making unnecessary comments.”
Shen Xiu’s face was a mask of restrained fury. If anyone else had spoken to her this way, they’d have felt the full force of her wrath. But being part of the Sacred Family, with her own ‘special mission,’ forced her to suppress her pride—for now.
There was more to this than just managing Shen Xiu’s behavior. By softening her approach, I could obscure my interference in Nie Li’s rise. If things seemed slightly different, perhaps Nie Li would attribute the changes of the timeline to a shift in the world rather than my own actions.
Shen Xiu’s sharp eyes narrowed. “So, she’s a foolish girl who pities commoners, is she?” she muttered to herself. A smirk curled on her lips, but she nodded thoughtfully. “Very well. I’ll keep that in mind.”
I nodded, satisfied that I’d said all that was needed. Without another word, I turned and left her office, my thoughts already shifting to my next move.
---
When the resonance of the bell echoed across Glory City, signalling the end of the school day, the students of the Holy Orchid Institute poured out from the gate, spilling into the bustling streets beyond. The air was filled with the chatter of excited youths, eager to explore the city after a long day of classes.
Emerging from the gates of the Holy Orchid Institute, I found myself on the bustling market street that lay just beyond the educational complex.
Within my interspatial ring, I held eight hundred thousand demon spirit coins, a full set of Bronze-rank armour, a Bronze-ranked sword engraved with the Scarlet Sunburst Pattern, and a considerable reserve of soul-enhancing and body-refining pills.
The ring also contained essentials such as food, water, and various miscellaneous items.
Though it was a high-medium-grade interspatial ring, the previous owner would have flaunted his wealth rather than saving it prudently. Had he been more cautious, I might have accumulated even greater riches.
As a Cyan Soul Realm genius and a member of a Major Family, I was indeed well-endowed with resources.
Despite the Sacred Family’s neglect in my upbringing, they ensured that I lacked for nothing materially, sparing me the stress of acquiring initial funds.
Merchants, already anticipating the rush, began calling out to the passing students with practiced words.
“Latest Bronze rank battle armor! With Snow Wind Patterns inscribed on them! Noble ladies and gentlemen, are you interested?” A vendor in a well-worn grey tunic was especially enthusiastic, his voice rising above the din of the crowd.
His eager pitch quickly caught the attention of several students, many of whom came from noble families with wealth to spare.
Bronze rank armour was far from cheap, but for the children of Glory City’s elite, it was within the realm of possibility.
“Look at that!” one student exclaimed, pointing to a gleaming set of gadgets on display.
The gauntlets emitted a deep, shimmering blue light, their surface adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to glow with a faint, frosty aura, and radiated an unmistakable chilling power of the Snow Wind Pattern etched into the metal.
“How much for these?” another student asked in a hushed voice, his eyes wide with interest.
“Sixty thousand demon spirit coins!” the vendor replied, a wide smile spreading across his face as he sensed a potential sale.
“Sixty thousand?!” The student baulked, his excitement dimming. “Good heavens, that’s outrageous!”
The price was indeed steep—far beyond the means of most ordinary families. Many of the students gathered around the stall and gazed longingly at the gauntlets, admiring their craftsmanship, but they soon turned away, as for most, such an item was simply unattainable.
“If Bronze rank armour costs sixty thousand demon spirit coins, then wouldn’t Silver rank or even Gold rank armour be completely unaffordable?” Lu Piao muttered as they walked past the vendor.
His own allowance was a modest five hundred demon spirit coins per month, despite his family’s wealth.
Although Lu Piao’s family had thriving businesses, even he found the price of Bronze rank gear outrageous. In his previous life, Lu Piao had often helped out Nie Li and Du Ze financially, but even his generosity had its limits, and Bronze rank armour was simply out of reach.
Nie Li and Lu Piao continued walking down the street, their eyes wandering over the stalls and displays lining the path.
“Nie Li, what exactly are you looking for?” Lu Piao asked, confusion evident in his voice as he noticed Nie Li scanning the street with purpose. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”
Nie Li remained focused, his eyes darting between the various merchants, but he said nothing for a moment, his mind seemingly elsewhere. He was deep in thought, formulating his next move with the wisdom gained from his previous life.
Before Lu Piao could press further, his attention was drawn by someone moving near them.
“Look, it’s Naraku!” Lu Piao muttered, nodding towards the figure standing near the merchant.
“And… Ye Ziyun is with him!” Lu Piao added, his voice lowering as his gaze shifted to the striking young woman standing a short distance away from Naraku. Even in the crowded street, Ye Ziyun stood out, her graceful presence drawing the eyes of many.
Nie Li’s heart clenched as he saw her. There she was, alive and well. The goddess of his heart, the girl he had lost in his previous life. He clenched his fists with a promise that this time he would not let her die.
As I strolled through the street, my gaze caught sight of Nie Li. I wouldn't miss the chance to annoy Nie Li. I have gained plenty of Karma during class, but the more I had, the better. I moved and stepped in front of Nie Li, blocking his path with an air of nonchalance.
Nie Li's eyes narrowed as he stopped short, his expression darkening. "What do you want?" he asked, his tone edged with annoyance.
I smirked and said. "Ah, Nie Li, you're from the Heavenly Marks Family, aren't you? Is it true that they're drowning in debt? Tell me, has your family hit bankruptcy yet?"
For a moment, Nie Li considered brushing off the insult, but noticing that Ziyun was nearby, he hesitated. He couldn’t allow Naraku to spread such slander, not in front of her. His anger simmered beneath the surface, but he kept his voice steady. "Actually, the Heavenly Marks Family is doing quite well. You must have heard wrong—my family is not in debt."
"Is that so? But you don’t seem to have much to show for it. You’re practically dirt poor, aren’t you? Your family can't even afford to give you an allowance." I said.
A chorus of snickers erupted from the group of nobles standing near me.
I reached for my spatial ring. With a flick of my wrist, I pulled out a thousand demon spirit coins and scattered them across the ground at Nie Li’s feet.
"It must be tough being poor," Naraku said with a bit of sympathy. "Here, take these coins. Maybe this will help your Heavenly Marks family stay afloat without resorting to loans."
Nie Li clenched his fists but said nothing. The other students, especially the poorer ones, looked on with envy.
At that moment, I received a template notification.
[+1 Karma]
Seeing this, I tossed another ten thousand demon spirit coins toward the commoners, sending them scattering across the floor like they were nothing more than scraps.
"A gift," I said, my voice dripping with benevolence. "From my Sacred Family to the less fortunate in this class. Take it, all of you."
[+3 Karma] I received another 3 karma from all the coins I've given to the commoners.
Although ten thousand coins was a lot, this trade was not entirely bad, and it also allowed me to slander Nie Li a bit more. The gains from this outweighed the losses, and I still have a few hundred thousand coins left in my storage ring.
However, I would not stop here; becoming a demon spiritualist required millions of coins, and I plan to gain more coins by selling equipment and items.
Satisfied with the spectacle I had created, I turned away, with laughter echoing behind me as I strode away. Some students murmured in awe, praising me for my generosity.
“Hmph. Ziyun doesn’t care about showing off your money,” Nie Li thought casually while gathering the scattered spirit coins. He glanced in her direction. Ye Ziyun stood among a group of girls, her radiant smile outshining the rest.
Although I might have mocked him, Nie Li wasn’t foolish enough to leave the coins behind. In his past life, such insults wouldn’t have mattered, but now, every coin is essential. The Heavenly Marks Family was indeed struggling, and his friend Lu Piao, despite owning a business, didn’t have much to spare either.
His eyes lingered on Ye Ziyun, who continued chatting with her friends, seemingly unaffected by my generous display.
Although she disapproved of looking down on Nie Li, my act of distributing spirit coins had caught her attention. Despite her disdain for such behaviour, she couldn’t completely dismiss what I had done. After all, I had given not only Nie Li but the other students a considerable amount of wealth. Wasn't that a noble action? No other nobles would have done the same.
Occasionally, Ye Ziyun's gaze drifted toward Xiao Ning’er, who stood silently on the edge of the group, distant and aloof. But Xiao Ning’er’s cold expression matched her usual demeanour.
She preferred solitude and rarely interacted with the other students. As the eldest daughter of the Winged Dragon Family, one of the seven Noble Families, she possessed a talent for cultivating soul force that was second only to Ye Ziyun.
In Nie Li’s past life, before the fall of Glory City, Xiao Ning’er had already reached the Silver rank as a Demon Spiritualist. Together, she and Ye Ziyun were known as the twin stars of their generation.
But Xiao Ning’er’s life had not been easy. In a bid to strengthen ties with one of the three Major Families, the Winged Dragon Family had tried to force her into marriage with Shen Yue’s older brother from the Sacred Family. Xiao Ning’er had refused and fled into the Black Devil Forest within the St. Ancestral Mountains, never to be seen again.
Nie Li knew that what Ye Ziyun wanted most was friendship. In his past life, she had always longed to be close with Xiao Ning’er, but the differences in their status had driven a wedge between them. Despite her outward poise, he could see the subtle glances Ye Ziyun cast in Xiao Ning’er’s direction, as though wishing to bridge that gap.
Lu Piao spread his hands, a dramatic sigh escaping his lips. "Tyrant! Throwing around ten thousand demon spirit coins like it’s nothing, and that interspatial ring—he's on a whole different level."
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
"Fine, maybe Ye Ziyun doesn’t care about money," Lu Piao said, nudging Nie Li playfully. "But hey, she wouldn’t be into girls, right? If that’s the case, your game’s already over."
Nie Li shook his head and thought. "Not a chance. In my past life, I was the only one she cared about."
Lu Piao shook his head again, giving Nie Li a pointed look. "Come on, Nie Li, how are you going to compete with a guy like him? Handsome, rich—he’s got it all."
Nie Li smiled, undeterred. "Money and looks aren’t everything, Lu Piao. Naraku might have all that, but he's an arrogant noble, and doesn’t have what really matters."
---
The market was alive with activity, offering an array of items ranging from cheap trinkets to exorbitantly priced treasures. Everything a person could need, whether ordinary or rare, could be found in the bustling marketplace.
As I walked through the chaotic throng, my eyes settled on an old man seated on the ground in the distance. His stall was nothing more than a threadbare mat, yet his goods were anything but humble.
The vendor’s modest collection of high-end treasures gleamed, clearly intended for the more affluent clientele. While other merchants peddled mundane wares—herbs, foodstuffs, and common items—this one had an air of exclusivity around him.
From a distance, I glanced at the artefact on display—a bronze rank armour with runes that flickered faintly with energy. The man sat cross-legged, a smirk of superiority etched across his wrinkled face, as if daring anyone without wealth or power to even approach his stand.
I coldly sneered, Overpriced nonsense for fools with too many spirit coins, I thought.
I knew well that items like these, hawked at the institute’s gate, were notoriously overpriced and aimed at nobles with more money than sense.
Moreover, I already owned a set of bronze-rank gauntlets with a Sacred Fire enchantment, safely stored in my interspatial ring. A superior set compared to what this old fool was trying to sell.
One of the nobles nearby noticed my gaze lingering on the salesman’s wares and called out, "Hey, Naraku, are you going to buy that armor?" It looks impressive."
I didn’t bother responding, merely snorting in disdain. My eyes flickered with a cold gleam as I strode toward the vendor, drawing immediate attention from the surrounding students and nobles.
The group of nobles who had been fawning over the armour fell silent as I approached, their earlier chatter dying down, and they instinctively parted before me, like an ocean splitting before a storm.
No one dared stand in my way. The influence of the Sacred family was unmistakable, and no one dared to challenge or interrupt my interest in the armor. Those who had previously been considering the purchase immediately abandoned the idea, unwilling to risk offending someone from such a prestigious family.
I stood before the old man, my gaze settling on the bronze rank armour for a moment before I asked, in a flat tone, "How much for this?"
The vendor saw the deference the crowd showed me and realised who he was dealing with—a potential buyer far more powerful and wealthy than the average student. His eyes lit up with greed; he straightened his posture and adopted a more humble demeanour, bowing slightly.
“Young master, this is bronze rank armour with Snow Wind Patterns inscribed on it,” the vendor began, his voice oozing with flattery. “The Snow Wind Pattern was created using the blood of a Snow Wind Banshee at its prime. Such a beast is notoriously difficult to hunt, and its blood enhances the armour’s power, granting strong attack capabilities. This armour is perfect for any Snow Wind type fighter or Demon Spiritualist!”
He paused for effect, then added, “Normally, this would sell for sixty thousand demon spirit coins. But for you, young master, I’ll lower the price to fifty-five thousand.”
My eyes gleamed as I realised the old man’s connection to the Snow Wind Family. The gauntlets inscribed with the Snow Wind Pattern were a dead giveaway. Of course, a lowly vendor like this wouldn’t have such high-quality gear unless he had backing from the Snow Wind Family. It all made sense now.
I eyed the old man for a moment before my lips curled into a mocking smile. "Fifty-five thousand for this?" I repeated, my tone dripping with disbelief.
"Yes, young master," the vendor continued eagerly. "It’s an excellent price for armour of this quality. It suits someone of your stature perfectly."
Seriously? AHa-ha-ha-ha! My laughter erupted like thunder, startling everyone around him. My voice, infused with powerful soul force, boomed so loudly than even Yuujirou Hanma's. The surrounding students instinctively covered their ears. Only the old man, despite his growing unease, managed to remain composed.
My expression shifted abruptly as his laughter ceased, my eyes turning cold. "Old man, are you really trying to sell this for fifty-five thousand? Do you know who I am? I’m from the Sacred family. Are you trying to take advantage of my family’s name to peddle this overpriced item?"
The vendor froze, his face going pale at the mention of the Sacred family. He quickly bowed his head, his voice trembling with fear. "N-no, young master! I wouldn’t dare! This is high-quality armour, but if you feel the price is too high, I can lower it for you—to fifty thousand demon spirit coins."
Though the old man lowered the price, it was still vastly inflated. He had expected some haggling and had already calculated this reduction without affecting his profit margin.
My expression darkened further. "Fifty thousand? You’re not only trying to take advantage of me but also my classmates by selling these items at such a price. Do you think we don’t know the value of these things? This item is 25% more expensive than items of similar quality. My family’s treasury is filled with better armour than this. You’ve been sitting here, trying to trick these students into wasting their money."
At my words, the nobles who had been eyeing the armour turned their attention back to the vendor, their expressions hardening. They felt the sting of almost being duped and now looked at the old man with a hint of suspicion and annoyance.
Seizing the moment, I reached into my interspatial ring and drew out a bronze-rank sword inscribed with a Scarlet Sunburst Pattern. I ignited the inscription, and the blade lit up with a vibrant glow, casting sharp shadows across the old man’s face. I pointed the sword at the vendor, my gaze merciless.
The old man’s fear paralysed him, and he dropped to his knees, hands shaking. "Young master, please forgive me! I didn’t know—I had eyes but couldn’t see Mount Tai. Please, show mercy!"
My eyes narrowed as I watched the old man desperately scramble to save face. I knew the tactics all too well—inflate the price, sweet-talk the wealthy, and prey on their ignorance. It was a trick as old as time.
I had learnt the hard way that in a world driven by wealth and status, people were either predators or prey.
Now, I was the one in control. I could expose the con artists, rip through their facades, and claim my rightful place at the top. I wasn’t the kind of person who would allow others to take advantage of him or those around him. Only I should be allowed to steal from others.
'The Snow Wind Family must be truly desperate to send someone like him out here to sell overpriced scraps', I thought. 'Trying to steal from the pockets of noble families in Glory City? I won’t allow it.'
The Sacred family and the Snow Wind Family had been locked in a bitter rivalry for generations. Under the surface, their feud ran deep, marred by grudges and underhanded tactics. The elder of the Sacred family had once secretly poisoned the City Lord’s wife, crippling the Snow Wind Family's influence in the city. But I couldn't just let Snow Wind family do whatever they wanted.
"Hmph!" I scoffed, sheathing my sword with a sharp motion. "I'll spare your life for now, but don’t ever let me see you selling anything in this market again."
Even his affiliation with the Snow Wind Family couldn’t protect him here. The old man’s face drained of colour as the surrounding nobles turned their backs on him. No one dared to cross me or the Sacred family, not with the clear hostility I’d displayed. His trembling hands gathered his remaining goods, and he gave a hurried bow before scurrying off like a beaten dog.
With a look of disdain, I watched his retreat, then shifted my gaze back to the nobles. My posture relaxed, and my tone slipped into one of calm authority, as though the entire exchange had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Now that this eyesore was gone, I could finally begin to move forward with my plan.
"My Sacred family is fair," I said, a sly smile curling at my lips. "For anyone interested, I have armour and weapons far superior to what that fraud was peddling. Bronze-rank, with Scarlet Sunburst Pattern inscriptions. A full armour and sword set for eighty thousand demon spirit coins."
The crowd, which had been frozen in stunned silence, now began to stir. The nobles exchanged looks, the gears in their minds turning. Excitement flickered across their faces. The prestige of the Sacred family was undeniable, and obtaining bronze-rank gear with authentic inscriptions for eighty thousand demon spirit coins seemed like a bargain compared to the junk that old fool had tried to pass off as quality.
Their initial suspicion of the Snow Wind armour now made sense. Although it had seemed impressive at first, especially with the old man’s flowery descriptions, it paled in comparison to the sheer power exuding from my sword. The Scarlet Sunburst Pattern that blazed across its surface when ignited had left a lasting impression. They could see it for what it was—a superior artefact, worthy of its rank.
Nobles only cared for the highest quality items, and the crowd buzzed with interest, whispering amongst themselves while others eagerly moved closer, already considering the purchase.
Noble 1: "Eighty thousand coins for a set of Sacred family gear? That’s practically a steal compared to what we just saw."
Noble 2: "And with Scarlet Sunburst Pattern inscriptions too. You won’t find a better deal in all of Glory City."
My lips curled into a satisfied smirk. This had been my plan all along. With a well-timed public rebuke, not only did I eliminate a competitor, but I cleverly promoted my family’s merchandise.
This move had a ripple effect. Not only would I increase my own capital by selling this armour, but each noble or commoner who purchased from me would be tied to the Sacred family in some way. My influence within the institute would grow, as would our family's control over the future elites of Glory City.
With every student that flocked to me for gear, another customer was lost for the Snow Wind Family, whose influence I aimed to undermine. The Snow Wind Family, headed by Ye Ziyun’s father, would slowly feel the pressure. That old fool, despite his prestige, wouldn’t even see it coming.
"If any of you truly seek quality gear, come see me in the future," I said with a casual wave of my hand. "I’ll personally ensure you receive armour and weapons worthy of your status. None of this second-rate Snow Wind garbage."
The crowd murmured in agreement, and I could already see several students nodding, eager to gain favour with me—and, by extension, the Sacred family.
This was only the beginning.
A carefully crafted plan, slowly but surely coming to fruition.
---
“Lu Piao, I’m going to help you become the strongest Demon Spiritualist,” Nie Li said, his tone firm.
In his previous life, Lu Piao had stood by him through life and death, risking everything to fight by his side. Now that Nie Li was back, he was determined to help his friend fulfil his dreams.
Lu Piao laughed, shaking his head. “Forget it. I’ve only got a red soul realm. Even with all the elixirs my family can give me, I’ll just be lucky to become a Fighter. A Demon Spiritualist? That’s way out of reach.”
“What’s the point of just being a Fighter?" Nie Li countered. “The higher you climb as a Fighter, the harder it becomes to improve. And no matter how strong you get, you’ll never match a demon spiritualist. Even a Legend rank Fighter can’t hold a candle to a Black Gold rank demon spiritualist in battle. Demon Spiritualists are the true powerhouses!”
His passion for becoming a demon spiritualist was clear. Nie Li believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well, no matter how difficult the path.
Lu Piao remained unmoved. “I’m not aiming that high. If I can become a Gold rank Fighter, I’ll be more than satisfied.”
Nie Li shook his head. “So what if you have a red soul realm? I do too.”
Lu Piao blinked in confusion. Nie Li had a red soul realm, yet he spoke with the confidence of someone who knew he’d reach 1-star Bronze rank in just two months. Did he have some special method?
“What exactly are you planning, Nie Li?” Lu Piao asked, intrigued despite himself. From everything he knew, there were no shortcuts when it came to cultivating soul force.
Nie Li smiled knowingly. “Just trust me. If you don’t give up, you’ll become a powerful Demon Spiritualist.”
Lu Piao’s reluctance wavered. If it really were possible to become a Demon Spiritualist, that would solve all his problems. He wouldn’t have to suffer his father’s constant nagging or beatings for being lazy. Lu Piao was the type who, if given the chance to slack off, would never let it go.
“Will it be troublesome?” Lu Piao muttered under his breath, half-hoping Nie Li would tell him it wasn’t.
“It’s not that bad,” Nie Li replied with a shrug. His expression remained calm as he added, “We just need a lot of money.”
Lu Piao’s face brightened. “If money’s the only problem, that’s easy! How much are we talking about? I’ve saved up two thousand demon spirit coins. I can spend it all if it means becoming a demon spiritualist.”
Nie Li gave him a long, exasperated look. “Two thousand demon spirit coins? That’s nothing, Lu Piao. Nowhere near enough.”
Lu Piao’s excitement faded. “Then… how much?”
“You’ll need millions. Maybe even tens of millions of demon spirit coins.”
“Tens of millions?” Lu Piao’s jaw dropped as he sucked in sharp breath. A million demon spirit coins was equivalent to the annual income of an entire aristocratic family. Where on earth were they going to get that kind of money?
In Glory City, demon spirit coins were the lifeblood of the economy. For most commoner families, two to three thousand coins could cover an entire year’s expenses.
The cost of living was measured by these coins—whether for essential goods like food and clothing or more specialised items like battle armour, demon crystals, and rare elixirs.
The Holy Orchid Institute, the most prestigious academy in the city, charged an annual fee of three thousand demon spirit coins. This was a staggering sum for commoners, but many families were willing to scrape by, sacrificing comfort just to send their children there.
The reward was too great to pass up. Even a Bronze-rank Fighter, one of the lowest in the hierarchy, could change the fortunes of their family. Soldiers of that rank earned five to six thousand demon spirit coins a year, and those brave enough to venture into the dangerous St. Ancestral Mountains could return with priceless treasures.
Nie Li, however, was not from a commoner family. He belonged to the Heavenly Marks Family, a once-great aristocratic house now in decline.
Their annual income, though far more than a commoner’s, was still modest by noble standards—around six hundred thousand demon spirit coins.
Yet, their expenses were immense. Just the school fees for the younger generation devoured nearly half that amount. The remaining funds barely covered the costs of maintaining the family’s dwindling assets, forcing them to sell parts of their estate just to stay afloat.
The family patriarch, Nie Hai, was a 1-star Gold rank Demon Spiritualist, and despite their financial struggles, he never wavered in his commitment to the younger generation. He believed that only through them could the family rise to prominence again. Every coin spent on their education, every sacrifice made, was an investment in the future.
In his previous life, Nie Li had thought his grandfather's obsession with nurturing the young was strange—too strict, too demanding.
But now, after his rebirth, he finally understood. Nie Hai’s strictness came from a desire to see his descendants succeed where the previous generations had failed. It was a burden that Nie Li now felt on his own shoulders.
He was determined to repay that faith and see the Heavenly Marks family rise again. With the vast knowledge of powerful cultivation techniques he had brought back from the future, he knew that his destiny was to lead them back to greatness.
But first, he needed resources.
His first step was acquiring a primary soul crystal. In Glory City, soul crystals were essential for testing a cultivator’s soul realm attributes.
Knowing one’s attributes was crucial for choosing the right cultivation technique—if the technique matched the soul realm’s nature, the results were exponentially more effective. However, a good soul crystal wasn’t cheap, and for Nie Li, money was tight.
"Let's go; I’m starting my plan!" Nie Li announced, a sharp glint of determination in his eyes.
Lu Piao’s carefree demeanour shifted. Seeing the seriousness in Nie Li, he nodded, his expression growing solemn. “Got it. What do you need?”
"First, go buy two crossbows and five batches of crossbow bolts. A crossbow costs one hundred sixty demon spirit coins each, and the bolts cost thirty demon spirit coins per batch. Don’t let the hawkers cheat you!” Nie Li instructed. "We’ll meet up at the school’s training ground."
Lu Piao blinked, a bit taken aback. “Crossbows? Sure thing.” He nodded but couldn't help the curiosity rising in his heart.
Since when did Nie Li know the prices of crossbows and bolts so well? he wondered.
Despite his confusion, Lu Piao trusted Nie Li’s judgment. “I’ll get it done,” he said, before turning to leave.
Meanwhile, Nie Li turned his attention elsewhere. “I’ll go buy some black pool grass,” he murmured to himself. The herb had a mild paralysis effect, and though it wasn’t very potent, it would serve his purpose perfectly.
As they separated, Nie Li knew Lu Piao’s financial situation wasn’t much better than his own, despite coming from a family with a steady income.
However, Nie Li wouldn’t let Lu Piao bear all the burden. When it came to buying the necessary herbs, he would cover the cost himself.
Black Pool Grass was cheap, and for just one demon spirit coin, Nie Li purchased an entire bunch.
Nie Li spent a total of ten spirit coins, while Lu Piao spent five hundred.
With that, he gathered some low-level fusing agents and headed to a small hill outside Glory City to collect Zoysia grass—an ordinary weed that no one paid attention to.
After meeting up, Nie Li plucked the Zoysia grass from the ground. Lu Piao rejoined him and asked. “What exactly are you planning?”
Nie Li chuckled, enjoying the mystery he was building. “Black Pool Grass has a weak paralysis effect, but it’s mostly used to numb pain. And Zoysia grass? People think it’s useless. But with the right fusing agents, if combined with Black Pool Grass, it can amplify the paralysis effect significantly.”
Lu Piao stared, dumbfounded. “Amplify it? By how much?”
Nie Li’s smile widened. “It’s still weak on most ordinary demon beasts—nowhere near as strong as a real paralysis agent. But here’s something interesting: have you ever noticed that Horned Sheep never eat Zoysia grass?”
“Horned Sheep?” Lu Piao echoed, his brows furrowing in thought. His eyes suddenly widened with understanding, lighting up. “Wait… Nie Li, are you—are you an alchemist?”
Nie Li let out a short laugh. “An alchemist? I suppose you could say that, though I wouldn’t call myself one.”
In Glory City, alchemists were those who used herbs to refine elixirs and concoct potions. But Nie Li wasn’t just any alchemist.
In his previous life he’d only dabbled in such things. However, Glory City’s standards for alchemy were pitifully low. They couldn’t even be considered true alchemists in his eyes.
During his adventures across the continent, he visited the Toxic Forest, where the real alchemists resided. Those people had survived centuries of attacks from poisonous demon beasts and knew the true art of alchemy.
Compared to them, the alchemists of Glory City were amateurs playing with herbs.
Nie Li carefully mixed the Black Pool grass with the Zoysia grass, adding just the right amount of fusing agent.
He worked quickly and efficiently, his movements precise as he filled six small bottles with the final concoction. Each bottle held a potent paralysis mixture, far stronger than what anyone in Glory City would expect from simple herbs.
[Holy Orchid Institute Training Grounds]
The training grounds at Holy Orchid Institute were vast, bordered by towering stone walls that radiated an air of ancient strength.
They had been established by none other than the legendary Demon Spiritualist, Lord Ye Mo, with the help of the principal, a Black Gold rank Demon Spiritualist.
This place was a proving ground for students who dreamed of rising through the ranks, a place where they could test their strength against captured demon beasts.
Every year, experts from Glory City brought in low-level beasts, stocking the grounds with fur-covered challenges for students eager to earn their place among the city's warriors.
The rules were simple: anyone below Silver rank could enter. Once inside, students could hunt the beasts and claim the spoils—demon crystals, beast fur, and other valuable materials. For some, it was an opportunity to train; for others, it was a lifeline. Many poorer students ventured into the grounds to gather resources and help ease their family's financial burdens.
Nie Li and Lu Piao, though not yet 1-star Bronze rank, had sneaked past the entrance.
The area they were headed toward was the safest part of the grounds, known for its horned sheep.
[Training Grounds Apprenticeship Area]
The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and wild grass. Sparse clusters of trees dotted the landscape, their shadows flickering across patches of grass.
Here and there, Horned Sheep grazed, their red eyes watchful, ears twitching at the slightest sound. Though they seemed calm, Nie Li knew better—once you entered their territory, they would charge without hesitation.
Despite their aggressive nature, horned sheep were still herbivores. Their horns were their only weapons, and while a charging sheep could inflict serious injuries, they weren’t deadly.
For novice students like Nie Li and his friends, this was the best place to hone their skills.
Nie Li had initially intended to recruit Du Ze into their ranks, but after recent events, Du Ze had become hesitant. The thought of offending the Sacred Family weighed heavily on the minds of many, and Du Ze, like the others, decided to distance himself from Nie Li.
But Wei Nan had chosen differently. Inspired by Nie Li’s words and driven by his own disdain for the Sacred Family, he had stood by Nie Li’s side. As for Lu Piao, his reasons for joining were far less noble—laziness. The Sacred Family would have no qualms about forcing him into laborious work, something he wanted to avoid at all costs.
"Hurry up and clean up. We don't want anything other than the horns, the fur on the neck, the demon crystal, and the demon spirit!" Nie Li quickly ordered. There was no time to waste; efficiency was crucial in the wild.
The Horned Sheep’s demon crystal was hidden deep within the brain. It was a small, thumb-sized gem and a valuable resource found in most demon beasts. But the true prize, the rare demon spirit, only appeared in one or two out of a thousand horned sheep.
Shaped like the flickering flame of a candle, the demon spirit could enhance a cultivator's abilities, making the sheep that possessed one far more powerful than the average.
Horned Sheep, though low-level 1-star Bronze rank demon beasts, were still profitable. Their materials—especially the horns, which fetched ten demon spirit coins, and the fur, worth five coins—were easy to sell.
The demon crystal itself would bring in another ten coins. Even without a demon spirit, a single Horned Sheep could net them twenty-five demon spirit coins, a decent haul for such a short battle.
As Wei Nan processed this information, excitement bubbled inside him. His family was poor, barely making two or three thousand demon spirit coins a year.
They had borrowed heavily just to send him to the Holy Orchid Institute, hoping he would be their salvation. Now, hunting with Nie Li, it only took them five minutes to kill a Horned Sheep; they could make thousands of demon spirit coins in just a few days!
"We have to move faster. No rest tonight!" Nie Li said.
"Okay!" Wei Nan's reply was almost giddy. His body, although not yet at the 1-star Bronze rank, was strong. An all-nighter was nothing, not when compared to the potential earnings.
Lu Piao, however, let out a groan. "You two are like misers, forsaking sleep for money!"
Working in sync, the trio resumed their hunt, moving like shadows through the training grounds. One after another, Horned Sheep fell before them.
Lu Piao was tasked with gathering the materials, while Nie Li and Wei Nan continued the hunt. By the end of the night, they had slain over twenty Horned Sheep, netting them around five hundred demon spirit coins—a staggering amount for students who hadn't even reached Bronze rank.
Even Bronze-rank Fighters, who toiled day and night, would consider earning twenty to thirty demon spirit coins a day to be a great success.
At night, the moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale light over the land. The insects chirped intermittently, adding to the stillness of the scene.
"Nie Li, I can't take it anymore," Lu Piao yawned, exhaustion seeping into his voice. "I'm taking a nap up in the tree."
Wei Nan, equally drained, nodded in agreement. "Nie Li, I have to sleep too."
"Go ahead. We’ll take a break tomorrow night." Nie Li had accumulated more than enough for their next steps. The time for hunting Horned Sheep had passed. There were no large demon beasts in the vicinity, which made the area relatively safe for cultivation.
Meanwhile, back at the Sacred Family estate, I had just returned home from the academy, the day's lessons still drifting idly through my thoughts. The halls of the estate were quiet, and the servants moved quietly, their presence was barely noticeable.
Just as I settled into the familiar calm of the night, Shen Kai, the Gold Rank Fighter of the Sacred Family appeared before me.
"Young master, Nie Li has ventured into the training grounds," he said bowing slightly.
I raised an eyebrow. Nie Li, that insufferable upstart. It was no surprise he would venture out under the cover of night, perhaps to gain some secret advantage.
"The training grounds, you say?" I replied, my voice even.
Shen Kai nodded. "Yes, young master. He went with two other students, just as the moon rose. No one else has seen him since."
"Good. Let him think he's advancing unchecked." I said.
Shen Kai looked at me with mild surprise but quickly masked his expression. "Shall we monitor him, young master?"
I shook my head and said, "No need."
He will either return with nothing, or he will find exactly what he is looking for. Either way, it will play into my hands.
Nie Li may have thought the forest was his sanctuary, a place where he could grow stronger without interference, but the truth was, no corner of Glory City, no stretch of wilderness, was free from the Sacred Family's reach.
Nie Li was foolish enough to believe he could advance alone, without eyes on him, and though tonight I would not confront him directly, there were many ways to guide the hand of fate without getting too close.
"Inform me of any news in the future," I instructed Shen Kai before dismissing him. As he disappeared into the shadows, I reclined back, letting the night continue its stillness.
The moonlight cast long shadows through the estate’s windows, and I sat in that silence.