Chapter 3: Ling Tian Arranged Men To Spy
Ling Tian felt an exhilarating rush of energy coursing through him as he harnessed his newly acquired True Qi. With a decisive thought, he thrust his hand forward, slamming it against the wall.
A sharp, explosive sound echoed through the room as a massive hole appeared in the wall, debris flying outward in all directions. Dust settled in the air, and the force of his blow sent shockwaves throughout the space.
"Is this the power of a True Profound Realm expert? This is simply comparable to a rocket!" Ling Tian marveled, a broad grin spreading across his face. He couldn't help but feel invincible, a far cry from his previous limitations.
In this world, martial artists and ordinary people coexisted, though the martial artists held significant power. The foundation of a martial artist's journey began with the Body Tempering Realm, where one refined their body. After achieving that, true qi would manifest, elevating their abilities to new heights.
Martial artists were categorized into four primary classes: the Nascent Profound Realm, True Profound Realm, Earth Profound Realm, and the pinnacle, Sky Profound Realm. The True Profound Realm, often referred to as the Qi Master Realm, allowed practitioners to unleash their true qi externally, resulting in destructive capabilities that could alter the very fabric of their surroundings.
Ling Tian hailed from a prestigious martial arts family. His grandfather, Ling Zhengkai, was a revered figure not only in their clan but also throughout the Jiuzhou country, boasting a cultivation base in the later stages of the True Profound Realm. His father, Ling Zhenyu, also possessed remarkable talent, currently standing in the middle stages of the True Profound Realm.
Yet, Ling Tian had faced challenges due to his physique, preventing him from stepping onto the martial artist path during his childhood. However, the arrival of the villain system had changed everything. No longer constrained by his physical limitations, he could now elevate his cultivation base without the arduous training that others endured.
After relishing in his newfound power, Ling Tian took a refreshing shower, washing away the residual toxins that had accumulated during his breakthrough. Stepping out of the bathroom, he felt rejuvenated and invigorated. With a sense of purpose, he made his way to his study room.
"System, open my attribute panel!" Ling Tian commanded, eager to assess his progress.
[Host]: Ling Tian
[Age]: 21
[Strength]: Early stages of True Profound Realm
[Charm]: 100 (Maximum 100 points for ordinary people)
[Luck]: 100 (Maximum 100 points for ordinary people)
[Technique]: Heavenly Poison Scripture
[Items]: Qi Regeneration Pellets x3
[Villain Points]: 0
"System, what is the use of the Qi Regeneration Pellets?" Ling Tian inquired, curiosity piqued.
[Respected Host, Qi Regeneration Pellets can assist martial artists at the later stages of the Body Tempering Realm in breaking through to the Early stages of the Nascent Profound Realm.]
While these pellets were no longer beneficial for Ling Tian himself, he recognized their potential to bolster his subordinates. Many of his bodyguards were still at the Body Tempering Realm, and this gift could significantly enhance their abilities.
Summoning Qiang Zi, the head of his bodyguard troupe, he soon arrived, respect evident in his demeanor. "Young Master, do you have any orders?" he asked with a courteous smile.
"Take these three pills and distribute them among your men. They'll help them advance from the later stages of the Body Tempering Realm to the Early stages of the Nascent Profound Realm," Ling Tian instructed, handing over the precious pellets.
Qiang Zi's eyes widened in shock. He knew the rarity of such items and was deeply moved by Ling Tian's generosity. His loyalty surged, solidifying his commitment to the young master.
"Thank you, Young Master! I'll make sure they are distributed wisely!" Qiang Zi replied, a genuine smile breaking across his face.
"There's one more task I need from you," Ling Tian continued, his tone turning serious. "Keep an eye on Ye Feng. He plans to visit the antique street this afternoon. Stop him from buying any antiques at all costs. And make sure he doesn't discover your identity. Let him think it's Song Hui messing with him."
Ling Tian's mind raced as he considered Ye Feng's potential. He had scouted the protagonist's strength through the system and knew he was still in the later stages of the Body Tempering Realm, having only recently undergone a rebirth without resources to improve further. Today, however, the antique street presented a unique opportunity for Ye Feng, and Ling Tian intended to intercept him.
With Qiang Zi's cultivation at the later stages of the Nascent Profound Realm, he was more than capable of handling Ye Feng.
"Understood, Young Master! Should we confront him directly?" Qiang Zi asked, a fierce smile creeping onto his lips as he mimed a throat-cutting gesture.
Ling Tian chuckled softly. "Not necessary. Humiliate him as much as you can, but don't take his life. He still holds significant value, and I have plans for him. It's better to draw out his potential before we sever the ties completely."
Qiang Zi's expression turned mischievous. "Rest assured, Young Master! I'll make his life a living hell!"
With a shared understanding, Ling Tian instructed Qiang Zi to act swiftly, reminding him to remain vigilant and conceal their identities. The last thing they needed was for Ye Feng to discover their intentions and leverage his Protagonist's Halo.
"Go now, and don't let your guard down," Ling Tian said, watching as Qiang Zi left with renewed determination.
~~~
Meanwhile, after Ye Feng departed from the Ling family's manor, he hailed a taxi, heading straight for the antique street, his heart racing with anticipation. Memories from his past life flooded back, urging him onward.
The tales of a rare Marrow Cleansing Pill resurfaced in his mind. It was said to have the power to enhance a martial artist's physique significantly, smoothing the path for future cultivation. With this pill in his possession, Ye Feng believed he could elevate his cultivation aptitude and quickly break through to the early stages of the Nascent Profound Realm.
As he envisioned the possibilities, a cold smile crept across his face. After acquiring the pill, he would finally settle the score with Song Hui, the one who had dared to threaten him.
Arriving at the bustling antique street, Ye Feng was met with a vibrant chaos of people and stalls displaying an array of antiques. The air was thick with anticipation and the faint scent of history. Yet, he was keenly aware that finding true treasures among the myriad of imitations would require patience and sharp instincts.
"The stall owner with the Marrow Cleansing Pill is an old bald man with a teenage grandson. I'll start my search at the intersection," he murmured to himself, determination sparking within him.
Ye Feng navigated the crowded street, pausing at each stall, scrutinizing the displays with keen eyes. He couldn't afford to miss this opportunity. Every second felt like a lifetime as he scoured the area, searching for the familiar faces of the stall owner and his grandson.
"Damn it! Where is this person? How come there's no one in sight?" Frustration boiled within him as time slipped away. He cursed under his breath, anger bubbling to the surface as he scanned the bustling crowd.
His erratic behavior quickly drew attention. Passersby began to whisper among themselves, observing the young man who seemed on the brink of losing control.
"This young man must have been affected by something in the antiques," one commented.
"Could it be he was scammed?" another chimed in.
"What a fool," yet another added, snickering at Ye Feng's predicament.
Embarrassment flushed over him as he realized the crowd was watching him like a spectacle. Feeling like a monkey on display in a zoo, he clenched his fists, irritation mounting.
"Damn it!" he spat, quickly turning on his heel to escape the judgmental stares, his mind racing as he sought the elusive stall owner.