Chapter - 10

Zeng Wen, a cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Refining, was a long-time resident of the inner city.

Once, he had the potential to step into the Foundation Establishment stage, but an ill-fated battle left his cultivation foundation permanently damaged, dooming him to remain at his current level for the rest of his life. However, though his path forward was severed, his combat abilities remained formidable. At his peak, he was still a force to be reckoned with, and he never lacked the means to sustain himself.

Whenever his spirit stones ran low, a single trip to the Million-Mile Mountains was enough to replenish his funds. As long as he avoided the deeper regions, hunting a few first-tier demonic beasts would secure him sufficient resources.

And how did he spend his hard-earned wealth?

Naturally, on good food, fine wine, and the finest courtesans.

Recently, however, his funds had dwindled, and he was preparing for another excursion into the mountains. Before setting out, he needed to restock his supplies—acquiring a few talismans, purchasing some healing pills, and perhaps picking up a second-hand magical weapon or two from the roadside stalls.

Of course, while a single expedition could bring in a substantial fortune, the cost was just as high. Demonic beasts were savage, their thick hides and unnatural resilience often leaving his weapons damaged. Unlike the delicate beauties of Tianxiang Tower, who always ensured his "magical weapon" was polished and gleaming, those creatures were infuriatingly tough.

Still, luck was on his side today. He had just purchased a Qi Recovery Talisman and a few bottles of Fasting Pills, which, surprisingly, seemed to be of decent quality—comparable to those sold in the city's most prestigious alchemy shops. Feeling satisfied with his purchases, he was about to leave when a young cultivator blocked his path.

"Fellow Daoist, are you interested in learning about Zhongmiao Maru?" the youth asked, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue.

"Zhongmiao Maru? What's that?" Zeng Wen frowned.

The young man, Gu Shengtian, lowered his voice to a near whisper, his tone mysterious and profound.

"The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth; the named is the mother of all things."

Zeng Wen blinked.

What in the world was this kid talking about? Some kind of cryptic riddle?

Gu Shengtian took a deep breath, his expression solemn as if unveiling an ancient secret.

"Without desire, one perceives its essence; with desire, one perceives only its manifestations. These two arise from the same source but bear different names. Their unity is profound—profound upon profound—the gateway to all wonders."

He then gazed at Zeng Wen meaningfully.

"Fellow Daoist, do you understand the essence of these words?"

Zeng Wen hesitated. He nodded, then shook his head.

"I… I don't understand. But it sounds profound."

Gu Shengtian grinned, giving him a thumbs-up.

"As expected of a cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Refining! Even though you've just heard these words for the first time, you can already sense their depth."

Zeng Wen squinted at the youth.

Wait… this kid was only at the third level of Qi Refining. How could he be so sure these words were profound?

"Fine, but what does this have to do with this Zhongmiao Maru you mentioned?" Zeng Wen asked.

Gu Shengtian smirked and leaned in slightly.

"Fellow Daoist, have you heard of Yun Zhonghe, the legendary master of the Hehuan Sect?"

"Oh, you mean that Yun Zhonghe?"

"No, not 'that' Yun Zhonghe. The Yun Zhonghe, also known as Crane in the Clouds!" Gu Shengtian corrected, his tone stern.

Zeng Wen was momentarily confused but nodded.

"Alright, I get it. Go on."

"Then you must know of the story—how he mastered the Hehuan Sect's core techniques, refined them to their peak, and with nothing but a Golden Core body, defeated a fourth-rank Beast Emperor!"

Zeng Wen's eyes lit up.

Who didn't know of this legend?

As an old frequenter of Tianxiang Tower, he had overheard countless discussions about the renowned master. In fact, many conversations with the girls followed a familiar pattern:

"Where are you from?"

"I'm from the Outer Gate of the Hehuan Sect."

"Oh, I know that place! There's a man named Yun Zhonghe in your sect, right? He's incredible—said to be the strongest under Nascent Soul!"

"It's a pity though. No matter how powerful he is, the Hehuan Sect is still a place of debauchery. If you ever want to leave behind your suffering, why not seek a new path?"

At this point, the girls would usually sigh, lamenting the hardships of cultivation, and Zeng Wen would offer words of comfort.

But today, Gu Shengtian had a different tale to tell.

"To defeat a fourth-rank Beast Emperor with just a Golden Core—his accomplishment was beyond extraordinary. This alone proves the heaven-defying potential of the Hehuan Sect's techniques!"

"Indeed," Zeng Wen agreed. He sighed wistfully. "If only I had been born two hundred years earlier, I might have had the chance to witness such greatness."

Gu Shengtian smiled knowingly.

"Although you cannot witness Yun Zhonghe's glory firsthand, you can still experience a glimpse of his enlightenment."

"Oh? And how is that?"

"The mysterious words I spoke earlier—they are said to be insights derived from Yun Zhonghe's own comprehension of the Dao."

"Is that true?"

Gu Shengtian shrugged.

"I cannot say for certain. But years ago, I came across a damaged pill recipe in the marketplace, rumored to have originated from Heavenly Dao Peak!"

Zeng Wen's expression changed instantly.

"Heavenly Dao Peak…? But that was the domain of the Crane Emperor, a fourth-rank demonic beast!"

"Perhaps so," Gu Shengtian said with a sigh. "Unfortunately, the pill formula was too incomplete. I only managed to transcribe a small portion before it disappeared before my eyes. From what little I understood, I developed a first-tier pill: Zhongmiao Maru."

Zeng Wen's breath quickened.

"Then what does Zhongmiao Maru do?"

Gu Shengtian looked away, feigning shyness.

"To be honest… it has no special effects—merely a slight aphrodisiac property, along with strengthening one's foundation and nourishing Qi."

Zeng Wen's heart pounded.

An elixir that enhances vitality, restores energy, and improves Qi circulation?

Recently, after frequent visits to Tianxiang Tower, his endurance had noticeably declined. If this Zhongmiao Maru was even half as effective as it sounded, then for someone who had lost the hope of Foundation Establishment, this pill could become his lifeline.

"Is that it?" Zeng Wen pointed at a particularly exquisite jade bottle on Gu Shengtian's stall.

Gu Shengtian nodded.

"Yes, I only managed to refine one bottle. If Senior is interested, I'm willing to offer it at a special price—just five low-grade spirit stones."

Zeng Wen uncorked the bottle, inhaling the fragrance. A rush of warmth surged through him.

"Alright!" He slammed the spirit stones down.

"I'll take it!"

At noon that day, Zeng Wen stormed into Tianxiang Tower, brimming with confidence.

The female attendants at the door tried to block him, politely saying,

"The girls are resting today, sir. We are not accepting guests at this time."

But Zeng Wen, standing tall with the might of ninth-level Qi Refining, locked eyes with the Foundation Establishment overseer and roared—

"I want to fight ten today!"