Chapter 4: Spirit Gathering Formation

Chen Shen initially wanted to greet Ma Ruhai since they would inevitably cross paths often. However, after being ignored multiple times, he decided against it.

The hierarchy in the world of cultivation was deeply ingrained. Strength determined status, and even the most socially adept individuals from the mortal world wouldn't find it easy to navigate.

What Chen Shen didn't realize was that Ma Ruhai's attitude toward him wasn't just indifference—there was even a flicker of killing intent in his eyes.

Unlike Chen Shen, who had transmigrated into this world, Ma Ruhai saw him as disrespectful. In his eyes, an immortal cultivator at the fifth level of Qi training should be treated with reverence.

Yet, not only did Chen Shen fail to greet him properly on multiple occasions, but he even had the audacity to show indifference this time.

If Chen Shen had known what was going through Ma Ruhai's mind, he would have defended himself, saying, I didn't mean any disrespect. I just see you as a stranger.

But, of course, that wasn't something he could express outright.

To Ma Ruhai, a mere mortal like Chen Shen should lower his head, bow, and speak with utmost deference. Whether Ma Ruhai acknowledged him in return was entirely his own choice.

For Chen Shen to remain indifferent was, in Ma Ruhai's eyes, an act of defiance—an insult to his dignity.

---

The next morning, just as Chen Shen finished washing up, the bell rang.

When he arrived near the bridge, he unexpectedly saw Ma Ruhai there.

Since coming to Sky Burial Mountain, Ma Ruhai had never once assisted in collecting bodies. He either trained in his attic or went out on errands.

Yet today, he had arrived even earlier than Chen Shen, which was surprising.

However, as soon as Chen Shen saw Ma Ruhai nodding and bowing to a group of disciples wearing white robes and mourning sashes, he immediately understood—this time, the deceased was no ordinary disciple.

Chen Shen flexed his fingers slightly, looking forward to what he might gain.

"I greet all my senior brothers, including Senior Brother Ma," Chen Shen bowed politely to the mourning disciples and, as a formality, to Ma Ruhai as well.

Ma Ruhai completely ignored him, continuing to flatter the other disciples. Meanwhile, the high-status disciples, despite their grief, returned the greeting without arrogance.

"Junior brothers, please help us choose a proper burial site for Junior Brother An," one of the disciples, Wang Cheng, said hoarsely.

"So, they are disciples from Zhen Dao Peak," Chen Shen noted, recognizing the insignia on their waist badges.

"I'm very familiar with this place! Rest assured, I will find a perfect burial spot for Junior Brother An," Ma Ruhai immediately pounded his chest and promised.

"In that case, let us begin the burial," Wang Cheng nodded and signaled to the disciples carrying the coffin.

"A proper send-off with a coffin and fellow disciples to mourn him. Status truly makes a difference," Chen Shen thought to himself as he observed the sandalwood coffin.

Ma Ruhai took the lead, guiding the procession while Chen Shen and the Zhen Dao Peak disciples followed.

After walking for over half an hour, Ma Ruhai stopped and turned around with a grin. "This is the place. The scenery is serene, and it's a good spot for Senior Brother An's burial."

Chen Shen frowned slightly as he surveyed the surroundings.

"Something's not right," one of the Zhen Dao Peak disciples spoke up, pointing to the left. "There are unmarked graves over there—likely where outer sect handymen are buried. Junior Brother An deserves better than this."

Ma Ruhai's expression stiffened, and he struggled to respond.

In reality, he had little knowledge of Sky Burial Mountain's burial sites. He had only come here to make connections with influential disciples, while the actual work of burying corpses was always left to Chen Shen.

He assumed that disciples with higher status were buried in the center but didn't dare venture too deep into the forbidden areas reserved for elders and peak lords.

Now, faced with scrutiny from the Zhen Dao Peak disciples, he was at a loss for words.

Seeing Ma Ruhai frozen in place, Chen Shen smoothly intervened, "Senior Brother Ma meant that the correct site is a little further ahead."

"Yes, exactly!" Ma Ruhai quickly echoed, trying to save face.

The disciple gave Ma Ruhai a cold glance before saying, "Then let's go."

The group continued their journey, still led by an overly enthusiastic Ma Ruhai.

---

After walking through a small forest and a bit further ahead, they came upon an area where tombstones stood neatly in rows.

"This should be the right place," Ma Ruhai said with a forced smile.

Instead of responding to him, the disciples looked toward Chen Shen, who nodded in confirmation. Only then did they stop walking.

Ma Ruhai's face darkened slightly.

"Junior Brother An, I will personally break the ground for you," Wang Cheng said solemnly, unsheathing a sharp sword.

With a few flicks of his blade, streaks of sword energy cut through the air.

Boom!

In an instant, a square pit formed in the ground, with the displaced soil neatly pushed to the sides.

"Let's lay Junior Brother An to rest," Wang Cheng said, his voice filled with sorrow.

The disciples carrying the coffin carefully lowered it into the grave. Wang Cheng then took the lead in shoveling soil onto the coffin, followed by the other disciples, who each added a few symbolic shovelfuls.

After everyone had taken their turn, Ma Ruhai, ever the sycophant, hurried over with a smile. "Senior brothers, I'll take care of the rest!"

A disciple handed him the shovel, and Ma Ruhai began covering the grave with dirt, performing his task diligently.

However, after only a dozen scoops, he shot a cold glance at Chen Shen, silently signaling him to take over.

Chen Shen had already expected this and picked up the shovel without hesitation.

Ma Ruhai, relieved, quickly ran back to the Zhen Dao Peak disciples, eager to continue his networking.

After about an hour, Chen Shen completed the burial.

Gained techniques:

Cangwu Immortal Technique – Seventh Layer

Lost Formation: Stop Killing Formation

Small Spirit Gathering Formation!

Gained:

Immortal experience and formation knowledge!

A portion of spiritual roots!

A flash of excitement crossed Chen Shen's eyes, but he maintained a calm exterior as he walked toward Wang Cheng and the others.

Meanwhile, the Zhen Dao Peak disciples had erected a tombstone, inscribed the deceased's name, and placed offerings in front of the grave.

"Junior Brother An, may you rest in peace," Wang Cheng said solemnly, pouring a bowl of wine onto the grave.

One by one, the other disciples followed suit, offering their respects with red-rimmed eyes.

Chen Shen even noticed Ma Ruhai putting on a solemn act, pouring a bowl of wine and sighing deeply.

After completing the ritual, Wang Cheng turned to Chen Shen and Ma Ruhai. "Junior brothers, thank you for assisting with the burial. We will take our leave now."

"You're too kind, Senior Brother. This is our duty," Ma Ruhai said with an obsequious smile.

However, when the Zhen Dao Peak disciples merely nodded in response and prepared to leave, Ma Ruhai quickly stepped forward.

"Senior brothers, I have a proposal—would you be interested in making a deal with me?"