A silver moon reigned in the night sky, its cold light drawing long shadows across the narrow dirt paths. Liu Han led the way without speaking, and Wu Ming followed.
The village was quiet at this hour, save for the occasional barking of a stray dog or the rustling of leaves in the night breeze. Before long, they arrived at a modest residence.
The wooden house was old but well-maintained, the scent of dried herbs and aged wood lingering in the air.
Liu Han stopped and turned slightly. "This house is unoccupied. Get some rest."
Wu Ming cupped his hands. "Many thanks, Senior Brother."
Liu Han merely nodded, then turned and walked away, his figure soon fading into the darkness of the night.
Wu Ming stood at the doorstep for a moment before pushing open the door. The second he stepped inside and shut it behind him, the mask of politeness peeled off like snake skin.
His gaze swept across the small room. There was a wooden bed, a table, and a washbasin.
A sigh escaped his lips.
'Finally, some peace.'
Removing his outer robe, he stretched his shoulders before unfastening his inner garments. The faint scent of blood still clung to his sleeves, reminding him of earlier events.
He poured cold water into the washbasin and splashed it over his body. The icy touch sent a jolt through him, washing away both filth and fatigue.
'Damn it, if I had to be dragged into this shitty world, couldn't I have been some rich Immortal's pampered son? Cultivation should be a refined pursuit, secluded mountains, spiritual springs, celestial maidens feeding me grapes. Instead, I'm out here breaking my balls for a few lousy spirit stones. What a joke!'
Wu Ming's heart was full of grievance. As he continued to wipe himself clean, his mind remained active with the aid of the Seed of Comprehension, which operated at all times, enhancing his thoughts and allowing him to think fast and multitask with ease.
Once finished cleaning himself, he changed into a fresh set of robes and sat down cross-legged.
'The mission is completed. And I have also earned a small profit thanks to Junior Sister Su.'
He reached into his storage bag, pouring its contents onto the wooden table.
Thirty-two spirit stones, two bottles of Black River Spiritual Water, and one concealment talisman. These were his possessions. After collecting his mission reward, he would have another six spirit stones, bringing his total to thirty-eight.
'Still not enough. I'll have to earn more spirit stones and make it quick too.'
The Black Market that was going to be held in four days was his real target.
It was a place that held many opportunities, but it wasn't a place for the poor. While items were cheaper than what the sect offered, anything truly valuable would still demand a significant price.
His gaze then fell upon the two bottles of Black River Spiritual Water. Each bottle contained enough essence to equal three spirit stones worth of cultivation. Using both bottles would be the same as consuming six spirit stones.
A decision was made.
He uncorked the first bottle and gulped it down.
A cool sensation spread through his meridians, surging toward his dantian like a rushing tide. Upon reaching his dantian, the essence transformed into Green Copper Spiritual essence. With just his intent alone, Wu Ming manipulated the spiritual essence to batter against the natural blockage that guarded entry into the 4th layer of his dantian.
The impact was like waves crashing against an ancient cliff, yet Wu Ming remained motionless, directing every drop of spiritual liquid with precision.
The second bottle followed.
Again and again, the process repeated, the Green Copper Spiritual essence slamming against the natural barrier, each cycle eroding it bit by bit.
Twenty minutes passed.
Wu Ming opened his eyes, a starry brilliance flashing within them before settling into calmness. He clenched his fists, feeling the lingering warmth of energy within his meridians.
'So cultivation is just pay-to-win, huh? A few gulps of this, and I'm skipping six days of effort. Give me the whole Black River, and in three months, I'd be knocking on the sect master's door asking if he needs a successor! Heh, no wonder those rich young masters sit around all day and still get stronger. Talent? Willpower? Nonsense. Just drown in resources, and the heavens will part for you.' Wu Ming chuckled, shaking his head.
This was the gulf between relying on resources and relying on effort, as vast as heaven and earth.
He lay back, allowing exhaustion to settle.
Tomorrow, he would return to the sect.
.....
The next morning.
A soft knock echoed through the room.
"Master Wu Ming, are you awake?"
Wu Ming's eyes opened immediately.
The voice was somewhat familiar.
He sat up, adjusting his robes before stepping toward the door.
When he opened the door, an elderly man stood before him, his hands respectfully clasped in front of him. His posture was slightly bent, and his face held a warm but hesitant expression.
Uncle Sun.
One of the more respected figures in this mortal village. Though a mere mortal, he had been one of the few to take care of Wu Ming in the past.
Beside him stood a young woman.
Wu Ming's gaze flickered.
She was… stunning.