Song Qianji slightly furrowed his brow and subconsciously touched his wrist. The fox tail bracelet gifted by Xian Jianchen was still there—his disguise remained flawless, so Wei Zhenyu shouldn't be able to see through it.
Yet he still took a step back, letting the tall figure in front block him completely from view.
Wei Zhenyu seemed entirely different from the familiar steward Wei Ping he knew, yet he also bore no resemblance to the low-profile savior of his past life who quietly amassed fortune and seized opportunities along the way.
He had revealed his brilliance too early, gaining widespread fame and becoming Wei Wang.
"Wei Wang, I've long heard of your great reputation! Seeing you today, you truly live up to the saying 'heroes emerge from the young'!" The Rogue Cultivator captain, Lu Zhou, clasped his fists. "I am Lu Zhou, unaffiliated with any sect, and was fortunate enough to obtain a high-grade Treasure Blade."
He patted the hilt at his waist, releasing a faint, icy energy: "This blade was forged from Extreme Earth Cold Stone. After advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, I became known in Tiannan Continent as the 'Sixteen Consecutive Strikes.' Our team consists entirely of Rogue Cultivators, here to gather Spirit Herbs. Today, we plan to venture deep into the forest in search of a century-old Li Fire Herb..."
Lu Zhou was very proper—the more detailed his self-introduction, the more it demonstrated sincerity.
While listening, Song Qianji probed with the red bead concealed in his sleeve. The bead remained still.
The person he needed to kill wasn't in Wei Zhenyu's team. Relieved, Song Qianji withdrew the bead.
Lu Zhou felt somewhat nervous. This Wei Wang was young, handsome, and charismatic, yet his imposing aura was so profound it felt intimidating to meet his gaze.
He continued, "This is our team's Formation Master, Wu Xiao, skilled in Protective Arrays within thirty zhang and illusion arrays within twenty zhang."
The plump Formation Master hurried forward: "Greetings, Wei Wang!"
Wei Zhenyu remained silent, his gaze sharp. Fortunately, Li Ciquan interjected in time:
"This is a fellow practitioner! I'm also a Formation Master. Back when I first started learning chess, Wei Wang personally taught me. We should exchange insights when there's time!"
The Rogue Cultivators smiled at him, slightly grateful.
Lu Zhou went on, "This is Zhang Hou, skilled in Evasion Arts and concealment. We've had close calls on this journey but suffered no losses, thanks to his vigilance in detecting dangers and ensuring our safety..."
Zhang Hou straightened his chest and cut in: "I volunteer as scout to lead the way for everyone."
Song Qianji sighed inwardly. If you truly relied on him, you'd have long been buried in a foreign land, turned into fertilizer for the secret realm's flora or nourishment for Sprites and evil spirits.
"This is the team's medical cultivator, Li Ling, skilled in emergency treatment and replenishing qi."
"And this is the team's Sword Cultivator, Wang An, known in Tiannan Continent as 'Swift Sword Chasing the Wind.'"
As Captain Lu Zhou introduced them, the Rogue Cultivators stepped forward one by one, eager to showcase their unique skills and even demonstrate them on the spot.
Even the team's most talkative and sarcastic Sword Cultivator performed a proper salute.
Just as Song Qianji was inwardly amused, he suddenly heard Lu Zhou say, "This is the team's Talismaster, Song Xun, skilled in drawing Anti-Miasma Talismans and Lightness Talismans... Little Song? Little Song?!"
Lu Zhou abruptly raised his voice.
Everyone turned to look. Song Qianji coughed awkwardly: "I'm here."
"We know you're here, you silly boy! Why are you just standing there? Come quickly and greet Wei Wang!" The Rogue Cultivators enthusiastically gestured for him to step forward. Song Qianji felt as though he were being roasted over a raging fire from both sides, all while facing Wei Zhenyu's cold gaze.
The plump Formation Master Wu Xiao even gave him a push: "This kid is just timid, shy, and honest!"
Who are you calling a kid?!
Song Qianji's vision darkened. He forced out a vague mumble: "Ahem, Wei Wang."
"Utterly unimpressive," Sword Cultivator Wang An muttered disdainfully.
"Little Song is just shy, Wei Wang, please don't mind him," Lu Zhou said with a laugh.This abnormality made Wei Zhenyu take a second look: "Your surname is Song?"
His voice wasn't loud, but the crowd immediately fell silent.
The gentle breeze couldn't disperse the thick scent of blood. As the sun hid behind clouds, the forest suddenly darkened.
"Yes." Song Qianji nodded.
Wei Zhenyu didn't speak, merely gesturing with a wave.
Song Qianji felt utterly speechless, thinking to himself, who taught you this bad habit? Are you summoning a cat or a dog?
Since leaving Song Courtyard, why haven't you learned proper manners?
Though "compassion doesn't command troops, nor does affection establish authority," Wei Zhenyu's arrogance was excessive. Feeling displeased, Song Qianji couldn't be bothered with him.
As he approached, however, he noticed Wei Zhenyu looked somewhat pale, with faint bloodshot eyes.
"He killed so many Crimson-Eyed Snakes overnight—it couldn't have been easy. He must have depleted his Spirit Qi and needs rest, but he's putting on this cold, aloof front to maintain authority and control over others."
At this realization, Song Qianji's irritation faded, replaced by amusement.
"What's your given name?" Wei Zhenyu asked.
"Song Xun," Song Qianji replied patiently.
The Rogue Cultivators exchanged puzzled glances, their faces clearly asking:
We've been showing off our skills to no avail, so why is this Song fellow quietly catching his eye?
"How do you write it..." Wei Zhenyu's sword had already been wiped clean of blood.
The blade shone like moonlight, cold as ice.
With a slight movement of his wrist, the sword tip traced through the blood-soaked, reddish-brown soil, drawing the three dots of the water radical.
Song Qianji kept his head lowered, eyes fixed on the sword's edge.
"Xun," Wei Zhenyu sheathed his sword, "This character?"
"Close enough." Song Qianji felt relieved.
"Yes means yes, no means no! How can it be 'close enough'?" Lu Zhou snapped, "How dare you try to fool Wei Wang?"
Song Qianji smiled faintly.
"It's fine." Wei Zhenyu waved his hand, "Go."
He wouldn't stoop to troubling a timid Rogue Cultivator.
Song Qianji returned to stand behind the crowd.
Li Ciquan pointed nearby with a friendly smile: "Please wait here for a moment."
The Rogue Cultivators obediently moved to the spot, awaiting Wei Zhenyu's decision on their fate.
"If only I'd claimed the Song surname first," someone in the group muttered under their breath.
After a short while, Li Ciquan returned, his smile more genuine:
"We're also heading deeper into the forest, so it seems we're fated to travel alongside you for a stretch. Wei Wang isn't here for Spirit Herbs—any herbs we encounter along the way will be yours first. As for other findings..."
"Of course, any other spoils belong to Wei Wang!" Lu Zhou cut in eagerly, "We'll cooperate against enemies, advance and retreat together! What would you have us do?"
Li Ciquan approved of his understanding: "Wei Wang is generous and won't let your efforts go unrewarded. Just act according to circumstances in the forest and do your best."
The implication was clear: more work meant more rewards. If they happened to be useful, they might share in gains beyond Spirit Herbs.
If not, Wei Wang would simply treat it as bringing along dead weight for a spring outing, protecting them for part of the journey before going separate ways after leaving the miasma forest.
Some in the group resented being looked down upon, their expressions darkening.
Sword Cultivator Wang An said coldly: "We brothers have long admired Wei Wang's reputation—we came to see a hero, not to freeload or take advantage!"
Lu Zhou shot him a warning look, smiling at Li Ciquan: "True worth reveals itself over distance. I won't waste words."
Song Qianji listened impassively, thinking to himself: Where did Wei Zhenyu learn these tactics? Showing favor while displaying contempt, using just a few words to make a whole group eager to prove their worth.
If he followed up in a couple days with renewed respect and humility, these Rogue Cultivators would probably be moved to tears.However, he led his men into the miasma forest not for spirit herbs, so his ambitions must be greater. Could he be seeking the inner core of a great demon, or searching for the entrance to the underground palace within the miasma forest?
"Let's move." Wei Zhenyu stood up.
The silver-armored soldiers followed him like a well-trained army.
The rogue cultivators brought up the rear. The plump formation master dragged Li Ciquan into casual conversation: "This is my first time meeting a fellow formation master in the secret realm. May I ask what array you specialize in, Brother Li?"
Though Li Ciquan was younger, the man widened his eyes and smoothly addressed him as "brother."
"I've practiced the Yin-Yang Dual Killing Array most frequently. Have you heard of it, Fellow Daoist Wu?"
With the intimidating Wei Zhenyu farther away, the atmosphere relaxed considerably. The group chatted and laughed, appearing harmonious on the surface at least.
When the topic turned to Wei Wang again, Li Ciquan suddenly lowered his voice: "I've discovered two taboos regarding Wei Wang through my own observations. I'll share them for your reference."
The rogue cultivators grew serious, pricking up their ears.
"Sometimes Wei Wang does things that seem strange. Don't ask too many questions. Even if you don't understand, carry out his orders first. He dislikes explaining himself, but he's always right in the end."
Song Qianji remained silent. Is this the confidence of a savior?
"What's the second one?!" Lu Zhou asked urgently.
"The second," Li Ciquan continued, "is never mention that other Wang in front of him. Don't speak of him, whether in praise or criticism."
"Does Wei Wang have some grievance with the one from Thousand Canals?"
Li Ciquan said solemnly, "Don't ask too much."
"Understood! We brothers know what's important. We won't ask what shouldn't be asked or say what shouldn't be said. Don't worry!" Lu Zhou patted his chest in assurance.
But Song Qianji couldn't help asking, "Which Song Wang are you referring to?"
Zhang Hou laughed heartily: "Who else could it be? Claiming the title of 'Wang' isn't like calling yourself sect leader, clan head, elder, or true person. It's not as simple as raising a bamboo pole and flying a banner. You need territory, wealth, power, and most importantly, the people's hearts. You must possess the charisma to command thousands with a single call—only then will others acknowledge you as 'Wang.' Otherwise, try claiming the title yourself!
"The only one who can still be called 'Wang' nowadays is naturally the Thousand Canals Wang, Song Qianji. It's a pity the two reside in different continents—one Wang never meets the other."
Song Qianji chuckled wryly: "Actually, that's just a rumor. Song Qianji never claimed the title of 'Wang' himself."
Lu Zhou laughed at his naivety: "He's just biding his time, conserving his strength. It's like snow in winter—the only difference is whether it falls early or late."
Song Qianji didn't want any snow; he just wanted to argue his case: "Actually, he's just an immortal official who farms and tends flowers every day, completely lacking ambition..."
"Immortal official? Thousand Canals hasn't been under Huawei Sect's jurisdiction for years! With Huawei Sect closed for three years, who still considers him an immortal official?" The sword cultivator sneered, "Farming? Under the guise of farming, he's stockpiling grain and winning hearts. It's the classic strategy: 'Build high walls, store abundant grain, and delay claiming kingship.' If he truly lacked ambition, why would he instruct disciples? The cultivators of Thousand Canals call themselves 'disciples of Song Courtyard'—every single one is loyal to him."
Song Qianji fell silent.
At this point, circumstances were forcing his hand. Even if he pointed his sword at his own heart and swore he had no grand ambitions, probably no one would believe him!
"Let's keep these discussions among ourselves. When we're in front of Wei Wang..." Li Ciquan glanced toward Wei Zhenyu's back.
"Understood, understood!" the rogue cultivators quickly assented. The sword cultivator shot Song Qianji a few warning looks, hinting that he shouldn't have brought up the topic.
Song Qianji merely smiled good-naturedly, which made others lose their irritation.Zhang Hou slapped the Talisman for Avoiding Miasma given by Song Qianji onto his body, then scurried up a large tree in a flash. Swinging from vine to vine, he disappeared after a few leaps, scouting the path ahead.
The rest of the group followed cautiously, their nerves on edge. Every rustle of grass or whisper of wind made them jump, eager to sound the alarm.
However, the commotion Wei Zhenyu had caused while slaying the snakes the previous night had alerted the lesser demon beasts in the forest. Knowing a formidable adversary had arrived, they lay low, preying only on the weak. Occasionally, a few fire foxes would poke their heads out or extend a claw, only to be swiftly eliminated by the Silver Armor beside Wei Zhenyu.
The Rogue Cultivators found no opportunity to prove themselves along the way, leaving them deeply disheartened.
As night fell again and they gathered around the campfire, their sighs of disappointment persisted.
They poked at the fire, idly weaving grass locusts, and silently counted the stars in the sky.
Lu Zhou tried to boost morale: "Everyone, rest well tonight and prepare for tomorrow’s battle!"
Song Qianji hinted cryptically: "Where there’s an anomaly, there must be a demon."
After sunset, when the night grew still, what was hidden in the shadows began to reveal itself.
He faintly sensed a familiar presence—that Sprite had not died.
Wei Zhenyu had slaughtered all her snakes but spared her. She was bound to seek revenge.
Song Qianji thought he understood. That Sprite was exceptionally beautiful and skilled in beguiling illusions.
Wei Zhenyu, in the prime of his youth, might have felt a moment of pity and let her go once. It was only natural.
After all, everyone appreciates beauty—there’s no shame in that.
"Demon, my foot! The demons have all been scared off by Wei Wang... Hey! Senior Brother Li!" The plump Formation Master, seeing Li Ciquan approach, tossed aside the half-woven grass leaf, wiped his hands on his robe, and stood up.
The Rogue Cultivators rose one after another, greeting him and glancing toward Wei Zhenyu’s direction not far away.
"Everyone, did any of you bring seasonings?" Li Ciquan got straight to the point.
"Seasonings?!" Lu Zhou was stunned. "Does Wei Wang want to eat?"
Li Ciquan smiled wryly: "The belly meat of these Red-Eyed Snakes is rich in Spirit Qi. It’s highly nourishing and considered a delicacy in the Cultivation World’s restaurants. Unfortunately, none of us know how to cook it. When boiled, it turns out fishy, gamey, and unpleasantly sticky—truly hard to swallow."
"Cooking?" Lu Zhou’s eyes lit up.
Song Qianji’s heart sank. He immediately stepped sideways, blocking Lu Zhou from view.
"But Little Song can cook!" Zhang Hou exclaimed.
The medical cultivator chimed in loudly: "That’s right! Little Song once cooked noodles for us before! They were delicious!"
Song Qianji let out a soft hiss, as if his tooth ached.
Back when he’d first infiltrated the team to gain their trust, he had indeed prepared a few meals.
Now, these teammates were exaggerating his modest cooking skills tenfold, praising him to the skies as if he were the reincarnation of a culinary god.
The Sword Cultivator, for once, refrained from mockery and instead looked envious: "Many skills are no burden. Today’s your chance to shine."
"This opportunity is yours. Make the most of it and win some honor for us!" The plump Formation Master gave Song Qianji’s shoulder a hearty slap.
Song Qianji: "..."
I’m so grateful to you all.
Li Ciquan’s gaze was full of expectation: "Fellow Daoist Song, please!"
"Can’t Wei Wang cook for himself?" Song Qianji asked casually as he followed Li Ciquan forward.
"Fellow Daoist, you jest. Wei Wang was born to wield a sword—when has he ever held a spoon? He’s been in seclusion for years and can’t tell one grain from another! The snake stew is to replenish everyone’s Spirit Qi, haha!"
Song Qianji nodded.
Wei Zhenyu, I don’t believe a word of it.
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