“One hundred high-grade spirit stones.”
“One hundred fifty.”
“Two hundred.”
In one corner of the marketplace, Xiao Lingyu and Kun Peng were locked in a bidding war over a short sword, each steadily driving the price higher.
While calling out bids, Kun Peng subtly observed Xiao Lingyu’s expression, wondering if Xiao Lingyu had seen through his intentions and was deliberately setting a trap. Yet no matter how closely he looked, Xiao Lingyu appeared completely determined to win the item, without the slightest flaw in his behavior.
Kun Peng then shifted his gaze to Chu Mingwei. Chu Mingwei seemed entirely uninterested in the sword, his attention fixed solely on Xiao Lingyu—as though he didn’t understand the item’s value at all and was only bidding to please him.
Several thoughts flashed through Kun Peng’s mind. Just as he was considering whether to give up, he noticed Zhu Yuruan—who had been staring intently at the sword—now looked as though he might start drooling.
Without hesitation, Kun Peng raised the bid. “Three hundred high-grade spirit stones.”
Xiao Lingyu appeared to hesitate at that price. He absentmindedly stroked Zhu Yuruan, as if deep in thought. Kun Peng’s eyes flickered—was he communicating with the Spirit Rhinoceros Pig?
Seeing Xiao Lingyu seemingly decide to give up and turn away, Zhu Yuruan suddenly leapt out of Chu Mingwei’s arms and lunged toward Kun Peng, staring fixedly at the sword.
Xiao Lingyu’s expression darkened. He grabbed Zhu Yuruan back.
Chu Mingwei looked at him indulgently, then stepped forward. “Five hundred high-grade spirit stones.”
At that price, even Kun Peng was startled. Five hundred high-grade spirit stones was an enormous fortune in the cultivation world.
Recalling rumors of Chu Mingwei’s deep affection for Xiao Lingyu, it now seemed entirely true—he was willing to spend so lavishly just to make him happy.
But then Kun Peng glanced down at Zhu Yuruan. The little pig was staring longingly at the sword in his hand, utterly captivated.
At that moment, Kun Peng made up his mind—no matter what, he would win this item. Anything that could evoke such a reaction from the Spirit Rhinoceros Pig could not be ordinary.
After quickly calculating his remaining wealth, he spoke decisively, “Eight hundred high-grade spirit stones.”
The stall owner was stunned speechless by the price, nodding repeatedly in agreement.
Glancing at Xiao Lingyu—who now looked regretful—Kun Peng tossed over a storage pouch, carefully cradled the short sword, and smiled as he bade them farewell.
Though he had spent every last spirit stone he possessed, Kun Peng felt he had made an incredible bargain.
Once he was gone, Xiao Lingyu and Chu Mingwei exchanged a glance, then returned to the Yun Tian Sect camp looking dejected.
Moments later, Meng Fan and the others entered behind them, grinning as they carried a storage pouch.
“Senior Brother, we all get a share, right?”
Chu Mingwei chuckled. “Of course.”
Meng Fan leaned in excitedly. “Are people from the Illusory Demon Realm really that out of touch? They actually treated a flying sword worth only a few low-grade spirit stones like a treasure. Eight hundred high-grade spirit stones—I don’t even have half that in my entire fortune!”
Bai Qian glanced at him. “So you’re secretly that rich? In that case, maybe you don’t need a share.”
Meng Fan immediately protested, “Why not? I was the one who arranged everything!”
Chu Mingwei watched them bicker with a smile, then looked at Xiao Lingyu. “You all can divide it among yourselves.”
“Really?” Luo Shaohan—the poorest among them—lit up with excitement.
Bai Qian teased, “Senior Brother, you have a Dao partner now. Shouldn’t you consult him first?”
Chu Mingwei nodded seriously and turned to Xiao Lingyu. “Lingyu, your call.”
The group erupted into laughter.
Xiao Lingyu sat there, watching them, and smiled faintly at Chu Mingwei.
…
After everyone left, Xiao Lingyu stroked the sleeping Zhu Yuruan and voiced his concern.
“The people from the Illusory Demon Realm seem to recognize Zhu Yuruan. Every time Kun Peng raised the price, he was watching Zhu Yuruan’s reaction.”
Chu Mingwei reassured him, “Even if they recognize him, it’s not necessarily a problem. I didn’t sense any hostility from Kun Peng. Didn’t we already suspect their interest in you? Perhaps it’s actually because of Zhu Yuruan.”
Xiao Lingyu wiped away Zhu Yuruan’s drool in disgust. “He’s been with me since he was young, but he must have a family. He once mentioned an ancestor. Do you think his ancestor could be from the Illusory Demon Realm?”
Chu Mingwei glanced at the pig, sprawled on its back and snoring loudly. “Whether he’s from there or not, since they came looking, they’ll reveal their intentions eventually. We’ll deal with whatever comes.”
…
Elsewhere, Zhu Xier carefully examined the short sword Kun Peng had bought, frowning.
“Are you sure you weren’t tricked? This looks like a basic sword for Qi-stage cultivators.”
Kun Peng frowned slightly. “You saw the Spirit Rhinoceros Pig’s reaction. How could it be ordinary?”
Zhu Xier examined it again but found nothing unusual. “Maybe the pig was acting.”
Kun Peng chuckled. “Zhu Yuruan hasn’t even lived twenty years. That’s like a human infant. He barely has intelligence, and likely only his instinct for treasure has awakened. Do you really think he could act?”
Zhu Xier thought about it and reluctantly agreed.
But after a long inspection, they still found nothing.
Eventually, Zhu Xier tossed the sword back. “I’m hungry.”
Kun Peng caught it carefully. “Endure it. We have no spirit stones left.”
“Not even one?”
“I didn’t tell you? That sword used all of them.”
“What?! Eight hundred high-grade spirit stones?!”
Kun Peng remained calm. “Once we return to the Illusory Demon Realm, we’ll make several times that back—just by saying it was chosen by the Spirit Rhinoceros Pig.”
Zhu Xier looked miserable. “That’s assuming we survive. I’m worried I’ll starve in the secret realm.”
“Cultivators shouldn’t indulge in food cravings,” Kun Peng said.
Right as he finished, his stomach growled loudly.
Zhu Xier stared at him silently.
Kun Peng remained composed.
Zhu Xier was completely defeated.
…
After the incident at the market, Xiao Lingyu stayed at the Yun Tian Sect camp for the next few days.
One evening, Zhu Yuruan was pestering him for snacks while Chu Mingwei watched with a smile.
Suddenly—a thunderous boom echoed across the sky.
A blinding light erupted across the entire wilderness.
Xiao Lingyu’s expression changed instantly. The Chu Tian Secret Realm had opened.
He and Chu Mingwei exchanged a glance and rushed outside.
In the sky, a massive stone gate had opened, radiating brilliant light. Through it, one could vaguely see towering mountain ranges. Dense spiritual energy poured out, and the crowd erupted into chaos.
Above the Yun Tian Sect camp, a massive sword phantom appeared as Ling Xiaozi’s voice rang out:
“All Yun Tian Sect disciples, assemble!”
Chu Mingwei gripped Xiao Lingyu’s hand tightly as they rushed forward.
Because entry into the realm scattered everyone randomly, even those entering together might not remain together. Chu Mingwei had spent days reminding Xiao Lingyu to stay cautious—especially not to trust others too easily. In the cultivation world, killing for treasure was all too common.
Xiao Lingyu nodded at everything, though he wasn’t too worried—he had survived it alone in his previous life.
As they entered the gate, a powerful force separated them.
When Xiao Lingyu regained his senses, he found himself in a completely unfamiliar place.
He frowned.
Summoning the Water Moon Wheel, he called out, “Old ghost, do you know where this is?”
After a long silence, the old ghost finally spoke:
“This is the ancient era.”
Xiao Lingyu was stunned. Feeling the dense spiritual energy—so thick it nearly condensed into droplets—he finally understood why ancient sages had been so powerful. Compared to this, the current cultivation world was barren.
“I never thought I’d return here,” the old ghost said quietly.
“Maybe we’ll find somewhere familiar to you,” Xiao Lingyu offered.
“What’s the point? Everyone I knew is long dead.”
Xiao Lingyu sighed inwardly. Not everyone could live as long as that monster Jing Zhan…
At the thought, the old ghost snorted and retreated into silence.
Just as Xiao Lingyu was about to release Zhu Yuruan, he sensed someone approaching rapidly from the left.
He immediately became alert.
Soon, a figure appeared—
Wings spread wide behind him, spanning three meters.
Xiao Lingyu’s expression hardened as he tightened his grip on the Water Moon Wheel.
It was him again.