Commanding Immortals?
Was this similar to Commanding Troops?
After Chen Sanshi joined the army, he had gained the Commanding Troops ability through drilling and training soldiers.
And now—because he had two cultivators under his command—he'd acquired "Commanding Immortals"?
What's more, it wasn't a skill—it was a divine ability.
Unexpected, yet reasonable.
Half an hour later, Chen Sanshi signaled them to stop.
Even with mortal soldiers, one couldn't master a formation overnight. Cultivator arrays were even more complex. Even a simple foundational formation required time and synchronization. It was impossible to perfect in a single attempt.
[Divine Ability: Commanding Immortals (Uninitiated)]
[Progress: 5/100]
[Effect: None]
He wondered what effect it would have once he reached initiation.
The formation he chose was called the Three-Flower Spirit-Converging Array—a relatively simple setup with one purpose: two assisting cultivators would channel their stored spiritual energy toward the array's core cultivator, allowing that person's mana to last longer.
It was much like how a martial artist with greater blood and qi could fight longer—essentially borrowing another's energy.
In simple terms, it was a power bank.
They didn't have many people.
If they had seven, they could've attempted something advanced, like the Northern Dipper Formation, but with only three low-level cultivators, their choices were limited.
The Three-Flower Spirit-Converging Array was the most practical option.
The next day, before dawn, they boarded a carriage prepared by the Grand Marshal's Manor and quietly left Liangzhou, vanishing into the dim wilderness.
"The Edge of the World," Ningxiang said, having planned everything carefully. "According to your description, General, the fastest way is by water. If we travel both by land and river—though it'll be tiring—we can reach the southeastern coast in about one month.
"After that, we'll need to find a ship and head out to sea. If we're lucky, we should reach the destination in two to three months. Of course, that's assuming we pick the right route.
"Who would've thought—the path to immortality that everyone dreams of… leads beyond this continent."
Chen Sanshi sat in the carriage, eyes closed, resting. "You've never tried before?"
"Of course someone has," Ningxiang said softly. "But most who set sail never came back. People assumed the sea was too dangerous, so eventually no one dared to try again.
"Now it seems—they either succeeded or perished at The Edge of the World. Odds are, most met their end there, while the successful ones are few."
She paused, then added, "Oh, and there's news from the Seeking Immortals Tower. The core members are making major moves—searching everywhere for something. It's happening at the same time as the events on Mount Ziwei."
"Be specific," Chen Sanshi said. "Is it something like Cao Xie's relics again?"
"Who knows."
Ningxiang bit her silver teeth. "That dog surnamed Xun already pushed me out long ago. They'd never let me in on that kind of thing."
"When we're outside, don't call me 'General'," Chen Sanshi reminded her.
He had slipped away quietly; revealing his identity would be dangerous.
"Understood, Master."
When they reached the nearest dock, Fourth Senior Brother had already arranged everything. A ship awaited them—no need for any hassle. They simply boarded and began their journey south, heading straight toward the southeastern sea.
The journey was dull.
All they did was practice martial arts, cultivate, and refine the array.
Before they knew it, more than a month had passed.
Chen Sanshi's cultivation had reached a critical point. Guided by his spiritual roots, the qi within his meridians cycled endlessly until, at one instant, it felt as though a lock inside him broke open. Spiritual energy in his dantian began to flow freely.
[Technique: Five Element Art · Qi Refining Early Stage (First Layer)]
[Progress: 0/500]
[Effect: All Five Elements Present — Supreme Potential]
All Five Elements Present: possessing all five spiritual roots provides immense foundation for cultivation, though progress is slow. One can focus on a single-element method to reach its peak and evolve that spiritual root to a higher grade.
So that's what it meant.
Drawing on his vast experience, Chen Sanshi quickly understood the description.
He had discussed this with Ningxiang before.
The quality of one's spiritual roots was akin to a martial artist's physical constitution.
Spiritual roots were categorized as Inferior, Lower, Middle, Upper, Supreme, and Heavenly.
Beyond that, there were single and mixed roots.
As the name suggested, mixed roots contained multiple elemental attributes.
The more attributes one had, the slower cultivation became—it was like nurturing five trees instead of one, each demanding different nutrients. If the roots' quality was poor, cultivation speed slowed to a crawl, requiring vast amounts of spiritual energy.
Chen Sanshi, unfortunately, possessed all five elements, and every one was inferior quality.
Still, based on his past experience, as long as he worked hard, Heaven would reward diligence. His body would adapt and evolve to better suit his chosen path.
"All Five Elements Present."
That phrase meant that by cultivating a single-element technique, he could raise that element's root quality up to the Heavenly grade. Once it reached perfection, he could then switch to another element and repeat the process.
For example, if he cultivated a wood-element method, his wood spiritual root would strengthen and evolve over time.
"Guess I'll have to rely on effort again…"
"The early stages will be rough. I'll just have to grit my teeth and push through."
Chen Sanshi encouraged himself silently.
The path of cultivation was endless.
Each breakthrough could take years—even decades.
The Qi Refining Stage alone was divided into early, middle, and late phases, each with nine layers, and every three layers marked a true breakthrough that would enhance one's spiritual root quality.
For now, he had only reached the first layer—a beginner among cultivators.
As time went by, Chen Sanshi began to truly understand the meaning of "endless."
Another ten days passed.
His progress was painfully slow.
[Technique: Five Element Art · Qi Refining Early Stage (First Layer)]
[Progress: 10/500]
And worse—Shen Guiyi's gifted spirit stone was almost depleted. It wouldn't last until his next breakthrough.
"This is a middle-grade spirit stone," Ningxiang explained as she watched. "It's worth a hundred lower-grade ones. Whoever gave it to you must think highly of you. A stone like this can sustain cultivation for a long time after entering the Dao. But even then…"
She shook her head. "No matter how many spirit stones you have, they'll be consumed eventually. That's why we at the Seeking Immortals Tower have always longed to enter the Immortal Realm. They say the heavens and earth there are filled with boundless spiritual energy."
"Middle-grade spirit stone…"
Chen Sanshi reviewed his supplies.
He had one middle-grade stone, five lower-grade ones, and he'd taken two more from Ningxiang—making a total of seven lower-grade spirit stones altogether.
These items were all vital resources—he had to store them properly.
In the Five Element Art, several accompanying spells were recorded—some offensive, others defensive.
As for killing power, Chen Sanshi already had the Sword Qi Technique, which was quite formidable. What he lacked were reliable defensive measures.
Among the recorded spells, one was particularly notable: the Thick Earth Art, a defensive spell capable of condensing spiritual power into a barrier before the user, able to block a single spell attack. For someone in the Qi Refining Stage, this was considered an excellent defense technique. Its main weakness was that once shattered, it required time to re-form and consumed an enormous amount of spiritual power. Ordinary cultivators could only use it in critical moments to block fatal strikes.
The spell itself was a basic one—not too difficult to learn.
After merely half a day of practice, he succeeded.
[Spell: Thick Earth Art (Beginner)]
[Progress: 0/500]
[Effect: Stored and Unbroken]
Stored and Unbroken: with continuous spiritual flow, the barrier does not collapse or disperse.
A normal cultivator's Thick Earth Art worked like a disposable shield—once shattered, it was gone. But in Chen Sanshi's hands, it became more like holding a black-iron shield indefinitely, though it required a steady drain of spiritual power to sustain.
Moreover, he found that its defense was slightly stronger than the Protective Gang Qi of an average Profound Manifestation realm martial artist at Minor Achievement. Not by much, but enough to notice—about the same level as a martial artist with a body specialized in defense.
From that perspective, martial cultivation wasn't that weak after all.
The main reason martial practitioners couldn't rival cultivators wasn't because their bodies were fragile—it was because cultivators' methods were far too strange and unpredictable.
Take the Sword Qi Technique for example—swift, silent, impossible to guard against.
But in reverse, if a martial artist could get close to a cultivator, the outcome would likely be the opposite. Ordinary cultivators couldn't withstand the crushing force of gang qi in close combat.
As for Martial Saints, they could likely resist spells head-on. Chen Sanshi had seen this himself back on Mount Ziwei—Senior Brother Lü Ji's power proved as much.
And above the Martial Saint level…
Cao Xie's letter had said: "Once one surpasses the Martial Saint realm, one can stand firm even in the world of immortals."
But how far "above" that truly meant, Chen Sanshi didn't know.
Reaching Great Achievement or Perfection in Qi Refining wasn't necessarily the end of the path.
These were two completely different Daos.
Of course, that was just his speculation from experience—he'd only know for sure once he truly entered the cultivation world.
All the while heading south, he didn't neglect his martial training.
[Technique: Dragon Spear of Nation-Suppression · Profound Manifestation (Beginner)]
[Progress: 260/500]
Lastly came the Reading skill.
Ever since he'd read ten thousand volumes, progress had stagnated. Only after encountering texts from the cultivation world—especially those filled with unfamiliar symbols and languages—did his progress begin to move again.
[Skill: Reading (Minor Achievement)]
[Progress: 655/800]
The Reading skill's effects—like the Seven Orifices of Wisdom—weren't as visually obvious as martial progress, but its benefits were immense. It enhanced nearly all aspects of cultivation and comprehension, greatly improving efficiency.
"Hu—"
Chen Sanshi exhaled a deep breath and stepped onto the deck for some air.
Before him stretched an endless lake, its waters glimmering faintly beneath the morning mist, framed by gentle blue-green mountains on either side.
"Where are we now?" he asked.
The one steering the ship—a retainer from the Grand Marshal's Manor—bowed respectfully. All of them were at least at the Meridian-Connecting stage, veterans in both martial and covert service. Over the years, the Grand Marshal's faction had built its own secret network, loyal and disciplined. These men were effectively "death guards," absolutely obedient and tight-lipped.
"Reporting to Lord Chen," the man said, blade hanging at his waist. "We are currently in Hezhou. Once we cross this 800-li lake and travel another half-month by land, we'll reach the nearest seaport."
"Hezhou."
Chen Sanshi already had the map memorized.
This was the territory of the Prince of Zhen'nan.
Not long ago, after the Southern Xu Kingdom's 100,000-strong army was crushed, the brothers Fan Shuzhen and Fan Jiaxiao hadn't died.
When the Heaven-Sealing Ceremony concluded, they were returned to Southern Xu in exchange for substantial benefits. Despite such a devastating defeat, their vast family influence shielded them from punishment.
Meanwhile, Ran Jingxuan's father—the retired Tomb Tiger—had reappeared on the scene, seemingly planning something big.
"My lord, it's best you don't stay on deck too long," the retainer warned quietly. "This lake isn't safe."
He continued, "This is Liangshan Lake. Years ago, a group of canal builders rebelled and retreated here. With the Southern Xu's backing, they've since taken root. Now they command 70,000 men, supported by Southern Xu generals, local rebel sects, and even a Taoist who practices demonic arts. Combined with the terrain—easy to defend, hard to attack—the court's forces haven't been able to take them down."
"Liangshan Lake…"
Chen Sanshi found it amusing. The world truly had no shortage of oddities.
"Tell me more about this Taoist's demonic arts," he said.
The retainer replied, "A mysterious cultivator—he uses strange methods, causing several government armies to suffer heavy losses in past suppression attempts. With Southern Xu's interference, the matter's been left unresolved. I don't know the details, my lord. Please forgive my ignorance."
"In any case," he added cautiously, "if we wish to reach the sea, this route cannot be avoided. I only hope we pass quickly—lest unnecessary trouble arises…"
"No need to hope," Chen Sanshi said, turning toward the cabin. "That trouble's already coming."
When he stepped back out, he had already transformed—now appearing as Zhang Laizitou, the scabby-headed knight, with a long hedao blade hanging at his waist.
"Wooooh—"
All around their ship, countless smaller boats surged closer. Each was packed with armored men brandishing weapons and shouting, their rough cries echoing across the lake. Their chaotic formation and wild energy were pure bandit style.
The lead guard, Qin Changxu, remained calm despite the siege. Knowing escape was impossible, he ordered the crew to halt the ship.
Then he stepped forward and cupped his fists toward the enemy vessels.
"Heroes of Liangshan Lake! We're northern merchants just passing through. We're heading to the Great Xu Kingdom for trade! Surely you've heard of Merchant Jia of Great Xu? We're his associates!"
Since they dared to pass through here, they were naturally prepared.
On the enemy's ship, the leader was a middle-aged man with a thick mustache. He stroked it slowly and asked, "You lot are really friends of Merchant Jia?"
"Of course! Otherwise, why would we dare sail through this place?"
Qin Changxu clasped his fists. "Brothers, we're all on the same side here—let's not hurt each other's harmony."
"Even if you're Merchant Jia's allies, you still have to be inspected before passing."
The mustached man raised an eyebrow. "Not long ago, another crew claimed the same story—said they were merchants headed to Great Xu. Turned out they were agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, trying to assassinate someone."
Qin Changxu asked calmly, "And how should I address this respected leader?"
"Sixth Leader Jin Zhaofu of Liangshan Lake!"
Jin Zhaofu—once the sect master of a top-tier southern sect—had joined Liangshan Lake for access to resources to break through to the Martial Saint realm. With the Southern Xu's backing, he became one of the highest-ranking commanders among the rebels. Now, at Profound Manifestation (Xuanxiang) Mastery, he was strong enough to serve as a general anywhere.
"So it's Sixth Lord Jin!"
Qin Changxu smiled politely. "Then please, Sixth Lord, come aboard. We've only seven people on this boat—all old, sick, or crippled."
"Fine."
With a tap of his foot, Jin Zhaofu leapt lightly onto their deck.
More than 20 of his men climbed up ladders after him, fanning out to search the ship.
At a glance, the deck looked exactly as Qin Changxu said—only he was still young and strong. The rest were either limping, missing limbs, or so old their hair was white. One was even grotesquely ugly, with a long blade hanging from his waist.
"Sixth Lord," Qin Changxu said with a smile, producing a pouch of gold and several silver notes, "we understand the rules. Please grant us a little convenience."
"Hm."
Jin Zhaofu's expression didn't change, but he casually pocketed the bribe.
"Sixth Lord, all checked," one of his men reported. "They really are just old, weak, and crippled."
"What about the cabin?" Jin Zhaofu asked.
"There are only two women in there," Qin Changxu said quickly. "No need to search, right?"
"Oh?"
Jin Zhaofu twisted his mustache, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Women? Who says women can't be assassins?"
Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward the main cabin.
He pulled aside the curtain—and the thick scent of incense filled the air. Inside, a woman in violet sat gracefully, her beauty ethereal, like a celestial maiden descended to earth.
"Well, Sixth Lord," Qin Changxu began awkwardly, "I told you, just women—"
"Assassins! Definitely assassins!"
Jin Zhaofu snapped back to himself, eyes wide and greedy. "Men! Take these two little ladies back! Interrogate them thoroughly!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Sixth Lord, you can't!" Qin Changxu blocked their way in panic. "They belong to our master! If anything happens to them, I can't answer for it!"
"Then tell your master," Jin Zhaofu said indifferently, "that Sixth Lord Jin kept them for a while. I'll return them later."
"Sixth Lord!"
Seeing persuasion was useless, Qin Changxu's face hardened. "You're breaking the rules!"
"Rules?"
Jin Zhaofu sneered. "Here in this 800-li lake, I am the rules."
As the words left his mouth, Qin Changxu drew his blade first.
"Courting death!"
Jin Zhaofu reacted instantly, his long sword flashing to intercept the strike.
Qin Changxu, only at Meridian-Connecting Great Achievement, couldn't withstand the force. He was thrown backward—yet before he hit the deck, a gentle force caught his back and steadied him.
Sword light flared—Jin Zhaofu's next slash came straight for his face.
"Clang!"
In that instant, the long hedao blade blocked the sword.
Jin Zhaofu looked up sharply—at the hideous-faced man from earlier. "Well, well. You've got Profound Manifestation! So you really are imperial dogs! Brothers! Take everyone alive!"
"Clang—clang—clang—"
The sound of drawn weapons filled the air.
A rebel lieutenant raised his saber to hack down a frail white-haired old man—
"Bang!"
The next moment, a terrifying force burst out. The old man caught the saber with his bare hand and smashed his fist into the rebel's chest, knocking him unconscious instantly.
"Meridian-Connecting!" someone shouted.
The others were shocked—the old man was a cultivator!
"This cripple—he's Transforming Strength!" another cried.
All across the deck, similar scenes unfolded. An armless elder swung a long sword using only his sleeves, slashing wildly.
They weren't weak old men at all.
They were all veterans, retired masters from the Eight Grand Garrisons—battle-hardened soldiers, not commoners.
Chaos exploded across the deck as the ship turned into a battlefield.
On the upper deck, Jin Zhaofu swung his sword, releasing a powerful Sword Gang. Wherever it struck, the wooden planks shattered into splinters.
Profound Manifestation—Mastery Level!
His gang qi extended beyond the body!
"Buzz!"
Chen Sanshi's long hedao flashed, shattering the incoming sword energy.
Seeing his defensive stance, Jin Zhaofu sneered. "Ha! Can't even project your gang qi? Just a Profound Manifestation beginner. Die!"
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
Their blades clashed in rapid succession.
"True Dragon Force?!"
Jin Zhaofu's eyes widened. Something was wrong.
Though the man before him wasn't high in cultivation, his strength was monstrous—and alive. Each strike pressed harder, heavier, like countless iron jaws biting down on his sword edge. After only a few exchanges, chips appeared along his blade.
Then his gang qi began to falter. His defense broke. A chill ran across his neck—
The deck seemed to tilt and spin as his vision blurred. He saw his own body still standing upright, blood spraying from his severed throat.
Then came darkness.
"Sixth Lord!" someone screamed.
When the bandits saw their leader fall dead, panic spread instantly among them.
The Grand Marshal's guards unleashed a massacre.
The armless old man leapt onto a nearby small boat, cutting through the enemy as blood dyed the surface of the lake red.
"Quick!"
"Go call for reinforcements!"
The Liangshan Lake bandits loosed volleys of arrows while others turned their boats to summon help.
But everyone aboard Chen Sanshi's ship was at least at the Transforming Strength stage—mere arrows couldn't do them harm for now.
"Hero Zhang!"
Qin Changxu didn't dare use Chen Sanshi's real name in public. "What should we do? Grab a small boat and break through now? If we wait for their army to surround us, we'll be in deep trouble!"
"Thud!"
"Thud!"
Even as he spoke, the ship shuddered violently.
"Not good!"
"The lower deck's leaking!"
"Someone's cutting the hull from underwater!"
"Boom!"
Flaming arrows from the bandits struck the sails and deck. Within moments, fire engulfed the entire ship.
"Lord Jiu is here!"
"You're all dead!"
The bandits shouted wildly.
"Lord Jiu?"
Chen Sanshi pulled Zhaozhao close to shield her from the arrows and asked, "Guard Qin, you know this man?"
"Not much," Qin Changxu said, his face grim. "Just that he's a young man—supposedly a convict exiled from the north. During canal construction, he joined a rebellion and fled here. They say he gained fame for taming a strange fish and was recognized for his talents. He's a martial prodigy and later… somehow learned demonic water arts."
"Demonic arts, huh? I'll go see for myself!"
The armless old man snarled and leapt straight into the lake.
"Bang—!"
A few breaths later, a huge splash echoed.
The old man was thrown from the water, crashing onto the deck. Another veteran rushed forward to catch him.
"Boom!"
The lake erupted—sprays of water exploded upward as a tall figure rose from the waves, standing on a pillar of water itself.
Looking down upon them, he roared, "Imperial dogs! How dare you invade my lake and slaughter my brothers!"
"Demonic arts!"
Even the battle-hardened veterans looked uneasy now.
The man could control water—if that wasn't a demonic technique, what else could it be?
"Boom!"
Lord Jiu thrust out a palm, and a massive water column surged forth like a raging dragon.
"Clang!"
Chen Sanshi swung his long hedao blade, slicing the water apart. He shouted, "Zhang Shun! Do you still recognize your grandpa?!"
"Who cares who you are—"
Halfway through his words, the man in the air froze mid-sentence. His eyes widened as he stared at the ugly-faced figure on deck. His voice trembled with disbelief. "Uncle Laizi? You're… you're a top expert?!"
He had known this man since childhood.
They'd both grown up in Swallow-Edge Village, often playing together. Who wouldn't recognize that lazy, gluttonous, troublemaking scabhead who bullied even toddlers—but never with true malice?
How could that guy—be a master of the Profound Manifestation realm?!
And he just cut through my spell?! Was he… a cultivator too?
An old friend was an old friend—he couldn't keep fighting blindly now.
"Hold!" Zhang Shun shouted at once.
"Lord Jiu?" his men hesitated. "But he killed Sixth Leader!"
"Didn't you hear me? I said hold! I'll speak with them first. Then we decide what to do!"
"Yes, Lord Jiu!"
"Splash—"
Zhang Shun descended, riding down a wave before landing on the half-sinking deck. He clasped his fists. "Uncle Laizi, let's find another place to talk."
The ship was half-submerged already, moments away from breaking apart.
Ningxiang and the others were dumbfounded.
'How does Chen Sanshi, even in disguise, run into someone he knows? Who exactly was he pretending to be all this time?'
At Zhang Shun's command, a smaller skiff approached quickly.
Chen Sanshi followed him aboard and entered the cabin.
"Uncle Laizi, you've really been hiding deep, huh?"
Zhang Shun examined him closely again, confirming it truly was that same scabby-headed uncle.
But his tone was cautious. "What are you doing here? Why did you clash with Jin Zhaofu's men?"
"Just passing through," Chen Sanshi replied evenly. "That bastard tried to lay hands on the women aboard. I had no choice but to act."
"That man… The First Leader already banned that kind of behavior. Seems he never changed his filthy nature. Serves him right."
Zhang Shun relaxed slightly, then smiled. "Uncle Laizi, are you ever going back north?"
"Probably," Chen Sanshi said simply.
"That's great."
Zhang Shun called out to the men outside, "Bring me ink and brush! Uncle Laizi, I'll write a letter. If you return north, please take it to Liangzhou for me—deliver it to my brother.
"You remember him, right?
"Shitou—Chen Sanshi!
"You must've heard of him by now!
"My brother's amazing these days—four times through Hongze, three thousand men broke through one hundred thousand at Hulao! He's even been made a Count now.
"Since we parted back in Swallow-Edge Village, it's been so many years.
"I've never had the chance to send word home. Now I can't leave this place, so please, Uncle Laizi, deliver this for me—"
"Shunzi," Chen Sanshi interrupted softly. "Take another look. Do you see who I really am?"
"I'd recognize you anywhere, Uncle Laizi—"
Halfway through, Zhang Shun's voice faltered. Something in the tone struck him as off. His pupils trembled as he slowly raised his head—
And froze.
Before him stood a face both familiar and distant.
"Bro… Brother Shi?! Shi-ge?!"
With a loud thud, Zhang Shun dropped his weapon and fell to his knees.
"Brother Shi!"
"Shunzi," Chen Sanshi said with a faint smile, "it's good to see you again."
"Thank you… for taking care of my parents all these years."
Back then—
After the Ten Days of Yunzhou…
Zhang Shun's heart went cold.
He had later heard that Chen Sanshi had led the people safely across the river. Most of the commoners of Poyang County survived and returned home after the war ended.
Half a year ago, Zhang Shun finally managed to contact his parents in secret. They told him someone had been quietly sending them silver for the past two years.
That kind of kindness—how could he ever forget it?
"Get up already, it's not a big deal."
Chen Sanshi helped him up, scanning him from head to toe. "Not bad, Shunzi. A few years apart, and you've made yourself into a proper 'Lord.' Pretty impressive."
"Brother, don't tease me," Zhang Shun said quickly. "Compared to you, what am I? In terms of status, I'm nothing. In martial skill, I've only reached Meridian-Connecting, and even that's just luck. Got a few opportunities and managed to survive here at Liangshan Lake."
He slapped his forehead suddenly. "Right! I almost forgot—I've got something for you."
After making sure no one else was nearby, he closed the cabin door and reached into his chest pocket, pulling out a few spirit stones and a yellow talisman that—though clearly soaked in water—had not decayed in the slightest.
The talisman was covered in intricate runes that seemed half-engraved, half-drawn in ink, faint streams of spiritual light flickering along its lines.
"Brother Shi, I saw you just now—your blade carried spiritual energy. And since you're heading southeast, I figured you're not going to Southern Xu, but to seek the immortals, right? You'll definitely need these!"
"You're giving me… all of this?"
Chen Sanshi frowned slightly at the way Zhang Shun offered everything without hesitation.
"Yes!"
Zhang Shun nodded without a second thought. "I've heard that once you get there, without spirit stones it's like being a refugee here—you can't move an inch. You should take more. This yellow talisman is a protective charm—activate it and it'll shield your body."
"Keep it for yourself," Chen Sanshi said, waving his hand.
It was clear Zhang Shun didn't have much. How could he shamelessly take the little he owned?
But curiosity rose in his heart—how did Shunzi even learn about cultivation?
After Chen Sanshi refused several times, Zhang Shun finally tucked the items back away. "It's a long story. When I first came to Liangshan Lake, I fished for a living and traded for a few martial resources—just a small-time captain back then.
"One day while fishing in the big river nearby, I met a cultivator. He took me as a disciple, taught me some arts, and gave me these spirit stones. Said once he finished his business, he'd take me to the Immortal Realm. I just don't know how many years that'll take.
"My master forbade me from spreading the cultivation method—otherwise, I'd let you read it.
"Oh, and he also said lately a lot of immortals have descended into the mortal world. Seems they're fighting over something. If you're going southeast, you might run into them. Many civilians have already died because of it."
Another immortal mess…
Together with the strange events in the Luotian Mountains, it only confirmed Chen Sanshi's suspicion—these so-called immortals couldn't stay put. Immortals fighting, mortals suffering, just as the old saying went.
"Brother Shi," Zhang Shun said softly, "how's life in Liangzhou? Later…"
He stopped mid-sentence, realizing they now stood on opposite sides of the war.
"Why don't you come with me?" Chen Sanshi said. "I can get you a new identity, bring you to Liangzhou. You can even bring your parents quietly."
After all, Liangshan Lake was a bandit stronghold.
The only reason it hadn't been crushed yet was that the Prince of Zhen'nan was too busy elsewhere.
"Brother Shi, that's the one thing I can't do."
Zhang Shun's face hardened. "Those corrupt officials in the court—I've sworn never to serve them again. I won't fight for them, not in this lifetime. But if you ever need me, say the word. I've got enough say here in Liangshan Lake to help."
"Alright," Chen Sanshi said simply, not pressing further.
In truth, good and bad people existed everywhere.
Liangzhou was far better off than most provinces—no sect or clan dared act as arrogantly as those in Poyang had. If someone filed a complaint with the Grand Marshal's Office, justice would be served, no matter who was at fault.
Whoever broke the law—be they sect master or noble—would face punishment.
That was precisely why Sun Xiangzong had offended so many powerful people. Most sects and officials were probably waiting for the day he finally dropped dead.
"Then we part ways here."
As they chatted, Chen Sanshi used the materials he carried to restore his disguise as the scab-headed wanderer.
"Be very careful, Brother Shi!"
Zhang Shun said worriedly, "There's been talk lately of a demon in the southeast—one who hunts immortals. Things are chaotic up the mountain, and the court's eyes are fixed on us. I can't leave right now, or I'd follow you, though… I probably wouldn't be of much help."
After all, his cultivation was only Qi Refining, Level 1, and his water-controlling spell was just a minor trick—more bluff than power.
"A demon who kills immortals?"
Chen Sanshi's eyes brightened. "You mean a cultivator demon?"
"They say he's a martial artist," Zhang Shun said, his tone reverent. "I'm not sure if he's from the mortal world or the cultivation realm. But the immortals are terrified—while they hunt him, they also hide from him. Be careful, Brother Shi. They say he's ruthless beyond belief."
"I see."
Chen Sanshi stood and looked toward the remains of the half-sunken ship. "What about that?"
"Don't worry about it," Zhang Shun said, patting his chest. "We've got plenty of boats here. I'll have someone bring you a good one. As for the dead—leave that to me. They weren't even part of our faction, and since you came under Merchant Jia's name, I'll handle the rest."
The turmoil finally came to an end.
Half a day later, they switched to a new ship. After several days of travel, they finally docked.
They had now crossed into the borders of Southern Xu.
"Sir!"
Qin Changxu stepped forward. "Beyond here to the southeast is barren land. If we follow any farther, it'll be pointless. We'll stay in a nearby small city to await your return and handle your passage back."
The guards sent by the Grand Marshal's Office didn't know the real mission—they only knew it was confidential. They never asked unnecessary questions and were disciplined to the core.
They were loyal and brave, just like the Poyang soldiers who followed Chen Sanshi.
"Thank you for your company all this way!"
Chen Sanshi bowed deeply. "Once I return to Liangzhou, I'll treat you all properly."
"There's no need for such formality, my lord," Qin Changxu said with a faint smile. "We may no longer serve in the army, but we're still men of the Grand Marshal's banner. We only carried out our orders. Farewell!"
"Farewell!"
"Qianxun, let's go!"
Chen Sanshi called out.
"Coming!"
Their bond was so deep that sometimes he could almost imagine Qianxun replying with human words.
On the previous ship, Qianxun had been guarded the whole way. When the ship sank, she had jumped onto a small boat by herself. As long as no one targeted her, she required little attention.
Truthfully, Chen Sanshi hadn't planned to bring her along. He was heading toward the rumored Immortal Realm, uncertain even for himself. Taking a warhorse there felt reckless.
But Qianxun had been so eager that when he refused, she had thrown several tantrums. After she "promised" not to cause trouble, he finally agreed to bring her along—perhaps she would prove useful.
Just then, a panel appeared.
[Skill: Horsemanship (Major Achievement)]
[Progress: 0]
[Effect: Awakening of Spirit Aperture — Humans have spiritual roots; beasts have spirit apertures. When a human's root opens, one may step onto the Immortal Path; when a beast's aperture opens, it too may enter the Way.]
"Clop! Clop!"
Qianxun pawed the ground proudly, raising her head high.
"You want to cultivate too?"
Chen Sanshi stroked her mane, unsure whether this was the effect of the panel or something inherently unusual about Qianxun—or perhaps both.
He took out a spirit stone and asked, "Can you use this?"
To his surprise, streams of spiritual energy flowed from the stone into Qianxun's body.
Startled, he quickly put the stone away.
He only had seven in total—he couldn't afford to feed her too.
"This horse isn't ordinary," said Ningxiang thoughtfully, "but she's not exactly a divine beast either. According to records, true divine beasts have distinct features. Still, the fact that she can cultivate at all is a good sign."
"Let's move out."
Chen Sanshi mounted Qianxun while Ningxiang and Zhaozhao followed behind.
So far, the horse had only ever allowed one other person to ride her—Chen Yunxi, the young girl back home.
But Ningxiang and Zhaozhao were both skilled in martial arts and lightness techniques. Even on foot, they could keep up at a steady pace.
The three of them traveled through the wilderness, moving and resting as they went.
The farther south they went, the wetter the air became. Eventually, a heavy moisture clung to their faces like mist. They crossed several mountain ridges, and after a few more days of travel, a small town appeared before them.
It was the last inhabited settlement before reaching the coastline—Nanling Town.
Though small, it had everything: inns, taverns, teahouses…
Being near the sea, the air was thick with the salty scent of the ocean.
Once they passed the stone marker engraved "Nanling Town," vendors lined both sides of the street selling fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
The Great Xu Dynasty had a long coastline. People here lived off the sea, just as those inland lived off the mountains. Seafood was rare in both the Qing Kingdom and Great Sheng, so it was a new experience for them—an authentic taste of the local culture.
Before arriving, Ningxiang and Zhaozhao had already changed into simple Southern Xu attire. Without being told, they took the initiative to wander through the streets, gathering news. Before long, they returned with word—
There were immortals here.
"Of course it's true!"
An old man on the street exclaimed, "I saw it with my own eyes! That night, a celestial being flew across the sky standing on a sword!"
"There are monsters too!" someone else shouted.
"You folks from the provincial city?" another asked curiously. "Don't tell me you came to seek the immortal as well?"
"I'll tell you this—not only are there immortals, there's a demon too!"
"Just a few days ago, an immortal was killed right outside our town gate!"
"There's even a wanted notice for the demon! Over there!"
"Reward money too!"
In disguise, Chen Sanshi tossed the old man a silver ingot.
He noticed something strange.
There were many high-realm martial artists walking around the street—too many.
They wore the uniforms of local constables, but in such a remote place, the Tempering Organs realm would've been the limit. Yet here, many were at Transforming Strength, some even at Profound Manifestation!
Clearly, Southern Xu had dispatched its elites to keep watch here.
Originally, Chen Sanshi's goal had been to find the entrance to the Immortal Realm. But upon arriving here, he realized—the immortals were instead descending into the mortal world.
Something major was about to happen here.
And now, even the "demon who kills immortals" was wanted by Southern Xu's authorities.
Following the flow of the crowd, Chen Sanshi reached the town's market square.
There, hanging on the public notice board, was the wanted poster—
And on it was a painted portrait.