A spirit mountain emitted hazy mist, surging with vital energy. At its peak, gales howled and sword lights flashed as a maiden in cyan robes wielded a longsword. Her graceful form exuded formidable aura, each move exquisite as icy qi burst around her. With curved eyebrows, large beautiful eyes, and subtle makeup, her gaze flitted to a少年 (youth) approaching. She gave a娇喝 (coquettish cry), stomped the ground, and soared into the air, skirts fluttering like a cyan-clad sword immortal, blade aimed forward.
Daoling's face darkened at the sudden attack. He eyed the charging figure and icy blade, extending a finger to grasp the sword. His move was lightning-fast. The cyan-robed maiden was大惊失色 (greatly alarmed): *Is he courting death? How dare he grab my sword? I was just scaring him!*
Clang! The sound echoed like metal striking metal. Daoling flicked the blade, causing it to vibrate wildly. The maiden's palm numbed, and the sword flew from her grasp. The weapon was extraordinary—when it fell, it sliced through a stone like tofu, likely a treasure artifact.
"What's your problem? Trying to kill me?" Daoling glared. He'd done nothing to provoke her.
The maiden stood stunned, amazed that he'd deflected her blade with a finger. "I should be asking you! What are you doing here?" she pouted.
"I live here. Where else would I go?" Daoling pointed to the bamboo courtyard, scowling.
The maiden's face flushed. She'd thought him a lecherous fool, but he lived here... "I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I've never seen you before and thought you were causing trouble." She blushed, apologizing—this newcomer must be highly accomplished in the Soul Convergence Realm.
Daoling waved it off magnanimously; though she'd attacked, there was no killing intent.
"Weirdo," Lin Shishi muttered, tucking her hair back. She shivered, suddenly realizing: *Is this the new student my cousin mentioned?*
Using his identity token, Daoling opened his door and sensed powerful fluctuations inside. He shut the door quickly, eyeing the drained energy before rushing to the spirit ferret. The ferret radiated essence, its fur shimmering with divine light, aura surging as it approached a breakthrough.
"It's about to break through!" Daoling grinned. The ferret was entering the Soul Convergence Realm, still asleep. He took out a drop of golden energy, dispensing only half—its power had nearly exploded his body.
As the half-drop entered the ferret, its life force surged, body radiating sacred waves, awakening faster. "The ferret should wake up soon." Daoling observed, then sat to study the *Ancient Alchemy Classic*.
"It has so many pill recipes. Alchemists guard recipes like lifeblood—rarely sold. Now I can learn alchemy without hunting for recipes!" He beamed, scanning the first few and fixing on the Soul Strengthening Pill. "This enhances the spirit soul. Stronger soul, clearer childhood memories." The pill required Soul Strengthening Grass, Clear Spirit Flower, and Jasper Leaf.
"Finding灵药 (spiritual herbs) will be hard." Daoling frowned. Spiritual herbs were precious, and he lacked gold coins—soul-enhancing herbs were especially costly.
He shook his head, continuing to read. When he saw the Heaven-Piercing Pill, his expression turned odd: *Main ingredient: true blood of fire-attributed divine beast, combined with Spirit Enlightenment Fruit, Marrow-Washing Flower, Primordial Spirit Fruit, and Spirit Accumulating Grass. This pill can push Soul Convergence practitioners to terrifying heights.*
Daoling's face fell. Beyond the divine beast blood, the Spirit Enlightenment Fruit was rare, the Marrow-Washing Flower could transform one's aptitude, and the others were unheard of. The flower alone was天价 (priceless), making the pill's ingredients nearly impossible to gather.
*This classic focuses on advanced recipes.* Many pills in the *Ancient Alchemy Classic* were unknown to him, confirming its immense value.
Just then, loud knocking sounded. "Her again?" Daoling scowled, opening the door to see strangers. "Who are you? What do you want?"
"Kid, you've been hiding well. We've searched for you. Now you ask who we are? You aren't entitled to know," a youth sneered arrogantly.
"Hmph, audacious wretch! Killing a Wang Clan member—have you eaten courage from the gods?"
The three men eyed Daoling coldly, dismissively—they saw no threat in him.
Daoling muttered: "Fortune smiles—money's here. I need coins."
"What did you say?" The men frowned, thinking they'd misheard. Did he call them "money couriers"?
Daoling closed the door, studying them. They must be related to Wang Ling, and their timing—arriving as he returned—hinted at Wang Ya's involvement. He'd forgotten that woman, finding it laughable how he'd been deceived.
"Persistent pests." Daoling's eyes chilled. Some debts had lingered too long. Wang Ya must be eager to see him dead after his long absence in the Spirit Pagoda.
His whisper irked the men. As Wang Clan members—even lackeys of Wang Junyi—they were unused to insolence. "You've grown tired of living!" a youth阴冷 (sinister)ly declared, releasing a powerful aura that suppressed the area. "Choose how you die."
The two behind Wang Feibai smirked—he was a Fifth Heaven Soul Convergence expert, more than enough to subdue a nobody.
"Stop! No fighting here. What are you doing?" A clear voice called. Lin Shishi hurried over, recognizing the bullies.
Wang Feibai's gaze landed on her pure beauty, his heart quickening. "Little martial sister, I'm Wang Feibai of the Wang Clan. What's your name?"
"Who's your sister?" Lin Shishi frowned, disgusted, stepping between Daoling and Wang Feibai. Though she sensed Daoling's strength, Wang Feibai was a seasoned expert.
Wang Feibai's face fell. "Don't tell me you're hiding behind a woman. You must answer for your deeds."
The trio released powerful auras, here for the Azure Crystal. Presenting it to Wang Junyi would earn great favor.
"How do you want me to answer?" Daoling asked flatly.
"Simple: hand over what doesn't belong to you." Wang Feibai淡漠 (indifferently) said. "Be smart. Don't make a mistake you'll regret."
"You want something?" Daoling scanned them,冷哼 (coldly snorted). "Let's see if you're worthy."
"Presumptuous!" Wang Feibai's face froze, especially in front of a beauty. Icy killing intent emanated from him.
"I think *you're* presumptuous, robbing me in broad daylight. Who gave you the nerve?" Daoling challenged.
"You!" The three men seethed.
Lin Shishi tugged Daoling's sleeve, whispering: "Don't fight them. The Wang Clan is powerful here—you'll lose."
"Relax. Breaking academy rules won't be easy for them." Daoling winked at her.
"Oh, you're so stubborn!" Lin Shishi stomped, pouting. She regretted intervening.
"Capture him! I'll see where his courage comes from," Wang Feibai barked. The trio charged, aiming to subdue Daoling and seize the Azure Crystal.