Chapter 152: Forcing His Way into the Factory Building

“Congratulations, you’ve directly advanced to the sixth rank of Spirit Blossom.”

After I spoke, Nangong Xi still looked at me with disbelief. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “Am I close to reaching the Spirit Lotus stage?”

I nodded slightly, then, together with Second Uncle, we left Nangong Xi’s room.

“This girl is truly gifted. Though she’s not like you, she’s still a rare talent among people,” Second Uncle said proudly. He had always taken pride in both of us, and it seemed that his skills would not be lost to future generations.

After speaking, Second Uncle returned to his room. I was just about to resume training when my phone rang. I checked—it was an unknown number.

“Hello, who is this?”

“If you want to save Chen Chen, bring one million as ransom. I’ll tell you the location afterward.”

My heart skipped a beat. What was going on this time? I was about to ask more when the line suddenly went dead.

My mind was momentarily blank. I sank weakly onto a stool.

Judging by the situation, Chen Chen had been kidnapped. The voice on the phone was unfamiliar; clearly some unknown kidnapper.

Chen Chen should still be safe for now; otherwise, the kidnapper wouldn’t be demanding money from me.

But Chen Chen is no weakling. With his silver-tipped spear, anyone at his level would be no match for him.

It seemed the kidnappers were skilled and powerful.

I still had plenty of money on hand. One million was a considerable sum, but I wondered if there was a way to rescue Chen Chen without endangering him or spending a dime.

The only choice was to go rescue him myself.

I went back inside and changed into a white brocade robe, then sat down to devise a plan.

Now that I had reached the second rank of Spirit Lotus, ordinary experts were no challenge at all. I could defeat them with ease. My only worry was encountering someone with rich combat experience and a higher cultivation level.

I decided to wait for the right opportunity; if I couldn’t win, I’d pay the ransom.

“Where are you off to, young man?” Second Uncle emerged, seeing me dressed in brocade and assuming I was heading out.

I smiled awkwardly, still debating whether to tell him the truth.

Suddenly, the phone rang again—it was the same person.

I answered quickly. “I’m willing to pay, but I need to ensure Chen Chen’s safety first.”

The voice on the other end seemed to want to say something but hung up after hearing my condition.

I thought it was hopeless, but after a while, the person sent a photo via text.

In the picture, Chen Chen was slumped against a wall, hands and feet tightly bound, his mouth taped shut, looking unconscious.

Then the kidnapper messaged: “If you want to save him, come to the old factory at 2 p.m. today.”

This old factory was the abandoned power plant on the outskirts of our city, long deserted.

I had to admit, the kidnapper was clever to find such a place.

It was just past ten in the morning—four hours until the meeting.

In these four hours, I needed to plan a rescue and conduct a reconnaissance of the site.

I left the mountain silently, ignoring Second Uncle’s questions and making up a flimsy excuse.

After descending, I sprinted along the highway. It took over ten minutes before I found a taxi.

I gave the address of the old factory, but the driver seemed reluctant.

“Kid, you don’t know. There’s a gang of bandits in that old factory. Even the police can’t handle them. I advise you not to go.”

I nodded, thinking these bandits would soon be dealt with by righteous cultivators.

Well then, I’d meet them ahead of time myself.

“No worries, don’t worry about me. Just drive,” I said firmly.

The driver, seeing my resolve, had no choice but to head toward the outskirts.

Since the factory was outside the city, I didn’t enter the urban area but went straight to the destination.

The journey wasn’t long; after about half an hour, we arrived near the old factory.

Going further in would alert those inside, so I got off nearby.

I handed over the fare, and the driver quickly drove off.

From a distance, I sensed faint spiritual energy inside the factory—definitely cultivators.

I lowered my aura and cautiously approached.

The surroundings were a plain, with rows of grass growing along the walls, clearly untouched for a long time.

I skirted along the wall, listening intently for any sounds.

The factory was huge, and aside from the faint spiritual energy, I heard nothing.

---

After finally circling to the front, I hesitated.

I was only here to scout the terrain, not to charge in blindly. I feared being caught on the spot—after all, Chen Chen was still inside.

After much thought, I chose to observe from outside.

The place was about the size of a standard football field, filled with old, nearly obsolete power equipment.

There was a four-story building inside where the bandits likely stayed.

The windows were yellowed and the interior pitch black.

I circled the perimeter and realized it was well fortified—difficult to assault alone.

But I didn’t want to trouble anyone else. I decided to take the risk myself.

After completing the reconnaissance, I slipped into the small forest beside the old factory.

It was still early, and for safety, I could only rest here for now.

No dangerous animals lurked in the woods, and the cool breeze and shade were refreshing. I couldn’t resist lying down for a nap.

I set an alarm on my phone and fell asleep on a patch of grass.

This spot was well hidden; no one could see me unless they were actively searching.

The natural floral fragrance was intoxicating.

Within a minute, I was deeply asleep.

The breeze brushed over me—it was exactly the kind of place I loved.

---

I awoke to find it was already one o’clock.

I gathered all my belongings and stored them in my ring, leaving my hands free and worry-free.

Though it was autumn, the sun was strong at this hour—not hot enough to sweat, but warm.

Looking toward the old factory in the distance, I began planning Chen Chen’s rescue.

Two paths lay before me: pay the ransom and hope they kept their word, though I had no reason to trust them, or break in and escape with Chen Chen.

Both carried risks, but I preferred the latter.

If my guess was right, most would be drowsy now—perfect for a surprise attack.

With that thought, I sprinted toward the old factory, careful to avoid detection.

Reaching the wall, I quietly drew my Snow Blade.

The safest way was to climb the wall; otherwise, I’d definitely be spotted.

The several-meter-high wall was child's play for me—I didn’t even need a running start.

I leapt up and over effortlessly.

Inside, weeds were even denser than outside, some reaching a person’s height.

I advanced cautiously, sensing the spiritual energy growing stronger the further I went.

There were about ten people inside, their cultivation levels varied.

That was good. If they were all Spirit Lotus rank, I’d have a hard time.

I soon reached the building.

I peeked out and noticed a path cleared through the weeds, cut by sharp weapons.

It was 1:15 p.m.—no time to wait. I was about to enter when I sensed spiritual energy emerging from the building.

I quickly crouched in the grass, watching.

Minutes later, a man dressed like a beggar shuffled out, his messy hair nearly obscuring his face.

Looking closely, he wasn’t ugly—just a little old-looking.

He glanced around and then relieved himself into the grass.

This was the perfect opportunity. I could take him out.

He was only sixth rank Spirit Blossom; killing him would be easy.

I summoned my Snow Blade, the air around me cooling sharply.

He muttered, “Why’s it so cold all of a sudden...”

I struck, springing from the grass.

He was pulling his pants up and nearly scared himself silly when I appeared.

He tried to yell, but I covered his mouth and, using my Spirit Lotus power, dragged him into the nearby brush.

“I’ll ask, you answer. One wrong word or a yell, and you’re dead.”

He was a man after all, neither crying nor begging, just nodding calmly.

“How many of you are there? What ranks?”

He thought a moment and replied, “Including me, twelve. Nine at Spirit Blossom rank, the rest at Spirit Lotus.”

I nodded and asked, “What have you been up to lately?”

He chuckled bitterly, embarrassed but honest, seeing my fierce expression.

“I was forced to join recently. I didn’t do most of it. They kidnapped several people, including some young girls...”

As he spoke, his confidence dwindled, fearing I might kill him on the spot.

I realized that most villains were alike—capable of all manner of evil.

But this man claimed to be new. I showed no mercy—one slash severed his neck. I took his ring and strode toward the building.

No one was on the first floor; only footprints led upstairs.

I didn’t linger, carefully moving upward.

Though anger burned inside, I stayed cautious. If everyone found out, it would be trouble.

I slowed my pace to avoid making noise.

At the first floor stairwell, I sensed spiritual energy on the second floor.

I crept up, alert.

The place was truly dilapidated—dust thick on the floor, walls and ceiling covered in cobwebs, as if ravaged by war.

On the second floor, I followed the footprints to the innermost room, hearing dreadful sounds.

Judging by the energy, only one person was inside.

Each door had a small window; I peered inside.

A middle-aged man held a struggling woman in his arms. She had some spiritual energy—first rank Spirit Leaf—but was clearly a captive.

Seeing the man about to assault her, I could no longer hold back and burst in.

“Damn it! Who the hell are you? Get out!”

He was only sixth rank Spirit Blossom, no threat to me.

I aimed to end it quickly, raising my Snow Blade.

The scene was clear: I was here to kill him.

He threw the woman aside and drew two short wooden swords from his ring.

I’d never seen anyone fight with two wooden swords, but they were clearly not ordinary.

I charged without hesitation, avoiding needless noise and looking for an opening.

His speed was far slower than mine. Within five minutes, I had cut him in several places—only superficial wounds.

He hadn’t even touched me, swinging at empty air.

When he grew frustrated, I struck decisively, severing his arm.

He cried out in pain; I covered his mouth and drove my blade into his heart.

After cleaning up, I sheathed my blade and said to the woman crouched in the corner, “Let’s go quickly...”

She nodded faintly and descended the stairs.

Having cleared the second floor, I proceeded upward.

The third floor was somewhat better maintained—though still dilapidated, it had places to stand.

Luckily, my fight downstairs was quiet; those above hadn’t heard.

I estimated six people on the third floor, likely all Spirit Blossom rank.

They seemed gathered in one room, moving about.

I didn’t want to waste time here.

If I made too much noise, those above would reinforce, and I’d tire quickly.

I decided to head straight to the fourth floor.

To restore my peak condition, I found a quiet spot to rest for a few minutes.

Then, I quickly ascended.

Bloodstains marked the stairwell to the fourth floor—unsettling and worrying for Chen Chen’s safety.

(Brothers, today’s chapter unintentionally reached 4,000 words. Thanks for bearing with me! Tomorrow will return to normal, hahaha...)