Chapter 88: Relentless Pursuit

Ever since the Ghost King appeared in my world, I found myself swept into a realm unlike any other. This world brimmed with spiritual energy and dazzling wonders, yet its cruelty rivaled the realities I’d left behind. To put it plainly, it was a place where the strong devoured the weak—and if I wished to stand tall, I had to grow stronger myself.

Lost in thought, I was suddenly called from inside the house. “Boy! Come in!” Second Uncle’s voice snapped me back to reality. I hurried toward his room, the scent of potent herbs growing stronger with each step. There was something sharp about it, though beneath it lingered a peculiar fragrance.

Inside, the aroma became almost overwhelming, stinging my nose. “I never expected White Flow Blossom to smell so foul, but it’s worth it—we succeeded!” Second Uncle gestured for me to look behind him. In the small furnace sat a viscous, white substance. It looked disgusting.

“Don’t judge it by appearances. Drink it, and you’ll see its benefits,” Second Uncle said, pouring the brew into a wooden cup. It filled the vessel perfectly, steam curling up as if it were some deadly poison.

“Go on, drink. It won’t harm you,” he urged. Hesitant, I finally raised the cup and swallowed it in one gulp. To my surprise, it wasn’t nearly as awful as I’d imagined; it tasted ever so slightly sweet, like pure mineral water.

“Well? Do you feel anything?” Second Uncle perched on the heated brick bed, watching me. I sensed warmth spreading within me. Settling cross-legged on the floor, I concentrated on the sensation. The energy dispersed swiftly through my body, as if it knew exactly where to go, settling into every corner.

Gradually, the power faded, leaving me unchanged. I opened my eyes and frowned at Second Uncle, who in turn looked puzzled. After some thought, he said, “Normally, you’d see results right away. Maybe…the damage in your internal channels is preventing the energy from manifesting.”

In the end, I realized I needed to repair my meridians—without that, no magical artifact would help me.

I wasn’t discouraged. My focus now was to restore my body and finish the Ghost King’s game. Second Uncle went out to clear the table, and I returned to my own room. Life in the mountains lacked entertainment, so nights were spent sleeping. I lay down and drifted off almost instantly.

I never suffered from insomnia, which blessed me with excellent rest and a spirit refreshed each morning. At dawn, I rose to practice boxing in the courtyard. The mountain air was brisk and invigorating, sharpening my senses.

I don’t know how much time passed before the sun crept up over the horizon. Nangong Xi and Second Uncle soon joined me. Second Uncle was in high spirits, and even brought Nangong Xi to practice with me.

Nangong Xi wasn’t suited to the aggressive boxing style; she favored swordplay. Second Uncle, though aged, moved with surprising vigor—each punch was powerful and precise.

After a morning’s training, we sat down to breakfast. As usual, we had rice porridge and pickled vegetables, but today Second Uncle added a plate of cured meat, whetting our appetites.

According to him, neither I nor Nangong Xi had ever disappointed him; surprises came one after another.

We finished breakfast swiftly, and Second Uncle went out on errands, leaving me and Nangong Xi at home. I considered going out, but didn’t want to leave her alone, so I stayed.

Since beginning her cultivation, Nangong Xi practiced diligently—nothing distracted her except mealtimes. I kept to myself, poring over ancient books; fortunately, Second Uncle’s shelves were full, keeping me occupied.

By noon, Second Uncle still hadn’t returned. Neither of us wanted to cook, so we decided to head into the city for a meal.

It was the perfect chance—Nangong Xi hadn’t left the mountain since arriving, and now I could take her out for a bit of fun.

Before we left, I called Second Uncle for permission. Once he agreed, we set off together.

Nangong Xi changed out of her white robes and donned ordinary clothes. Her beauty no longer startled me, but to anyone else, she could easily be mistaken for a young star.

We hailed a cab straight to the city. The weather was sweltering, but the open windows kept the ride cool. Before long, we arrived downtown.

First, we ate at her favorite restaurant, then wandered the streets. Everything she liked, I bought for her.

On the road, one mustn’t live poorly—I wouldn’t let Nangong Xi want for anything. Still, she was considerate, claiming not to like any expensive items she saw. I bought them anyway, storing them all in a ring.

Nangong Xi had a storage ring herself; I gave her several thousand in cash for emergencies.

We circled the city until evening, then caught a cab home. When we got out at the foot of Xuanfeng Mountain, we prepared to head up.

But I stopped abruptly, sensing movement—and spiritual energy—within the grass behind us.

Pulling Nangong Xi aside, I didn’t head up the mountain. She was initially puzzled, but when I whispered my suspicions, she understood.

We kept to the main road, walking away. Eventually, the presence behind us could no longer remain hidden. A figure burst from the grass, rushing toward us.

I didn’t recognize him, but his clothes were unmistakable—he belonged to the Dong family.

I instantly drew my long blade and took a defensive stance, ready for his attack.

He was no weakling, possessing third-grade spiritual leaf power. In the past, I’d have dispatched him effortlessly, but now things were different.

Nervously gripping my blade, I heard the sudden sound of a sword being drawn beside me. Nangong Xi shot forward like a cannonball.

Her swift, graceful assault was starkly contrasted with my own readiness; she reached him in a flash.

Her sword danced, flawlessly displaying the techniques Second Uncle had taught her.

It wasn’t ideal to reveal our strongest moves so soon—like playing your trump card at the start of a poker game. True experts rarely show their hand.

But the Dong family man was a mere amateur. Against Nangong Xi’s flurry, he had no chance, enduring blow after blow.

Then he spoke: “I advise you to come back with us. I’m only here to gather intel—if I die, more experts will surely follow.”

I raised an eyebrow and felt an even stronger urge to kill him.