After the Immortal Venerable Failed to Attain Dao - Chapter 11

Luo Jinsheng invited the two of them to stay for a meal. At the dinner table, the earlier cheerfulness vanished, replaced by a worried expression and soft sighs.

Shi Che sat close to Luo Jinsheng, his sword hanging at his left side, pressed against him. The dark, cold, and expensive scabbard was conspicuously exposed.

He asked with concern, “Brother Jinsheng, what troubles you?”

“It’s not exactly a trouble,” Luo Jinsheng poured him a cup of wine. “It’s just that I’ve been running this book-selling business for over a month now. My original intention was to find like-minded friends, but after waiting and waiting, I’ve only managed to welcome the two of you, my old friends.”

Shi Che understood and comforted him, “Most of the people coming and going in Tian Shu are sword cultivators, and the majority belong to established sects. When they see these books, they probably feel disdain and wouldn’t even think of approaching, let alone discover the profound insights in Brother Jinsheng’s writings.”

“That’s right, Brother Luo,” Xue Zhun stopped focusing solely on eating, swallowed a mouthful of food, and said, “As for the rest of us who don’t belong to any sect, our own sword skills are still half-baked. Even if we buy the books, we can’t understand them. We’d just take them back, whether they’re genuine or fake, to use as paperweights.”

Luo Jinsheng laughed, “That’s true. In such circumstances, I’m fortunate to have welcomed the two of you. It must be fate.”

Then he shifted the topic and turned to Xue Zhun, “I forgot to ask earlier. Young Master Erhua, you used to frequent Tian Quan. What brings you to Tian Shu?”

Shi Che: “…”

It’s not that you forgot to ask it’s that she never answered you.

Seeing Luo Jinsheng’s persistent questioning, Xue Zhun put down her bowl, stood up, and slapped her sword onto the table with a loud thud.

Both men were taken aback and looked at her.

The slap was so forceful that the bowl, not placed steadily, nearly fell off the table. Xue Zhun, still not fully standing, hurriedly reached out to steady the bowl before looking up at Luo Jinsheng.

“Brother Luo, you’ve made me feel embarrassed with your question. To be honest, I came here for the Xuanqing Sect’s recruitment day, which is the day after tomorrow.”

Luo Jinsheng nodded, seemingly unsurprised. “I’ve long heard that Young Master Erhua’s swordsmanship is exceptional. Once you join a major sect, opportunities to shine, achieve great deeds, and build a career will be countless. Your future is boundless.”

In the next moment, Luo Jinsheng smoothly shifted the conversation to Shi Che.

He seemed to have just noticed Shi Che’s sword and exclaimed in surprise, “Brother Shi, that’s quite a fine sword! It’s no less impressive than the famous swords in the main city!”

The implication was clear: We’re all poor folks from the lower realms. Where did you get such a fine sword?

Shi Che smiled, unfastening the sword from his waist. “Brother Jinsheng, your words make me feel embarrassed too. I found this in a pile of corpses a while back, along with quite a few money pouches and treasures.”

Then, he drew the sword from its scabbard and displayed the broken blade before Luo Jinsheng’s eyes. “Unfortunately, it’s all show and no substance a useless sword. I just wear it to keep up appearances.”

Luo Jinsheng suddenly understood. “No wonder Brother Shi could spend a fortune on my sword manuals. I heard from my assistant that you bought two manuals on the Heartless Sword. Do you also understand the Heartless Sword?”

Finally, having waited for this question, Shi Che’s smile deepened. “Of course. My cousin is a master of the Heartless Sword Dao. I often observe him and have come to recognize some of his sword techniques. Now that I’ve met Young Master Xue here by chance, we’ve hit it off and plan to go to Xuanqing Mountain together to try our luck.”

From his very first sentence, Xue Zhun couldn’t hold back her eyes, blinking frantically at him.

Shi Che pretended not to see.

Luo Jinsheng pondered, “Your cousin? Since you also share the surname Shi, could it be”

Xue Zhun took a deep breath, preparing to interject.

Shi Che: “That’s right. The young master in the Xuanqing Sect is a distant relative of mine. I came to the Xuanqing Sect to seek refuge with him, and we already met two days ago.”

Luo Jinsheng fell silent, lost in thought.

Among the seven major sects of the Star Realm, the top disciples of each sect were backed by local family forces. But Shi Li was different long before he gained fame in the Star Realm, the Shi family was gone.

To be precise, it had scattered. The clan members changed their names and went their separate ways. It was entirely normal for Shi Li to have scattered distant relatives living in the villages below.

Now that Shi Li was so prominent, whether Shi Che was truly his cousin or had simply picked up some token from a pile of corpses and come to pretend, as long as he could gain Shi Li’s trust, his identity would be set in stone, and no one would question it.

With this identity, it would be much easier to act.

Luo Jinsheng suddenly burst into hearty laughter, grabbing Shi Che’s hand again, patting it as he said, “I never expected that a small act from my brother and me back then would save Brother Shi’s life that alone is a great fortune. And now, Brother Shi has even reunited with family in the main city. Your future is boundless, truly boundless!”

Shi Che nodded gratefully, clasping his hand in return. “To be honest, Brother Jinsheng, all these years I’ve been looking for you and Brother Yanghong, hoping to repay the kindness of those steamed buns. Now that we’re both in the Tian Shu Main City, it couldn’t be better. Once I enter the Xuanqing Sect, if you ever need anything, just come to me. I won’t refuse!”

“Excellent!” Luo Jinsheng poured him wine, and the two exchanged spirit talismans on the spot, drinking merrily.

They chatted until dusk. Shi Che woke up Xue Zhun, who had fallen asleep at the table at some point, and bid farewell to leave.

Luo Jinsheng was reluctant to see them go and personally escorted them to the door.

Xue Zhun was still half-asleep, yawning as he walked behind.

Shi Che was sprinkling spiritual light on his hands. Luo Jinsheng was too enthusiastic always grabbing people’s hands when he talked. He couldn’t stand it.

“Brother Che.”

Xue Zhun suddenly called out from behind. Without waiting for a response, he asked, “Are you familiar with Luo Jinsheng?”

Shi Che replaced all the lingering aura on his hands with his own spiritual light, shaking his wrist as he replied, “Fairly familiar. Why?”

“What kind of person do you think he is?”

Shi Che thought seriously and gave an honest assessment. “Not a bad person.”

“Why not just say he’s a good person?”

Shi Che stopped walking, waiting for Xue Zhun to catch up before saying, “Because in my understanding, there’s no such thing as an absolutely good person. Are you one? Am I one? At most, we’re just not too bad.”

“Is the young master also ‘not too bad’?” Xue Zhun asked.

Shi Che didn’t need to think about this one. “He’s a bit bad. But never mind him I have a question for you, Xue Zhun. Earlier, you didn’t want me to reveal my identity to Luo Jinsheng. Why?”

Xue Zhun shook his head. “I don’t know. Probably just intuition. Seeing him spy on those sword cultivators made me uncomfortable. Besides, he and his brother are notorious in the Tian Shu villages for their hatred of the Xuanqing Sect.”

“So you were afraid he might use me to harm Shi my cousin?”

“Exactly,” Xue Zhun sighed softly, unusually inclined to lecture him. “You’re too careless when making friends, Brother Che. Not only did you reveal everything about yourself, but you also drank with him. Weren’t you afraid he’d get you drunk and pry information from you? Be a little more cautious!”

Shi Che smiled. “I’ve already laid all my cards on the table, what’s there to fear from his probing? Besides, sincerity is the most important thing when making friends.”

Xue Zhun glanced at him with a look that seemed to say, “I never expected you to be this naive.”

Shi Che didn’t want to dwell on the topic. “It’s getting dark. I’m heading back to rest. Do as you please.”

“It’s barely dark,” Xue Zhun said, picking up his sword and nudging Shi Che, hinting, “Why don’t we go do something meaningful together?”

Shi Che understood. “Looking for flowers and willows? You want to go too?”

“…”

Xue Zhun said, “Brother Che, you seem so proper you really don’t seem like that kind of person.”

“I am exactly that kind of person,” Shi Che replied. “I’m drunk. Let me think both seeking pleasure and going back to sleep seem quite meaningful.”

Xue Zhun grew impatient and pointed to a small teleportation tree nearby. “We’re already here, Brother Che. Why not take on a few bounties? I’ve never seen the bounty boards of Tian Shu before.”

Shi Che waved his hand dismissively. “What’s the rush? Once we enter the Xuan Qing Sect, there will be plenty of opportunities for high-level bounties. If you go now, you’ll have to compete with others, or you’ll only get low-level ones. How much merit would that earn? It’s not worth the effort.”

“You…” Xue Zhun seemed taken aback by his reasoning and was about to argue, but Shi Che had already vanished from sight in a flash, leaving only a distant remark: “Do as you wish. I’m going back to sleep.”

“…”

Back in his room, Shi Che lay down on the bed, placing his sword beside him.

He was still reeking of alcohol, his mind slightly foggy.

Mentioning bounties earlier had reminded him that his current cultivation level was only at the third stage of the Seeking Realm. To advance to the Void Realm, he still needed thirty thousand merits.

This was on par with Shi Li’s current progress.

Cultivation in the Star Realm was divided into four elemental realms: the First Element Initial Realm, the Second Element—Seeking Realm, the Third Element Void Realm, and the Fourth Element Enlightenment Realm.

Among these, the Initial Realm had five stages, the Seeking and Void Realms each had three stages, and the Enlightenment Realm had no upper limit.

The first two realms could be advanced step by step, but breaking through to the third realm was a significant hurdle. Most people stagnated between the second and third realms.

Only cultivators who reached the Fourth Element Enlightenment Realm or higher had a chance to ascend, but even that depended on fate. Some smoothly advanced to the fourth realm but remained unable to ascend for years, endlessly climbing stages within the Enlightenment Realm, stage after stage after stage.

Like Shi Li himself, who at five hundred years old had already reached the twentieth stage of the Fourth Element Enlightenment Realm.

Shi Che wanted to sleep but couldn’t, tossing and turning restlessly.

If he took on a few high-level bounties right now and accumulated enough merits, his progress would surpass Shi Li’s.

But as long as Shi Li didn’t break through to the Third Element Void Realm, Shi Che would also have to remain stuck in the Second Element with a large amount of merits, unable to advance.

He would always have to follow in Shi Li’s footsteps.

To earn merits, aside from daily exploration of secret realms and slaying demons and ghosts, the fastest and most effective method was taking on bounties.

After the Star Realm was established, while people bathed in spiritual light, they also had to endure the occasional disturbances from demons and ghosts.

When ordinary households were plagued by demons and ghosts, they often had nowhere to turn for help. Unable to eliminate the threats themselves, their lives were disrupted at best, or they faced ruin and death at worst.

Most cultivators capable of slaying ghosts were unwilling to roam around urban areas, as the demons and ghosts there were too scattered, making it inefficient.

Thus, the laws of heaven and earth naturally devised a solution: wherever demons and ghosts appeared in the Star Realm, bounties could be issued to find cultivators to eliminate them. The reward was merit, which could be used to advance cultivation levels.

Slaying demons naturally yields merit, but now with the added reward of bounties, a domesticated demon’s value doubles compared to those wild ones outside.

Those with formidable skills, capable of defeating high-level demons, tend to favor high-level bounties to earn more merit.

Those less capable lower their standards, taking on bounties within their abilities but aiming as high as possible.

Over time, many households troubled by low-level demons grew frustrated.

Their demons weren’t powerful, so the merit rewards for bounties were meager, and few were willing to take them. When someone did, it was usually a novice cultivator who knew little. Sometimes, if the demon wasn’t eliminated in one attempt and was provoked, the household suffered even more.

Gradually, people began adding their own rewards to bounties offering extra money.

If merit wasn’t enough, Starstones would make up for it. As long as the demon was slain, many were willing to pay.

Once someone started, it became unstoppable. Some wealthy families even added thousands or tens of thousands of Starstones, fearing no one would take their bounties.

Thus, bounty boards became hotspots across the Star Realm, with one set up in each of the Seven Realms to avoid forcing those far away to travel back and forth, hindering their ability to earn.

In his past life, more than half of Shi Li’s merit and money came from high-level, high-reward bounties. Most of the time, no one dared compete with him either they couldn’t or they feared his silver robe.

Bounties with high merit attracted crowds, while those with abundant Starstones drew swarms of cultivators.

As for whether bounties with modest merit and little money were taken, or whether less affluent households could rid themselves of demons, Shi Li never gave it a thought. It wasn’t his concern.

Shi Che couldn’t sleep. He opened his eyes and took out the Life-Borrowing Jade Token to examine.

Shi Li was born with extraordinary luck. Whenever he stepped out, he’d encounter a secret realm every few steps or stumble upon treasures. Even kicking a stone on the road could randomly crush a newly emerged, clueless little demon. Merit points added up constantly +1, +2, +3…

The most useful aspect of his luck was that every time he stood before a bounty board, he’d perfectly time the appearance of a high-level bounty.

The words “Accept” shone like golden bowls, right beside his hand.

As long as he had even a sliver of strength to lift his hand, the bounty would never fall to anyone else.

Except for that one time.

Back then, he had received an order from his sect to help a frequently interacting family eliminate a demon.

The family specifically requested Shi Li, sending many gifts to the elders, hoping to have him make an appearance and showcase their close ties with the Profound Clear Sect.

The Profound Clear Sect didn’t send Shi Li directly. Instead, they required the family to post a bounty, allowing Shi Li to keep the double merit after completing it.

Thinking of this, Shi Che scoffed silently. The sect might use him, but at least they knew to give him some benefits.

Normally, after slaying a demon, he could leave immediately. But with these social obligations, he had to stay for a meal, exchange a few words, and endure awkward stares with the family’s children.

Then he’d listen to the elders say, “Look at Young Master Shi, achieving so much at such a young age. Now look at you, still like this at your age.”

Shi Li would remain expressionless, leaving amid the family’s grateful thanks and the children’s resentful, envious glares.

He had done this sort of thing often. The elders always said he was useful, helping the Profound Clear Sect amass both wealth and reputation.

That night was no different. He headed straight to pick up a bounty, a task for the sect rather than for personal gain. With little motivation, he waited listlessly at the agreed-upon spot.

Bounties couldn’t be assigned to specific individuals, but the issuer could designate a location for posting.

The area where bounties were posted was vast. Besides the main bounty board, which attracted the most people, they could also appear in tricky spots like the water’s surface, treetops, or beneath rocks.

This made it convenient for those who had arranged things in advance, allowing them to choose a hidden location to prevent others from snatching the bounty.

Shi Li squatted on a tree branch, waiting. He thought to himself, When I get there, I hope that family doesn’t say, “Look at Young Master Shi, climbing trees at such a young age. And then there’s you, so grown up and you’ve never even peeled tree bark.”

He chuckled to himself, his gaze drifting to the moon’s reflection shimmering on the water below. When I get back, I should teach the illusion spirit how to laugh. That silly little radish doesn’t know anything. It can’t join me on the mountaintop to watch the moon tonight, so I’ll probably have to coax it when I return.

Before he could even wait for his own bounty to appear, he noticed a flicker of spiritual light on the water’s surface, signaling a new bounty.

He usually avoided snatching bounties posted in designated areas, but the amount of merit displayed on this one was so staggering that the moment he saw the number, his body moved on its own, darting toward the water.

At that moment, he had only one thought: I don’t need the massive merit, but whatever demon or ghost could generate this much merit I have to see what it is.

Unfortunately, even with his exceptional luck in spotting the bounty, he couldn’t match the speed of someone who had arranged it in advance.

Just as he was about to reach the water’s surface, a figure flashed past, snatching the bounty before he could.

He felt a deep pang of regret, not even having the chance to call out and suggest they team up. Dejected, he returned to his perch on the tree.

After completing his tasks and returning to the sect, he made an effort to investigate where such a formidable demon or ghost might have appeared, but found nothing. Later, with the Sword Fate Exchange Conference and the sect’s recruitment drive happening simultaneously, there was simply too much to prepare for, and the matter slipped his mind amidst the busyness…

The Sword Fate Exchange Conference and the sect’s recruitment happening at the same time!

Shi Che abruptly sat up, his hand gripping the jade token tightly.

Isn’t that right now?

He quickly grabbed his sword and headed out, rushing toward the nearest teleportation tree. Along the way, he opened the spiritual communication talisman and asked Shi Li:

[Have you taken on any sect bounties recently? The meeting spot was in a tree I can’t remember which one.]

If it wasn’t a few days ago, it must be today or tomorrow.

If Shi Li told him it was in the past, then it meant they had missed their chance, and he might as well go back to sleep.

But if it was today or tomorrow, he’d head to the riverbank and camp out, guarding that bounty spot.

He was certain that no demon or ghost in the Star Realm had ever been worth that much merit—otherwise, word would have spread long ago, and it wouldn’t have remained unheard of.

Since he was already back, he had to see the true face of this high-merit demon or ghost.

Shi Li replied: [Guess.]

Shi Che, already on edge, nearly choked on his breath when he read the response. [So there is one? Today?]

Shi Li: [Why should I tell you?]

Shi Che: [Why wouldn’t you tell me?]

Shi Che: [Which tree? Give me the exact location.]

Shi Che: [Just tell me if it’s today.]

Shi Li: [It’s today, and I’m on my way there now. As for the exact location… don’t you remember?]

Shi Che breathed a sigh of relief his bit of luck still held up. Calmly, he replied, “Right, it’s been too long. I don’t remember.”

Shi Li: “Your memory is terrible. How long is ‘too long’?”

Shi Che: “My memory isn’t bad. Don’t try to ask my age I won’t tell you.”

Arriving at the nearest small teleportation portal, Shi Che stepped inside, entering the area for accepting bounties. He sent a message saying, “Turn around,” then closed the spiritual ledger and walked toward the silver-robed figure standing not far from the entrance, his back turned.

“You got here pretty fast,” Shi Li turned around, a smile curling his lips as he looked at him. “I could feel my spiritual energy draining continuously even while walking. Did you fly here?”

“You’re not slow either,” Shi Che approached, glancing at the sword at Shi Li’s waist, which seemed particularly glaringly bright in the night. “You were just on the road, and now you’re here. Did you fly too?”

Shi Li was about to say something when he caught the scent of alcohol on him and couldn’t help but frown. “You’ve been drinking?”

Shi Li rarely drank. He never let himself get drunk and disliked the lingering smell of alcohol on his body.

Shi Che said, “Yes.” He deliberately stood closer to him, the silver mask almost touching Shi Li’s face. “If you don’t tell me the exact location soon, I’ll mix my spiritual energy with yours, slip into your clothes, and cover you in the smell of alcohol.”

Shi Li was taken aback by his maliciousness. He pushed him away with Hua Jing pressed against his shoulder and turned to walk inside.

The scent of alcohol lingered in the air. Sensing that Shi Che was following, Shi Li said, “I flew here. I was walking at first, but you suddenly seemed in a hurry, and my spiritual energy was being used up quickly. I thought something unusual was happening is there going to be some big event tonight?”

Shi Che: “Nothing major. You should do whatever you need to do. We won’t interfere with each other.”

Shi Li shook his head. “The way you ask for my help while still acting tough is truly beautiful. No wonder my illusion demon is so infatuated with you.”

“…”

Shi Che said, “There is something. You’ll regret it if I don’t come.”

“I knew it,” Shi Li said knowingly, smiling as he asked, “Not planning to share with me?”

“I’d rather give you a surprise. After all, we’ve met for so long, and you gave me a jade token, but I haven’t given you any meeting gift yet.”

“Alright,” Shi Li said. “Then I’ll wait for your surprise. By the way, I have to say something when I flew, you flew too, using double my spiritual energy. It was quite taxing, not to mention having to smell the alcohol all the way after landing. So far, you really haven’t done anything to make me happy.”

Shi Li was negating his value, making him ponder the meaning of his existence.

Shi Che didn’t walk beside him, only following two steps behind. Hearing these words, he calmly looked up, estimating the distance between them. If he drew his sword now, how fast would he need to be to pierce through Shi Li’s body?

Shi Li walked leisurely, as if completely unaware of the killing intent behind him. Even Hua Jing hung idly at his waist, its light reflecting on the mask and dazzling Shi Che’s eyes.

After finishing his calculations, Shi Che rubbed the hilt of the sword at his waist and said, “You’re really childish.”

He actually wanted to add, “If you’re already so strained, why keep channeling spiritual energy into Hua Jing? Even if it shines this brightly, it can’t light the way like a lantern. Its only purpose is to blind me.”

Shi Li paid no mind, gripping the dazzlingly bright Hua Jing. “Instead of reflecting on yourself first, you blame me. What kind of logic is that?”

Shi Che said, “I have been reflecting on myself.”

“And the result?”

“You’re really childish.”

Shi Li fell silent for a moment before processing his rather pointless joke.

Stopping in front of a tree, Shi Li halted, withdrawing his spiritual energy and allowing the brilliant radiance to dim to an ordinary glow. He asked, “I’m climbing this tree now. When will my surprise arrive?”

“You’re quite skilled at climbing trees at such a young age.” Shi Che had already set his sights on a nearby lake and began walking toward it, calmly saying, “By the time you figure out how to coax the phantom demon when you return, the surprise will already be here.”

Shi Li looked at his retreating figure, baffled. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

Shi Che replied, “Guess.”