After Transmigrating Into The Body Of The Chief Disciple, The Villain Was Reborn. - Chapter 14

Lu Shi’an continued forward with Ning Yuzhao, encountering many demonic beasts, though all were below Level 7. The two worked in tandem, harvesting numerous monster cores. Curiously, they had not encountered a single other cultivator since entering the realm. They were unaware that while most cultivators were transported to the edges of the realm, a few lucky ones were sent to the middle zones, and a very rare few were deposited directly into the depths.

As they walked, the sounds of combat suddenly drifted toward them. Lu Shi’an led Ning Yuzhao to hide behind a massive boulder to observe. A man in black robes was locked in a fierce battle with three Level 7 demonic beasts. The man was covered in wounds and clearly losing ground.

Lu Shi’an deliberated briefly before deciding to intervene. He whispered to Ning Yuzhao, “Stay here and wait for me. I am going to help him.” Without waiting for a response, he flashed out and charged toward the three beasts.

Seeing his senior brother leave, Ning Yuzhao was worried, but he did not dare rush out and become a burden. He remained crouched behind the rock, peeking out to keep a close watch on Lu Shi’an.

On the battlefield, the man reached his limit and collapsed to the ground. As the beasts lunged for the kill, he saw the one in front of him struck down by a single sword blow. After dealing with the first beast, Lu Shi’an swiftly attacked the other two. While the first had already been weakened by the man, the remaining two were at full strength, so Lu Shi’an dared not be careless.

Seeing someone helping, the man sat up and quickly consumed a recovery pill to mend his injuries. Lu Shi’an began to sweat; although a Level 7 beast was not a major threat, quickly slaying two at once was taxing.

Behind the rock, Ning Yuzhao saw his senior brother struggling and, disregarding his own safety, dashed out to assist. “Senior Brother, I am here to help!” He channeled his spiritual energy into ice pillars and struck at the beasts. Seeing Yuzhao rush out, Lu Shi’an felt a pang of worry, but he seized the opening created by the distraction to land a heavy blow on one of the beasts.

With the second beast down, the final one grew increasingly desperate and violent, charging at the source of its frustration. Lu Shi’an fought back fiercely, coordinating his movements with Ning Yuzhao. The man in black, having recovered slightly, joined the fray. Together, the three succeeded in slaying the final beast.

When the battle ended, the man thanked them profusely, “Thank you both for saving my life. I am Xiao Heng of the Lingyun Sect.”

Xiao Heng? Lu Shi’an recognized the name. In the book, Xiao Heng was a talent on par with the original host, reaching the late Golden Core stage by twenty-seven, but he met his end within this very Nether Secret Realm. Recalling the scene of Xiao Heng fighting three Level 7 beasts alone, Lu Shi’an realized this must have been how he originally died.

“Think nothing of it. I am Lu Shi’an of the Xuantian Sect, and this is my junior brother, Ning Yuzhao,” Lu Shi’an introduced.

“Lu Shi’an? A pleasure to finally meet you. My master has often spoken of you, praising your prowess. I have always used you as a benchmark, hoping to surpass you, yet here I am, I just reached the peak of the Golden Core stage and find your spiritual power still exceeds mine.” Xiao Heng’s tone was filled with resentment; no one likes being constantly compared to someone else.

Peak of the Golden Core stage? This was different from the book. Had his own increased strength caused Xiao Heng to work harder? Lu Shi’an offered an awkward smile at the remark, realizing his own fame had inadvertently made him a tool for elders to discipline their disciples.

Once acquainted, the three moved to collect their spoils. Lu Shi’an initially proposed splitting the rewards, but Xiao Heng insisted on refusing, arguing that he would be dead without their help. Remembering Xiao Heng’s eventual fate in the book, Lu Shi’an did not press the issue. He gave Ning Yuzhao the materials needed for alchemy and stored the rest in his storage ring, intending to keep them for Yuzhao to use whenever needed.

After cleaning themselves with a cleansing spell, Lu Shi’an finally saw the man’s true appearance. With the blood and dirt washed away, the man’s handsome features were revealed. His eyes were deep and bright, his brows thick and elegant, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. He wore a black sash adorned with a jade pendant, giving him an air of nobility. Even with his torn robes, his elegant temperament remained intact. Once clean, he pulled out a folding fan and swayed it gently, appearing carefree.

“Brother Lu, have you come to the Nether Secret Realm for training?” Xiao Heng asked. Being of similar age and having hit it off, he sought to build a friendship and changed to a more intimate form of address. Lu Shi’an saw the benefits of befriending the powerful and talented Xiao Heng, so he accepted the gesture with a smile, “Indeed, and to see if I can find an opportunity to break through.”

“I heard there are many precious medicinal herbs and artifacts here, so I came to try my luck,” Xiao Heng added honestly.

“In that case, let us travel together. However, this realm is fraught with danger, so we must be cautious,” Lu Shi’an cautioned.

“Do not worry, Brother Lu. I am aware of the risks,” Xiao Heng replied.

Ning Yuzhao grew jealous seeing them getting along so well. He found Xiao Heng even more annoying than Ji Yu! Aside from his senior brother, Xiao Heng was the most handsome man he had ever seen. Although Lu Shi’an had done nothing wrong, Ning Yuzhao sensed that Xiao Heng was different. He had never seen his senior brother open up to anyone other than their Master and himself so quickly, which triggered a massive sense of crisis in him.

The trio continued forward, overcoming various beasts and traps with their combined strength. Suddenly, an egg rolled out and stopped in front of Ning Yuzhao. Just as Ning Yuzhao reached out to pick it up, a flash of sword light shrieked toward him. “Hand over the divine beast egg!”

Lu Shi’an swiftly pulled Ning Yuzhao aside and frowned as he looked toward the attacker.