Is This How It Starts? I Choose To Fake My Death [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 11

It was not the first time, yet Shen Ji still could not comprehend Xie Feng’s unusual quirk.

Every time it began, Xie Feng would display an intensity of fury far exceeding that of an innocent victim; was it merely to shirk responsibility for something?

Although the reactions after it ended grew milder each time, they could hardly mask the reality of Xie Feng’s peculiar proclivity.

“Congratulations to the host for earning two points!”

The moment Shen Ji emerged from the room, the system’s festive broadcast cheerfully chimed in.

It pulled up the interface to display the point balance in the upper right corner: 8.5.

With practiced clumsiness, Shen Ji channeled his spiritual energy to draw a bucket of water from the well. Seeing that figure, he instinctively performed another simple mathematical calculation.

He needed 42 points, leaving him 33.5 points short, which rounded up to 34 points, translating to 17 more sessions of dual cultivation.

This quantity was neither too large nor too small and remained entirely acceptable.

Regrettably, while Xie Feng’s power could completely suppress him, he possessed no control over Xie Feng.

Otherwise, given the current circumstances, 17 dual cultivation sessions would have constituted the fastest method to acquire the points he sought.

This thought crossed his mind before being promptly tossed aside.

Shen Ji dried off, washed up, brewed a packet of medicine in the woodshed, and finished drinking it before returning to the main hall.

Xie Feng had also suppressed the backlash of the golden mark, his gaze cold as he looked over at the sound. “From this day forth, you are forbidden from utilizing spiritual energy in my presence.”

His prohibition arrived without rhyme or reason.

Shen Ji asked, “Is there a reason?”

Xie Feng stated, “You need only obey.”

Shen Ji countered, “Then what about my injuries?”

Xie Feng frowned.

Before he could reply, Shen Ji continued, “If I am ambushed outside, how am I supposed to fight those who use spiritual energy if I do not use it?”

Xie Feng declared, “Should I be by your side, you need not strike.”

Shen Ji laughed dryly. “What, you will protect me?”

Xie Feng ignored the teasing tone. “Your injuries, I shall tend to them as well.”

Hearing this, Shen Ji could not help feeling somewhat surprised.

He had assumed Xie Feng’s sudden whim was merely meant to make things difficult for him. Yet proactively offering to treat his injuries wasn’t making things difficult for him, it was making things difficult for Xie Feng himself.

The system also found it peculiar: “That is not right. How did the main villain pick up the female lead’s script?”

Shen Ji looked toward Xie Feng. “Do you truly intend to help me?”

The injuries he sustained at Qishan originated from the Phoenix clan, and having Xie Feng, the Phoenix Emperor himself, make a move would surely yield twice the result with half the effort. Furthermore, there was the Luling powder coursing through his body.

The prescription Luo Honglin formulated for him could only temporarily suppress the Luling powder’s flare-ups; if Xie Feng were willing, he might actually be able to eradicate it entirely.

Once the hidden threats to his physical health were resolved, he would be completely free of future worries.

Sensing his rising temptation, Xie Feng spoke in a cold tone, “If you employ spiritual energy, the agreement is void.”

Shen Ji readily agreed. “No problem, I will listen to you in all things.”

When it came to the realm of cultivation, he was merely a novice; since Xie Feng had volunteered his services, why shouldn’t he gladly accept?

Xie Feng glanced at him.

Shen Ji asked, “When do we begin the treatment?”

Xie Feng replied, “An hour hence.”

A mere two hours?

Given that Xie Feng’s credibility was steadily improving, Shen Ji did not press the issue this time. “Very well, I shall await you.”

Seeing his uncharacteristic docility, Xie Feng’s brow knit together slightly as he looked at him once more.

Shen Ji smiled. “Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?”

Withdrawing his gaze, Xie Feng closed his eyes and formed a hand seal. “Out.”

“Then I shall head down the mountain and return in two hours.”

The sound of footsteps gradually faded into the distance.

Xie Feng’s half-opened gaze shifted toward the retreating figure vanishing out the door before lowering once more a moment later.

Leaving the courtyard, Shen Ji rode the Gale Leopard along yesterday’s outbound route.

Due to the interruption, he had failed to complete his progress yesterday and needed to push further forward today to refine the terrain map recorded in his mind.

Not having Xie Feng tagging along actually facilitated his operations considerably.

Arriving at the location where yesterday’s excursion halted, Shen Ji surveyed his surroundings.

Following a night of wind and snow, all traces of the events that transpired here shortly before had been completely buried.

Not only the footprints, but even the bloodstains on the distant ground had been blanketed by a fresh layer, concealing the corpses strewn beneath the pristine purity.

He skirted the accident site along the periphery, turned toward his planned route, and swept through every designated sector within the plan.

Perhaps due to good fortune, the entire trip yielded not a single living soul.

However, on his return journey, he spotted through his binoculars a party of riders galloping swiftly across the mountain foothills, surging straight toward the east.

Their objective was clear, indicating they had evidently made a discovery.

Both he and Xie Feng were positioned in the exact opposite direction—the west.

What else could pique the interest of immortals and demons who had descended to the mortal realm?

Pondering this, Shen Ji mounted the Gale Leopard and pursued them along a secondary path on the flanks.

The system grew anxious: “Host, the two hours agreed upon with the main villain are nearly up, are you not returning?”

Shen Ji stated, “Matters of business take precedence.”

He needed to grasp any untoward movements by the enemy in a timely manner to prepare countermeasures at any moment. Otherwise, venturing out solely to map terrain would be entirely meaningless.

As for Xie Feng.

Being able to set aside the intent to kill him already constituted Xie Feng’s greatest compromise; he didn’t believe Xie Feng would genuinely care about his whereabouts.

Nonetheless, Xie Feng proposing a one-hour timeframe stemmed fundamentally from his desire to heal him.

Shen Ji rubbed the reins in his hand.

If he happened to cross paths with him on the way back, he should probably bring along some token of apology.

Tracking the footprints approaching the mountain foothills, he suppressed his stray thoughts and concentrated on the trail.

Before long, a dark blur flashed across the sky above. Looking up, Shen Ji saw someone flying on an immortal sword.

He had previously attempted channeling spiritual energy into the Gale Leopard, but the consumption required to get it airborne was far too exorbitant; with his limited spiritual stones, he couldn’t sustain such a luxurious endeavor.

“Hey!” A loud shout suddenly rang out from behind. “Immortal ahead, are you also heading to pluck the snow lotus?”

Snow lotus?

Catching this key phrase, Shen Ji ignored the greeting and accelerated toward the depths of the footprints.

The system panicked once more: “Host, are you still not returning? There are so many people here, if we accidentally get discovered, we won’t be able to escape!”

Shen Ji said calmly, “There is no need to escape.”

This region should fall under the immortal realm’s domain in the mortal world.

The seven individuals slaughtered yesterday by the red-haired woman’s squad closely resembled the three preceding batches in attire and equipment.

The Scarlet Phoenix Spiritual Venerable held sway in the demon realm, yet his reach could not extend to the immortal realm; he lacked the authority to command an immortal faction to hunt down a mere mortal.

Furthermore, these immortal factions showed no hostility toward one another and shared a uniform trajectory, likely converging for the same objective. It was necessary for him to investigate.

The system could never sway the host’s decisions. Hearing him speak thus, it could only trembling monitor the surrounding environment for him.

To avoid encountering the demon clan midway, Shen Ji consulted the simplified map deployed by the system, located an isolated shortcut, and spearheaded his way across the halfway mark of the mountain ridge.

Originally intending to lie in wait along the target’s inevitable path, he emerged from the valley only to spot clusters of people congregating on the flat slopes of the opposite hillside in the distance.

Through his binoculars, the seemingly scattered crowd revealed themselves to be two distinct factions.

The restrained, courteous immortals and the unrestrained, uninhibited demons stood distinctly divided at opposite ends of the slope.

Among them, two immortals sat cross-legged on the ground while five others channeled spiritual energy into them, appearing to administer healing.

Beyond that, both factions faced the exact same mountain peak.

Every ten seconds, a wave of rosy radiance enveloped the cliff face before dissipating shortly after.

Adjusting his angle, Shen Ji finally located the cavern entrance spitting out the colored light.

The entrance looked completely unremarkable, yet not a single person among the eager crowd milling about the slope dared to step forward.

He harbored a premonition that whatever lay inside the cave was intimately tied to the snow lotus he had heard mentioned earlier.

However, the area was too crowded and eyes were everywhere; closing in further was unfeasible.

Pulling up the map, Shen Ji calculated figures across the mountain range repeatedly before turning to leave.

Assuming the host finally remembered self-preservation, the system watched him execute a massive detour around to the rear of the mountain peak and fell silently speechless.

This was the audacity born of peerless skill.

Gambling his life on risks, the host cared not in the least.

Riding the Gale Leopard to scout the mountain waist, Shen Ji uncovered no notable traces.

The system offered earnest advice: “Host, let us return! The main villain is still waiting for you at home!”

Shen Ji cast a glance up the mountain.

The cave’s main entrance was heavily guarded by the demon clan, and the rear possessed no secondary access point; his investigation could only reach this juncture.

Patting the Gale Leopard’s head, he prepared to turn back when a cold breeze swept through, revealing a flash of bright color amidst the brush. Catching it in his peripheral vision, he redirected his mount closer.

A trickling stream flowed quietly from a fissure in the rocks, concealed entirely by snow and dark brown weeds, rendering it virtually invisible upon casual inspection.

Shen Ji tracked the stream toward its source.

The higher he climbed, the more luxuriant the obstructing weeds grew, and the steeper the path became. The Gale Leopard began slipping on the snow, forcing him to stow it away into its spirit pearl and ascend on foot.

Near the summit, the snow layer thinned, exposing the mountain’s rugged, natural precipice.

This constituted territory he had not traversed earlier.

Shen Ji advanced cautiously, stopping and going, following the stream around a right-angle bend.

The moment he rounded the corner, he realized an entirely separate realm lay hidden here.

Lush weeds no longer clung to the rock wall; before him lay only a thin sheet of water whose source vanished into a cavern opening higher above.

Colorful, brilliant rosy light flickered in and out of view from the cave mouth, emitting waves of a refreshing, invigorating fragrance.

It bore a striking resemblance to the front entrance, differing solely in scale.

Shen Ji first inquired, “Is it toxic?”

The system reported: “No toxins detected.”

A faint smile touching his lips, Shen Ji gathered his momentum and climbed inside.

Stepping firmly onto the ground, the fragrance wafting past his nose grew increasingly rich.

Activating his flashlight, he swept his gaze across the interior, yet failed to spot a single plant.

“Ah?” the system uttered abruptly, “Why does this seem somewhat familiar.”

Shen Ji halted instantly. “Think carefully.”

Every time the system hesitated to speak, disaster invariably followed for him.

Ashamed, the system admitted, “I cannot recall… Shall we venture slightly further ahead?”

And then it realized.

Moments ago, it had wept and pleaded for the host to leave to no avail; now, as it urged him forward, the host appeared ready to turn back.

“…” The system felt aggrieved. “The data I absorb consists entirely of textual content, distinguishing things in real time is genuinely difficult…”

Moreover, the three months preceding the quest were originally designated to let a newly arrived host acclimate to the environment and procedures; it had never heard of any system whose host proved more formidable than the indigenous inhabitants prior to the quest itself.

Shen Ji swept his flashlight deeper into the cave.

To warrant the dread of numerous immortals and demons, the contents of the cave could hardly be mundane.

Yet having walked this far, to relinquish the endeavor lightly over uncertain hazards would be overly cautious.

Transferring the flashlight to his left hand and gripping his gun with his right, Shen Ji walked slowly into the dense darkness.

They hadn’t traveled far before a faint, imperceptible stench blended into the fragrance within the air.

Instantly holding his breath, Shen Ji formed hand seals to summon spiritual energy, erecting a protective barrier before him.

To his surprise, before the barrier could solidify, it was eroded bit by bit by an invisible poisonous vapor.

“Retreat quickly!” the system warned urgently. “Toxins detected in the air!”

Retreating outside the toxicity perimeter, Shen Ji raised his flashlight to illuminate the distance.

A layer of hazy white mist flooded the cave entrance, carpeting the ground and obscuring his vision.

“Ah!” the system cried out again. “I remember now! This is the cavern of the Profound Crystal Snow Lotus, the female lead visited this place prior to ascending to the immortal realm!”

Shen Ji instructed, “Explain clearly.”

The system elaborated: “The Profound Crystal Snow Lotus is a specialty of Mount Tianshan, found exclusively in the Snow Domain. It matures over a millennium; consuming it not only increases cultivation but refines one’s primordial essence—augmenting innate aptitude, a treasure obtainable only by rare fortune!”

Shen Ji eyed the white mist ahead. “What is the nature of the poison here?”

The system stated, “Because the Profound Crystal Snow Lotus grows exclusively near black water capable of corroding spiritual energy, once the maturity period arrives, the lotus absorbs the black water’s toxic vapor, which is why outsiders currently dare not step inside.”

Corroding spiritual energy?

Shen Ji asked, “Does the black water you mentioned possess corrosive properties toward skin?”

The system answered, “It does not, but it cannot be inhaled into the human body. The black water’s toxicity is extreme; exceeding one minute within it guarantees death without exception.”

Shen Ji pressed further, “Are there other hazards within?”

The system protested, “Is this not hazardous enough? Host, I suggest we—”

Before it could persuade Shen Ji to head down the mountain, he had already donned his gas mask, plunged straight through the toxic mist, and stepped into the black water zone.

The system: “…”

This was arduous.

A powerhouse’s system was truly exhausting to manage…

Clicking through the clear water sounds, Shen Ji entered the secondary cavern.

The black water beneath his feet swallowed all light; the flashlight’s powerful beam striking the surface yielded zero reflection. Still, with only a single path available, navigation remained straightforward.

Unimpeded, he swiftly penetrated deep into the cavern depths.

He illuminated the upper reaches.

In the gloom, a vertical depth of tens of meters had essentially hollowed out the mountain peak, its dome covered entirely by irregular protruding rocks.

The imperceptibly dangerous white mist swirled and drifted gently, creating an illusion of eerie tranquility.

The system spotted glowing specks twinkling on the opposite stone wall instantly. “There!”

Shen Ji strode forward.

As he drew closer to the snow lotus, the surrounding white mist grew denser.

The tranquil black water churned noisily as well, surging turbulently beneath his soles.

The system marveled, “Heavens, it is a twin lotus! Host, your luck is truly extraordinary! However, each person can consume only one Profound Crystal Snow Lotus; why not gift the other to the main villain?”

The host consistently refused to dual-cultivate with the main villain; at the very least, this snow lotus could assist the main villain in recovering his cultivation swiftly.

Shen Ji inquired, “What happens if one consumes two?”

The system murmured, “Host, do not be so stingy. A Profound Crystal Snow Lotus must be consumed within seven days of harvesting, and consuming two yields roughly the same effect as one, so just gift the second one to the main villain!”

Shen Ji remained noncommittal.

The system chimed in again, “Oh, this lotus is breathtaking! Gifting it to the main villain would be exceptionally romantic!”

Making the main villain realize the host’s goodwill and take the initiative to seek him out for dual cultivation would work as well!

Shen Ji looked across.

Two snow lotuses with translucent petals stood side by side within a crevice of the stone wall, crystal-clear and dazzling. They shone brilliantly under the flashlight’s powerful beam, radiating magnificent colors, clustered amidst drifting rays of rosy light. They appeared stunningly gorgeous indeed, resembling exquisite works of painstaking craftsmanship rather than mere plants.

Yet he merely asked, “How do I harvest them?”

The system did not expect the host to appreciate aesthetics. It replied, “Simply pluck them directly. Although the Profound Crystal Snow Lotus grows in the mortal realm, its grade is immortal, making it exceptionally sturdy.”

Shen Ji approached the rock wall.

The system praised him flatteringly, “I never expected acquiring it to be so effortless for the host, simply remarkable!”

Mid-system praise, Shen Ji reached out toward the snow lotus.

The instant his fingertips brushed the base of the lotus, the rosy light flared blindingly bright.

The black water surging across the ground boiled furiously, churning and roaring as the white mist filling the entire cavern reacted like a summoned force, rushing in swiftly from all four directions!

The system: “…”

Why did this deviate entirely from the text?

Shen Ji frowned.

His hand remained suctioned to the snow lotus, unable to break free. He could only watch as the white mist swept past his back to merge into the lotus petals.

Debris cascaded down in a rustle, vibrating as it struck the ground.

The system panicked. “Is this place about to collapse?!”

Once the white mist vanished entirely and the pressure on his hand dissipated, Shen Ji applied slight force to pluck the snow lotus free.

The rock wall fractured instantly.

Spiderweb cracks continued widening, and the sharp giant boulders overhead blasted apart heavily!

The gas mask impaired his vision; Shen Ji took a direct hit to his left shoulder from a falling stone, suppressed a muffled grunt, and swallowed back the metallic taste of blood rising in his throat.

The toxic mist had vanished. Shedding the mask, he pivoted to dodge a falling stone slab and attempted to retrace his steps, but within a mere three to five seconds, the entire mountain peak completely caved in.

Bright sunlight spilled across his shoulders once more. Shen Ji turned around silently—

The immortals and demons waiting outside the cave entrance stared at him with unblinking focus.

“That person holds the Profound Crystal Snow Lotus!”

Stowing away the snow lotus, Shen Ji decisively unhooked the Qiankun pouch from his waist and hurled it toward the leading immortal man.

“Immortals, how we divide the snow lotus can be discussed upon our return, but it must not fall into the hands of the demon clan.”

Before he finished speaking, the already tense crowd erupted into motion, lunging toward the pouch suspended in midair.

The leading immortal also spoke with stern gravity, “Indeed, this is an internal affair of the immortal realm to be settled upon return; demons, do not meddle!”

Various members of the demon clan sneered, ignoring the warning outright.

A battle broke out instantly!

Amidst the stalemate, an unidentifiable cold arrow struck the first hand reaching for the Qiankun pouch. The owner shrieked in agony and drew his longsword in fury!

“This snow lotus, this lord claims it!”

The immortal could no longer hold back. “That depends on whether I permit it!”

Those unable to restrain themselves joined the fray successively, and the crowd soon descended into fierce combat.

Lacking the corrosive black water to guard the snow lotus, suppressed spiritual energies of diverse colors erupted overwhelmingly!

Despite all individuals suffering restrictions under the Snow Domain seal, their execution remained arduous.

Reclaiming his crossbow, Shen Ji slipped quietly into the crowd and made a covert exit.

The battle raged on at the scene.

Not a soul noticed anyone departing amidst the chaos.

Until someone finally retrieved the Qiankun pouch from the ground.

The man unsealed the opening.

Discovering the interior utterly empty, his complexion turned a sickly, darkened green.

“Cease fighting, the snow lotus is not here!”

By the time Shen Ji returned to his dwelling, he had exceeded his appointed timeframe with Xie Feng by a full factor of two.

Circling from the rear mountain to the front entrance, he had just halted before the courtyard when Xie Feng emerged from within.

Catching sight of him, Xie Feng paused in place, his expression growing faintly cold.

The system could not resist chiming in: “Host, behold your tardiness; the main villain is displeased.”

Reining in his mount, Shen Ji dismounted from the Gale Leopard and advanced a step. The injury on his left shoulder aggravated his internal organs, sparking a lingering, dull ache. Pressing a hand against the courtyard wall, he coughed softly twice.

“You are injured again?”

Soothing spiritual energy pierced through his brow, cascading downward across his frame to rapidly pacify the injury.

Shen Ji closed his eyes to steady his breathing.

Xie Feng said coldly, “If you are courting death, there was no need to return.”

Observing Shen Ji toy with the Scarlet Phoenix yesterday and treat the Snow Domain like an empty courtyard, Xie Feng assumed any injuries sustained today were merely born of recklessness and pugnacious brawling with adversaries.

He required Shen Ji to guard his meditation, but had no use for a reckless brawler.

Lifting a hand to stroke the recovering injury, Shen Ji looked back at Xie Feng and offered a light smile. “Actually, I sustained this injury for your sake today.”

Xie Feng frowned. “What?”

“Ah?” The system’s stunned voice carried bewilderment. “Ah??”

Pulling the twin snow lotus from his inventory, Shen Ji presented it to Xie Feng. “With this present, your cultivation should recover quite substantially.”

Xie Feng swept a glance across it before meeting Shen Ji’s gaze.

The Profound Crystal Snow Lotus would naturally prove immensely beneficial toward his cultivation recovery.

Yet Shen Ji, a mere mortal, employed what manner of means to contend for this immortal-grade treasure?

Noting Shen Ji’s wounded return, the crease between Xie Feng’s brows deepened further.

“You—”

“Worry not for me; being able to bring it back for you renders minor injuries worthwhile.”

Shen Ji cut him off. “As you stated, you took the trouble to heal my injuries, and I gifted you a snow lotus; we are even now. However, upon locating it, I found a twin pair; if you mind not, sharing one with me will suffice.”

The system: “”

Only you could pull this off, Host!

Inverting black and white with utter shamelessness!

Seeing Xie Feng remain silent, Shen Ji directly snapped one blossom from the stem and extended the remaining one toward Xie Feng.

Xie Feng raised a hand, and the snow lotus drifted smoothly into his palm, hovering slightly in midair.

Shen Ji stated, “Go ahead and absorb it first, I await your assistance.”

The system: “…………”

No wonder the host proved so generous; he still expected the main villain to lend a hand afterward.

Xie Feng glanced at Shen Ji, parting his thin lips to utter, “Very well.”

Watching him return to his room, Shen Ji turned toward the woodshed.

After decocting and consuming the medicine, noting Xie Feng had yet to emerge, he went to the well to draw another bucket of water.

The spiritual energy sustaining the bucket reached the well rim—

Hearing movement, Shen Ji turned his head just in time to catch Xie Feng stepping out the threshold. The other’s expression shifted slightly, prompting him to instantly reverse his hand seals and flash back into the inner room!

A violent gale rose as the doors and windows slammed shut with a heavy bang, completely cutting off his line of sight.

Xie Feng’s enraged, cold, and deep voice thundered in his ear.

“I stated previously, you are forbidden from utilizing spiritual energy in my presence!”

Shen Ji set the bucket down. “Let us be reasonable, it wasn’t me entering your presence, you entered mine.”

Silence reigned within the room.

Watching the pale golden light seep through the cracks of the wooden windows, Shen Ji’s suspicions grew increasingly pronounced.

Something was amiss.

What precisely made his spiritual energy so extraordinary that it caused Xie Feng to react like facing a formidable enemy?