Chapter Twenty-Seven: Heaven Within the Prison

“So does that mean if I refine a Condensed Vein Realm expert, I can possess their power?” Lin Fan seized upon the most critical point and voiced his question. If the Blood Pill truly allowed him to steal another’s cultivation, then his future path would be unimpeded—he’d advance without obstacles, forging ahead triumphantly.

“You’re thinking too optimistically.” The shadowy figure let out a cold laugh and continued. “If it were as you imagine, then cultivation would require no effort at all in the future? The Blood Pill is merely a shortcut. It can significantly enhance your potential, but that’s all it does. If you truly ingested a pill refined from a Condensed Vein Realm expert, I guarantee you’d die on the spot, your body exploding from the force. Moreover, at the Condensed Vein level, the pills are no longer called Blood Pills, but Dao Pills, containing the laws of the Dao that the cultivator comprehended in life.”

“So that’s how it is.” Lin Fan muttered to himself, feeling no great disappointment. Cultivation was always a struggle against the current; those who reached the summit were never those who relied on shortcuts. Only those who survived countless perils could leave their mark—flowers raised in greenhouses could never become towering trees.

Seeing Lin Fan’s lack of disappointment, the shadow nodded, evidently satisfied. “You are now at the peak of the Seventh Layer of the Flesh Realm, but your strength has already reached Two Elephants. Your potential is decent, which also means breaking through to the next stage will be even harder. However, once you do, you’ll unleash overwhelming power—thunderous and terrifying.”

The shadow’s vision was lofty, accustomed to grand scenes. Lin Fan’s potential was impressive, but not the strongest he had seen. “What?! This is only considered decent?” Lin Fan exclaimed. He had thought his current cultivation was already excellent, perhaps enough to break into the top ten of the inner sect. More importantly, his realm was merely Flesh Realm Seventh Layer; such potential, he believed, was rare if not unparalleled. Yet in the shadow’s eyes, it was merely ‘decent.’

“What’s so special about it? In my days, I traversed the world and saw all kinds of prodigies. It was a dark yet prosperous era—young emperors, child gods, all appeared. Your potential wouldn’t even qualify to tie their shoes.”

Crude words, but true. The shadow was not trying to belittle Lin Fan, but simply recounting what he had witnessed. Yet the words stung Lin Fan’s ears. At his age, he brimmed with ambition—how could he stand to be looked down upon?

“I don’t know how powerful your era truly was, but if I could return to those days, I’d compete with your so-called emperors and gods myself!” Lin Fan spoke with fearless resolve, unaware of what kind of beings those emperors and gods were, but even if he knew, it wouldn’t dampen his spirit.

“Good. Your starting point is low, but your future is limitless. Since you’ve obtained that fragment, even if those people return one day, they’ll have no complaints.” The shadow muttered softly, so quietly that Lin Fan barely caught the words.

“Take out the jade talisman.” Before Lin Fan could inquire further, the shadow spoke first.

“The jade talisman?” As expected, Lin Fan’s attention shifted. He retrieved the talisman again; the once pure white glow now appeared as a blood-red haze filled with killing intent. To think such a small talisman harbored such deadly menace—Duanmuci truly deserved his reputation for cunning.

“That despicable Duanmuci.” Lin Fan spat out his murderous intent, flinging the talisman dozens of yards away where it crashed heavily to the ground.

“What are you doing?” The shadow frowned, evidently puzzled by Lin Fan’s decision to discard the talisman.

“You told me this jade talisman was problematic. It’s a fuse planted on me by another—naturally, the sooner I get rid of it, the better.” Lin Fan sniffed, feeling a bit uncertain himself.

The shadow fell silent, shaking his head. “I really don’t know what to say. True, I mentioned the talisman is a curse left by Duanmuci, but I also told you it’s an extraordinary item, infused with the law of the Heaven-Human Realm. It’s remarkable.”

At this, the shadow’s face became utterly helpless, making Lin Fan’s skin crawl. “But you said it would bring disaster upon me. No matter how important it is, if it cannot be used by me, what’s the point? In my eyes, it’s just a root of calamity. Why not discard it early?”

Lin Fan saw nothing wrong with his actions. The talisman was more trouble than it was worth; throwing it away was the best option.

“You cannot resolve the talisman, but I can. Not only can I suppress its Yang aura, but I can also extract the power Duanmuci left within it. You must understand, this is the means of the Heaven-Human Realm. Its importance to you is beyond measure. If you can absorb it, you’ll glimpse Heaven-Human energy ahead of schedule—a tremendous advantage.”

The shadow spoke persuasively, as if telling Lin Fan that with the talisman, he could soar to the skies.

“What are you really trying to say?” Lin Fan’s initial joy faded, replaced by a vague unease, as if he were a lamb awaiting slaughter.

“It’s nothing too serious. I’ll suppress the talisman and extract Duanmuci’s power for you to absorb. But in exchange, you must find me a treasure weapon within a month. Don’t worry—my recovery benefits you as well. If I can consume a treasure, refining Blood Pills like today will be effortless. You’ll have as many as you want.”

Sweet words, honeyed promises; the shadow was confident these terms would be irresistible to Lin Fan. And indeed—

“Agreed. One treasure weapon it is. But you must extract Duanmuci’s power for me to absorb now, or my earlier words are void.” Lin Fan pondered for a moment, then nodded. Between power and treasures, he chose power; anyone else would do the same.

“A crafty old fox, indeed! You never act without seeing the rabbit first. Such caution is rare, but ultimately a good trait. I’ll extract the power for you so you may advance further, and in turn, help me find the treasure. True treasures are always seized; without great strength, it’s impossible.”

The shadow nodded, finding nothing amiss in Lin Fan’s approach. He unleashed a beam of light, pulling the distant talisman into his grasp.

“You may call me Prison Sky. The extracted power will merge directly into your body; half a month should suffice. But my treasure must be delivered on time, or else…” The chilling voice echoed, revealing the shadow’s true name. The light shimmered, and he once again merged into Lin Fan’s body.