Chapter 118: He had never had any interest in putting himself in harm's way.

Su Ji'an felt even more puzzled; how could there be such a vast disparity between people? He sensed the connection between his spirit and Shen Qing'er's; with the slightest flick of his intent, she would perish in an instant. This was something that could not be faked. Had she undergone some mutation, or was there another hidden truth?

Su Ji'an considered whether he should simply finish her off and leave Lingxiu Village. Settling in Hanshan City seemed like a viable alternative. However, things had not yet reached that point. He would observe for a few more days and try to probe for information indirectly. Regardless of whether his suspicions were unfounded, maintaining some level of vigilance against Shen Qing'er was necessary.

"Master... this demon rat keeps squeaking incessantly. What should be done?" Yu Ming looked bewildered, completely at a loss as to how to handle the situation.

Su Ji'an let out a soft sigh, took out five Inedia Pills, and tossed them at the feet of the demon rat. The rat glanced at Su Ji'an with a hint of fear before quickly snatching up the pills and devouring them. It still looked unsatisfied, staring at Su Ji'an with longing eyes.

*Thump.*

Su Ji'an reached out and tapped the cage, laughing mockingly, "What, you want that for every meal? Your meal ticket is still that kid from before; he will deliver your food on schedule." He then instructed Yu Ming, "If the portion that kid brings isn't enough and this little thing starts screaming again, just give him a sound thrashing—as long as you don't kill or maim him."

Yu Ming responded blankly, "Rest assured, Master, I will certainly beat him hard!"

Su Ji'an waved his hand, signaling him to withdraw. Shortly after Yu Ming left, Su Ji'an suddenly received an update on Cui Wenzi’s movements. He had been waiting for news regarding the Demon Emperor for quite some time. Ouyang Feng had not managed to join the Qingyun Sect for several days, and the Holy Master had yet to resolve the issue with Xi Wang, so the plan to monitor the mastermind had naturally been delayed.

[Cui Wenzi is closely tracking the Demon Emperor. He has discovered that the Emperor has begun secretly gathering his loyalists among the demon race and has arranged for spies within the human territories to investigate the identity of Shen Lianxiang.]

Su Ji'an raised an eyebrow. "If they keep digging, things will only get more complicated." At this point, the fact that the enemy was not prioritizing the assassination of his rival seemed incredibly foolish. In such matters, it was always better to kill the wrong person than to let the right one slip away.

It seemed necessary to give them a nudge; otherwise, missing the optimal window would result in the greatest loss for him. The mastermind had to die. However, Su Ji'an had not yet decided how to intervene.

Just as he was deep in thought, Ouyang Feng sent back another message.

[Ouyang Feng is lying low in the immortal city beneath the Qingyun Sect. He has gone to great lengths to join the sect, only to learn that the Qingyun Sect never accepts those with unknown backgrounds who already possess cultivation. Furthermore, Ouyang Feng heard that whoever obtains the Vajra Ring will be able to tread the Path to Immortality. The Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm is, in fact, the periphery of this path. The first day of next month marks the opening of the Secret Realm; those who excel within it can become outer-sect elders and gain the favor of the Qingyun Sect Master. This news has been spreading like wildfire over the past few days.]

Su Ji'an’s gaze sharpened. From the moment the Vajra Ring appeared, he had smelled a conspiracy. It was clearly designed specifically for him. He had previously suspected that the mastermind would not give up after losing track of him, but the lack of activity over the past few days suggested they were at their wit's end. Clearly, the mastermind was trying to lure the snake out of its hole. It was both a hidden trap and an overt ploy—the former was obvious, while the latter played on the human desire to seize opportunities that could defy fate.

But was he a common man? He had never had any interest in putting himself in danger. Yet, in Su Ji'an's eyes, this scheme was not particularly clever—perhaps because he possessed too much information.

Su Ji'an immediately issued a new order to Ouyang Feng.

[Proceed to the Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm immediately. This is a golden opportunity for you to join the Qingyun Sect and rise rapidly. With the full support of the mission system, you are destined to take the top spot.]

[Mission Reward: One Immobilization Talisman.]
[Mission Penalty: All hair on your body will fall out.]

Since Ouyang Feng couldn't infiltrate the Qingyun Sect, he would help him do it. He wanted to see what other desperate measures the mastermind had in store. Perhaps he could even uncover some unexpected gains along the way. Su Ji'an had heard of the Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm before, though his cultivation had not yet reached the level required to enter. Anyone below the Transformation-to-God stage could participate in the annual trial. With the Immobilization Talisman and Five-Poison Powder provided by the system, it would be effortless for Ouyang Feng to secure first place.

The Mountains and Rivers Secret Realm had existed since ancient times, its origins untraceable. Its existence was not for the sake of competing for cultivation resources or treasures, but rather as preparation for the Transformation-to-God stage. Those who ranked high in the trial would receive Soul Stones in varying quantities. These stones were unique to the secret realm; Su Ji'an had heard they were formed by the essence of heaven and earth, functioning more like a unique type of treasure. They could enhance the Primordial Spirit and played a crucial role in the process of refining Qi into Spirit.

Su Ji'an glanced at the price to unlock Soul Stones—300,000 spiritual power points. This alone proved their rarity. Perhaps their utility went beyond what he knew; a price of 300,000 points could not be that simple.

There were only five days left until the first of next month. Just then, a knock sounded at Su Ji'an’s courtyard gate. Opening it, he found the young girl, Li Ling'er. He realized he hadn't seen her for quite some time since their last parting.

Su Ji'an asked with a chuckle, "What made you think of coming here today?"

Li Ling'er began to complain bitterly, "You big baddie, it’s all your fault! You must have left some trace, which is how my father discovered me last time. He’s had me grounded ever since; I’ve been bored to death!"

"You little brat, always shifting the blame," Su Ji'an said, reaching out to ruffle her hair.

Li Ling'er complained, "Stop messing up my hair!"

Su Ji'an asked casually, "Has your father lifted your grounding?"

Li Ling'er puffed out her cheeks. "Of course not! I snuck out while he was away. I don't care... you have to take responsibility for me."

Su Ji'an raised an eyebrow. "Why are you talking such nonsense, little girl?" Why was she talking about "taking responsibility"? Was her backside itchy again, and she was looking for an excuse to get a few more whacks? He hadn't realized she had such tendencies.

Li Ling'er hummed, "Hmph, this all started because of you, so you have to find a way to get me ungrounded."