A crescent moon hung desolately in the sky, with sparse cold stars dotting the pitch-black night.

A dark shadow whooshed through the high air, passing over the majestic Yong Province capital, flying toward the mountain range thirty li to the south.

As it neared the mountains, the shadow began to slow, gradually hovering at the mountainside near the entrance of a robbers’ tunnel.

“Seems I’m the first to arrive.”

Chu Yuan Jin surveyed the surroundings, seeing no other Heaven and Earth Society members. He landed lightly, sat cross-legged on a boulder with his sword across his lap, and waited quietly.

After half an hour, Chu Yuan Jin’s ears twitched slightly as he heard a faint tremor in the ground.

He glanced to his left and saw a figure shoot skyward, leap high into the air, then crash down heavily with a thunderous landing.

It was Heng Yuan, the burly warrior monk wearing cyan cloth garments.

Like the crude warriors and martial artists, he couldn’t ride clouds or fly on swords, and brief levitation couldn’t sustain long-distance travel, so he had run the entire way.

Running hundreds of li in one night fully demonstrated a warrior monk’s extraordinary endurance.

“Master Heng Yuan, it seems you weren’t far from Yong Province,” Chu Yuan Jin smiled.

“Amitabha!” Heng Yuan pressed his palms together: “Benefactor Chu, your energy is profound and your cultivation has advanced. Have you touched the threshold of Third-Rank?”

Chu Yuan Jin pondered briefly before answering candidly:

“If we’re talking about combat power matching Third-Rank, I could become transcendent within three months.

“But my path has severe after-effects – I would have transcendent combat power without a transcendent’s lifespan. Therefore, I’m trying to consolidate further rather than breakthrough, seeking a more perfect path.”

Terrifying… Heng Yuan silently evaluated.

He knew Chu Yuan Jin used martial arts as his foundation while cultivating Human Sect swordsmanship, making his path very strange – neither purely martial nor purely Daoist.

If forced to categorize him, Chu Yuan Jin had already become a sword cultivator!

“Why not go through first, then try to perfect your cultivation method after entering transcendence? Perhaps Benefactor Chu could create a new system,” Heng Yuan suggested.

It was easier to reverse-engineer a cultivation system from a higher level than to explore and create a new system while weak.

Chu Yuan Jin stroked his chin and said:

“Since we’re on this topic, there’s something I find quite strange.

“Among the current major systems, Dao Venerable was the master of the Daoist system. Though Shaman God created the wizard system, many wizard spells show traces of Daoist arts.

“From this, we can deduce that Shaman God first cultivated Daoist arts, then blazed a new trail to create the wizard system after reaching high rank.”

Heng Yuan nodded, following the topic:

“Martial arts have existed since ancient times, Gu arts came from the Gu God, and artificers evolved from wizards. Only Confucianism and Buddhism were created from nothing.”

Confucian and Buddhist arts were completely different from other systems, showing no similarities.

Chu Yuan Jin, with his sword across his knees, stroked the sword’s spine and corrected:

“Master Heng Yuan, what I mean is that among today’s major systems, only the artificer system’s creator – the First Imperial Censor – can be confirmed to have developed the artificer system step by step from humble beginnings.

“Among all system creators, he is the most extraordinary.”

Though the First came from the wizard system, when he campaigned with the Founding Emperor, he was still of humble status, without the qualification to have such an overarching view.

“I’ve also tried to explore a new cultivation path, and because of this, I truly understand the First Imperial Censor’s stunning brilliance and how he defied common sense.

“I want to know how he created the artificer system back then.”

Chu Yuan Jin sighed.

As they chatted, both suddenly turned their heads to look northeast.

Through the heavy night, a dark figure came riding a sword, whooshing like the wind, descending diagonally toward the mountainside.

The person on the sword’s spine wore light armor and a scarlet cape, carrying a silver spear, hair tied in a high ponytail – cutting a heroic and valiant figure.

Li Miao Zhen had resumed her attire from her bandit-hunting days in Cloud Province – that of a spirited female general.

The Red-Robed General!

…

At the Bureau of Astronomy, bedchamber.

Xu Qi An opened his eyes, extending his right hand from under the cotton blanket and flicking his fingers.

“Hiss!”

The candle lit in response, spreading a dim yellow glow.

He withdrew his hand and gave Mu Nan Zhi’s soft yet firm peach-like bottom a squeeze – the Flower God didn’t notice in her deep sleep.

Xu Qi An took out the Earth Book fragment, summoned the Pagoda of Buddha, and released Bai Ji.

“Stay here and keep her company, I have a business to attend to.”

Xu Qi An patted the fox cub’s head as he instructed.

Bai Ji stood at the edge of the bed, black eyes bright as she watched Mu Nan Zhi’s sleeping form, and huffed coquettishly:

“No backbone!”

She had said she wouldn’t pay attention to him, but when Xu Silver Bell persisted with hugs and kisses, she yielded halfway.

Then she made a show of lying down on the bed, saying she needed to rest and shouldn’t be disturbed.

Wasn’t that inviting him to bed?

“Auntie, you have no backbone…” Bai Ji pounced beside Mu Nan Zhi, swinging her little paws in a series of turtle punches.

Mu Nan Zhi was sleeping too deeply to hear her protests.

Xu Qi An dressed completely and said:

“I’m going to Yong Province. There’s a fierce battle to fight today. Stay well at the Bureau of Astronomy – if you’re bored, take a walk in the city or visit the Xu Manor.”

But don’t reveal our relationship, or you’ll be beaten up by Ling Yue and Auntie together… Xu Qi An disappeared into the shadows.

As soon as he left, Mu Nan Zhi immediately woke up, knocked Bai Ji on the head, and said coquettishly:

“What do you know? Your auntie is punishing him, making him serve me to make up for his mistakes.”

Bai Ji stared dazedly at the Flower God, who wasn’t wearing her bracelet.

…

Li Miao Zhen jumped down from the sword’s spine, looked left and right, and knew only Heng Yuan and Chu Yuan Jin were present.

“Brother Chu, Master Heng Yuan!”

She didn’t perform a Daoist greeting but cupped her fists instead.

After the three exchanged greetings, they waited patiently. Less than a quarter hour later, a bright, clear light illuminated not far from their location – Li Ling Su and Yang Qian Huan had arrived.

“Ah, they’re over there!”

Li Ling Su sensed their location easily after a brief probe.

His location was where he had entered the tomb with “Xu Qian” that day, accompanied by Miao You Fang and the State Preceptor.

This was some distance from the thieves’ entrance where Chu Yuan Jin and Heng Yuan were positioned.

Yang Qian Huan, wearing a silk veil hat, took a step, and they instantly disappeared, reappearing before Li Miao Zhen and the others.

“I’ve brought powerful reinforcement for the Heaven and Earth Society. With Brother Yang providing support, we’ll have no worries.”

Li Ling Su smiled, looking around:

“Oh? Xu Qi An and Daoist Jin Lian haven’t arrived? Daoist Jin Lian might be far away, but as for Xu Ning Yan, he’s probably still enjoying himself in some woman’s bed.”

He sat down casually and took out several wine jars from the Earth Book fragment, smiling:

“It’s still far from dawn. Since we’re all gathered, how can we not have wine?”

Chu Yuan Jin was a wine enthusiast and accepted with a smile. Master Heng Yuan, as a warrior monk, didn’t abstain from meat or wine.

They lit a bonfire and sat around it drinking.

Only Yang Qian Huan stood motionless at a distance, stubbornly giving everyone an inscrutable back view.

Li Ling Su took a sip of wine and brought up a topic everyone found interesting:

“Does anyone know Number Eight’s identity? Man or woman?”

“We’ll know soon enough!” Li Miao Zhen glanced at her senior brother and chuckled:

“Even rabbits don’t eat grass near their burrow – if it’s a young lady, you’d better not have any ideas.”

Why can you be intimate with Xu Qi’an I get the ‘rabbits don’t eat grass near their burrow’ lecture… Li Ling Su internally argued though he was purely curious about Number Eight’s identity.

“Ridiculous, Brother Li has three beauties by his side and enjoys nightly pleasures. How could he be some desperate man who’s never seen women?”

Yang Qian Huan defended his brother from a distance.

Li Miao Zhen and the others looked at Li Ling Su in unison, thoughts flashing through their minds:

“As expected of you,” “No wonder he needed to incorporate martial arts cultivation,” “Is the Heaven Sect practicing the Supreme Dao of Forgetting Emotions?”

…Li Ling Su gave a dry laugh:

“I don’t understand military strategy or how to manage armies, so I found some talented beauties to help.”

What an oddball. When Xu Ning Yan said the Heaven Sect’s Holy Son had beauties all over the Central Plains, I thought he was exaggerating. Now it seems he wasn’t exaggerating at all… Chu Yuan Jin’s mind was full of criticism.

Li Miao Zhen knew her senior brother’s nature and wasn’t surprised at all, continuing the previous topic:

“Number Eight’s cultivation level probably isn’t too high.”

Daoist Jin Lian wouldn’t give an Earth Book fragment to someone of too high rank – it would have neither cultivation value nor be easy to control. So he chose potential stocks that might become regional “lords” in the future.

From this perspective, when Number Eight initially received the Earth Book fragment, like other members, their cultivation level must have been low.

Li Ling Su laughed:

“If they haven’t reached Fourth Rank, we might as well send them back. However, since Daoist Jin Lian hasn’t objected, Number Eight must have some capabilities.”

Chu Yuan Jin agreed with the Holy Son’s view:

“They must at least have Fourth-Rank combat power to qualify for participating in the operation against the Earth Sect’s evil Daoists.

“If this plan succeeds, we’ll have fulfilled our promise to Daoist Jin Lian, and the Earth Book fragments will completely become our magical tools.”

Li Miao Zhen pursed her lips:

“However, that means nothing – Daoist Jin Lian is getting something for nothing.”

As they spoke, the five present sensed something and looked toward the northwestern sky.

Under the night sky, an elderly Daoist came walking through the air. With each step, a golden light condensed into a lotus supporting his feet, lotus flowers blooming.

When he lifted his foot, the lotus would disperse into particles of light.

“Daoist Jin Lian!”

Li Miao Zhen and the others called out in greeting.

Meanwhile, they all inwardly marveled: This is how a transcendent expert should make an entrance.

Daoist Jin Lian slowly descended, golden light particles still scattered behind him, making him appear otherworldly and dignified, with the bearing of a great master.

“Everyone, it’s been half a year, and your bearing is even more impressive than before.”

Daoist Jin Lian said with a smile.

Feels like you’re praising yourself… the Heaven and Earth Society members thought in unison.

“Daoist, Xu Ning Yan, and Number Eight haven’t arrived yet.”

Just as Li Ling Su finished speaking, Daoist Jin Lian looked at the shadow beneath Li Miao Zhen’s feet, twisted by the bonfire, and smiled:

“He arrived early.”

The shadow suddenly expanded, transforming into a black human shape, and then features became clear – it was Xu Qi An in his magnificent cyan robe.

“Everyone, it’s been a long time.”

Xu Qi An smiled and cupped his hands.

Li Miao Zhen was startled, looked down at her shadow, and her fair cheeks flushed red as she angrily said:

“What were you doing hiding in my shadow!”

Better to emerge from a beautiful girl’s shadow than a rough man’s… Xu Qi An turned his head to look at Yang Qian Huan:

“Senior Brother Yang is here too.”

Yang Qian Huan made a sound of acknowledgment and said in a casual, uncaring tone:

“I heard you helped the Princess ascend to the throne. Well done.”

You were so envious you banged your head against the wall… Li Ling Su thought privately, then looked up at the sky and said:

“It’s dawn, why hasn’t Number Eight arrived yet?”

Daoist Jin Lian and Xu Qi An said simultaneously:

“They’re here.”

As their voices fell, from the dense forest beside them slowly emerged a giant nearly nine chi tall, wearing a red and yellow kasaya with prayer beads around his neck.

His appearance was ugly, with protruding brow bones and sharp eyes concealed within.

Within the ugliness, there was also a sense of martial dignity.

When Li Ling Su saw the figure far exceeding normal human height, he knew Number Eight couldn’t be the quality beauty he had imagined, and felt somewhat disappointed.

When Number Eight walked into the bonfire’s light and Li Ling Su saw his face, he was shocked:

“Asura clan?!”

While in Yong Province, Li Ling Su encountered the Asura Vajra Du Fan, so he was more familiar with the Asura clan than Li Miao Zhen and the others.

“A Buddhist?”

Li Miao Zhen, Chu Yuan Jin, and Master Heng Yuan were stunned when they saw the kasaya Number Eight was wearing.

Li Ling Su took out his Earth Book fragment, waved it, and said:

“Number Eight?”

The burly monk also took out a small jade mirror, confirming his identity.

So it is Number Eight… Li Miao Zhen and the others gave up hope and reluctantly accepted reality.

Honestly, they hadn’t expected Number Eight to be a Buddhist disciple.

Currently, Buddhism and Great Feng were like fire and water – Number Eight being a Buddhist disciple, this… I can’t even tell if they’re friend or foe… Li Miao Zhen frowned repeatedly.

Chu Yuan Jin had the same concerns. After hearing Li Ling Su identify the other party as an Asura, he dismissed his guess that “perhaps they’re like Master Heng Yuan” and determined the other party must be from the Western Regions.

Because only the Western Regions had Asuras.

Trusting in Daoist Jin Lian, he kept his concerns to himself, discreetly scanning the others and finding everyone had similar worries.

“Sit!”

Xu Qi An beckoned to Asura.

Asura sat down by the bonfire without any reserve, took the wine jar Xu Qi An handed him, took a drink, looked around at everyone, and smiled:

“Since emerging from seclusion, this is my first time meeting everyone. Please take care of me.”

Perhaps because his attitude was friendly and his speaking style gentle, Li Miao Zhen and the others lowered their guard slightly.

Chu Yuan Jin carefully said:

“Number Eight, you understand the conflict between Great Feng and Buddhism, and you know the significance behind hunting down the Black Lotus.

“As a Buddhist disciple, why participate in this?”

The Number One Scholar Chu had always been an upright person, speaking frankly about the stakes.

Seeing everyone’s gazes focused on him, Asura unhurriedly said:

“Though I wear monk’s robes and kasaya, I don’t consider myself a Buddhist disciple. The grudges between Buddhism and the Asura clan are well known to everyone present.”

Hearing this, the Heaven and Earth Society members felt somewhat awkward and sighed – they had previously leaked information to Number Eight about the connection between Buddha and the Asura King.

They had freely commented on the complicated relationships between the Asura King, Asura, and the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox of the Southern Borders.

Suddenly learning that Number Eight was actually from the Asura clan inevitably caused some embarrassment.

“That’s good!”

After confirming they had a friend, not a foe, Li Ling Su picked up the wine jar and said:

“I’ve had several dealings with the Asura clan, and you’re the most unique Asura I’ve met.

“Asura Vajra Du Fan, the Asura King, and his young son Asura all became Buddhism’s most devout believers.

“That Vajra Du Fan fell in Sword Prefecture, and Asura was repeatedly suppressed by our Heaven and Earth Society’s Xu Qi An.

“Only you maintain your original heart, not converted by Buddhism.”

The members nodded slightly, believing this was why Daoist Jin Lian had chosen Number Eight.

From their earlier observations, they could roughly determine that Number Eight’s cultivation wasn’t high, between Fifth and Fourth Rank.

But he indeed had special qualities.

Li Ling Su finished speaking, took a drink, then asked:

“By the way, we still don’t know your name.”

Asura swept his gaze across everyone, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly:

“Asura!”