Based on past patterns, Jun Changxiao could generally determine that any incomplete manual purchased had definitely been stolen from somewhere else, such as Volume 2’s Hua Meigui and Volume 3’s Black and White Rakshasa.

But what about Volume 1?

There should have been a victim for that one too, right?

Today, when He Wudi revealed part of his story, the mystery that had persisted for years was finally solved—he was the original unlucky victim!

“Fate!”

The system said, “This is fate!”

“Bah!”

Jun Changxiao said, “His maxed-out account got reset to zero because you harmed him!”

“But the one who benefited was the host!” the system said.

“I didn’t know!”

In this matter, Jun Changxiao truly couldn’t be said to have any great fault, after all, he had absolutely no idea the shop had such a scammy design. If he had known, he definitely would have… there were no ifs.

“Later I understood.”

He Wudi said, “The disappearance of the incomplete manual was actually an opportunity, because without it, I wouldn’t have joined the sect created by Senior Qi Xuan to pursue higher martial dao mysteries.”

Honestly, falling from a high-level world to a low-level world with all realm cultivation reset to zero—anyone else definitely couldn’t have withstood it. He certainly suffered at first, but it wasn’t until he joined the Eternal Sect that he gained deeper understanding.

Opportunity.

All of this was opportunity.

He Wudi even often pondered whether his ability to find the incomplete manual and come to the Xingyun Continent might have been arranged by Senior Qi Xuan in some mysterious way.

Some might say this overthinking was excessive.

In fact, when cultivation reached a certain level, one very much believed in such things, especially since Qi Xuan Holy Venerable held an extremely high position in He Wudi’s heart—he even revered him as a god!

God.

Omnipotent!

Moreover, because the incomplete manual mysteriously disappeared, forcing him to flee to the lower realm, only to see the complete set at the Eternal Sect—how could one not overthink this!

“What realm were you at before coming here?” Jun Changxiao asked.

“Uh…”

He Wudi thought briefly and said, “Truth-Seeking Realm.”

When explaining the circumstances earlier, he had deliberately concealed important intelligence, so he naturally had to hide his realm as well, otherwise it would be too easy to slip up.

“No wonder.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Your understanding of the sect’s martial arts is so deep.”

The Eternal Sect’s current strongest combat power was Gu Zhaoxi, who was merely at the Eight Revolution Core Formation Stage. A Truth-Seeking Realm-level expert was undoubtedly at a higher tier with greater strength.

“Alas.”

He Wudi sighed, “Although my understanding of martial arts is very high, raising my realm still requires taking it one step at a time.”

The meaning was very clear—he was telling Jun Changxiao: I’m now a fallen phoenix inferior to a chicken, so don’t count on me to uphold the sect’s reputation.

He Wudi was truly too low-key.

If one had to use a term to describe it, it would be—Survival King.

The reason for this personality trait was that the world he once lived in, though not weak, was far from top-tier. He could only survive his way up, completely lacking Night Emperor’s past life experience of controlling lightning.

Simply put.

He Wudi was just a small figure in the high-level world who developed gradually through keeping a low profile. His personality was destined not to be too ostentatious, even constantly restrained.

He and Ye Xingchen represented two extremes, respectively embodying survival chicken and wealthy express delivery.

“So.”

Jun Changxiao patted his shoulder again and said, “During this time, give Aniu more guidance so he can grow stronger faster.”

“Huh?”

He Wudi was dumbfounded.

“Of course.”

Jun Changxiao added, “If you have spare time, you can also go to the Martial Hall and replace Elder Ge and the others in explaining martial dao problems to fellow disciples.”

Your level got reset to zero, I understand that.

But after all, you were once at Truth-Seeking Realm. Your martial dao knowledge must be abundant. Going to benefit fellow disciples is the best choice.

“Sect Master, I…”

“It’s decided then.”

After He Wudi revealed his past identity and realm, he immediately obtained a wonderful job—responsible for instructing Ye Xingchen and other fellow disciples, of course, only when he had time away from guarding the gates.

“I’ve got it so hard!”

…

“Contribution value, contribution value!”

Sitting in his study chair, Jun Changxiao rubbed his temples.

Giving Ye Xingchen abundant resources and having the experienced He Wudi teach him could only be considered conventional improvement methods. If conditions allowed, he definitely wanted to cheat.

But.

Not enough contribution value.

Jun Changxiao absolutely didn’t believe that after the free refresh cooldown was over, he could get what he wanted. Moreover, even if it did appear, his mere 200,000-plus couldn’t buy it.

“Do missions.”

“Make disciples complete missions faster!”

Fortunately, the appearance of the brand new sect mission system gave Jun Changxiao a stable channel for obtaining the three values, rather than relying entirely on the system’s jinx activating to trigger side missions.

“Right.”

“There’s still the epic mission!”

“Hopefully after settlement, it will give abundant rewards, like a pill formula for advancing to Truth-Seeking Realm.”

“Say something, give me a statement!”

“Absolutely no problem, the host will definitely get what he wishes!”

The system finally spoke. Given its previous reverse-jinx power, this time it directly said something nice.

Come on!

Just wait to be slapped in the face!

…

News that a large-scale true stone vein had emerged in the Green Grassland but was claimed by someone who got there first gradually spread through the Upper Realm, instantly becoming the hottest topic.

Of course.

Everyone was more focused on discussing who actually took the vein?

“Who else could it be? Definitely Empress Lingyao.”

“I heard that all the major dao sects gathered at the Immortal Realm entrance to pressure her. If True Person Qingwei hadn’t appeared, they probably would have started fighting directly.”

“This woman doesn’t have much real power in the Realm Hall either. Daring to snatch a vein from so many dao sects—she’s got guts.”

From people’s discussions, it wasn’t hard to see that Jun Changxiao’s little scheme was very successful. Warriors from all directions generally believed that Empress Lingyao had taken the large vein.

Lies told many times become truth.

Rumors spread many times gradually become fact.

“Master.”

In a magnificent palace, the hunched old man frowned, “The Upper Realm is all discussing you.”

Empress Lingyao said, “Only ignorant people believe rumors.”

“The Realm Hall learned that you are True Person Qingwei’s disciple and demands you go to headquarters as quickly as possible.” the hunched old man said.

“…”

Empress Lingyao felt irritated.

Being maliciously framed by someone with ulterior motives this time, aside from drawing worldly suspicion, there was actually no substantial loss. The only painful part was exposing that her master was True Person Qingwei, since the latter had a grudge with the Realm Hall in the past and was classified as a rebel.

“I thought I could hide it longer, but since they know, so be it.”

Empress Lingyao inquired, “How’s the investigation going?”

“Reporting to Master.”

The hunched old man said, “In recent months, no suspicious person has entered the Northwest, and no one has entered the Green Grassland.”

Being schemed against by others, they naturally had to investigate.

However, in this regard, Jun Changxiao had also done well—either riding the Tonggu Warship at full speed or setting up isolation formations when traveling. He wasn’t discovered by passersby along the way at all.

Come to think of it, that made sense.

Knowing about the vein’s emergence from the mission in advance, he had to be careful when coming, otherwise being discovered by others would definitely attract suspicion and trouble.

Empress Lingyao said, “This person who schemed against me is somewhat formidable. Could it be the Burial Moon Pavilion, having learned that I killed their spy planted in the Realm Hall?”

“Possible!”

The hunched old man expressed agreement.