C1 Meeting Cheng Lan Again.

Grass along the roadside sways and grows with the breeze; no one can stand in big brother's way! Haha! What a fine poem, indeed."

Outside Lin City, a young man proclaimed loudly, his long hair falling freely around a face marked by both handsomeness and a touch of world-weariness in his bright eyes. He stood with a flourish, gesturing toward the imposing city walls as he recited his verse with gusto.

"Is it a common trait among you transmigrants to be so utterly clueless? Hehe!"

A mocking voice cut through the young man's reverie, surprisingly emanating from a small black bird perched on his left shoulder.

"Ah, to think that my poetic flair would draw envy not just from my peers but from animals as well. Haha, it seems I can't escape my innate genius, nor do I care for the nonsense others spout!"

With a dismissive shake of his head, the youth continued on.

He was known as Lee Yiran, formerly a manager at a company on Earth, where he bore the rather unremarkable name of Lee Xiaoqi. Unexpectedly, after being abducted and rendered unconscious by a mysterious figure, he awoke to find his soul inhabiting the body of Lee Yiran.

Five years had passed since his arrival in this world known as the Heavenly God Continent, a land where humans and demons were at odds, brimming with spiritual energy and the forces of nature. Many of the world's natives could harness this spiritual energy, and they were collectively referred to as Spirit Cultivators.

Spirit Cultivators varied greatly, with their physical constitutions and affinities for natural elements leading to two primary classifications: the Elemental (encompassing Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness, Poison) and the Mystic (comprising Illusion, Space, Time, Summoning, Secret Arts, and Formations).

These cultivators channeled their spiritual energy outward, manifesting as spells of formidable power that drew upon the corresponding elements from their surroundings. In theory, anyone could master all attributes of Spirit Cultivation, but most were constrained by their own energy and aptitude. Typically, one would focus on mastering a single element or adopt a primary element with secondary ones as support in their cultivation journey.

In this world, Spirit Cultivators are categorized into ten levels based on the amount of spiritual energy they possess, ranging from the tenth to the first level. The tenth level is the lowest, being only twice as strong as an ordinary person. Achieving the first level signifies becoming a peerless master, capable of reigning supreme over a territory. Beyond the first level, there are two additional tiers—Supreme Spiritual Energy and Ultimate Spiritual Energy—but these are so rare on the Heavenly God Continent that they remain virtually unknown.

Returning to the matter at hand, the body's original owner was a young nobleman whose mother passed away early and whose father was enamored with his new love. Driven by various reasons, he left home and enlisted in the military at the frontier of the Crescent Moon Dynasty.

Shortly after joining, he was unexpectedly replaced by Lee Xiaoqi. In a bizarre twist, as soon as Xiaoqi took over the body, he was infused with boundless spiritual energy, catapulting his power to the pinnacle of Spirit Cultivation and rendering him unbeatable.

Naturally, he was ecstatic and spent several years living freely. However, envy from the heavens forced him to conceal his true power to avoid divine retribution.

This time, he had returned to his ancestral home in Lin City under the pretext of being wounded. His objectives were twofold: to handle the affairs of his late sworn brother and to seek a method to counteract the will of the heavens. He was now twenty-five years old.

Lin City also serves as the capital of the Crescent Moon Dynasty. The small black bird perched on his shoulder is a peculiar beast named Crimson Flame, whom he befriended three years prior. The two share a bond, often bickering yet filled with constant joy.

"Quiet, you fool, pretending to be a minstrel," Crimson Flame scolded. "You could've used the Great Teleportation Technique to get here instantly, yet you insisted on reciting poetry along the way, taking us a whole month to arrive!"

"And who was it that had to savor the local cuisine at every stop, refusing to leave even after feasting? I never would've guessed that beneath your tiny avian frame lay a voracious glutton."

"Who are you calling a rice bucket?"

"Whoever admits it is the rice bucket! Ouch, a true gentleman uses his words, not his fists, and you're still pecking at me! Wait, you're a bird, so using your beak is like using your hands. That's just low."

Amidst the bustle of the official road, the man and his avian companion quarreled unabashedly.

Suddenly, a carriage drawn by two majestic horses sped toward them from a distance. Lee Yiran, with her back to the oncoming danger, seemed oblivious.

As collision seemed imminent, it was too late for the driver to intervene. Onlookers braced for the horrific sight of Lee Yiran under the horses' hooves.

Yet, as the horses dashed by, the driver felt no impact. Confused and relieved, he sped away with the wind.

Only then did the bystanders realize that Lee Yiran was standing safely at the roadside, as if they had been mistaken all along.

"Hmm, that's the Wang family's flag. The scent of blood on the carriage suggests they're returning from a hunt," Lee Yiran remarked to Chi Yan, brushing off her sleeve.

"Why worry about that? Let's head into the city!"

They traversed the grand city gates and found themselves on the lively streets of Lin City, flanked by bustling shops and throngs of people. Lee Yiran felt a poem coming on, but Chi Yan cut him off without a hint of sentiment: "Find a decent tavern fast—I'm starving!"

Resigned to his companion's insatiable appetite, Lee Yiran decided to satiate the glutton before reporting to the Bureau of Military Personnel.

They arrived at a tavern with an air of distinction, named 'Pleasant Tower,' alive with the hum of satisfied patrons.

The server approached Lee Yiran, treating him with deference despite his unrefined attire.

At Lee Yiran's request, the server led them to a riverside table on the second floor. But before they could settle in, Chi Yan bellowed:

"Bring us your restaurant's signature dishes, and they better be good, or I'm not paying!"

The waiter was taken aback by the black bird's speaking ability, but even more so by its attitude. He quickly reassured,

"Please, take it easy, customer. Let me introduce our specialties. We have over a dozen signature dishes, including charcoal-roasted flying fish, pepper-flavored beef bone, and a whole roasted sheep, to name a few. Ordering everything might be excessive, and could lead to waste."

"It's no problem. I'll eat whatever you bring out," the red flame chirped, hopping about on Lee Yiran's shoulder.

Lee Yiran gently restrained the red flame, apologizing:

"Sorry about that, brother. My bird here has quite the sense of humor. Just bring us the grilled flying fish, a stir-fried vegetable dish, a bowl of rice, and a pot of your finest rice wine, please."

"Coming right up, customer. Just a moment."

Once the waiter departed, the red flame's temper flared:

"Lee Xiaoqi, you're unbelievable! When you're hungry, it's all about the lavish feasts, but when it's my turn, you pinch pennies. It's just like you said—disrespecting rights. No, not human rights—bird rights! I'm going to file a complaint against you!"

"Quit your squawking, you silly bird. You're the one who's always eating the most, and you've nearly bankrupted us. We've got barely a few dozen taels left. And where exactly do you plan to lodge this complaint?"

"Oh, Lee Xiaoqi, don't play the pauper with me. Last time, after you helped Lee Xiner, that little lady slipped you tens of thousands of taels. Don't think I didn't see it. And another thing—"

Lee Yiran, frustrated, quickly silenced the red flame once more.

"Haha, this is too good."

Their banter had caught the attention of a nearby table, where a well-dressed young master sat surrounded by four guards, his table laden with food. Catching Lee Yiran's eye, he offered a polite gesture and a smile:

"Brother, my apologies for the outburst. Your exchange with your Spirit Beast was simply too entertaining. I hope you won't take offense."

"No offense taken. It's nothing, really." Lee Yiran dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

To everyone's surprise, Chi Yan had a particular sensitivity to the term 'pet.' Just as she was about to lose her temper, Lee Yiran intervened, leaving her to silently fume: "I'm a pet? Your entire family are pets!"

Soon after, the server brought out the meal, and the signature dishes lived up to their reputation. The fish was tender and silky, the vegetables were flavorful, and the rice wine had a delightful aroma.

Lee Yiran savored every bite, while Chi Yan, having taken a sip of rice wine, suddenly found himself off his feed, muttering complaints under his breath.

"My friend, if it's not too much trouble, why not join me? A shared drink over good conversation would be most enjoyable, and it might just satisfy your pet's hunger," the elegantly dressed young master invited Lee Yiran.

"No way, I'm not dining with someone who's knocking on death's door. It's bad luck!" To everyone's surprise, Chi Yan was the one who outright rejected the invitation.

The guard standing by the young master in embroidered clothes shot a fierce look at Lee Yiran and Chi Yan, but the young master simply smiled, offered no response, and seemed to accept that they weren't on the same wavelength. After wiping his mouth, he settled the bill and left.

As they descended the stairs, the guard inquired, "Young master, why such courtesy towards that man? He's merely a commoner."

"Little Wei, it's never a bad idea to make more friends. Moreover, who are you to decide he's just a commoner?" the young master in embroidered clothes mused, recalling the depth and tranquility in Lee Yiran's eyes, reminiscent of the gaze of a reclusive sage he had once known. Perhaps Lee Yiran was also a person of rare talent.

After the young master had departed, Lee Yiran turned to Chi Yan and asked, "You noticed it too?"

"Pfft, practicing high-level martial arts so recklessly will only damage his vital meridians. He won't last another decade, talent or no talent," Chi Yan scoffed.

Post-lunch, Lee Yiran made her way directly to the Ministry of War's yamen, with Chi Yan, perhaps exhausted, remaining silent on her shoulder, granting her a peaceful moment.

Upon arrival at the Ministry of War, she presented her credentials and was escorted by a soldier to the duty officer. Today, the official on duty was none other than Lord Cheng Youqing from the Ministry of War.

Lord Cheng, a man of average stature with flecks of gray in his sideburns, exuded vitality as he meticulously reviewed Lee Yiran's resume. "Guarding the frontier for five years and advancing from the tenth to the sixth grade in spirit energy is a testament to your exceptional talent. Your superiors have commended you for your reliability and numerous military achievements, earned despite injuries from a demonic beast that necessitated your return for recuperation. I must say, I've never heard Song San lavish such praise on anyone. Young man, there's no need for nerves. Tell me which department you'd like to join in the future, and I'll do my best to accommodate you."

"I am at your disposal, my lord," Yiran replied.

"Good to hear! You've got a sensible head on your shoulders. Alright then, go get yourself settled and await further instructions from the Ministry of War."

"Yes, my lord."

As Lee Yiran stepped out of the Ministry, a wave of relief washed over him; another mission accomplished. He wasn't concerned about his future placement; all he needed was an identity to fulfill a promise, and then he'd be free to roam, to seek inspiration, and to craft verses that would echo through the ages. The future looked bright indeed.

Continuing his walk, he noticed a crowd gathering ahead, with shouts about a rogue harassing a young woman. His eyes sparkled with intrigue; after five years, he was finally witnessing the classic drama of a ruffian accosting a lady.

Straightening his attire, Yiran decided to assess the situation before making a dramatic entrance, ready to send the scoundrel packing and play the hero. Perhaps this would be his chance to win the heart of a grateful beauty.

Pushing through the crowd, he quickly learned that a stunning girl had caught a lecher's unwelcome hand and was holding him accountable. She stood defiantly at the center, her beauty undeniable, while the rogue was the picture of sleaze, inciting the crowd's collective wrath.

But something was amiss. The girl clutched at the rogue's clothes without a hint of shame, her eyes darting about in evident distress. The rogue, far from contrite, was angry and struggling to break free.

More importantly, Lee Yiran realized that the girl, Ye Anan, had considerable cultivation skills. So, it was puzzling how she could be so easily overpowered. The thug was even more formidable, with his cultivation level alarmingly high and demonic energy lingering around him, unscattered. He was, in fact, a demonic beast in human form.

Ye Anan, who clung to the demonic beast's clothes, was riddled with regret. Had she known of its whereabouts earlier, she would have discreetly informed her captain and coordinated with her teammates to ensure a foolproof plan.

Yet, the horrific scenes of the demonic beast slaughtering civilians had overwhelmed her, compelling her to confront it head-on.

By a stroke of luck, she had feigned the demeanor of a hooligan, a tactic that seemed to deter the beast from causing a scene, lest it be exposed. This allowed Ye Anan to hold it at bay, albeit barely.

Only now did she realize her recklessness. This demonic beast was immensely powerful; her captain had failed to subdue it multiple times, and here she was, brazenly provoking it. Her captain's warnings about her impulsive nature leading to trouble had come true.

As the demonic beast teetered on the edge of a rampage, threatening the safety of the onlookers, Ye Anan was on the verge of tears.

"Look, the poor girl's about to cry from anger. You despicable thug, why don't you go bother your own mother!" someone in the crowd yelled.

The remark nearly made Ye Anan laugh despite her frustration. The captain was nowhere in sight, and the accursed beast was growing suspicious of her. She was ready to release it, fearing that holding on might provoke it further, but the thought of it reverting to its true form and wreaking havoc once freed made her hesitate.

Meanwhile, Lee Yiran was spared Ye Anan's inner turmoil. Without a second thought, he stepped forward, struck the thug, and bellowed:

"Pick on someone your own size! You're nothing but a coward, bullying a lady!"