C9 Brother

Hsiang Yu couldn't have been more than twenty, at most a couple of years older than him. She dressed like a young matron, the kind of attire one would expect from a married woman.

"I'm looking for a formation, an Illusion Array, one that can conceal spiritual energy. Do you know how much that would cost?"

"The price is negotiable, as long as you're willing to do me a favor in return."

"Let's settle on the price first, then we can discuss the favor."

With a smile, Hsiang Yu's hand shimmered with a flicker of light, and an Array Compass materialized on the wall.

"This is a Rank 2 Illusion Array. It's capable of leading mortals and Energy Refining cultivators astray. It's effective up to the Foundation Stage, but I won't make any promises beyond that."

As she explained the Array Compass, Hsiang Yu's demeanor shifted to one of professionalism, her seductive talents set aside for the moment.

"Do you have anything more advanced?"

"There are Rank 3 formations available, but they require some waiting."

"How long?"

A Rank 3 Illusion Array could fool the venerable elders of various sects. Who was this young woman capable of crafting such advanced formations?

"It's not about time; it's about me."

Suddenly, Hsiang Yu's expression changed, a flicker of murderous intent crossing her features, clearly driven by deep-seated hatred.

"Why?"

"Because I'm in a foul mood, I can't produce the formation."

"Sister, what would improve your mood?"

"Killing someone."

In that moment, Hsiang Yu transformed before his eyes. Her colorful garments seemed to shift into stark white, her presence as chilling as ancient ice.

"Who needs to be killed?"

"Lin Xuhu, the junior leader of the Flying Dragon Gang. He's at the tenth level of the Energy Refining Stage, just shy of reaching the Foundation Stage."

The words 'Lin Xuhu' were forced through clenched teeth by the young woman, her frustration palpable.

"Is that something I can help with?"

"I believe you can."

Hsiang Yu, with her innate allure and spiritual sight, recognized at a glance that this Worker Disciple was extraordinary. Possessing Rank 7 cultivation and lacking any significant backing, he was the perfect candidate. If she offered him the right incentives, he might just be the ally she needed.

At the seventh rank of the Energy Refining Stage! Achieving such a rank in the resourceless Worker Room was no small feat. Out of the many, she had chosen him.

"Alright! Fetch me a Rank 2 Illusion Array. How many Spirit Stones will that cost?"

Hsiang Yu stood there, puzzled, unsure of Ning Xiaofan's intentions.

"50 Spirit Stones. Aren't you interested in a Rank 3 Illusion Array?"

Her voice, though sweet, took on a chilly edge.

"I am, but I'm not strong enough yet. I'll wait until I've gained more strength!"

"You, you scoundrel. When do you think you'll be powerful enough to kill him?"

The talk of murder flowed smoothly from the lips of a beauty, oddly soothing to hear. Hsiang Yu shivered, her tone softening considerably as if she glimpsed something in his eyes.

"Ding! Congratulations, Master. Your Charm value has increased."

Well, well, Hsiang Yu was taking a liking to him. In just a short while, he had gained 2 points of Charm. If it continued to rise, could it rival her own powers of enchantment? Quite intriguing!

"If you get the chance to help me kill him, I'll reward you with a Rank 3 Illusion Array. How long will you need?"

Ning Xiaofan understood she bore an unspoken burden; such words of vengeance wouldn't come lightly from a beauty's mouth.

"Give me half a year. Can you craft the formation in advance? I'll return in half a year with his head as payment."

"Is that a promise? I'll be waiting! And there'll be an extra special gift for you then!"

Hsiang Yu clasped Ning Xiaofan's right hand, sending a tingling sensation through his body, goosebumps spreading everywhere. He was on the verge of losing his composure in the presence of such a tantalizing sprite.

"Little brother, I still don't know your name."

"My name is Ning Xiaofan."

"Good, it's a deal then. If you succeed in killing that man, your big sister here will have an additional grand gift for you."

"Ding! Congratulations, Master. Your Charisma has increased."

Lin Xuhu, the young deputy leader of the Flying Dragon Gang, was at Level 10 of the Energy Refining Stage, just a step away from advancing to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Seeking out such a formidable opponent now would be tantamount to a death wish. It goes without saying that he wouldn't stand a chance in a one-on-one fight, and if the opponent's followers joined in, he'd be finished in no time!

Hsiang Yu's proposition was simple: kill the target, and in exchange, receive a Rank 3 Illusion Array. There was no rush; she could bide her time.

Ning Xiaofan, having spent 50 Spirit Stones, was the first Worker Disciple to own a "guardian formation." Typically, one would only consider such a defense after acquiring a personal cave dwelling.

Within Sky Burning Valley, Inner Sect disciples were entitled to establish their own caves. These were generally protected by Rank 2 formations, while Rank 3 formations were a rarity, typically found only within the sect. Hsiang Yu's ability to craft Rank 3 formations was a testament to her formidable strength.

"Xiaofan, the lady who runs the Divine Secrets Tower is quite the looker," someone remarked.

"Yes, but she's overly enchanting, almost bewitching," he replied.

"Come on, let's head to the Refining Pavilion and pick out a Magic Artifact for you."

"What's the point? I've only got ten Spirit Stones. That's hardly enough!"

Fanh Yichen's initial excitement quickly faded.

Those ten Spirit Stones had been set aside for a Slimming Pill, and now it seemed they wouldn't suffice.

"We don't have to buy anything right away. We can just look around and consider our options for when we're ready," he suggested.

Upon entering the Refining Pavilion, a burly man approached them. "Gentlemen, what kind of Magic Artifact are you interested in?"

A jarring voice interrupted from the side, "Gao, leave them be and tend to me first. Why waste time on those Worker Disciples?"

"Liu Hsing, go ahead and make your selection. All who come here are guests. Please, give me a moment, and I'll assist these two first."

Ning Xiaofan turned to see the source of the voice: a man with a broad, fleshy face and a nose that seemed to defy gravity, his nostrils flaring upwards. It was an off-putting sight.

"What are you staring at? A pauper like you couldn't possibly afford a Magic Artifact with Spirit Stones, could you?" the man sneered.

"Why is it any of your business whether I can afford it or not? Mind your own salted radishes and stop fussing over others."

Ning Xiaofan didn't care who you were. Unless you were significantly more advanced in cultivation and posed a life-or-death threat, no one could take advantage of him.

"Damn, kid, do you have a death wish? How dare you cross Inner Sect Disciples?"

"Inner Sect Disciples shouldn't be bullies!"

"What if I do bully you?"

A beam of spiritual light erupted from Liu Hsing's hand. With a swift motion and a metallic clang, Ning Xiaofan deflected an Immortal Sword with his own gleaming light.

"Not bad! You're from the Outer Sect? Why haven't I seen you around before?"

"Liu Hsing, try anything else, and I'm going straight to your master."

"Gao, you always stick your nose where it doesn't belong."

Liu Hsing's gaze darted maliciously between Ning Xiaofan and Gao.

"Shopkeeper, I'm here to pick out a Flying Sword."

"Sure, these are some of the finer ones we have, but they're a bit pricey."

"Could you give me a rundown of the prices for these Flying Swords?"

Ning Xiaofan, already in possession of the genuine Magic Artifact, the Heart Questioning Sword, was primarily looking for something suitable for his chubby friend.

Fanh Yichen's eyes were glued to the Spirit Light Sword from the moment he took it in hand, his fingers constantly tracing the Spirit Runes etched along the blade, his heart full of indescribable fondness. Fifty Low Grade Spirit Stones!

This sword could be used well into the Late Period of the Foundation Stage, and with some refinement, its quality might even be enhanced.

The 50 Spirit Stones were all fronted by Ning Xiaofan, who eventually gifted the sword to an overjoyed Fanh Yichen. Lost for words, Yichen embraced Ning Xiaofan in a tight hug.

Now, Ning Xiaofan was back to being penniless, with only 65 Spirit Stones to his name, and had to be frugal.

Fanh Yichen sidled up again, "Xiaofan, I just love you to bits!"

"Get lost, go bother someone else. Who needs your affection?"

Laughing and roughhousing, the pair left the Artifact Forging Pavilion. Meanwhile, Liu Hsing was left clutching a lesser Spirit Sword, his face bruised and ashen, looking as if he'd been struck. Those were fifty Low Grade Spirit Stones down the drain!

It took me over a decade to scrape together thirty Low Grade Spirit Stones. How on earth did those two Worker Disciples come by so many?

Liu Hsing's eyes shimmered with greed as he vanished from the Artifact Forging Pavilion.

Ning Xiaofan and Fanh Yichen had barely stepped out of the Sky Burning Valley Market when they sensed someone tailing them. Ning Xiaofan's soul was particularly strong, and his cultivation had reached the 7th level of the Energy Refining Stage, far surpassing Yichen's.

"Yichen, what's our first move if we're in danger?"

"Xiaofan, you mean... run?"

With an unspoken agreement, they rounded a corner and bolted.

Their pursuers picked up the pace, but after a few twists and turns, Ning Xiaofan and Fanh Yichen had vanished.

The three followers stood there, dumbfounded. What just happened? One minute they were chatting, the next, the pair had bolted without a trace.

"Looking for me?"

Ning Xiaofan emerged from behind a large tree, having spotted the trio. He knew his cultivation was superior, and he had several tricks up his sleeve to save his skin.

"Hey, kid, you're quite the spender, aren't you? Got a hefty stash of Spirit Stones?"

Meanwhile, Fanh Yichen was quaking behind the tree, his body shaking like chaff. Ning Xiaofan sighed. The body's original owner was not much different from Yichen, which explained their camaraderie.

"Well, as for Spirit Stones, I've got dozens more. And plenty of medicinal pills. Have you had your fill yet?"

The trio's eyes gleamed. They had stumbled upon a wealthy young master today, their pockets seemingly bottomless!

But then, the glint of a blade caught their eye. Wait, these weren't Outer Sect disciples; all three were from the Inner Sect, and they were out for robbery!

Ning Xiaofan's confidence wavered, his heart sinking. Their cultivation was at least Rank 8 or Rank 9; they wouldn't be in the Inner Sect otherwise.

The blade gleamed with a spiritual radiance, a hallmark of a high-ranking Qi Disciple.

"Brat, are you scared?"

The trio noticed a shift in Ning Xiaofan's demeanor. He would have been easy to handle alone, but this was Sky Burning Valley. Any commotion could draw the sect's powerhouses, leaving them with no escape.

Ning Xiaofan's feet shifted into motion, outmatched by the three. He weaved around the first two attackers, seeking an advantage.

After a few exchanges, Ning Xiaofan realized their martial skills were lacking. Relying on the combat techniques he'd honed in college, combined with his spiritual energy, he surprisingly gained the upper hand.

Without reaching the Foundation Stage, one couldn't employ any spells. At the Energy Refining Stage, it was all about augmenting physical combat with spiritual energy.

"Brother Wang, make your move!"

The two had engaged while the third observed from afar. "I wanted to assess his skills, to determine which sect's spy he might be."

"It's laughable, isn't it? A high-ranked Energy Refining Stage cultivator, yet a mere Worker Disciple?"

"Let's finish him and divide his treasures."

Ning Xiaofan steeled himself for the uneven fight. Meanwhile, Fanh Yichen, hidden behind a tree, was drenched in sweat and shaking uncontrollably.

"Are you Wang Chan?"

"Kid, you've got a keen eye!"

Ning Xiaofan's gaze was fixed. To leave, he had to conclude the fight, but that alone might not suffice.

"Yichen, when you get the chance, run. Head back and keep silent about this."

"Okay, I won't speak of it, but what about you?"

"Just run, no more questions!"

Fanh Yichen bolted desperately. Ning Xiaofan shook his head in dismay at his brother's timidity.

"Kid, your friend's fled. Why the secrecy? Unless you plan to take us all down here?"

"Wang Chan, you've crossed the line."

"How did you manage to find me?"

In a fleeting moment, Wang Chan's face shimmered, reverting to his true appearance. Was it some kind of facial transformation technique? It was rudimentary at best. Such a crude disguise could only deceive mortals and novice monks. His presence, physical build, and even the cadence of his speech were unmistakably his own.

"You're not just a trio, are you? I reckon there's a fourth among you. Ever since you departed, one has been tailing us, still lurking in the distance. That individual specializes in movement techniques, right?"

A diminutive figure emerged from behind a distant tree. Hearing Ning Xiaofan call him out, he stepped forward with deliberate pace.

Now, the odds were not one against three, but one against four. This complicated matters significantly.

Why did I have to be so chatty? I'm riddled with regret over my words.

He glanced at his cultivation value: a mere single point. Another use and it would vanish. Yet, without it, his end was all but certain. The thought of parting with it was unbearable!

With a clenched jaw, he decided to hold out, hoping for an opportunity.

"Brothers, charge! Let's take down this plump prize."