C3 Small Sword Sect a Level Nine Force

"Congratulations on finding the brown scorpion venom. Now that you've gathered all the necessary materials for Qi Refining, I shall impart my knowledge to you, ushering you into the true path of immortality. But before we proceed, are you certain you wish to join the ranks of the Small Sword Sect?" The swordsman gazed at Wang Yipao with a detached expression.

Wang Yipao resolutely chose 'yes.'

The Immortal Realm is comprised of six esteemed sects: Snowmouth, Body God Cave, Demon Dread Clan, God and Demon Palace, Nine Dragons Sky, and Twelve Spirits. Among them, the Small Sword Sect stands as a level nine force under the auspices of Snowmouth.

Sects like the Small Sword Sect are specifically designed to nurture Qi Refining practitioners within Snowmouth. There are many such sects, and when Wang Yipao achieves the pinnacle of the Qi Refining Stage, just shy of breaking through to the Foundation Stage, the Small Sword Sect will naturally recommend him to a level eight force that oversees it.

The same hierarchical structure applies to the other five great sects.

Beyond these, there are also various unaffiliated immortal sects and those belonging to different races. Joining these sects, however, requires a stroke of fortune, and some even have a cap on their rank.

When the swordsman produced a pill and pressed it into Wang Yipao's forehead, Wang Yipao's cultivation level surged to the Qi Refining realm, filling him with immense joy. He had at last attained the average standard within the Immortal Realm.

"Now that you are a member of the Small Sword Sect, you must adhere to our code: to bolster the weak and uphold justice, for that is the essence of a Sword Immortal. I've heard troubling reports of a sinister, corrupt Qi plaguing the outskirts of Bronzereach City. Eliminate this malevolent force, and you shall earn the Qi Refining cultivation techniques of the Small Sword Sect, truly becoming one of our disciples. Go forth, and return victorious," the swordsman instructed before closing his eyes.

With a respectful bow, Wang Yipao departed.

Cultivation techniques!

Now this is a true fantasy xianxia game!

I've been waiting for you for so long!

Wang Yipao strode forward, quickly reaching the outskirts of Bronzereach City, only to encounter yet another headache-inducing problem.

Where could this Cangbei Cave be?

The map doesn't show it!

Left with no other option, Wang Yipao logged into his NPC account once more.

When it comes to knowing the lay of the land around Bronzereach City, the city guards and soldiers are your best bet.

Bronzereach City's substitute guard, Little Wang: Esteemed sirs, an outsider has inquired about the route to Cangbei Cave just outside our city. Do any of you know the way?

Bronzereach City guard: Cangbei Cave? I've never even heard of such a place.

Bronzereach City soldier: I've ventured outside the city limits several times and have even explored a few Secret Mansions, but Cangbei Cave? That's a new one to me. Seems like there might be some new treasure about to surface around here.

Sister-in-law Gu: Little Wang, I genuinely invited you over for dinner. Why didn't you show up?

Bronzereach City's substitute guard, Little Wang: Dear sister-in-law, I'm swamped with duties. Perhaps you could extend the invitation to these two gentlemen instead?

Sister-in-law Gu: If these two gentlemen were to come over, would I even be able to get out of bed to tend to things tomorrow?

Bronzereach City guard: *Cough, cough*

Bronzereach City soldier: Sister-in-law, please, show some decorum. Don't flirt with our substitute guard. If he fails to make it into the regular army, I'll hold you responsible!

Sister-in-law Gu: Oh, you lords are such a tease. But about this Cangbei Cave, it does ring a bell. Old Zhang next door mentioned it to me once.

Sister-in-law Gu: That said, Old Zhang is a miser, always chasing after money. I can't even get a fair deal from him. If this outsider wants to pry any information from him, they'd better be ready to part with a hefty sum of silver.

Bronzereach City's substitute guard, Little Wang: Thank you so much, sister-in-law!

Aunt Gu: If you're looking to thank me, then...

Wang Yipao didn't even finish reading before he decided to log off abruptly.

This lady sure keeps herself busy. How many people is she involved with?

The neighbor, Old Zhang, who's beside Mrs. Gu, must be Boss Zhang from the blacksmith shop.

Without hesitation, Wang Yipao switched accounts, reverting to his Jian Yipao persona.

Soon enough, he found himself standing before Boss Zhang at the Bronzereach blacksmith shop.

Juggling a few silver coins in his hand, Wang Yipao intentionally flaunted them before Boss Zhang.

Predictably, Boss Zhang's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

But then, in a swift motion, Wang Yipao pocketed the silver.

Boss Zhang snapped out of his trance, clearing his throat, "What can I do for you? Are you looking to have a weapon forged or perhaps some armor repaired?"

Wang Yipao simply waved his hand.

Boss Zhang paused, his demeanor darkening instantly. He banged on the table and bellowed, "Are you just some outsider trying to pull one over on me? Believe me, I can knock the daylights out of you!"

Wang Yipao was at a loss for words.

Brother, is there any need for such aggression?

"Boss Zhang, I've heard you're the man with the pulse on Bronzereach's happenings," Wang Yipao said with a sycophantic grin, guiding Boss Zhang back to his chair.

Boss Zhang's mood softened a bit, "Indeed. I may not have the best information in Bronzereach, but I'm certainly the fastest. What's up? You looking for some intel?"

"Exactly, I've come to you for information about the Cangbei Cave," Wang Yipao affirmed, getting down to business.

"Cangbei Cave?" Boss Zhang gave Wang Yipao a look as if he were a fool, "You serious, kid?"

"Dead serious." Wang Yipao produced five taels of silver and laid them out on the table.

Boss Zhang's eyes gleamed as he discreetly pocketed the silver, "You know how to play the game, kid. But take it from me, you best steer clear of that place. It's nothing but trouble lately."

"Oh?" Wang Yipao feigned astonishment. "A ghost cultivator, you say?"

Boss Zhang spoke with caution, "There's talk of a ghost cultivator who's been devouring the souls of all beings—humans, demons, spirits—leaving no survivors. It's as if locusts have swept through, leaving not a single blade of grass! Rumor has it that even several Qi Refining Immortals have perished at his hands."

Wang Yipao's surprise was genuine as he regarded Boss Zhang intently. If this was true, how did you come by such information? Could you be more formidable than you let on? Perhaps an expert in disguise?

Yet Wang Yipao refrained from probing further. His current focus remained on locating the Cang Bei Cave, so he continued to inquire about its whereabouts from Boss Zhang.

Before long, a new marker had been added to Wang Yipao's map. The Cang Bei Cave was now in sight—a Secret Mansion, no less. A mission involving a Secret Mansion was cause for excitement! Wang Yipao was elated and, in a gesture of thanks, handed Boss Zhang some silver taels.

Boss Zhang, who had a particular weakness for money, accepted the offering without a second thought. But he wasn't without scruples. Noticing Wang Yipao's genuine intent to venture forth, he offered a piece of advice: "Stranger, you seem like a decent sort, so I'll share a tip for dodging that ghost cultivator. Head to the dog meat shop and get yourself two or three taels of black dog blood. If you run into the ghost cultivator, just splash it on him. That's how I made my own escape."

"Many thanks, Boss Zhang!" Wang Yipao was ecstatic. It seemed he'd stumbled upon a method to diminish the ghost cultivator's power. He hadn't anticipated that a little extra silver would yield not only information but a strategy as well. What an incredibly fortunate turn of events!

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