C7 Immortal Cultivators Are too Happy!
The two cultivators had largely recovered from the poison, their actions only slightly sluggish, but they were otherwise unharmed. When they heard Jee Faang's words of thanks, both were visibly embarrassed.
The beautiful female cultivator spoke up, "Young Master Jee, we merely acted on impulse—it wasn't much effort at all."
The cat demon had mentioned its master's preference for keeping a low profile, but this was taking it to an extreme. There wasn't even a hint of spiritual energy fluctuation around him; he seemed no different from an ordinary mortal.
Yet, Jee Faang carried himself with an air of distinction that no ordinary person could match. Only someone with her exceptional perception could have noticed that.
She had heard tales of venerable hermits who, choosing to hide their capabilities, led tranquil lives among the common folk. Clearly, the man before her was one such esteemed figure.
With a respectful gesture, the beautiful female cultivator introduced herself, "My name is Lo Yingying, and this is my junior brother, Tang Fei. We are honored to meet you, Young Master Jee."
"Thank you," he replied.
"You're too kind, Young Master Jee," she said, slightly flustered.
After exchanging pleasantries, Jee Faang's attention shifted to the corpse of the mouse demon nearby. The creature was alarmingly large for a mouse.
In that moment, a golden orb of light emerged from the body of the mouse demon. Jee Faang casually picked up the glowing sphere.
What was this? It was quite beautiful. He felt its weight in his hand—it was substantial.
"This mouse demon had been cultivating for many years. Its demon core has even turned gold," explained Lo Yingying.
Ah, a Demonic Pill. Jee Faang had read about such things in online novels from his previous life. He knew they were used to enhance one's cultivation level and to forge weapons—a truly valuable item.
"Esteemed cultivators, since you defeated this mouse demon, please accept this," Jee Faang said, offering the Demonic Pill to Lo Yingying and her companion with both hands.
Seeing his gesture, Lo Yingying and her junior brother went pale. They exchanged a nervous glance with the cat demon nestled in Jee Faang's arms and shuddered.
"Young Master Jee, we couldn't possibly... We have no need for such an item. Please, keep it for yourself," Lo Yingying stammered.
Accept the Demonic Pill for themselves? That was laughable. Lo Yingying was on the verge of tears, convinced that this was a test of their integrity.
If they dared to take something forbidden, they would vanish from this world within minutes.
Tang Fei quickly added, "Young Master Jee, our success in killing the rat demon was purely fortuitous. We harbor no covetous desires."
Jee Faang looked at Lo Yingying and Tang Fei, slightly bewildered.
Aren't all cultivators supposed to be arrogant, walking around with their noses in the air?
Why were they behaving so politely now, even somewhat cautious?
Could it be that the Immortal World he had crossed into was different from the one he knew?
Were all the cultivators here this amiable?
Duan Rou, whom he had previously met, was very humble and courteous, and now the people he encountered were equally kind; such friendliness was rare.
But this was a demon core, after all.
Even he, a mere mortal, understood its immense value.
These two not only slew the rat demon but were also willing to hand over the demon core. Their character was truly exceptional.
"Well then, I shall accept it."
Maybe the cultivator simply didn't value the demon core.
"Young Master... this is the jade pendant the rat demon had snatched..."
Tang Fei presented a jade pendant.
This very pendant had been a gift from Duan Rou, only to be stolen by the rat demon. He hadn't expected to recover it.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but the jade pendant seemed even more lustrous and translucent, stained with the rat demon's blood.
Jee Faang remarked, "You two are truly good people."
"It's only right, only right."
"We shall part ways here. I'm deeply grateful for your valiant assistance!"
"It's nothing, really..."
Both of them were flustered as they exchanged farewells.
...
Meanwhile, a hundred miles from there, at the Duan family estate.
The Duan family resided on Gorge Ridge, a place steeped in legend. It was said an ancestor of the Duan family had an epiphany here and ascended directly to the heavens. While the tale might be nebulous, the area was indeed rich in spiritual energy, making it an ideal spot for cultivation.
The Duan family, a renowned lineage of cultivators, had established their roots here.
After parting ways with Jee Faang, Duan Rou and her maid hurried back to their household.
My father will surely be astounded by the fortune I've brought back...
The more Duan Rou thought about it, the more elated she felt, even humming a tune as she neared her home.
"Miss, something seems off," her maid remarked as they approached the entrance.
The usual guards were nowhere in sight at the gate—a situation that would typically earn a severe reprimand from her father.
Something was amiss!
Duan Rou strode through the mountain gate and noticed that the "Duan" inscription on a massive black crystal, as large as a millstone, had been wiped clean. In its place were the ominous words "Debt owed"!
This black crystal, an heirloom brought back from the Arctic Mysterious Land by an ancestor, was known for its incredible hardness. Not even a full-force strike from a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator could mar it, yet now, the "Duan" had been erased, and "Debt owed" inscribed in its stead.
Whoever did this possessed a frightening level of power.
"Father!"
Clearly, during her absence, a significant crisis had befallen her family.
Could it be an attack from a foe?
At this point, Duan Rou could think of nothing else. She left her maid behind and sprinted towards the house.
The once bustling entrance was now eerily quiet, devoid of any sign of life.
What on earth had happened to her family?
Duan Rou was so frantic that tears welled up in her eyes.
"Everything must be alright. It just has to be!"
