novelapdf Chapter 201 Big Reward
Chapter 201 Big Reward
Chu Lingzhu dropped the medicinal herbs and left in a hurry.
Only a lingering murderous aura remained, seeping into the boiling porridge pot.
Jiang Mu coughed twice and said with a smile:
"That girl is young and likes to joke. Mainly, I spent the whole night outside the city killing monsters, so I probably look a bit weak. She meant well and prescribed so many tonics for me..."
The cypress fragrance seemed to go unnoticed.
She held the spatula, stirring the contents of the pot with a blank expression.
The force used looked exactly like someone's brain being stirred.
"Okay, Aunt Bai Xiang is jealous."
Jiang Mu joked.
Seeing the woman's cold gaze, Jiang Mu shut her mouth, lowered her head to sniff her sleeve, and prepared to make a quick escape.
"Um, I have some demon blood on me, it smells a bit bad, I'm going to take a shower first."
After saying that, he turned and left the kitchen.
Just as he stepped over the threshold, he shouted at Yuan Aqing, who was squatting in the yard with her buttocks sticking out:
"Ah Qing, quickly prepare bathwater for the master!"
"Hurry up!"
"Oh, yes, sir."
Startled by the sudden shout, Yuan Aqing quickly composed herself and dashed off like a busy little bee to boil water.
Duanmu Li seemed somewhat dissatisfied with A Qing being treated like a beast of burden.
The next second, Jiang Mu said:
"Ah Li, hurry up and scrub Master's back, quick!"
"..."\
The girl's noodles trembled slightly. She bit her lip hard, but ultimately sheathed the knife and walked towards the room.
……\
Having washed away her fatigue and body odor, Jiang Mu changed into a dry blue shirt, immediately feeling refreshed.
After a delicious breakfast, Bai Xiang came in carrying a tray.
On the tray sat a black clay medicine pot, steaming hot, and a matching small porcelain bowl.
"What is this?"
Jiang Mu looked completely bewildered.
Bai Xiang placed the tray on the table and gestured a series of signs:
Drink it while it's hot, three times a day.
"?"
Jiang Mu stared at the bowl of dark, murky soup in front of her, her lips twitching.
"Bai Xiang... do you really think that with my physique as a fifth-realm orthodox star official, I really need to drink this kind of all-around tonic soup?"
Bai Xiang didn't respond and turned to leave.
Jiang Mu sighed, picked up the medicine bowl, and smelled it.
The medicine had a very pungent and bitter smell.
What kind of potent medicines did this young female doctor prescribe?
Jiang Mu swallowed hard, hesitating whether to pour the bowl of medicine into the flowerpot next to her.
Just then, a small head peeked in through the door.
Yuan Aqing clung to the doorframe, her large, clear black and white eyes staring at him expectantly, like a little kitten keeping watch.
"What's wrong?"
Jiang Mu's wrist stiffened, and feeling guilty, she put the medicine bowl she had just picked up back down, looking at the little girl with suspicion.
Yuan Aqing answered honestly:
"Sister Xiang was afraid you'd secretly pour out the medicine, so she asked me to stay here and watch you drink it all, and also check the empty bowl."
Jiang Mu: "..."
Goodness, they've even assigned a supervisor.
Just as he was about to use his lordly authority to intimidate the naive young girl, a tall, aloof figure walked in through the door.
Duanmu Li, carrying the tomb-raiding knife on his back, walked silently to the other side of the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.
Then, he stared intently at Jiang Mu.
And the bowl of medicine in front of him.
have to.\
Another stalker has arrived.
Jiang Mu gave a thumbs-up towards the outside: "Ah Xiang, that's what you call telepathy!"
……\
In the following days, life seemed to return to a calm, flowing stream.
During this time, perhaps also spurred on by Jiang Mu's demon-slaying, Yan Fenghuo, as if injected with adrenaline, led his elite troops on a chaotic expedition.
Persistence pays off, and he actually stumbled upon a stroke of luck.
In a secluded valley outside the city, a demon's lair containing hundreds of monsters was discovered.
Logically, upon encountering a demon's lair of this size, one should first report it to the supervisor as a precaution.
But Yan Fenghuo was probably suppressed for too long, and was afraid that this piece of fat meat that was about to be in his mouth would be snatched away by Jiang Mu or someone else.
Without saying a word, this guy led his men and wiped out the demon's lair.
Although the process was somewhat brutal, with all the brothers in the fourth chapel sustaining injuries, they managed to capture the city.
That's not all.
To showcase his achievements, Yan Fenghuo imitated the Demon Slayer Division's previous publicity tactics for Jiang Mu, parading carts filled with the corpses of demons through the streets and alleys of Huzhou City in a grand spectacle.
He himself rode a tall horse, walking proudly at the head of the procession.
It occupies the absolute center position.
The main theme is one of high spirits and imposing presence.
I'm trying to replicate Jiang Mu's peak experience of being welcomed by the entire city and revered by everyone.
However, reality is often harsh.
There were no cheers, no wreaths.
There were no handkerchiefs or sachets tossed by lovesick young girls or women.
There was only a group of elderly men and women watching the spectacle.
Firstly, everyone had already been awestruck by Jiang Mu's epic scenes, raising their expectations considerably.
This one in front of me really doesn't interest me at all.
Another one, color
The value difference is too fatal.
In this appearance-obsessed era, even when slaying demons, a handsome man is hailed as a "god of slaughter," while an ugly one...
For someone like Yan Fenghuo, the only option is to "go to town like a butcher."
This greatly frustrated Yan Fenghuo.
For several days afterward, this "Desperate King of Hell" wore a dark expression, looking at everyone as if they owed him a fortune.
Jiang Mu didn't bother with any of that.
After all, he himself had been living in dire straits these past few days.
The medicine prescribed by Chu Lingzhu was far too potent.
Furthermore, with Bai Xiang's medicinal soup being served five times a day instead of three, Jiang Mu felt as if she had transformed into a live volcano ready to erupt at any moment.
What frustrated him even more was...
The Lady Peach Blossom, who usually enjoyed engaging in profound philosophical discussions with him, has also suddenly disappeared these past few days.
For several nights in a row, Jiang Mu tossed and turned in bed, longingly waiting.
That familiar pulling sensation never came.
I reckon it's because I was tormented too much in the Purple Mansion Divine Realm last time, and it was a bit too strong in terms of sweetness.
So I'm in seclusion these past few days to recuperate.
But regardless, without Madam Peach Blossom's nightly tutoring, Jiang Mu could only endure it.
This led him to believe that he no longer needed to summon the image of the Fire God, as he himself was a walking Fire God.
I want to run into everything I see.
To expend his energy, Jiang Mu could only vent it by practicing his swordsmanship.
From day to night, the flashing blades, like a blood-red storm, hacked the stone locks and wooden stakes in the yard to pieces.
Even his two little followers, Ah Qing and Duanmu Li, were so frightened by his crazy demeanor that they kept their distance.
They were afraid of being accidentally injured by this humanoid Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Under this high-pressure situation where he could potentially transform into a beast at any moment, Jiang Mu even lost the courage to hug Bai Xiang and take advantage of her, which he usually loved to do.
They were terrified of doing something that would betray even their closest relatives.
Lying in bed, my mind was filled with Yancheng, Shui Miaozheng's gentle, all-encompassing, mature and charming figure.
"Oh, Aunt Shui, if only you were here..."
Jiang Mu sighed deeply.
He simply got up and wrote eighteen cheesy, sentimental love letters, then stuffed them all into Flying Eagle's hands early the next morning and sent them to Yunzhou City.
……\
……\
The sun was shining brightly that morning.
A ray of warm sunlight slanted into the corner of the yard, rolling into tiny dewdrops on the tips of the vegetable leaves, refracting a myriad of colors.
Everything seemed vibrant and full of life.
Jiang Mu had just finished practicing a set of sword techniques, drenched in sweat, and was shirtless drawing water from the well to wash himself when Zhang Da Xiao, panting heavily, knocked on the courtyard gate, his face beaming with joy:
"Master, news just arrived that the Commander-in-Chief's commendation order has been issued. The Commander-in-Chief at the headquarters wants you to go immediately!"
Has the reward been issued?
Jiang Mu's eyes lit up; the gloom of the past few days finally vanished.
He hastily wiped himself down, put on his outer robe, and rushed off to the Demon Slayer Division.
I wonder what kind of treasure the boss will give me.
However, upon arriving at the office where the official was to sign the documents and seeing the reward, Jiang Mu was completely dumbfounded.
What is this thing?
On the table in front of him lay an exquisite brocade box.
An egg lay quietly inside the box.
That's right.
It was just an ordinary-looking grayish-brown egg.
"..."\
Jiang Mu remained silent for a full ten seconds before looking up at Ran Qingshan: "Lord Commander, don't tell me the reward I received was just a tea egg."
Seeing his uncultured, country bumpkin-like appearance, Ran Qingshan snorted coldly:
"You brat, if you don't know what you're talking about, don't spout nonsense."
This thing is called a "Crimson Jade Egg," a rare and superior-grade magic treasure.
Unbeknownst to many in the martial world, cultivators were fighting to the death for this tiny jade egg.
"magic weapon?"\
Jiang Mu picked up the egg called "Crimson Jade Egg" with some skepticism.
No matter how carefully he sensed it, there was not a trace of spiritual energy.
I held it to my ear and shook it.
There was even a faint gurgling sound coming from inside, like there were still unhatched egg yolks inside.
"What's this for anyway? Can it hatch a mythical beast? Or can it be used as a hidden weapon?"
Jiang Mu asked curiously.
Ran Qingshan's expression was solemn:
"This thing is specially prepared for cultivators who are about to break through to the 'Venerable One' level star position."
With it, when vying for a position among the Twenty-Eight Mansions' supporting stars, you can establish a connection faster than others, and even at crucial moments, block out interference from competitors and seize your rightful position.
He stared intently at Jiang Mu,
"Simply put, the commander-in-chief is planning to pave the way for you and help you achieve a higher star rank."
As he spoke, Ran Qingshan pulled a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Jiang Mu.
"Here lies all the top-secret clues about the holder of the 'Star Lord' position."
His true identity, the specific attributes of his star rank, his current cultivation level, what powerful magical treasures he possesses, what deadly divine abilities he excels at, and even… his most fatal weakness!
Everything is written clearly inside.
If you intend to seize his star position, this even lists the formations and counters you need to prepare in advance.
Jiang Mu took the envelope, and it felt heavy in her hand.
Ran Qingshan looked at him with an unusually complex expression:
"Kid, you need to understand, this intelligence is priceless."
Once you reach the Heavenly Star level or higher, you'll understand that the first thing cultivators need to do isn't cultivation, but concealment.
They must do everything in their power to conceal their true star position and identity, ensuring that absolutely no one knows.
So as not to... become "resources" on someone else's path to promotion.
After all, the most important and also the most dangerous stage is the 'Star Lord Position' stage.
Because the struggle for star positions during this stage is characterized by the most frenzied and brutal killings.
All star officials within the same star system are inherently mortal enemies. They must not only guard against outsiders stealing their power, but also against their own comrades plotting against them!
It's either you die or I die; there's no third way!
This brutal battle will only cease when someone successfully gathers all the Star Cores and breaks through to the tenth realm or higher.
Because once you reach that level, it's like the bright moon in the sky—you can't hide it anymore. And very few people dare to cause trouble.
Although Jiang Mu had already learned about this cruel method of raising Gu poison from Shui Miaozheng.
But hearing it again now still sends a chill down my spine.
The Venerable One from the Stars...
This is indeed the most dangerous and bloodiest level.
Even now, he still doesn't know which star position under which Venerable System Ran Qingshan, who has been so kind to him, belongs.
Even Ling Ye knew nothing about it.
Everyone is carefully concealing their true intentions in this dark forest, fearing that they might inadvertently become prey in someone else's eyes.
Jiang Mu looked down at the envelope in her hand.
The envelope was not only sealed shut with thick wax, but also surrounded by a layer of complex anti-spy array patterns.
Even Ran Qingshan, the top official of Huzhou City, was not authorized to open it and peek.
This is Jiang Mu's "prey list," made exclusively for him.
Jiang Mu tore open the talisman wax.
Inside the envelope, there was no paper, only a thin jade talisman.
The jade talisman emitted a faint blue light.
"Put your identity token on it," Ran Qingshan instructed in a low voice.
Jiang Muyi took out her bronze sculpted token and gently placed it on the surface of the jade talisman.
"Buzz—"
As the two came into contact, a faint light began to emanate from the jade talisman.
Immediately afterwards, a detailed stream of information, like a gentle drizzle, flowed directly into Jiang Mu's mind.
The target of the intelligence was named Shen Hufei.
He was the leader of a gang in the martial arts world called the "Black Shark Gang".
His cultivation had reached the Great Perfection of the Seventh Realm.
The star position he attained was the Yangmen star position, a subordinate star below the Kangjinlong star in the Seven Mansions of the Eastern Azure Dragon!
Jiang Mu looked closely, her eyes shining.
This intelligence is extremely detailed.
It not only meticulously recorded Shen Hufei's cultivation techniques, but also the forbidden arts he secretly practiced, his supernatural powers, protective magic weapons, as well as his weaknesses and hidden injuries, etc.
And family circumstances...
Each piece of information was clearly imprinted in Jiang Mu's mind.
"Amazing..."
Jiang Mu clicked her tongue in amazement.
That's the advantage of having a big tree to lean on for shade.
In terms of intelligence gathering, no martial arts force or sect in the world can compare with this massive state apparatus.
As long as you have enough value, resources, status, backing, intelligence... all these things that are most difficult to acquire in the cultivation world, the imperial court can provide them to you all at once.
The nanny-level treatment you receive while cultivating immortality.
No wonder so many people in this world would fight tooth and nail to join the Demon Slayer Division.
Of course, the only drawback is the loss of absolute freedom. If you accept benefits from the court, you must become its henchman and serve it faithfully.
After processing the information in his mind, Jiang Mu suddenly frowned, looked up, and asked:
"My lord, why is there only one person's information here? Can't you give me a few more to choose from?"
Ran Qingshan was so angry he laughed, and retorted irritably:
"Do you think this is like going to the market to buy cabbages? Are you expecting me to bring out a few more for you to choose from?"
The intelligence on each of these high-level cultivators was top secret, obtained at the risk of countless spies' lives.
Moreover, the headquarters carefully considered your situation and meticulously calculated before selecting this target specifically for you.
At that time, they will definitely secretly pave the way for you, making it easier for you to complete the kill and seize the star position.
Jiang Mu nodded, then thought of an even more crucial and sensitive issue:
"But... sir."
If I were to seize this "Yangmen" star position, even if you don't know, the higher-ups at the headquarters would certainly be fully aware.
So, in their eyes, isn't my star position completely transparent?
What's the difference between this and me painstakingly concealing my star position to prevent others from coveting it? Isn't this just like exposing my entire being to those above?
Ran Qingshan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly:
"If you're going to work for the government, you have to be prepared for this."
If you don't reveal all your cards to your superiors and let them know your value, why would the court expend so much effort to pave the way for you?
How can I confidently control and manipulate you?
Thunder and rain, all are acts of imperial favor. Since you have enjoyed the court's protection, you must naturally bear the corresponding price.
But you don't need to worry too much.
This file is top secret. Only a handful of core personnel at headquarters know about it.
As long as you don't harbor any disloyal thoughts of betraying the court, this file will be permanently sealed in the highest-level secret archives.
Unless you let it slip yourself, or someone accidentally discovers a flaw during the competition.
Otherwise, your secret is absolutely safe.
At this point, Ran Qingshan put down his teacup and looked intently at Jiang Mu:
"Furthermore, you must understand the deeper meaning behind this."
Now that the headquarters is willing to give you this generous gift, it means they have thoroughly evaluated you and decided to cultivate you as a key figure in the future.
In the future, you will be provided with more and more high-level resources.
Moreover, with this identity protecting you, you no longer need to worry about the Imperial Guards openly causing you trouble because of the grudges from Yancheng. They won't dare to easily touch you again.
Your top priority right now is to get back into the swing of things.
Improve your cultivation as soon as possible and break through to the seventh realm. Only when you reach the seventh realm will you be qualified to plan and use this intelligence.
also……"\
Ran Qingshan paused deliberately, then threw out a bait:
"Since the commander-in-chief has given you this information, it means they have already arranged everything."
I estimate that in a few days, the headquarters will issue a secret order, possibly sending you to a sacred place for secluded cultivation.
Of course, while this blessed land may be wondrous, how much fortune it can ultimately absorb depends on your own innate talent and comprehension.
"A treasure land?"
Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow.
"I'll find you a blessed land brimming with spiritual energy, so you can go in and absorb as much as you want. You'll understand then."
Ran Qingshan picked up his teacup, calmly blew on the floating tea leaves, and...
"I received this treatment back in the day, as did Ling Xun and his comrades. It's considered a standard perk for our Demon Slayer Division's key personnel."
Jiang Mu nodded secretly.
That's right.
If you want the horse to run, you have to feed it more grass.
While the services provided by the Demon Slayer Division can be frustrating at times, they are fairly competent in terms of resource allocation.
Alright, I'm barely satisfied with this reward.
At least the target for the next star level is clear, so there's no need to wander around aimlessly like a headless fly, hoping for a stroke of luck.
"However, Lord Chief..."
Jiang Mu suddenly thought of a very real problem,
"What if I painstakingly cultivate to the seventh realm, only to find that the guy in the intelligence report has accidentally died?"
Many people die every day in the spiritual community.
Who can guarantee that this Black Shark Gang leader will live to see the day he reaps the rewards?
"Don't worry, he won't die."
Ran Qingshan put down his teacup, his tone resolute, "Even if he's truly unlucky and gets killed beforehand, the court will immediately find a new target for you. A living person can't be held back by their own bladder, can they?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mu's heart stirred.
Can't die?
There's a lot of information in that statement.
Could it be that the imperial court specially assigned experts to secretly protect him so that this "leek" could grow strong?
Or perhaps, this Shen Hufei was, from beginning to end, a seed of opportunity deliberately cultivated by the imperial court?
If it's the latter, then it's a bit chilling to think about.
I need to be more careful in my actions in the future, lest I one day become someone else's prey.
"Where is Manager Tian?"
When Jiang Mu arrived, she didn't see the old man and asked curiously.
"Old Tian still has some things to take care of... Oh, right,"
Ran Qingshan tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his expression turning serious.
"The group of demons you encountered outside Huzhou City a few days ago has already been verified by the authorities. Their mastermind is indeed Lady Painted Skin."
This Lady of Painted Skin possesses a cultivation level of at least the ninth rank.
Moreover, what makes this demon most troublesome is her unparalleled skill in disguise.
Her disguise was unlike the usual illusions of demons. As long as she didn't actively reveal her demonic aura, even a powerful figure of the level of a guardian would find it extremely difficult to detect her true form immediately.
Currently, we have not yet located the exact whereabouts of the Painted Skin Lady.
I'm afraid she's already secretly infiltrated the city. Therefore, you must be extremely careful when you're out and about these days.
Jiang Mu nodded, keeping the matter in mind.
A ninth-tier great demon, also proficient in top-tier disguise techniques.
We definitely need to be careful.
"What about the murderer? Have they made any moves?"
Jiang Mu then asked.
Ran Qingshan shook his head and sighed:
"I personally led a team to search Black Soil Village thoroughly, and also sent out sentries to keep watch day and night, but the cloaked figure you described has never appeared."
Fortunately, no new murders have occurred in the city so far.
It seems the murderer has sensed something amiss and is now hesitant. Either they've already escaped the city, or they've gone into hiding.
Ran Qingshan looked at Jiang Mu,
"By the way, do you have any new discoveries or theories about this killer? Feel free to share them, and we can discuss them."
Jiang Mu's mind replayed the conversation she had with the cloaked man in the cave that night.
"I think this guy might be a little... off."
Jiang Mu stroked his chin and analyzed,
"Judging from his remarks about doctors saving lives versus killing people, he has..."
Extreme misanthropy. And considering his previous killings based on the "Seven Deadly Sins"...
He seemed to see himself as some kind of supreme savior, attempting to use such extreme methods to punish everyone he considered guilty, thereby achieving his so-called goal of purifying the world.
Such people often have extremely strong psychological fastidiousness.
If you want to portray yourself as a superior, detached judge, the best disguise is to act with an air of detachment.
Jiang Mu paused, then looked intently at Ran Qingshan:
"Furthermore, he always liked to use seemingly Zen-like sayings when he spoke."
I suspect... the perpetrator is most likely a monk. Or perhaps someone who once served in a Buddhist monastery.
"A monk?"
Upon hearing this, Ran Qingshan's eyes flashed with a sharp light.
He clapped his hands in praise, "Excellent! Your idea coincides with mine; I had the same guess before!"
Jiang Mu: "..."
"Hmm, are there any other clues?" Ran Qingshan asked, still eager for more.
"That's all, that's all." Jiang Mu shrugged.
Ran Qingshan nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, saying:
"Alright, then go back and cultivate diligently. Strive to break through as soon as possible. If you need anything, feel free to come find me."
"This subordinate takes his leave."
Jiang Mu bowed respectfully, then turned and left the signing room.
Watching Jiang Mu's figure disappear through the door, Ran Qingshan immediately grabbed the brush on the table and began writing furiously on a blank sheet of paper, recording every single clue Jiang Mu had analyzed.
After finishing writing, he blew on the ink to dry it and called out towards the door:
"Someone, go and fetch Yan Fenghuo for me!"
A short while later, Yan Fenghuo strode in.
"Lord Commander, you wanted to see me?"
Ran Qingshan handed over the piece of paper filled with clues, cleared his throat, and said calmly:
"Feng Huo, these clues are what I've come up with after several sleepless nights of deep thought. Take a look and see if they make any sense."
Yan Fenghuo took the paper with both hands and looked down to examine it carefully.
Then he gasped.
"Your Excellency is a man of God."\
Yan Fenghuo gave his boss a look of utter admiration.
Ran Qingshan picked up his teacup, gently skimmed off the foam, and adopted a detached, contemplative demeanor:
"Heh heh, if I couldn't even see through such a minor detail, then I wouldn't be worthy of being the head of this department. Now, do you know what to do?"
"clear!"\
Yan Fenghuo clasped his hands in a fist salute, "This subordinate will immediately take men and conduct a thorough search of all the temples and monks in the city."
"Okay, go ahead, but keep it quiet."
Ran Qingshan waved.
Yan Fenghuo strode away, filled with admiration.
Ran Qingshan leaned back in his chair.
Amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, he tapped his fingers on the table while humming an unknown tune.
In high spirits, he walked to the window, opened it, and admired the rare bright spring sunshine outside.
Gazing at the peach tree in full bloom in the courtyard, Ran Qingshan's thoughts, for some reason, drifted back to the gentle, beautiful figure far away in Yunzhou City.
"well……"\
Ran Qingshan sighed, his tone wistful.
"Such a beauty is rare indeed..."
……\
……\
Jiang Mu left the signing room and went to the Demon Slayer Bureau's inner treasury.
Since Old Ran has spoken up, saying that the headquarters has increased his resource allocation, then, true to the fine tradition of "a fool wouldn't pass up a bargain," he might as well take advantage of it.
Without any hesitation, he took a large quantity of high-quality healing pills and some talismans from the storeroom.
He planned to give all these things to Little Doctor Chu Lingzhu later.
Let that girl unleash her abnormal talent and see if she can concoct some other incredibly powerful biological weapon.
Back home, Jiang Mu went into her room and took out the Crimson Jade Egg to examine it closely.
"Is this broken egg really that magical?"
Jiang Mu, with a mixture of belief and skepticism, carefully examined the red jade egg before her eyes.
No matter how you look at it, this thing is just an ordinary red-shelled egg.
Jiang Mu's heart stirred.
The enormous [magic gauge] roared to life.
A stream of pure, dark demonic energy flowed along the meridians in his arm and continuously into the crimson jade egg in his hand.
As demonic energy was infused, the surface of the eggshell began to change.
Fine lines, like capillaries in the human body, gradually appear on the eggshell.
These patterns greedily absorbed the demonic energy that Jiang Mu was channeling into them.
Ultimately, the entire red jade egg turned pure black.
Its surface shimmered with a dark, mysterious sheen, and all change ceased.
At the same time, a message flowed back into Jiang Mu's mind along with the demonic energy.
[Modified Crimson Jade Egg:\]
For a certain period of time, it can forcibly lock any empty star position of the Heavenly Gang level or below in the Star Sea, and isolate it from celestial exploration, making it impossible for others to verify.
The duration of the lock depends on the quality of the star position...
"Locking off star positions? And it can also isolate celestial secrets?"
Jiang Mu was taken aback.
This thing, after being heavily modified, actually has this function?
In other words, as long as there are vacant Heavenly Gang or Earthly Fiend star positions in the star sea.
He could then use this "star-locking egg" to target the star position, just like buying groceries at the supermarket.
Reserve it.
Moreover, during the lockout period, this star position is his private property.
No one else should even think about getting their hands on it.
Only the person who possesses this red jade egg can ultimately attain that star position.
Of course, this lock has a time limit.
If the certificate is not obtained within the specified time, the lock will be automatically lifted.
"It seems like this thing isn't very useful to me."
Jiang Mu muttered to herself.
But then, a thought flashed through his mind, and he slapped his thigh.
Who says it's not very useful? At least it can help others determine their astrological positions.
For example, Ah Qing.
He had been racking his brains trying to figure out how to properly extract the authentic [Earthly Hidden Star] from his Demon Shadow and transfer it safely to Yuan Aqing.
After all, to remove a star from the cosmos, it must be returned to the sea of stars.
Once a star returns to the sea of stars, it becomes ownerless.
Countless cultivators across the world, stuck at the early stages of the Third Realm, are eyeing that sea of stars like hungry wolves.
Given Yuan Aqing's background, seizing that legitimate star position amidst a sea of enemies would be harder than climbing to heaven.
But things are different now!
With this modified egg, he could first separate the [Earth Concealment Star], and then lock onto it the moment it returned to the sea of stars.
Isn't this just like opening a VIP channel?
"I reckon that girl Qing should be approaching the threshold of the Great Perfection of the Second Realm in the next couple of days. When that happens, I can use this [Earth Concealment Star] to let her practice and test the effects of this Crimson Jade Egg."
Jiang Mu said secretly. \
Moreover, to put it another way...
Even if he doesn't give it to Ah Qing, he'll find it very useful to keep it for himself.
His fourth demonic form is currently just a blank slate.
In the future, whenever a position below the Heavenly Gang level becomes available, he can simply use the Crimson Jade Egg to seize it first, and then comfortably pursue the attainment.
"Hey, what if I create ten or eight shadow clones in the future, and then steal all the orthodox star positions of the Heavenly and Earthly Fiends in the world..."
A magnificent scene flashed through Jiang Mu's mind.
At that time, the orthodox cultivators of the cultivation world will likely face the crisis of extinction.
And he will inevitably become the common enemy of all cultivators in the world.
"Now I alone occupy three orthodox star positions. That means the world has lost two miserable cultivators with official positions. Oh dear, what a sin, what a sin..."
Jiang Mu silently recited "Amitabha" twice in his heart without any sincerity.
Guilt?
It doesn't exist!
I earned my star position through skill and power, so what?
If you're not happy about it, then keep it to yourself!
Tucked the red jade egg into her bosom and kept it close to her body, Jiang Mu pushed open the door and walked into the courtyard in a cheerful mood.
The midday sun shone warmly on the courtyard.
A gentle breeze carries the sweet fragrance of flowers and grass.
Under the eaves.
Bai Xiang was sitting in a recliner, holding an ancient book in her hands.
Her smooth, dark hair was casually tied into a loose bun, with a few strands falling onto her slender neck, adding to her languid and serene beauty.
Jiang Mu tiptoed over.
Taking advantage of the woman's inattention, he pulled Bai Xiang up and wrapped her in his arms, then sat her down on a chair.
"Xiang'er, would you like to have a chance?"
Jiang Mu leaned close to her ear, his warm breath brushing against the woman's small, white earlobe, and whispered with a chuckle,
Have you ever considered embarking on the path of cultivation?
Just nod your head, and your lord can get you a legitimate star position to play with in no time. Guaranteed to give you a head start.
Bai Xiang remained expressionless.
She put down the book in her hand and raised her slender hand, gesturing a few times in front of Jiang Mu's eyes:
【OK.】\
"Since you're so capable, sir, I'll take the biggest one, is that alright?"
The largest?
Jiang Mu paused for a moment, then subconsciously looked up at the sky.
The largest star position...
Isn't that the Ziwei Emperor Star?
"Smack!"
He slapped the woman's round, pert buttocks.
"Quite an appetite!"
Jiang Mu glared at her, annoyed. "That Ziwei Star is reserved for your master from now on."
I was suddenly slapped on the butt.
Bai Xiang was stunned.
Her clear, gentle phoenix eyes suddenly widened.
Immediately afterwards, her face turned pale as she broke free from Jiang Mu's embrace, stood up, and stared coldly at the man with her beautiful eyes.
This time.
This bastard has really crossed her line!
After all, she was a princess of the Mirror Kingdom, a peerless powerhouse holding the position of Empress in the imperial harem.
I got spanked?
This is so humiliating!