"Impressive, right? This is my wolf-fighting lamb," the shepherd boy boasted as Yan Yuchen looked on in astonishment.
But as soon as the shepherd finished speaking, the little lamb suddenly stood upright, tore off its sheepskin, revealing a bald head.
The young monk threw the sheepskin at the shepherd, glaring at him. "You're the wolf-fighting lamb! Without me, you'd never catch this greedy wolf. Hmph, can't even say thank you?"
The shepherd snorted and turned away, ignoring him. A young girl on a lion-like dog encouraged a fight, but the monk retorted, "Fight your sister!"
The shepherd agreed, "Yeah, fight my sister!" They united against the girl.
Just as tension rose, a dark cloud swiftly approached, alarming the trio. The monk yelled, "It's the demon cultivators from Black Cloud Mountain! They're capturing slaves again, run!"
In panic, they scattered. Yan Yuchen, unsure of the situation, fled as well. Suddenly, a force lifted him into the air, and a girl in a black dress appeared. "Welcome to the Enchanting Peak. We were short on menial workers, and you fit the bill."
In his confusion, Yan Yuchen heard a melodious voice, and before him stood a girl in a black dress with a skull embroidered in green flames. She remarked on his unusual bravery and observed, "Most mortals we capture either faint or die from fear. You not only remain unafraid but also stare at me curiously. Quite interesting."
Yan Yuchen, wide-eyed, glanced between her and the black cloud outside, surrounded by whirling white clouds and the vast blue sky.
Evidently, the black cloud was carrying them at an incredible speed.
"So, these are the cultivators of the mysterious realm. Not only do they have celestial techniques for flying and escaping, but they also possess many extraordinary abilities," Yan Yuchen observed the girl before him with excitement.
He came to this realm to cultivate his soul, and encountering such powerful cultivators seemed perfect.
In this realm, he was a person, not a formless spirit. His current body was indistinguishable from the natives, allowing him to touch physical objects, even marry and have children.
"Why is your hair so short, and what's with this peculiar outfit? Where are you from?" he inquired, examining the girl, who reciprocated the curious gaze.
In the mysterious realm, both men and women wore long hair and robes, similar to ancient attire. The girl found Yan Yuchen's appearance strange.
Ignoring his attempt to explain, she impatiently said, "Enough, no need for your explanations. Just curious. I'll remind you, we're heading to the Demon Subduing Sect. A miscellaneous worker died on the Enchanting Peak yesterday, and we need a replacement. From now on, you're the new miscellaneous worker there."
Yan Yuchen hesitated and asked, "Can I refuse?"
The girl looked at him as if he were foolish, gestured to the ground, and said, "Sure, you can refuse. Just jump down from here."
Glancing downward, Yan Yuchen felt dizzy.
"Being a miscellaneous worker isn't bad. You get two days off each month, can practice during leisure time, and if you comprehend spiritual energy, you can be promoted to an outer disciple with good benefits," the girl added, seemingly bored with the flight.
Skeptical, Yan Yuchen questioned, "If being a miscellaneous worker is so good, why don't you become one? Why bother capturing me?"
The girl sneered, "You ugly freak, do you even know my status? I'm an inner disciple of the Demon Subduing Sect. Would I lower myself to be a lowly miscellaneous worker?"
Realizing her formidable abilities, Yan Yuchen chose not to argue. After a moment, he asked, "How did the previous miscellaneous worker die?"
The girl smirked, "While cleaning the cells, a slightly recovered pig demon tore him into pieces, swallowed him whole. Nothing left but bones."
Yan Yuchen's expression changed.
The girl glanced at him, reveling in his distress. "What's wrong? Getting scared now? Weren't you calm just a moment ago? I thought you feared nothing."
As Yan Yuchen observed the rapidly receding white clouds around him, a grave concern struck him.
If he was taken to the Demon Subduing Sect as a miscellaneous worker, how would he return to the outside world?
If his soul didn't return to his body for an extended period, his family would surely think he was dead. They might even cremate him, leading to his ultimate demise.
Seeing him turn pale, the girl, clearly amused by his fear, chuckled even more.
Soon, a towering mountain peak emerged ahead, reaching into the vast clouds. A massive waterfall hung from the top, resembling the Milky Way descending from the heavens, its grandeur shaking the soul.
As they drew closer, a rich fragrance filled the air. The majestic mountain peak, surrounded by profound clouds, gradually revealed its full splendor.
Ancient trees adorned the summit, and palaces and pavilions were arranged in perfect order. Rainbow lights danced, and celestial cranes soared—a scene of earthly paradise!
Yan Yuchen was instantly awestruck by the breathtaking sight before him.
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