A direct disciple is the cornerstone of a sect's legacy, their status revered beyond measure. Apart from an endless supply of elixirs and resources, they are also granted a private courtyard embedded with a "Spirit Gathering Array," arousing the envy of countless peers.
By now, it was noon, the hour for taking a meal.
A seemingly ordinary young servant of the Xuanming Sect, clad in coarse robes, carried an exceptionally lavish meal into Hua Tian's courtyard.
Noticing Hua Tian cultivating in the courtyard, he dared not disturb him. Moving with utmost caution, he set the meal on a stone table and tiptoed out of the courtyard.
As soon as the servant left, a flicker of icy malice glinted in his previously tranquil eyes.
In truth, this servant was Bai Yun in disguise, concealed beneath a human-skin mask. Moreover, the meal had already been laced with the deadly Duanhun Grass.
Now, it was merely a matter of waiting for the prey to take the bait.
Bai Yun's heart was a maelstrom of anxiety. Poisoning carried too many uncertainties—what if Hua Tian lost his appetite today? Or worse, what if he detected the poison? Failure would not only spell disaster for the mission but also subject Bai Yun to relentless pursuit by the Xuanming Sect.
Although Bai Yun had been blessed by a heaven-defying encounter, he currently lacked even the most basic ability to protect himself. Discovery would mean certain death. Yet, if he succeeded and claimed the 3,000 evolution points as his reward, he would finally have his "initial capital" to strengthen himself. Then, even if his deeds were exposed, he could use items from the "Cosmic Evolver" to escape unscathed.
Trembling with suppressed emotion, Bai Yun calmed himself. With a thought, an "Acoustic Barrier Talisman" appeared in his hand from his spatial inventory. Crushing it, he focused intently, waiting for a signal.
The talisman's effect would last an hour. After an agonizing half-hour, a sudden scream erupted from the courtyard, filling Bai Yun with elation. Waiting another ten minutes to ensure the cries grew weaker, he finally pushed the door open and entered.
Inside, Hua Tian lay curled on the ground, clutching his stomach. Beads of sweat the size of pearls dripped from his face, his bloodshot eyes bulging with agony, his features twisted into a grotesque mask of pain.
Bai Yun's cold gaze rested on the writhing Hua Tian, an indescribable satisfaction surging within him.
"Who are you? Was it you who poisoned me?"
Hua Tian, though wracked with pain, felt a flicker of hope upon seeing someone enter. Yet recognizing the servant who had delivered the meal, he immediately grasped the truth. Rage and terror surged within him. Powerless, he realized he couldn't resist if his assailant chose to kill him.
"Ha! Did you ever imagine, while humiliating me yesterday, that you'd meet your end at my hands today?"
Bai Yun laughed heartily, the shadow lingering in his heart gradually lifting.
"It's you?" Hua Tian croaked, his voice weak from the venom ravaging his organs. His trembling finger pointed at Bai Yun in disbelief.
"Indeed, it's me!"
Without hesitation, Bai Yun's eyes gleamed with murderous intent. He drew a dagger and plunged it mercilessly into Hua Tian's chest, blood splattering everywhere. Watching the dying Hua Tian, Bai Yun's gaze brimmed with savagery.
For too long, he had endured—bowing, kneeling, groveling like a dog to survive the cruel reality of his transmigration.
But no more.
From now on, he would take vengeance on all who humiliated him, destroying anyone who dared to block his path.
Coldly observing Hua Tian's death throes, Bai Yun felt no unease at claiming his first life. Straightening his spine, he whispered, "It feels good to reclaim my dignity."
The old me perished today. The new me is reborn.
"Mission complete. Reward: 3,000 evolution points."
Hua Tian's agonized screams finally ceased as his life ebbed away. Soon, the mechanical voice echoed in Bai Yun's mind once more.
Though he had expected it, Bai Yun couldn't suppress his joy. Yet he quickly reined himself in.
"Even with this human-skin mask, the Xuanming Sect will trace this back to me. I must leave immediately."
Suppressing the urge to exchange items right away, Bai Yun calmly exited Hua Tian's courtyard and headed directly toward the mountain gate. His expression remained impassive as he passed through, not drawing any attention.
Once beyond the Xuanming Sect's grounds, he broke into a sprint. Three or four hours later, he stopped in a dense forest. Climbing a large tree, he prepared to access the "Cosmic Evolver" space and exchange items.
Just then, the mechanical voice spoke again:
"Main quest: Eliminate the thirteen outer disciples dispatched by the Xuanming Sect. Reward: 5,000 evolution points. Failure penalty: Reduction of half your lifespan. Time limit: 48 hours."
Stunned, Bai Yun froze momentarily before diving into the space. He needed to prepare immediately for this new challenge.
Having already decided what to purchase, he exchanged his points for a "Bone Cleansing Pill" and two manuals: the cultivation technique Xuan Thunder Art and the movement skill Thunder Step, both top-tier in the Xuan Earth Continent.
Thanks to a regional discount, these items only cost 1,500 points. With the remaining 1,500, he purchased Shadow Form and Breath Concealment, each priced at 500 points.
Although Shadow Form granted complete invisibility, it had a critical flaw: it could still be detected by spiritual senses. To counter this, he paired it with Breath Concealment, which could suppress his aura entirely.
Survival remained his top priority.
With only 500 points left, Bai Yun felt a pang of longing for the incredible items in the "Cosmic Evolver" store—Devil Fruits from One Piece, ninjutsu from Naruto, and formidable bloodlines—but he lacked the points to afford them.
After spending 150 points on a "Speed Talisman" and a discounted "Vitality Pill," Bai Yun exited the space.
With a thought, he summoned his items. Using the manuals and consuming the Bone Cleansing Pill, Bai Yun began cultivating Xuan Thunder Art.
Half an hour later, his transformation was complete. A surge of vitality coursed through him as the impurities in his body were expelled, leaving behind a vile stench.
Frowning, Bai Yun used a Purification Talisman purchased for 50 points. In moments, his body was cleansed, and he felt refreshed.
Sitting cross-legged once more, Bai Yun channeled Xuan Thunder Art, directing lightning-charged energy through his meridians. After a single circuit, he broke through a bottleneck that had held him back for four years, advancing to the mid-tier Xuan Disciple stage.
Exhaling a long breath, Bai Yun opened his eyes, faint lightning flickering within them. A faint smile touched his lips as he gazed at his hands, brimming with newfound power.