Chereads / Eternal Spirit Master: Asher's Path to Immortality / Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: A Subtle Beginning – The Infatuation Spirit

Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: A Subtle Beginning – The Infatuation Spirit

Three days passed in the blink of an eye for Asher, who had been adjusting to his new life in this perilous world of immortality. Reincarnated into the body of a low-level Qi refiner, he found himself struggling against the odds. The road to immortality was a rocky and dangerous one, filled with powerful enemies, complex schemes, and ruthless cultivation trials.

Despite his humble beginnings, Asher was not without his advantages. He had inherited the legendary Primordial Spirit Altar, an artifact of divine origin capable of creating spiritual constructs with unimaginable powers. These spiritual beings were forged from the energies of the universe itself, each one with its own unique abilities that could shape the course of history.

The potential of the Primordial Spirit Altar was nearly boundless. Among the first spirits Asher could create were legendary ones, like the Spring and Autumn Spirit, a being capable of halting the aging process and bringing the user closer to immortality. The Golden Cicada Spirit, a spirit of resurrection, could restore life and rebuild flesh and bones, an invaluable gift in a world where death lurked at every corner. Then there was the Dragon Elephant Spirit, a mighty being that could bestow immense strength, turning the user's body into something as indestructible as Vajra.

But Asher's first creation was far from those majestic spirits. It was not one of the monumental forces of nature. No, it was a humble Infatuation Spirit. At first, it seemed like an odd choice, even insignificant, when compared to the power of the other spirits that could be created. But Asher had a keen understanding of human nature and saw something deeper in this spirit. Though it seemed trivial, the Infatuation Spirit held a unique power: the ability to bend the hearts and minds of others.

While many would have scoffed at the choice, Asher's instincts told him that this seemingly minor construct could play a pivotal role in his future. The Infatuation Spirit could influence people, shape their desires, and lead them to act in ways they otherwise would not. This would be an invaluable tool in a world filled with power struggles, shifting allegiances, and treacherous alliances.

The spirit was small, delicate, and faint, but its effects were profound. Asher's first test of its power came sooner than expected.

Asher had been attempting to navigate the undercurrents of his new life in this city, Miyun City, where cultivators from all walks of life gathered, each chasing their own path to power. He had been struggling with his finances, barely scraping by with the meager spiritual stones he could gather. The idea of renting out his courtyard to make ends meet was the first step in setting up his base of operations.

However, Asher had not expected the day to unfold like this. Three graceful women arrived at his door, their beauty and elegance immediately evident. They were cultivators, at least in the later stages of Qi training, powerful and dangerous in their own right. Asher knew immediately that they were not ordinary visitors. They had a purpose.

"Are you renting out this place?" one of them, a tall and poised woman with long, elegant legs, asked with a sweet voice. "The price is reasonable, only fifty low-grade spiritual stones a month."

Her presence was commanding, and Asher could sense the strength in her aura. She was a cultivator at the ninth level of Qi training, a true powerhouse. Her two companions were no slouches either, both in the seventh level of Qi cultivation. Asher realized this could be a valuable opportunity—an encounter with cultivators of such high rank could be the key to gaining powerful allies.

"Yes, the courtyard is available. Please, take a look," Asher responded, maintaining a calm demeanor.

As the women entered the courtyard, Asher quickly assessed them. The leader, who introduced herself as Ji Bingyu, had a piercing presence. She was strong, confident, and no doubt capable of handling herself in any situation. Her two companions, Mu Ziyan and Xia Jingyan, were more reserved but exuded a quiet strength.

As the women toured the courtyard, they began communicating among themselves in hushed tones, likely discussing the pros and cons of renting the space. Asher, however, was not focused on their evaluation of the property. His mind was elsewhere, thinking about the Infatuation Spirit he had created.

It was then that Asher felt a strange sensation. The Infatuation Spirit, small and unassuming as it was, had already made its move. He could feel the subtle shift in Ji Bingyu's demeanor. Her gaze, which had been cool and indifferent moments ago, now lingered on him with an intensity he hadn't expected. It wasn't just attraction; it was something deeper, something almost instinctual.

Ji Bingyu's face flushed slightly as she found herself drawn to Asher. It was as if a hidden desire had suddenly awakened within her, something she couldn't explain. She tried to shake off the feeling, but it persisted, making her feel inexplicably drawn to the young Qi cultivator before her.

"What is this?" Ji Bingyu muttered under her breath, confused by the sensation. She had never experienced something like this before. She was a seasoned cultivator, no stranger to the complexities of the world of immortality, and yet, here she was, feeling something for this young man—a feeling she could not control.

Her two companions noticed the change in her behavior and exchanged wary glances. "Sister Ji, are you alright?" asked Mu Ziyan, concern in her voice.

Ji Bingyu quickly regained her composure, though her cheeks remained slightly flushed. "It's nothing. The house is just fine. We'll take it," she said, trying to hide the strange feelings that had overwhelmed her.

The two other women nodded, still unaware of the true source of their leader's sudden change in behavior. Ji Bingyu, however, couldn't shake the feeling that something beyond her control was at play. She had been affected by Asher in ways she couldn't understand. Her rational mind told her it was impossible, but her heart—her very soul—told her otherwise.

Asher, observing all of this, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The Infatuation Spirit had worked—its subtle influence was already taking root. The possibilities it offered were endless. With Ji Bingyu now under its sway, Asher had just gained a powerful ally. In time, this would open doors to greater influence, alliances, and power.

"I'm glad you like the place. Feel free to move in whenever you like," Asher said with a smile, his calm exterior betraying none of the triumph he felt inside.

Ji Bingyu nodded, still feeling the strange pull she couldn't explain. "Thank you, Asher. We'll settle the rent right away."

As the women left, Asher stood at the door, his eyes watching them leave. He knew this was only the beginning. With the Infatuation Spirit now part of his arsenal, his journey toward immortality had taken its first, subtle step. A simple spirit had already begun to shape the course of his future. The road ahead was filled with danger, but Asher's path was clearer now than ever before.