The sudden appearance of a new quest caught Lu Fan slightly off guard. Yet for him, the arrival of a task was a fortunate omen—after all, its rewards could significantly accelerate his cultivation within the Qi Refining realm. Leaning against the vermilion-carved window, he rubbed his hands together, anticipation flickering in his heart, much like the thrill of scratching a lottery ticket. What kind of mission would this one unveil?
He directed his consciousness into the [Quest] interface. In the next instant, radiant light gathered and receded, and a cascade of notifications burst forth. Aside from the familiar main storyline, Lu Fan's gaze locked onto the newly emerged side quests.
"Quest Description: To become a transcendent being in a world of fantasy, one must possess profound knowledge and a deep foundation."
"Side Quest 1: Theorize five Blood-Refining martial techniques or combat methods. (Current Progress: 0/5)""Side Quest 2: Establish a transcendent faction from scratch. (Current Progress: Not yet begun)""Side Quest 3: Rescue the 'Abandoned Disciple of the Dao Sect,' Nie Changqing, from the hands of Dao Sect assassins, and win his allegiance."
The three side quests struck Lu Fan like three hammers, leaving him momentarily dazed. After reading them, he fell into a deep silence. It seemed the quests could be pursued simultaneously, but none were simple.
Take the first one, for instance—deducing five distinct Blood-Refining techniques would require him to not only locate them but also expend spiritual energy to analyze and refine them. The spiritual energy wasn't a concern. With his current soul strength at 6.5, he could exchange it for 60 wisps of spiritual energy—more than sufficient. What concerned him was… where would he find so many Blood-Refining arts?
Then came the second task—building a transcendent force from nothing. From nothing! How was he supposed to build a world-shaking force out of thin air? What even defined a "transcendent" faction? One that was shrouded in mystery, lofty and untouchable, commanding absolute power and awe—an entity that could toy with nations in the palm of its hand.
Still, Lu Fan understood. To shape a world, one must first establish dominion. Only by building his own force could he act without restraint and wield true influence.
Rubbing his temples, Lu Fan felt a growing headache. It all sounded easy on paper, but even though the Five Phoenix Continent was considered a low-level martial world, it was far from simple. Forget the myriad mysterious sects among the Hundred Schools of Thought—even the Great Zhou Dynasty alone was not a force he could contend with at present. Not even with the grandmaster maid, Ning Zhao, by his side.
But that was far from enough.
Lu Fan took a deep breath, his eyes sharpening with resolve. It was the third quest that piqued his interest.
"Nie Changqing, the abandoned disciple of the Dao Sect? Rescue him and gain his loyalty…"
Lu Fan's eyes glinted thoughtfully. Compared to the first two, this mission seemed far more manageable. Nie Changqing was the butcher from North Luo City dragged into the [Platform of Preaching]. Lu Fan was fairly confident he could pull this off.
Night had already fallen.
Lu Fan stopped pondering. He yawned and stretched lazily before smiling at the maids outside his window.
"Ladies, early to bed and early to rise—good for the complexion."
With a chuckle, Lu Fan vanished from the window frame.
On the tiled rooftop, Ning Zhao's long lashes fluttered as she opened her eyes. Her features were exquisite, and the echoes of Lu Fan's words still lingered in her ears. Her lips curved into a soft smile.
In the distance, Yi Yue coiled her long whip, her cheeks slightly flushed, a sheen of sweat glistening on her skin. Ni Yu, on the other hand, smacked her lips in her sleep, her chin slipping from the lunchbox she leaned on, jerking her awake with a start.
…The night passed without incident.
By the next morning, golden sunlight poured through the carved crimson window panels. Lu Fan opened his eyes and rose from bed. At the first rustle, Ning Zhao pushed the door open, followed closely by Yi Yue and Ni Yu.
Ni Yu, her cheeks flushed crimson, rolled up her sleeves and held a brass basin filled with steaming hot water.
"You're awake, Young Master? Allow us to assist with your morning preparations," Ning Zhao said with a gentle smile.
Yi Yue followed with a wooden tray, atop which sat a heap of refined salt and simple dishes alongside a bowl of congee. The salt was for oral cleansing; the congee and side dishes were breakfast. Their service was meticulous—everything perfectly timed.
Lu Fan grinned.
This leisurely life… was bordering on decadent.
After washing and eating, Ning Zhao wheeled Lu Fan out of the room. As always, Ni Yu held a parasol, while Yi Yue swayed gracefully behind.
In the garden, Lu Changkong, clad in long robes, was watering the plants. Much of the iron-blooded aura he once carried had dissipated, replaced by a serene calm.
The soft friction of wooden wheels against the ground caught Lu Changkong's attention. He paused his watering.
"Father, has the siege matter been resolved?" Lu Fan asked from his wheelchair, a woolen blanket draped over his legs, smiling gently.
Lu Changkong cast his son a long, thoughtful look."Thanks to Ning Zhao. Without her, North Luo City might have been reduced to ash," he said with a sigh. He had been negligent this time. Had it not been for Ning Zhao's intervention, once Dantai Xuan breached the city, it would have been the end of the Great Zhou's last defensive line. The imperial capital itself would have fallen.
"Ning Zhao told me she broke through to Grandmaster thanks to 'spiritual energy.' Is such a thing real?" Lu Changkong narrowed his eyes as he asked. He'd pondered this question all night. But as a martial man, he had no belief in gods or immortals.
"Of course it's real. Didn't Sister Ning's breakthrough prove it?" Lu Fan's lips curled.
"Father, I stumbled upon a celestial opportunity—now I can walk again, even cultivate. Isn't that something to celebrate?"
Lu Changkong laughed, wiping the water from his hands."Receiving a celestial gift is indeed a blessing. But, Fan'er, I must warn you—never place your trust in others so easily. Learn to protect yourself."
He worried Lu Fan might have fallen into the machinations of the Yin-Yang School or one of the mysterious powers among the Hundred Schools of Thought.
"I understand," Lu Fan nodded. He knew exactly what his father feared and chose not to explain further—some things only grew more complicated with explanation.
He tapped his fingers lightly on the woolen blanket.
Suddenly, Lu Fan looked up at his father."Father, I have a request," he said.Lu Changkong raised a brow. "Speak."
"I wish to build a force of my own," Lu Fan replied calmly.
A flicker of light flashed through Lu Changkong's eyes.Behind the wheelchair, Ning Zhao and Yi Yue both narrowed their eyes slightly.
So the one who held celestial fate in his hands was finally ready to wade into this turbulent world?
"Father, this world is about to descend into chaos. I need to raise a faction… for self-preservation," Lu Fan added, thinking the excuse quite reasonable. He couldn't exactly say he wanted to stir things up, could he?
Weak and physically frail as he was, building a force to protect himself seemed perfectly justifiable.
"The world indeed teeters on the brink," Lu Changkong murmured. "The betrayal of Grandmasters may seem straightforward, but behind it all… there is undoubtedly a hidden hand orchestrating the storm."
He took a deep breath. "Isn't Ning Zhao enough?"
He glanced at Lu Fan. For self-defense, Ning Zhao should be more than sufficient. While not among the very top-tier Grandmasters, she could dominate most lower-ranked ones with ease.
Ning Zhao remained silent. She was astute enough to know her place—when the master and his father spoke, she simply listened.
"Not enough," Lu Fan shook his head. "Sister Ning has reached the second stage of the Qi Core Realm… but it's far from sufficient."
Ning Zhao's expression shifted slightly. She had great confidence in her current strength—second-stage Qi Core Realm, capable of defeating four two-ring Grandmasters. Yet Lu Fan's words left her quietly disheartened and a little indignant.
Lu Changkong narrowed his eyes."Qi Core Realm?"
"The Qi Core Realm is the foundational tier for cultivators. Taking Sister Ning as an example—her core can hold nine wisps of spiritual energy at most. Each additional wisp advances her one stage further," Lu Fan explained.
Lu Changkong fell silent.
What Lu Fan had described was a completely new cultivation system. The implications shook him to the core—it was a worldview he struggled to comprehend.
After a long while, he exhaled deeply.
"Fan'er, this so-called spiritual energy is like an illusion—fleeting and ephemeral. True strength lies in the body."
"Your father achieved everything not through spiritual energy, but through sheer blood and iron."
"We warriors place no faith in gods or immortals. We trust only in our blood and fists."
Lu Changkong's voice was grave and earnest.
Behind Lu Fan, Ning Zhao hesitated, wanting to object.
But Lu Fan raised his hand gently, silencing her words.
He simply smiled at his father, offering no argument, no clarification. Instead, he clasped Lu Changkong's hand.
"Activate permission… Initiate spiritual energy infusion.""Target: Lu Changkong."