Chapter 1: Welcome the return of the ancestor and take charge of the De Molinos family

“Arius De Molinos, mid-stage Blood Tempering realm, failed his fifth attempt to advance to the Inner Sect…”

“According to sect regulations, those who fail five times to enter the Inner Sect must leave the sect within three days.”

“Take this decree. Your descendants, if they possess spiritual roots, may use it to directly enter our Albigensians Sect for cultivation.”

In Aragon Kingdom, Pyrenees Mountain County, within the Albigensians Sect, Arius, his hair white with age, accepted a token from the imposing sect official. The official’s presence was overwhelming, his aura unyielding. Arius gave a respectful bow, then slowly departed the assessment hall.

A gentle breeze brushed against his face as Arius gazed at the setting sun on the horizon, his heart tinged with melancholy.

One hundred and ten years ago, he had unexpectedly transmigrated to this world of cultivation, born into the De Molinos family of Nezier Town as their young master.

At the age of three, Arius had been discovered to possess spiritual roots.

Initially, he had believed, as a transmigrator, he would naturally awaken some kind of golden finger or possess extraordinary fortune. Surely, he would rise step by step, eventually standing atop the pinnacle of the immortal path, overlooking the endless cycles of time!

But cruel reality, like a sharp sword, had shattered all his illusions.

Since formally entering the sect at the age of ten, enduring a century of hardship and painstaking cultivation, Arius had barely managed to reach the mid-stage of the Blood Tempering realm.

In this world, the cultivation system was divided into four foundational body-tempering stages: Skin Tempering, Blood Tempering, Bone Tempering, and Organ Tempering.

The Skin Tempering stage alone granted practitioners a lifespan of a hundred years. Those in the Blood Tempering stage could live around 120 years.

Breaking through to the Bone Tempering stage extended life by another 20 years, enabling practitioners to live up to 140.

At the pinnacle of body tempering, the Organ Tempering stage granted a lifespan of 160 years. Beyond these were immortal levels from 1 to 5.

The Albigensians Sect, the premier sect in Pyrenees Mountain County, housed tens of thousands of disciples. Among them, most, like Arius, could only hope to reach the Blood Tempering stage at best. Few ever dreamed of advancing to higher realms like immortal levels .

 

The immortal path was merciless.

“Enough…”

With a deep sigh, Arius set aside his turbulent thoughts.

Following a winding mountain path illuminated by the golden glow of the setting sun, Arius left the sect step by step.

At the sect’s grand entrance, a group of young newcomers, just inducted into the sect, followed closely behind a sect official. They were brimming with energy, their eyes alight with excitement, eagerly taking in their surroundings, their minds filled with dreams of the immortal path ahead.

Watching them, Arius couldn’t help but see a reflection of his younger self.

Back then, he had also been full of youthful ambition…

But as they say, the zeal of youth often fades into the melancholy of old age.

Passing by the enthusiastic youths, Arius exited the Albigensians Sect’s gates. He hired a carriage in a small town at the base of the mountain and began a slow journey toward Nezier Town.

Arius’s remaining lifespan was no more than ten years. He intended to return to his birthplace and spend his final days there.

A century had passed. Would the De Molinos family of his youth still be the same?

Seated within the carriage, Arius gazed out at the passing scenery, his expression complex. Childhood memories had grown faint over the years, but the De Molinos family of Nezier Town should not have declined.

Though Arius had spent the last century as a low-ranking disciple in the Albigensians Sect, in the eyes of ordinary mortals, he was still a revered immortal cultivator.

Moreover, the reputation of being a disciple of the Albigensians Sect was enough to deter most forces in Pyrenees Mountain County from targeting the Molinos family.

And while his cultivation of the mid-stage Blood Tempering realm was unremarkable within the sect, it was far from weak in the lands surrounding Nezier Town.

After all, even a Skin Tempering cultivator could wield the strength of ten thousand pounds and withstand conventional weapons with their flesh alone.

Those who reached the Blood Tempering realm could easily lift boulders weighing tens of thousands of pounds and were immune to most poisons and mortal miasma.

A Bone Tempering cultivator could unleash strength surpassing a million pounds with a single punch, while the final body-tempering stage, Organ Tempering, granted terrifying power—the equivalent of a walking beast capable of wielding strength in the tens of millions.

As Arius pondered these things, the day turned to night.

The chill of late autumn winds seeped through the carriage as it traversed muddy roads, passed through towns and cities, and continued its journey over days and nights.

At last, a sprawling ancient town, home to tens of thousands, emerged in the distance.

Low stone walls surrounded the town, weathered by time. At the main gate, a handful of armored guards stood vigil.

The banner of the De Molinos family still fluttered atop the town’s ancient walls, weathered but resilient.

“Halt!”

“Entering Nezier Town at this hour requires proper documentation. Please cooperate, sir.”

Just as Arius’s carriage approached Nezier Town, it was stopped by two armored guards, clad in heavy plate and brimming with vitality.

Unlike ordinary guards, these two were clearly trained in martial arts. Though they were not cultivators, their physical strength and aura set them apart from common men.

While they would be insignificant in the eyes of cultivators, in the mortal world, these guards were undoubtedly martial experts.

To nurture such skilled guards… it seemed the De Molinos family had developed far better than Arius had imagined over the years.

“Tell the current patriarch of the De Molinos family to come and meet me. My name is Arius De Molinos.”

The armored guards exchanged a glance, startled, as Arius spoke in a calm but commanding tone.

And then, his aura surged forth.

It was as if a tidal wave of power swept out from him, stirring the air and conjuring fierce winds that rippled through the surroundings.

The guards’ faces paled instantly. Under Arius’s overwhelming pressure, their bodies felt heavy, their legs weak. They nearly collapsed to their knees.

Though shaken, these guards were not ignorant. One look at Arius’s presence, and they immediately recognized him as a cultivator.

One of the guards seemed to recall something, and his expression shifted to one of awe.

“Y-You’re Patriarch Arius…?”

Sitting composedly within the carriage, Arius inclined his head slightly, his expression calm.

A century ago, the young master of the De Molinos family had indeed been named Arius.

In this world, the average lifespan of mortals was no more than thirty to forty years. His elders, peers, and even the generation after them had long since turned to dust.

It was only natural that this guard, hearing Arius’s name, would address him as “Patriarch.”

“Hmm,” Arius acknowledged faintly, his face betraying no emotion, though his heart was steeped in nostalgia.

The passage of time was unforgiving. The youth who had left Nezier Town a century ago now returned as a patriarch of the family.

Hearing Arius’s calm response, the guards grew even more reverent, bowing repeatedly in apology.

“Forgive our earlier offense, Patriarch. We did not recognize you.”

Arius stepped slowly from the carriage, his movements unhurried, his tone steady as he spoke again.

“There’s no guilt in ignorance.”

He glanced at one of the guards, his gaze sharp but measured.

“Tell me, what is the name of the current De Molinos family patriarch?”

The question prompted the guard to straighten in alarm. He quickly clasped his hands respectfully and answered, “Patriarch, the current family head is De Molinos Simon. He is the fifth patriarch of the De Molinos family in the past century.”

The guard hesitated for a moment before adding, “Patriarch, please allow us to escort you to a place where you can rest and have some tea. I will personally inform the family head. Your return is a matter of great importance—Patriarch De Molinos, the elders, and all the disciples will surely come to welcome you.”

Even before the guard finished speaking, the other guard had already moved to organize the sentries, ensuring that a clear path would be made for Arius. There was no chance they would allow anyone to delay or offend this returned patriarch.

Author’s Note:

Cultivation Realms
Mortals:

• Body Tempering (Four Stages): Skin Tempering, Blood Tempering, Bone Tempering, Organ Tempering.

Immortal Realms:

• Level 1-5 Each major realm is divided into: Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage, and Peak.

Additional realms will be introduced later.

 

Chapter 2 Things Have Changed, Family Situation

Not long after the armored guard left, the current patriarch of the De Molinos family, upon learning that their ancestral elder had returned from the sect, immediately set aside all family matters. He hurriedly led a grand procession of De Molinos family members out of the family estate.

“Lead the way! Where is the Patriarch?”

Normally composed, Simon now wore an expression of urgency. Upon hearing of Arius’s return, the elders and younger generations of the De Molinos family were equally curious and reverent.

In their hearts, Arius was akin to a celestial being! If Arius were to stay with the family long-term, the De Molinos family’s growth would surely reach new heights.

“The Patriarch is over there, enjoying tea…

”

Seeing the usually reserved Simon and the excited De Molinos family entourage, the guard led them to an elegant teahouse.

At that moment, Arius, clad in a simple gray robe, his white hair flowing, was reclining leisurely on a wooden chair, savoring a cup of tea.

Through the wooden door of the teahouse, the moment Simon and the others laid eyes on Arius, they felt an undeniable connection—a resonance deep in their bloodline.

“Junior Simon, current patriarch of the De Molinos family, leads the entire family in welcoming our ancestral elder home!!”

Thud! Simon dropped to his knees, his voice full of respect and fervor. He bowed deeply, knocking his forehead to the ground three times in reverence.

“Welcome home, Patriarch!!”
“Welcome home, Patriarch!!”

Whoosh!

As Simon knelt, the gathered De Molinos family members also prostrated themselves, performing the traditional three kneels and nine kowtows in unison.

“We are all family. There’s no need for such formalities. Everyone, rise…”

Setting his teacup down, Arius spoke in a calm and detached tone as he gazed at the younger members of his family gathered outside the teahouse.

Arius still held a deep affection for the De Molinos family.

Even in the Body Tempering stages, cultivators could not sustain themselves without food. Over the years, Arius’s needs for food, clothing, and daily life in the sect were mostly supplied by the family.

After all, the sect was no charity. Providing for tens of thousands of disciples would have been an unbearable burden, even for a powerful entity like the Albigensians Sect.

Having received the family’s support, Arius was willing to spend the last decade of his life aiding the family’s development as much as he could.

“Patriarch, please take this palanquin!”

“The residence you once lived in has been maintained and cared for by juniors under my instructions…”

“Now that you’ve returned, Patriarch, the future of the De Molinos family will need your wisdom and guidance.”

Simon walked up to a luxurious palanquin adorned with gold and personally lifted the curtain for Arius.

“You are thoughtful.”

Seeing Simon’s respectful demeanor, Arius gave a small nod. He then turned his gaze to the many De Molinos family members gathered around and spoke in a calm, steady voice.

“That’s enough. Everyone, disperse. Rest if you need to. Don’t concern yourselves with an old man like me.”

Hearing Arius’s words, the De Molinos family members dared not disobey. They all moved to the sides of the street, leaving a clear path. None dared walk ahead of him.

Seeing this, Arius climbed into the golden palanquin, and with Simon personally escorting him, the procession made its way toward the De Molinos family estate.

“Patriarch, since your departure for the Albigensians Sect, the De Molinos family has flourished over the past century, with our population surpassing twenty thousand!”

“However, after your generation, no one in the family has been born with spiritual roots… This is the reason our family remains confined to Nezier Town.”

“Those cities with populations exceeding a hundred thousand are all controlled by powerful families. My De Molinos family has no chance of competing with them,” Simon explained, walking beside the gilded wooden palanquin, keeping pace as he provided Arius with an update on the family’s current circumstances and the surrounding powers.

“Especially the Ashfell family of Purple River City—they have repeatedly suppressed our De Molinos family. If it weren’t for their fear of your presence, Patriarch, it would have been difficult for us to even hold on to our foothold in Nezier Town.”

The Ashfell family of Purple River City was a formidable clan of cultivators. It was said that their family boasted dozens of cultivators among their ranks.

By comparison, while the De Molinos family of Nezier Town appeared prosperous in terms of population, they had only one cultivator: Arius, their ancestral elder.

Around Nezier Town, other families, such as the Green family, Hoover family, and Madden family, also vied for influence. However, their strength was roughly on par with the De Molinos family’s.

Even so, the De Molinos family’s position was the weakest among these groups. Should Arius fall, and the family lose its only deterrent, what awaited them would inevitably be decline—or even extinction.

Creak…

After about 30 minutes, the gilded wooden palanquin, carried by four De Molinos family servants, arrived at an elegant and tranquil estate.

The estate featured five grand gates and four side entrances, totaling nine in and nine out—a design filled with symbolism and depth.

As Arius gazed at the estate, memories stirred within him.

Before entering the Albigensians Sect, this was where he had lived and grown up.

“Patriarch, please rest inside the estate,” Simon said respectfully.

“We’ve arranged maids and servants within to attend to your every need. Should you require anything, you need only tell them.”

Simon’s arrangements left Arius quite satisfied.

Stepping out of the gilded palanquin, Arius entered the estate. The moment he crossed the threshold, he noticed that everything inside the courtyard remained nearly identical to how it had been a century ago.

Faint, blurred memories of his childhood seemed to awaken.

“Greetings to the Patriarch!!”
“Greetings to the Patriarch!!”

Wherever Arius walked, maids and servants bowed their heads deeply, greeting him with reverence.

“All of you, leave,” Arius said, his tone calm but firm. “Without my permission, no one is to disturb me.”

As someone who had walked the path of cultivation, Arius was accustomed to solitude. It was a habit formed over a century of training.

Although he had only ten years of life left, Arius had not given up.

If he could reach the Bone Tempering Realm, his lifespan would extend by another twenty years. As long as he was alive, there was still hope.

Lost in thought, Arius strolled through the estate’s corridors, passed by the gardens, and eventually arrived at a modest, unremarkable courtyard.

This courtyard had once been his father’s residence.

Arius’s father had also been the patriarch of the De Molinos family, and he had reached the early stages of the Bone Tempering Realm. If not for his father’s mistakes in the Albigensians Sect, he might have already been an Inner Sect disciple—or even a core disciple!

If that had been the case, Arius’s path to cultivation would have been much smoother under the protection of his father’s reputation.

Standing in front of the wooden gates of the courtyard, Arius hesitated for a long time. Finally, he gently pushed them open.

As the gates creaked open, a wave of neatly arranged, timeworn items greeted his eyes.

There were wooden dolls from his childhood, a wooden sword he had begged his father to carve, and a delicate little jar once used to keep crickets.

Beyond Arius’s own belongings, there were relics of his mother and father as well.

Seeing these items, Arius felt an invisible force strike his heart.

 

Chapter 3 Molinos Family Ancestors, Magical Uses of the Magic Mirror

“Life is but a fleeting dream, and how many autumns have we truly lived through…”

Gazing at the courtyard filled with old belongings, Arius felt as though he had returned to his childhood.

A century of cultivation, and the grand path turned to emptiness. Upon his return, all that remained were things unchanged while people and circumstances had moved on.

Rustle…

The autumn wind swept through the courtyard, lifting a flurry of crimson leaves into the air.

As Arius’s thoughts surged like the tides, a palm-sized ancient mirror, intricately engraved with complex runes, suddenly fell from the courtyard gate.

The ancient mirror appeared unremarkable at first glance, but Arius instinctively picked it up.

The moment his fingers touched the mirror, strands of soft moonlight cascaded down, coincidentally illuminating its surface.

Under the moonlight’s glow, the mirror suddenly emitted a mysterious and profound radiance.

At the same time, a stream of information flooded Arius’s mind:

“Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror, capable of appraising all things!”
“With resources provided, it can enhance the nature of anything!”

Faced with the sudden influx of information, Arius’s expression remained calm, his emotions steady.

He was certain now: this ancient mirror was a treasure—perhaps even an artifact belonging to an immortal.

In this world, any object associated with the word “immortal” was invariably tied to the legendary beings of immortality.

But how could such a treasure exist within the De Molinos family? Could his ancestors have some mysterious history unknown to him?

Holding the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror in his hands, Arius once again fell into deep thought.

A century of cultivation had tempered his mind. Even when obtaining an item of such unimaginable value, Arius did not show any signs of wild joy or excitement. Instead, he felt a subtle undercurrent of worry.

“An ordinary man is innocent, but carrying a jade makes him guilty.”

If word of the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror reached the ears of other cultivators, it would surely spell disaster for the De Molinos family.

The recorded history of the De Molinos family spanned only a few hundred years. Beyond that, even Arius, the ancestral elder, knew nothing.

If this Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror wasn’t acquired by coincidence but instead originated from the De Molinos family’s ancestors, it implied that his lineage might once have been incredibly illustrious.

For a family of great glory to fall into decline, it must have faced cataclysmic upheavals in its past.

Arius’s thoughts drifted further and further. Only after some time did he return to the present, his gaze once again falling on the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror.

According to the information in his mind, as long as resources were provided to the mirror, it could enhance the quality of any item.

After pondering for a moment, Arius slowly retrieved his last remaining piece of spirit stone and attempted to place it on the surface of the mirror.

The moment the fragment touched the mirror, the brilliance radiating from its surface grew even more dazzling. Then, under Arius’s somewhat startled gaze, the mirror devoured the spirit stone fragment entirely!

Arius felt a pang of distress.

For a bottom-tier cultivator like him, at the mid-stage of the Blood Tempering realm, even a year of arduous labor might not yield a single spirit stone fragment.

Spirit stones were the universal currency of cultivators and also their most vital cultivation resource.

Spirit stones were categorized into four grades: low-grade, mid-grade, high-grade, and top-grade.

The exchange rate between each grade followed a 1:10 ratio.

• 1 mid-grade spirit stone = 10 low-grade spirit stones, and so on.

Spirit stone fragments were pieces chipped off from low-grade spirit stones. A single low-grade spirit stone could typically be divided into 100 fragments.

Just as Arius was lamenting the loss of his precious fragment, the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror suddenly emitted a golden beam of light. The beam landed squarely on Arius.

The moment the light touched him, Arius abruptly felt a transformation in his body. It was as though his ability to absorb spiritual energy from the heavens and earth had increased significantly.

Given Arius’s natural aptitude, even in secluded meditation, it was nearly impossible for him to absorb much spiritual energy.

Yet at this very moment, within the De Molinos family’s spiritual energy-deprived environment, Arius’s body was actively absorbing spiritual energy! And at an impressive rate!

This… was an enhancement of his aptitude.

A hint of surprise appeared on Arius’s face.

According to records, only those with “Mystic-grade spiritual roots” could automatically absorb spiritual energy from the heavens and earth.

When Arius had his spiritual roots tested at the age of three, it was discovered that while he did possess spiritual roots, they were the lowest grade: “False spiritual roots.”

If not for the De Molinos family’s Ascension Decree, Arius might not have been able to enter the Albigensians Sect to cultivate at all.

Spiritual root grades were ranked as follows: False spiritual roots, True spiritual roots, Mystic-grade spiritual roots, Earth-grade spiritual roots, and Heaven-grade spiritual roots.

Mystic-grade spiritual roots were already considered top-tier talent within the Albigensians Sect. Every time a Mystic-grade individual appeared, they would be nurtured as a priority by the sect!

This was because with Mystic-grade spiritual roots, one was guaranteed to cultivate to at least the Level 2 stage if they matured properly.

It must be understood that even across the entire cultivation world of the Aragon Country, a Level 2 cultivator held considerable status.

The Albigensians Sect’s sect leader, for example, was a master at the pinnacle of the Level 2 stage.

Gripping the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror tightly, Arius’s breathing quickened. The value of this treasure was far beyond what he had imagined.

In the cultivation world, any object capable of improving aptitude was an invaluable treasure. The mere appearance of such an item was enough to incite deadly conflict and chaos.

But the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror’s abilities didn’t stop at just enhancing aptitude. Its ability—”With resources, enhance all things”—was profound and terrifyingly powerful.

Providing it with resources might allow it to enhance the grade of cultivation techniques, spiritual herbs, pills, or even magical tools.

However, Arius was faced with a problem: he no longer had any spirit stone fragments.

For a moment, he was at a loss.

He wanted to continue exploring the capabilities of the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror.

After a brief silence, inspiration suddenly struck Arius.

Though he no longer had any spirit stone fragments, the De Molinos family still possessed a large amount of mundane gold and silver treasures.

Would such worldly wealth count as “resources” for the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror?

With this thought, Arius retrieved a gold ingot and carefully placed it on the mirror’s surface.

Clang!

To Arius’s delight, the moment the gold ingot touched the mirror, it began to emit radiant light once again.

This time, Arius directed the light toward a common “Body Tempering Pill”—a low-grade pill widely used by entry-level cultivators.

Bathed in the light of the mirror, the pill transformed in mere moments. The previously mediocre pill, with weak medicinal properties, suddenly turned crystalline and translucent, exuding a rich, fragrant aroma.

Even from a distance, Arius could feel the overwhelming energy contained within the pill.

Arius instinctively knew that if he consumed this enhanced Body Tempering Pill and relied on his newly improved spiritual roots, there was a significant chance he could directly advance to the Bone Tempering Realm!

But what thrilled Arius the most was the realization that mundane gold and silver treasures could also be used as resources to enhance items.

Clutching the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror tightly, a gleam of determination flashed through Arius’s weathered eyes.

With this treasure in hand, even in his twilight years, he might still have a chance to pursue immortality and knock on the gates of ascension!

 

Chapter 4: The path of cultivation, after all the hardships come happiness

“The secret of this treasure must be kept safe.”
“If the outside cultivators were to discover this, the consequences would be unimaginable…”

Surveying the surroundings of the small courtyard, Arius cautiously closed the wooden gate. He then drew a long sword, and the power of his mid-stage Blood Tempering realm exploded outward.

Sword strike after sword strike, each one carrying the weight of ten thousand pounds, Arius tirelessly worked through the night. Over time, he carved out an underground chamber within one of the courtyard’s rooms.

Next, Arius placed the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror in the newly constructed chamber and set up a basic illusory array around the courtyard to act as a warning system.

The population of Nezier Town, including the entire De Molinos family, was only around forty thousand. The town was seldom visited by cultivators, making it relatively safer than being within a sect.

Even so, Arius did not dare to lower his guard.

The world of cultivation was rife with dangers. A single moment of carelessness could lead to death.

With the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror in hand, Arius resolved not to join any other factions. Doing so would risk exposing the invaluable artifact.

Instead, he decided to remain within the De Molinos family, quietly building his strength. His plan was to develop the family into his personal power base, beginning by amassing mundane wealth—gold and silver—and using it to methodically strengthen himself.

As long as he could maintain a low profile, Arius believed that one day, he would stand at the pinnacle of the immortal path.

After completing the modifications to the courtyard, the long night finally came to an end.

The moon set, and the sun rose.

Despite the night of work, Arius, as a cultivator, felt no fatigue.

Sitting cross-legged within the secret chamber, Arius gazed at the Body Tempering Pill in his hand. He decided to consume it and use its power to enhance his cultivation.

If he succeeded in advancing to the Bone Tempering Realm, he would become a force to be reckoned with among bottom-tier rogue cultivators. If he could go a step further and break into the Organ Tempering Realm, he would have the confidence to face even the Ashfell family of Purple River City.

The Ashfell family maintained dominance over the city of Purple River, which boasted a population of 150,000, due to their possession of a cultivator in the Organ Tempering Realm.

Although that Organ Tempering cultivator spent most of their time in secluded training and rarely interfered with family affairs, the Ashfell family still had dozens of cultivators under their command.

Over the years, the Ashfell family had steadily expanded their influence, encroaching upon the territories surrounding Nezier Town.

The only reason they hadn’t directly annexed Nezier Town was Arius’s presence in the Albigensians Sect.

As long as Arius remained a disciple of the Albigensians Sect, even as a low-ranking Outer Sect member, the Ashfell family refrained from taking action. After all, openly targeting the family of a Albigensians Sect disciple could provoke the sect’s ire.

Against the Albigensians Sect, even a family with Level 1 Realm cultivators would be insignificant.

But now, Arius had left the sect. His status as an Outer Sect disciple had been revoked.

Without that title, there was nothing stopping the Ashfell family from targeting Nezier Town. All they needed was a pretext to descend upon the town, force the De Molinos family to submit—or worse, wipe them out entirely.

Compared to life within the sect, the conflicts in the outside world were far more brutal and blood-soaked.

If Arius failed to quickly improve his strength, the De Molinos family would be left with two grim options:

• Submit completely to the Ashfell family, surrendering all control and influence in Nezier Town.
• Face extinction.

The strong prey on the weak; the fittest survive. This has always been the unchanging law of the world.

If not for the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror, Arius, with only ten years of life left, would have no choice but to lead the De Molinos family into submission.

But now, he was determined to defy the odds, seize his last chance, and rekindle his pursuit of the immortal path.

“Hah…”

Exhaling a turbid breath, Arius calmed his mind and let go of his stray thoughts.

Cultivation was an extraordinarily profound process.

The four Body Tempering stages involved absorbing spiritual energy and refining the body using the essence of heaven and earth: tempering the skin, blood, bones, and organs.

When the body was refined to its peak, the cultivator could redirect energy to open spiritual meridians, breaking through to the Level 1 Realm.

Compared to the Body Tempering stages, Level 1 cultivators had lifespans exceeding 200 years. At this stage, they could begin manipulating spiritual energy and casting basic spells.

As Arius swallowed the Body Tempering Pill, a surge of energy spread through his body.

The power coursed through his bloodstream, refining his entire being from the inside out.

Under the pill’s effects, Arius’s cultivation advanced rapidly:

Mid-stage Blood Tempering…
Late-stage Blood Tempering…
Peak Blood Tempering…

Crack!

At the peak of Blood Tempering, his body began to nourish and strengthen his bones—marking the transition into the Bone Tempering Realm.

Each advancement in the four Body Tempering stages—skin, blood, bones, and organs—was accompanied by extraordinary pain.

Advancing to the Skin Tempering Realm felt like being cut apart by a thousand blades—nearly unbearable!

Advancing to the Blood Tempering Realm was akin to having one’s veins and arteries rupture, an excruciating agony beyond description!

Advancing to the Bone Tempering Realm, however, felt like one’s bones were being broken and reformed. The pain and itchiness combined to create a torment so intense that only those with unwavering determination could endure. Failing to withstand it would lead to a failed breakthrough.

As for advancing to the Organ Tempering Realm, it was said that all five internal organs would shatter before being reconstituted. The process was akin to enduring the worst tortures of the mortal realm.

The world often extolled the beauty of immortality, yet how many people could endure the sheer suffering required just to tread the path of cultivation?

For mortals pursuing longevity, the path was inherently one of defiance against the natural order. The Four Body Tempering Realms demanded that the body endure the agony of being reforged. Beyond that, the Level 2 stage brought with it the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations, culminating in either death and the dissipation of one’s soul—or ascension into immortality!

The excruciating pain surged through Arius’s entire body. However, his weathered face remained astonishingly composed.

What is pain?

If he could achieve the grand path, Arius was willing to risk his very life.

To seek immortality and achieve the Dao required not just determination, but a touch of madness!

In this world of cultivation, there was never a place for the weak.

Even if he could not become immortal, Arius would still strive to grow stronger.

Dignity, status, power, wealth—all these intoxicating pursuits were inseparable from personal strength.

Time passed slowly.

Arius sat cross-legged within the secret chamber.

When hunger struck, he swallowed a Fasting Pill obtained from the sect.

When exhaustion crept in, he forced himself to stay vigilant.

He didn’t have much time left.

Outside the De Molinos family, there was the ambitious Ashfell family of Purple River City, relentlessly expanding their influence.

Arius’s lifespan was already limited to ten years.

Even if he successfully advanced to the Bone Tempering Realm and extended his life by another twenty years, he would still only have thirty years to live.

Crack… crack!

Within Arius’s body, every inch of his bones emitted sharp cracking sounds.

The process was both grueling and prolonged.

But he had no choice but to endure.

Only by fully tempering every bone in his body could he truly ascend to the Bone Tempering Realm.

During this process, any thought of giving up or failure to persevere would lead to inevitable failure.

A failed attempt to temper the bones could result in one of two outcomes:

• In the mildest case, a regression in cultivation.
• In the worst case, instant death.

Either result was unacceptable to Arius.

At 110 years old, if he failed this breakthrough, even if he survived, it would be impossible for him to advance further in this lifetime.

The searing pain lasted for a full seven days.

At the brink of his limits, with sheer willpower keeping him upright, the pain finally began to subside.

When the agony completely dissipated, a gentle and nourishing force enveloped Arius’s body.

Under the embrace of this energy, Arius felt an unprecedented sense of comfort. His vitality, blood energy, and strength all surged wildly.

The path of cultivation was one of enduring hardships before reaping rewards.

 

Chapter 5: Complete the Technique, Red Flame Dao Sutra

After stabilizing his newly advanced realm, Arius slowly stood up and exited the underground chamber.

The golden sunlight poured over him like a cascade, illuminating his white hair and aged appearance. Yet, despite his old and weathered visage, his body brimmed with a vast and vigorous vitality.

Having successfully broken through to the Bone Tempering Realm, Arius’s lifespan was extended by thirty years, and his strength had increased tenfold.

At this level, the Bone Tempering Realm, Arius could unleash the strength of a million pounds with a single strike.

With such power, if he were to return to the Albigensians Sect, Arius would even qualify to become an Inner Sect disciple.

Of course… Arius had no intention of ever returning to the sect.

Not only were there numerous cultivators in the sect, increasing the risk of the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror being exposed, but even if he could conceal the artifact’s existence, Arius had no desire to subject himself to the sect’s strict rules and tedious constraints.

Staying with the De Molinos family allowed him to hold a position of unparalleled authority while also ensuring the secret of the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror remained secure.

Joining a sect or a major cultivation faction was typically for access to cultivation techniques, resources, or occasional guidance from experts.

But now, with the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror in his possession, Arius could use mundane wealth to upgrade cultivation techniques, spiritual herbs, and even raw materials.

With this in mind, Arius retrieved all the items he had accumulated over his years in the Albigensians Sect, including techniques, materials, and spiritual herbs.

As a low-ranking Outer Sect disciple, Arius’s possessions were meager at best.

His entire inventory consisted of:

1. A fragmented version of the “Crimson Flame Scripture”, which could be cultivated up to the Bone Tempering Realm.
2. Two stalks of “Spirit Tempering Grass.”
3. A palm-sized piece of “Refined Steel Ore.”

These items were among the most common resources in the cultivation world. Altogether, their total value was no more than two or three fragments of a low-grade spirit stone.

However, Arius did have a considerable amount of mundane gold and silver.

For disciples below the Bone Tempering Realm, completing assigned tasks in the Albigensians Sect would often result in rewards of worldly gold and silver rather than spirit stones.

In fact, most Body Tempering cultivators still used gold and silver as currency, while only those in the First Level Realm and above used spirit stone fragments—or spirit stones themselves—as their primary medium of exchange.

“I hope the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror can restore some parts of the Crimson Flame Scripture…”

Arius retrieved two gold ingots and once again placed them onto the mirror’s surface.

The mysterious celestial glow radiated once more.

As the two gold ingots vanished, Arius directed the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror toward the fragmented Crimson Flame Scripture.

Under the radiant light, the single, thin page of the scripture began to transform.

In the cultivation world, the Crimson Flame Scripture was one of the most basic and renowned cultivation techniques. It was said to have been created by a mysterious immortal, and when cultivated to its peak, one could wield the flames of the world and ascend to immortality through the Path of Fire.

However, the original Crimson Flame Scripture had long been lost. The versions that circulated in the world were simplified adaptations.

Even so, the simplified Crimson Flame Scripture allowed cultivation up to the Level 5 Realm at its peak.

The simplified scripture was divided into four parts:

1. The first part corresponded to the Four Body Tempering Realms (Skin, Blood, Bone, and Organ Tempering).
2. The second part corresponded to the First and Second level stages.
3. The third part corresponded to Level 3 and Level 4 stages.
4. The fourth part corresponded to the Fifth Level Realm.

The version of the Crimson Flame Scripture held by the Albigensians Sect only included the second part.

A complete version of the simplified scripture was so rare that even across the entire cultivation world of the Kingdom of Aragon, few factions could claim to possess one.

Clang!

In the span of a single breath, the glow from the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror began to dissipate.

The previously thin, single-page version of the simplified Crimson Flame Scripture had transformed into a three-inch-thick tome exuding an ancient aura.

On the cover of the tome, seven bold and majestic characters radiating profound universal truths were etched:

“The Path of Crimson Flame, Volume One.”

Picking up the Path of Crimson Flame, Arius couldn’t help but begin reading.

But as soon as he turned to the first page, Arius was stunned.

This Path of Crimson Flame was not the simplified version commonly seen in the cultivation world—it was the original, unaltered scripture created by the mysterious immortal.

This technique… pointed directly to the path of immortality!

Of course, the Path of Crimson Flame in Arius’s hands only contained the first volume. Even so, its profoundness far exceeded the complete simplified version of the Crimson Flame Scripture.

The first volume alone could guide Arius to cultivate all the way to the Level 2 Realm.

Moreover, it included a variety of spells and movement techniques—features absent in the simplified version of the scripture.

With the first volume of the Path of Crimson Flame, Arius no longer needed to worry about cultivation techniques, at least for the foreseeable future.

Placing the upgraded Path of Crimson Flame aside, Arius retrieved two more gold ingots and placed them on the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror’s surface.

He repeated the process, directing the mirror’s radiance toward the Path of Crimson Flame once again.

Arius wanted to see if the scripture could be upgraded further.

Unfortunately, while the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror emitted its mystical glow as before, the already-upgraded Path of Crimson Flame did not undergo any further changes.

“Could it be that the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror can only upgrade and enhance items once?”

“Or perhaps… the value of the two gold ingots is insufficient to further upgrade the first volume of the Path of Crimson Flame?”

Arius pondered for a moment before gritting his teeth. He then retrieved the Refined Steel Ore he had in his possession.

Determined, he decided to use the Refined Steel Ore as a resource to test whether the Path of Crimson Flame could be upgraded further.

As soon as the Refined Steel Ore touched the surface of the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror, the Path of Crimson Flame began to change once more—visibly growing thicker and larger.

Within just two breaths of time, the originally three-inch-thick Path of Crimson Flame had transformed into a tome half a foot thick, with dimensions of a full foot in length and width! 

The text on the cover had also changed, now reading:

“The Path of Crimson Flame, Volumes 1-2.”

Seeing this transformation, Arius began to understand the rules of the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror’s upgrades.

The key rule seemed to be this:

The Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror could upgrade items without restriction, but the greater the upgrade, the more resources were required.

As for the mirror’s other potential abilities, Arius realized he would need to continue exploring its secrets.

Even so, the abilities it had demonstrated thus far were already astounding.

If enough resources could be gathered, Arius might be able to transform an ordinary cultivation technique into an immortal’s scripture!

If enough resources could be gathered, Arius might even be able to enhance his spiritual root aptitude to Earth-grade or even Heaven-grade.

 

Chapter 6: Ashfell Family Envoy, Crisis Arrives

After clearing his mind of distracting thoughts, Arius carefully stored away the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror. He then placed the thick tome of The Path of Crimson Flame, Volumes 1-2 into the underground chamber beneath the room.

The first volume of The Path of Crimson Flame was enough to guide Arius’s cultivation to Level 2 Realm.

As for the second volume, it could take him all the way to the 4th Level Realm.

However, even with such a profound technique and his spiritual roots elevated to the Mystic-grade, cultivating to the Second Level Realm within the De Molinos family’s territory remained challenging.

The De Molinos family’s ancestral land in Nezier Town lacked spiritual veins, meaning the area had an extreme scarcity of spiritual energy.

To cultivate long-term within the De Molinos family’s territory, Arius would either need a significant supply of spirit stones and spiritual herbs or a spiritual gathering array.

However, even the lowest-grade spiritual gathering array required spirit stones to operate. Maintaining it would cost at least one spirit stone fragment per month.

Currently, Arius was severely lacking in cultivation resources.

But with the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror, Arius had a straightforward way to earn more spirit stone fragments—or even full spirit stones.

Two hundred miles from Nezier Town lay a small cultivator market town.

There, spiritual herbs and materials could be traded for spirit stones.

Arius decided to use the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror to enhance the two Spirit Tempering Herbs in his possession, sell them at the market for spirit stone fragments, and then use those fragments to purchase more cultivation resources.

Spirit Tempering Herbs were among the most commonly cultivated spiritual herbs in the cultivation world. They could be consumed directly or used in refining Body Tempering Pills.

The two Spirit Tempering Herbs in Arius’s possession were less than ten years old and of very ordinary value. If sold as-is, they would fetch no more than one spirit stone fragment in total.

This time, Arius placed all the gold ingots he had onto the surface of the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror.

As the gold ingots were fully absorbed by the mirror, layers of divine radiance erupted from its surface. When the light enveloped the two Spirit Tempering Herbs, their medicinal fragrance suddenly became incredibly rich.

The herbs, originally just over two inches long, grew rapidly to half a foot in length.

Their age, which had been under ten years, transformed into century-old spiritual herbs.

If sold at the cultivator market, each herb would now be worth at least three low-grade spirit stones.

Three low-grade spirit stones equaled three hundred spirit stone fragments.

While three low-grade spirit stones might not sound like much, it was a substantial fortune.

At the Albigensians Sect, even completing sect tasks for an entire year wouldn’t guarantee Arius enough rewards to save up a single spirit stone fragment.

The value of spirit stones was far beyond that of mundane gold and silver.

Even cultivators who had just entered the Level 1 Realm would find it difficult to casually produce three low-grade spirit stones.

Staring at the two century-old Spirit Tempering Herbs, Arius felt both excitement and concern.

Their value was undoubtedly high, but if Arius dared to bring them to the cultivator market and sell them as-is, he would likely become a target for robbery and murder.

Among cultivators, the law of the jungle ruled. Strength determined survival, and worldly laws meant little.

After a moment of thought, Arius had an idea. He carefully took out a sharp dagger and, with great precision, sliced off a single leaf from one of the Spirit Tempering Herbs.

Selling just this leaf could likely earn him around twenty spirit stone fragments.

While a leaf from a century-old spiritual herb still had significant value, it was far safer and more discreet than attempting to sell the entire herb.

Still, Arius felt this approach wasn’t entirely foolproof.

After much deliberation, Arius decided to consume one of the herbs himself. Increasing his strength was the most reliable way to ensure his survival in the cultivation world.

Sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber, Arius wasted no time in swallowing one of the century-old Spirit Tempering Herbs.

Fortunately, Arius was now at the Bone Tempering Realm, allowing him to barely withstand the herb’s potent medicinal power.

Had he still been at the mid-stage of the Blood Tempering Realm, consuming such a powerful herb would likely have caused his body to explode on the spot.

Compared to consuming Body Tempering Pills, directly ingesting spiritual herbs carried a degree of risk.

However, Arius possessed an incredibly advanced cultivation technique—The Path of Crimson Flame.

With the support of an advanced cultivation technique and Mystic-grade spiritual roots, Arius found it far easier to refine a single century-old Spirit Tempering Herb than most cultivators.

Following the breathing and cultivation techniques detailed in The Path of Crimson Flame, Arius rhythmically absorbed and refined the herb’s medicinal power, while attuning himself to the faint spiritual energy in his surroundings.

Gradually, Arius’s aura began to grow stronger.

Meanwhile, outside Nezier Town, a procession flying the Ashfell family’s banner arrived in a grand and imposing fashion.

This procession was escorted by more than two hundred armored guards and included dozens of trained martial artists from the mortal world.

At the front of the group was a young man clad in a black robe, exuding a chilling aura.

He rode atop a ferocious giant tiger beast, his expression cold and indifferent as he gazed down at Nezier Town from his elevated position.

The next moment, the young man spoke in a hoarse voice, his words slow and deliberate:

“I represent the Ashfell family. De Molinos family patriarch, present yourself at once to welcome me.”

Rumble!

As the young man’s raspy voice rang out, it swept across Nezier Town like a tidal wave, shaking the town’s very foundations. The buildings trembled slightly under its force.

It was clear that this young man was a cultivator.

Inside the De Molinos family estate, Arius, who was meditating in the underground chamber, was abruptly startled awake by the young man’s voice.

Though raspy, the voice carried an overwhelming vitality and power.

The sheer presence conveyed through that single utterance was enough to suggest that the young man was at least at the Blood Tempering Realm.

Arius’s expression darkened.

He had only just returned from the Albigensians Sect, and already a Ashfell family cultivator had descended upon Nezier Town. Their ambitions were blatantly obvious.

There was no doubt: the Ashfell family intended to seize control of Nezier Town and force the De Molinos family into submission.

In the meantime, the commotion had alarmed not just the De Molinos family but the entire population of Nezier Town.

At the town’s entrance, De Molinos family armored guards had already formed ranks, ready for battle.

On the Ashfell family’s side, while they showed no immediate signs of attacking, their guards stood poised to strike, waiting for the young cultivator’s command.

At that moment, the tension in and around Nezier Town reached a boiling point.

“The entire De Molinos family welcomes the envoy’s esteemed arrival!”

“It is an honor for Nezier Town, and for the De Molinos family, to receive a guest from afar.”

At the entrance to Nezier Town, De Molinos Simon, accompanied by several De Molinos family elders and dozens of mortal martial artists, appeared slowly and solemnly.

Although Simon tried his best to maintain a composed demeanor, standing before a Ashfell family cultivator filled him with an immense, inescapable pressure.

Even though the De Molinos family had Arius, their ancestral elder, to rely on, Simon still lacked confidence in the face of a cultivator from the Ashfell family.

If it were just an ordinary cultivator, that would be one thing…

But the Ashfell family was the undisputed overlord of Purple River City.

Within a thousand miles of Purple River City, no combination of cultivation factions could rival the Ashfell family’s dominance.

 

Chapter 7: Ashfell Family Junior, You’ve Crossed the Line

“Honored envoy, may I ask what business brings you to the De Molinos family of Nezier Town?”

“As long as it is within our power, the De Molinos family is willing to do anything for you and the Ashfell family, even if it means braving fire and water.”

Despite the overwhelming aura of the Ashfell family cultivator, who sat astride a ferocious tiger beast, Simon managed to maintain a composed demeanor. His words were tactful, leaving no room for reproach.

As the De Molinos family patriarch, Simon’s shrewdness and capability far exceeded those of ordinary men.

He understood well that the greater the crisis, the calmer he needed to be.

Simon was fully aware of the Ashfell family’s ambitions. His polite inquiries and deferential attitude were deliberate, meant to deny the Ashfell family any excuse to act aggressively while buying as much time as possible.

Even in a dire situation, delaying tactics could potentially open a path to survival.

However, the Ashfell family cultivator was no easy opponent.

Though he appeared to be no older than twenty, his youthful appearance was due to a Rejuvenation Pill he had consumed in his youth. In reality, he was nearing one hundred years old.

A man of such age and experience would not have been entrusted with this mission unless he was highly competent.

As Simon finished speaking, the Ashfell family cultivator did not respond immediately. Instead, he cast a meaningful glance at his attendant.

Having served the Ashfell family cultivator for years, the attendant instantly understood. Adopting an arrogant demeanor, he sneered and said in a provocative tone:

“Outrageous! You De Molinos family mortals dare not kneel before the Third Elder of the Ashfell family? Do you wish to bring about your own destruction?”

The attendant’s words fell like a spark into dry tinder.

While the elder members of the De Molinos family remained impassive, the younger generation—hot-blooded and long sheltered under the family’s protection—were immediately enraged.

The De Molinos family was a prominent clan within a hundred-mile radius of Nezier Town. When had they ever suffered such humiliation?

Seeing this, Simon frowned deeply, a sense of foreboding creeping into his heart.

He knew the Ashfell family’s strength and influence. If a confrontation broke out today, it would spell disaster for the De Molinos family.

In terms of territory, the Ashfell family directly controlled five of the seven towns within a thousand miles of Purple River City.

In terms of armed forces, the De Molinos family had a total of four hundred armored guards, while the Ashfell family boasted at least ten thousand.

In terms of cultivators, the De Molinos family had only one—while the Ashfell family had dozens.

A direct conflict with the Ashfell family would be a hopeless endeavor.

“Our family has never been a vassal of the Ashfell family. Kneeling… what a joke!”

“Patriarch, the Ashfell family bullies us too much. They show no regard for the De Molinos family at all…”

One of the younger De Molinos family members, his face flushed with anger, spoke out, his words sparking a chorus of agreement from the other youths.

These thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds, accustomed to the respect they received when walking through Nezier Town, could not comprehend the Ashfell family’s overwhelming power.

Though their elders had explained the regional power dynamics to them before, most dismissed these warnings as mere stories.

“Silence, you fools!”

An elder of the De Molinos family, leaning heavily on a cane, scolded the younger generation harshly, silencing their outbursts.

But within the Ashfell family’s ranks, the attendant seized the opportunity to escalate the situation. With a cold glare directed at Simon, he spoke in a voice laced with murderous intent:

“The De Molinos family… truly does not know its place. Not kneeling before the Third Elder of the Ashfell family is one thing, but to let these brats hurl insults?!”

“Provoking the Ashfell family… is punishable by death!”

As he spoke, the Ashfell family’s armored guards drew their swords and prepared for action.

Meanwhile, Arius had concluded his cultivation and stepped out of the underground chamber.

He had been monitoring everything happening outside Nezier Town.

Through his observations, Arius now had a basic understanding of the current state of the De Molinos family.

As the patriarch, Simon was competent enough. If given the right conditions, he could be further nurtured in the future.

The De Molinos family elders were cohesive and understood the bigger picture, which was a positive aspect.

However, the younger generation of the De Molinos family was lacking in proper education. Although they hadn’t become spoiled or arrogant, if their outlook wasn’t corrected to recognize the harsh realities of the world, it would be hard for them to grow into the backbone of the family.

When it came to the De Molinos family’s military strength… it was truly subpar.

Out of the four hundred armored guards, only about twenty were trained martial artists. The rest were ordinary mortals, equipped with decent gear but clearly lacking in regular training.

Their actual combat strength was only slightly better than that of common bandits or mountain brigands.

On the other hand, the Ashfell family’s forces were made up of elite soldiers. If a battle broke out, the Ashfell family guards alone could likely annihilate the De Molinos family without the Ashfell family’s Third Elder needing to intervene.

“The dignity of the Ashfell family cannot be challenged.”

“I give your De Molinos family a choice: submit to the Ashfell family, and we will leave you one-tenth of Nezier Town’s assets so your family may survive.”

“Otherwise… the De Molinos family will be annihilated.”

As tensions reached a breaking point, the Third Elder of the Ashfell family, sitting atop his ferocious tiger beast, finally spoke.

His tone was commanding and brooked no argument. He wasn’t negotiating with the De Molinos family; he was issuing a threat.

This visit to Nezier Town was solely to expand the Ashfell family’s territory and influence.

The Ashfell family had begun planning this move ever since they learned of Arius’s departure from the Albigensians Sect and his loss of status as an Outer Sect disciple.

To the Ashfell family, the De Molinos family was insignificant.

The Third Elder himself was at the peak of the Blood Tempering Realm.

According to their intelligence, Arius was only at the mid-stage of the Blood Tempering Realm.

Had Arius not used an Ascension Decree to join the Albigensians Sect, the Ashfell family would have taken over Nezier Town long ago.

Faced with the Third Elder’s threat, Simon’s expression darkened, and even the De Molinos family elders began to show signs of unease.

Submitting to the Ashfell family and surrendering ninety percent of Nezier Town’s assets… . The terms were far too harsh.

If they lost ninety percent of their assets, the De Molinos family’s finances would collapse in less than two months, and the family would fall apart entirely.

However, if they resisted, the Ashfell family’s overwhelming power would lead to their total annihilation.

“Honored envoy, the De Molinos family is willing to submit, but under these conditions…”

Simon’s voice was bitter as he attempted to negotiate.

However, the Third Elder of the Ashfell family ignored him entirely. Raising three fingers, he spoke coldly:

“Three breaths.”

“You have three breaths to decide.”

“Three, two…”

Just as the Third Elder was about to utter the word “one,” Arius emerged, hands clasped behind his back, stepping slowly out of the thick mist.

His gray robe fluttered gently, and the moonlight glinted off his silver hair, casting a mysterious glow.

Arius’s expression was calm and detached, his deep gaze locking onto the Ashfell family’s Third Elder. Suddenly, the aura of someone at the early Bone Tempering Realm burst forth, radiating power.

“Nezier Town belongs to the De Molinos family!”

“Ashfell family junior, you’ve overstepped…”

Chapter 8: Raise your hand to suppress, be ruthless when necessary

Boom!!

Arius’s voice echoed through the heavens and earth like a thunderclap, causing the Ashfell family’s armored guards to stagger back in fear.

Even the Ashfell family’s Third Elder, who had exuded such confidence moments before, suddenly had a drastic change in expression.

“Bone Tempering Realm! You’re at the Bone Tempering Realm…”

He couldn’t help but exclaim, his eyes flashing with both apprehension and fear.

On the path of cultivation, the gap between major realms was as vast as the heavens and the earth, almost insurmountable.

Though the Third Elder’s cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Blood Tempering Realm, he was utterly powerless in the face of someone at the Bone Tempering Realm. If Arius so desired, he could crush him with a single palm.

However, the Third Elder quickly regained his composure.

The Ashfell family also had cultivators at the Bone Tempering Realm—and more than one. Their patriarch was even at the late stage of the Organ Tempering Realm.

“Senior, so what if you’ve reached the Bone Tempering Realm?”

“You’ve already left the Albigensians Sect. By yourself, you’re still nothing in the face of the Ashfell family…”

“Our Ashfell family is determined to claim Nezier Town. You’re a wise man—you must know the consequences of opposing us.”

“However, in light of your status, the Ashfell family is willing to leave you thirty percent of Nezier Town’s assets…”

Sitting atop the ferocious giant tiger beast, the Third Elder of the Ashfell family spoke again, regaining his confidence and composure. Behind him stood the overwhelming power of the Ashfell family in Purple River City.

Hearing the Third Elder’s words, the De Molinos family elders fell silent, and Simon sighed softly.

He looked at Arius’s back, his emotions a tangled mix of hope and despair.

Upon reflection, retaining even thirty percent of Nezier Town’s assets would be a decent outcome for the De Molinos family.

In the face of the Ashfell family, the De Molinos family’s foundation was simply too weak.

Even with Arius present, a direct confrontation with the Ashfell family seemed doomed to failure.

But just as Simon and the De Molinos family elders assumed Arius would choose to compromise, Arius’s figure suddenly blurred, leaving afterimages in his wake. A terrifying gust of wind swept through the area as he appeared directly in front of the Ashfell family’s Third Elder.

“Senior… If you dare lay a hand on me, the Ashfell family will not spare you! Nor will they spare the De Molinos family.”

“When that happens, the De Molinos family and all of Nezier Town will be wiped out… You—ahhh!!”

The Third Elder’s terrified scream was cut short.

When everyone regained their senses, they saw him hanging limply in Arius’s grasp like a broken doll.

As for the ferocious tiger beast beneath him, it was utterly suppressed by Arius’s aura, collapsing to the ground in trembling submission.

“Noisy.”

Arius glanced at the Third Elder in his hand, his tone calm. He exerted a slight squeeze—and the power of a million pounds erupted.

In an instant, a mist of blood exploded in the air. The Ashfell family’s Third Elder died on the spot, his body obliterated without a trace.

“Who gave you the courage to threaten me?”

Arius’s voice was composed, as if he had just crushed an insect rather than a high-ranking member of the Ashfell family.

The sight of the Third Elder being turned into blood mist left everyone stunned.

Whether it was the De Molinos family members or the Ashfell family’s armored guards, all stood frozen in place.

None of them had expected Arius to act so boldly, so decisively.

Before anyone could react, Arius struck again.

The power of someone at the early Bone Tempering Realm erupted from him like a storm.

His blood energy surged, giving him the appearance of a walking god or demon. Moving at a speed beyond comprehension, he unleashed devastation with a wave of his hand, slaughtering Ashfell family guards with ruthless efficiency.

Under the glow of the pale moonlight, clouds of crimson blood mist bloomed outside Nezier Town—a scene both eerie and horrifying.

Arius showed no mercy. Every single Ashfell family guard present was killed on the spot.

In just two breaths of time, the two hundred Ashfell family guards had been wiped from existence.

“Patriarch… what are you doing?”

After a long silence, Simon finally regained his senses. A trace of worry appeared on his face as he looked at Arius, hesitating to speak further.

Arius’s decisive killing of the Ashfell family’s Third Elder and the slaughter of two hundred of their armored guards had completely severed the De Molinos family’s path to retreat.

As he looked at Simon and the anxious De Molinos family members, Arius casually collected the belongings of the Third Elder while speaking calmly:

“Say no more. I already know what you’re thinking.”

“The Ashfell family of Purple River City is indeed strong, but the De Molinos family has never been an easy target!”

“If the Ashfell family seeks to drive us to the brink, our only choice is to fight our way to survival.”

“You don’t need to worry about their retaliation. With me here, the De Molinos family’s sky will not fall!”

Standing amidst the blood mist, Arius’s voice carried the weight of age, yet it was imbued with an unyielding dominance and confidence.

In his hundred years of cultivation at the Albigensians Sect, Arius had experienced countless struggles and conflicts. There was a time in a secret realm when he schemed and even killed a senior brother whose cultivation far surpassed his own.

While he respected the Ashfell family’s power, Arius knew that once others climbed onto your head, you had to strike back mercilessly.

However, Arius wasn’t acting out of blind arrogance, nor was he inflated by his recent breakthrough to the Bone Tempering Realm.

Rather, his decision was calculated—he had set his sights on the resources the Ashfell family’s Third Elder carried.

As one of the elders of the Ashfell family, though the Third Elder was only at the pinnacle of the Blood Tempering Realm, his possessions were still quite valuable.

When Arius was observing earlier, he had noticed a formation flag hanging from the Third Elder’s waist.

This formation flag was a Level 1 treasure—a magical tool designed for the First Level cultivators. Even the lowest-grade First Level treasures could fetch the price of one low-grade spirit stone.

Of course, the formation flag carried by the Third Elder was a damaged item and far from pristine.

Even so, its value was immense.

And Arius had a critical advantage: the Heaven-Seeking Treasure Mirror.

With the mirror, he could repair the damaged formation flag. Then, before the Ashfell family launched a full-scale attack, he could further advance his cultivation. By wielding the restored formation flag, even if he faced the Organ Tempering Ashfell family patriarch, Arius would remain unshaken.

It was important to note that the power of the First Level treasure was terrifyingly destructive.

But the restored formation flag wasn’t the only card in Arius’s hand.

He planned to visit the cultivator market to acquire some additional resources, such as bottles of spirit poison and low-grade talismans for offensive purposes.

He also intended to try his luck at finding overlooked treasures at the market.

Facing the Ashfell family’s aggression, Arius had never even considered compromise.

If the Ashfell family wanted to annex Nezier Town and expand its territory, why couldn’t Arius aim to replace the Ashfell family and establish the De Molinos family as the new dominant force within a thousand miles of Purple River City?

The Ashfell family was strong, but they were not invincible.

In the cultivation world, one needed to know when to lay low and when to take bold risks.

To shy away from every challenge and live meekly—how could one ever achieve the grand Path?

Moreover, even if Arius were to retreat, there was no guarantee the Ashfell family would truly spare the De Molinos family.

History spoke volumes: every time the Ashfell family expanded its territory, those who chose to submit and compromise were either left to decay or outright wiped out.

Arius understood this well. To yield was not to survive—it was merely to delay the inevitable.

 

Chapter 9 Strategic Planning, Family Development

“Elder, what should the De Molinos family do next?”

Simon, typically composed, was now at a loss. He approached Arius respectfully, cupping his hands as he inquired.

As Simon spoke, the eyes of the gathered De Molinos family members turned toward Arius.

The De Molinos family no longer had any path of retreat. Confronted with the immense power and deep foundations of the Ashfell family from Purple River City, unease filled the hearts of everyone present.

“Why are you panicking?”

“Bring all of Ashfell’s carriages back to the family estate…”

Arius’s tone was calm as he reassured the nervous crowd.

His eyes suddenly fell on the ferocious giant tiger beast, which was lying on the ground, trembling uncontrollably.

The tiger beast stood nearly two meters tall, with a body length of five to six meters. Its fur was jet black and glossy.

Although it had yet to officially reach the rank of a demonic beast, it was only one small step away from entering the Skin Tempering Realm of demonic cultivation.

After a brief moment of thought, Arius decided to tame the tiger beast.

He took out a leaf from the century-old Spirit Tempering Herb and addressed the tiger beast in a half-threatening, half-coaxing tone:

“I know you understand human speech.”

“Now, I’ll give you two choices: submit to me, or die!”

“If you choose to submit, this leaf of the century-old Spirit Tempering Herb will be yours…”

“But before that, you must drink this bottle of Abolishing Spirit Powder.”

“Once you officially break through to the Skin Tempering Realm and form a spirit beast contract with me, I will provide you with the antidote.”

As Arius spoke, his tone carried an undertone of killing intent. His overwhelming aura surged forth like a mountain, bearing down on the tiger beast.

The only reason Arius didn’t simply kill the tiger beast and turn it into a pot of spiritual food was that it showed promise and the De Molinos family severely lacked cultivators.

Faced with Arius’s terrifying presence, the tiger beast cowered, bowing its head repeatedly in submission.

It did not want to die.

To it, survival mattered more than whether it served the Ashfell family’s Third Elder or became Arius’s spirit pet.

Seeing the tiger beast’s submissive attitude, Arius’s expression softened slightly. He tossed the bottle of Abolishing Spirit Powder and the herb leaf to the beast.

A single leaf from the century-old Spirit Tempering Herb was enough to push the tiger beast into the Skin Tempering Realm.

As for the Abolishing Spirit Powder, it was a special poison concocted by the Albigensians Sect.

Anyone below Level 1 Realm who ingested it would die within seven days unless they received the antidote.

In the Albigensians Sect, the Abolishing Spirit Powder was considered a common poison, and its antidote could be easily purchased at the sect’s market.

However, outside the sect, the Abolishing Spirit Powder was effectively a deadly and incurable toxin.

Arius made the tiger beast ingest the poison to prevent it from fleeing after consuming the herb leaf.

Until the beast broke through to the Skin Tempering Realm and formed a spirit beast contract, Arius needed a safeguard to ensure its loyalty.

Once the contract was formed, the tiger beast’s life would be entirely under Arius’s control, making betrayal impossible.

Faced with the jade bottle containing the Abolishing Spirit Powder, the tiger beast hesitated only briefly before decisively consuming the entire contents.

“Good…”

Arius nodded in satisfaction at the beast’s cooperation.

The next moment, he took a step forward and firmly seated himself atop the tiger beast’s broad back.

Having such a ferocious tiger beast as a mount wasn’t a bad addition at all.

Sitting cross-legged on the tiger beast’s muscular back, Arius began issuing orders to restructure the De Molinos family.

He started with the De Molinos family’s armored guards, many of whom were old, weak, or unfit for duty.

Arius decisively ordered that these guards be dismissed or reassigned.

As for the younger generation of the family, Arius instructed his clansmen to prepare for an evaluation and selection process to better cultivate their potential.

Among the younger generation of the De Molinos family, those who excelled at calculation and organization were assigned to the accounting office to learn bookkeeping and financial management.

Those with a knack for commerce were sent to manage and train at the family’s various shops.

Those with talents for strategic planning and coordination were given opportunities to handle independent tasks.

For the De Molinos family to grow quickly, they would need more capable individuals in the future.

The family’s future would ultimately depend on the younger generation to carry it forward.

Arius also directed efforts to cultivate and integrate the villages surrounding Nezier Town and the younger townsfolk, aiming to bring them fully into the De Molinos family’s fold as loyal supporters.

If the De Molinos family was to grow stronger, the entire structure of the family needed a comprehensive overhaul.

Arius had already begun planning for after the external threat of the Ashfell family was resolved.

He intended to search the area within a thousand-mile radius of Purple River City to identify babies or children with spiritual roots. These children would then be brought into the family and nurtured from a young age.

In this world, those who could manipulate the winds of fate and dictate the course of events were always cultivators.

The true strength of a power structure lay in the number of cultivators it could produce.

That said, mortals were not without value.

On the contrary, the sheer number of mortals in a territory was crucial. The more mortals under a family’s domain, the greater the likelihood of producing children with spiritual roots.

In fact, many major cultivation sects and factions fought for territory not just for the land, but for the population of mortals it contained.

As a cultivation family, the De Molinos family would also need to encourage its members to have more children.

Only by producing more cultivators from within the family could the De Molinos family maintain long-term stability and prosperity.

Furthermore, the expansion of influence wasn’t just about fighting and killing.

More importantly, it was about influence and infiltration. Subjugating and destroying others was one method, but marriages of alliance, political infiltration, and bloodline integration were far more stable and effective means of family expansion.

Sitting atop the tiger beast, Arius shared his plans for the De Molinos family’s future with Simon. He laid out a clear strategic vision in simple and comprehensible terms.

As the family elder, Arius didn’t intend to personally handle every detail.

As a cultivator, his focus remained on the pursuit of personal strength and cultivation.

When the family’s systems were fully operational, his role would be to oversee its general direction and long-term goals.

The finer details of family management would be entrusted to Simon and the rest of the De Molinos family

Hearing Arius’s grand plans, Simon was overwhelmed with awe.

In that moment, it felt as though the doors to an entirely new world had been opened to him.

Since becoming the De Molinos family patriarch, Simon had always prided himself on being a highly capable and even exemplary leader.

During his leadership, the family’s economy and population had doubled.

However, Simon’s aspirations had always been limited to expanding the De Molinos family’s businesses into Purple River City or slightly enlarging its territorial influence during his lifetime.

By comparison, Arius’s vision aimed to transform the De Molinos family into a major force, dominating the region.

Simon had never dared to dream of such long-term, ambitious goals.

At that moment, he began to understand why Arius had dared to directly confront the Ashfell family.

Under the weight of Arius’s grand ambitions, the so-called Ashfell family of Purple River City was perhaps nothing more than a temporary obstacle to the De Molinos family’s rise.

 

Chapter 10: Refining the Internal Organs

Although he didn’t know the full extent of his elder’s confidence, Simon felt a surge of passion and excitement in his heart.

Though he was a mortal, the thought of following the elder, building the De Molinos family’s glory, and spreading its renown and influence across the land filled him with ambition.

If they succeeded, centuries later, his name would be written in the De Molinos family’s history books and remembered by future generations.

“Rest assured, Elder. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the De Molinos family, sparing no effort or sacrifice!”

Looking at Arius’s figure, Simon spoke with great reverence. His voice was filled with ambition and determination.

He was ready to follow the elder and build a prosperous and illustrious De Molinos family.

Satisfied with Simon’s attitude, Arius nodded approvingly before riding off on the tiger beast, leaving behind only his aged voice echoing in the air:

“Do not disappoint me.”

“Though you lack spiritual roots and cannot walk the path of cultivation, as long as you serve the family well, I promise to grant you the means to extend your lifespan in the future.”

“This applies not just to you but to all who contribute to the family, whether they are direct descendants, servants, or guards. The De Molinos family will never let their efforts go unrewarded.”

As Arius’s words faded, the De Molinos family members, including the servants and guards, were all invigorated.

To the family elders, the promise of life-extending methods was incredibly tempting. They, who held power, wealth, and status, naturally wished to live longer.

For the De Molinos family’s servants and guards, the elder’s promise was equally enticing. It meant that as long as they worked hard and contributed, they could gradually elevate their status—even to the ranks of the family’s elite.

In just a few words, Arius had significantly boosted the De Molinos family’s cohesion and morale.

This was the art of leadership.

Of course, Arius wasn’t simply making empty promises.

Although he couldn’t yet provide mortals with life-extending methods, once he broke through to Level 1 Realm, he would be able to manipulate the world’s spiritual energy and begin refining basic medicinal pills.

Crafting pills to extend a mortal’s lifespan by a few years—or even a decade—wasn’t particularly difficult. The required materials were relatively common and inexpensive.

For the servants, guards, and affiliated families, those deserving of support had to be nurtured. Those who earned respect had to be treated with dignity.

Only by balancing reward and discipline and providing tangible benefits could they foster loyalty and dedication to the De Molinos family.

Returning to his courtyard, Arius casually assigned a room to the tiger beast before retreating to his underground chamber.

During the encounter with the Ashfell family’s Third Elder, Arius had faintly sensed signs of breaking through to the mid-stage of the Bone Tempering Realm.

It must be said, the cultivation speed granted by Mystic-grade spiritual roots was incomparable to that of pseudo spiritual roots.

Since acquiring Mystic-grade roots, Arius’s progress had been nearly free of bottlenecks.

Sitting cross-legged, Arius cleared his mind of distractions and entered a state of tranquility.

With each breath, faint traces of spiritual energy flowed into his body, tempering every bone within him.

In the world of cultivation, time passed unnoticed. Days flew by as Arius focused on strengthening his abilities and gradually prepared to break through to the Organ Tempering Realm.

Meanwhile, in Purple River City, within the sprawling Ashfell family estate that spanned several dozen miles, the atmosphere in a magnificent golden hall was tense.

The family’s First Elder, a late-stage Bone Tempering cultivator and the second most powerful individual in the Ashfell family, was present.

The grand hall was filled with Ashfell family elites, but an oppressive silence hung over them.

At the center, seated in the most distinguished position, was the Ashfell family’s patriarch. His luxurious robe and golden scepter symbolized his authority, though his face was clouded with worry.

Surveying the gathered elders, he spoke slowly:

“It has been several days since the Third Elder left for Nezier Town, and he has yet to return.”

“Elders, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

As soon as the patriarch finished, a mid-stage Blood Tempering elder rose with a dismissive expression and said:

“Patriarch, you’re overthinking this. That so-called De Molinos family elder is nothing more than a mid-stage Blood Tempering failure with pseudo spiritual roots.”

“If it weren’t for the Ascension Decree that the De Molinos family possessed, he would have never even qualified to join the Albigensians Sect.”

“Besides, he’s already 110 years old, his vitality is waning… He’s no threat to the Third Elder!”

“Even in the worst-case scenario, if he did have some hidden cards, the Third Elder could still retreat safely…”

“In my opinion, the Third Elder has likely already taken control of Nezier Town and is just tying up loose ends, which is why he hasn’t returned yet.”

Hearing this, several Ashfell family elders nodded in agreement:

“The Seventh Elder speaks sense!”

“Nezier Town is a full seven hundred miles from Purple River City. If the Third Elder were alone, he could make the trip in half a day.”

“But since the armored guards are mortals and warriors, traveling back and forth would take them five or six days.”

“The Third Elder might even be on his way back as we speak.”

“Still, if the Patriarch is concerned, we could send one of the elders to investigate Nezier Town.”

Despite the elders’ assurances, the Ashfell family patriarch’s unease deepened.

He had a strong feeling that something had happened to the Third Elder.

If the mission to take Nezier Town had gone smoothly, even if the Third Elder were busy wrapping up, he would have sent someone back to deliver a message.

But now… there had been no word. No messengers had returned.

“Second Elder, I’m entrusting you to make a trip to Nezier Town.”

“If something has indeed happened to the Third Elder… the Ashfell family will utterly annihilate the De Molinos family!”

The patriarch’s voice carried a chilling resolve, and a flash of viciousness glinted in his eyes.

“Understood, Patriarch!”

Without hesitation, the Second Elder accepted the order. He immediately left the grand hall, his figure transforming into a streak of light as he departed Purple River City.

The Ashfell family boasted a total of seventeen cultivators:

• Ten were at the Skin Tempering Realm (entry-level cultivators).
• Three were at the Blood Tempering Realm.
• Three were at the Bone Tempering Realm.
• One, the Ashfell family’s patriarch, was at the Organ Tempering Realm.

The family’s First Elder, Second Elder, and the patriarch himself were all Bone Tempering cultivators.

Within a thousand-mile radius of Purple River City, only the Ashfell family had such a large number of cultivators.

The reason was simple: the requirements to become a cultivator were exceedingly stringent.

On average, only one or two individuals per ten thousand mortals were born with spiritual roots.

Moreover, the vast majority of those with spiritual roots had pseudo roots, making it incredibly difficult for them to advance past the Bone Tempering Realm in their lifetimes.

In the thousand-mile region surrounding Purple River City, there was a mortal population of about one million.

Among them, there were at most two to three hundred cultivators.

And the majority of these were at the lowest level, the Skin Tempering Realm.

The path of cultivation was incredibly arduous—far more challenging than ascending the heavens.

Even those who devoted their entire lives to cultivation often struggled to advance even a single step. True prodigies were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.

Back at the De Molinos family estate, within the underground chamber, Arius emerged from days of secluded cultivation with yet another breakthrough.

To Arius’s surprise, with the support of the century-old Spirit Tempering Herb and his Mystic-grade spiritual roots, he had leaped forward by two minor realms and reached the late stage of the Bone Tempering Realm.

However, upon reaching the late stage of the Bone Tempering Realm, his cultivation speed had clearly slowed.

The energy in the De Molinos family estate was simply too scarce.

After fully absorbing the herb’s medicinal power, the estate’s environment was no longer sufficient to support Arius’s continued advancement.