She Dominates the Immortal Realm with Her HP Bar

◎Yan Bixin: I’ll sell the patent outright.◎0

Of course, the man couldn’t possibly guess what Wu Manshuang was thinking.0

All he could sense was the other’s gaze fixed intently upon him.0

That gaze held no warmth, no emotion—as if he were a slab of sashimi on a cutting board, and the butcher was measuring the blade against his vital points, preparing to strike.0

“……”0

Suppressing his fear, the man shakily lifted his head.0

From beneath the shadow of the hood, he caught a glimpse of the boy’s delicate yet icy lower face.0

The faint upward curve of the youth’s lips seemed like the signal before the swing of a reaper’s scythe.0

The stalker trembled like a leaf. “P-please… spare me… don’t kill me.”0

In reality, Wu Manshuang was merely using him as an experimental subject.0

This hair-loss toxin had only been tested on mice before. The fur of demonic beasts had shed instantly, with excellent results.0

Had he not switched to a human test subject today, Wu Manshuang would never have realized that the hair-loss effect extended to scalp hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows alike.0

At this moment, Wu Manshuang harbored no murderous intent. In fact, his thoughts were rather mundane—he was preoccupied with Yan Luoyue’s business ventures.0

Meanwhile, at the mouth of the alley, Yan Luoyue and Ling Shuanghun crouched around the corner, quietly observing the unfolding events.0

The two whispered to each other, exchanging their thoughts on the spectacle.0

Ling Shuanghun was the first to voice his curiosity. “Hey, when did Xiao Wu develop a delayed-action toxin? I had no idea.”0

As a friend, he knew Wu Manshuang’s character well.0

Wu Manshuang approached everything with utmost seriousness.0

If he had threatened the stalker with a toxin that would take effect later, then he must genuinely possess such a poison.0

Yan Luoyue squatted in the shadows, her posture uncannily resembling that of an oversized mushroom.0

From her vantage point, she could see most of Wu Manshuang’s face beneath his hood.0

After studying his expression carefully for a while, she hesitantly ventured an opinion.0

“…I think… Manshuang might be bluffing.”0

After all, only three or four days had passed since she first proposed the idea.0

Given the current situation, Wu Manshuang had already developed a semi-finished product capable of causing full-body hair loss.0

Even if the little snake was a once-in-a-generation genius, it was unlikely he could simultaneously develop two different toxins.0

Therefore, the terrifying poison he had described to intimidate the stalker might not exist at all.0

Ling Shuanghun: “???”0

What kind of world was this, where even Xiao Wu had learned to lie?0

After this incident, the white crane belatedly realized that Wu Manshuang indeed never spoke idly—but this rare honesty seemed to be a limited-edition trait reserved exclusively for Yan Luoyue!0

The realization that even he had been fooled by Wu Manshuang’s acting left Ling Shuanghun deeply aggrieved.0

“The way Xiao Wu carried himself just now… it was seriously convincing.”0

Though this wasn’t the first time he had recognized Wu Manshuang’s dangerous aura.0

Every time he saw his friend confront an enemy, it was like witnessing a treasured blade, usually sheathed in frost, suddenly unsheathed—its edge gleaming coldly.0

Yan Luoyue patted her conscience. “I think this time, it’s actually your fault.”0

After all, Wu Manshuang had merely proposed a concept, presented a possibility, and described a hypothetical scenario of instant death.0

As for why the stalker took his words so seriously—well, that could only be blamed on the man’s fragile mental state, right?0

This kind of semantic deconstruction was precisely Ling Shuanghun’s forte.0

Ling Shuanghun widened his eyes. “I haven’t even taught Xiao Wu this yet.”0

Good grief, so he actually had plans to teach him.0

Yan Luoyue nodded solemnly. “In that case, it must have been learned by osmosis.”0

Ling Shuanghun: “……”0

In the alley, Wu Manshuang remained oblivious to the debate he had sparked.0

It ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‍never crossed his mind that while he was diligently working without slacking off, his two friends were busy stepping on each other’s toes.0

“W-what do you want to know?” the man stammered.0

“……”0

Wu Manshuang didn’t answer immediately.0

In their trio, interrogation and information extraction had never been his responsibility.0

Pursing his lips, Wu Manshuang subtly glanced behind him but saw no sign of his friends coming to relieve him.0

…It seemed they were deliberately giving him a chance to practice.0

Taking a deep breath, Wu Manshuang was about to speak when he abruptly stopped himself.0

He had intended to demand the identity of the man’s employer but then recalled the earlier taunt about his methods being immature.0

…If he asked too eagerly or too bluntly, might he overlook something?0

After a moment’s thought, Wu Manshuang decided to turn the tables—using the man’s own tactics against him.0

The man stole a furtive glance and saw the boy’s expression remain unreadable, his tone indifferent.0

The thin lips that held the power of life and death parted slightly, and the youth’s voice carried a lethally polite edge.0

“You know what I want to hear. I assume you wouldn’t want to disappoint me, would you?”0

Wu Manshuang countered with icy calm.0

“—Wow.” Yan Luoyue clicked her tongue softly. “That line… I’m getting strong Demon Venerable Ji vibes.”0

Ling Shuanghun was equally impressed. “Xiao Wu… really absorbs the best from everyone.”0

As he spoke, he scribbled furiously on his bamboo scroll, recording the scene.0

Yan Luoyue side-eyed him, suspecting that in a few years, Ling Shuanghun’s Biography of Wu Manshuang would portray the little green snake in a wildly distorted light.0

The man swallowed hard. Overcoming his fear, he blurted out, “You can’t kill me—I’m from the Hongtong Palace!”0

This was practically a confession.0

After all, the trio had no acquaintances in Hongtong Palace. The only cultivators they’d had any dealings with were the Niu brothers.0

“…Oh.”0

Wu Manshuang responded slowly.0

To the stalker, this deliberate pause seemed laden with unfathomable menace.0

Instantly, the man’s heart raced as he anxiously wondered if his answer had displeased the youth.0

In reality, Wu Manshuang was just trying to recall the brothers’ names.0

…And after two or three seconds, he still couldn’t remember.0

Wu Manshuang: “……”0

Skipping the names entirely, Wu Manshuang cut straight to the point. “Who sent you? The older brother, the younger brother, or both?”0

The man feared silence more than questions.0

Hearing Wu Manshuang deign to interrogate him—and accurately pinpoint his employers—he spilled everything like beans from a bamboo tube.0

“It was the Second Young Master! Second Young Master Niu Shujian ordered me to follow you!”0

The moment the words left his mouth, before anyone else could react, Yan Luoyue—still crouched at the alley’s entrance—buried her face in her hands in frustration.0

So it was Niu Shujian.

Of course it was Niu Shujian.0

He actually dared to keep stirring up trouble!0

—Well, this is just another downside of having a foolish young master from a wealthy family.0

Because he’s so stupid, you can’t even predict what kind of move he’ll make next.0

A clever person’s actions often follow a logical pattern, and they know when to cut their losses. But a fool’s decisions might just be made on a whim.0

At the very least, Yan Luoyue couldn’t figure out whether Niu Shujian’s decision to send someone to tail them was meant to save face for himself, to try and reclaim the Soul-Snatching Fire, or to observe their movements so he could strike a fatal blow when the opportunity arose.0

After extracting every bit of information the man knew, it was time to deal with him.0

Wu Manshuang thought for a moment, then, embodying his studious nature, politely asked the man for advice.0

“What do you think I should do to silence you?”0

“…”0

Whatever thought flashed through the man’s mind, his legs instantly trembled, and his face turned ashen.0

—Oh, he’s suggesting I kill him to keep him quiet. How considerate.0

Wu Manshuang wasn’t opposed to the idea, but he remembered Yan Luoyue’s recent reminder: private fights were forbidden within the Thousand Refinements Assembly.0

Shaking his head with slight regret, Wu Manshuang reminded the man, “Unfortunately, killing isn’t allowed inside the Thousand Refinements Assembly.” So, you’ll have to suggest something else.0

“…”0

Hearing this, the man’s expression twisted in terror—what did that mean? Since killing wasn’t allowed inside, did this boy plan to take him outside to do it?!0

“I won’t say a word,” the man swore repeatedly. “Please, I’m just an insignificant pawn—just let me go like you’d release a fart!”0

He even eagerly extended his hand. “If you don’t trust me, you can use some other poison on me…”0

Wu Manshuang: “…”0

In all his years, he’d never heard such a bizarre request.0

Obligingly, Wu Manshuang stretched out his gloved left hand and lightly grasped the man’s fingertip.0

Instantly, a chilling cold spread through the man’s body, freezing his insides as if encased in ice.0

“You’re…?”0

In the next moment, the edge of the youth’s raven-black cloak brushed past him almost soundlessly.0

“Just as you thought,” Wu Manshuang said coolly. “Whatever you do, I’ll know.”0

—Yeah, right.0

Poison was something you only regretted not having enough of when you needed it. Wu Manshuang realized then that his repertoire of toxins still had room for expansion.0

Only when that abyssal, bottomless figure disappeared at the end of the alley did the man finally exhale in relief.0

But before he could finish that breath, a pair of exquisitely small boots descended before him like a divine weapon.0

“It’s you!”0

This was the very person Second Young Master Niu had ordered him to tail!0

“Hey,” Yan Luoyue greeted cheerfully, waving with a smile. “Don’t be scared. I know you’re just trying to make a living. Come on, let me teach you the art of bluffing.”0

…0

After relentless—and physical—effort, Yan Luoyue successfully taught the man how to fabricate a surveillance report that was convincingly fake.0

That afternoon, after making her preparations, Yan Luoyue changed into her Yan Bixin persona at the inn and headed for the Thousand Refinements Assembly’s exit.0

According to the man’s intel, the Niu brothers were no longer inside the Thousand Refinements Assembly.0

Perhaps to stay as far away from Ji Qinghong as possible, the two had packed up days ago and moved to the outer grounds.0

Coincidentally, Yan Luoyue had been planning to visit the outer grounds anyway.0

If the opportunity arose, she could also probe the Niu brothers’ intentions.0

Compared to the orderly inner grounds, the outer grounds were a chaotic melting pot, far more diverse and unpredictable.0

Like the inner grounds, the outer grounds also housed an auction house—but here, the auctions weren’t limited to refined artifacts.0

This auction house was called the Stellar River Auction House, sharing the same origins as the inner grounds’ Starry Han Auction House. Both were renowned in the cultivation world, though they catered to different clientele.0

The latter focused on elite buyers, while the outer grounds’ establishment served the masses.0

Yan Bixin adjusted her cloak and stepped steadily across the auction house’s threshold.0

A sweet-faced attendant approached with a bow. “Greetings, honored guest. Are you here to consign a treasure or to participate in the upcoming auction?”0

Beneath the hood, the black-robed artificer chuckled hoarsely. “I have something to sell.”0

“Understood. Please state the item’s category, and I will register it and assign you an appraiser.”0

Yan Bixin replied, “I wish to sell a formula—a secret method for crafting an artifact capable of detecting Thousand-Faced Demons.”0

“!!!”0

The attendant’s expression remained composed, but her eyes widened slightly for an instant.0

Below the Divine Transformation stage, no one could distinguish a Thousand-Faced Demon’s true form—this was common knowledge throughout the cultivation world.0

Yet this mysterious robed figure had just claimed…0

Bowing deeply, the attendant’s voice remained sweet.0

“I see, honored guest. I will summon an appraiser for you immediately. Please wait a moment.”0

Seated in the private room arranged for her, Yan Bixin ignored the refreshments provided by the auction house, arms crossed as she patiently awaited the appraiser.0

Before long, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.0

A stern-faced woman with an impeccably coiled bun appeared at the doorway.0

“Greetings,” the appraiser said, her sharp gaze seeming to pierce through Yan Bixin’s cloak. “Are you the one offering a formula for an artifact that can identify Thousand-Faced Demons?”0

The black-robed artificer gave a slight nod.0

“That’s correct.”0

The woman inhaled softly. “Since you possess the formula, you must also have a finished product… Would you be willing to demonstrate it for us?”0

Yan Bixin let out a raspy laugh and retrieved a shimmering silver net from her storage pouch.0

“This is the Tracking Net capable of exposing Thousand-Faced Demons. Though I wonder if your auction house is as resourceful as rumored—do you even have a Thousand-Faced Demon on hand?”0

Ignoring the artificer’s teasing tone, the bun-wearing woman carefully examined the net.0

“…It does match the one rumored to have surfaced in Scarlet Feather City,” she admitted, her tone tinged with complexity. “I presume you are the one who saved Scarlet Feather City—?”0

“Indeed. Your auction house is well-informed.” The black-robed artificer nodded slowly. “I am Yan Bixin.”0

With her suspicions confirmed, the appraiser immediately adopted a professional demeanor.0

“Master Yan, what reserve price do you set for this formula?”0

Artifacts had conventional price ranges based on their grade.0

But formulas were different.0

To fetch a fair price, they required a discerning buyer—much like a fine steed needing a worthy judge.0

From the appraiser’s perspective, this formula was a unique method for detecting Thousand-Faced Demons, warranting a steep valuation.0

However, the Thousand-Faced Demon had only stirred up trouble in Chiyu City once recently, so other cultivators might not have such a pressing need for this.0

If Yan Bixin set the price too high… then the auction for this secret formula might have to be postponed indefinitely, or even go unsold.0

Without keeping the appraiser waiting too long, Yan Bixin spoke leisurely: "One thousand low-grade spirit stones."0

"…What?" The female appraiser exclaimed in shock.0

This price… was utterly absurd!0

Not because it was too high—but because it was far too low!

A standard storage pouch sold on the market for twenty low-grade spirit stones.0

In Master Yan’s mind, was this secret formula only worth fifty storage pougs?0

The appraiser hesitated for a moment before asking tactfully, "Might I ask, Master, if there’s any treasure or material you’ve had your eye on recently?"0

—In other words, are you short on funds?0

Otherwise, she couldn’t think of any reason to sell such a valuable formula for such a pittance.0

In her estimation, the minimum starting bid for this formula should be at least ten thousand low-grade spirit stones.0

If they found a buyer like the City Lord of Chiyu, it could even sell for a hundred thousand, or two hundred thousand!0

The black-robed artificer chuckled hoarsely: "I haven’t finished—one thousand low-grade spirit stones buys the right to know and use this formula. I’ll sell it a thousand times in total. If anyone wishes to sell the finished product, I’ll take five low-grade spirit stones for every Tracking Net they produce."0

"!!!"0

Stunned by Yan Bixin’s proposal, the appraiser blurted out, "You can’t sell it a thousand times! If it’s spread that widely, how can it even be called a secret formula anymore?"0

Yan Bixin replied calmly, "The value of a method to identify the Thousand-Faced Demon—does it truly lie in its secrecy?"0

Just like in the modern world, are the formulas or technologies behind fire extinguishers or gas masks kept secret?0

No. Their value lies in the fact that when you need them, you can immediately obtain them.0

One thousand low-grade spirit stones—that was a perfectly reasonable price for someone to buy and keep on hand, just in case.0

Moreover, Yan Luoyue had another purpose in selling the formula this way:0

If the Thousand-Faced Demon ever rose again in another corner of the cultivation world, she wanted local cultivators to have the means to deal with it immediately, so no one else would suffer like City Lord Meng Zhun, left helpless and desperate.0

After the initial shock wore off, the appraiser quickly realized Master Yan was right.0

The true worth of this formula wasn’t in its secrecy—but in its ability to prevent disaster before it struck.0

And with this method of sale… a thousand copies at a thousand spirit stones each? That meant a total of one million spirit stones!0

Even after deducting the auction house’s five percent commission, Master Yan would still earn a staggering nine hundred and fifty thousand low-grade spirit stones.0

This figure wasn’t just three or four times higher than her initial highest estimate—it was an entirely different league!0

Yes, this was the perfect price for the formula. This was the perfect way to auction it.0

Gazing at the black-robed figure with awe and admiration, the appraiser murmured, "How… did you come up with such a method?"0

Reclining slightly in the grand chair, the black-robed artificer smiled without answering.0

Of course… it was wisdom passed down from those who came before.0

—As everyone knew, the real money wasn’t in the downstream market—it was in sitting at the top and selling the patent!0

……0

The auction for the Thousand-Faced Demon formula was a major deal. Since Yan Luoyue wasn’t in urgent need of money, the Stellar River Auction House naturally took their time to build up the hype.0

After settling on a date for the auction, the appraiser personally escorted Yan Luoyue to the entrance.0

Watching as Master Yan’s figure melted seamlessly into the crowd, the appraiser let out a long sigh.0

"I’ve worked in the auction house for at least thirty years, handling countless treasures, but today… today was the first time I truly saw something extraordinary."0

With the formula sold, Yan Luoyue felt lighthearted and free to enjoy the pleasures of the market.0

Unlike the refined tranquility of the Thousand Refinements Assembly’s inner grounds, the further out she went, the noisier and more chaotic the surroundings became.0

Yan Luoyue mentally calculated: Good heavens, in just a few days, the crowd had doubled in size since her arrival.0

Now, this place could truly be called a city.0

As she walked, Yan Luoyue was repeatedly stopped by people eager to promote their "exclusive insider goods from the Thousand Refinements Assembly."0

One person waved an invitation to the "Hundred Refinements Assembly" under her nose.0

A single glance told Yan Luoyue that the emblem was from two assemblies ago—a shoddy imitation that didn’t even try to be convincing.0

Another man discreetly lifted his robe to reveal a row of gleaming artificer badges pinned inside, boasting that they were all "limited edition" commemorative badges from this year’s Thousand Refinements Assembly.0

Yan Luoyue: "…"0

At first glance, it was almost impressive.0

But upon closer inspection, her reaction was akin to spotting a knockoff Bing Dwen Dwen—tall, leggy, and utterly fake.0

Aside from these two types, the most popular "insider goods" on the street were various treasure maps.0

The news announced during the Thousand Refinements Assembly’s opening ceremony had spread like wildfire in the outer market.0

Even knowing they might be scammed, many still held onto the slim hope of obtaining a "genuine copy of a map passed down from the Hongtong Palace."0

As for these suspicious, likely hand-drawn-yesterday maps, Yan Luoyue could only say they were like the souvenir stalls outside tourist attractions: designed to fleece the gullible.0

…No, wait. She took that back.0

The moment that thought crossed her mind, Yan Luoyue’s gaze froze on a spot just ahead.0

Not far away, a five-story pavilion stood proudly, its signboard reading "Gathering of Sages."0

Beneath it, a raised platform half the height of the building held ten brand-new refining furnaces, while an array of prizes dangled overhead, tied with red silk.0

Yan Luoyue’s eyes locked onto a fragment of a map.0

She thought in disbelief: What? You mean at the train station of a tourist spot, you can actually find authentic souvenirs?!0

The crafting technique of that map fragment might escape the average person, but Yan Luoyue recognized it instantly.0

It was none other than another piece of the same set—after Zhen Zhuo'er and Meng Zhun’s fragments—now revealed to the world.0

Displayed alongside the fragment were other rare refining materials: Mystic Essence Ore, Emberfire Jade, Netherfrost Ice… Compared to these, the map seemed unremarkable.0

But Yan Luoyue couldn’t tear her eyes away after just one glance.0

Instinctively, she scanned the platform’s surroundings—and soon spotted a familiar, withered figure.0

…Elder Dong, the Hongtong Palace cultivator who followed Niu Shujian and addressed him as "Young Master."0

Could this be a trap set for her?0

Yan Luoyue’s mind raced as she pondered the possibility.0

No, that’s not right. The one who obtained the two map fragments was Yan Bixin, while the one with a grudge against the Niu brothers was Yan Luoyue.0

Even if Niu Shujian wanted to set another trap for her, he wouldn’t know about the relationship between Yan Bixin and Yan Luoyue.0

So, the appearance of this map here was purely a coincidence?0

After stopping a passerby to ask, Yan Luoyue learned that this Gathering of Talents Pavilion was hosting a weapon-refining competition to recruit skilled individuals from across the land.0

Every cultivator who participated and won could select one treasure from the prizes displayed under the red silk banners.0

After a moment of contemplation, the weapon refiner stepped into the shadows, changed her clothes, and swallowed something.0

Then, she strode confidently toward the registration area.0

Given the Niu brothers’ level of expertise, they likely couldn’t discern the secrets hidden within this map fragment.0

Whether this was bait or not, since Yan Luoyue had laid eyes on it, she decided to give it a try.0

...0

A weapon refiner, her face concealed behind a veil, registered under a name to participate in the selection hosted by the Gathering of Talents Hall.0

Meanwhile, up in the pavilion, the Niu brothers were keeping a close watch on the commotion below.0

Observing the chaotic scene downstairs, Niu Shujian curled his lip in disdain.0

He asked, “Elder Brother, do you really think this method will attract the kind of talent we need?”0

Indeed, this competition was merely a ploy by the two brothers to recruit followers.0

As the saying goes, when one man achieves enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. A servant of a prime minister could hold the rank of a seventh-grade official.0

As disciples of a major sect, they not only had the backing of their family but also a retinue of four or five junior disciples as attendants. Outside the sect, they also needed to gather subordinates to handle their affairs.0

Typically, these followers coveted their status, while the brothers valued their competence.

Some of the more influential disciples even leveraged their positions to recruit smaller families as their supporters.0

As brothers, Niu Qidao bore a striking resemblance to Niu Shujian, though his demeanor was far more somber.0

To outsiders, this was proof that the elder brother was more composed than the younger.0

Niu Qidao said, “We’re sifting through the sands—we don’t expect to find gold. Among this rabble, if we can pick out four or five useful ones, that’s enough.”0

Niu Shujian was puzzled. “Then why not just reveal our identities? Those lowborn cultivators would surely prostrate themselves at the mere mention of the Hongtong Palace’s name.”0

Niu Qidao scoffed. “What use are those sycophantic opportunists you speak of?”0

Noticing his elder brother’s displeasure, Niu Shujian glanced at him cautiously and murmured an agreement.0

But after a moment, he couldn’t resist asking, “But Elder Brother, these weapon refiners who flock here for mere prizes—are they any better than the first kind?”0

Aren’t they just another bunch of sycophants, and even more short-sighted ones at that?0

Niu Qidao replied coolly, “First, they don’t know our identities.”0

Since they were unaware the brothers were from Hongtong Palace, these subordinates wouldn’t know the full context of the tasks assigned to them.0

Even if they ended up wrongfully killed, a soul search wouldn’t reveal anything.0

In short, Niu Qidao wanted to gather a disposable batch of ordinary subordinates.0

“Second, men die for wealth, birds perish for food—there’s nothing wrong with a little greed.”0

Niu Qidao continued slowly, “Those who pass my basic test at least meet the minimum standard of competence. And those lured here by material rewards are likely shortsighted fools. Skilled yet foolish—isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?”0

At this point, for some inexplicable reason, Niu Qidao’s voice suddenly cut off in an eerie pause.0

“?”0

Niu Shujian quickly looked up and saw his elder brother staring at him with an indescribably complicated expression, as if something had just occurred to him.0

After a moment, Niu Qidao abruptly amended, “…No, not always. It depends on the role. Sometimes, having skill but no brains isn’t necessarily ideal.”0

Niu Shujian: “???”0

Though he didn’t understand what had happened, he felt something was off.0

Blinking in confusion, Niu Shujian leaned over to peer downstairs again.0

Soon, he noticed something else. “Elder Brother, why did you put that map fragment among the prizes? Didn’t you say it was extremely important?”0

He vaguely recalled that this fragment had been acquired years ago by his elder brother at great cost.0

“…”0

Faced with this ill-timed question, Niu Qidao fell silent for a long while.0

He wasn’t sure how to gracefully explain to his somewhat dim-witted younger brother that he had been young and mistaken back then.0

He had consulted several seniors about the map fragment, only to conclude it was worthless.0

Now, Niu Qidao’s own weapon-refining skills had advanced further.0

He could now confidently declare it was nothing more than an old, worthless scrap of paper.0

After a pause, Niu Qidao snorted coldly.0

“Since the palace has already unveiled its treasured secret map, the one in my possession must either be a copy or a fake. I’ve memorized the routes on it anyway, so offering it as a prize makes no difference.”0

His tone was deliberately dismissive.0

Niu Shujian’s eyes lit up with realization. “I see! Those drawn in by a map of unknown authenticity must be either wildly ambitious or insatiably greedy—and probably reckless. Exactly the kind of subordinates you need, Elder Brother.”0

“…Yes, precisely.”0

Having moved past the map issue, the two brothers sat calmly upstairs, observing the competition below.0

Soon, a veiled weapon refiner, their face hidden behind a curtain, emerged as the undisputed champion.0

Their skill far surpassed the average level of the participants, standing out like a crane among chickens as they effortlessly dominated the contest.0

Hmm, this person is…0

Niu Qidao hadn’t expected to find such talent among the outsiders.0

By Hongtong Palace’s standards, only the four great sects were worth a second glance.0

Weapon refiners who couldn’t even secure an invitation to the Hundred Refinements Assembly weren’t worthy of his attention—merely speaking to them would be a favor they’d remember for a year.0

Yet this refiner made Niu Qidao feel they deserved a measure of respect.0

Waving over an attendant, Niu Qidao asked, “What is that person’s name?”0

The servant hurried downstairs to check, then returned with a respectful report. “They go by Hu Tuji.”0

Niu Qidao: “…”0

What kind of name was that? It didn’t even sound human.0

Thanks to Ji Qinghong, he’d recently developed an aversion to the word “rabbit,” so hearing it now made him instinctively recoil.0

Based on Hu Tuji’s performance, Niu Qidao first assessed the refiner’s skill level in his mind.0

In terms of ability, this person couldn’t compare to geniuses like himself or his younger brother, but among ordinary Qi Refiners, he could still be considered outstanding.0

Niu Shujian watched the proceedings downstairs and noticed that this Hu Tuji—bah, this Mr. Hu Tuji—had actually chosen that map fragment as his reward.0

Feeling that his analysis was about to be confirmed, Niu Shujian couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.0

"Big brother, I think he might be a good candidate!"0

"Since our reputation is built on gathering talents, we should show some courtesy to worthy individuals."0

As he spoke, Niu Qidao straightened his posture slightly.0

He gestured to the attendant beside him: "Go, invite this victorious Hu Tuji—ahem—Mr. Hu upstairs. Let me have a word with him… and drop a few hints about the background of the Four Great Powers."0

Niu Shujian asked curiously, "Big brother, didn’t you say the advantage of this group was that they didn’t know we’re from the Hongtong Palace?"0

"This man has some skill. He’s worth a more enticing bait."0

Niu Qidao replied calmly, "Besides, I never said we were from Hongtong Palace. Just letting him know we’re backed by the Four Great Powers is enough."0

Seeing his elder brother so confident, Niu Shujian hesitated but still reminded him:0

"Big brother, I’ve been thinking—this man wears a veil, hiding his face. He might have ill intentions. We should see what he looks like first."0

"I know." Niu Qidao said firmly. "Don’t worry, I have it under control."0

Before long, the attendant led Hu Tuji upstairs.0

As the slender, plainly robed figure appeared at the doorway, Niu Qidao—who had been expressionless just moments ago—suddenly broke into a warm, welcoming smile.0

He gestured to the Qi Refiner and said, "Please, have a seat."0

"..."0

Hu Tuji seemed flustered, living up to his rabbit-like name with timid hesitation.0

He remained standing and quickly declined, "I couldn’t possibly, I couldn’t possibly. The host should sit first."0

Seeing that this man knew his place, Niu Qidao was inwardly pleased.0

He settled into his seat with ease, straightened his robes, and adopted an air of gracious hospitality as he said with a smile:0

"At first glance, you strike me as someone familiar and endearing—as if we were brothers in a past life!"0

In Niu Qidao’s estimation, an ordinary person hearing such humble words from a disciple of the Four Great Powers should have been overwhelmed with gratitude.0

But for some reason, Hu Tuji fell into an odd silence after hearing this.0

"..."0

Niu Qidao frowned slightly. "...Sir?"0

The next moment, Hu Tuji’s voice came out soft and hesitant, as if he struggled with social interactions, and he exaggeratedly agreed: "Wow, what an incredible fate that must be!"0

Niu Qidao: "???"0

Was this man just naturally strange, or was he overthinking it?0

Why did those words sound so sarcastic?0