Chen Changsheng had no choice but to wait at Yun Manor. He had even used the Black Pagoda, yet if the Evil Hand refused to take the bait, there was absolutely nothing he could do.

He could only wait patiently for news from Yun Manor. As for how long it might take, Chen Changsheng had no idea.

Since he had nothing else to do, he went out to wander the markets of Qingyuan. He intended to go alone, but Yun Li insisted on accompanying him. Unable to say no, Chen Changsheng agreed to let him come along.

“If any shop in this street has anything you fancy, Mr. Chen, just take it.”

At first, Chen Changsheng thought Yun Manor was merely very wealthy. But after Yun Li explained, he realized he had underestimated them.

Eight out of ten shops in the Qingyuan markets belonged to Yun Manor.

The word ‘wealthy’ simply didn’t do justice anymore.

Yun Manor probably acted like the wealthiest landowners of the Cultivation World.

Chen Changsheng asked, “Yun Manor is a cultivation family, yet you seem to place great importance on business matters?”

Yun Li explained, “Families need resources too. Requirements like wealth, partners, cultivation methods, and locations are all necessities. It’s just like mortals in the Mortal World. Without money, you can’t move an inch.”

“I see,” Chen Changsheng nodded. That probably explained why some cultivators willingly served cultivation families.

These worldly needs existed even for the most talented individuals. Magical artifacts, talismans, grotto-abodes — each required money.

It seemed Yun Manor’s long-lasting prosperity wasn’t solely due to its large number of cultivators.

Walking past a treasure shop, Chen Changsheng went inside to look around.

He didn’t intend to buy anything, merely satisfy his curiosity.

After glancing at the items, Chen Changsheng asked, “Are these artifacts all crafted by cultivators from Yun Manor?”

“Not all of them,” Yun Li replied. “Magical artifacts are divided into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Mystery, and Yellow. Under Yun Manor, there are many cultivators and retainers. Yet few excel at artifact-making. At best, they can craft only up to the Mystery-grade tier. Anything above that usually needs commissioning from true masters. Take, for instance, the treasure shop you’re in right now. Its prized piece is an Earth-grade Cold Jade Fan. Our family head had it specially made by an Elder from Lingyue Immortal Isle.”

“Quite particular indeed,” Chen Changsheng remarked. This was the first time he’d heard of tiered artifacts.

“What about Immortal Swords?” he asked. “Immortal Swords should also fall under artifacts, right? Do they have tiers too?”

“They also fall under the four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Mystery, Yellow,” Yun Li said. “However, once a Sword Cultivator earns the title Sword Immortal, the sword in his hand transcends any tier. Regardless of its original grade, it’s called an Immortal Sword. The difference lies not in the sword, but in who wields it.”

Chen Changsheng nodded. With Yun Li accompanying him, he was learning many new things along the way.

Slowly, a clearer picture of the Cultivation World began to take shape in his mind.

It differed somewhat from his imagining.

He always thought the Cultivation World lacked clear frameworks for certain things. Take cultivation stages, for instance. Though stages like Dongxu and Divine Transformation existed, they often held little real meaning. True measure came from cultivation attainment — the two weren’t always linked.

To Chen Changsheng, things lying beyond clear description held the most intrigue.

It felt much like being part of Jianghu — possessing the same untamed spirit.

They returned to Yun Manor only as dusk fell.

Yun Li inquired, “Did Mr. Chen have limited exposure to the Cultivation World before?”

Chen Changsheng nodded. “You could say this is my first visit.”

Yun Li froze.

Did that mean all of Mr. Chen’s profound cultivation was attained entirely within the Mortal World?

“Mr. Chen?”

“Hmm?”

“The Mortal Path… can it truly lead to immortality?”

Chen Changsheng looked at Yun Li. “You know the Mortal Path?”

Yun Li nodded. “I read scattered records in ancient texts. When I was young, curious, I asked my elders about it. They scoffed at the notion. But meeting you, Sir, showed me otherwise.”

Chen Changsheng thought for a moment. “If one finds themselves idle and aimless,” he finally said, “walking among mortals isn’t a bad idea. But truly seeking cultivation through the Mortal World…”

He paused. “Long ago, I heard this saying: If others try to imitate my way, they tread only toward the Demon Path.”

Yun Li stared blankly for a moment before understanding dawned on him.

“This disciple understands!”

Chen Changsheng continued, “But though I say that, visiting the Mortal World might still benefit your mindset and cultivation — provided you shed all prejudice. And be mindful of karma, always.”

Karma needed no explanation, but the term ‘prejudice’ puzzled Yun Li.

“What kind of prejudice did you mean, Sir?”

“To those possessing immense power, mortals might seem like ants to be crushed underfoot or worthless weeds. That’s the prejudice, the cultivator’s arrogance toward mortals.”

Yun Li made a mental note of these words. If ever he had time, he resolved to visit the Mortal World. He’d explore that land of mortals — the one that produced a figure like Mr. Chen.

“One more thing,” Chen Changsheng added, hesitating. “If indeed you go there…”

His tone grew solemn. “Prepare yourself… lest disappointment be too great.”

Yun Li nodded firmly. “This disciple will remember.”

“Good.”

Chen Changsheng returned to his residence within Yun Manor.

Entering the courtyard, he saw the Tabby Cat chasing after a bug — utterly engrossed in the game.

“Good Human Chen! You’re back!”

The Tabby called out, momentarily distracted. In that instant, the bug vanished.

“Ah!” it exclaimed, clearly regretting the lost opportunity.

“Where’s Black Dog?” asked Chen Changsheng.

“Black Dog went to catch fish,” replied the Tabby. After a moment’s thought, it added, “Because I wanted some.”

Curious, Chen Changsheng asked, “The two of you are that close?”

The Ink Jade Qilin, after all, was a divine beast. For it to be so indulgent of a mere cat spirit, even debasing itself to fish…

“Yes,” the Tabby nodded. “Mo Yu has always been wonderful to me. He catches me fish and lets me nap on his back.”

“Is that so…”

Chen Changsheng thought for a second. “How did Lihua first meet Mo Yu?”

“Ah…”

The cat immediately tried to recall.

Its expression clouded instantly, its brow furrowed deeply.

“I… forgot…”

The Tabby sighed, sounding genuinely upset, perhaps displeased with its own forgetfulness.

Chen Changsheng gently rubbed under the cat’s chin. “Perhaps you’ll remember later.”

The Tabby flinched, pulling away abruptly.

“You rubbed me! You’re not a good human!”

It glared at Chen Changsheng warily.

Chen Changsheng paused. “Should I not have done that?”

The Tabby stated firmly, “Only Mo Yu can rub my chin!”

Chen Changsheng was momentarily taken aback before cupping his hands politely. “My apologies for the rudeness.”

The Tabby gave two satisfied “hmphs,” then swished its tail. “That’s much better. Then from now on, you’re still Good Human Chen. Yes.”

“Should I thank Lihua for that?”

“Of course! Hmph hmph!”

Chen Changsheng chuckled warmly. Honestly. An Evil Spirit this foolish?

Dumber than Ruyi herself.