Chapter 4: Looting everything, and is it okay to kill to live?
[Absorbed a total of 10,026,512 spirit stones. You've absorbs the equivalent of 50 years' worth of internal energy.]
Lin Xueqin was taken back.
He hissed and muttered, "It's internal energy."
'Wow, what a surprise.'
'I can easily increase my cultivation realm if I absorb this internal energy!'
'There's nothing to get excited about; it's just a slight boost in power.'
'I would have died a long time ago if I didn't have my golden finger.'
'I must rely on the system, but I must remember not to get arrogant, and I must work hard; else, I will fall behind rapidly. The path to immortality is still out of reach for me.'
Lin Xueqin reflected to himself. Then he said, "Absorb all internal energy."
Immediately, there was a big volatility surrounding Lin Xueqin. Internal energy frantically spewed out on the small, black ring which infiltrated his body. Soon later, his destroyed dantian began to reanimate.
It was gradually re-building itself. After it had completed its re-establishment, Lin Xueqin bypassed the first two stages of spirit refinement.
His cultivation skyrocketed into the third level of spirit refinement!
His cultivation, however, did not end there.
Fifty years of internal energy was comparable to 50 years of mediation for mediocre individuals.
If a mediocre person cultivates for fifty years, he may have the chance to attain the pinnacle of spirit refinement.
The fifty years of internal energy were in a similar situation. All of this meant though he had 50 years' worth of energy, it wouldn't be enough for Lin Xueqin to reach the higher cultivation realms after spirit refinement. At most, he could reach the pinnacle of spirit refinement with 50 years of internal energy.
After reaching the third level, he immediately skipped six more levels, propelling his cultivation to the pinnacle of spirit refinement, ninth level!
The moment he reached that realm, the 50 years of internal energy was fully absorbed.
At the secret spot, Lin Que pinned Lin Mingyue down as they attempted the doggie position. His breath got rougher as his waist speed up. As the moaned enticed him, he suddenly felt an intense cold breeze rushed towards him.
He ignored the cold breeze as he accelerated his thrusting speed, but Lin Mingyue, on whom he was riding, moaned in pleasure as she praised, "Ah~~~~ Whose senior is breaking through? That disruption of internal energy is astounding. Don't tell me the warden here has reached the golden core realm?"
"Ahhh, quicker."
"You slut," Lin Que smacked her buttocks with a smile.
As the incest couple was warming up, Lin Xueqin was examining the changes in his physique.
After reaching the pinnacle of spirit refinement, his five senses had considerably improved. He could hear the moaning closer, smell the foul aroma surrounding him, and his vision had improved.
Even a microscopic fly could not escape his detection range.
His spiritual sense had risen to an alarming fifty meters, the maximum height to which a spirit refinement cultivator could expand his spiritual sense.
Since spirit refinement was primarily concentrated on refining the senses, it makes sense the senses had heightened.
Now that he had reached the pinnacle of spirit refinement, all he had to do was to prepare for the next realm of cultivation, create a firm foundation, and breakthrough to the next realm.
However, Lin Xueqin recalled the ancient legend. After the ninth level of spirit refinement, there are three legendary levels.
The three legendary levels of spirit refinement were the key to unlock the power of spiritual manipulation.
Spiritual manipulation could only be done by the golden core realm.
But according to the legend, once someone achieved the three legendary levels of spirit refinement, one could gain the power of spiritual manipulation.
"The legendary levels..."
Lin Xueqin desired it.
Spirit refinement as the realm suggested was refining the senses to improve it even further.
The foundation establishment, on the other hand, was centered on laying a solid foundation.
Golden core would focus on enhancing their spiritual manipulation.
With spiritual manipulation, one could ride a flying sword.
Flying wasn't impossible if one had high mastery over spiritual manipulation either.
One could also learn the power of telekinesis with spiritual manipulation. In addition, the attacking power combined with spiritual manipulation was even much stronger.
Long story short, with spiritual manipulation, one would be above the norms. With a flick of a finger, one could slaughter cultivators under the golden core.
Lin Xueqin would benefit much in the long run if he could master spiritual manipulation in the realm of spirit refinement.
"I still have ten million spirit stones, which is quite a large number. For the time being, I'll cease cultivating and concentrate on learning about the legendary levels of spirit refinement. Then I'll attempt to expand my cultivation after then."
'There's no need to hasten things.'
Lin Xueqin took a deep breath and began storing the items he had stolen in the human-ranked storage ring.
He then selected more valuable weapons. At that point, he paused and pondered.
Now that he was here, he had to empty the treasury; literally everything.
It would be a stupid decision to raid the entire treasure of the Lin, which would result in exposing that a thief had come here.
This is what Lin Xueqin aimed— To make the Lins understood someone had robbed them.
When the Lin Family got the wind of it, they would divide their attention into two things.
The former would be searching Lin Xueqin who had escaped, whereas the latter was tasked with apprehending the thief who had stolen the clan's wealth.
Although it exposed him to danger of further trouble, it also provides Lin Xueqin with fresh air, since it would minimize the search for his body.
Lin Xueqin's eyes gleamed coldly as he stared at the compound of the Lin Family.
'I have to deal a heavy blow to make them suffer!
Now that he'd looted the Treasury, it was only a matter of time until word got out.
Spies are snooping around the clan. Once these spies spread the news that the Lin Family had lost their wealth, the cultivation families on the mulberry town would gradually hasten their preparations.
Lin Xueqin smiled as he considered his scheme. 'Once the Mulberry town is in disarray and clans are fighting to exterminate one another, I'll rob their treasury!'
Lin Xueqin was a man of his words. The moment he made his decision, he hastily stored whatever he could find.
His raiding pace has significantly enhanced after his cultivation improved by leaps and bounds. In less than a cup of tea, he had robbed the most valuable treasures.
Lin Xueqin looked at the treasury and discreetly compared it before when he had entered.
Previously, the Lin's treasury was brimming with valuable treasures, rare pills, herbs, and spirit stones...but now, only shattered weapons such as swords, spears, and sabers remained in the weapon area. Only plants that had yet to bloom were left in the herbal area. The pill section was also in poor condition, with just faulty goods remaining.
Lin Xueqin has basically raided everything but the garbage!
We're now even, Lin Family. You called me trash, and I left you with trashes.'
He took long strides away after putting the storage ring in his pocket.
'Wearing the ring would attract trouble. What if I happen to encounter someone of the upper echelon of the Lin Family and they would happen to see the ring I'm wearing. When that happens, it would be the day of my death!'
Lin Xueqin passed the incest couple, the more he looked at them, the more he laughed.
Then, he ignored them.
As he sauntered, he saw a tiny pebble on the corner. His eyes shone with glee as he picked it up. He pinched it and his veins contracted. Then with a slight motion, he released the rock as it soared towards Lin Que.
Peng!
Lin Que felt a searing pain in his head as he cum for the third time.
"Did something hit me? Or this demoness drained me?'
Lin Que's final thoughts before passing out.
The massive gate reappeared in his line of sight. As he passed the guards, Lin Xueqin cast a glance at the wardens.
'As expected, not even the old man can detect me anymore.'
Lin Xueqin realized the Encompassing Concealment Technique had improved after achieving the ninth level of spirit refinement.
Now, even someone at the first level of the golden core couldn't sense him, much less a peak foundation realm.
Lin Xueqin walked past the wardens, but the two old men were still meditating with their eyes closed.
Lin Xueqin went unnoticed as he left, and the wardens had no idea they were now protecting the clan's pile of rubbish rather than the clan's precious jewels.
———
Lin Xueqin rubbed his temples after exiting the underground tunnel.
He felt a little woozy, but it was tolerable.
"What is going on?"
Lin Xueqin squinted his eyes. Then surprisingly, the dizziness vanished a second later.
'Does this have anything to do with the encompassing concealment technique?'
Lin Xueqin was not unfamiliar with side effects. He'd read some xianxia books that discussed the adverse effects of various martial techniques.
He remembered a certain man using a technique that transformed himself into a woman. There are more or less side effects of techniques, but there are others that had no side effects, too.
'Perhaps, there is a time limitation where I can use my invisibility function.'
Lin Xueqin muttered.
Aside from the ability to conceal himself, the encompassing concealment technique has another feature: the power to alter one's aura.
Previously, he couldn't change his aura because his foundation was damaged. Thus, he disregarded it.
However, now... It seems to be extremely useful.
Lin Xueqin moved through the jade corridors, and when he neared a desolate area, he noticed the escort servant he had seen earlier today.
Lin Xueqin was taken aback by his look at first. The escort servant was wrapped in bandages and had a broken arm, as if he were a mummy.
Lin Xueqin's initial reaction was to ignore him. However, he realized the heavy consequences of sparing him and his heart trembled.
'I was so careless. Damn you, self!'
'Think about it. Wouldn't I get myself in trouble if I let a guy live who has witnessed my concealment technique?'
'There are several arrays that can expose my disguise. When it happens, I'm not sure how I'm going to die!'
Lin Xueqin's eyes grew determined as he pondered up here, yet his heart was reluctant.
'I've never killed a human being before. Is this truly okay?'
Lin Xueqin raised his head to look up at the sky.
The sky was limitless, and the key to immortality was found in heaven. If he wanted to be immortal, he had to give up his otherworldly emotions.
'Today, I might kill for the first time in my life, but I was forced to; I don't want to garner attention about my peculiar skills or die here.'
'I just hope that this escort servant hasn't already reported the oddity of my ability.'
Lin Xueqin inhaled deeply. He approached the escort servant with shaky hands and a heavy heart.
Lin Xueqin had never considered murdering anybody before, no matter how decisive he was.
The escort servant was walking about the area, muttering a few phrases. Suddenly, a tremendous blow slashed his neck, and he lost consciousness.
Lin Xueqin cast a peek at the escort servant. Then he spread both of them with his encompassing concealment technique.
The more he overused the technique, the more his consciousness was engulfed by it. Lin Xueqin's pupils felt hazy, but he pushed himself to open his eyes and drag the escort servant.
Soon after, Lin Xueqin left the Lin Family.
——
Behind the mulberry town stood a towering mountain.
It has been here long before the town was founded. Although they had no idea why, the mountain had long been known as Mount Shang.
Within Mount Shang, Lin Xueqin discovered a reasonably hidden grotto and dumped the unconscious escort servant on the ground.
He paused for a while before spraying him with water from a nearby river.
Wang Qiwu opened his eyes. He had no clue what had happened, but he had felt a strong strike that he couldn't avoid in time.
'What happened after that?' Wang Qiwu remembered being in the gardens, but he now appeared to be in a pitch-black cave.
The only light that crept inside was on the right side. However, a young man was standing there with a cold expression.
"This young man is...Wait, Lin Xueqin?!" Wang Qiwu was taken aback. He scarred himself backward unconsciously. But then he recalled Lin Xueqin didn't have any cultivation.
"Then who knocked me?" Wang Qiwu had a flash of insight. "Lin Xueqin retained his cultivation?"
While thoughts jumbled on Wang Qiwu's head, Lin Xueqin silently stared at him.
A little later, he said coldly, "First, don't ask any questions. Second, respond to me or face the consequences."
Lin Xueqin ignored his bewilderment and said, "Tell me, did you tell anybody about earlier?"
Wang Qiwu remained silent for a moment before responding, "I can't sense your cultivation. You appeared to have recovered. Will you spare me if I answer your question?"
"I'll spare you if you cooperate." Lin Xueqin said expressionlessly.
"All right, I'll cooperate." Wang Qiwu sneered at his heart. 'Once everything is completed, I will report him to the elders, and I'll get rewarded. Lin Xueqin is naive and inexperienced in the harsh world, so it's easy to trick him.'
"I have a technique that allows me to hide my presence. As you can see, I utilized this technique to escape." Lin Xueqin casts a casual glance at the servant.
"It's no surprise I couldn't detect you." Wang Qiwu was astonished in his heart. 'What a profound technique. If this could be mine...I'll be rich!'
Lin Xueqin simply smiled and asked, "Tell me, did you mention my abilities to the elders?"
'Oh, only that? As expected of a newborn carp, his technique is soft and contains flaws. Any adult could easily trick this kid. However, I have to remain cooperative for the time being. My life is in his hands, furthermore, his cultivation is also noticeably greater than mine.' Wang Qiwu thought before replying, "I've never told anyone. When you departed, my partner attempted to murder me in order to use me as a scapegoat."
"After I beat him up, I merely told the elders that my partner had to assist you in fleeing. Aside from that, I've never told anybody about your abilities for fear of being punished by the elders."
Lin Xueqin breathed a sigh of relief. "All well, then."
The escort servant smiled, but he was sighing inside all the time. 'Lin Xueqin is simply too dumb. Just get your question out there, would you? I'll notify the elders as quickly as possible!'
"The guard is now dead, am I correct?" Lin Xueqin inquired.
"Yes, he was soon beheaded."
"That's great to hear." Lin Xueqin grinned and said, "Well, it implies only you know my secret, am I right?"
Wang Qiwu gave a nod. However, he immediately realized something was wrong with those words.
"You... don't tell me you..." Wang Qiwu was terrified. On his heart, he felt bitter. 'It turns out I was duped. He approaches me with silliness to lower my mental defenses. Then finally, he assures me that if I tell him everything truthfully, he would spare me.'
'But it turns out he's planning to kill me from the start!'
'How scheming! Is he really just a kid?'
"You can't believe the words of someone who wants you dead. Have you ever heard of it?"
Wang Qiwu's eyes darkened to the point that he couldn't hear what was being spoken to him. All he saw was Lin Xueqin raising his hands to him.
Although his hands appeared to be hesitant, Lin Xueqin ultimately penetrated Wang Qiwu's stomach.
Wang Qiwu coughed up blood. His eyelids instantly darkened because he had yet to recuperate from his self-injuries.
Befoe his last breath, he questioned the young man in front of him, "Why did you hesitate just now?"
Lin Xueqin smiled wryly at him, saying, "You're the first person I've killed. In this scenario, hesitation is unavoidable."
'His first time? Didn't he kill his father? But, based on the expression on his face, he appeared sincere. It seemed everything isn't simple as it appeared to be.'
Wang Qiwu's final thoughts before closing his eyes forever.
Lin Xueqin then set fire to the corpse.
Seeing that he had left no traces, he left weakly.
Only he knew how heavy a heart could be once he decided to kill someone.
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