Chapter 552: Let’s Begin

The atmosphere at the scene instantly became highly tense, and the room fell into a silence so thick it made one want to tear their hair out.

Seeing the Immortal Lord show signs of murderous intent, Jiao Gong and the others immediately dared not utter a word, fearing they might be dragged into the chaos.

Hu San Niang was very clever. Considering the irreversibility of the situation, she suddenly cried out, “What are you all acting so impulsively for? Jiao Gong, do you think this is some place where you can just act recklessly? Have you all had too much to drink? Hurry up and take him away—do you want to get yourselves beaten up just standing there like fools?” Seeing her granddaughter provide a way out, Immortal Lord Hu was momentarily moved and, with a wave of his hand, summoned a violent gust of wind that swept Shui Miao and the others out of the Xianyao Palace and directly off Xianshan Mountain.

This might have been the best possible resolution.

Hu San Niang raised her eyebrows and looked at Immortal Lord Hu. “Grandpa, exactly what level of power does this person possess? Why did I sense several strange signals when I tried to detect him?”

“Really?”

Immortal Lord Hu, possessing immense power, had directly sensed Shui Miao’s cultivation level, though he hadn’t managed to detect the structure of his spiritual energy.

Hu San Niang, not understanding her grandfather’s meaning, replied, “I sensed three different energies—one was Buddhist, one was evil, and the third was indescribable, completely concealing his spiritual structure.”

“This person is not simple. I suspect there’s a massive conspiracy at play. With the war between immortals and deities looming, we must be cautious.” Immortal Lord Hu’s mind stirred, and he immediately changed into a new set of immortal robes. “Child, I must go to the Grand Council to investigate the situation. While I’m away, do your best to restrain yourself and avoid provoking this sinister individual.”

“Don’t worry, Grandpa. I know what I’m doing.”

Hu San Niang nodded. Mediating conflicts, dealing with provocations—handling such matters was her specialty.

After Immortal Lord Hu left, Hu San Niang immediately summoned Lian’er.

Inside the room, Lian’er served Hu San Niang a cup of lotus heart tea and asked, “Sister, did you call me here about that young Immortal Lord?”

Privately, Hu San Niang and Lian’er always addressed each other as sisters, though Hu San Niang generally treated Lian’er no differently than others.

Putting down her teacup, Hu San Niang sighed, “This person’s background is unknown. Jiao Gong brought him here to drink and play around, and then caused trouble on his way out without even paying. Go investigate who he really is and report back to me. Also, collect the money he owes. Whatever you recover, consider it your monthly wage.”

Hu San Niang’s tone was slightly displeased. It seemed she cared more about Jiao Gong not paying than about uncovering Shui Miao’s background. Investigating Shui Miao was just an added task—something she could do or not do. Hu San Niang was shrewd—by framing it this way, she could avoid direct involvement while still getting what she wanted, all while maintaining a subtle, unobtrusive presence.

“Don’t worry, Sister. I know what to do.”

Lian’er nodded and immediately left the room.

Lian’er was also curious about Shui Miao. Although she didn’t know about his confrontation with Immortal Lord Hu, she had sensed a demonic immortal aura from him. In the Immortal Realm, it was difficult for demonic immortals to rise in status. Yet Shui Miao, so young, had managed to gain the fawning admiration of people like Jiao Gong. She was deeply curious about what exactly made him so valuable.

※※※

At the Fire Thunder Sect’s courtyard on a hill within Xianshan.

Jiao Gong and Fang Zhentian brought Shui Miao back to the rear hall of the Fire Thunder Sect.

Shui Miao’s body was weak, so Jiao Gong took out all his immortal pills to help him recover. Fang Zhentian and Fang Ze also rushed to gather fellow sect members to collect medicinal pills for Shui Miao.

These pills were miraculous for ordinary immortals, capable of reviving the dying and refining the body to enhance spiritual power.

However, for Shui Miao in his current state, the effects were minimal.

After being suppressed by Immortal Lord Hu, Shui Miao had exhausted a massive amount of spiritual energy—like having his very essence drained. It would take time to recover.

This encounter also made Shui Miao realize the reality of his situation.

Fighting an Immortal Lord in the Asura Realm was completely different from doing so in the Immortal Realm.

Another frustrating issue was that his Spirit Devouring Power had fused with his immortal energy, losing its terrifying distinctiveness. This greatly weakened his strength, effectively removing one of his most powerful weapons.

“Oh my goodness! My dear little ancestor, you sure are a troublemaker! Why did you provoke an Immortal Lord for no reason? Even if you did provoke him, why did you dare challenge an Immortal Lord directly? He’s an Immortal Lord! How could you possibly stand against him? You really should know better—you nearly got us all killed… And now, even these medicinal pills aren’t really working for you. We even gave you the Nine Revolving Rebirth Pill, and you just refused it. Why did you say those things?”

Jiao Gong was deeply frightened. If it weren’t for the fact that Shui Miao had helped him craft immortal artifacts, he would have distanced himself from him long ago.

“…”

Shui Miao had no mood to respond to Jiao Gong and was instead focusing all his energy on absorbing the medicinal effects to restore his spiritual power.

To his dismay, he discovered that his essence had been severely depleted, and these pills were barely effective.

Fortunately, the aura of the Nuwa Stone could nourish his essence, though the recovery was slow.

“Give me spirit stones—lots of them. I don’t need the pills anymore. Prepare a furnace for forging artifacts. In an hour, I’ll forge immortal artifacts for you.”

Shui Miao had assessed his injuries and already had a plan.

“Spirit stones!”

“I have spirit stones. How many do you need?”

Jiao Gong was puzzled. Why would Shui Miao refuse the medicinal pills but ask for spirit stones?

“All of them. Whatever you have on you, give them all to me.”

Shui Miao’s tone was decisive and without hesitation.

Just then, Fang Zhentian arrived with a group of Thunder Immortals, and they handed over all the spirit stones they had collected.

With the spirit stones in hand, Shui Miao immediately entered the Holy Yuan Ring, then entered the Time Tower within it. Using the spirit stones, he activated the Time Tower’s power to reverse time and began absorbing the Nuwa Stone’s aura to restore his essence.

Although the recovery was slow, Shui Miao no longer considered using Huide’s essence.

※※※

Outside, Shui Miao was gone, leaving only the Holy Yuan Ring on the table.

Jiao Gong could tell it was a high-grade spirit ring from the Netherworld, and Shui Miao was inside recovering.

In theory, forging immortal artifacts was a very complicated process. How could someone severely injured possibly forge an artifact within an hour?

But Shui Miao was a madman who had dared challenge an Immortal Lord!

Jiao Gong preferred to believe Shui Miao’s words and immediately took all his savings to the Number One Treasure Hall on Xianshan Mountain to purchase materials and a forging furnace.

Over the years, Jiao Gong had accumulated some resources.

By the time Jiao Gong returned with the furnace and forging materials, Lian’er had also arrived.

She had come to collect payment for services rendered!

“Oh no, this is so embarrassing—I completely forgot to pay…” Jiao Gong was very awkward and hurriedly tried to give Lian’er money.

But Lian’er waved her hand with a smile. “Lord Jiao, I’m not here for money. Consider it my treat.”

“This… this can’t be right!”

Jiao Gong was stunned. He had just spent all his money and could only give a little now and owe the rest. Hearing Lian’er’s words, he immediately thought, Who wouldn’t take advantage of such a deal?

“Hehe, no need to be embarrassed. I’m here to see someone. I think you know who I’m looking for, right?” Lian’er smiled sweetly, her face slightly blushing.

Jiao Gong immediately understood. “Oh right, right! But… but my younger brother is currently recovering and can’t see you right now. Why don’t you come back tomorrow?”

“No problem, I’ll wait for him here.”

Lian’er had already been there for a short while and had seen the Holy Yuan Ring on the table.

After hearing from Fang Zhentian that Shui Miao had offended the Immortal Lord, was a disciple of Luo Tong, and had the secret ability to forge artifacts, Lian’er changed her mind. She decided she must befriend Shui Miao at all costs. Not only did she decide not to collect payment from Jiao Gong, but she also prepared to give Shui Miao all the medicinal pills and spirit stones she had saved over the years. As long as she could make friends with him—even if it meant cultivating together with him—she was willing.

Time passed quickly…

True to his word, Shui Miao emerged exactly one hour later.

After emerging, Shui Miao had fully restored his essence, though his spiritual power was still somewhat lacking.

Seeing Lian’er there, Shui Miao was slightly surprised. Before he could speak, Lian’er immediately spoke the words she had secretly prepared.

“Big Brother, I, Lian’er, am a demonic immortal, and I know my status is lowly, unworthy of you. Yet my feelings for you are deep, and I wish to follow you devotedly, even if it means serving you as a servant or slave. Hearing that your essence was damaged, I specially prepared some high-grade medicinal pills for you. Please, Big Brother, accept them. This is just a small token of my sincere feelings—no excessive demands, just a wish for you to take care of your health!”

Lian’er’s words were heartfelt and sincere.

Was this another case of romantic luck? Shui Miao looked at Lian’er in slight surprise, then smiled faintly. “Thank you, Lian’er. My spirit is fine now. Thank you for your concern. I even refused the Nine Revolving Rebirth Pill from Immortal Lord Hu. How could I possibly accept the medicinal pills and spirit stones you’ve painstakingly saved? I appreciate your kindness, but I won’t accept the gifts. However, from now on, we can be friends.”

“Really? Big Brother, you really consider me your friend?”

Lian’er suddenly became emotional and tears streamed down her face.

Seeing her tears, Shui Miao’s heart softened, and he nodded. “Yes, I guess that’s not a big deal. Anyway, it’s getting late. You should go back and rest now.”

“Big Brother, can I stay with you?” After saying that, Lian’er suddenly waved her hands repeatedly. “Big Brother, please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t mean anything else. I just want to accompany you like a younger sister.”

“…”

Upon hearing this, the perceptive Shui Miao immediately had suspicions. He quickly dismissed the idea of another romantic entanglement. Lian’er had clearly defined their relationship as siblings, which strongly suggested she might have been sent by Immortal Lord Hu to gather intelligence. If that was the case, perhaps it was time to let Immortal Lord Hu know his true strength, to prevent him from making rash moves that could harm him.

“Alright then.”

After a moment of thought, Shui Miao immediately turned to Jiao Gong. “Brother, if the materials are ready, we can begin.”

“All set! Everything’s ready!”

With a thought, Jiao Gong transported the furnace and a large pile of materials into the hall, forming a small mountain of supplies.