Chapter 3: Qi Refining Second Layer

Just like that, another week passed, and Su Yu opened his proficiency panel.

Character: [ Su Yu ] Age: [ 22 ] Realm: [ Qi Refining Second Layer ] Aptitude: [ Three Spiritual Roots of Metal, Wood, and Fire ] Cultivation Technique: [ Return to Origin Art (Introductory, 30%) ] [ Breath Concealing Art (Introductory, 25%) ] [ Sword Drawing Technique (23%) ] Divine Ability: [ None ] Magic Treasure: [ None ] Hundred Arts: [ None ].

Looking at the information on the panel, he was quite satisfied. Regaining his focus, he prepared to go find Han Shi to ask for some information, and on the way, he happened to run into Han Shi and Ye Lin.

When Han Shi saw Su Yu, he said, "Brother Su, you've come just in time. We were actually just about to go look for you. You arrived at the perfect moment."

"Word is that those two geniuses with the Heavenly Spiritual Root have already mastered the basics and stepped into the Qi Refining First Layer. One of them is even planning to share their insights at the Chore Disciple Square today."

"Oh, really? It seems I arrived at just the right time."

Han Shi hurriedly pulled Su Yu and Ye Lin along, saying, "Let's go, let's go! If we get there late, there won't be any room to stand."

Su Yu and the others arrived at the Chore Disciple Square, and within a short while, the square was packed with people. It looked like the person on the stage was indeed that Heavenly Spiritual Root Genius.

Just then, the Heavenly Spiritual Root Genius on the stage spoke.

"My name is Wu Xiaofeng. Thank you all for thinking highly of me. Recently, many people have come to ask me for insights, so I thought I might as well gather everyone together to share them."

Immediately, the crowd below erupted into cheers. For the rest of the time, Wu Xiaofeng continued to talk about his insights.

Su Yu listened for a while and felt that what was being said was quite good. He couldn't help but feel a bit moved; this Wu Xiaofeng was truly a good person, and his care for his fellow Disciples was spot on.

After listening to the insights, both Ye Lin and Han Shi said they had gained something and would study it carefully when they got back.

However, since food is the fuel of life, they decided to go to the Market Restaurant to have a meal and wander around a bit.

Arriving at the Restaurant, Han Shi picked up his wine cup and drained it in one gulp. "Brother Su, Brother Ye, once we reach the Qi Refining First Layer, we can take on some chore tasks."

"There will be some Spirit Stone rewards, at least. We don't have any Spirit Stones right now, so if we want to buy anything in the Market, we can't afford it."

"Generally, things used for Cultivation require Spirit Stones; others don't look twice at our silver fragments and gold."

Ye Lin looked at Su Yu and the other, saying, "Brother Han is right. I feel like I'm almost at the introductory level too. When I take on tasks and get paid, if there's anything you want, I can help you buy it first."

Su Yu and Han Shi didn't stand on ceremony. "Then many thanks, Brother Ye."

"It's nothing. We're all from the same place; we should help each other out."

Just then, there was a commotion below in the Restaurant. Su Yu looked down and saw a young woman walk in. It should have been a normal occurrence, but the woman was simply too beautiful.

She caused quite a stir. Su Yu took a look and she was indeed very beautiful, as if she had walked right out of a painting. Her whole being exuded a cold, aloof Aura, and her figure was just right—not a bit too much, not a bit too little.

But Su Yu didn't want to get involved with a woman like this; it was too attention-grabbing.

At this moment, Han Shi exclaimed.

"Isn't this one of the two Heavenly Spiritual Root geniuses from our Sect? Because she's so popular, her portrait has been circulating recently."

"I saw it when I was at the Sect, but I didn't expect to run into her here. She's much more beautiful than in the painting!"

Just then, a burly man walked over.

"Miss, are you alone? Would you do me the honor of having a meal together so we can get to know each other?"

The woman said coldly, "No need. I'm fine on my own."

The big man felt that with so many people watching, he was losing Face and couldn't step down from the situation, so his expression darkened instantly.

"Don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Today, you must have this meal with me."

For a moment, the people nearby were intimidated by the big man's Aura, as most of those present were Mortals.

At this point, Han Shi couldn't stand it anymore and prepared to go over, but Su Yu stopped him.

"Do you think that with someone of her level, if she encounters something like this, it's your turn to step in? There's a whole crowd of people wanting to help her."

"People won't pass up an opportunity to show off like this. What if that person has a huge background? What would you do then? Just watch carefully."

Ye Lin also realized this. "Brother Su is right. We come from small places; without background or strength, we can't be the ones sticking our necks out."

Han Shi also came to his senses. "I was impulsive. You're right; this kind of matter isn't for us to manage."

Things went exactly as expected. At this moment, a somewhat flashy voice came from nearby.

"My friend, what's the point of bullying a young woman like this?"

"Oh? Are you going to stand up for her?"

"That's right. I, Wang, am going to stand up for her."

At this, someone in the Restaurant recognized the person stepping forward.

"Isn't that the young master of the Wang Family, one of the four great Families in the Market? His background is quite significant. It looks like this troublemaker is in for some bad luck."

The big man heard the people around him and was suddenly in a bind. He couldn't afford to offend this person; he was just a Mortal who had gotten in by riding on the coattails of his cousin, an Outer Sect Disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect.

At this moment, he was again too concerned about his Face to back down.

Just then, the woman waved her hand. "I appreciate your good intentions, but there's no need for your help. I can handle this myself."

The woman took a step forward and sent the big man flying with a single palm strike.

Su Yu saw this situation and it was within his expectations. That big man was just a Mortal; there was no way he could beat a Cultivator.

Even if she was only at the Qi Refining First Layer, Su Yu hadn't expected the big man to dare cause trouble here. His courage was commendable.

Because the Market was composed of only five Foundation Establishment experts holding the fort, most of the people were Mortals—the descendants of those Cultivators who didn't have a Spiritual Root basically all lived here.

There were also quite a few Profound Heaven Sect Disciples living here who hadn't broken through to the Qi Refining Stage 3.

At the Qi Refining First Layer, one still had the ability to protect oneself against Mortals here.

The people around were quite shocked as they watched the scene before them.

Wang Yunlong saw this and couldn't say much more. "I am truly impressed. You are a real heroine among women."

"You flatter me. If there's nothing else, please step aside."

Wang Yunlong hurriedly waved his hand. "No, no, please go ahead."

Watching the situation, Wang Yunlong sighed. He knew this woman's background.

This was one of the two Heavenly Spiritual Roots the Profound Heaven Sect had taken in over the last hundred years; the Wang Family had received this news long ago.

He had intended to build a good relationship to see if there was a chance to advance further, but it seemed there was no chance.

Try to force it? He wasn't brainless like the one just before. The Profound Heaven Sect valued this kind of Genius highly. If something happened to her here, his own head wouldn't be safe.

He wasn't that stupid; there might even be someone observing in the shadows.

Thus, this farce came to an end.

Han Shi came back to his senses. "Brother Su, you really have foresight. She looks so beautiful. How great would it be if I could marry her and bring her home?"

Su Yu looked at him.

"If you have time to think about things like this, you might as well go home, wash up, and sleep. Maybe you can dream about it."

"Exactly, Brother Han, you might as well wash up and sleep. How could a good thing like that ever fall to you?"

The three of them burst into laughter.

"Alright, we've eaten enough. Let's look around a bit and then head back to the Sect. We must study the insights Wu Xiaofeng taught today carefully when we get back. The three of us are going to roam the world eventually."

Han Shi smiled. "That's right."

Su Yu looked at the scene before him and smiled. "Indeed, how could people like us be mere commoners?"

The scene before him also reminded Su Yu of the times he used to brag with his friends; he couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental.

"Brother Su is truly cultured." After talking and laughing all the way, the three returned to the Profound Heaven Sect.

Han Shi and Ye Lin both said they were going to Cultivate for a while. Su Yu also prepared to focus on his Cultivation for a period; he had just happened to buy three Bigu Pills while browsing the Market.

Because they were relatively low-grade, one pill would last about a month, but it was enough for now. These could be bought with gold and silver, but it had almost emptied the savings he had accumulated from his years as a waiter.

But for him now, one was enough; he would use the other two later.

This time, Su Yu also prepared to go into seclusion for a month, because he had seen quite a few people at the Qi Refining Stage 3 in the Market.

He couldn't tell anything higher for now, so he would at least reach the Qi Refining Stage 3 first.

Immediately, he returned to his residence, took out the Bigu Pill, and prepared for his one-month seclusion.