After the young ladies had left the room, morning arrived, and Huang Di sank into deep meditation, reflecting on his recent advancements.
âNow, my internal energyâmy Qiâis far more abundant,â he mused. âWith every step along the martial path, my energy doubles. When I began at the 1st level of the Foundation Rank, I had 1 Qi. After climbing the nine steps of power, I reached 256. Now, at the 3rd level of the Profound Rank, I possess 2,048 Qi.â
He understood that with such energy, he could wield far more powerful techniques, tools, and armaments. The first thing he needed to do was acquire new clothing and proper weapons for battle change that would considerably enhance his combat strength. However, he also knew that the twenty large spirit stones he had received would not suffice for all he desired. But if he sold part of the beast materials he had harvested in the forest, he could greatly increase his buying power.
As he calmly outlined his next steps, the door to the room was thrown open. Armed guards entered, accompanied by one of Mio Hioâs servant girls. The servant, who had caught a glimpse of Huang Diâs true face earlier that morningâbefore he reapplied his disguise, believed he matched the description of a fugitive wanted by the city guard. Hoping to claim the bounty, she had summoned her cousin, who worked among the patrols.
The guards compared a sketch of the suspect to Huang Diâs current appearance but found little resemblance. Still, with lingering doubt, they turned to the servant, their expressions filled with irritation.
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"You called us here, but he doesnât match the face on the wanted poster," one of the guards said coldly.
Huang Di quickly pieced the situation together. It could have been Ye Jue who had initiated the huntâor worse, Mio Hio might have betrayed him by exposing his identity. Even so, he remained composed and answered with calm clarity:
"Amitabha. What can this humble monk do for the brave city guards?"
The guards, slightly embarrassed to question a supposed man of faith, considered withdrawing quietly. Yet the servant, seeing her prize slipping away, insisted Huang Di was wearing a disguise. She attempted, without success, to pull at his face. But Huang Di had employed a high-tier Earth Rank technique focused on altering oneâs appearanceâit held firm under her frantic fingers.
Only a cultivator of the Sky Rank or above could see through such an illusionâand there were very few with that level of power in this city. On this point, Huang Di felt no concern. Unless he chose to reveal himself, no one could unmask him.
The guards, now visibly annoyed, apologized for the misunderstanding and forcibly dragged the servant away. Huang Di exhaled slowly, already resolved to change his appearance again upon leaving the Mio residenceâthis time assuming the guise of a young, scholarly noble, to elude both his pursuers and any ties to the Mio family.
âTo repay oneâs savior with betrayal... truly, a scorpion never changes its nature,â he reflected. âThen itâs best I wash my hands of this and continue my path alone.â