Just a Useful Pawn in the Stain Sect

Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Senior Brother Zhao and I Are Truly Connected!

Two generations ago — about twenty years after Lü Yang’s current point in time — the Stain Sect would launch a campaign to annihilate a righteous sect: the Divine Martial Sect.

In that lifetime, Zhao Xuhe had eventually reached the perfected phase of Qi Refining and, together with Fairy Feixia, had become a steward of the Stain Sect’s external marketplace.

That marketplace had been located at Skull Mountain, right beside the Divine Martial Sect’s territory.

Before war broke out, the Stain Sect had secretly transported large quantities of resources under the guise of marketplace trade. It was said that it was during that time the two had discovered Foundation Establishment marvels.

When the war began, the two shone brilliantly, earned military merit, exchanged for another marvel, and commissioned an alchemist to refine the two into a single Foundation Establishment Pill—thus gaining the chance to break through.

Though they ultimately failed, the opportunity had been real.

”Since Zhao Xuhe also practiced the Ninefold Dragon Metamorphosis... if he had once had a chance, then perhaps I might have one too. Either way, it would be worth trying!”

Three more days passed.

As Lü Yang sat in meditation, a Human-faced Owl flew to the mouth of his cave and spoke, its crisp and pleasant voice ringing out:

”Junior Brother Lü, please come to the cave mansion for a meeting.”

It was Fairy Feixia.

Lü Yang’s eyes gleamed faintly. Sword light flashed—he soared toward Fairy Feixia’s cave mansion and soon arrived at a pavilion nestled beside a mountain stream.

Fairy Feixia was brewing tea—each motion measured and graceful: spirit water poured, true fire coaxed, tea leaves unfurling. Even from a short distance, an ethereal fragrance drifted over Lü Yang, clearing his mind and sharpening his senses.

”Junior Brother, please have a seat.”

Only then did she look up. Once Lü Yang took his place, she went straight to business:

”The reply from the association has arrived.”

”Oh?” Lü Yang allowed a flicker of anticipation to show. ”Could it be... the techniques have come?”

”Indeed.” Fairy Feixia smiled. ”Second Senior Brother has already sent over the list of abilities. You may choose any one to cultivate.”

”Thank you, Senior Sister!”

Lü Yang cupped his hands and accepted the jade scroll containing the list. At a glance, his heart stumbled.

So many techniques. So dazzling. But most of them were painfully familiar—the names he had seen in the Library Pavilion of Heaven Mending Peak. Those Library copies had been truncated, mere echoes of what now lay before him. Same titles, yet vastly different in depth and power.

The Stain Sect’s resource monopoly was obvious.

Outrageous.

If it weren’t for joining the Sanhe Association and signing the servitude contract—backed by direct disciples from above—he would likely never have access to these full techniques in his lifetime.

Moments later, Lü Yang’s eyes lit up.

He found a name he recognized: ”Heavenfiend Lifeblood Offering Radiance”—and here it appeared in its complete, unabridged form.

”Lunar Shedding Technique.”

This was a top-tier technique.

”Heavenfiend Lifeblood Offering Radiance” was only the first stage of it.

”This is the one.”

Lü Yang decided instantly. He copied the entry for the ”Lunar Shedding Technique” and then turned to Fairy Feixia, cupping his hands with solemnity.

”Is there any further task, Senior Sister?”

”To be honest, Junior Brother.” Fairy Feixia chuckled softly. ”I plan to apply for an external assignment at the Skull Mountain Marketplace and will need several capable assistants...”

Just as expected.

Lü Yang was not surprised. Reward came with risk; if the Sanhe Association offered such a benefit, it only made sense they would dispatch people to earn it.

”If Senior Sister doesn’t mind, I am willing to join.”

He did not hesitate.

After all, the chance at Foundation Establishment was at stake. Even if Fairy Feixia had not invited him, Lü Yang would have gone to the Good Deeds Tower to take a mission bound for Skull Mountain.

Fairy Feixia’s eyes brightened at his resolve. ”Junior Brother is exactly as I thought, having a resolute Dao heart. Ordinary disciples who settle for mediocrity will never rise in the Stain Sect; only by venturing outward to seize opportunities can one snatch even the slimmest thread of success.”

”Brave challenges and risks to seek Foundation Establishment!”

Their conversation continued, and Lü Yang noticed the warmth and recognition in Fairy Feixia’s gaze.

But it wasn’t about braving challenges for him; he carried the Centome and did not fear failure. If he died, he could simply start anew.

Ten days later, aboard the flying boat bound for Skull Mountain.

Lü Yang glided down and landed lightly on deck, exchanged measured greetings with Fairy Feixia, and slipped into the crowd.

This time he did not intend to stand out.

Many cultivators filled the vessel. Leading the group aside from Fairy Feixia were two Seventh Layer Qi Refiners, one of whom he knew: Lu Yuanchun, a disciple under the Master of Heaven Mending Peak.

”Hmph... I will revenge eventually.”

A cold gleam flashed through Lü Yang’s eyes before he masked it. With Lu Yuanchun present, Zhao Xuhe might appear as well—this life’s Foundation Establishment chance could yet fall to him.

Sure enough, after scanning the crowd, Lü Yang spotted Zhao Xuhe sipping wine in a secluded corner of the flying boat.

Now, Zhao Xuhe looked far more despondent than in past lives. Lü Yang understood why. In this incarnation, a predestined opportunity had slipped away—he had traded a Death-Warding Skeleton for bankruptcy; his paramour Qingchen had likely abandoned him—leaving him in desperate straits.

Lü Yang was mildly surprised Zhao Xuhe hadn’t leapt from Heaven Mending Peak in despair.

”Senior Brother Zhao? Is that you, Senior Brother Zhao?”

Lü Yang stepped forward with feigned delight. ”Who would’ve thought to meet Senior Brother Zhao here—what luck!”

”Ah? You are...”

Zhao Xuhe hesitated, then, aided by a cultivator’s memory, recognized Lü Yang and started in shock. ”...Junior Brother Lü? You’ve reached the Mid-phase of Qi Refining?”

Zhao Xuhe was beaten down and failed to penetrate Lü Yang’s Qi Concealing Technique, so he had no true sense of Lü Yang’s realm. Even so, seeing Lü Yang at Mid-phase was a shock—ten years ago Lü Yang had been barely noticeable.

That realization deepened Zhao Xuhe’s gloom.

”Heh, are you here to mock me as well? Go away.”

”Why would Senior Brother say that?” Lü Yang feigned confusion and quickly added, ”I have always remembered Senior Brother’s past kindness. Why would I mock you?”

Kindness? What kindness?

Zhao Xuhe blinked—then remembered perhaps helping Lü Yang secure a loan years ago. Was that kindness? Had he been generous to such a fool?

Just as he was about to retort...

”I noticed your cultivation seems stuck at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining. If you don’t mind, I have a Qi Pill that might help.”

”This... isn’t necessary, is it?”

Zhao Xuhe mechanically accepted the Spirit Pill Lü Yang pressed into his palm, and unexpectedly felt a warmth in his chest when he looked at Lü Yang—like a flicker of recollection, as if they had met in some previous life.

Could it be we are truly fated?