Chapter 31: Strolling Through the Streets

After mocking Ye Tian for a while, Li Jian San went out to meet Liu Nan.

“How’s that kid been cultivating lately?” he asked.

Liu Nan replied respectfully, “Young Master, Ye Tian has been working hard labor for me during the day, so he only gets to cultivate at night. But I have to admit, his talent is remarkable. Even with such limited time, he’s made significant progress—he’s already at the seventh stage of Qi Refining. Still, compared to you, he’s far behind.”

Liu Nan finished with a flattering remark, trying to curry favor with Li Jian San.

If I didn’t have my cheat system, there’d be a real chance he might surpass me one day, Li Jian San thought to himself.

After a pause, Liu Nan continued, “If he hadn’t just entered the sect and had access to more cultivation resources, he might really surprise everyone.”

Li Jian San’s expression shifted. As expected of the protagonist—even after all my efforts to suppress him, he manages to survive in the cracks. That protagonist aura is no joke…

“Looks like I’ll have to think of more ways to target him. Can’t let him grow unchecked,” he said, glancing at Liu Nan. “Elder Liu Nan, what do you suggest to hold him back?”

Liu Nan replied with conviction, “Rest assured, Young Master. As long as he’s under me, he won’t have a peaceful path to growth.”

Li Jian San nodded slightly and smiled. “If you handle this well for me, rewards won’t be lacking.”

Liu Nan smiled back, his expression betraying a murderous intent toward Ye Tian.

Seeing Liu Nan’s look, Li Jian San warned him, “Easy, old man, don’t overdo it. Don’t kill him yet—he’s still useful to me. Keep him around for now. Once I accomplish my goals, we’ll toss him out and have someone bury him.”

Li Jian San still had his mission to deal with Chu Xi’er, so he couldn’t move against Ye Tian just yet. After all, Chu Xi’er still cared deeply for Ye Tian.

After that, Li Jian San returned to his room and gazed at the golden greatsword lying there, lost in thought.

“This weapon is indeed powerful, but the sword spirit within is still very weak, and it seems there are some seals on the blade. Even if I wield it, it won’t unleash its full potential. I need to speed up the sword spirit’s recovery. She’s so beautiful, with such a perfect figure, and she keeps calling me ‘brother’…”

The system chimed in: “Master, if you want the sword spirit to regain her strength, you’ll need to refine a Nine-Turn Spirit Gathering Pill.”

Li Jian San asked, “Nine-Turn Spirit Gathering Pill? How is it made?”

The system replied, “To refine the Nine-Turn Spirit Gathering Pill, you must become a ninth-grade alchemist and collect nine rare heavenly treasures…”

“Alright, stop right there,” Li Jian San interrupted, losing interest as soon as he heard ‘ninth-grade alchemist.’ Ninth-grade alchemists were rare even in the vast land of Jiuzhou. He was still weak, a mere novice in battle, and becoming a ninth-grade alchemist was far out of reach—even with his cheat system, it seemed impossible.

“Master, with my help, you’ll become a ninth-grade alchemist soon enough,” the system insisted.

Li Jian San waved it off, dismissing the idea. “Is there any other way?”

The system replied, “You could refine a basic Spirit Gathering Pill, but its effects are far inferior to the Nine-Turn Spirit Gathering Pill.”

“What’s the difference?” Li Jian San asked.

The system explained, “The Spirit Gathering Pill can awaken her but won’t restore her strength.”

Li Jian San said, “For now, that will have to do. By the way, system, can I refine Spirit Gathering Pills now?”

“Certainly. The recipe is stored in the system, but you’ll have to gather the ingredients yourself,” the system answered.

Li Jian San decided, “Fine, I’ll take the opportunity to test the alchemist, and gather the herbs as well.”

“Looks like I’ll have to make a trip into town.”

Just then, he heard a knock at the door.

He went out and found Chu Xi’er standing outside.

“Xi’er, did you need something?” he asked.

Chu Xi’er’s gaze was evasive. “Um… I want to visit the town at the foot of the mountain, but I’m not familiar with the area. Li Jian San, could you accompany me?”

Li Jian San thought Chu Xi’er seemed odd, but couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong. Oh well, he’d go with her—maybe it would help them get closer.

“Alright, just stay close. Don’t wander off—the town gets crowded,” he said.

Suddenly, Li Jian San took Chu Xi’er by the hand and hurried toward the door.

Her delicate, soft hand felt different in his grasp—smooth and tender, he didn’t want to let go for even a second.

Li Jian San led Chu Xi’er through the town.

Passersby couldn’t help but cast greedy looks at the ethereal beauty of Chu Xi’er. Seeing those stares, Chu Xi’er felt uneasy and instinctively leaned closer to Li Jian San for protection.

“Don’t worry, Xi’er. With me here, they won’t dare do anything to you,” Li Jian San comforted her, patting her head.

Hearing his words, Chu Xi’er felt an inexplicable sense of security, and Li Jian San suddenly seemed larger than life in her eyes.

“Ding! System has detected Chu Xi’er’s favorability toward the host increased by ten points.”

Li Jian San smiled at the system’s message. This trip was worth it—innocent girls really are easy to win over…

As they passed a brothel, several alluring women suddenly rushed out and surrounded Li Jian San.

“Lonely Young Master, why haven’t you visited us lately? We’ve missed you so much.”

“Oh, seems you’ve found a new love and forgotten your old flames, huh?”

The seductive women glanced at Chu Xi’er, sizing her up.

“This little girl is quite pretty. Lonely Young Master, you have excellent taste. No wonder you haven’t come to see us—you’re hiding your treasure away, aren’t you?”

Li Jian San stared at their exposed, snow-white legs. On any other day, he’d have happily gone in with them, arms full.

But now…

He cleared his throat. “Ahem, don’t talk nonsense. I, Li Jian San, am an upright man, honest in all my dealings. I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

He quickly led Chu Xi’er away.

“Xi’er, they must have mistaken me for someone else. You know what kind of person I am,” he explained as they walked.

“Ding! System has detected Chu Xi’er’s favorability toward the host decreased by twenty points.”