Fortune.

I never intended to kill you...

These words echoed through both the forest and Wei Wushang's mind.

"Really?!" Zhang Mei exclaimed, her mouth agape. Zhang Hao swiftly placed his hand over her mouth, but his own eyes were wide with a mix of shock, elation, and confusion as he stared at Xu Hanmo.

"Heh," Xu Hanmo cast them a glance, his lips curling into a faint smile. Though his numerous injuries made him look rather terrifying.

Wei Wushang fell silent for a long moment before glaring at Xu Hanmo and spiting out a single word, "Why?"

"No reason. Just to fuck with you, kekeke." Xu Hanmo looked down at Wei Wushang with glee, laughing heartily.

"Hehe.." Wei Wushang laughed dryly, there was a growing urge in his heart to strangle this jester.

But he couldn't.

He was weak. Too weak!

Perhaps another hot-blooded youth in his place might have acted impulsively, but Wei Wushang maintained deep restraint. If he couldn't withstand this small humiliation, what right did he have to seek the pinnacle of cultivation?

Xu Hanmo stopped laughing and said to Wei Wushang, "You're clever but inexperienced. You should have realized that when I didn't kill you on the spot and instead brought you here, it meant something else."

Wei Wushang acted as if he had just had an epiphany, but internally he was scolding the bastard. 'You think I didn't have my doubts? If you'd seemed a bit more human, I wouldn't have suspected you of planning to sacrifice us for some demonic ritual. Hmph, what do I know about how you demonic cultivators operate?'

'But it's a relief that you don't want to kill us, then what is your real objective?' Wei Wushang's mind was full of questions. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long before Xu Hanmo decided to reveal his intentions.

Xu Hanmo continued, "There was another reason for this charade. It was a small test."

"What does elder mean?"

"It's exactly as I said, it was an act to probe your characters. Sigh, it's been a long road, and now it's time to hand over the torch. I just wanted to check, whether the people who are going to inherit my legacy had any substance or were just plain trash." Xu Hanmo stated flatly, however his eyes carried a hint of satisfaction.

"I see... wait, inheritance!" Wei Wushang's pupils dilated fiercely, his heart beginning to pound faster with each passing second. If what he was thinking was true, then...

Xu Hanmo chuckled, "So you finally understand."

Wei Wushang's body trembled slightly with excitement. For a moment, he forgot the pain, the danger, the humiliation. All he could see was the golden path that now lay before him.

Cultivation was a grueling endeavor. Cultivators were like individuals rowing a boat against relentless waves, with these waves representing various obstacles such as aptitude, competition, resource scarcity, and more. However, with an inheritance, it would be as if gaining an extra pair of arms, allowing one to row more effortlessly, swiftly, and farther.

"Such good fortune, hahaha." Wei Wushang couldn't help but burst into laughter. The Zhang siblings, standing to the side, shared a look as tears streamed down their faces and they smiled in relief. They were safe!

It was a surreal scene. First, they were ambushed by a demonic cultivator, then thrust into a dangerous encounter with wolves, witnessed a girl's tragic death, and then got saved. Only to find out their savior was the very cultivator who wanted their lives. And now, he was offering them his inheritance. The turn of events was nothing short of bizarre.

"Cough-!" Xu Hanmo suddenly spewed out mouthfuls of blood, with bits of flesh mixed in. He couldn't hold on much longer.

"Elder, are you alright?" Wei Wushang asked, his expression full of concern, to which Xu Hanmo rolled his eyes.

'This kid is really cunning, acting all worried as if I were his father. If I didn't know any better, I might have actually believed him.'

Xu Hanmo sighed softly, then brought his hand to his chest, where a barely noticeable, diamond-shaped red insignia began to glow faintly. From it, he drew out four jade slips.

"Three of you, come forward and pick a technique each," he commanded.

But before the words had even fully left his mouth, Wei Wushang was already in front of him with hands outstretched.

The corner of Xu Hanmo's mouth twitched, but he held back the jade slips, waiting for the other two children to approach.

His expression turned stern. "I'll give you a quick rundown of these techniques. Listen carefully, as I'll only say this once."

"Yes, Elder!" the three of them replied in unison.

Xu Hanmo gathered his thoughts and started his explanation, the trio listened intently.

The four Rank 1 techniques were:

Bronze Guardian: A metal path technique. This technique offers both defensive and offensive capabilities but is primarily used for defense. It envelops the cultivator's body in a bronze layer, providing substantial protection against attacks.

Defensive prowess: 3 star

Offensive power: 1.5 star

Complexity: 4 star

Essence consumption: 4 star

Wrath of thunder: A close combat technique from the Lightning path. As lightning flickers around the practitioner's hand, each punch delivers a thunderous impact with blinding speed. The technique also has the added effect of briefly stunning or paralyzing the enemy.

Speed: 4 star

Offensive power: 3.5 star

Complexity: 3 star

Essence consumption: 3 star

Nightmare summoning: A long range technique of the Dark path. It can summon Nightmare crows that the cultivator can manipulate as seen fit.

Offensive: 5 star

Speed: 4 star

Complexity: 1 star

Range: 2 star

Essence consumption: 3 star

Cold Rush: An Ice path movement technique that generates an instant burst of ice beneath the practitioner's feet. This ice forms a slick layer that allows the cultivator to glide swiftly over the ground, propelling forward with exceptional speed and agility. The technique also has the capability to freeze the ground, creating obstacles or defensive barriers.

Speed: 4 star

Offensive Power: 1 star

Complexity: 3 star

Defensive Capability: 2 star

Essence consumption: 3.5 star

Wei Wushang stroked his chin, lost in contemplation.

Zhang Hao rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of the flood of information. He turned to his sister and asked softly, "Mei'er, I can't quite remember what the 3, 4, or 2-star ratings actually mean. Could you explain them to me?"

Zhang Mei shot him a scolding glance. "Weren't you bragging about memorizing the jade harmony slip in just five minutes not too long ago? Honestly, brother, when are you going to start acting your age?"

"Alright, alright, just tell me," Zhang Hao urged, feeling slightly irritated.

Zhang Mei sighed, shaking her head in resignation. "Fine, listen up. Martial techniques are graded on a 5-star system. 0.5 star means it's the lowest quality, while five stars is the best you can get."

Zhang Hao gave a slow nod, though his face was still scrunched up in confusion. "Okay, but what about things like Complexity and Essence Consumption? I know offense and speed, but those two concepts are a bit fuzzy for me."

Zhang Mei crossed her arms, giving him a tired look. "Essence consumption is very simple. It's the amount of spiritual essence you need to use the technique, and sometimes to maintain it. The higher the star rating, the less energy it drains from you. More energy is required for a technique of lower star rating. Complexity refers to how difficult and time-consuming the technique is to master. A 5-star complexity technique usually means only 10 to 20 spirit channels are needed, but a 1-star technique could have over 300. Do you know why fewer channels are better, or do I have to spell that out for you too?"

Zhang Hao scratched his head, struggling to recall the answer.

With another sigh, Zhang Mei continued, "It's because techniques with fewer channels are easier and faster to execute. In battle, you can't afford to spend all your focus on just activating a technique. Fewer channels mean quicker execution, which could be the difference between life and death."

Zhang Hao snapped his fingers, grinning shamelessly. "Right, right! I knew that. You didn't have to explain it so clearly... but, uh, I have another question..."

Zhang Mei interrupted with a roll of her eyes. "Forget your question. My question is whether our mother dropped you on your head when you were a child?"

Zhang Hao stared at her in surprise, then raised his hand and gave her a light bonk on the head. "I am your elder brother. Speak properly."

Zhang Mei rubbed her head and taunted, "Elder brother? When we were surrounded by wolves, you were whining like a baby, wailing about how unfair life was and how we were doomed. If it hadn't been for Wei Wushang... well, never mind. What was your question again?"

Zhang Hao's mood darkened as he waved his hand dismissively. "Nothing important. Forget it. What technique are you going to choose?"

Zhang Mei replied, "I haven't decided yet. I need to think for a bit. What about you?"

Zhang Hao was about to respond when a voice from the side cut in sharply. "Elder, I've made my choice. I'll take this one."