Pure Darkness

At the outset, Chen An’nian’s heart was pounding nervously.

However, as soon as he began to demonstrate his fist technique, the tension in his heart dissipated like smoke.

This was the result of his daily exhaustive practice, ingraining the techniques deep within his mind.

fist techniques reflect one’s inner self.

Since he had never deceived himself, it would not deceive him either.

There were no common obstacles or disdain as depicted in novels.

When Chen An’nian fully displayed his fist technique, the proficiency of his movements was unquestionable.

Even the Qi and Blood Stone shimmered in admiration.

“Goodness, this fellow’s punches are incredibly skilled.”

“Indeed, it’s not just skillful; the force behind his punches is something some people can never achieve in their lifetime.”

“This is the most harmonious expression of martial intent I have witnessed today. It seems he has been diligently practicing.”

The steward recorded Chen An’nian’s information and awarded him three stars.

“Thank you, steward!”

Chen An’nian grinned, his inner joy radiating outward like a blooming flower.

The dark cloud that had loomed over him finally dispersed, albeit only partially.

Chen An’nian knew he was still weak, so weak that he would perish once he left the sect.

But so what?

At least, for now, he had survived.

As long as he stayed alive, there would be opportunities!

Leaving the assessment area, Chen An’nian rushed to Lu Zhongmu, exclaiming excitedly, “Zhongmu, I passed! I did it!”

“Ah... good...”

Lu Zhongmu was utterly bewildered, his mind buzzing like a swarm of flies.

No, this couldn’t be happening!

Lu Zhongmu stared blankly at Chen An’nian before him.

Was he even human?

Why did things turn out this way?

Lu Zhongmu’s mind was in chaos.

Would those black-clad individuals outside directly chop him up now that Chen An’nian had passed?

Thirty pieces of low-grade spirit stones were gone, not to mention the whereabouts of that secret formula, which remained unknown.

Lu Zhongmu’s face displayed doubt, confusion, and a lost soul, a tangled mess of emotions.

It was a complexity that didn’t align with the envy of those around him.

However, it didn’t diminish Chen An’nian’s inner delight in the slightest.

In fact, seeing Lu Zhongmu’s expression made Chen An’nian even more elated.

“Zhongmu, this is for you.”

Chen An’nian carefully took out a steamed bun and a gourd from his cloth bag.

“What... what is this?”

Lu Zhongmu was stunned, finding the steamed bun somewhat familiar.

Chen An’nian slightly raised his voice so that those around could hear, and tears welled up in his eyes.

“Zhongmu, I passed the assessment, all thanks to your care! When I was in my darkest moments, you were like a candle, dispelling the darkness within me. You were like the morning sun, giving me strength. And you selflessly provided me with techniques and sustenance! Without you, I would never be where I am today!”

Chen An’nian became increasingly excited as he spoke, his voice choked with tears, his emotions genuine and heartfelt.

Because all of this was true!

Apart from Lu Zhongmu’s techniques that could potentially kill him and the food that could potentially poison him, Lu Zhongmu’s assistance had been a lifeline.

“I know that today’s achievements may seem insignificant, but Zhongmu, please believe me, I will practice even harder in the future to repay your kindness. This steamed bun is something I secretly saved because I knew you were worried about me going hungry and always urged me to finish my meals. But please forgive me if I fail to express my gratitude; my heart will be tormented by pain.”

“This jar of fruit wine is made from fruits I picked in the forest behind the mountain. I hope you won’t find it distasteful. I’ve promised to repay you, Zhongmu.”

These sincere words moved those around, and tears welled up in their eyes.

Even the assessment steward was drawn to the scene.

This was a friendship devoid of any ulterior motives, a friendship that embodied true goodness and beauty.

Wasn’t this the pure and beautiful friendship everyone longed for?

“I never expected to witness such a magnificent moment,” a factotum disciple’s heart was deeply touched.

“I used to disbelieve in friendship and even tore apart others’ goodwill with my own hands. It’s only today that I realized I am a sinner! Indeed, in this era where everyone is eager to cultivate fist technique, such selfless help and care are truly remarkable and noble qualities.”

The surrounding factotum disciples were filled with mixed emotions, their eyes filled with sighs.

They couldn’t help but reflect on their own past ugliness, realizing that compared to Zhongmu, they were nothing more than crawling creatures exposed to the light.

“Zhongmu...”

Chen An’nian held out a steamed bun and a jar of wine, symbolizing gratitude and friendship, and offered them to Lu Zhongmu.

Lu Zhongmu was completely bewildered.

The abnormal fervor in the air made him feel like he had been caught off guard.

Open your eyes wide and see, this damn bun is poisoned.

And that wine, made from wild fruits, is sour, bitter, and has a nauseating stench.

Don’t let him deceive you.

However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lu Zhongmu dared not say such words.

Otherwise, these enthusiastic factotum disciples would be the first to trample him like a piece of dog excrement.

“What a touching scene, please accept it,” said one disciple.

“This is his heartfelt gesture!” Exclaimed another.

The atmosphere around them grew more intense with each passing moment.

Some factotum disciples even wished they could replace Lu Zhongmu and devour the bun that symbolized pure friendship.

But deep down, they knew they were unworthy.

The one who deserved this honor was none other than Zhongmu, who had always selflessly helped his companions.

Approaching them, an steward smiled and said, “I never expected to witness such a heartfelt scene today. Zhongmu, don’t disappoint An’nian’s sincere intentions.”

Under the enthusiastic and expectant gazes of everyone, Lu Zhongmu, burdened by immense psychological pressure, accepted the bun and took a small bite.

“Yeah!”

The crowd erupted in victorious cheers as if they had passed an assessment themselves.

“Zhongmu, I especially reheated it today. Is it delicious?”

Chen An’nian resembled a child awaiting praise, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Lu Zhongmu closed his eyes and forcefully swallowed the piece of bun.

The surrounding people burst into warm applause as if their souls had been baptized at that moment.

Chen An’nian held up a gourd of wine and said, “Zhongmu, have a sip of the wine...”

Suddenly, Lu Zhongmu felt a sharp pain in his abdomen.

He endured the discomfort and smiled, saying, “Never mind, An’nian. With so many people here, let’s not disrupt the assessment for everyone.”

With that, Lu Zhongmu bowed to those around him and said, “I apologize for the disturbance. Please proceed with the assessment promptly, and don’t let me interfere with your important matters.”

Upon hearing this, everyone praised him even more.

Not seeking fame or fortune, and yet so modest, he was truly an exemplary individual.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Lu Zhongmu hurriedly made his way out, with Chen An’nian following closely behind.

“An’nian, don’t forget to meet here tomorrow morning to head to the Outer Sect’s the Bamboo Slope together!” Said the steward.

“Thank you, Master,” Chen An’nian replied, running off while still showing respect.

“Hehe, go ahead,” the steward chuckled and shook his head, continuing to oversee the assessment.

…

Lu Zhongmu’s pace quickened, eventually turning into a sprint as if a fierce tiger were chasing him.

Upon returning to his room, Lu Zhongmu hastily searched the cabinet and found the antidote.

He swallowed a pill.

The pain in his abdomen persisted.

Lu Zhongmu’s face changed.

It’s over.

The toxicity of the Poisonous Energy Pill was too strong.

Has it already penetrated his organs in such a short time?

Lu Zhongmu tilted his head back and poured all the antidote pills from the porcelain bottle into his mouth, swallowing them all at once.

But the pain in his abdomen intensified.

Lu Zhongmu’s face turned pale, devoid of any color.

“Creak...”

At that moment, Chen An’nian pushed the door open and entered.

A sense of resentment surged in Lu Zhongmu’s eyes as he growled, “Hand over the antidote!”

“What... what antidote?” Chen An’nian wore an expression of confusion.

“You’re still pretending? Chen An’nian, I underestimated you!”

Lu Zhongmu stared at Chen An’nian with intense hatred.

“Don’t you know that the bun was poisoned?”

“The bun is poisoned!?”

Chen An’nian’s eyes widened, and the remaining bun in his hand fell to the ground in shock.

“How is that possible? It was given to me by you, Zhongmu.”

“Those who hunt geese all day will eventually be pecked by geese,” Lu Zhongmu gritted his teeth.

“I surrender. Give me the antidote now!”

“Why can’t I understand what you’re saying, Zhongmu?”

Chen An’nian still maintained an obedient appearance.

Lu Zhongmu reached out, attempting to grab Chen An’nian, but Chen An’nian easily evaded him.

“Do you even know who I am?”

Lu Zhongmu growled, “My cousin is an outer disciple, about to be promoted to the Inner Sect. If anything happens to me, you’ll undoubtedly die!”

“Hand over the antidote!”

Lu Zhongmu coldly squeezed out the words from his mouth.

“That’s not the attitude of someone asking for a favor, Zhongmu,” Chen An’nian said smilingly.

“And don’t use your cousin from the Outer Sect to threaten me.”

“You’re the one who wants me dead. If I die, what do I care about the raging flood outside?”

“So, you won’t scare me. There’s a bunch of people waiting outside to devour me, Zhongmu, you should know that.”

Speaking, Chen An’nian sat at the table, playfully gazing at Lu Zhongmu, who wore a resentful expression.

Where was the camaraderie and deep brotherly affection from before?

Waves of abdominal pain surged, intensifying with each passing moment.

Lu Zhongmu could no longer bear it; if this continued, he would likely die here.

He retrieved a box from under the bed and took out a stone the size of an egg, emitting a faint glow.

With just a single glance, Chen An’nian was captivated by this stone.

It resembled jade, yet possessed a liveliness beyond jade, as if something within the stone was flowing, akin to a night sky full of stars.

“This is a low-grade spirit stone.

One piece is equivalent to five hundred silver taels and is extremely precious, aiding in cultivation,” Lu Zhongmu said, his face alternating between pale and flushed, placing the spirit stone on the table.

“Give me the antidote quickly...” his voice trembled.

Chen An’nian took the spirit stone and handed Lu Zhongmu a gourd of wine, saying, “This is the antidote.”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

Lu Zhongmu erupted in anger.

“I gave you the spirit stone, and you’re still deceiving me!?”

“Why would I deceive you? This is truly the antidote,” Chen An’nian replied impatiently.

Lu Zhongmu hesitated but, pinching his nose, took a sip.

Indeed, the excruciating pain in his abdomen lessened considerably.

Lu Zhongmu quickly drank a few more mouthfuls.

Helpless, Chen An’nian shook his head as he watched Lu Zhongmu’s disheveled appearance.

When the pain had completely subsided, Lu Zhongmu looked at Chen An’nian and asked, “Is this fruit wine brewed from wild fruits in the forest behind the mountain?”

“Of course, but I added something to it,” Chen An’nian replied, tucking the spirit stone into his bosom.

Astonishingly, the residual energy from the Golden Book fused with the spiritual essence within the spirit stone, forming a drop of crimson divine power.

Wow, what a treasure!

Chen An’nian’s heart raced, momentarily stunned by the fact that this small egg-sized spirit stone had directly contributed an entire drop of divine power.

It was far superior to those miscellaneous elixirs, requiring no consumption and devoid of impure energy.

When Chen An’nian mentioned adding something to the wine, Lu Zhongmu’s heart was struck like lightning.

It must be a secret recipe!

It had to be a secret recipe!

It was like a sudden burst of light in the darkness!

“Can you show me the recipe for brewing the wine?”

Lu Zhongmu suppressed his resentment and forced a smile.

“Huh?”

Chen An’nian looked at Lu Zhongmu as if he were a fool.

What recipe?

The only thing he added was a tiny bit of divine power to temporarily alleviate Lu Zhongmu’s pain.

However, this look only strengthened Lu Zhongmu’s belief that the fruit wine was indeed a secret recipe.

Chen An’nian must be aware of the wine’s value, which was why he looked at him that way.

Lu Zhongmu’s smile grew even brighter.

“An’nian, there’s no real enmity between us. The reason I targeted you was because those guys outside forced me to do it.”

Saying this, Lu Zhongmu fully opened the box, revealing four more low-grade spirit stones inside.

“These spirit stones are all yours. I hope you can write down the recipe for brewing the wine. Once you enter the Outer Sect, I’m worried that the poison in the Poisonous Energy Pill might act up, and there won’t be a timely antidote...”

Lu Zhongmu’s words made Chen An’nian instantly understand.

“Hehe, Zhongmu, are you overthinking things? This fruit wine can neutralize the poison of the Poisonous Energy Pill. You should be well aware of its value!”

Chen An’nian closed the box and patted it, indicating that these few spirit stones were simply not enough.

Lu Zhongmu gritted his teeth, but the more Chen An’nian acted this way, the more it confirmed his suspicions.

Chen An’nian’s secret was that recipe!

Lu Zhongmu took out a small box from the innermost compartment of the wardrobe, containing a golden token.

“This token will grant you access to the second level of the Green Mountain Sect’s cultivation techniques pavilion,” he said.

“Although it’s only a one-time opportunity, it is extremely valuable. Ordinary outer disciples can only enter the first level of the pavilion. You should understand what this token represents.”

Lu Zhongmu felt a pang of pain.

He could find a way even if the spirit stones were used up.

However, this token was difficult to obtain, even for his cousin.

Originally, he had planned to enter the Outer Sect and exchange it for a high-grade cultivation technique.

But now, it was being given away to Chen An’nian for nothing.

Chen An’nian’s heart also skipped a beat.

Lu Zhongmu, to be honest, was truly his lucky star.

He knew Chen An’nian lacked divine power, yet he found ways to feed him.

He knew Chen An’nian lacked cultivation techniques, so he first gave him one and now an even higher-level technique.

All to ensure that Chen An’nian could continue cultivating.

He truly sacrificed himself to illuminate others.

Suppressing his excitement, Chen An’nian accepted the token but still shook his head.

Lu Zhongmu was on the verge of spitting blood.

Wasn’t he satisfied yet?

He had already given away all his treasures.

Now, he was truly penniless.

“I really have nothing left. I originally had thirteen spirit stones, but now I only have this much,” Lu Zhongmu said before he even finished speaking, causing Chen An’nian to burst into laughter.

It was clear that the spent spirit stones had been used to support his cultivation.

However, Chen An’nian remained resolute, knowing that if he didn’t seize this opportunity, he might never get another chance.

Lu Zhongmu hurriedly got up and searched every nook and cranny of the room.

Silver notes, broken silver pieces, and some unremarkable elixirs were all laid out before Chen An’nian.

Lu Zhongmu’s heart bled.

He had emptied his entire fortune, leaving nothing behind.

Yet, he remained incredibly excited.

As long as he could obtain that secret recipe, it would be like having a goose that laid golden eggs, an endless source of wealth.

He must obtain it!

Under the eager gaze of Lu Zhongmu, Chen An’nian carefully packed all these items into a cloth bag.

It was truly difficult to resist such kindness.

Chen An’nian rubbed his hands together and pulled out a piece of paper to begin writing on it.

The wild fruit forest in the back mountains is abundant, with over a dozen varieties, which should be sufficient.

He casually fabricated some random proportions, causing Lu Zhongmu’s eyes to sparkle with excitement.

“There we go,” Chen An’nian said, setting down his pen and leaving a trace of impurity energy on the paper before placing it inside a book, all under Lu Zhongmu’s watchful gaze.

As long as you’re not greedy and refrain from tampering with this recipe, you can continue to live well.

Chen An’nian silently thought to himself.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit reluctant towards this generous spender.

But why did he try to harm him before?

As for whether Lu Zhongmu could resist the temptation of looking at the secret recipe...

That’s a joke, it’s simply a fantasy.

How could he not look at something obtained at such great cost?

Chen An’nian deeply understood Lu Zhongmu’s thoughts.

Failing to seek revenge is not the act of a gentleman.

Indeed, I am the epitome of consistency and integrity.

Chen An’nian arrogantly praised himself in his mind, then left contentedly with the plundered items.

Tomorrow, he would be heading to the Outer Sect.

How exciting!

In this fantasy world, I, Chen An’nian, am ready to embark!

However, Chen An’nian was unaware that half an hour later, a figure would burst out from the main peak of the Outer Sect and head straight for Lu Zhongmu’s residence.