Chapter 52: Not a Hint of Sincerity

Five days passed in the blink of an eye. February was drawing to a close, and the weather, unexpectedly, had grown colder once more.

Dusk was falling, and the evening glow had set the sky ablaze with fiery hues.

In the courtyard, a lone figure continued to practice martial arts.

It was none other than Cheng Guang.

Over these past five days, aside from his daily visits to the brothel and his routine meetings with Bai Shuxuan, Cheng Guang had devoted all his remaining time to cultivation.

During this period, his mastery of the Divine Python Coiling Technique had advanced considerably. Vital energy coursed through his body, markedly strengthening it to the point where ordinary blades and swords could no longer pierce his flesh.

Compared to a few days earlier, his physique had grown subtly taller and more imposing. His stature seemed to have lengthened, lending him a dignified bearing and a remarkable presence. Even without the status of the noble heir, to outsiders he would have appeared a paragon of refinement and grace.

Time slipped by quickly when one was immersed in cultivation.

Realizing that the appointed time to meet Bai Shuxuan was approaching, Cheng Guang ceased his movements, slowly gathering in the surging energy around him, and exhaled a deep breath.

Feeling the swift growth of both his spirit and body over the past few days, a trace of delight flickered in his eyes.

“My progress on the spiritual path is astonishingly fast. If I hadn’t diverted some of my vital energy to strengthen my body, I would have already broken through to the second rank, the Shade Spirit Realm, by now,” he mused.

“As for martial cultivation, though its pace can’t quite match the spiritual path, with no lack of resources and my supply of vital energy, my advancement is still far swifter than that of ordinary people. Give me another day or two, and I’ll reach the second rank, the Physique Realm.”

Cheng Guang lifted his gaze upward. Though the sky still held a trace of light, the bright moon had already revealed itself, set like a jewel high in the heavens. Moonlight bathed the sky in silver, lending the world an air of understated elegance, in contrast to the vivid colors of the morning.

A sudden thought stirred within his spirit. He felt that his soul should be as pure and flawless as this moonlight.

And so—

His soul trembled.

From its original colorlessness, it suddenly became white!

The sacred tree stands untouched, and in its deep shadow, the spirit finds power.

Second rank on the spiritual path: the Shade Spirit Realm.

He had been cultivating the Divine Emperor’s method daily, channeling half the gathered energy into his body. He had expected that breaking through to the second rank would still require some time, but unexpectedly, following a sudden insight, he had achieved it in an instant.

With this advancement, myriad applications became available to him.

“By perceiving the myriad images of the spirit, one may ascend the nine heavens. Upon entering the Shade Spirit Realm, the soul can temporarily leave the body, influencing the world and the things within it.”

“A martial cultivator of the same level would have no way to defend against my spiritual attacks. If struck, they would be utterly helpless.”

Cheng Guang reflected, his eyes bright with joy.

The only regret was that he did not possess many advanced spiritual techniques at the moment.

His mastery of the soul’s power was still rudimentary. He had no means of wielding it with true versatility.

It was said that the most potent abilities of those on the spiritual path lay in comprehending divine diagrams, manifesting deities through the soul, and employing wondrous arts.

“Divine diagrams are rare and precious things. I wonder if Cheng Zhihai can help me obtain one,” he murmured to himself.

He thought no further on the matter and carefully withdrew his spiritual power. With his advancement, the world before his eyes seemed brighter still.

Even as night deepened, he could now see things invisible to ordinary people.

Delighted by his progress, Cheng Guang prepared to end his cultivation for the day. He had not expected to break through on the spiritual path so suddenly; it was a welcome surprise.

With Qingluan’s assistance, he quickly washed and changed into a fresh, spotless set of clothes, then set out for the Wanhua Pavilion.

During this period, the popularity of the Wanhua Pavilion had gradually recovered. The stir caused by Cheng Guang’s previous remarks was finally beginning to fade.

The Pavilion had even introduced a new courtesan to attract patrons.

As for Bai Shuxuan, she had not entertained any other guests since Cheng Guang’s initial visit.

Thus, her Jadeite Chamber remained as quiet as ever, with only a handful of attendants or servants moving through its halls, keeping it clean.

Cheng Guang made his way upstairs, pushed open the door, and entered Bai Shuxuan’s room.

“My lord.”

The moment he entered, Cheng Guang’s previously indifferent expression transformed instantly into one of infatuated devotion, his performance utterly convincing.

Upon seeing him, Bai Shuxuan approached with a smile, her manner respectful as she greeted him.

Even though she believed she had gained considerable influence over his mind, she still maintained proper manners outwardly.

“My lord, you’re rather late today. I’ve been waiting quite a while for you,” she said, her words tinged with a soft, teasing reproach before Cheng Guang could even reply.

Cheng Guang could not help but complain inwardly. Hadn’t he always arrived at this time?

He knew Bai Shuxuan was about to start making demands.

Given the character he played—the lovesick, eager young heir—he would, of course, respond by soothing her.

So, he put on a slightly apologetic smile. “Shuxuan, it’s my fault. I was delayed by some matters. Next time, I’ll try to come even earlier.”

Bai Shuxuan pursed her lips at this, “Who would believe that? If you really want to apologize, you’ll have to do it differently.”

“Such an apology shows no sincerity at all.”

Feigning concern, Cheng Guang asked, “Then what would truly show my sincerity?”

Bai Shuxuan considered for a moment, then pressed her jade-like finger to her lips and smiled, “My lord, why don’t you gift me some Celestial Steel, or perhaps a few Innate Pills to help me with my cultivation?”

At these words, Cheng Guang raised an eyebrow.

This was not the first time in the past five days that Bai Shuxuan had subtly hinted at wanting resources or treasures from him.

But her earlier requests had been veiled.

He had always pretended not to understand, playing the part of the obtuse, slow-witted suitor.

This time, however, Bai Shuxuan could no longer restrain herself and asked directly.

The items she named—Celestial Steel and Innate Pills—were anything but ordinary.

Celestial Steel was used to forge weapons; blades infused with it could channel vital energy and were vastly superior to common arms. It was extremely rare and considered a strategic resource throughout the Great Zhou. Even the generals on the front lines struggled to obtain enough, so it was never released to the general public, let alone sold to enemy nations or the demon tribes.

Even as the heir of the Duke Protector’s household, Cheng Guang had little access to it.

Yet Bai Shuxuan had asked for it outright, and from her tone, she seemed to want a considerable amount.

As for Innate Pills, these medicines replenished innate energy. While of little use to lower-level cultivators, to those above the sixth rank they were nothing short of miraculous. A single pill could, with some luck, help a high-level cultivator break through to a new stage.

It was easy to imagine how precious such pills were.

And for the demon tribes, who relied on centuries of slow cultivation and the absorption of the sun and moon’s essence, even ordinary pills were precious beyond measure. To them, Innate Pills would be even more effective—perhaps several times so.

Clearly, Bai Shuxuan’s ambitions were far from modest.

Her brazen request had an air of barely concealed intent.

…