Stepping out of the Heavenly Law Division, the afternoon sunlight bathed Lin Rui, dispelling some of the coolness from within the hall. Looking up, the azure sky was washed by spirit spring water, clear and transparent, as if no worldly disturbances could stain its purity. Several white clouds drifted leisurely by, their shapes sometimes resembling drawn bows, sometimes divine beasts soaring, moving with the wind, ever-changing. Lin Rui couldn't help but chuckle. This scene was reminiscent of legendary spirit beasts chasing clouds at the heavens' edge.

  He strolled along the street, passing through the bustling crowd and brushing shoulders with passersby. Unlike the morning's tranquility, Bamboo Cloud Town was now fully awake, unfolding a lively, vibrant tapestry of marketplace life. Along both sides of the street, shops of various kinds displayed distinctive signboards, the atmosphere both boisterous and orderly. Peddlers' cries, haggling voices, the clang of hammers, and the hum of alchemic furnaces intertwined, merging into a unique marketplace symphony full of vigor.

  Before the spirit herb shops lining the road, specimens of various spirit herbs hung on display, emitting waves of delicate fragrance, as if each herb possessed its unique aura. Inside, several cultivators were gathered around counters, arguing with shopkeepers about the age and efficacy of certain spirit herbs, expressions on their faces seemingly growing more serious due to this "efficacy dispute." Lin Rui paused, observing, his keen eyes capturing several focal points of their discussions, including some rare medicinal materials. He quietly noted them, considering they might be helpful in future missions.

  He overheard one cultivator mention, "This medicinal material isn't old enough. The Myriad Medicines Alliance standards require three years before it can be inventoried." Another cultivator retorted with dissatisfaction, "You're right, but I heard their recent procurements haven't been smooth. Probably no one's checking that strictly."

  These words piqued Lin Rui's curiosity. These cultivators were quite knowledgeable about a place called the "Myriad Medicines Alliance," and this alliance seemed to hold a pivotal position in spirit herb transactions.

  Further ahead, he passed by talisman shops. Various talismans were displayed in the windows. Some were painted with fiery symbols representing flames, others depicted icy patterns of frost, and still others bore complex symbols he couldn't decipher, exuding an air of mystery. Inside one shop, a young female cultivator was arguing with the Shopkeeper about using "Gale Runes."

  Lin Rui overheard the conversation inside through the window. "The talisman masters of the Thunder Light Sect have said that Gale Runes shouldn't be drawn like this. Power will dissipate." These words left him slightly puzzled. He thought this female cultivator seemed connected to a place called the "Thunder Light Sect." These talismans were not merely commodities. They seemed to have some more profound doctrine or rules behind them.

  Next, Lin Rui noticed a wooden tablet hanging on a weapon crafting shop wall, engraved with a specific symbol and inscribed with the words "Heavenly Craft Guild - partner store." Lin Rui's heart stirred. This "Heavenly Craft Guild" was related to this shop in some way, perhaps a platform providing resources for weapon refiners.

  The interior of the weapon crafting shop was an even more fervent scene. The "clang, clang, clang" of hammers and the roar of furnace fire intertwined, and a scorching aura permeated the surroundings. A robust man, bare-chested and muscle-bound, was wielding a hammer, forcefully forging a new weapon, his face full of concentration and satisfaction. The smell of iron rust in the air and the aura of spirit artifacts mingled, giving a strong sense of power.

  Lin Rui's gaze swept over, and he saw several weapons gleaming with light placed in a corner. Nearby, several cultivators were discussing in hushed tones, "These swords are the Heavenly Craft Guild's latest releases. I heard they are all made using mortal rank, middle-grade ores. Stable energy, suitable for Level five cultivators." These words made it even clearer to Lin Rui that these so-called "Heavenly Craft Guilds" were closely related to weapon refining and cultivators' weapon needs. Although he didn't understand weapon refining, these words already revealed deeper underlying connections.

  Beyond these shops closely related to cultivation, there were also spirit tea houses, taverns, inns, and other places providing rest and socialization. Inside a tea house, several cultivators were seated around a table, sipping fragrant tea and discussing the strange and interesting things of the cultivation world. A snippet of conversation reached Lin Rui's ears, immediately capturing his attention:

  "Did you hear? An ancient cultivator's cave dwelling suddenly appeared deep within the Azure Mist Mountains, said to contain countless treasures and mysterious items!" A cultivator said in a low voice, his tone tinged with impatience.

  "Really? How do you know?" Another cultivator seemed skeptical.

  "True! I've already seen several groups of cultivators rushing that way!" Excitement gleamed in the speaker's eyes. "Should we also go try our luck?"

  Another older cultivator shook his head, revealing a hint of indifference. "Such things are beyond the likes of us unaffiliated cultivators. Better to cultivate steadily and improve ourselves." His eyes conveyed a slight detachment from the "ancient cave dwelling" rumors. This kind of "windfall fortune" opportunity did not seem worth pursuing for him.

  The tavern was a scene of boisterous revelry. Cultivators raised cups and exchanged toasts, chatting animatedly about upcoming hunting expeditions. A cultivator with a full beard stood up, raised his wine bowl, and shouted, "Cheers! Wishing our 'Hunter's Guild' expedition a roaring success!"

  "Cheers!" Other cultivators echoed in response, emptying the bowls of wine in one gulp. The atmosphere was fervent, and everyone was filled with anticipation for adventure.

  Lin Rui's gaze lightly swept over, noting that these cultivators wore various weapons at their waists—some swords, some sabers, and some adorned with magic tools of peculiar shapes. Excitement and anticipation were evident on their faces. They looked forward to the upcoming adventure, brimming with longing as if it were a hunt destined for victory, and the rewards of victory were precisely the glory and power they craved.

  Hearing them mention the "Hunter's Guild," Lin Rui's heart stirred slightly. He didn't fully grasp what these cultivators were discussing. Still, from their atmosphere and expressions, it seemed to be an essential cultivator organization or something akin to an elite group whose members jointly participated in meaningful missions and adventures. His thoughts drifted slightly, and he couldn't help but ponder about the various cultivator groups and organizations in this world and how they were related to the path of cultivation.

  At the inn's entrance, several cultivators in uniform stood guard, responsible for maintaining the inn's security. They occasionally scanned the cultivators and merchants entering and exiting the street.

  As Lin Rui passed an inn, he heard melodious zither music drifting from within. Curious, he paused and peered inside through the window. He saw a woman in white robes sitting in the lobby's center, lightly stroking the zither strings. The zither music poured out like flowing water, sometimes soaring and impassioned, sometimes lingering and melodious, as if leading one into a transcendent realm.

  The surrounding cultivators listened quietly, expressions of rapture on their faces. Although Lin Rui didn't understand music theory, he could feel the extraordinary artistic conception contained within the zither music. It was not merely a display of skill but a release of some form of energy, a unique expression beyond a cultivator's cultivation level.

  "This is the cultural life of the cultivation world, then... seems quite refined," Lin Rui mused inwardly.

  He continued walking forward. The ratio of cultivators to mortals on the street became more balanced. Cultivators were busy with trading and cultivation, while mortals bustled in the marketplaces, their lives complete and orderly. As Lin Rui passed a stall, an elderly vendor sold candied haws. He stopped and bought a skewer for himself.

  "These candied haws are made with spirit fruits. Eating them can strengthen your body, improve your health, and prolong your life," the old man said with a smile.

  Lin Rui looked at the candied haws, quite tempted to try them, but after considering he didn't have earning capacity yet, he could only regretfully leave. He continued walking until he arrived at a small plaza. In the center of the plaza stood an ancient stone stele, upon which the history of Bamboo Cloud Town was inscribed.

  He approached for a closer look. The stone stele detailed the origins of Bamboo Cloud Town: a thousand years ago, this place was just an ordinary village until the True Person Bamboo Cloud came here and discovered a source of abundant spiritual energy. He then founded a sect here, establishing the Bamboo Cloud Sect. Bamboo Cloud Town gradually prospered from this, becoming the critical cultivation and trade center it is today.

  Standing before the stone stele, Lin Rui couldn't help but sigh inwardly: this small town concealed such a profound history and foundation.

  Circumnavigating the stele, he continued, discovering that many cultivators were gathered around the plaza, setting up stalls. Lin Rui's gaze occasionally swept over the dazzling array of shops and stalls, attempting to find items that could help him improve his cultivation. Just as he passed a stall laden with various weapon crafting materials, suddenly—his steps faltered slightly, his gaze involuntarily arrested by something ahead.

  A familiar figure appeared in his field of vision. The person was standing before a spirit material shop not far away, a touch of indifference and coldness between his brows. His gaze swept over the surrounding spirit materials as if they were all irrelevant to him. A flicker of surprise flashed in Lin Rui's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. His breath caught slightly, his body seeming to stiffen for a fleeting moment against his will.

  That person was his... no, the original Lin Rui's former fiancé—Wang Ruohan.

  Lin Rui's heart suddenly raced, and memories flooded his mind. Wang Ruohan, the Wang Family's favored son, with profound cultivation and unparalleled handsomeness.

  Wang Ruohan seemed oblivious to Lin Rui's presence. He was bent over, examining a spirit material in his hand, his expression focused, seemingly wholly immersed in his world.

  Once upon a time, they had been inseparable. In Lin Rui's childhood, he had always followed behind Wang Ruohan, listening to him explain the secrets of cultivation and watching his sword dance amidst the bamboo groves. Back then, Wang Ruohan's eyes were always filled with smiles, and his voice was always so gentle as if everything in this world deserved his tenderness.

  However, as they grew older, the gap between them widened. Lin Rui's cultivation talent was mediocre, consistently failing to break through bottlenecks, while Wang Ruohan soared ahead, becoming the leading figure of the younger generation in the Wang Family. Wang Ruohan's attitude changed accordingly, the former intimacy gradually turning into distance and indifference.

  "Rui, your meridians... perhaps are more suited to the auxiliary cultivation path," Wang Ruohan had once said to him, his tone tinged with regret, but even more so, with an undisguised aloofness.

  Lin Rui clearly remembered how he had forced down the bitterness in his heart and nodded, indicating his understanding. From that moment on, he knew that between him and Wang Ruohan, there was already an insurmountable chasm.

  Later, although their engagement had initially been a political marriage between the two families, the Wang Family still used "incompatible aptitude" as grounds to dissolve the engagement, and the Lin Family agreed. Wang Ruohan expressed nothing about it, only saying faintly, "Perhaps it is for the best."

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  At that moment, Lin Rui's world completely collapsed.

  However, the Lin Rui of today was no longer the mediocre youth who had suffered cold shoulders and disdain. He was Lin Rui, a private investigator from Los Angeles, Neon Dive's top gogo dancer!

  "Humph! Although this Wang Ruohan is not that Wang Ruohan. But you're both scum. Lin Rui, oh Lin Rui, seems we've both been hurt by scum men with the same surname." Lin Rui calmly calculated how to avenge himself, and the original Lin Rui thought that a small revenge act would satisfy him.

  "Isn't this young master Wang? What a coincidence to run into you here." Lin Rui's voice was neither loud nor soft, just enough for the surrounding cultivators picking out spirit materials to hear. While saying "coincidence," a sliver of cold playfulness flashed in his mind: "Old and new grudges, settled together."

  Wang Ruohan heard the voice, his brow furrowing slightly as he slowly turned around. He had initially assumed it was some ignorant fool daring to disturb his selection of spirit materials, but when he saw the newcomer was Lin Rui, a flicker of surprise, almost imperceptible, still flashed in his pupils. However, this surprise was fleeting, instantly replaced by a condescending indifference, as if looking at an insignificant ant.

  "Lin Rui?" Wang Ruohan's voice was flat, devoid of any emotion as if speaking to an irrelevant passerby. "You're still alive? I thought it was just some gossip rumor circulating in the streets!"

  "Alive? As you put it, my being dead would have been more... normal." Lin Rui sneered inwardly. As a private investigator in his past life, his forte was reading people's hearts. He keenly caught a hint of sourness and... jealousy in Wang Ruohan's words?

  "Thanks to you, still can't die," Lin Rui shrugged, his tone as light as if discussing the weather, completely ignoring Wang Ruohan's mockery. "What's wrong? Seeing me alive, young Master Wang seems... disappointed? Could you still keep thinking about that bit of 'affection' from back then, wanting to rekindle our former bond?"

  He deliberately emphasized "affection," his gaze also turned ambiguous as if hinting at something.

  Hearing these words, the surrounding cultivators turned their gazes over one after another, their faces revealing expressions of gossip-fueled intrigue.

  "What? They two used to have 'affection'?"

  "No way, right? How could young master Wang have taken a fancy to that Lin Family waste?"

  "You wouldn't know, but I heard they used to be engaged..."

  "......"

  Whispers rippled through the crowd, and Wang Ruohan's expression instantly darkened. He hadn't expected Lin Rui to be so bold, daring to expose his past publicly.

  "Lin Rui, what nonsense are you spouting!" Wang Ruohan scoffed coldly, trying to conceal his embarrassment. "There is nothing between you and me anymore! Don't be delusional!"

  "Is that so?" Lin Rui smiled noncommittally. He slowly approached Wang Ruohan, his eyes carrying a hint of playfulness and provocation. "If that's the case, why bother with the cold mockery? Why even care whether I live or die? Could it be... young master Wang, are you afraid of something? Afraid of me... stealing your limelight? Or afraid others might know about our past relationship?"

  He deliberately softened his voice on the words "past relationship" but made sure Wang Ruohan could hear him.

  Wang Ruohan's face became even more gloomy. He stared fixedly at Lin Rui, a flash of anger in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. He knew he couldn't lose his composure in front of Lin Rui, or he would only become a laughingstock for the onlookers.

  "Lin Rui, it seems you are different from before. You've become quite the silver tongue," Wang Ruohan said coldly. "However, do you think this will change anything? The gap between you and me is already as vast as cloud and mud. Even if you've 'returned from the dead,' you're nothing but linger on in a wretched state at death's door. Oh right," he suddenly chuckled dismissively, as if recalling something, his gaze falling on Lin Rui's empty hands. "You wouldn't be thinking of buying spirit materials here, would you? With your current 'cultivation,' I'm afraid you can't even afford the lowest-grade mortal-rank materials, can you? Want me to 'condescend' and give you some charity?"

  He deliberately emphasized "cultivation" and "charity," his tone filled with mockery and disdain.

  Hearing these words, the surrounding cultivators also glanced at Lin Rui, their eyes tinged with pity and contempt.

  "This Lin Rui is truly overestimating himself, daring to challenge young master Wang."

  "Exactly. Who does he think he is? 'Returned from the dead'—I see him as nothing but a joke!"

  "......"

  Lin Rui listened to the surrounding murmurs, but his expression remained unchanged. He had long anticipated Wang Ruohan's reaction and had prepared his response.

  "Whether I can afford it or not is none of the young master Wang's concern," Lin Rui retorted indifferently, his gaze instead settling on a purple crystal stone on the counter. "Shopkeeper, I'll take this amethyst crystal."

  The amethyst crystal was deep purple throughout, its surface covered in fine texture, subtly radiating a rich undulation of spiritual energy. It was no ordinary item.

  The spirit material shopkeeper, a stout middle-aged man, had initially intended to watch the show from the sidelines as Lin Rui and Wang Ruohan clashed. Still, he hadn't expected Lin Rui to suddenly speak up about buying the amethyst crystal.

  He was momentarily stunned, then flashed a professional smile. "This customer has a discerning eye. This amethyst crystal is our shop's treasure, mined deep within the Azure Mist Mountains. It contains pure spiritual energy and is excellent material for refining thunder-attribute magic artifacts..."

  "Hold on!" Wang Ruohan suddenly interrupted the Shopkeeper, his gaze fixed on the amethyst crystal, a subtle glint of shrewdness in his eyes. "The quality of this amethyst crystal is this high! If refined into a suitable magic artifact, it will elevate my strength to the next level! No, I must have it!"

  He had been searching for high-quality thunder-attribute spirit material to refine a magic artifact. He hadn't expected to encounter it here. "Unfortunately, recent cultivation expenses have been too high, and I am a bit strapped for cash... However, dealing with a waste like Lin Rui doesn't require spending money."

  "This..." The Shopkeeper immediately revealed a troubled expression. He naturally recognized Wang Ruohan, knowing that this young master of the Wang Family was not to be trifled with. However, Lin Rui spoke first and the Lin Family was one of the strongest families in Azure Mist Province, and they were also not to be trifled with. "These two, I can't afford to offend either of them... However, Wang Ruohan is probably rich. I heard Lin Rui is a peripheral figure in the family. Let me think about who to favor first..."

  "What? Is young master unable to afford the price?" Wang Ruohan coldly swept a glance at the Shopkeeper, his tone laced with displeasure. He didn't threaten to seize it by force but used "unable to afford the price" to counter-question, showcasing his wealth and putting pressure on the Shopkeeper.

  "No, no, not at all," the Shopkeeper hastily shook his head, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. "It's just that this customer came first..."

  "First come, first served?" Wang Ruohan chuckled dismissively, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "In the cultivation world, strength is revered, and the biggest fish is the rule! However, this young master is not one to be unreasonable."

  He turned his head to look at Lin Rui, his gaze filled with provocation. "Lin Rui, if you know what's good for you, obediently step aside, lest you invite humiliation upon yourself! This amethyst crystal is not something a waste like you is worthy of possessing."

  He didn't directly offer to double the price but used "strength is revered" to suppress Lin Rui while implying he would be "reasonable. " This "reason" was clearly based on his own strength.

  Hearing these words, the surrounding cultivators turned their gazes towards Lin Rui, expressions of anticipation for a good show on their faces. They all wanted to know how this "resurrected" Lin Family waste would respond to the provocation from the Wang Family's young master.

  Lin Rui looked at Wang Ruohan, a playful smile curving his lips. "Young master Wang certainly carries himself with great prestige, but... are you sure you want to compete with me?" He paused, deliberately raising his voice. "Don't forget, I am the one who was 'resurrected by the ancestor manifestation.' Perhaps... the ancestor is still watching from above. If you forcefully seize my things, aren't you afraid of incurring the ancestor's wrath?"

  He deliberately emphasized the four words "ancestor manifestation," his tone laced with a hint of jest.

  The surrounding cultivators erupted in an uproar upon hearing these words.

  "Lin Rui is too audacious, daring to invoke the ancestor to pressure Wang Ruohan!"

  "But what he said seems to make sense. What if the ancestor did manifest..."

  "......"

  Wang Ruohan's face slightly darkened. He hadn't expected Lin Rui to use the "ancestor" as leverage. Although he didn't believe in any "ancestor manifestation," it was better to err on caution with such matters. What if he angered the Lin Family ancestor? He would be in deep trouble. "Damn it, this kid is resorting to such underhanded tactics! But how could I be intimidated by him?"

  "Lin Rui, stop using the ancestor to scare me! And we, the Wang Family, have no reason to fear your Lin Family's ancestor!" Wang Ruohan forcefully suppressed the apprehension in his heart, his tone remaining cold. "This amethyst crystal, I am determined to buy! I'd like to see what your Lin Family ancestor can do to me!"

  Although he said so, his heart had already begun to waver. He decided not to confront Lin Rui directly and to think of a way to deal with him after returning home.

  "Is that so? Then go ahead and try," Lin Rui smiled nonchalantly. He turned to the Shopkeeper. "Shopkeeper, how much for this amethyst crystal?"

  "This..." The Shopkeeper hesitated for a moment, then quoted a price, "Five hundred spirit stones."

  "Five hundred spirit stones?" Lin Rui raised an eyebrow but didn't immediately say he would buy it. Instead, he changed the subject, looking at Wang Ruohan. "Young master Wang, you also heard five hundred spirit stones. Didn't you say 'strength is revered'? What, now you don't even understand the principle of 'highest bidder wins'?"

  He paused deliberately, giving Wang Ruohan time to react, and then continued, "How about this? Since young master Wang wants this amethyst crystal so badly and is so powerful, why don't you offer a price? I, on the other hand, will reluctantly 'compete fairly' with you."

  His words, while seemingly giving Wang Ruohan a way out, were roasting him over a fire.

  The surrounding cultivators erupted into an uproar upon hearing this.

  "This Lin Rui is cunning."

  "Although he doesn't have spirit stones, he can skillfully push Wang Ruohan into this predicament."

  "I heard young master Wang has been spending a lot of spirit stones on cultivation recently and is indeed a bit strapped for cash."

  "This is going to be good. I wonder how Wang Ruohan will respond."

  "......"

  Wang Ruohan's face instantly turned ashen. He hadn't expected Lin Rui to be so shameless, daring to expose his financial straits publicly. He had recently spent many spirit stones on cultivation and was currently short on funds. But how could he admit this in public?

  He stared fixedly at Lin Rui, a sinister flicker in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He knew he couldn't lose his temper now, or he would only make Lin Rui even more smug. Moreover, with so many cultivators watching, wouldn't he become a laughingstock if he lacked even this much composure?

  "Lin Rui, you..." Wang Ruohan forcefully suppressed the fire in his heart, saying in an icy tone, "Are you deliberately provoking me?"

  "Provoking?" Lin Rui blinked innocently. "Young master Wang, what are you talking about? I am merely stating the truth. Could it be young master Wang can't even come up with five hundred spirit stones? If so, then let's forget about it, lest you disgrace the Wang Family's name."

  He deliberately emphasized the words "disgrace the Wang Family's name," his tone filled with mockery.

  Wang Ruohan's expression grew even more unpleasant. He clenched his fists tightly, his fingernails digging deep into his palms. He desperately wanted to rush forward and tear Lin Rui to pieces, but he knew he couldn't. He had to maintain his composure and uphold his image. More importantly, he couldn't let Lin Rui's scheme succeed.

  "Lin Rui, stop being so smug!" Wang Ruohan took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "This amethyst crystal, this young master is determined to have! However, I am indeed a bit short on funds right now. How about this: I will pay half as a deposit first and give you the rest after I return home to retrieve spirit stones."

  He decided first to placate Lin Rui and stall for time, then think of a way to deal with him after returning home. At the same time, he also wanted to take this opportunity to test Lin Rui's bottom line.

  "Deposit?" Lin Rui laughed, doubling over with mirth. "Young master Wang, are you joking with me? Who pays a deposit when buying something? Besides, why should I trust you? What if you go back and deny everything? Who would I reason with? Surely you don't expect me to go to your Wang Family's ancestor for judgment?"

  He mentioned "ancestor" once again, his tone even more playful and unrestrained.

  The surrounding cultivators could no longer restrain themselves, bursting into laughter.

  "Hahahaha... this Lin Rui is too wicked, actually making fun of the Wang Family ancestor!"

  "Wang Ruohan has kicked a steel board, being played around by Lin Rui."

  "......"

  Wang Ruohan's face had become extremely unsightly. He felt his cheeks burning as if he had been slapped hard several times. In all his life, he had never suffered such humiliation!

  "Lin Rui, don't push it too far!" Wang Ruohan could no longer endure Lin Rui's humiliation and roared.

  "Push it too far?" The smile on Lin Rui's face vanished instantly, replaced by an icy chill. "Wang Ruohan, who exactly is pushing it too far? Back then, you broke faith and abandoned our engagement for your own future. Have you ever thought about the words 'pushing it too far'? Now, you are again bullying others by relying on your power, trying to seize what I have taken a fancy to. Have you ever considered the words 'pushing it too far'?"

  He pressed forward step by step, his gaze sharp as a knife, his voice also becoming low and cold. "Let me tell you, Wang Ruohan, from today onwards, I, Lin Rui, am no longer someone you can bully at will! What you owe me, I will get it back, little by little, all of it! This amethyst crystal is just the beginning!"

  He ignored Wang Ruohan, turned to the Shopkeeper, and said, "Shopkeeper, I don't want this amethyst crystal anymore. Give it to young master Wang. Consider it... my 'charity' to him."

  Then, amidst Wang Ruohan's ashen face and the shocked, intrigued, and gloating gazes of the surrounding cultivators, he strode away.