"Ding! The host has completed a side quest and received 50 Counterattack Points and 200 low-grade spirit stones."
"The host has formed a good relationship with the Master of Fortune, increasing your luck."
The system notification echoed in Qi Yuan's mind, and he vaguely felt a mysterious aura descend from the heavens, settling upon him, lifting his spirits a bit.
Apart from that, nothing particularly special happened, as if it was just a psychological effect.
Luck is the most elusive and unpredictable thing, and Qi Yuan couldn't experience any concrete effects in the short term.
Everyone knows that luck truly exists and always plays a role at critical moments, determining the ultimate success or failure of an endeavor.
In a way, one's fate and luck are the foundation of a cultivator, representing the highest level they can achieve in this life.
Qi Yuan merely had to beat up a few mortal servants to gain an increase in luck, which was quite a profitable deal.
Not just him, even a Dao Integration stage cultivator like Daoist Hengzhen would find such temptation irresistible.
"System, the more of these side quests, the better. I can handle it."
Although bullying the weak isn't exactly honorable, one must admit... it's quite satisfying!
Soon, Qi Yuan suppressed his joy and discreetly glanced at the new ring on Lin Zhen's hand.
As expected of the Child of Fortune, he stumbles upon fortuitous encounters just by walking around. Even Qi Yuan couldn't discern the material of the ring, indicating it's no ordinary item. There might even be a hidden old master inside.
However, despite his curiosity, Qi Yuan had no desire to covet it. Not because of his noble character, but because the possessions of the Child of Fortune are not easily taken.
Someone like Lin Zhen, a Child of Fortune, is closely watched by the Heavenly Dao from birth. To gain significant benefits from him, one must first seek approval from the heavens, or risk having the fortune but not the life to enjoy it.
Qi Yuan held a high position in the Supreme Profound Sacred Land and had the system with him, so he didn't need to covet such mysterious items that might have significant hidden dangers.
Forming a good relationship with Lin Zhen and sharing in his fortune and blessings was the best choice...
With this thought, Qi Yuan collected his thoughts and looked at Lin Zhen with an increasingly kind gaze, as if seeing a treasure waiting to be discovered.
"Brother Lin, what are your plans for the future?"
"I plan to return and take the test."
Lin Zhen took a deep breath, a determined look flashing across his face.
"Where I fell, I must rise again. Wang Luchuan has a blood feud with me, a grudge for stealing my wife, and I must settle this score personally.
What of a Dual Spiritual Roots genius? Once I join Falling Cloud Valley and embark on the path of immortality, I will repay him tenfold, a hundredfold!"
As he spoke, Lin Zhen clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging on the back of his hands, his eyes filled with endless anger.
Qi Yuan's smile widened, silently mourning for a certain arrogant little fatty for a moment.
Of all people to offend, he chose to offend the Child of Fortune. Isn't that just asking for trouble?
***
When Qi Yuan returned to the entrance of Falling Cloud Valley with Lin Zhen, they immediately drew the attention of all the youths, and the previously noisy atmosphere fell silent.
Standing in the center of the crowd, Wang Luchuan, who had been basking in flattery, froze, looking at Lin Zhen in disbelief.
How could he still be alive and return!
Wasn't he supposed to be dead already?
Beside Wang Luchuan, Liu Yingying's expression also changed slightly, then she lowered her head in shame, unwilling to face him.
Seeing the unfamiliar man standing next to Lin Zhen, Wang Luchuan seemed to understand something, his face darkening as he walked straight to the two of them, speaking coldly to Lin Zhen:
"Weren't you leaving? How do you have the face to come back?
And, I kindly sent a few men to escort you, where are they now?"
Hearing Wang Luchuan's reversal of truth, Lin Zhen trembled with anger.
"Wang, you sent people to harm me and now pretend otherwise. You're truly a beast in human clothing, worse than pigs and dogs."
Wang Luchuan sneered disdainfully, his eyes full of mockery: "You accuse me of harming you, where's your evidence? Without evidence, don't make baseless accusations, or don't blame me for being ruthless."
"You—!"
Lin Zhen was furious, knowing he couldn't produce evidence. Even if he could, the other party would have countless ways to evade and argue, or even counterattack.
After all, the outcome was that he was still alive, while those three servants were dead.
Seeing this, Qi Yuan, who had been watching coldly, stepped forward, speaking calmly: "Your three men were born with thin fortune and short lives, mere short-lived ghosts. They were taken and eaten by wild beasts not long ago. I advise you to mourn and move on."
Wang Luchuan frowned slightly, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes as he looked at Qi Yuan, his tone much weaker, "Who are you, and why are you meddling in our private affairs?"
Though not yet initiated into the Dao, he could still sense the faint pressure emanating from the other, a pressure only cultivators possess. No matter how arrogant he was, he instinctively felt fear in front of a cultivator.
Even if the young man before him was a low-level rogue cultivator, he wasn't someone a mere mortal could easily provoke.
Qi Yuan ignored him, instead sweeping his gaze over the surrounding crowd, his tone full of threat. This chapter was copied from novelping.com without permission.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Qi Da. From now on, Lin Zhen is under my protection. Anyone who dares to bully him is going against me."
The youths present felt a chill in their hearts, quickly avoiding his gaze.
Wang Luchuan's expression changed unpredictably. He knew it was impossible to touch Lin Zhen today, so he glared venomously at the two of them, not daring to utter a single harsh word, and left with his group of followers.
After Wang Luchuan left, Lin Zhen was even more grateful to Qi Yuan: "If not for Brother Qi's help today, I fear..."
But before he could finish, Qi Yuan interrupted: "Brother Lin, we have a good connection, no need to be so formal."
He had to admit, having the Child of Fortune regard him as a little brother was quite satisfying for Qi Yuan.
As for Wang Luchuan, such a low-level, weak villain, he didn't even have the interest to teach him a lesson, as it would only lower his own standards.
Of course, if the troublesome system issued a task, that would be another matter.
Thinking about it, ever since this broken system appeared, he had been either bullying the weak or on his way to bully the weak, never encountering a decent enemy, yet the rewards were all extremely practical, making him feel a bit embarrassed...
Qi Yuan shamelessly thought.
***
The next day.
The gates of Falling Cloud Valley opened wide.
At the entrance, a flash of white light flickered in the void, and several Falling Cloud Valley cultivators in uniform robes flew out, standing in the air. Their powerful aura instantly silenced the previously noisy crowd, making the scene so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.
Leading them was the Dao Entry Pavilion Elder, Yin Qingyuan, who surveyed the area before speaking loudly:
"Thank you all for waiting. Today is an auspicious day, suitable for all matters. The entrance examination for Falling Cloud Valley officially begins.
According to the rules, anyone over eighteen years of bone age who has not yet started Qi Refining must leave. For rogue cultivators at the Qi Refining stage, the age limit is extended by two years for each level of cultivation.
All who do not meet the requirements or are eliminated in the examination can receive travel expenses from Falling Cloud Valley..."
It's her.
Qi Yuan immediately recognized the beautiful female cultivator standing among the Falling Cloud Valley cultivators, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Clearly no more than eighteen or nineteen years old, her cultivation had already reached the late Foundation Establishment stage, with a solid foundation and astonishing potential, comparable to some true disciples within the Sacred Land.
He hadn't expected such a figure within Falling Cloud Valley.
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