Chapter 124: The Storm Approaches

+35 Prestige points! +362 points! +862 Prestige points, +52 Prestige points! ...

Following a blinding flash of light, a star-filled night sky appeared before him. Only then did Tianming realize that they hadn't moved an inch from beneath the mansion. Yet, just a moment ago, they had clearly been deep inside. It was just as Kuang Zhen had said: they had fallen into an illusion.

However, he could not help but wonder if Xuan Jian was also merely a figure of that illusion.

If that were the case, it would be disastrous. Tianming had no idea what their true intentions were. Consumed by anxiety, he became deaf to the notifications of incoming Prestige points; he could only hope that his fears would not come to pass.

At this thought, ripples of unease grew within him, and his expression turned grim. In this Southern Wasteland continent, crawling with members of the Black Demon race, if their identities were exposed, the consequences for both of them would be unimaginable.

"I won't be accompanying you any further," Kuang Zhen said after a moment of contemplation. He seemed to have realized the same thing; his brows knit together into a deep furrow, carving lines of worry onto his forehead that he could no longer conceal.

"What do you mean?"

Startled by these words, Tianming turned his gaze, filled with confusion. Seeing the distress on Kuang Zhen’s face, he was struck with shock. He had never seen Kuang Zhen appear so troubled before, and he asked, "What is happening?"

"Something has gone wrong back there... I must return. They likely discovered some clues about me and sent people to test us. If I stay here any longer, it will be difficult for me not to be discovered, and I fear I would only implicate you."

"So, you must walk the rest of the path alone. I am sorry."

Kuang Zhen shook his head, scanned his surroundings, then leaned in close to whisper to Tianming.

What!?

***

Hearing this, Tianming’s mouth fell open. In the past, he might not have understood, but now he knew that place was the only sanctuary in the Southern Wasteland, the only place capable of purifying dark factors.

If anything happened to that place, the consequences would be catastrophic.

"Implicate me? What are you talking about? If anyone is to blame, it’s me! If I hadn't meddled, none of this would have happened. But is it serious? How are they and the place doing now?"

Feeling a surge of shame, Tianming could hardly meet Kuang Zhen’s apologetic gaze. He raised a hand to stop Kuang Zhen from continuing and asked in a low voice.

"It isn't too dire. Just a few people who know only how to scheme. They are a bit troublesome, but fortunately, I am outside now, so I can mount a pincer attack from the inside and out. You just need to focus on your own plans; don't worry about us!"

Kuang Zhen quickly composed his features and gave a faint smile, shaking his head at Tianming as if it were a trivial matter.

"Very well. Since Brother Kuang has made up his mind, as the younger one, I cannot stop you. I only hope you will consider things carefully... A place can be rebuilt if it is lost, but if people are gone, there is nothing left." Seeing that Kuang Zhen was unwilling to reveal more, Tianming stopped pressing.

"..."

With a slight nod, Kuang Zhen said nothing more and soared away from the mansion. Everywhere he passed, cold air surged, nearly freezing the leaves on the trees. He seemed to be in a great hurry.

"Sigh, I hope things aren't too bad. It seems my current strength is still lacking, but..." Tianming sighed. Though he recognized his own weakness, he had no shortcut to power.

It was so frustrating!

"Meow-wu~"

"Master, why don't you try the Prestige Shop, the feature you haven't used yet? According to my calculations, you have over fifteen thousand Prestige points. You should be able to purchase many useful items!"

As if sensing his thoughts, Xiaoling, the coffee-colored cat, emerged from his forehead in a flash of golden light.

"…Well, what do you suggest I buy, Xiaoling?" Heartened, Tianming quickly feigned a meditative pose, pretending to be healing his injuries as he glowed with a faint silvery light and delved into his consciousness to ask.

***

"Given your current situation, Master, you cannot afford to lose the Lightning Sword, a treasure that can significantly boost your cultivation level. My suggestion is that you secure permanent ownership of it."

"Hmm, not bad. You and I think alike, but the Lightning Sword requires 88,880 Prestige points, doesn't it?" Tianming spread his hands, feeling somewhat dejected.

He had expected the cat to have some unique insight, but it had reached the exact same conclusion as he had. He hadn't needed to ask, but since it was the system spirit, he had tried to be polite.

"Master is correct. The Lightning Sword does indeed require 88,880 points for permanent ownership, but you can pay in installments. By paying 8,888 points this month, you can obtain a thirty-day license."

"And if I can't pay the rest, I suppose I'll have to go work as a laborer on the Purple Mine Star? You really are an ambitious capitalist, Xiaoling—too ruthless!" Tianming looked at the cat with disdain and shook his head.

"Please forgive me, Master. These are the rules; I have no way to defy them." Being the system spirit, Xiaoling immediately caught the complaint in Tianming's tone and explained carefully.

"Since you’ve put it that way, what reason do I have to refuse? Buy it for me. A man must believe in himself. I don't believe I won't be able to pay it back—at worst, I'll just take a 'vacation' to the Purple Mine Star!" Hardening his resolve, Tianming gritted his teeth and responded internally.

*Clang!*

"Congratulations, Master! You have acquired a 30-day usage license for the rare treasure, the Lightning Sword. Please continue to accumulate Prestige points to repay your debt!"

...

Ignoring Xiaoling, Tianming turned and walked toward the pavilion from before. The same familiar figures were still there, but it seemed there was one more person—Jiang Cheng, whom he had met on the road. They were likely discussing the prison break.