Chapter 41: The Art of Needle Projection

On Ramhorn Mountain, under Mouse Heaven’s cunning guidance, the hordes of rats methodically hauled the corpses of wolves, piling them into a veritable mountain of bodies at the base. The scene was undeniably eerie—should an ordinary person witness it, their soul would surely flee in terror.

Yet at this moment, the four figures standing midway up the mountainside watched the spectacle with unruffled composure.

“Daoist Brother, your mastery of controlling rodents is truly extraordinary. Dealing with such a pack of wolves is no easy feat for the average cultivator. Even within my own Demon-Slaying Division, we would first have to investigate the situation, then mobilize our strongmen for a concerted assault. I am deeply impressed.”

Yue Xiu, the female cultivator, smiled charmingly at Jiang Chen. Since Lu Xuanping presented the Concealing Umbrella and Jiang Chen accepted it, the atmosphere between the two groups had become much more cordial.

Given the circumstances, Yue Xiu had developed an intention to draw closer to Jiang Chen. Lu Xuanping, a scion of a prestigious family, clearly wished to befriend him, and as a rogue cultivator herself, she was hardly an exception.

Jiang Chen merely smiled without replying. He had never studied any rodent-controlling techniques; the remarkable results before them were due entirely to the presence of Mouse Heaven, the King of Rats.

Witnessing this, the burly Yang Lie couldn’t help but let a trace of mockery flicker in his eyes. Yue Xiu habitually feigned a cold and lofty demeanor before him, yet now, in the presence of this Daoist, she was ingratiating herself quite shamelessly.

Of course, despite his inner thoughts, Yang Lie’s words betrayed none of this.

“Daoist Brother, your dual cultivation of martial and mystical arts is truly a rarity in my lifetime. I am sincerely awed.”

He looked at Jiang Chen, his rugged features radiating genuine admiration. As a martial artist, the pursuit of martial mastery was his highest aspiration. His respect for Jiang Chen was real, but his claim that dual cultivation was unprecedented was pure exaggeration. In fact, many cultivators at the Spirit Inspiration stage dabbled in martial arts, as talismanic arts had many limitations while martial skills proved more practical.

Only those with the backing of influential sects could afford to devote themselves solely to magical cultivation in preparation for advancing to the Qi Refining stage.

Compared to Yue Xiu, Jiang Chen regarded Yang Lie with a touch more interest, for he could sense the powerful vitality coursing through the man. Evidently, Yang Lie was something of a prodigy in the martial arts as well; had Jiang Chen not benefited from the wolves’ assistance in his cultivation, he would likely have been outmatched by Yang Lie in terms of sheer vigor.

Nevertheless, subtle cues among the trio revealed that Yang Lie actually held the lowest status within their group.

Noting Jiang Chen’s response, Lu Xuanping’s gaze shifted thoughtfully.

“Daoist Brother, do you have any use for these wolf pelts?”

After a brief conversation, Lu Xuanping had gained some insight into Jiang Chen’s character, and an idea was taking shape in his mind.

Jiang Chen glanced at him and shook his head.

Seeing this, Lu Xuanping’s intentions grew clearer.

“Since the pelts are of no use to you, might I propose a trade? I have some items that may prove valuable in exchange.”

His expression was earnest as he made the offer.

Observing Lu Xuanping, Jiang Chen pondered for a moment and quickly guessed his intention.

“If you have need of them, Fellow Daoist Lu, by all means—take them.”

He smiled and handed over the wolf pelt, still carrying a trace of residual warmth.

Just as Lu Xuanping wished to cultivate a friendship with him, Jiang Chen also saw value in befriending Lu Xuanping. From what he had gathered, most of Qingyuan County’s cultivators and resources were concentrated near the county city. If he wished to acquire more cultivation resources, he would almost certainly have to deal with the city eventually—making Lu Xuanping, a direct scion of the Lu family, a valuable connection.

Lu Xuanping’s smile grew more genuine, less like the polite façade from before, and all the more sincere.

The pelt of the Wolf King did have some value, but its true significance lay in what it represented. That Jiang Chen parted with it so readily spoke volumes about his openness.

“To be frank, this pelt is of considerable use to the three of us. I thank you sincerely. I set out in haste and did not bring many treasures with me, but in exchange for your wolf pelt, I offer you three taels of spirit sand and a talismanic technique.”

Without waiting for Jiang Chen’s refusal, Lu Xuanping stepped aside and used his dagger to carve the contents of a talismanic technique onto a stone wall.

“This Lu fellow is truly ingenious,” Jiang Chen mused, recognizing the technique.

It was called the Needle Emission Technique, rather obscure and not terribly useful for cultivators, but for a beast like Mouse Heaven, it was ideal. With proper training, it could serve both offensive and defensive purposes.

“It is a joy to have met such an extraordinary Daoist today. Alas, the matter of the wolf pack is grave, and we must hasten back to report. Should you visit the county city in the future, Daoist Brother, you must seek me out—then, I will host a grand banquet in your honor.”

Having finished inscribing the technique and producing a pouch from his sleeve, Lu Xuanping took his leave. The urgency to report back was merely a pretext; in truth, he wished to give Jiang Chen space to handle his spoils. As for cultivating their acquaintance, there was no rush—such matters required patience.

For this reason, he had never asked Jiang Chen’s name. If Jiang Chen chose to reveal it, he would listen; if not, he would not pry. After all, from their conversation, he surmised Jiang Chen was likely a rogue cultivator—such individuals often preferred to keep certain matters private.

Jiang Chen, understanding his intent, did not press them to stay. What he needed to do next was not suitable for outsiders, so he saw the trio off with a smile.

Once they had left Ramhorn Mountain, all three—Lu Xuanping, Yue Xiu, and Yang Lie—felt a palpable sense of relief.

Though their interaction with Jiang Chen had been pleasant, having witnessed the Wolf King’s grim fate firsthand, the pressure of being around such a formidable figure weighed heavily on them.

It was at that moment an elderly Daoist in a gray robe, with a gourd hanging from his waist, appeared in the distance.

Upon seeing him, Lu Xuanping hurried over.

“Uncle Mo, I must trouble you once again.”

He bowed respectfully to the gray-robed Daoist. After Jiang Chen had discovered them, he had immediately sent for help, and this Daoist Mo was a guest elder of the Lu family—a cultivator of consummate Spirit Inspiration, versed in powerful talismanic arts, and a close confidant.

For safety’s sake, Daoist Mo had accompanied them from the start.

Daoist Mo scrutinized Lu Xuanping carefully.

“It seems you have resolved matters.”

Seeing no injuries, he knew the worst had been averted.

Lu Xuanping nodded.

“It was a close call, but fortune favored us. We not only obtained the Wolf King’s pelt but also made the acquaintance of a remarkable Daoist friend...”

He did not conceal the details and recounted the events involving Jiang Chen.

Daoist Mo’s interest was piqued as he listened.

“To think that he is both a martial grandmaster and a cultivator—how unexpected. Xuanping, you have done well.”

He looked at Lu Xuanping with satisfaction, approving his actions.

A pure martial grandmaster was rare, but not valuable enough to warrant such efforts. Martial grandmasters, though strong, were no match for a Qi Refining cultivator, and their paths had little room for advancement. However, someone like Jiang Chen, skilled in both martial and mystical arts, was an entirely different matter.