Chapter 60: The Art of Disguise

The river surged relentlessly, time slipping quietly by, and in the blink of an eye, another ten days had passed.

Over these ten days, the situation on the Qingyuan River had grown ever more peculiar. The bandits of the River continued their ceaseless patrols, as if searching for something upon its waters, while the authorities, after several direct clashes, silently drew back their forces. Whether this was a retreat or the prelude to some deeper scheme remained unknown.

On a nameless hill, with a single breath of true energy, Jiang Chen released a flash of white light that etched a deep mark into the stone ahead. Witnessing this scene, Jiang Chen frowned.

“The Qi Sword Technique emphasizes the refinement of true energy, transforming it into a sharp sword aura. Though my cultivated true energy is of high quality, its reserves are still too meager, causing this spell to fall far short of what it should achieve.”

His gaze lingered on the stone, and Jiang Chen fell into contemplation.

As a complete inheritance, the Lesser Formless Sutra offered not only its main cultivation method but also accompanying spells. The essence of Formless True Energy lay in its boundless transformation, and the supplementary techniques recorded in the Sutra reflected this property—five in all.

They were: Qi Condensation, Qi Thread, Qi Sword, Blood Fiend True Flame, and Skin Cloak. Qi Condensation, Qi Thread, and Qi Sword complemented the cultivation of Formless True Energy: Qi Condensation refined the energy, Qi Thread pursued mastery over it, and Qi Sword altered its nature.

If a cultivator achieved proficiency in these three spells, not only would they prove invaluable in magical combat, but they would also aid progress in cultivation and breaking through boundaries. Blood Fiend True Flame was an advanced spell derived from Blood Flame, capable of extracting vital energy from flesh and blood, generating blood fiend aura to destroy magical artifacts and bodies alike—a formidable killing force.

Skin Cloak, however, was the core spell of the Sutra. Despite the profound nature of Formless True Energy, it lacked the straightforward power of techniques like Flame True Energy. Thus, Skin Cloak emerged, enabling a cultivator to simulate the strength of various monsters.

Essentially, Qi Thread and Blood Fiend True Flame both served Skin Cloak: Qi Thread aided the control of monster skins, while Blood Fiend True Flame extracted beastly vital energy to nourish and strengthen them.

“Qi Condensation is purely auxiliary, increasing the refinement of true energy over time, but its effects are not immediately visible. Qi Thread, on the other hand, I have already mastered the fundamentals, and before long, I will reach minor proficiency. Its emphasis is control, and with my powerful spirit, I hold a distinct advantage here.”

“As for Qi Sword, it seems I must wait until my cultivation advances further before I can master it. But Skin Cloak—it's time I began preparations.”

“Back then, Daoist White Crane slew a crane to craft his own monster skin, gaining the ability to transform into a crane and becoming a formidable force in magical combat. Now, what kind of monster skin should I choose?”

His thoughts turned, Jiang Chen weighed the path ahead, but soon he drew his mind back.

For now, only monster skins crafted from Qi Refining stage creatures would be of true use to him, yet he had not encountered even a single such beast, let alone begun crafting a skin.

The broader environment was unfavorable—there were few Qi Refining cultivators, and even fewer Qi Refining monsters.

“At present, the only place I know for certain that holds Qi Refining monsters is Five Immortals Mountain, but that place is far from safe. Even the veteran cultivator from the An family fell there. To hunt monsters in that place would be extremely dangerous.”

---

Shaking his head, Jiang Chen rose and descended from the mountaintop, where Stone was already waiting.

“Sir, Steward Wang has arrived.”

Stone reported in a hushed tone, his manner deeply respectful. When he first followed Jiang Chen, he felt secure—so long as he handled affairs diligently, his status was not low despite the menial tasks. But as time passed, and figures like Mouse Tianjiao and Hongyu appeared, he began to worry for his position.

Jiang Chen nodded in response.

“Sir…”

Inside the thatched hut, Wang Yuan hurried to bow as Jiang Chen returned.

“Tell me, what changes have there been outside lately?”

Sipping his tea, Jiang Chen asked.

“Sir, two main events have occurred recently. First, Liao Yonghuai, the county magistrate of Qinghe, has fallen ill—rumored to be from rage. Because of this, the county soldiers have shown signs of withdrawing, as if abandoning the campaign against the River bandits.

Second, turmoil has arisen within the bandits. The Second Boss and others have been gone too long, arousing suspicion. Moreover, Mutu Island has been under lockdown; officially for defense against soldiers, but our insiders report something strange is happening—people keep disappearing.”

Wang Yuan spoke in a low voice, detailing the intelligence he had gathered.

Hearing this, Jiang Chen pondered.

“Withdrawal? Not necessarily. Though turmoil plagues the Southern Realm, the dynasty still commands the overall situation. With Ironman Tu making such a ruckus, the authorities are unlikely to let it go so easily.”

His thoughts flickered, seeing the hidden currents beneath the calm surface. He was also curious about the events on Mutu Island.

“Well then, I’ve lingered here long enough. It’s time to return.”

Looking at Wang Yuan, Jiang Chen made his decision.

Seeing this, Wang Yuan finally confirmed his suspicions.

---

Previously, his contact with Jiang Chen had always been through Mouse Tianjiao; recently, he had been able to speak directly. Now, seeing Jiang Chen decide to return to Golden Sands Valley, he knew his guess was correct.

“Congratulations, sir, on your advancement.”

Without hesitation, Wang Yuan bowed deeply.

Jiang Chen accepted the gesture calmly.

“You risked entering Qingyuan River and brought back Hongyu, giving me insight into the An family’s affairs. You have earned merit. I know what you seek—today, I will grant you an opportunity.”

As he spoke, true energy flowed as Jiang Chen placed his hand atop Wang Yuan’s head.

A moment later, Jiang Chen withdrew his hand and shook his head.

Seeing this, Wang Yuan staggered and turned pale. He knew how rare it was to possess spiritual apertures, yet he had hoped—feared, too. If he had such a gift, he could embark on the path of cultivation, and his life would change dramatically. But reality, as always, proved harsh.

“Thank you, sir, for your trouble.”

“I will see to all arrangements immediately to welcome your return.”

Suppressing his disappointment, Wang Yuan bowed deeply again and withdrew to continue his duties.

“Everyone is the protagonist of their own life, but in the grand scheme of the world, we are but motes of dust—our presence or absence matters little.”

Watching Wang Yuan’s slightly desolate retreat, Jiang Chen shook his head. The greatest regret in life is simply longing and failing to obtain, yet this is the common fate.