Chapter Thirty: This Was His Most Ideal State for Cultivating Immortality

As Su Jian was deep in thought, the system’s notification suddenly echoed once more in his mind.

[Your Dao companion, He Hansu, is now online.]

His eyes lit up instantly—his precious Dao companion was finally alive again.

Now his cultivation was assured once more. He could continue his leisurely, carefree existence...

As for something like a strong heart—could that be eaten? Clearly, his mindset was simply excellent!

Nothing was more pleasant than cultivating while lying flat, pursuing only his own desires, free from any constraints of morality or righteousness.

This was his ideal state for cultivation.

[Your Dao companion, He Hansu, has suffered grave injuries—her cultivation has plummeted, and even her storage ring was destroyed in the encounter.]

[Your Dao companion, He Hansu, is trapped in the void, helpless for the time being.]

This was the penalty for being reckless.

Why wander blindly into the void, even for fortune? One should always measure the risks.

It was already a blessing she hadn’t lost her life.

Su Jian sighed inwardly: “The path of caution most forbids risking everything for opportunity. When I next meet my Dao companion, I must impart all I know of this cautious way.”

Her survival was the greatest comfort he could ask for.

Hopefully, this ordeal would teach her to be resolute, so she wouldn’t court disaster again. Steady cultivation was better than anything.

Though she was trapped in the void this time, it didn’t hinder her cultivation. Progress might slow, but her life wasn’t in imminent danger.

Once a cultivator forms their foundation, they no longer need to eat; after refining their Qi, their energy far surpasses their former self. Even days without rest would do little harm, though deep sleep does nourish the spirit. When idle, sleeping more never hurts.

Su Jian pulled himself from his reveries, stroked his chin, changed his attire, and headed straight for Gao Zhengde’s chamber.

Though it was early morning, Gao Zhengde was already awake, preparing to seek out Su Jian once more.

But before he could take a few steps, a young man descended slowly before him, blocking his path.

The newcomer’s appearance was unremarkable; had Gao Zhengde not seen him descend from the sky, he might not have noticed.

Gao Zhengde put on his usual smiling face, beaming, “May I ask where the immortal master hails from?”

Su Jian’s expression was cold and steely, his gaze narrowed. “Gao Zhengde, your deeds have come to light. Come with me.”

Gao Zhengde was momentarily stunned—the words sounded strangely familiar.

He had no time to dwell on it. Forcing a smile, he said, “Immortal master, surely some misunderstanding is at play. Perhaps you’ve been misled by rumors? I believe there must be an explanation.”

A foreboding unease filled Gao Zhengde’s heart. Was this visitor connected to Zhang Cheng’s intrusion the previous night?

Su Jian sneered, “The Alliance of the Righteous never wrongs a good man. The reason we’ve come for you is because the evidence is incontrovertible.”

Gao Zhengde paused, as though a realization struck him in an instant. He cried out, “Immortal master, please judge wisely! The events of that night truly had nothing to do with me. The notices in the city were posted under duress by villains. Please, let me explain in detail!”

Su Jian frowned, suppressing the urge to strike the man dead, and motioned for him to continue.

He had hoped to use his current identity to probe the truth, likely uncovering useful information.

If the moment was right, it was time to send Gao Zhengde to the underworld.

With the memory fragments sent back by Ouyang Ke, Su Jian’s mind cleared. Not only did it confirm his suspicions about Gao Zhengde, but it revealed the man’s ambitions were vast.

To achieve his goals, he would even sacrifice his own son—a true wolf in human skin.

All Su Jian needed now was to extract from Gao Zhengde his precise motives for luring him to the lakebed. The system’s task would thus be complete.

Yet, simple as it sounded, Gao Zhengde would not easily divulge such secrets.

It was a shame Su Jian didn’t know any soul-searching technique; it would make things far easier, but cultivation at the Void-returning stage was its greatest barrier.

Gao Zhengde quickly formed a plan and sighed, “Immortal master, it’s a long story, but the mastermind is residing in my mansion right now. I know he is an enemy of the righteous, but lacking a way to contact your sect, I could only worry in silence. Now, it seems I needn’t have worried—your timely arrival means the suffering of the people of Lingzhou City has finally come to an end!”

The wretch nearly made Su Jian laugh in anger—so casually betraying him, truly deserving of death!

Su Jian smiled instead, “Oh? Then tell me the whole story.”

Gao Zhengde drew a deep breath. “Immortal master, the man is the junior disciple of the demon Su Henli. You must know well what kind of person he is. Not only did he kill Su Henli, but he also murdered another immortal master of your sect—someone known as the Blade King, I believe. Though not by Su Jian’s own hand, he fell to that man’s treachery, and all was blamed on others. The treasure you seek must surely be in his possession.”

Immediately, Gao Zhengde changed his tone, his face full of obsequiousness. “Besides, I know how arduous your path is, immortal master. Years ago, I acquired a fortuitous opportunity, but have never been able to make use of it. Now I see it was destined for you all along!”

With that, Gao Zhengde prepared to act as a guide, even making a gesture of invitation.

Su Jian laughed suddenly, and in one swift motion seized Gao Zhengde by the throat of fate, lifting him off the ground.

Gao Zhengde’s face flushed crimson, struggling to breathe, and managed to gasp, “Cough... Immortal... master, what... does this mean?”

Su Jian looked at him with mockery. “Is it possible I never came for the reasons you claimed? That your disclosures are nothing but an unexpected delight to me?”

He saw through Gao Zhengde’s petty schemes.

The man simply saw that Su Jian wasn’t falling for his tricks, and the righteous immortal master’s appearance was perfectly timed.

If the righteous immortal master killed him, then lured to the lakebed, Gao Zhengde’s plan would be fulfilled.

But to be fair, Gao Zhengde had grown more cunning, abandoning any claims of acting for the people’s sake, choosing instead to tempt with profit.

Gao Zhengde’s face now resembled a slab of liver—his cleverness had only led him astray.

Yet he was still confused as to Su Jian’s true purpose.

Su Jian lessened his grip, careful not to kill Gao Zhengde by accident.

This was not the right place for conversation. Without further delay, Su Jian dragged Gao Zhengde into his own room.

He threw Gao Zhengde heavily to the floor and pressed his foot onto the man’s face.

Gao Zhengde cried out in pain.

Su Jian spoke coldly, “Now let’s discuss your evil deeds. For what you’ve done, even soul extraction and the harshest punishment would not be too much.”