Chapter 60
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Chapter 60: The Path of Perseverance
“Boom!”
With a strong punch from Lin Jiang, a large hole burst through the wall. The two adjoining yards merged into one, making the space feel much wider.
Lin Jiang stepped through the hole, and Zhang Ruifang’s daughter, Cao Ying, saw him. Her face lit up as she spread her arms wide, wanting a hug. She really liked Uncle Lin Jiang, who always brought her tasty snacks whenever he came by.
Lin Jiang easily lifted her up, played with her for a bit, and handed her some jerky to chew on. Soon, Zhang Ruifang came out of the house.
“Are you seriously planning to stay inside for a whole year?”
She asked Lin Jiang. He had come over just the day before, telling her that he didn’t plan to go outside for a full year. He wanted to lay low before making any decisions.
Zhang Ruifang found this hard to believe. Could someone really stay indoors for an entire year, like during the Qi Refining stage?
“Going outside is too risky right now. I’ll stay hidden for a year. We have enough food and water, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“What about money?”
“It’s fine. I can still earn by drawing talismans. I’ve already paid the rent for three years. I’ll figure things out after this year.”
Lin Jiang explained. The outside world was too chaotic—he was even being hunted by the Dark Night Organization. Right now, patience was his only strategy. Endurance was the key to survival.
As for money, Lin Jiang didn’t care much. His yearly expenses were just over 20,000 spirit stones. If he cut back—used fewer elixirs, skipped the Spirit Gathering Formation—a few thousand stones would be enough. He had savings to last a few more years.
Plus, he had already stocked up on talisman paper and paint. He could keep drawing spiritual talismans and sell them slowly. If that didn’t work out, he could always sell them to shops. Worst case, he’d earn a little less—but he wouldn’t go broke or starve.
“Sorry for dragging you into this.”
“Don’t say that. If you do, I’ll take it as you repaying Cao Yang. Just don’t go out again. If you need anything, call me. The kids can visit each other, and they’ll have more room to play.”
“I know. I won’t go outside.”
Zhang Ruifang nodded. It was too dangerous out there now. For the children’s safety, she wouldn’t leave either.
Lin Jiang gave her a nod, said nothing more, set Cao Ying down, arranged a few bricks, and went back home.
“Bird! I want to ride the bird! Fly~”
Half a year later, Cao Ying was chasing Big Bird and Small Bird all around the yard. The birds ran ahead while she followed behind. Whenever she caught them, she’d hop on their backs like she was riding a pony.
“Chirp chirp~”
This time, Cao Ying caught Big Bird right at Lin Jiang’s door. It squawked loudly, looking displeased—almost as if it were complaining, “Come get your kid. If you don’t, I’m tossing her off.”
“Here’s some jerky for your troubles. Stop bothering me.”
Lin Jiang didn’t even turn around as he tossed a piece of jerky backward. Big Shadiao opened its beak to catch it, but Cao Ying tried to grab it too, using her mouth to mimic a bird. Startled, Big Shadiao gulped it down in one bite.
The bird missed the good old days when jerky and other treats were abundant. But for the past six months, it had mostly been living off Inedia Pills. The jerky had become a rare luxury. Life had gotten sadder.
“Stupid bird! You didn’t share with me!”
Frustrated, Cao Ying tried to pluck out some of Big Shadiao’s feathers. But as a second-tier monster beast, its feathers were tough. Even using all her strength, she couldn’t pull any out.
“Cao Ying! Come now—it’s time to learn your letters!”
Zhang Ruifang shouted like a lion. She knew her daughter well—just over three years old and full of mischief. It was too early to discipline her harshly, but she still needed to learn. Big Shadiao and Small Shadiao often got so annoyed they’d jump around in frustration.
At first, Cao Ying had been afraid the birds might hurt her. But later, she realized they could understand people—and that Lin Jiang had told them not to harm her. She got bolder and even tried to bring the birds into her room to sleep.
She would pester the birds, and her mother would pester her. Despite her young age, Cao Ying had to start learning characters. If she failed, she’d get punished and made to stand. Chaos was common in the house.
“Big bird, hurry up and fly me away!”
Hearing her mother’s call, Cao Ying looked desperate. She clung to Big Shadiao’s neck and pleaded.
Big Shadiao raised its head and walked lazily toward Zhang Ruifang. It wasn’t going to fly, but it could definitely walk her back home.
“I don’t wanna go! Big bird, no!”
Cao Ying yelled as she clung tightly to the bird’s neck, unwilling to be dragged back.
“Get over here!”
Zhang Ruifang took a few steps forward, grabbed the back of Cao Ying’s clothes, and lifted her up like a cub.
“Let my fellow cultivator taste some pastries I made today.”
She turned to Big Shadiao and placed three plates of pastries down—one for the two birds, and one for Lin Jiang.
Big Shadiao’s eyes sparkled. Small Shadiao darted over from the corner. The two nearly fought over the treats.
However, they wouldn’t dare touch Lin Jiang’s portion. That was strictly off-limits. They could fight each other, but stealing from the master? That was asking for death.
Lin Jiang took the plate from their side, took one bite, and handed the rest back as a reward.
“Hands meant for holding a sword shouldn’t hold a spatula.”
Lin Jiang sighed. Zhang Ruifang’s cooking skills were truly… unique. Only the birds didn’t care. Lin Jiang always felt her hands were better suited for battle.
That’s why he never accepted her invitations to eat, no matter how often she asked. First, to avoid suspicion. Second, her cooking just wasn’t good. He preferred to cook for himself.
“It’s already been half a year… I wonder how things are outside.”
He set down his brush and blew gently on a freshly drawn talisman. His stash of blank paper was running low. Over the past six months, he had been extremely productive—doing the work of eight.
There were no phones, no computers, no games in this world. With little else to do, he spent most of his time drawing talismans. That focus boosted his efficiency.
“Alright, let’s stick it out for another six months.”
After some thought, Lin Jiang made his decision. Compared to losing his life, boredom and isolation were a small price to pay.
A year passed quickly.
Disguised, Lin Jiang finally ventured outside. First stop—a shop where he sold 200 spiritual talismans to refill his storage bag.
After exchanging his goods for money, he found a good restaurant and had a proper feast. Once he was full, it was time for other pursuits.
No, not what you’re thinking—Lin Jiang just wanted to go to Spring Coming Tower or Baihua Tower to “discuss life, the human condition, and the principles of the universe.”
Two days later, he left the tower grumbling, “Those chairs are too damn hard. My back’s killing me. I’m never going back there.”
He took a stroll through South City Market. Most familiar faces were gone. Lin Jiang had no plans to set up a stall—his appearance was too recognizable. He only dared to sell for a few hours each day, worried someone might notice him.
He bought some meat and snacks before heading home. The meat was for Big and Small Shadiao. They’d endured a tough year—barely any good food and constant torment from Cao Ying.
The snacks were for Cao Ying herself. She had grown taller, more energetic. Despite being cooped up, her spirit hadn’t dimmed at all.
“Any news from the outside?”
“I haven’t heard from any of our old friends. Still no leads.”
“Are you going to open your stall again?”
“Not for now. I’ll slow things down. Just sell to shops instead.”
“If you’re looking for a reliable store, I know a few. They’ve been family-run for generations. I can introduce you.”
“Great. What matters most is trust. Half the shops in Yunzhong City are shady.”
Lin Jiang added, “The lives of ordinary folks in the cultivation world are hard. That desperation drives many to dishonest practices. I’d guess at least half the shops are up to no good.”
“I get it. But the ones I’ll introduce are different. Their reputation is solid.”
“Alright then. What about you? What’s your plan?”
“I want to find Cao Yang.”
“I’ll handle that. I’ll give him a proper burial.”
“Thank you.”
“What about after that?”
Lin Jiang asked again. He couldn’t bring himself to say it outright—it would sound selfish. But he wanted to separate from Zhang Ruifang and her daughter.
He didn’t harbor any improper thoughts about them. He had promised Cao Yang. But keeping them around would only draw more danger from the Dark Night Organization. That group had already lost a Foundation Building cultivator to Lin Jiang. Next time, someone stronger might come.
“I don’t know yet. But I should leave Yunzhong City. The Dark Night Organization operates nearby. I’d rather not cross paths with them.”
Zhang Ruifang said. If they were found, it would mean death for her—and tragedy for her daughter. If the girl had no spiritual roots, she’d be discarded. If she did, her future would still be bleak.
“Wait a bit longer. I’ll gather intel. Once you know where to go, I’ll take you there. The Aurora Falcon is very fast—Foundation Building cultivators can’t easily keep up.”
Lin Jiang said, “The Aurora Falcon is at mid-level Tier 2. Unless someone has a rare body technique, no Foundation Building cultivator can outrun it. That bird is famous for its speed.”
“Alright. I’ll think it over.”
Zhang Ruifang replied. With the Aurora Falcon, escape would be much easier. The speed would give her a real chance to get far from Yunzhong City.
