Helping each other with countless me.

Chapter 578 You don't want the Secret Service to find out, do you?
The cold, damp underground altar, with flickering candlelight casting distorted shadows of deities onto the stone walls, was filled with an eerie mixture of old blood and incense odor.

A man dressed in a Secret Service combat uniform, but with shifty eyes, was kneeling humbly on the ground. His communicator screen was lit up, displaying a blurry video clip of Li Zhongren absorbing and throwing out a swarm of resentful psionic energy.

Above the altar, a figure dressed in a dark purple robe, his face shrouded in the shadow of a hood, sat quietly.

It was Mo Yuan, the cult leader who had escaped that day and the leader of the Northern Underworld Devouring Heaven Cult.

Of course, very few people know this name.

The undercover agent finished his report with trepidation, barely daring to breathe.

Mo Yuan stretched out his fingers, which were now withered and thin compared to before. This was the price he paid for using the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Blood Shield Technique last time. For a normal evil cultivator, using such a secret technique would basically cripple them. However, the Northern Darkness Sect was different; they could completely replenish their depleted essence and blood through devouring.

There's no immediate plan to make amends; the intention is simply to stabilize the foundation and avoid leaving any hidden damage.

The finger beckoned in the air, and the communicator flew into his hand out of thin air. He watched the video repeatedly, especially the whole process of Li Zhongren embracing the black energy with both hands, drawing it out, and throwing it into the sky.

At first, a soft "hmm" came from the shadows under his hood, which then turned into a deep, resonant laugh.

"Hehe... Interesting, truly interesting..."

His voice was hoarse and cold, with an eerie magnetism that seemed to know everything.

"This method of energy absorption, this brutal and direct extraction trajectory... there's no mistake, this is absolutely the foundation of my Beiming 'Qi Absorption Technique'! Although... it has become unrecognizable."

He suddenly looked up, and two scarlet lights shone from under his hood, filled with surprise and a greedy desire like that of someone who had discovered a rare treasure.

"But what kind of freak is this kid? He actually... inhales but doesn't use it?"

The orthodox Qi-absorbing technique uses oneself as a furnace to absorb external spiritual energy, the essence of living beings, and even emotional fluctuations, refining them into the body to strengthen oneself and pursue the leap and transcendence of life. This is a technique that Mo Yuan deduced himself through ancient fragments, and no one is more familiar with it than him.

But right now, this boy is compressing and shaping what he has absorbed outside his body, and throwing it out like a disposable cannonball?
What a waste! Utterly foolish!
But... somehow he succeeded?
Mo Yuan stood up, his long robes fluttering without wind, and he exuded a chilling aura.

"A genius... or rather, a genius among fools! He can do this, his soul... must be strange! Perhaps he has an extraordinary affinity and control over energy, or perhaps the essence of his soul is different from ordinary people, like a... specially made 'capacitor'?"

He muttered to himself, his scarlet eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"Such a soul...such a 'vessel'...if nurtured with the correct 'Qi-absorbing technique'...tsk tsk tsk..."

His words were filled with undisguised covetousness.

The next moment, his scarlet eyes suddenly swept over a black-robed cultist standing beside him.

"Go, bring me that 'sower' from the school!"

"Yes! Lord Bishop!"

The black-robed cultists quickly retreated.

Soon after, Zhang Hao, the shrewd and calculating boy who had once tried to sell Li Zhongren the "Northern Darkness Secret Technique" course on campus, was roughly dragged in by two black-robed cultists.

His face had lost its former arrogance, replaced by boundless fear, and his body trembled like a leaf in the wind.

"Greetings, Your Excellency the Bishop"

Zhang Hao shrank his neck and knelt down respectfully before Mo Yuan.

Unfortunately, Mo Yuan didn't even bother to waste words with him. He slowly raised his withered hand, which resembled an eagle's claw, and aimed it at the boy from a distance. An irresistible and terrifying suction force suddenly erupted from Mo Yuan's palm!

"Great Bishop!!"

Zhang Hao let out an extremely shrill scream, as if he were grabbed by an invisible giant hand and suddenly lifted off the ground!
An even more horrifying scene unfolded: his body shriveled up at a visible speed!

The once plump flesh seemed to have been instantly drained of all moisture and vitality; the skin tightly wrapped around the rapidly protruding bones; the eye sockets were sunken; the mouth was wide open but could no longer utter a sound.

In just two or three seconds, a living boy was transformed into a dried-up corpse covered with human skin right before everyone's eyes!
All the essence of his flesh and blood, along with his soul energy, was completely drained by Mo Yuan's domineering "Qi Absorption Technique," turning into wisps of pale red mist that were absorbed into Mo Yuan's palm.

Mo Yuan closed his eyes slightly, seemingly savoring and sorting through the fragments of memory he had absorbed.

A moment later, he opened his scarlet eyes, a look of understanding flashing within them.

"Li Zhongren was recruited about three months ago, lured in using the crudest 'bait' tactics..."

He murmured to himself.

"Judging from his memories, when he was developed, the situation in Youzhou was not like this. In other words, his mutation was an unexpected surprise..."

With a casual wave of his hand, the boy's desiccated corpse was tossed into the corner like trash. Mo Yuan sat back down, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest. His scarlet eyes gazed into the void, as if piercing through layers of obstacles to see Li Zhongren in the Special Operations Bureau.

"A prodigy who accidentally misguided his cultivation of the Qi Absorption Technique... a perfect 'vessel'..."

A cruel and cold smile curled at the corner of his lips.

"Such treasures are being left out in the wild, especially in the hands of the Secret Service; it's such a waste..."

He slowly gave orders to the undercover agents and black-robed cultists below.

“Continue to observe, don’t rush. Once my injuries have healed, I will personally take action to ensure everything goes smoothly and find an opportunity to capture him. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, he will become the most precious ‘sacred vessel’ of my Northern Darkness Holy Sect!”
-
Dividing line

Time flies like an arrow, and two months have passed in the blink of an eye.

Special Operations Bureau, Youzhou Branch, Director's Office.

Liu Ruyan sat behind her large desk, her sharp and imposing presence still evident in her crisp bureau chief uniform.

She pushed a certificate bearing the seal of the Imperial Central Department for the Response to Extraordinary Events across the table.

Li Zhongren stood ramrod straight and accepted the certificate with both hands.

The certificate clearly states "Awarding Li Zhongren the title of 'Outstanding Trainee Special Agent'", and is signed by the highest relevant agency of the Empire.

In the past two months, he has undergone real trials, participating in ten yellow threat incidents and two thrilling red threat incidents. The naivety in his eyes has faded considerably, replaced by composure and a hint of sharpness that is not easily detected.

"Congratulations on the successful completion of your internship. This is an affirmation of your performance by the General Administration."

Liu Ruyan's voice was as cool and aloof as ever, but upon closer listening, one could detect a subtle hint of admiration.

"This assessment will be in your file and will also be synchronized to the Empire's database of advanced talents. Its greatest practical benefit is that it will earn you the 'interview qualification' to apply for all the Empire's extraordinary universities."

Li Zhongren stroked the smooth surface of the certificate, looked up and asked.

"Director, why not just add points to the college entrance exam? The interview qualification doesn't seem very tangible."

Liu Ruyan seemed to have anticipated his question and explained.

"Directly adding points? If that's the case, this rule will soon be riddled with holes by certain classes. 'Substitute players,' 'nominee players,' 'bribery'... all sorts of unscrupulous methods you can and can't imagine will emerge, ultimately damaging the foundation of the empire and fairness."

She stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the special operations team members sweating profusely on the training field.

"An interview qualification is different. It only gives you a ticket to the highest stage and does not take up the traditional college entrance examination channel. Whether you can seize the opportunity depends on your true strength and performance during the interview."

"Of course, this still cannot completely eliminate manipulation, but at least it is extremely difficult and costly to play tricks under the noses of those old foxes in the empire's top universities. In other words, if those old foxes tacitly approve a deal, the other party must also pay a sufficient price, and these prices will be converted into resources for ordinary students. This is already the most fair reward that can be guaranteed under the existing system."

Li Zhongren nodded knowingly.

"I understand, thank you, Director."

Liu Ruyan turned around, leaned against the windowsill, and her gaze returned to Li Zhongren.

"With your current strength, you're at the peak of the third level of Qi Refining, and you've even stepped into the fourth level with one foot in. This level of cultivation is extremely rare among recent graduates. In theory, you can choose any extraordinary academy within the empire. Do you have a target in mind?" Li Zhongren answered without any hesitation, his eyes firm.

"The Great Xia Central Extraordinary Academy is the strongest cradle of the empire and the place where all geniuses should go."

This answer was exactly what Liu Ruyan expected, and she nodded slightly.

"That's a great ambition. With your current qualifications, you certainly have a very good chance."

But she immediately changed the subject.

"However, before going to the capital, the matter of the Northern Underworld Sect will probably have to be put on the agenda. They have been secretly observing us for more than two months, and we have not given them any opportunities. This will only increase their belief in the credibility of our plan, and right now, the biggest loophole, which is also the only opportunity, is about to appear."

"what chance?"

Li Zhongren asked curiously.

Just as Liu Ruyan said, in order to convince the cult that he was not bait, he had been very careful for the past two months. Doing so would not only not make the other side give up, but would also make them feel that this was how it should be.

So when the beautiful bureau chief in front of him mentioned an opportunity, he asked curiously, "What kind of opportunity could make those suspicious cult leaders believe that it's not a trap?"
"Youzhou, Sword Blade Mountain!"

Liu Ruyan spoke lightly.
-
Swordblade Mountain.

As its name suggests, the mountain is steep and rugged, as if it were made of countless giant swords pointing to the sky, exuding an aura of desolation, sharpness, and timelessness.

Simply standing at the foot of the mountain, one can feel an invisible pressure acting on one's soul, and the faint sound of swords echoing in the depths of one's consciousness.

Li Zhongren stood on an open space in front of the gate, surrounded by six boys and girls of similar age.

He looked up at the ancient sword tomb ruins, his mind racing.

Sword Blade Mountain... the ruins of the ancient sword-cultivation sect 'Rift Cloud Sword Sect'. It is said that a great calamity wiped out the entire sect, leaving only this sword mound containing countless sword intents and the obsessions of remnant souls. Now it has become one of the most important 'enlightenment sites' in Youzhou, and also the most important opportunity before the college entrance examination...

Information about this place flashed through his mind.

"The process of climbing can greatly temper one's spirit and soul. If you are lucky, you may even be able to sense the residual sword intent... It's really a grand gesture."

This opportunity was secured for him by Director Liu, ostensibly because of his "excellent intern" rating.

But Li Zhongren knew that this was a carefully arranged stage, but no one could fully predict how the script would unfold.

"quiet!"

A deep voice rang out, belonging to a middle-aged man dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Cultural Relics Protection Department, exuding a profound and imposing aura.

He is in charge of the opening of Blade Mountain.

"You are all the most outstanding students in Youzhou this year, and you have won this opportunity through your own strength or contributions."

The person in charge's gaze swept over the seven people, with scrutiny and a hint of warning.

"Climbing Sword Blade Mountain is a journey fraught with both opportunities and risks. The remnants of sword intent and divine soul fragments in the mountain can hone your skills and even offer a chance to comprehend sword intent, but you must proceed with caution! If your divine soul cannot withstand it, you will suffer damage at best, become an idiot at worst, or even be overwhelmed by the remaining obsessions and have your soul scattered! There are precedents for this!"

"During the climb, the use of any elixirs, magical artifacts, talismans, or other external objects is strictly prohibited. Violators will be immediately expelled and never rehired! Apart from this, cooperation among individuals is also permitted. Upon reaching the summit, you will be teleported to a random location at the foot of the mountain. Alright, get ready, the mountain gate is about to open."

The person in charge spoke concisely and then stepped aside.

While waiting, the group of teenagers naturally began to look each other over.

Apart from Li Zhongren, the other six men all had extraordinary attire and demeanor, subtly exuding a sense of superiority.

"They're all from the top high school..."

Li Zhongren confirmed this from their school badges and occasional hushed conversations.

Youzhou No. 1 High School is a gathering place for the most outstanding students from the best families in Youzhou, and is truly a place where the pride of heaven gathers.

Sure enough, a young man dressed in expensive custom-made training clothes, with a hint of arrogance in his eyes, looked at Li Zhongren in his ordinary casual clothes, pursed his lips, and spoke in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for those around him to hear.

"Tsk, it seems like anyone can get here this year? Which remote school did they send in to make up the numbers? Don't end up crying for your parents halfway up and needing someone to save you."

A very classic scene.

Li Zhongren remained calm, even finding it somewhat boring. A soul that had existed for billions of years couldn't even be bothered to stir up the slightest ripple in this kind of scene, because this was one of the inherent characteristics of the Chinese people. They would praise any enemy, no matter how ruthless or cunning they were, but they wouldn't even bother to speak of a fool.
However, another cold voice rang out first, carrying undisguised sarcasm.
"Zhou Peng, besides relying on your family's resources to barely reach the third level of Qi Refining, what else do you have to brag about? Are you mocking a classmate who got here on his own? Your shamelessness far surpasses your meager talent."

The speaker was a young girl dressed in a light blue outfit. She had a tall and straight figure, beautiful eyebrows and eyes, but her gaze was like a drawn sword, carrying a piercing sharpness.

The boy named Zhou Peng immediately blushed, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"You...you're talking nonsense! I was just..."

"Whether I'm lying or not, you know in your heart."

Zhou Peng was speechless, his face turning a deep purplish-red. After a long pause, he finally managed to growl out in a low voice, his neck stiff.

"Who knows what shady methods he used! What if... what if he practiced some kind of evil magic..."

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward after these words were spoken. Even the other students from No. 1 High School frowned slightly, feeling that Zhou Peng's words had gone too far.

"So, you think the Secret Service is inferior to you? Should we go and report this to Director Liu?"

"Chu Qingqiu! You..."

"Boom!"

Just then, the massive mountain gate in front of them, which seemed to be composed of countless broken sword fragments, slowly opened, revealing a winding stone path that was shrouded in a light mist. An even more majestic and boundless sword intent rushed towards them!

"The mountain gate is open! Enter immediately!"

The person in charge's voice interrupted the minor conflict.

Zhou Peng felt like he had been granted a pardon. He glared at Chu Qingqiu and Li Zhongren before rushing in, seemingly wanting to get rid of the awkward situation as soon as possible.

The others also took a deep breath and solemnly stepped into the mountain gate one by one.

Just as Li Zhongren was about to take a step, the girl in green, Chu Qingqiu, naturally walked to his side and walked alongside him. This scene did not surprise anyone, after all, the girl had just spoken up for Li Zhongren.

"Together?"

Chu Qingqiu turned her head to look at him, a seemingly friendly smile on her lips.

"Okay."

Li Zhongren nodded with a smile.

"But why are you helping me? We don't seem to know each other."

Upon entering the mountain gate, the surrounding pressure suddenly increased, as if the air itself had become thick and heavy, and an invisible sword intent began to continuously wash over their spirits.

Chu Qingqiu moved closer. She had a faint fragrance about her, but her smile, in the swirling mist and in Li Zhongren's perception, suddenly carried an indescribable sense of danger.

Her voice was very low, with a sweet yet cold tone, which clearly reached Li Zhongren's ears.

"Why are you here?"

"Because... Li Zhongren, you don't want the Special Operations Bureau to find out that you've cultivated the 'Northern Darkness Qi Absorption Technique,' right?"

(End of this chapter)