Chapter Ninety-Two

Chapter Ninety-Two

Having gleefully negotiated his terms with Shi Yan, Shen Wang was eager to visit the special department's treasury right away.

Shi Yan felt a mix of emotions but had to accept it; after all, Shen Wang was free to redeem the agreed conditions whenever he wished... even if it was a bit sooner than expected.

As Shi Yan escorted Shen Wang back to the special department, he watched Shen Wang charge into the treasury like a hungry tiger, Shi Yan lowered his head, rubbing his temples, pretending to see nothing.

Shen Wang, entering the treasury, was oblivious to Shi Yan's complex emotions, and even if he were aware, he wouldn't have cared much.

Upon entering the treasury again, Shen Wang took a deep breath, soaking in the spiritual energy in the air, and began to select treasures meticulously.

This time, his objective was crystal clear: he was looking for materials suitable for crafting artifacts.

The Xuan Jade Immortal Book in his mind woke up, whispering its request, "I want spiritual plants…"

Shen Wang's eyelid twitched, trying to reason with the book, "Next time…"

Before he could finish, the Xuan Jade Immortal Book started sobbing, "I became like this for whom? Isn't it all for you?"

"Following you to this backwater place, I can't even get a decent meal."

Listening to the Xuan Jade Immortal Book's whimpers in his mind, and unable to mute it, Shen Wang closed his eyes tightly, then reopened them, conceding, "I'll find you one spiritual plant, no more."

After a negotiation full of verbal sparring, Shen Wang emerged triumphantly over the book.

Finding the area with spiritual plants, Shen Wang carefully selected one brimming with spiritual energy.

In his mind, the Xuan Jade Immortal Book drooled over the remaining plants, "Can I eat all these? I promise to leave no trace, or we could sneak in at night, like we did that time at Qingcheng Mountain's treasury…"

Grabbing the items and ready to leave, the Xuan Jade Immortal Book was confident that no one in this world could stop its master.

Listening to his book's villainous remarks, Shen Wang had nothing to say: "You know, a minor villain like you wouldn't last more than three episodes."

The Xuan Jade Immortal Book hummed and hawed, its gaze lingering on those spiritual plants, and finally let out a long sigh, its entire being dimming: "Alright, alright, I get it. I'll be a good book."

While conversing internally with the Xuan Jade Immortal Book, Shen Wang navigated through the treasury, searching for his desired artifact-crafting materials.

After much searching, Shen Wang passed by variously shaped jade stones and stopped in front of a nondescript little black stone.

The Xuan Jade Immortal Book glanced at it, asking puzzledly: "Master, are you planning to switch to being a sword cultivator?"

Otherwise, why would he focus on the Sword Releasing Stone.

The Sword Releasing Stone is a type of ore capable of absorbing sword intent. For most cultivators, it's of little use, but it's valuable to sword cultivators with developed sword intent.

In the world of cultivation, those battle-crazed sword cultivators would place a massive Sword Releasing Stone in their sects, releasing their sword intent onto it daily to temper their sword hearts.

Shen Wang didn't respond; the Xuan Jade Immortal Book fluttered its pages: "Such a small Sword Releasing Stone isn't much use."

Attacking such a small stone would require controlling the sword intent to an incredibly delicate degree; just a bit too much and the stone would shatter.

Shen Wang picked up the palm-sized stone, tossing it in his hand: "This thing is common in the world of cultivation, but rare here."

After speaking, Shen Wang picked up a large yellow ore, patted it satisfactorily, and left the treasury with his selected items.

Familiarly instructing the treasury staff to record his items, Shen Wang played with the Sword Releasing Stone in his hand, looking pleased.

Shi Yan glanced over: "The Sun Moon Snow Ginseng, Sand Mother Stone, and this… little black stone."

Shi Yan recognized the first two items, but the last one, the little black stone, surprised him: "Do you know how to use this thing?"

This little black stone had been handed over to the special department for several years now, and the researchers had yet to figure out its use. It looked like an ordinary stone, yet faintly pulsed with spiritual energy.

When attacked with spells, it easily showed marks, just like a regular stone.

Shen Wang tossed the little black stone casually, explaining, "This thing is called a Sword Releasing Stone. It's useless to ordinary people but beneficial for sword cultivators."

"Sword cultivators can refine their sword intent by attacking it with their sword energy."

Upon hearing this, Shi Yan's expression shifted slightly, his demeanor becoming somewhat complex.

At this moment, the staff had completed the registration, and Shen Wang cheerfully left with his items.

The staff member closed the record book and backed it up on the computer, then curiously watched the stationary Shi Yan: "Director Shi, what's wrong?"

The person was long gone, yet he was still looking… Could it be a secret crush on Shen Wang? The staff member, a fan of Shen Wang, pondered thoughtfully. Given Shen Wang's cultivation and appearance, it wouldn't be surprising for someone to have a crush, right?

Realizing his subordinate's peculiar gaze, Shi Yan couldn't maintain his smile and hissed, "He's not a sword cultivator, what does he need that for! Use your brain!"

The staff member blinked in confusion for a moment. What about a sword cultivator? Sword cultivator...

Suddenly, the staff member's eyes widened, locking gazes with Shi Yan in mutual understanding.

After a while, the staff member gave a dry laugh: "This just shows how good Shen Wang's relationship is with Master Gu, right? No problem… I guess?"

Even if there was a problem, it would be something for the special department to handle internally, which didn't seem too bad.

Back at home, Shen Wang immediately fed the Sun Moon Snow Ginseng to the Xuan Jade Immortal Book, which devoured the cherished spiritual plant in an instant, leaving nothing behind.

The Xuan Jade Immortal Book barely filled its pages with the Sun Moon Snow Ginseng before slowly closing its cover and drifting back to sleep.

Shen Wang shook his head in resignation: "Always sleeping... I've never seen a spirit so fond of sleep."

He reflected that its love for sleep was probably why it had resided in his mind for so long without his knowledge.

Knowing that the Xuan Jade Immortal Book was fine and merely conserving energy through sleep, Shen Wang didn't worry much. He played with the Sword Releasing Stone in his hand and sent a message to Gu Dongting.

As expected, Gu Dongting didn't reply.

Shen Wang tossed the Sword Releasing Stone up and caught it, smirking mischievously: "Since you're not replying, I'll take it as your consent."

He already had an idea for the sword he would gift to Gu Dongting.

After some thought, Shen Wang also messaged Xiao Hei Ge, informing him of his plans to go into seclusion for a few days, just in case he was needed urgently.

Xiao Hei Ge responded immediately: [Why the sudden decision to go into seclusion?]

Shen Wang was candid, explaining his participation in the National Xuanxue Competition and added: [Such a national competition is full of hidden talents. I need to prepare in advance to avoid any unforeseen failures.]

Xiao Hei Ge didn't reply.

Just as Shen Wang was about to put away his phone, he suddenly thought to ask: [Do you know about this competition? Anything I should be wary of?]

While Gu Dongting and Shi Yan could provide information on the standard procedures and rules, Shen Wang thought that Xiao Hei Ge, straddling both righteous and unorthodox paths, might have more insider information.

Indeed, Xiao Hei Ge replied: [With your skills, winning the championship shouldn't be a problem. The competitors are all under thirty-five.]

[But...]

After sending just "But...", Xiao Hei Ge's message showed that he was still typing, piquing Shen Wang's curiosity. He prompted: [But what?]

[There seems to be someone causing trouble behind the scenes in this Xuanxue competition. Be careful.]

[If things go as expected, Tang Jiu will also participate in this competition.]

Shen Wang's eyes narrowed slightly as he read Xiao Hei Ge's message.

It then vaguely dawned on him that the protagonist, Tang Jiu, seemed to have gained fame through participating in a competition, later interacting with foreign cultivators.

In the original storyline, Shen Wang was supposed to have been long dead by now.

Having his blood replaced by Tang Jiu, he died silently in a hospital, unknown to anyone... Only his brother Li Pingping and sister Liu Yue remembered him, tirelessly seeking the truth behind his death.

Meanwhile, Tang Jiu had moved on, gaining international fame and reaching the pinnacle of his life.

Shen Wang didn't take the novel's plot to heart. Cannon fodder or not, he believed in his ability to defy fate with his strength.

As for the plot following his death, Shen Wang only skimmed through it. It mainly involved Tang Jiu's romantic entanglements, acquiring rare treasures, and receiving various aids... He couldn't be bothered to remember all that.

Enlightened by Xiao Hei Ge's reminder, Shen Wang realized: [So that's how it is.]

No wonder Shi Yan mentioned the Special Department lacked outstanding talents and had to seek external assistance.

It was all to prepare for Tang Jiu's impressive performance.

In the original story, Tang Jiu represented the Xuanxue Association in the competition, triumphing over various challenges, romantically entwined with fellow competitor Gu Manling, and ultimately winning the championship.

Xiao Hei Ge seemed somewhat worried: [Tang Jiu... is not simple. Don't underestimate him and be very careful.]

Protagonists always seem weak but are capable of overpowering stronger opponents, like indestructible cockroaches. Shen Wang agreed: [You're right, I'll be careful.]

[Thank you for informing me about this, I'll prepare thoroughly!]

Putting down his phone, Shen Wang scoffed. He didn't believe that after all his efforts to suppress Tang Jiu, the latter could still have the same unbelievable fortune as in the original story.

After his laughter, Shen Wang immediately prepared for the weapon forging, determined to have his weapon ready before the competition.

He mentally despised his opponents but took them seriously in his actions, resolute not to be a minor character.

Meanwhile, Gu Dongting, upon receiving Shen Wang's message, was lost in thought.

How could he forget the Xuanxue competition? It was the first formal encounter with Tang Jiu in his past life, the starting point of their enmity!

As the righteous leader of the Xuanxue world, Gu Dongting, although under thirty-five, didn't need to participate in the competition, instead serving as a judge.

During the competition, Gu Dongting was shocked to find his obedient and adorable younger sister inexplicably close to a seemingly frivolous and flirtatious man, even showing signs of budding romance.

Gu Dongting didn't immediately intervene. After investigating Tang Jiu's past relationships, he quickly took Gu Manling back to their family home.

Confronted with Tang Jiu's flirtatiousness, Gu Manling erupted in anger at Gu Dongting, accusing him of being a feudal patriarch and violating others' privacy...

Subsequently, Gu Dongting, acting as a stern enforcer, harshly disrupted the lovebirds, only to solidify Tang Jiu and Gu Manling's relationship, culminating in Tang Jiu's splendid victory and championship in the Xuanxue competition.

Recalling these events, Gu Dongting's eyes flashed red, a faint red mole appearing under his right eye, quickly vanishing unnoticed by others.

Gu Dongting struggled to suppress his dark emotions, clutching his chest, his strong fingers gripping a piece of his shirt.

He could feel another Gu Dongting struggling to break free.

"Why now, of all times!" Gu Dongting thought with frustration.