The End of the Immortal Path

Hearing what the Old Yellow Ox said, Jiang Man took a piece of jerky from his Storage Treasure and ate it while he thought.

After a long while, he finally asked, "About how powerful is this Peak Master?"

The Old Yellow Ox shook its head. "I’ve never seen him, so I can’t be certain. However, judging by the Wuyun Sect’s current state, he should be among the most powerful."

"Among the most powerful?" Jiang Man was taken aback. "Just how strong is that?"

"Around the level of an Immortal. Perhaps similar to that young prodigy from the Ji Family," the Old Yellow Ox replied casually.

Thinking back on Mr. Ji, Jiang Man was deeply struck. ’Is he really that powerful?’

After a moment of thought, Jiang Man asked curiously, "Old Huang, are you sure he’s on the same level as Mr. Ji? Do you have any idea how incredible Mr. Ji is?"

"From the way you’re talking, he’s even more incredible than he appears. Did you see the same things I did?" The Old Yellow Ox looked up at Jiang Man.

"I think I know more," Jiang Man said confidently.

For a moment, the Old Yellow Ox began to doubt itself.

Jiang Man then asked, "Why don’t you go first? I’ll see if you’re right."

The Old Yellow Ox’s gaze was calm as it began to speak slowly. "Although I’ve never seen him in action, his aura carries a hint of piercing sharpness. He must be a promising swordsman. That subtle feeling... I suspect it’s at the Innate Sword Body Level. Moreover, he neither conceals nor flaunts his abilities. He acts as he pleases, possessing Heart Spirit Transparency. He must also have an extraordinary Sword Heart.

"There’s likely more to his swordsmanship than that, but even so, it’s just one part of him.

"Furthermore, and more importantly, his mastery over Spiritual Qi and his knowledge of Magic Skills have long surpassed those of ordinary prodigies.

"His mental state is extraordinary, and he is versed in all manner of skills. I suspect he has reached a Realm where Daoist Skills come as naturally as breathing.

"His eyes can encompass all the Daoist Skills in the world, and his heart can channel the transformations of heaven and earth.

"With a sword in hand, he can challenge the heavens. With a brush in hand, he can write the laws of the future.

"This young man is anything but ordinary."

After saying all this, the Old Yellow Ox looked at Jiang Man. "Do you have anything to add? By the way, there are two more points I haven’t mentioned."

Jiang Man fell silent for a moment, realizing the Celestial Mirror Hundred Books had only mentioned things related to the sword.

He then changed the subject. "If Mr. Ji is that incredible, can’t he defeat the Peak Master?"

"It’s impossible to say. Besides, the Ji Family’s prodigy is too young. Take you, for example. You’re a world-shaking Unparalleled Celestial Pride, you’re backed by that great lord, your wife is a renowned expert, and you even have the Evil God’s Livestock. And yet, can’t you not even beat someone at the Early Stage of Primordial Spirit?" the Old Yellow Ox said casually as it munched on grass.

Jiang Man felt Old Huang had a point and sighed. "It seems even prodigies have their own problems. If I were a bit weaker, I wouldn’t have ended up being targeted by a Peak Master."

"So what do you plan to do now?" the Old Yellow Ox asked.

"Do you think the Peak Master will make a move on me directly?"

"No, it hasn’t reached that point yet. The things he mentioned are all minor ploys that don’t cross any red lines. So, if he does them, nobody can do much about it. But making a move on you personally would be going too far; the Ji Family’s prodigy could intervene directly. However, just because he won’t act doesn’t mean his disciples won’t. And families with vested interests will also make their own moves."

Jiang Man nodded slightly. For now, the situation wasn’t that terrible.

But there was no room for optimism, either.

Then, Jiang Man began to speak his thoughts aloud. "I’ve decided. First, I’ll go around borrowing from everyone. Then, I’ll stockpile resources. When my opponent finally makes his move, it won’t matter to me. I can take my time paying back those debts.

"It would be even better if they start avoiding me; then I won’t have to deal with them pestering me for repayment.

"When the time comes, I’ll earn Spiritual Source from matters related to the Evil God and buy resources from my wife. I should barely be able to keep up."

The Old Yellow Ox couldn’t help but remark, "You’re certainly optimistic."

Jiang Man shrugged. He didn’t think his situation was all that bad.

’I just have to find a way to make it through.’

’It was pretty much the same back at the Yunqian Bureau.’

’As long as they don’t attack me directly, there are always more solutions than problems.’

’An ordinary person might be helpless, but I’m an Unparalleled Celestial Pride.’

’My future is full of promise.’

’Especially since I’m still working for the Law Enforcement Hall.’

’No matter how powerful that Peak Master is, what can he make the Law Enforcement Hall do to me?’

’And even if he could, I have other cards to play. Given the unique nature of the Zhenyue Bureau and Zui Fusheng’s status, my own influence in the Law Enforcement Hall should be no less than a Peak Master’s.’

’I have more than enough room to hold on.’

’Life will just be a little tougher than before, that’s all.’

Finally, Jiang Man looked at Old Huang and said regretfully, "It’s just... we might lose our home. I’ll have to put you through some hardship, Old Huang."

The Old Yellow Ox replied nonchalantly, "I can stay at the Law Enforcement Hall."

Hearing this, Jiang Man froze. His expression turned solemn as he clenched his fist. "Old Huang, don’t even think about it. No matter what, I have to protect our home for you. I’ll never let you be cast out onto the streets!"

The Old Yellow Ox squinted at Jiang Man, then lowered its head to eat its grass, saying nothing more.

With a plan in mind, Jiang Man wasted no more time. He was about to go find those people and fleece them for all they were worth.

He had to prepare for what was coming.

However, just as he was about to set off,

someone came flying through the air.

They arrived in front of his small courtyard at an incredible speed.

The terrifying aura made his Golden Core tremble, as if he were on the brink of life and death at any moment.

’So strong.’

Jiang Man silently began to circulate his True Martial Skill, preparing to react at a moment’s notice.

The visitor was a man who looked to be about twenty-five or twenty-six, his brow furrowed and his expression frosty.

Upon seeing Jiang Man, he spoke first. "Jiang Man? The one who qualified for the Immortal Sect’s grand tournament today?"

Jiang Man looked at him in confusion and shook his head. "Senior Brother, you’re looking for the wrong person. My name is Fang Yong, and I’m here to find Jiang Man. Are you looking for him, too, Senior Brother?"

The man was taken aback. He stared at Jiang Man in disbelief, then took out a portrait and glanced at it before showing it to Jiang Man. "You say your name is Fang Yong? Then who is this in the portrait?"

Staring at the colored portrait that was a perfect likeness of himself, Jiang Man was silent for a moment.

’He really came prepared.’