The Programmer Cultivator

Dang Rushuang was stunned for a moment. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"I’ve seen the leader of these Five Elements Remnants," Zhang Deming said. "And I’m not exaggerating—back when this all started, even an average Four Symbols Cultivator couldn’t take him down. After half a month of development, who knows how strong they’ve become.

"You have to understand, that altar Artifact they’re using is a product of the Devouring Dao. That stuff is the fastest way to gain power. The repercussions are disastrous, but the rapid advancement is real.

"If this really were their core transfer station, a crucial hub they’re still using for their retreat, why would there only be three or five Three Talents Great Cultivators guarding it?" Zhang Deming asked.

Dang Rushuang said, "You think I’m lying to you? This really is their core transfer station."

"Mm, I believe you," Zhang Deming said. "But is it still in use *now*?"

Dang Rushuang paused and sighed. "Alas... If we had reacted as quickly as you did yesterday, Junior Brother, we probably wouldn’t have plunged headfirst into this mess.

"You’re right. Seeing how empty it is, they must be planning to abandon this place.

"And to mislead us, they haven’t touched anything in the Geng Metal Secret Realm Core, disguising it as some ancient ruin.

"If we hadn’t been hot on their trail and charged right in, even if we had discovered something later, we probably would have just found a dilapidated Secret Realm and never guessed it was a spatial transfer station."

Zhang Deming spread his hands. "So, there you have it. Senior Sister, if you need my help, just say so. Don’t try to lure me with some great merit. I may be young, but I’m not one of those brothers from Celestial Spirit Peak who flock around you, getting wrapped around your little finger."

Dang Rushuang faltered. "I was just trying to give you a little motivation, Junior Brother!"

Zhang Deming rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. We haven’t known each other long, but I think I’ve got you figured out. When Juan’er acts all mischievous, I can’t do anything about it, but that’s because I don’t *want* to.

"But you... Don’t even talk about your Dao Practice being insufficient. Even if it were, don’t you try pulling that act on me!"

Dang Rushuang gave Zhang Deming a long, deep look. "Junior Brother, it’s not very nice to praise little sister Ling’er in front of me like that, you know."

"Is that so? I think it’s perfectly fine. After all, you and Juan’er have a good relationship, don’t you, Senior Sister?" Zhang Deming said with a faint smile.

’Is this... his way of hinting that he’s taken and I should back off?’

’I swear... Where do you get this confidence?’

’I refuse to believe it! What part of me is worse than that damn girl Ling’er that makes you look down on me so much!’

’Or am I just overthinking this?’

In that moment, Dang Rushuang’s composure completely shattered. Her thoughts were in such a whirl that she almost forgot about the danger they were in.

"So, how do we get in?" Zhang Deming asked, watching Dang Rushuang’s expression shift constantly.

Dang Rushuang snapped back to her senses, pushing the chaotic thoughts from her mind. "We just charge in," she said. "This Secret Realm Grotto Heaven is easy to enter now, but hard to leave. My second grand-uncle temporarily blocked off the other entrances, leaving only this one open."

Hearing this, Zhang Deming glanced at Dang Rushuang and said, "You go to Pann City and watch over my two followers. And while you’re at it, call for reinforcements."

"I..."

"In your current state, if you still think you can help instead of just being dead weight, then go ahead and keep arguing with me. Waste my time," Zhang Deming said flatly.

Dang Rushuang’s just-calmed mind was on the verge of exploding again. She was the renowned pearl of the Dang Family! When had anyone ever called her dead weight?!

But no matter how much her mind was reeling, her good nature allowed her to understand the priorities. She took a deep breath and nodded. "Fine. Be careful. If it really comes down to it, just stall for time and wait for rescue. Don’t do anything rash."

Zhang Deming nodded. Dang Rushuang didn’t hesitate any longer and turned to run.

She had to get out and call for reinforcements immediately. Even if her hunch was right and Zhang Deming could turn the tide after going in, they still needed powerful backup to investigate the situation here.

Zhang Deming watched her leave, then he too stopped hesitating. ’There’s nothing to be afraid of anyway. Worst case, I get myself killed in some trap. Five minutes later, I’ll be back in action.’

’If my Main Body were here... Heh... even if God himself showed up, if I said it was time to run, then it was time to run!’

’Want me to be some reckless fool for the Sect? Forget it. In the entire Hongmeng Realm, there’s only one person who can make me lose my head.’

𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Zhang Deming activated his Spiritual Shield at full power. A faint gray mist enveloped his body as he assumed his strongest defensive stance, and then he plunged headfirst into the silvery-white Light Gate.