I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

For the next two days, Lu Zhao kept a low profile, only going to Qingyun Pavilion to replenish some materials for drawing talismans and a few bottles of pills to aid cultivation and healing. He stayed almost entirely in his room at the inn, in seclusion. He declined several invitations from Lin Qingfeng sent via communication talisman, and also politely refused the innkeeper's "kind" introduction of a "guide" who supposedly offered "special services."

He needed time to adjust his condition to its best, preparing for consuming the Crimson Blood Ginseng and attempting to break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining. At the same time, he also needed to digest and ponder the complete, eerie map and the series of questions and information brought about by the black stone fragment given to him by the mysterious old man.

The complete map pointed to two specific locations: the Broken Soul Cliff (the main sacrificial site) and somewhere in the Cloud Dream Swamp (the secondary sacrificial site, a sealing node). He had personally experienced and destroyed the blood sacrifice at the Broken Soul Cliff; its horror and evil were still fresh in his memory. And the secondary sacrificial site in the Cloud Dream Swamp was right under the Qingyun Dao Sect's wing, within the Cloud Dream Swamp's sphere of influence! This was no coincidence! The Black Fiend Sect was hiding such a crucial "secondary sacrificial site" and "sealing node" right under the Qingyun Dao Sect's nose! What did this mean?

Was the Qingyun Dao Sect completely unaware of this? Or... intentionally condoning it? Or even... colluding internally? Lu Zhao dared not delve deeper. The Qingyun Dao Sect was the leader of the righteous path, renowned far and wide. Miss Yun, Lin Qingfeng, and others were all of upright character, unlike wicked individuals. But one cannot see into people's hearts. Within a sect, factions abound, good and bad are mixed, and it was not impossible for there to be scoundrels or traitors. That map was a secret of the Black Fiend Sect. Was it a coincidence that the mysterious old man so easily gave it to him, or was it a deliberate attempt to guide him? Did he hope he would thwart the Black Fiend Sect's conspiracy, or... was he trying to use him as a tool to kill someone, or leading him into a trap?

"The site of the secondary priest, the sealing node..." Lu Zhao's fingertip traced the blurry red dot on the map, his brow furrowed. Based on his experience at Broken Soul Cliff, such a place would inevitably have powerful evil formations, dangerous guards, and might even harbor experts from the Black Fiend Cult. With his current strength, let alone destroying it, even getting close would be difficult. This matter required careful consideration. Right now, the most important thing was to pass the assessment, obtain the status of a sect disciple, establish a foothold, and then slowly investigate. Perhaps, he could subtly probe, perhaps obtaining some information about the anomalies of the Cloud Dream Swamp from Lin Qingfeng or the sect's records.

As for the black stone fragment, it shared the same origin as the map fragment, sharing the same material and aura. Lu Zhao attempted to probe it further using the [Refining Spirit Technique], but sensed a powerful, chaotic, resentful, and frenzied spiritual force sealed within, like a sleeping, twisted soul. This was no ordinary map fragment; it was more like a container holding memories, spirit, or even soul power! Perhaps it was an evil object used by the higher-ups of the Black Fiend Cult to record secrets, pass on cultivation techniques, or conduct some kind of remote communication or location tracking. He dared not touch it lightly, fearing it would bring unforeseen consequences, and instead used a lightning-struck wooden box, along with several [Sealing Talismans] and [Exorcising Talismans], to seal it layer by layer, hiding it deep within the [Human Skin Pouch].

Having dealt with these matters, Lu Zhao turned his attention back to his cultivation. After two days of quiet recuperation, combined with the [Heart-Clearing Jade Pendant] and the [Jade Dew Rejuvenating Pill], his injuries were healed, his condition returned to its peak, and he even showed faint signs of a breakthrough. It was time to take the Crimson Blood Ginseng.

He didn't attempt to break through at the inn. The place was crowded and the spiritual energy was thin; moreover, he had just made an enemy of the Black Tiger Gang, and there was no guarantee that someone wouldn't be secretly watching and trying to sabotage him. He needed a safer, more secluded place with more abundant spiritual energy.

He remembered that Lin Qingfeng had mentioned that outside Qingyun Town, on the edge of the Yunmeng Great Swamp, there were some abandoned cultivation caves. These caves were opened up by independent cultivators or low-ranking disciples of sects over the generations, but were later abandoned for various reasons. The spiritual energy was still good, and they were relatively secluded. As long as one was careful and not disturbed by demonic beasts or evil spirits, they would be a good place to break through.

That evening, Lu Zhao checked out of the inn and quietly left. He didn't use the main entrance, but instead climbed out through the back window, changing directions several times in the alleyways to make sure no one was following him, before finally leaving Qingyun Town and heading towards the Yunmeng Great Swamp. He changed into ordinary clothes, disguising himself as a dark-skinned, medium-sized, and unremarkable young man, suppressing his aura to the first level of Qi Refining, and mingled with a group of rogue cultivators gathering herbs and hunting outside the town, thus leaving the town.

Several miles from the town, avoiding the main road, Lu Zhao ventured alone into the dense reeds, stealthily making his way deeper into the vast marshland. The Yunmeng Marshland was a vast expanse of misty water, shrouded in vapor, overgrown with reeds, dotted with numerous islands, and possessing a complex terrain. Ordinary people would easily lose their way, becoming trapped by poisonous insects, aquatic beasts, and even naturally formed miasma and illusions. But for Lu Zhao, with the powerful perception of the [Refining Spirit Technique] and the concealment of the [Turtle Breath Stealth Technique], as long as he carefully avoided the powerful lairs of demonic beasts, he was safe.

Following the directions Lin Qingfeng had given him, and referring to the map, he traversed the reed marshes for about an hour, finally finding an abandoned cave on a relatively dry, slightly elevated hill. The entrance to the cave was hidden behind a thick clump of reeds, only half a person's height, and obscured by vines; it would be extremely difficult to find without careful searching. The cave was small, barely allowing one person to turn around, but it was relatively dry. There were traces of artificial carving on the walls, and the floor was covered in dust. Several broken prayer mats were scattered in the corners, indicating that it had been abandoned for many years. Most importantly, the concentration of spiritual energy here was indeed much higher than in Qingyun Town. Although it wasn't a true spiritual vein, it was still sufficient for him to break through.

Lu Zhao carefully inspected the inside and outside of the cave, confirming that there was no danger. He then set up several [Concealment Talismans], [Warning Talismans], and [Simple Defense Formations] at the cave entrance and inside before sitting down cross-legged and taking out the Crimson Blood Ginseng.

The three-hundred-year-old Crimson Blood Ginseng emitted a faint crimson glow in the dim cave. Its rich blood and spiritual energy, almost tangible, wafted towards him, invigorating his spirit. Without hesitation, Lu Zhao cut the Crimson Blood Ginseng into several pieces and swallowed them slowly in several doses. This substance was extremely potent; one could not consume too much at once, otherwise, the blood and qi would rush to the top of one's head, risking the body exploding.

The ginseng melted instantly upon entering his mouth, transforming into a scalding, pure, and powerful torrent of heat that surged down his throat and into his body! In an instant, Lu Zhao felt his blood boil, an indescribable heat, fullness, and even a slight stinging sensation spreading from his limbs and bones! The medicinal power of the Crimson Blood Ginseng was violent and domineering, like a wild horse breaking free, rampaging through his meridians, frantically washing over and expanding them, nourishing his blood and qi, and tempering his body! A faint, flame-like red glow instantly appeared on his skin, and wisps of hot, bloody steam escaped from his pores. His aura surged rapidly, like a burning furnace!

"Such potent medicinal power!" Lu Zhao's heart tightened, and he dared not be negligent. He immediately activated the [Dragon's Hibernation Technique] at full power! He guided the raging blood and qi within his body, following the route of [Dragon's Hibernation Technique], repeatedly flushing his meridians and circulating it throughout his body. At the same time, he also fully activated the [Spirit Refining Technique]. His powerful mental strength acted like a stabilizing force, firmly protecting his clear mind and resisting the risk of blood and qi rushing to his brain and causing inner demons to arise. The [Heart-Clearing Jade Pendant] on his chest also emitted a cool and gentle aura, neutralizing the heat and soothing his restless mind.

"Rumble..."

Within his body, it felt as if rivers were surging and thunder was exploding! The medicinal power of the Crimson Blood Ginseng and the Qi and blood of the [Sleeping Dragon] were like two dragons, intertwining, colliding, and fusing in his meridians. Each impact brought a tearing pain, but what followed was the widening and strengthening of his meridians, the enrichment and condensation of his Qi and blood, and the strengthening and transformation of his physical body! He could clearly feel that the barrier of the three layers of Qi Refining that had long troubled him began to vibrate violently under the impact of the violent medicinal power, and cracks appeared!

"Not enough! Break it!"

Lu Zhao roared inwardly, swallowing the remaining pieces of Crimson Blood Ginseng! An even more violent and pure medicinal power erupted like a volcano, instantly engulfing him! His entire body seemed to transform into a burning, blood-red cocoon of light, his skin bulging with veins and blood vessels, coiling like dragons, looking ferocious and terrifying. Yet, his eyes remained clear and resolute; the light of the [Refining Spirit Technique] shone like an undying star in his sea of ​​consciousness, guiding his way.

"boom--!"

A deafening roar, heard only by himself and originating from the depths of his soul, shattered the seemingly indestructible barrier under the relentless onslaught of the Crimson Blood Ginseng and the [Sleeping Dragon]! An even more powerful, refined, and vast aura surged from his body! Inside the cave, a fierce wind arose, dust billowing! His internal energy, like a flood bursting its banks, instantly cleared the previously blocked and narrow meridians, its circulation accelerating several times over! Within his dantian, the previously shallow layer of true energy rapidly grew and strengthened, becoming purer and more refined, showing faint signs of liquefaction! This was a sign of true energy liquefaction at the mid-stage of Qi Refining!

Breakthrough! Fourth level of Qi Refining!

Moreover, the immense blood energy of the Crimson Blood Ginseng continued to nourish his physical body. He could feel his muscles, bones, and meridians undergoing subtle but profound strengthening, with significant improvements in strength, speed, endurance, and recovery. Even his cultivation level in [Sleeping Dragon] rose accordingly, directly breaking through to Lv4 (0/400), resulting in a qualitative leap in his control over blood energy, body repair, and power bursts. Under the guidance of [Refining God Technique] and the nourishment of the Crimson Blood Ginseng, his mental power also improved, reaching a divine attribute of 5.0, seemingly not far from the threshold of Lv4.

The entire process lasted approximately one hour. When the last trace of medicinal power was absorbed and refined, Lu Zhao slowly opened his eyes. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, like a cold star in the night sky, piercing and intimidating. He slowly rose, stretching his limbs; a series of crackling sounds emanated from his joints, brimming with power. The red glow on his skin had faded, revealing skin as warm as jade, subtly luminous, with smooth muscle lines, containing explosive power. His overall demeanor had become more reserved and composed, but deep within his eyes, the sharpness honed through life and death was even more pronounced.

"Qi Refinement Level 4... I've finally reached it." Lu Zhao clenched his fist, feeling the surging true qi within his body, several times more powerful than before, and a surge of pride welled up in his heart. Qi Refinement Level 4 was a watershed moment, signifying officially entering the mid-stage of Qi Refinement. True qi could now leave the body slightly, allowing him to cast some simple spells, and he could manipulate magical artifacts with greater ease. His strength was more than double what it had been before!

"With my current strength, combined with talismans, poison techniques, and the [Turtle Breath Stealth Technique], even someone at the sixth level of Qi Refining might not be without a fighting chance. Passing the test gives me even more confidence," Lu Zhao thought to himself. He didn't leave immediately but sat cross-legged to consolidate his cultivation and familiarize himself with the power after his breakthrough. At the same time, he also checked the other changes brought about by the Crimson Blood Ginseng.

Besides his breakthrough in cultivation, advancement in [Sleeping Dragon], and enhanced spiritual power, his blood and qi also became exceptionally vigorous and pure, like a furnace, making it difficult for ordinary yin energy and evil poisons to get close. Moreover, he vaguely sensed that his physical body seemed to have developed a slight affinity, or rather... resistance, to power like "blood evil"? Perhaps it was because the Crimson Blood Ginseng was born from the blood evil of the earth's veins, and consuming it had given him a certain degree of adaptation to this power. This might give him a slight advantage when facing the blood evil techniques and evil methods of the Black Fiend Cult.

After consolidating his power for most of the day, until noon the next day, Lu Zhao felt that his cultivation was completely stable and that he had mastered the control of his newfound power. Only then did he remove the talisman array at the cave entrance and quietly leave.

He returned to Qingyun Town in the evening. Instead of going to an inn, he changed into a new, more inconspicuous appearance and found a small, clean but ordinary inn on the outskirts of town to stay in. He knew that although his breakthrough hadn't been particularly noticeable, it might still attract the attention of those with ulterior motives. To be on the safe side, it was best to find a different place.

After settling in, Lu Zhao took out his assessment token and infused it with a wisp of spiritual energy. The token warmed slightly, and a new message appeared: "Tomorrow at dawn, assemble in front of Qingyun Tower. Led by inner disciples, proceed to Yunmeng Marsh to participate in the entrance assessment. Latecomers will not be waited for."

"It's finally starting." Lu Zhao took a deep breath and put away the token. He began to organize his belongings, checking and categorizing talismans, pills, poisons, short swords, crossbows, human skin pouches, and various other items, placing them in the most convenient locations. He also carefully kept the [Pure Heart Jade Pendant], [Azure Spirit Jade Pendant] (gifted by Miss Yun), [Hundred Herbs Token], and [Azure Cloud Dao Sect Assessment Token] close to his body. Finally, he took out the "Hundred Herbs Compendium" he had obtained from Su Qingqian and flipped through it under the lamplight, memorizing several herbs and poisons with special effects that might be used in the "Trial Peak".

Just as he was engrossed in watching, a soft, rhythmic knocking sound came from outside the door.

"Tap, tap tap."

It wasn't the innkeeper's waiter; this rhythm... felt somewhat familiar. Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. His [Refining Spirit Technique] subtly extended its perception. Outside the door, there was an extremely faint, almost ethereal, yet subtly familiar spiritual fluctuation. It was the mysterious old man who had given him the black stone fragment in the Free Market!

How did he find this place? What is he doing here?

Lu Zhao's eyes narrowed, his hand already on the short knife, but his expression remained unchanged as he asked in a deep voice, "Who?"

"Old friend, send a message." The old man's hoarse, deep voice came from outside the door.

Lu Zhao hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand to remove the simple warning talisman array at the door. He stood up, walked to the back of the door, and opened it a crack. Outside, as expected, stood the old man with gray hair, a withered face, and wearing a patched old Taoist robe. He was still hunched over, his eyes cloudy, but when he looked at Lu Zhao, a glimmer of indescribable light seemed to flash deep in his eyes.

"Senior, what brings you here so late at night?" Lu Zhao asked through the crack in the door without opening it, his tone calm but wary.

"Won't you invite this old man in for a seat?" the old man said calmly.

Lu Zhao hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside and said, "Please come in, senior."

The old man strode in, his figure ethereal, as if weightless. He went straight to the table, sat down opposite Lu Zhao, glanced at the open "Illustrated Compendium of Herbs" on the table, then looked at Lu Zhao and asked hoarsely, "How are your preparations going?"

"Who do you mean by 'senior'?"

"Tomorrow's assessment," the old man said bluntly, "You killed Wang Biao of the Black Tiger Hall, saved Lin Qingfeng of the Qingyun Dao Sect at Black Wind Ridge, and ruined the Blood Fiend Hall Master's plans at Soul-Severing Cliff. Now, you are a thorn in the side of some people. Tomorrow's assessment will not be peaceful."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. This old man seemed to know everything about him! Who exactly was he? Was he friend or foe?

"Senior, you..."

"No need to be nervous. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't have waited until now." The old man waved his hand, interrupting Lu Zhao, and took out a token from his robes—neither gold nor wood, entirely black, engraved with a twisted rune, and emanating a faint, chilling aura—and placed it on the table. "This is the 'Blood Fiend Token' of the Black Fiend Sect's 'Blood Fiend Hall,' which belonged to Wang Biao. You killed him; this token should be yours."

Lu Zhao looked at the token. The twisted runes on it were identical to those on the map and the emblem of the evil god, radiating a chilling aura. He frowned and said, "Senior, what use is such an evil object?"

"It's useful." A strange light flashed in the old man's eyes. "This token is both a symbol and a key. It can unlock certain places sealed or marked by the Black Fiend Cult. For example... some of the outer restrictions of that 'Secondary Sacrifice Site' on the map."

Lu Zhao's pupils contracted. This old man really knew the secret of the map! He gave away map fragments and sent the Blood Fiend Token. What exactly was his intention?

"Senior, who exactly are you? Why are you helping me?" Lu Zhao asked in a deep voice, his hand already quietly gripping the [Exorcism Talisman] in his sleeve.

"Who I am is not important. What is important is that you and the Black Fiend Sect are mortal enemies. So am I." The old man said slowly, his voice carrying an undisguised hatred and desolation. "I help you because you have the potential and the courage to do what I want to do but cannot."

"What is it?"

"Destroy the Black Fiend Sect, destroy that so-called 'Master,' destroy the root of all this!" A terrifying glint suddenly flashed in the old man's eyes, like two burning will-o'-the-wisps, but it vanished instantly, returning to its murky state. "However, you are still too weak, far from enough. You need time, you need resources, you need a backer. The Azure Cloud Dao Sect is a good starting point. Tomorrow's assessment is your first step into the Azure Cloud Dao Sect, and also your first step in gaining a backer and resources. But this step will not be smooth. The Black Fiend Sect's tentacles are longer than you think, and the Azure Cloud Dao Sect is not a monolithic entity. There are people who will not let you pass easily."

"Who do you mean by 'senior'?"

"Tomorrow, the person in charge of leading the team and supervising the assessment will be Zhao Wuji, an inner sect steward. This person has a past connection with the person behind the Black Tiger Hall. Although you were the one who caused Wang Biao's death, Lin Qingfeng was the instigator. Zhao Wuji might take this opportunity to make things difficult for you, or even trip you up in the Trial Peak. You need to be careful," the old man said.

"Zhao Wuji..." Lu Zhao memorized the name. He had anticipated resistance, but he hadn't expected it to come so quickly and directly.

"Also, this is a small gift from me." The old man took out a palm-sized, dusty, and inconspicuous cloth bag and placed it on the table. "This is a 'Concealing Aura Bag,' which can conceal one's aura and hide one's cultivation level. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would find it difficult to see through without deliberate investigation. It might come in handy during tomorrow's assessment. Inside, there are also a few other small items that might save your life in a critical moment."

Lu Zhao looked at the dusty cloth bag, then at the old man, his heart filled with doubt. This old man had first given him the map, then the Blood Fiend Token, then revealed the secret, and now he was offering something to save his life. What was he after? There's no such thing as a free lunch; this man must have a deeper purpose.

"I am unworthy of such a generous gift from you, senior. May I ask what your needs are?" Lu Zhao asked.

"It's not a matter of assigning tasks. I only hope that one day, if you grow to a high enough level to uncover the roots of the Black Fiend Sect, to come to the secrets of that 'Master,' you can... put an end to a matter on my mind." The old man spoke, standing up and gazing at the deep night outside the window, his back appearing even more hunched and lonely. "That matter has nothing to do with you; it's my personal grudge. You only need to remember that the Black Fiend Sect is our common enemy. Destroying it will be beneficial to you. As for the rest, let fate decide."

After saying that, he said no more. His figure flickered and, like a ghost, silently disappeared into the darkness outside the door, vanishing without a trace, as if he had never been there.

Lu Zhao chased to the door, but there was no one outside, only the night wind howling through the corridor. He returned to his room, his brow furrowed as he looked at the Blood Fiend Token and the Concealing Breath Bag on the table. This old man was too mysterious, his movements elusive, his words ambiguous, neither friend nor foe. The things he had given him seemed useful, but they might also conceal traps. Especially the Blood Fiend Token, an item of the Black Fiend Cult; carrying it was itself a source of trouble.

"What's meant to be will be." Lu Zhao pondered for a moment, then finally put away the Blood Fiend Token and the Concealing Breath Bag. He wouldn't use the Blood Fiend Token for now, but keeping it might be useful in the future. As for the Concealing Breath Bag, he might as well give it a try. He infused it with a wisp of spiritual energy, and the bag glowed slightly. An invisible wave enveloped his entire body, and his aura instantly dropped from the fourth level of Qi Refining to the first level, becoming even more elusive and unpredictable. Truly a good item!

"Zhao Wuji...Trial Peak..." A cold glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. It seemed that tomorrow's assessment would not only be a test of strength, but also a battle of wits and calculation. But when had Lu Zhao ever feared a challenge?

"Come on, let me see just how many demons and monsters are in this Qingyun Dao Sect's entrance examination!"

He stopped thinking about it, sat cross-legged, adjusted himself to his best state, and waited for the dawn to arrive.