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

System notification: The elite mission [Abnormal activity at the sealed node] has been completed!

Task rating: Grade B (Excellent)

Task reward calculation in progress...

Basic contribution points: 300

Mission Performance Bonus: +200 (Successfully defeated the Blood Fiend Cult deacon and destroyed the Blood Fiend Array node)

Special Contribution Reward: +500 (Successfully identified and destroyed the formation core)

Total contribution points: 1000 points

Experience points reward: 1500

Special Reward: 1 Chance to Draw a Random Tier 1 Mid-Grade Magic Item

Task completed! Rewards have been distributed to your system.

Lu Zhao returned to his cave dwelling, activated the protective barrier, and sat cross-legged on a futon, carefully examining the panel prompts. The rewards of this mission far exceeded his expectations. 1000 contribution points were enough for him to exchange for many resources in the sect; 1500 experience points were enough to significantly improve several of his skills; and the random mid-grade first-tier magic weapon was something he was really looking forward to.

"System, randomly select a mid-grade first-tier magic weapon."

Extraction in progress...

Congratulations on obtaining: [Mysterious Iron Wristband (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)] x2

[Mysterious Iron Wristguards (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)]

Effects: When worn, arm strength is increased by 15%, defense is increased by 10%, and true qi can be infused to form a temporary shield (duration 10 seconds, cooldown 1 hour).

Set bonus (2/2): Activates the [Mysterious Iron Guardian] skill, consuming 30% of True Qi to generate a True Qi shield that lasts for 5 seconds and can withstand a full-force attack from a cultivator at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

Lu Zhao's eyes lit up. These wristbands had arrived just in time! Not only would they enhance his close-combat abilities, but they could also save his life in critical moments. He immediately put them on his wrist, and a heavy feeling came over him. As he circulated his true energy, the wristband's surface gleamed with a faint metallic sheen.

"Next, let's see how to use these 1000 contribution points..."

Lu Zhao pulled up the sect's exchange list and carefully filtered through it. What he lacked most right now were cultivation techniques, elixirs, and talisman materials.

"I already have the Basic Qi Induction Technique, and the Hibernation of the Dragon and the Refining of the Spirit are enough for my current cultivation. Perhaps I should exchange for a few more practical techniques first..."

He flipped through the list of spells:

[Fireball (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)]: Consumes 15 points of True Qi to condense a fireball to attack the enemy. Its power is 50% higher than Fireball. Exchange: 200 Contribution Points.

[Ice Cone Technique (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)]: Consumes 18 points of True Qi to create an ice cone attack with a slowing effect. Exchange: 220 Contribution Points.

[Earth Wall Technique (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)]: Consumes 25 points of True Qi to summon an earth wall to block attacks. Exchange: 250 Contribution Points.

[Lightness Technique (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)]: Consumes 10 True Qi per minute, increases movement speed by 30%. Exchange: 180 Contribution Points.

[Concealing Breath Technique (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)]: Consumes 5 points of True Qi per minute, greatly concealing one's aura, making it difficult for cultivators of the same tier to detect. Exchange: 200 Contribution Points.

After a moment's thought, Lu Zhao chose [Fireball], [Earth Wall], and [Concealment]. Fireball supplemented his offensive capabilities, Earth Wall was a much-needed defensive skill, and Concealment enhanced his stealth abilities. The three skills combined cost 650 contribution points.

"I have 350 points left... I'll exchange them for some pills."

[Qi Gathering Pill (Tier 1, Mid-Grade)]: Accelerates the recovery of true qi; increases cultivation speed by 20% when used during cultivation. Exchange: 5 contribution points/pill.

[Healing Pill (Tier 1, Medium Grade)]: Heals internal and external injuries and restores health. Exchange: 8 Contribution Points/pill.

[Detoxification Pill (Tier 1, Medium Grade)]: Relieves common toxins. Exchange: 6 Contribution Points/pill.

Lu Zhao exchanged for 20 of each, spending 380 contribution points, exceeding his budget by 30 points, but it was well worth it. These pills are essential items for those traveling in the world of cultivation.

After exchanging the spells, Lu Zhao placed the newly acquired spell jade slip on his forehead, and a stream of information flooded into his mind. He closed his eyes to meditate, and the skill panel on his interface updated accordingly:

Fireball: Lv0 (0/100)

Earth Wall Technique: Lv0 (0/120)

【Concealing Breath Technique: Lv0 (0/80)】

"Next, it's time to go to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a cultivation method."

After packing up, Lu Zhao left the cave and headed towards the Scripture Pavilion deep within the sect. Along the way, he encountered many outer sect disciples whose gazes towards him were complex, containing envy, jealousy, and awe. Clearly, his performance during the mission had already spread.

The Sutra Repository was a seven-story tower with flying eaves and bracket sets, exuding a magnificent aura. Two disciples at the late stage of Qi Refining stood guard at the entrance. After checking Lu Zhao's pass, they allowed him to enter the first floor.

The first floor was spacious, with rows of tall bookshelves neatly arranged, filled with jade slips and books. A faint scent of ink mixed with the aroma of spirit wood permeated the air. At this moment, dozens of disciples were already browsing through the books in the pavilion, and they all turned to look when they saw Lu Zhao enter.

"That's Lu Zhao? I heard he really stole the show during yesterday's mission..."

"A useless spiritual root, just got lucky."

"Shh, keep your voice down, he's someone Elder Yun has taken a liking to..."

Lu Zhao ignored them and headed straight for the cultivation technique area. According to sect rules, outer disciples could only choose cultivation techniques from the first floor of the Scripture Pavilion, where the highest-ranking techniques were only mid-grade Yellow Rank. But for Lu Zhao at his current level, that was enough.

He wandered among the bookshelves, his gaze sweeping over the introductions to various martial arts techniques:

"Azure Wood Technique" (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): A basic wood-attribute cultivation technique. After cultivation, one's true energy becomes abundant and long-lasting. It excels at healing and providing support.

"Blazing Flame Technique" (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): A fire-attribute technique with strong attack power, but high energy consumption.

"Thick Earth Scripture" (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): Earth-attribute cultivation technique, excellent defense, slow cultivation speed.

"Golden Edge Technique" (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): A metal-attribute cultivation technique, extremely sharp, suitable for sword cultivators.

"Cold Water Technique" (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): A water-attribute martial art that is flexible and versatile, capable of both offense and defense.

Lu Zhao frowned in thought. His spiritual root was "mixed and conflicting," meaning he could theoretically cultivate any type of technique, but the effects would be greatly reduced. Moreover, he possessed the mysterious technique "Hibernating Dragon," so he didn't need to change his main cultivation method for the time being.

"Why not choose a cultivation technique that aids in training, or a special secret art..."

He continued his search and finally found several special cultivation techniques on a bookshelf in a corner:

"Introduction to Body Refinement" (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): An introduction to body refinement techniques, explaining how to temper the physical body and enhance physical strength.

"Spiritual Eye Technique" (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): Cultivates eyesight, enabling one to see through low-level illusions and observe the flow of spiritual energy.

"Spirit Distraction Technique" (Fragment) (Mid-grade Yellow Rank): An incomplete mental technique that allows for temporary distraction and dual use, which is helpful for controlling magical artifacts and talismans.

Lu Zhao's eyes lit up. Although the "Spirit Splitting Technique" was only a fragment, it was perfect for him! He cultivated the "Spirit Refining Technique," and his mental strength far surpassed that of his peers. If he could learn the technique of multitasking, he could simultaneously control multiple talismans in battle, greatly increasing their power. Moreover, it suited his identity as a talisman master perfectly.

"I'll choose this one!"

Lu Zhao took the jade slip containing the "Spirit Division Technique" and walked to the registration desk. The guard was an elderly man with white hair. He took the jade slip, glanced at it, and said calmly, "This is a fragment of the 'Spirit Division Technique.' It's quite difficult to cultivate, and only the first three levels are available. Are you sure you want to choose it?"

"This disciple is certain."

"Hmm, this spell requires 300 contribution points, or you can exchange it using your special reward qualification."

"Redeem using reward eligibility."

The old man nodded, imprinted a restriction on the jade slip, and handed it to Lu Zhao: "This jade slip can only be studied three times. After that, it will be automatically destroyed. Remember, sect techniques must not be passed on to outsiders."

"Disciple understands."

Lu Zhao accepted the jade slip and walked out of the scripture pavilion, pondering his next steps. At that moment, a young disciple in a blue robe approached, cupping his hands in greeting, "Are you Junior Brother Lu Zhao?"

"Indeed, and who is this, Senior Brother?"

"My name is Chen Ming, a disciple of the Talisman Pavilion. I have been ordered by Elder Zhou to invite Junior Brother Lu to the Talisman Pavilion."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, knowing this was a summons from the elder of the Transmission Pavilion. He quickly said, "Thank you for leading the way, Senior Brother Chen."

The two passed through several courtyards and arrived at a separate pavilion. The pavilion had three stories, with upturned eaves and corners, and the three ancient characters "Talisman Pavilion" hung above the door. Even before entering, one could smell the faint scent of cinnabar and spiritual ink.

Upon entering the pavilion, the first floor is a spacious hall where dozens of disciples are intently drawing talismans at long tables. Various talisman samples hang on the walls, ranging from the most basic fireball talisman and water talisman to more complex earth-遁 (earth-遁) talisman and invisibility talisman, a dazzling array.

Chen Ming led Lu Zhao up to the second floor and into a quiet room. He gently knocked on the door and said, "Elder Zhou, Junior Brother Lu Zhao has arrived."

"Come in."

Pushing open the door, he saw that the room was simply furnished: a large desk, a few chairs, and several landscape paintings hanging on the walls. Behind the desk sat an elderly man with a lean face and piercing eyes; it was Elder Zhou from the Transmission Pavilion, who had helped him out of a predicament in the Mission Hall yesterday. Beside Elder Zhou stood Deacon Zhou from the Talisman Pavilion.

"Disciple Lu Zhao greets Elder Zhou and Steward Zhou." Lu Zhao bowed respectfully.

Elder Zhou nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Lu Zhao for a moment before he slowly said, "Lu Zhao, I am aware of your performance in yesterday's mission. Your timing in breaking the formation with talismans was impeccable, and your use of talismans was skillful. You certainly have a talent for talismans."

"Elder, you flatter me. I was just lucky."

"No need to be modest," Elder Zhou waved his hand. "To have mastered such exquisite talisman manipulation techniques at only the third level of Qi Refining shows you've put in a lot of hard work. I heard you draw your own talismans?"

"Yes, I did receive guidance from a talisman master before I became a disciple."

"Oh? May I ask which expert you are?"

Lu Zhao was prepared and replied, "That senior did not wish to reveal his name, and only taught me some basics before going on his travels."

Elder Zhou glanced at him but didn't delve into it. He then turned to Deacon Zhou and said, "Zhou Ming, test his talisman skills."

"Yes." Deacon Zhou took out a stack of blank talisman paper, cinnabar, and a talisman brush, and placed them in front of Lu Zhao. "Junior Brother Lu, draw a talisman that you are best at."

Lu Zhao took a deep breath to calm himself. He knew this was an assessment, related to whether he could truly become a disciple of the Talisman Pavilion. He chose to draw the [Fireball Talisman], the most basic talisman that best demonstrated one's skill.

He laid out the paper, ground the ink, and picked up the brush. Lu Zhao's wrist hovered in the air, the tip of the brush lightly touching the talisman paper, and his true energy slowly flowed in. The brush moved like dragons and snakes, and the talisman patterns gradually appeared. He was completely focused, his mental energy highly concentrated, and every line he drew was precise and accurate, with the spiritual energy flowing smoothly.

After an incense stick has burned, the talisman is complete. A faint red light flows across the talisman paper before receding.

Deacon Zhou picked up the talisman and examined it carefully, a look of surprise in his eyes: "A mid-grade first-tier fireball talisman, brimming with spiritual energy, with clear patterns, almost reaching the high-grade level. Junior Brother Lu, what is your success rate in drawing this talisman?"

"About 70%."

"Seventy percent!" Deacon Zhou was even more surprised. For a first-tier talisman, an ordinary disciple would be lucky to have a fifty percent success rate, while seventy percent was already at the level of a skilled talisman master.

Elder Zhou nodded, a satisfied look on his face: "Excellent. Lu Zhao, would you be willing to formally join the Talisman Pavilion and become a disciple?"

"This disciple is willing!"

"Alright." Elder Zhou took out a jade token from his robes and handed it to Lu Zhao. "This is a Talisman Pavilion disciple token. With this, you can freely enter and exit the first and second floors of the Talisman Pavilion, borrow basic talisman books, and receive a fixed monthly quota of talisman paper and cinnabar. In addition, you can earn contribution points by completing the talisman-making tasks assigned by the pavilion each month."

Lu Zhao accepted the jade pendant with both hands. The jade was warm and smooth, with the words "talisman" engraved on the front and his name and number on the back.

"Thank you, Elder!"

"Alright, you should first familiarize yourself with the environment with Deacon Zhou and collect this month's supplies. Elder Yun wants to see you in three days, so be sure to go on time."

"Disciple understands."

After leaving the meditation room, Deacon Zhou led Lu Zhao on a tour of the Talisman Pavilion, explaining the functions of each area. The first floor was the drawing area for ordinary disciples, the second floor was the workspace for registered disciples and deacons, and the third floor was for elders and core disciples, and was not open to Lu Zhao for the time being.

"Junior Brother Lu, this is your quota for this month." Deacon Zhou led him to the supplies area, where he received thirty first-tier talisman papers, one tael of cinnabar, and an ordinary talisman brush. "If you need more, you can exchange it with contribution points or obtain it by completing tasks within the pavilion."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Zhou."

"No need to be so polite. By the way," Deacon Zhou lowered his voice, "be careful with Deacon Zhao. He probably won't let yesterday's matter rest."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and he nodded, saying, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother."

Leaving the Talisman Pavilion, dusk was approaching. Lu Zhao returned to his cave dwelling, organized the supplies he had received, and began planning his next stage of cultivation.

"I need to see Elder Yun in three days, so I must make some preparations... First, I need to improve my strength."

He took out the newly acquired jade slip containing the "Spirit Division Technique" and pressed it to his forehead to study it. This secret technique was indeed profound, explaining how to divide one's spiritual power to perform two or more tasks simultaneously. Although it was only a fragment, containing only the first three levels, it was sufficient for his current use.

[Successfully mastered the Divine Distraction Technique (Fragment)! Current Level: Lv0 (0/150)]

Lu Zhao attempted to cultivate, but found it extremely difficult. Multitasking sounds simple, but it requires immense mental control. He tried circulating the "Hibernating Dragon" technique while visualizing runes in his mind, but he only managed a few breaths before feeling dizzy.

"It seems we need to proceed step by step...starting with small things."

He switched to controlling his breathing rhythm while using his fingers to draw runes on the table. This was much simpler, and he gradually found his footing.

After cultivating for two hours, Lu Zhao's proficiency in the Divine Interference Technique increased by 15 points. He stopped and began drawing talismans. As a disciple of the Talisman Pavilion, he needed to complete his monthly talisman-making tasks, so this was a good opportunity to practice.

He spread out the talisman paper and picked up the talisman brush. This time, he tried to simultaneously activate the Mind-Splitting Technique, controlling his true energy to flow into the brush tip while visualizing the complete talisman structure in his mind. He failed several times at first, the talisman paper spontaneously combusting. But on the fifth try, he succeeded!

Although it was just a basic fireball talisman, and its quality was only low, it was the first talisman he had drawn while distracted!

[Distraction Technique Proficiency +10]

[Talisman drawing proficiency +5]

Lu Zhao's spirits lifted, and he continued practicing. A night passed, and he drew twenty talismans, twelve of which were successful, three of which reached the intermediate grade. His proficiency in the Divine Interference Technique also rose to 45 points.

The next day, Lu Zhao went to the Transmission Hall to attend a lecture. Today was the monthly lecture on basic spells, taught by an inner disciple on the application techniques of fire-based spells. The lecture hall was full of outer disciples, and Lu Zhao found a corner seat.

The instructor was an inner sect senior brother named Li Yan, who was at the sixth level of Qi Refining and specialized in fire-based techniques. His explanations were thorough yet easy to understand, covering everything from the circulation of true qi to the coordination of hand seals and their application in actual combat, from which Lu Zhao benefited greatly.

"...The key to the Fireball Technique lies in the compression and explosion of true energy. Many people only focus on power, but neglect control..." Li Yan explained while demonstrating. He condensed a fist-sized fireball in his palm, which, under his control, swelled and shrank, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, eventually splitting into three smaller fireballs that spun around his body.

"Wow!" exclaimed the disciples below the stage.

Lu Zhao watched intently; this exquisite manipulation was exactly what he needed. He cultivated the "Refining Spirit Technique," possessing powerful spiritual strength, but he still lacked refinement in controlling his true energy.

After class, Lu Zhao stepped forward to ask, "Senior Brother Li, are there any techniques for compressing internal energy?"

Li Yan glanced at him, recognizing him as the recently renowned Lu Zhao, and his attitude softened: "Compressing true qi hinges on understanding its attributes. Fire is violent, requiring forceful control with mental power during compression, but it cannot be excessive, otherwise it will affect explosive power..."

He explained it in detail, and Lu Zhao suddenly understood. After returning home and trying it out, the power of the fireball spell indeed increased by 30%.

On the third day, Lu Zhao did not go out, but instead secluded himself in his cave to cultivate. He devoted all his time to improving his strength: in the morning he cultivated "Hibernating Dragon" and "Refining Spirit Technique", in the afternoon he practiced the Divine Division Technique and talisman drawing, and in the evening he studied the newly acquired techniques.

In the evening, he received a message from Elder Yun: meet him at Yunmengze at 7:00 AM the next day.

Lu Zhao took a deep breath, knowing that this meeting was no small matter. He carefully examined his own condition:

Name: Lu Zhao

[Cultivation Level: Qi Refining Level 3 (78/100)]

【功法：蛰龙眠Lv3（220/300）、炼神术Lv3（280/300）】

【技能：符箓绘製Lv4（210/500）、分神术Lv1（5/150）】

【术法：火球术Lv1（20/100）、土墙术Lv0（40/120）、敛息术Lv0（30/80）】

[Equipment: Mystic Iron Bracers (Tier 1, Mid-Grade), Pure Heart Jade Pendant (High-Grade Magic Item)...]

"My strength has improved, but it's not enough... We must be extremely cautious when facing a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Elder Yun."

He tidied his clothes, put the important items into his storage bag, sat quietly to regulate his breathing, and waited for dawn.

That night, Lu Zhao thought a lot. From the tragedy in Qingmu Town, to the plague in Huaishan Village, to the blood sacrifice at Duanhun Cliff, and finally to the Blood Fiend Cult he encountered during this mission. An invisible thread seemed to connect everything, and at the other end of the thread, it pointed to some unfathomable darkness.

"Black Fiend Sect... Zhao Wuji... Elder Yun..." Lu Zhao murmured to himself, "Tomorrow, perhaps we will be able to catch a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg."

Outside the window, the moon and stars were few. The night in Yunmengze was tranquil and mysterious, as if concealing countless secrets. Lu Zhao knew that he was gradually moving towards the core of this world, towards the truth, and also towards danger.

The next day at dawn, Lu Zhao arrived at Yunmeng Marsh on time. This was a lake shrouded in an array, filled with mist and rich spiritual energy. In the center of the lake was a small island with several bamboo huts, which was Elder Yun's place of seclusion.

A maid was already waiting by the lake. Upon seeing Lu Zhao, she bowed slightly and said, "Junior Brother Lu, please follow me."

The two walked on water, lotus flowers blooming beneath the maid's feet. Lu Zhao used his lightness technique to barely keep up. Upon reaching the small island, they saw a simple bamboo hut with several clumps of green bamboo planted in front of it, creating a serene environment.

"Disciple Lu Zhao has come to pay respects to Elder Yun as ordered," Lu Zhao said respectfully from outside the door.

"Come in." A cool voice came from inside the house.

Lu Zhao pushed open the door and entered, only to see Elder Yun sitting upright on a futon, dressed in white robes and adorned with silver ornaments, exuding an otherworldly air. In front of her was a chessboard, with black and white pieces intertwined, as if she were playing a game against herself.

"sit."

Lu Zhao sat down on the futon opposite him, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Elder Yun placed a piece on the board before looking up at him: "You did a very good job on this mission. With only the third level of Qi Refining cultivation, you were able to destroy the nodes of the Blood Fiend Array and force back the evil cultivator at the sixth level of Qi Refining. That was beyond my expectations."

"Elder, you flatter me. I was just lucky."

"A fluke?" Elder Yun chuckled. "Once is a fluke, twice or three times is a matter of strength. It was the same at Broken Soul Cliff, and it will be the same this time. Lu Zhao, you are hiding many secrets."

Lu Zhao's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged: "This disciple dares not."

"No need to be nervous." Elder Yun waved his hand. "Which cultivator doesn't have some opportunities? I'm not here to pry into your secrets, but to discuss important matters with you."

She paused, her gaze sharpening: "What do you know about the Black Fiend Cult?"

Lu Zhao pondered for a moment before replying, "This disciple knows little. I only know that this is an evil organization that cultivates evil arts, sacrifices living beings with blood, and harms the innocent. At the Broken Soul Cliff, they attempted to perform a large-scale blood sacrifice to summon an evil god; during this mission, they set up a blood pool near the sect and harmed their fellow disciples."

"Anything else?"

"And..." Lu Zhao hesitated for a moment before deciding to reveal part of the truth, "This disciple suspects that someone within the sect is colluding with the Black Fiend Sect."

"Oh? How so?"

"Deacon Zhao's behavior during this mission was quite suspicious. He first framed his disciple with fabricated charges, and then rushed to capture him, seemingly trying to cover something up. Moreover, he seemed to know too much about that blood pool..."

Elder Yun listened quietly, his fingers tapping the chessboard unconsciously: "Zhao Wuji... I will keep an eye on this matter. Lu Zhao, I have something to entrust to you."

"Please speak, Elder."

"The Black Fiend Cult is active near Yunmengze, and their ambitions are far from small. I need someone to secretly investigate and gather intelligence. You are meticulous, resourceful, and have a history of conflict with them, making you a suitable candidate."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat: "Does the elder intend for his disciple to act as a spy?"

"You could say that. You'll continue operating openly, using your identity as a disciple of the Talisman Pavilion as a cover, to secretly investigate the Black Fiend Sect's movements, and... any potential spies within the sect. This is dangerous; are you willing to take on the task?"

Lu Zhao fell silent. This was indeed dangerous; once exposed, death was certain. But from another perspective, it was also an opportunity—to get closer to the core, obtain more intelligence, and perhaps even gain Elder Yun's full support.

"This disciple is willing."

"Alright." Elder Yun took out a jade talisman and handed it to Lu Zhao. "This is a communication jade talisman. You can contact me in case of emergency. Also, you can come here once a month to report on the progress. Remember, this matter is top secret and must not be revealed to any third party."

"Disciple understands."

"Go. Be careful and protect yourself."

"Yes, disciple takes his leave."

Leaving Yunmengze, Lu Zhao's feelings were complicated. He had officially been drawn into an undercurrent, with the mysterious and powerful Black Fiend Sect on one side and the unfathomable Elder Yun on the other. He himself was like walking a tightrope, and the slightest carelessness would result in his destruction.

But for some reason, he felt a faint excitement. This feeling of walking on the edge of danger, this process of uncovering the truth step by step, made him feel a long-lost...feeling of being alive.

Back in his cave, Lu Zhao carefully kept the communication jade talisman close to his body and began to formulate a plan.

"First, we need to improve our strength; that's fundamental. Second, we need to leverage our status as disciples of the Talisman Pavilion to build connections and gather information. Finally, we must be wary of Zhao Wuji..."

He spread out paper and pen and wrote down several names: Zhao Wuji, Deacon Zhou, Hou San, Huang Ling'er, Liu Feng...

"These people, whether enemies or friends, must be dealt with carefully. Especially Hou San and Huang Ling'er; the goodwill they showed during the mission might be developed into allies..."

As night deepened, Lu Zhao blew out the oil lamp and sat cross-legged in meditation. In the darkness, his eyes were bright and resolute.

The road ahead is fraught with difficulties, but he is prepared.

This game has only just begun.