After several days of intense cultivation, Chan Wei's spiritual realm had finally stabilized completely. He could now begin thinking about his next steps. He knew that simply following Nie Li everywhere wouldn't help him progress. To reach new heights, he needed to continue honing his skills and increasing the number of Shadows under his command.
However, he faced one obstacle: he couldn't fuse with a demon spirit, as Nie Li had once advised. It was likely due to the spirit that already resided within him by default. Fortunately, this spirit allowed him to control his Shadow army—something far more useful than a conventional demon spirit.
"I need to find a way to fully maximize this spirit to enhance my power and improve my combat skills," he told himself, pondering the best way to take advantage of his unique abilities.
Saint Orchid Institute Library
"Nie Li, can you take a look at this batch of scrolls?" Chan Wei asked, showing several scrolls to Nie Li, who quickly analyzed them.
"No consistency issues, as usual. There are three matrices here, but they're all Bronze-level due to the Shadows' base strength. Still, they could save lives. However, they won't be reproducible by the Inscriptionist Association. What do you plan to do with them, brother?" Nie Li asked, puzzled about how Chan Wei intended to use the matrices.
"Now that I know I have the right method, I plan to make more and supply them to the City Lord for use during the demon beast attacks on our city," Chan Wei declared passionately. "If it can reduce the loss of human life, I'll be happy to contribute."
Nie Li's eyes lit up with admiration and pride for his brother. "That's an excellent idea, Chan Wei. You're showing great generosity and dedication to our city and its people. I'm sure these battle matrices will save many lives."
Chan Wei smiled, grateful for his brother's approval. He was determined to use his skills in service of his community, ready to do whatever it took to protect those he cared about.
Nie Li looked at his brother with deep admiration mixed with concern. He couldn't help but wonder if, in his previous life, Chan Wei's talent had been discovered by the Sacred Family or the Dark Guild—and if they had eliminated him to prevent future trouble. "I won't let that happen in this life," he vowed inwardly, determined to protect his brother no matter the cost.
"Guys, I'm heading to the Alchemist Association—anyone want to come?" Nie Li asked the group.
"I'm in," said Lu Piao, who had recently reached Bronze Rank, 3-star, thanks to the relentless efforts of Nyx, who herself had reached Bronze Rank, 4-star, basking in Lu Piao's aura and ironically preventing him from surpassing her—much to his dismay.
"I'll come," declared Du Ze, who was quickly joined by Huyan Lanruo. She leaned against him, wrapping one arm around his. "I'm coming too," she added with a mischievous smile, making Du Ze blush at her closeness.
"Sorry, Nie Li, I'm heading to the Inscriptionist Association. I've never gone in person to request an audience with the City Lord," Chan Wei replied. Then, turning to Xiao Ning'er, he asked, "Coming with me, sweetheart?"Xiao Ning'er blushed deeply and hid her face in Chan Wei's chest, which made him blush as well at his own boldness.
Nie Li turned to look at Ye Ziyun with a tender smile and opened his mouth to copy Chan Wei's gesture—only to be interrupted by the girl herself.
"I'm coming," she said shyly, covering Nie Li's mouth with her hand.
The group split up as Nie Li and the rest, excluding Chan Wei and Xiao Ning'er, made their way to the Alchemist Association.
"Xiao Ning'er, I plan to earn a few more merits with the Inscriptionist Association and the City Lord's Manor before formally asking your family for your hand in marriage," the young man said confidently, aware of his growing strength.
They couldn't express their affection openly in public, which infuriated Chan Wei. He was determined to put an end to that soon, so he could embrace the girl he loved without worrying about others' stares.
"I can't wait for you to succeed. My family is already under my authority now that I've reached the Soul Formation stage," Xiao Ning'er replied, showing a hint of frustration as well at not being able to openly be close to the man she had chosen.
As they were immersed in their conversation, a group of lackeys suddenly appeared. Among them stood Shen Fei — Xiao Ning'er's would-be fiancé.
"Look who it is, the lovely Xiao Ning'er," he mocked, accompanied by the sneering laughter of his entourage. "Walking around with a man? You know you're destined to be mine."
Xiao Ning'er clenched her fists, barely holding back her anger at Shen Fei's insolence.
Chan Wei felt the tension rising. He stepped forward, eyes flashing with fury. "How dare you speak to Xiao Ning'er like that? Take back your words right now, or else..."
"Or else what?" Shen Fei cut in arrogantly. "You're just a commoner. What can you possibly do to me, the future head of the Sacred Family?" he said with disdain.
Chan Wei held back his anger, but his eyes blazed. He stepped forward with swift determination, fists clenched and ready.
"I'd say I can put you back in your place," Chan Wei said calmly but with steel in his voice. In a flash, he threw himself at Shen Fei's group, effortlessly subduing his opponents. He held back his full strength, making sure his blows only left bruises — no broken bones.
The arrogant young master and his cronies were soon lying unconscious in the middle of the road, unable to say another insulting word to the woman Chan Wei loved.
Xiao Ning'er looked at Chan Wei with gratitude and love, knowing he would go to any length to protect her. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder, offering a thankful smile.
Chan Wei and Xiao Ning'er quickly arrived at the Inscriptionist Association and called for Xue Yin, who rushed over the moment she learned that Chan Wei was there.
"Good morning, Aunt Xue," both Chan Wei and Xiao Ning'er greeted warmly, making the woman smile.
"I'm glad you both came," she replied with a warm smile, then asked, "Are you here to deliver scrolls or perhaps discuss something important on behalf of your master?" She then led them toward the director's office.
"Director Ye, this is Chan Wei and Xiao Ning'er," she said, closing the door behind them and taking her place beside the director.
"Hello, I am the director of the Inscriptionist Association. My name is Ye Zhan. I want to thank you and your master for helping us emerge from the decaying state our association had fallen into," he said, bowing respectfully. His white hair gave him an air of wisdom and authority.
Chan Wei and Xiao Ning'er bowed respectfully in return. "We're glad we could help, Director Ye. I've brought a few scrolls to deliver, and I would also like to discuss an important matter regarding my master," Chan Wei said respectfully but firmly.
"I'm listening," the director said, while Xue Yin gave her full attention to Chan Wei's next words.
"My master developed a unique matrix technique. It's designed to summon various demon spirits for defensive purposes. He said he created the scroll after his home was destroyed during the demon beast wave," Chan Wei explained seriously.
The director and Xue Yin both frowned slightly, thinking to themselves that even a Legend-rank expert might have to flee before a demon beast tide.
"He asked me to approach the City Lord to propose a partnership, where these matrix scrolls would be used exclusively for the city's defense. He won't sell you the method of creation, due to the dangers involved and the risks of it falling into the wrong hands," Chan Wei added with a solemn expression.
The director and Xue Yin listened carefully, fully understanding the weight of Chan Wei's proposal. They knew the city's defense was a top priority, especially after the last demon beast assault.
"This is a very serious proposal, Chan Wei. I will arrange a meeting with the City Lord immediately to discuss it. Thank you for bringing this to our attention," the director said, clearly impressed by Chan Wei's foresight and his master's strategic thinking.
Xue Yin nodded as well, recognizing the importance of the initiative. "We'll keep you updated on the outcome, Chan Wei. Thank you for your diligence and dedication to the city," she added with a warm smile.
"There's no need to follow up with me. I'm leaving you these scrolls for testing. They'll summon only ten Bronze-ranked giant ants to attack. At the moment, my master is dealing with Gold-ranked creatures, but he requests that you provide Gold-ranked demon spirits so he can make stronger scrolls," Chan Wei explained. "It's not an overwhelming force, but it could help ease the pressure of the beast tides," he added.
"I understand. I'll make sure the necessary resources are delivered to your master," the director replied.
"Oh, one more thing—please pass the resources through Xiao Ning'er, and I may need you to notify the Sacred Family. One of their descendants, Shen Fei, tried to harm us," he said, while Xiao Ning'er barely held back a smile, knowing full well it had gone the other way around.
"We'll handle that matter—don't worry about the Sacred Family. Let us know through Xiao Ning'er if your master manages to produce a Gold-rank version of his matrix, so we can schedule the meeting with the Glory City Lord," the director said with a smile before allowing the two young people to leave.
"Xue Yin, we need to elevate Xiao Ning'er's status so the Sacred Family doesn't dare touch her. Assign two Black Gold-ranked guards to watch her from afar to ensure nothing happens to her," the director ordered seriously. "I'll personally inform Shen Ming directly, since the Sacred Family's patriarch has entered seclusion in an attempt to break through to the Legend rank," he added.
Chan Wei and Xiao Ning'er were then guided into a large meeting hall, where Xiao Ning'er retrieved the monthly funds allocated to her boyfriend.
"What's that?" Chan Wei asked, noticing a group of around twenty people gathered near the back wall.
The assistant followed Chan Wei's gaze and replied with a smile, "That's what some call the 'Wall of Lamentations.' It holds a collection of innovative formulas left behind by inscriptionists past and present. These are incomplete not due to missing materials, but because of flaws in their base design," she explained. "Of course, many have tried to fix them over the years, but either the scroll doesn't activate, or it changes effect, or it loses efficiency."
"I'll take a look," Chan Wei said as the assistant and Xiao Ning'er wrapped up their business.
"Do you think he can solve any of those?" the assistant asked Xiao Ning'er with curiosity.
"He probably can fix a few of them. After all, he's being trained in inscription by a Legend-rank master," she whispered, careful not to let anyone else overhear.
The woman's eyes widened in shock as she looked at the young man with renewed interest.
Chan Wei walked along the Wall of Lamentations, carefully examining the incomplete formulas. After a moment, his gaze settled on three scrolls that caught his attention.
The first formula appeared to be an attempt at creating a Gold-rank healing zone. It used the blood vitality of an Ice Yeti to enhance its restorative properties. Chan Wei studied the base structure carefully and quickly spotted the flaw. With a few adjustments, he managed to correct the formula, boosting its effectiveness.
The second formula was a Silver-rank fire attack shaped like a dragon. It used the marrow of a Blazing Lizard to amplify the fire's power. Chan Wei immediately noticed an issue with the rune layout. After making several changes, he stabilized the formula, ensuring a stronger and more reliable attack.
The third formula was a wide-area Bronze-rank attack that created a toxic swamp. This scroll used venomous secretions from a Marsh Slime to poison the target zone. Chan Wei quickly identified a flaw in the base design and worked to correct it. After several attempts, he successfully stabilized the formula, guaranteeing its functionality.
Proud of his work, Chan Wei copied the corrected formulas into his notebook, knowing they would now be useful both for the city's defense and for his own future adaptations using his Shadows.
Chan Wei immediately returned to the assistant to request the necessary materials for crafting the three scrolls. Once he had everything he needed, he headed to the training grounds—followed by a dozen inscription masters who had witnessed him copying designs from the Wall of Lamentations.
Meanwhile, the director and Xue Yin had been alerted by the assistant while Chan Wei was crafting the scrolls.
At the training grounds, Chan Wei began by activating the Bronze-rank wide-area swamp scroll, which generated a toxic marsh. The inscription masters watched in fascination as the marsh slowly formed, emitting poisonous vapors.
Next, Chan Wei used the Silver-rank fire dragon scroll. Flames rose and danced in the air with remarkable intensity, dazzling the onlookers with their power.
Finally, Chan Wei activated the Gold-rank healing scroll, using the vitality from the blood of an Ice Yeti. A soft golden glow enveloped the area, soothing and healing the injuries of the volunteers who had agreed to serve as test subjects.
The inscription masters observed all three demonstrations with admiration, deeply impressed by Chan Wei's mastery. Director Ye Zhan, accompanied by Xue Yin, also watched with growing interest.
"Truly remarkable, Chan Wei!" Director Ye Zhan exclaimed, clearly impressed. "Not only did you correct these formulas with great precision, but you also demonstrated an exceptional understanding of their practical use. You are truly a genius of inscription!"
Chan Wei smiled humbly, grateful for the director's praise and the admiring gazes from the other inscription masters. He was pleased to see that his work had paid off and that he could contribute to strengthening the city's defenses against future demon beast attacks.
"Here, Director. These are the corrected formulas, ready for production by the association. Please continue training more people, so we're never short-staffed when it matters most," Chan Wei said with a smile, handing the scrolls to Ye Zhan.
The director accepted the scrolls with a broad, thankful smile. "Thank you, Chan Wei. We will certainly follow your advice and expand our training program. Thanks to you, our defensive capabilities will be significantly strengthened," he replied gratefully.
Chan Wei gave a respectful nod, then turned to Xiao Ning'er, who was visibly moved by her boyfriend's accomplishments.
"Come on, let's go," he said gently, taking her hand. "We still have much to do."
Xiao Ning'er smiled and nodded, feeling proud and thankful to be by Chan Wei's side. Together, they left the Inscriptionist Association.
(Author's Note: Yeah, I know—it's a bit similar to Nie Li's arc, but I needed to build up my MC's reputation and expand the number of people who know him ^^)