My Artifacts Can Upgrade Infinitely

In the Moyun Sect, the Outer and Inner Sects were two completely different worlds. While Outer Sect disciples were under the sect’s protection, they were more like rank-and-file employees, earning wages commensurate with their efforts. Inner Sect Disciples, however, were akin to mid-level managers; though they still needed to work hard, they were eligible for a share of the profits.

Even without doing anything, they received fifty Contribution Points and two Yellow Bud Pills each month. This pill was a secret Pill Medicine of the Moyun Sect, an all-around upgrade to the Purifying Spirit Pill. Its medicinal effects were not only more potent and its Pill Poison far weaker, but long-term use could also strengthen one’s Meridians.

After two years of continuous use, the bottleneck to the Late Period of Qi Cultivation would no longer be a dangerous hurdle. In other words, becoming an Inner Sect Disciple of the Moyun Sect was like getting a guaranteed ticket into the Late Period of Qi Cultivation.

Zhao Zuo followed the mountain steps toward the Inner Sect, happening to pass a central platform where a lesson was underway. He glanced over, and though he was tempted to stay... he did not stop.

Not far ahead, clouds and mist swirled, and the concentration of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power rose yet another level. Amid the roiling clouds, white cranes with wingspans of over three meters could be faintly seen breaking through the haze to soar across the sky. Farther still... a faint five-colored immortal light emanated, and cultivators could be seen on Sword Flight.

"Taoist Friend Zhao, can we talk?"

On a flight of stairs not far from the Inner Sect, Zhao Qingmeng was sitting with her snow-white arms resting on her thighs. She wore a simple, plain-colored dress, and her eyes were clear and wise, devoid of their usual seductive charm.

Zhao Zuo was inwardly alarmed. Zhao Qingmeng’s appearance here was indeed a surprise.

Zhao Qingmeng had clearly chosen this spot to negotiate. It wasn’t far from the Inner Sect’s territory, the sightlines were open with no place for an ambush, and with Inner Sect Disciples occasionally passing by... it was naturally much safer.

"So... you’re admitting you hired someone to kill me?" For a moment, Zhao Zuo couldn’t fathom what Zhao Qingmeng was thinking. There had been no clues pointing to her, yet here she was... confessing without being prompted.

"I admit it," Zhao Qingmeng said, rising to her feet with calm composure. "I continue."

"I considered the possibility that the assassination would fail, but I never expected your counterattack to be so... creative. Logically, for a person of your caliber, wouldn’t it have been better to just test directly into the Inner Sect? Why bother living among people like us?"

No one could master the Refining of Lower Grade Magical Artifacts in a little over ten days. Zhao Qingmeng was more inclined to believe that Zhao Zuo had grasped the Artifact Refining Technique even before the Outer Sect disciple assessment... He could earn nearly a thousand Spirit Stones a month without taking any risks.

She had schemed and sacrificed everything just to latch onto an elderly Alchemist, yet she had missed her chance with this talented young Artifact Refiner. Worse, she had created an irreconcilable hatred between them.

"You sent people to kill me for cultivation resources?" Zhao Zuo asked.

"Yes. I made a mistake, and I am willing to give everything to atone for it." Zhao Qingmeng’s voice was gentle, but her tone was deeply serious.

Zhao Zuo chuckled and asked casually, "Do you have some goal you’re desperate to achieve?"

The smile on Zhao Qingmeng’s face vanished.

"I want to live. To keep on living."

"May I ask how you plan on resolving the conflict between us?"

Zhao Qingmeng narrowed her eyes slightly, studying Zhao Zuo’s face. After a few seconds, she gave a frank smile.

"Three thousand Spirit Stones, and everything I am."

"’Everything you are?’" Zhao Zuo repeated the phrase, searching for its true meaning.

"That’s right. Everything," Zhao Qingmeng affirmed.

"Three thousand Spirit Stones is a lot, and you’re very beautiful. But none of it is worth my life."

Zhao Zuo started walking. He didn’t believe the conflict between them could be resolved, and he certainly couldn’t keep someone who had once tried to kill him by his side.

"I expected as much." Zhao Qingmeng raised a hand, her expression flickering. She remained in front of Zhao Zuo, blocking his path.

"Is there really no room for reconciliation?" she asked again, a hint of pleading in her voice.

"To be honest, Zhao Qingmeng, I don’t hate you. I’m not even angry. Trying to kill me for resources, for your own cultivation path... I can understand that. But you failed... so it’s only natural you face my retribution."

Zhao Zuo bypassed Zhao Qingmeng and continued up the stairs. When he was first ambushed, he had been filled with rage. But after witnessing so much death and slaughter, his heart had grown numb to it all.

After walking five or six meters, he began to quicken his pace.

"I’ll give you a resolution. What if I use my life to cancel out your retribution?"

Zhao Zuo stopped dead in his tracks and looked back at Zhao Qingmeng. Those weren’t words he’d expect to hear from her. Someone who would abandon everything to climb higher... why would she choose to give up her life just to give him a resolution?

Would a person who could abandon everything just to survive really give up her own life?

Zhao Zuo decided she wouldn’t. So he turned and walked toward the Inner Sect without another look.

His plan now was to go to the Punishment Hall. Using his status as an Inner Sect Disciple, he would have the Hall investigate the assassination attempt and use the Heart Inquiry Skill to find Zhao Qingmeng’s accomplices.

Fighting, killing, or simply avoiding her for now were all poor options. Since he could borrow the sect’s power, why take the risk himself?

Out of Zhao Zuo’s line of sight, Zhao Qingmeng pulled a dagger from her Storage Bag and, without a moment’s hesitation, plunged it into her heart.

THUMP.

At the sound of something heavy hitting the ground, Zhao Zuo spun around in shock. Zhao Qingmeng had collapsed. Crimson blood gushed from the wound, staining the ground beneath her like a delicate flower blooming in splendor.