Chapter 35: Return to the Little Shop

“This bear demon isn’t half bad.”

Zuo Meng had two reasons for killing the beast: to rescue people and to eat. His provisions had run out days ago during his time in the Black Forest, forcing him to hunt wild animals daily. As for the poisonous insects Jie Nian’s group feared? They kept their distance. After his breakthrough, Zuo Meng’s body had transcended ordinary people. Now a Foundation Establishment Immortal Cultivator, he radiated an aura that repelled lesser creatures. His absorption of ancient energy during advancement only amplified his terrifying presence.

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The girl and the newly awakened monk Jie Nian exchanged wry smiles as they stared at Zuo Meng.

“So it’s Benefactor Xue. Your great deed won’t be forgotten—expect repayment.”

“No need for formalities between acquaintances. Where’s your junior brother?” Though Zuo Meng recognized Jie Nian, he better remembered Jie Ming—the scholarly young monk radiating fortune’s glow. Pretending ignorance of Jie Ming’s fate, he asked anyway.

“My junior brother…”

Jie Nian’s voice trailed off.

“Eat.” Zuo Meng threw two slabs of roasted meat at them. The massive bear provided more than enough, and he hated waste. The girl wolfed down her portion, grease smearing her face as all pretense of ladylike manners vanished. Jie Nian placed his share aside, murmuring a Buddhist chant.

“Amitabha.”

Buddhist rules flooded Zuo Meng’s thoughts—the three poisons, five precepts, ten virtues. Whether Cold Mountain Temple followed these didn’t matter. What impressed him was the monk’s unyielding principles in this forsaken place.

“Since you abstain from meat, try these wild berries.” Zuo Meng respected conviction, whether in monks or daoists.

Jie Nian nodded. “My thanks, Benefactor Xue.”

Zuo Meng waved off the gratitude. Empty pleasantries annoyed him.

Footsteps approached moments later. Luo San and Jiang Luoyan stumbled into view, their eyes widening at the scene.

“Master! Miss Li! You’re alive!” Jiang Luoyan chirped, shameless as ever. Luo San’s gaze locked onto the bear carcass, then Zuo Meng.

*A master cultivator.*

Their escape had ended when another demon blocked their path, forcing retreat. Now these “burdens” stood unharmed—even airborne.

“Who’s your ‘Little Sister Li’?” The girl’s cheeks flushed crimson. Li Yuanyuan—Suzhou governor’s daughter—had joined Jiang Luoyan seeking heroic tales, only to watch her idol flee danger. Her fantasy lay shattered.

“The young don’t grasp the world’s cruelty.” Jiang Luoyan turned to Zuo Meng. “And this hero is…?”

Zuo Meng ignored her, tossing aside a bone. “Leaving soon, monk. Need a lift?”

“Gratitude, Benefactor Xue.” Since becoming Cold Mountain Temple’s top disciple after Jie Ming’s betrayal, Jie Nian embraced his role’s responsibilities—including dietary restrictions he’d once ignored.

True Essence surged as Zuo Meng lifted Jie Nian and Li Yuanyuan skyward.

“Senior! Wait!” Luo San blurted, desperate. “My employer’s Yu Linglong!”

Zuo Meng hovered beyond the forest, sunlight warming his face. “Survival’s your concern.” He flicked energy into Luo San’s dagger. Jiang Luoyan received nothing.

“Are you a god?” Li Yuanyuan gaped at their flight.

“Not yet.” Zuo Meng’s shaky control barely prevented embarrassment—a lesson he’d apply later in the real world.

By afternoon, Zuo Meng’s little shop reopened on Suzhou’s bluestone street. Neighbors greeted him without prying about exams or absences. This unspoken acceptance was why he returned. The world’s transformation had begun; his role now was patience.

Let the crop grow.

Then reap.