333: Chapter 333 Merit

"Sir, the magnetic field ahead is unusually active. It is likely some form of cultivation-based method."

"Oh? Finally, I've encountered living people, though they don't seem like the friendly sort."

Zhang Huaiyuan stopped in his tracks and gazed at the mountain forest shrouded in gray mist ahead; through True Sight, he could vaguely see it was littered with dried-out skeletons.

"Oh well... It should be fine to just ask for directions."

After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Huaiyuan decided to make contact.

This world was much larger than he had imagined; he had been here for a full week and still hadn't left this mountain range. If he delayed any longer, there was no telling how much time would be wasted.

After all, as he drew closer to the edge of the Ascension Battlefield, he dared not use the power of trans-world level technology as recklessly as before.

While deep in thought, the nanoparticles on Zhang Huaiyuan's clothes shifted, transforming his attire into a tattered long robe. He walked to the edge of the forest and called out loudly:

"I am Zhang San. I have wandered into these mountains by mistake; I humbly request that an Immortal Master point me toward the right path."

While recalling the customary terms used in the cultivation path, he tapped his chest twice, activating his trigger-based quantum shield.

His voice echoed through the silent forest, startling a flock of birds.

The beings within the barrier had clearly heard the call, as the swirling gray mist gradually receded to both sides.

Through True Sight, he could see two energy entities approaching rapidly, both nearing Level 20.

"Heh heh heh... You actually dare to trespass into the territory of my Black Demon Sect all alone. You have quite the nerve."

"Probably just another hot-blooded youth fooled by those hypocrites, haha..."

Amidst their cold, rasping laughter, the gray mist receded completely, revealing a towering mountain gate.

Inscribed upon it were three powerful characters: Black Demon Sect.

Beneath the gate, two black-robed cultivators were leaning, one on each side, though it was unclear when they had arrived.

"The calligraphy is quite good."

Zhang Huaiyuan glanced at it, then withdrew his gaze and explained to the two black-robed cultivators who had suddenly appeared:

"You two have misunderstood. I merely got lost in the mountains. I would appreciate it if you could do me a kindness and point me in the right direction."

"Lost? Hahaha! This is the first time I've heard of someone getting lost and finding their way to my Black Demon Sect. It's simply... Uh? A mortal!"

The laughter of one of them cut off abruptly, and he looked at Zhang Huaiyuan with a mixture of shock and suspicion.

"That's right, there isn't a shred of spiritual energy fluctuation... He really is a mortal! Strange, how could a mortal make it all the way here? Whatever, that's not important..."

The other one pulled out an ink-colored ruler and waved it at Zhang Huaiyuan. Seeing that the ruler showed no reaction, his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Junior Brother!"

"I understand."

The black-robed cultivator addressed as Junior Brother nodded in understanding. With spiritual energy swirling around his hands, he cast a spell toward the interior of the mountain gate.

"A sound-insulation barrier? Are they trying to keep this from their fellow sect members?"

Zhang Huaiyuan watched the construction of the spell's formation patterns thoughtfully.

He didn't have much research on immortal cultivation civilizations, but he could see through this level of knowledge below Level 30 at a glance.

"However... their reactions are a bit strange. Is there something special about mortals?"

Zhang Huaiyuan frowned slightly, his hand slipping into his sleeve to quietly retrieve a micro plasma cannon.

"Little brother, don't be nervous."

On the other side, the two cultivators seemed to have noticed Zhang Huaiyuan's subtle movements. They exchanged a glance, then simultaneously suppressed their fierce expressions and forced out what they considered to be friendly smiles:

"We are good people."

"Good people?"

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but re-examine the pair upon hearing this.

One of them was twirling a patina-covered skull in his hand, while the other had a streak of red blood on his sleeve; they looked like villains written all over their faces.

"Yes, good people!"

The first one nonchalantly tucked the skull into his storage bag, flew down to land in front of Zhang Huaiyuan, and said enthusiastically:

"What was it you said just now? You got lost in the mountains, is that right?"

"Yes, sirs..."

"Then you've asked the right people! Where would you like to go, little brother?"

Before he could finish speaking, the other cultivator also crowded around.

Zhang Huaiyuan watched their behavior, which was drastically different from before, and felt a twinge of suspicion.

However, thinking that they were just two cultivators under Level 20 who couldn't stir up any Wind and Waves, he replied:

"Might I ask how far the nearest town or market is from here?"

"The nearest town or market?"

The cultivator addressed as Senior Brother pondered for a moment, then looked up in a certain direction: "That would likely be Seeking Immortal City, about 1,700 kilometers to the southeast."

"It won't be easy for a mere mortal like you to cross such a distance. Very well, my Junior Brother and I happen to be free today, so we shall personally give you a ride. Consider yourself lucky, kid."

"Give me a ride?"

Zhang Huaiyuan was stunned as he looked at their eager eyes.

Could it be that this place was like the first world, filled with cultivators who upheld noble virtues? No, that didn't seem right; when these two had first appeared, they were clearly radiating killing intent.

"It seems that either this involves some special rule of this world, or these two want to take me away from here to enjoy their 'blood meal' in private."

Zhang Huaiyuan pondered for a moment, then feigned a look of gratitude:

"That would be wonderful. Then I shall trouble you two Immortal Masters."

"For us, it's nothing but a small favor. Get on the boat."

The two cultivators smiled, then tossed out a small skiff that grew to tens of meters in length as it caught the wind.

"The cultivation path is truly interesting. Even mere cultivators below the Second Order can craft such magical artifacts that involve something akin to space folding..."

Zhang Huaiyuan stepped onto the boat-shaped artifact, lost in thought.

"He's just a mortal, after all; he hasn't seen much of the world."

The two cultivators saw him staring straight at the artifact and sneered inwardly.

"But that's fine. Mortals who haven't seen much of the world are easier to satisfy."

Their expressions remained unchanged as they secretly communicated via sound transmission:

"Senior Brother, your cultivation has reached a bottleneck. Because you lack Merit, you've been afraid to undergo the Tribulation. This is truly a godsend. Ask this mortal later what his wishes are, and try to earn more Merit from him."

"Thank you, Junior Brother. However, your cultivation is not far behind mine, so we should share this opportunity equally. I've already gained a portion of Merit by taking him to Seeking Immortal City, so you can handle the rest."

"Then thank you, Senior Brother..."

"Sir, there are abnormal fluctuations in the electromagnetic field between these two. They appear to be communicating using a special encryption method."

Statue of Liberty suddenly spoke, "I have decrypted it. Please take a look, Sir."

"Oh?"

Zhang Huaiyuan looked at the information transmitted into his mind and pondered, "Merit... So that's how it is. Based on the style of the previous worlds, I think I know how to leave this place."