Volume Three: The Tenfold Dao Intent Chapter 68: An Accidental Meeting with the Enchantress

On the narrow winding path, a few pats to tidy his clothes and brush off the dust—these people were merely the vanguard, sent to test the nation’s stance and keep watch over Qin Yang. If he returned, they would immediately know. The community of martial artists was vast, their eyes and ears spread across the land; Qin Yang had already been spotted in Qionghai City. By the time they tried to intercept him, it was too late, leading to the current scene.

Alley 293, Yokohama Avenue.

He had been gone for a full month, now less than ten days until the New Year—a moment that filled him with emotion. Truly, in the rush of cultivation, years passed in the blink of an eye. Upon his return, he discovered the place untouched, the courtyard walls bursting with spring’s exuberance, and joy welled in his heart. Never had he imagined that in just a month’s absence, every flower and blade of grass he’d planted would thrive so vigorously.

As he pushed open the door, a delicate fragrance greeted him. Though it was the dead of winter, the courtyard was a world unto itself—a hidden paradise. Ivy crept along the paths he’d designed, turning the courtyard into a living painting. After brewing a pot of tea, he considered the situation: Ye Meier and Wang Hao were still trapped in Xishan County. To rush in recklessly would be unwise.

He possessed six Blood Infant Fruits and needed to plan carefully to strengthen himself. Whether in the city or in the Immortal Realm to come, he would need allies; otherwise, how could he face his greatest enemies? Moreover, these cultivators, being from righteous sects, would not harm Ye Meier or Wang Hao.

“Hmph, they’d best be unharmed. Otherwise, I’ll slaughter the entire ancient martial world.” With a cold snort, the surrounding flowers and leaves trembled. The intent within him had grown complex. In the coming days, he would need to sort through it all. Aside from the Dao of Water among the Five Elements, he had made significant progress with the other four, and even the Gale Dao. All of this required time to digest.

Now, the urge to advance his cultivation was less pressing.

Comprehend the Tenfold Daos; ascend to the Profound Realm in one leap.

He sent a message to Ma Bo and Jin Yu, telling them to come quietly, so as not to alert anyone.

Ma Bo, Qin Yang’s high school classmate and sworn brother, was speechless at the sight of the courtyard. “Damn, people really do die from comparison,” he thought. He’d never realized this kid had such skills. In today’s Bincheng, to buy a courtyard house like this would cost at least tens of millions, or even over a hundred million.

The two entered and immediately noticed the temperature inside—both opened their eyes wide in shock. Outside, it was minus seven or eight degrees, but inside, it was in the teens—a huge difference. And this wasn’t even a sealed environment, with no air conditioner anywhere. Such means were unheard of.

Ma Bo’s eyes lit up. “Yang, why is your courtyard so warm? You should sell it—you’d easily make tens of millions.”

Qin Yang rolled his eyes. The layout and furnishings were the best, with arrays he’d set personally. If it was only for money, he would never have invested so much effort. In the past, he might have been moved by millions, but after his experiences in Xishan County—where life was cheap and only strength mattered—money no longer tempted him.

“Money isn’t everything.”

“But without money, nothing gets done,” Ma Bo muttered.

Qin Yang looked at his good friend, sensing there was more on his mind. “Remember, Ma Bo, anything that can be solved with money isn’t a real problem. This time, I called you two here for other matters.”

“Wang Lei and Li Jun, you know Jin Yu—they’re abroad now. You’ll go find them soon. I don’t care how you do it, but in the shortest time, you must each take command of your own team.”

“And gather all kinds of precious herbs; I’ll need them.”

Jin Yu’s heart leapt at the prospect. Truth be told, being a security guard was idle work, but his ambitions were wild. Every day of leisure bored him, especially after hearing Wang Lei’s stories about the excitement of life abroad. But without Yang’s permission, he dared not leave.

With a touch of Qin Yang’s finger on his forehead, a cultivation technique was transmitted into Jin Yu’s mind.

Overjoyed, Jin Yu said, “Thank you, Brother Yang! Thank you!”

“Go now and cultivate well. The world isn’t safe—many are searching for me. Don’t draw attention.”

“Don’t worry, Brother Yang. I know what to do.”

Jin Yu left, while Ma Bo remained, dazed and clueless. Watching Qin Yang, he realized he no longer recognized his old classmate. Yao Yao’s beauty company, close ties with two major bosses, a splendid courtyard, and now sending people abroad—was this what people called ‘laying out a grand plan’?

He clearly didn’t understand. He lounged on a chair, sipping tea in leisure. The aroma was rich, like aged wine, and his eyes brightened.

“Damn, what kind of tea is this? It’s nothing like what I’ve drunk before!” he exclaimed.

“Ma Bo, you really speak your mind. If it were like your twenty yuan a pound tea, would I even bother serving it?” Qin Yang retorted.

“Get to the point—what’s going on?”

“Boss, I’m in love, but I’m broke. Wang Na doesn’t fancy me,” Ma Bo admitted sheepishly.

“Wang Na?”

Qin Yang’s eyes flashed with a cold gleam. Someone dared look down on his brother? Whoever she was, there would be a price to pay.

“Come on, let’s see what kind of woman this is. If she’s not worthy, you shouldn’t care for her,” he said, heading outside.

Ma Bo reluctantly drained his tea, then stared at Qin Yang in surprise. “Boss, you’re going out like that?”

He wore a thin shirt, cropped pants, and slippers. Realizing this was inappropriate, Qin Yang changed into sneakers, threw on a jacket, and dragged Ma Bo out.

Bincheng Municipal Center.

Next to Yao Yao Beauty’s building stood an investment company. Essentially, it attracted clients, used their money to play the stock market, and earned commissions. In recent years, it had become a powerhouse, growing from a few million to several billion. Yet to Qin Yang, such things were mere illusions.

“You go get Wang Na. I’ll wait in the café.”

He entered the café, not expecting to meet a familiar face.

Enchantress was there too. The two locked eyes.

“You’re still alive?” she blurted.

His face darkened instantly. Was she hoping something had happened to him?

“Thanks to your blessing, I am,” he replied coolly.

Enchantress realized he’d misunderstood and stuck out her tongue with a playful smile. “Heh, is the Qin Yang of Beihai so petty? I heard many are looking for you, yet you show up here so boldly. I must say, you have guts.”

Seeing this playful side, Qin Yang was stunned. Wasn’t she usually cold as ice? He didn’t know that after hearing of his disappearance, Enchantress had shut herself in a dark room for three days, then requested a transfer to Bincheng just to see him first.

Now, seeing him unharmed, the weight in her heart vanished, and her icy demeanor melted away. She no longer hid her true self.

“How are you here? Is the Xishan County matter resolved?” he asked as he sat across from her.

Enchantress shot him a resentful look. This clueless man! Her face grew cold once more.

“Hmph, it’s all because of you. That matter’s far from over. The entire ancient martial world has gone mad, flooding every corner of the country. The Dragon Unit has activated multiple contingency plans; if things go awry, they will unleash thunderous means. As long as those old monsters don’t show up, we can suppress everything.”

Qin Yang listened, gleaning from her words that martial artists, no matter how powerful, were still no match for the state’s machinery—unless one was truly invincible. The nation surely had means to deal with even the strongest, though perhaps at great cost, or as a last resort.

Suddenly, Enchantress leaned in, her scent enveloping him, her eyes wide. Damn, what was she doing, so openly in public? Couldn’t she pick a more private place?

Smack!

“What are you thinking?” Enchantress whispered. “I heard you have several Enlightenment Fruits. Give me one.”

“Come on!” Qin Yang flinched back. He’d thought this woman was different, but she was the same as the rest.

“I don’t have any, really. Rumors kill, you know? Who told you that?” He waved his hands, adamant.

Enchantress giggled. “Look how scared you are. If you won’t give me one, fine. Don’t make excuses. Don’t forget who I am—when it comes to gathering intelligence, no one’s better. Don’t you want to know what’s happened to Ye Meier and Wang Hao?”

“Or have you already gotten what you wanted, and their lives mean nothing to you?”

Enchantress, confident of her advantage, grinned mischievously, sipping her coffee and saying no more.

Damn!

Looking at her exquisite face, Qin Yang felt a headache. So many twists and turns, but in the end, she just wanted an Enlightenment Fruit. The truth was, he didn’t have any. The demonic energy in the Blood Infant Fruit was too much for them to handle—why were they so stubborn?

“How about this—if I really don’t have any Enlightenment Fruit, I’ll give you a pill that can help you comprehend a Dao. How about that?” Qin Yang offered, helpless. He needed her help now, so he had to lower his tone.

Enchantress’s eyes sparkled with delight. As for his claim about not having the fruit, she dismissed it out of hand.

She didn’t believe it for a second.

Rumor had already swept the entire ancient martial world: Beihai’s Qin Yang held six Enlightenment Fruits. Why else would so many martial artists flock to find him?