Ye Fang approached the massive carcass of the Silver-Horned Rhino. There was no hatred or arrogance in his gaze—only a profound, lingering sadness. He took a deep breath and whispered, "Farewell, my friend... if only you hadn't attacked me. Had you remained in your territory, you would still be enjoying this life of freedom. I was merely defending myself."
He closed his eyes, observing a moment of silence. "I hope that in our next life, we meet not as enemies, but as brothers."
As the words left his lips, the flickering black-gold aura surrounding his body subsided into tranquility. He relaxed his fists, and his trademark playful smile returned. Little System flickered brightly near his shoulder.
"[Ding! Host's Kindness and the God-Demon Physique have reached a new level of Balance.]"
Ye Fang glanced at the screen and gave a subtle nod. He left the rhino's remains to return to the forest soil and resumed his carefree stride. Adjusting his bag, he began to sprint down the forest trail, humming a tune in true Luffy style.
"Minami no shima wa tatta kai... Zutsumu papuna de atama pokapoka..."
His speed increased with every heartbeat. With each leap, he blurred through the dense foliage. Sanmiao City was now within reach. Along the way, he encountered several smaller spirit beasts, but after the aura he had unleashed against the rhino, none dared to cross his path. His Qi had permeated the forest like an unspoken decree of terror and respect.
After hours of running, the oppressive canopy of the jungle finally thinned, revealing a vast open plain. Across the expanse stood towering stone walls—Sanmiao City, the hub of cultivators where Ye Fang's 10 True Targets awaited.
"So, we've arrived, Little System?" Ye Fang asked, looking at the massive gates. His voice held no fear, only the spark of a new adventure.
"Yes, Host. Welcome to Sanmiao City! The cultivators here have no idea that their world is about to be turned upside down."
Ye Fang tightened his grip one last time, feeling the raw power of the 5 Attack Talismans resting in his System Space, and marched toward the grand entrance.
Ye Fang stood before the monolithic gates of Sanmiao City. His clothes were tattered and caked in dust from the forest trek and the battle with the rhino. He didn't look like a scion of a noble sect; he looked like a common vagabond.
As he drew closer, he noticed a commotion. Two guards in heavy plate armor, their faces twisted with malice, were blocking the path of two young women. The girls were trembling, trying to retreat, but the guards laughed, hurling lewd insults.
"Hey, beauties! What's the rush?" one guard sneered. "Don't you know the law of Sanmiao City? Tax alone isn't enough to enter; sometimes, you have to keep the guards happy too." He reached out to grab one of the girls' hands.
Ye Fang watched this play out. The 'God' half of his physique and the morals of his past life surged within him. Without hesitation, he stepped between them.
"Why are you harrassing them?" Ye Fang's voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable weight. "Is this how the protectors of a city behave?"
The guards froze, startled, and scanned Ye Fang from head to toe. Seeing his ripped clothes and dirt-streaked face, they erupted into mocking laughter.
"Oi, you little beggar! Who the hell are you?" the first guard barked. "Scram before we throw you in the dungeon along with these girls."
The second guard, who possessed a slightly higher cultivation base, narrowed his eyes. "Wait... he's just a lowly Qi Refining stage brat. You've got a lot of nerve talking back to us, kid."
He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword and stepped into Ye Fang's personal space. "Listen, beggar, the entry tax is 20 silver coins. You look like you don't have a cent to your name. If you value your life, run away now before I start counting your broken bones!"
They were used to extorting the weak at the gate, and to them, Ye Fang looked like easy prey. The girls huddled behind Ye Fang's back, shivering.
Ye Fang tightened his fists. He felt no anger, only pity. He thought of the 5 Attack Talismans in his Space—items capable of leveling the entire gatehouse—but he didn't want to waste such power on petty thugs.
He looked the guard dead in the eye. "I don't have the money. But you should let them go. This isn't right."
"Oh? So you're going to teach us what's right?" The guard raised his hand to deliver a backhanded strike.
Just as the hand swung through the air, the blue System screen flashed before Ye Fang's eyes.
[Ding! Mission Progress Update!]
[Objective: Defeat these two guards. Remaining targets for Sanmiao City: 8.]
Ye Fang saw the notification and sighed. He still hoped to avoid a brawl. With an air of innocence, he reached out and caught the guard's wrist mid-air. To the guard, it felt like hitting a mountain of solid diamond; he couldn't move an inch.
"Calm down," Ye Fang said softly. "This behavior doesn't suit you. You are the shield of this city. If the protectors prey on the innocent for coin, where will the common folk go for help? Have you forgotten your duty?"
The girls stared in shock at Ye Fang's bravery. But to the guards, this 'sermon' was an insult.
"You brat! You're lecturing us?!" The guard tried to wrench his hand free, but Ye Fang's grip was like an iron vice. "A mere Qi Refiner thinks he's a master! Let go, or I'll bury you right here!"
The second guard unsheathed his blade, shouting, "Enough talk! Time to show you your place!"
Ye Fang realized that words had failed. These men didn't speak the language of peace. He let go of the guard's wrist. As the man lunged forward to attack again, Ye Fang's speed shifted instantaneously.
He took a single, fluid step back, and the guard's punch met empty air. In the next heartbeat, Ye Fang channeled a fraction of his God-Demon Physique into his palms. He didn't even throw a punch—just a gentle Palm Strike to the guard's chest.
THUD!
The heavy-set guard flew back like a ragdoll, crashing into the stone wall and collapsing in a heap. The second guard swung his sword, but Ye Fang caught the blade between two fingers.
SNAP!
The heavy steel shattered like dry wood. The guard's eyes went wide with terror. Before he could scream, Ye Fang grabbed his wrist and slammed him into the dirt.
Within seconds, both arrogant guards lay groaning on the ground, their pride shattered. The crowd at the gate and the two girls looked at Ye Fang as if he were a deity in disguise. This boy in rags was a hidden powerhouse.
Ye Fang dusted off his clothes and looked down at the fallen guards. "I told you to stay calm. Power is meant to protect the weak, not intimidate them."
[Ding! Congratulations Host! 2 Cultivators defeated.]
[Mission Update: 8 powerful cultivators remaining to challenge.]
Ye Fang shouldered his bag and gestured for the girls to pass through. His true journey in Sanmiao City had finally begun.