Volume One: Turmoil in the Small Town Chapter 14: Transforming the Body?

After a short while, Qian Muyun’s expression grew grave as she said to Zhang Heng, “Little brother, that scripture may be a priceless treasure to others, but in your hands, it will only bring disaster. With your current abilities, you simply cannot protect it. Why not let your elder sister keep it for you for now? When the day comes that you surpass me in strength, I’ll return it to you—how does that sound?”

Zhang Heng was left speechless. If you’re going to snatch it, just say so. It’s not like I could resist anyway. You say it’s in my hands, but the scripture’s in my mind—whether I give it to you or not, trouble will still come for me. Wait until I’m stronger than you? I can’t even be sure I’ll ever be able to cultivate, and even if I can, surpassing you would take centuries—I might not live that long. Besides, if one day I really do become stronger than you, would I need you to give it back? I could just take it myself.

On the surface, however, he remained calm. “Sister Muyun, I’ve already given the scripture to Miss Qingxue. If you’re looking for it, you should ask her directly.”

“Good boy,” Qian Muyun said with delight.

“But I’m not stingy,” she added. “If you want a reward, just say the word and I’ll do my best to grant it.”

Hearing her words, Zhang Heng knew his opportunity had come. After what happened with Murong Qingxue last time, he dared not be polite any longer. Without hesitation, he knelt down and said, “Sister Muyun, I do have a request I hope you’ll help me with.”

“Oh? You want your reward now?” Qian Muyun teased, twirling a lock of her hair with an amused smile.

This was Zhang Heng’s only chance, and he understood well that Qian Muyun called him ‘little brother’ merely out of habit, not genuine affection. If it weren’t for the scripture’s involvement, she likely wouldn’t even bother with him. Once this matter was settled, she would take Murong Qingxue back to the Linglong Sanctuary to cultivate. After that, Zhang Heng might never have the chance to interact with someone from the very pinnacle of this world again.

He kowtowed deeply, then solemnly said, “Sister Muyun, I cannot cultivate—any spiritual energy that enters my body dissipates on its own. Yet I yearn for the path of cultivation and enlightenment. You are knowledgeable, powerful beyond measure; you must have a way to resolve this predicament. I beg you to help me. I will never forget your kindness, and if you ever need me in future, I will risk life and limb without hesitation.”

Seeing Zhang Heng so earnest, Qian Muyun’s smile faded. She extended her jade-like hand, drawing Zhang Heng toward her, then placed two fingers on his pulse. After a moment, she withdrew her hand and murmured, “Aside from being a bit weak, there’s nothing special about your body…”

Before Zhang Heng could react, Qian Muyun flicked her fingers, sending a visible stream of energy shooting into his body at astonishing speed. Zhang Heng felt a cool sensation rampaging within him, coursing through every part of his body. For a moment it was pleasant, but then the energy vanished.

“How interesting,” Qian Muyun mused, having seemingly discovered something, and then sent another burst of spiritual energy into him—this time, ten times stronger than before. Yet as before, the energy eventually disappeared inside Zhang Heng.

“I refuse to believe it,” Qian Muyun murmured, her tone playful yet determined.

She began to weave her hands in complex patterns, murmuring incantations under her breath. The air seemed to twist and bend, and from all directions, countless points of light appeared, converging on her palms. When they had all gathered, a massive orb of light formed above her hand.

Intent on sending this energy into Zhang Heng, she advanced. Seeing this, Zhang Heng quickly tried to dodge aside, calling out, “Sister Muyun, wait! With such powerful energy, I’m afraid my body can’t handle it!”

Is she joking? Using her ultimate move on someone like me, still at the lowest rank of body refinement? She’s overestimating me—if all that spiritual energy enters my body, I’ll split apart on the spot.

But Qian Muyun ignored his protests and thrust her arm forward; a torrent of spiritual energy, carrying winds and sand, swept toward Zhang Heng. He was so stunned by the spectacle that he froze in place, realizing he had no chance of escaping.

The orb of energy entered his body. At first, he only felt swelling and aching—uncomfortable, but not painful. But soon, as the energy surged through him, its sheer intensity overwhelmed him. He felt his meridians snap, bones shatter, blood vessels burst, organs shift—every cell tormented. Agony tore through every inch of his flesh. He didn’t last even a second before he lost consciousness.

Who knows how long passed before Zhang Heng slowly awoke. The pain was gone, replaced by a sense of unprecedented comfort. Was this the legendary opening of the meridians? How miraculous!

Based on the novels he’d read in his past life, his body must have undergone a transformation—reborn, remade. Now was the time to defeat the saint’s son, win the saint’s daughter, and step onto the peak of life. Cultivation world, here I come.

Overjoyed, Zhang Heng knelt and bowed three times in Qian Muyun’s direction. Excitement colored his words: “Thank you, Sister Muyun. Your great kindness, I, Zhang Heng, will never forget. Should you ever need me, I shall not frown, no matter the hardship.”

Hearing his bold declaration, Qian Muyun only smiled awkwardly. “Zhang Heng, don’t get too excited. Your problem still isn’t solved.”

What? Still not solved? I nearly left this beautiful world just now, and you’re telling me it didn’t work? If it can’t be resolved, why hit me with such a massive energy wave? Zhang Heng truly felt the urge to give this woman a good beating.

After a moment’s silence, Zhang Heng stood and cupped his hands. “That you tried is already a great favor, Sister. If my body’s issue remains, it’s not your fault—it’s just my unlucky fate.”

If even someone as powerful as Qian Muyun couldn’t help, was he truly destined to be a useless nobody all his life? Unwillingness gnawed at him.

Seeing his despondency, Qian Muyun grinned and teased, “Little brother, don’t be so discouraged. While I can’t change your constitution, I can fill your body with energy. In other words, you can cultivate now.”

“Really? I can cultivate?” Zhang Heng could hardly believe his ears.

“Really,” Qian Muyun replied. “However, your body is very peculiar. I suspect that when you reach the next realm, you’ll need to be filled again—and next time, it may require even more spiritual energy. If I’m free, I can help you for free then too!”

What? I could barely survive the amount you just used—if it needs even more next time, won’t I be doomed?