Chapter 52: Select All

Chen Huai’an paused mid-step.

So, it had finally come to this.

A hidden BOSS!

One of the most cliché tropes in cultivation novels—so overused that it was even considered a toxic plot device—the Sect’s Ancestor!

Defeat the disciple, the master arrives. Defeat the master, the ancestor arrives.

Defeat the ancestor? Well, then comes the heavenly tribulation, the celestial enforcers, or even some revived ancient being.

Invincible in the mortal world? Don’t worry, heaven’s got you covered.

For most players, at this point, there were only two options—run for their life or get killed by the plot.

Because he had money!

“You—so you’re the old monster hiding within Qingyun Sect? Heh.”

Chen Huai’an tilted his head slightly, half of his face shrouded in shadow. The only thing visible was his piercing golden slit-pupil, still radiating with scorching intensity.

The entire audience gasped.

Li Qingran silently watched him, feeling that something about his way of speaking had completely changed compared to before.

But… that didn’t matter.

All she knew was that her heart was racing.

Wu Duantian and the elders looked at Chen Huai’an like he was a complete idiot.

Zhang Hanxiao, who had been playing dead, cracked open an eye.

Lu Changtian had stopped rolling in pain.

Mu Baishuang widened her eyes and covered her mouth.

Even the half-dead Daoist Qingxuan twitched at the corner of his lips.

Qingyun Sect’s great ancestor, a Fusion Realm powerhouse—and this guy just called her an "old monster"?

Granted, she was actually old.

But basic respect was still a thing, wasn’t it?

Besides, he was only at Nascent Soul Perfection—what was he acting so cocky for?

The gap between Nascent Soul and Fusion Realm was like heaven and earth!

“You… called me an old monster?” Qingyun Sect’s ancestor’s eyebrow twitched violently, though her lips curled into a cold smile.

But there was no warmth in that smile—only chilling malice and murderous intent.

"That’s right. Old. Monster."

Chen Huai’an didn’t flinch, but the moment he said those words, he could feel that this hidden BOSS was about to attack.

It was time—to activate the power of money!

He silently willed:

“Raise my cultivation to Fusion Realm Perfection!”

Since this was neural mapping technology, it should be able to capture his conscious thoughts.

And sure enough, the game responded.

But instead of an upgrade, a notification popped up—

[This realm is currently locked, and your balance is insufficient!]

Chen Huai’an: “???”

“Fine! Raise me to Fusion Realm Late Stage!”

[Realm locked, balance insufficient.]

“Fusion Realm Mid Stage?”

[Locked. Insufficient funds.]

“Fusion Realm Early Stage??”

[Locked. Not enough money.]

Chen Huai’an: "…"

He was screwed.

The entire mental conversation happened in a split second.

Meanwhile, Qingyun Sect’s ancestor had already begun gathering her spiritual energy.

Behind her, a massive stone avatar emerged—a towering figure with an ashen face, crimson eyes, and a solemn expression.

The avatar had six arms, each holding a different weapon—sword, saber, spear, flask, shield, and fan—exuding an aura of absolute dominance.

She had directly summoned her Dharma Avatar.

Chen Huai’an looked calm on the surface—but inside, he was freaking out.

Was this really about to be a forced death scenario?!

[You have angered Hidden BOSS: Qingyun Sect’s Ancestor. You have three options (multiple selections allowed).]

A game menu popped up.

Chen Huai’an, who had been on the verge of bending over in despair, immediately straightened his back.

[Limited Time Offer] Spend ¥18 to receive a Thousand Mile Escape Talisman and flee the battlefield.

[Super Value Deal: 0.001% Discount] Spend ¥88 to temporarily obtain Fusion Realm Late Stage pressure for 30 seconds.

[Exclusive Special ♡] Spend ¥188 to increase Charm—Qingyun Sect’s Ancestor will develop a favorable impression of you (greatly increases success rate of seduction). ＲАɴổꞖÈ?

…

Wait, hold on—

Was that third option serious?!

Chen Huai’an thought it over.

An isekai sugar mommy? If Li Qingran weren’t here, he would’ve picked that in a heartbeat!

After all, this was just a game. If there was a thigh to cling to, of course he’d cling to it!

What did he care? It was just a character!

And besides, his stats would go up too.

But right now…

Chen Huai’an’s eyes narrowed.

Just as Qingyun Sect’s ancestor was about to go berserk—

He directly recharged ¥294.

ALL. IN.

In an instant—

Qingyun Sect’s ancestor’s murderous gaze abruptly froze.

She suddenly felt that the divine glow shrouding his face looked extremely familiar.

"Zihào… is it really you?"

"No. Zihào is already dead. He can’t be Zihào. But… his aura… it’s so similar…"

Her rising battle intent deflated like a punctured balloon.

Lü Zihào—her former Dao Companion.

One of the top ten most handsome men in Cangyun Realm.

But his talent was garbage.

No matter how many rare treasures she used, she couldn’t push him past the Nascent Soul stage or extend his lifespan.

Originally, Qingyun Sect’s ancestor didn’t look this old.

Cultivators had methods to preserve their youth—even if she was a thousand years old, she could have the appearance of a young maiden.

She simply chose not to.

Because her heart had died.

But now—

A tiny spark reignited within her long-extinguished emotions.

And in the next second—

That tiny spark was mercilessly crushed.

“Old monster, do you really think being at Fusion Realm makes you all that?”

Chen Huai’an sneered.

The moment he spoke, his aura erupted—

Fusion Realm Late Stage!

The entire Qingyun Sect Plaza trembled as if an immense mountain had descended upon it, shrouding everything in darkness.

The combined pressure of two Fusion Realm cultivators was so intense that even the Nascent Soul elders could barely lift their heads—their knees sinking into the stone bricks beneath them.

Behind Chen Huai’an, a colossal black dragon avatar coiled into existence, its thunderous roar shaking the heavens.

Its golden slit pupils blazed like two miniature suns, even dimming the sunlight.

At that moment, Chen Huai’an suddenly had a strange urge—

Should I recite a poem here?

But… he didn’t know any.

What was he supposed to say?

"Holy sh*t, this is awesome"?

He chose silence.

With only a few seconds left on his Fusion Realm buff, Chen Huai’an seized the moment:

“Today, I have witnessed Qingyun Sect’s grandeur. Vengeance is settled—I have no further quarrel. Farewell!”

With five seconds remaining, he pulled out his Thousand Mile Escape Talisman, grabbed for Li Qingran’s hand—and missed.

But the talisman still wrapped them both in light.

“Your name?” Qingyun Sect’s ancestor asked, watching his fading figure.

"Sword Sect. Chen Huai’an!"

Whoosh!

They vanished.

Qingyun Sect’s ancestor stood still, emotions in turmoil.

She turned to Daoist Qingxuan.

“Mother…” he croaked.

“Shut up. Go kneel at Reflection Cliff.”

Then she turned back.

“…Also, bring me two furnaces of Beauty Retention Pills within the hour.”

Daoist Qingxuan: "???"

“…And a milk bath. And lotus flowers.”

Daoist Qingxuan: "???!"

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