Monsters also need to cultivate immortality scientifically (10): Fake is fake after all

The senior sister and her group found the Son of the World and his companions in the time it takes to burn two sticks of incense.  

However, with a horde of demonic beasts chasing them, they feared being mistaken for deliberately leading the danger toward others. So when they spotted the Son of the World’s group, they forcibly halted, turning to fight the beasts instead. The most impulsive of them—the same junior brother who had earlier tried to sacrifice Si Qi—rushed toward the Son of the World, shouting:  

“Help us!”  

Seeing them stop, the Son of the World’s group slowly lowered their guard but remained cautious. “Who are you?”  

“We’re inner disciples of the Shengliu Sect. We entered this secret realm for training but were ambushed by a demonic cultivator leading a horde of beasts!” The disciple spoke rapidly, desperation written across his face. “If you’re willing to help, we’ll repay the favor in the trials ahead—we won’t forget your kindness!”  

Afraid they wouldn’t believe him, he immediately raised three fingers to the heavens and swore a heart demon oath—a binding vow with severe consequences if broken—staring pleadingly at the group.  

Had these been ordinary rogue cultivators, they would’ve never agreed.  

Facing so many demonic beasts would inevitably come at a heavy cost, and who knew if these sect disciples would even keep their word afterward?  

But because they had gathered around the Son of the World, knowing his “righteous and heroic” nature—after all, he had saved them in their own times of crisis—they instinctively didn’t want to contradict his values. Their gazes all turned to him.  

To the junior brother, this reaction clearly meant the group deferred to the Son of the World’s decision. One word from him, and they’d charge into battle without hesitation.  

His eyes burned with hope as he stared at the Son of the World, terrified he’d refuse.  

But the Son of the World’s expressionless face made the junior brother’s heart sink further.  

Then came the utterly baffling reply:  

“You want us to stop these beasts for you, then follow you to fight a Nascent Soul-stage demon leader?” The Son of the World sneered. “Why should I?”  

To him, this request was laughably naive.  

Did these pampered sect disciples really think the secret realm was some kind of cooperative training ground? In a place this dangerous, everyone but yourself is an enemy!  

The fact that he didn’t outright tell his companions, “Let’s wait for them to die and loot their corpses,” was already a mercy.  

The junior brother’s face twisted in despair. Fury burned in his eyes as he spat:  

“You’re really this heartless?! We’re not asking you to risk your life—just lend a hand! We’ll give you all the rewards afterward! Is that still not enough?!”  

The Son of the World actually laughed.  

“Trying to guilt-trip me?” He smirked. “Helping is a favor, not helping is my right. What gives you the right to demand anything?”  

In his mind, this was flawless logic—no one could possibly criticize him for it.  

But what he didn’t notice was the subtle shift in the expressions of his followers.  

It wasn’t that they disagreed with his reasoning. In the cultivation world, standing aside was the most common, even the smartest choice.  

But… 

This was Zhou Junyi.  

The man who had risked his life to save them in their darkest moments.  

The man whose words had once stirred their souls, whose unshakable righteousness had inspired them to follow him without question.  

Since when did he sound so… calculating?  

The daughter of the Creation Sect’s leader—who had once been saved by the Son of the World and desperately tried to repay him, only to be told “I save people without expecting anything in return”—felt a chill crawl down her spine.  

A terrible suspicion began to take root in her heart.

Back then, the Son of the World had indeed never openly demanded repayment—but in the end, he had still won the favor of the entire Creation Sect, captured her heart, and now remained by her side day after day.  

If his selfless acts of rescue weren’t truly sincere, if they were just calculated moves… then were those noble words he’d spoken back then genuine or just a performance?  

Given how the Son of the World had always presented himself as righteous and heroic, his companions weren’t about to turn on him over such a minor reaction. They wouldn’t deny everything he’d done for them.  

After all, a life-saving grace could never be forgotten.  

So, staying true to the Son of the World’s (original owner’s) straightforward personality, they spoke their minds openly:  

“Brother Zhou, it’s not too much trouble. We can lend them a hand.”  

“Yeah, aren’t you always the first to help others? We’re willing to back you up.”  

The Son of the World had been busy lecturing the reckless junior brother when his teammates suddenly chimed in. He froze.  

Turning to look at them, he saw expressions that practically screamed, “It’s okay, do what you want—we’ve got your back!” He nearly laughed in frustration.  

“We’ll help you”? No, they were helping them! And when did he ever agree to this? Since when was this his idea?  

Wait—  

The Son of the World suddenly remembered his “persona.” His stomach dropped. Thinking fast, he quickly backpedaled:  

“Of course I want to help. If I were alone, I’d charge in without hesitation—but I can’t ask all of you to take such a risk with me.”  

Hearing this, the group understood immediately. Their earlier doubts dissolved, and they chuckled.  

“Brother Zhou, you’re being too modest. After everything you’ve done for us, how could we stand by and watch?”  

Seeing their unyielding determination to jump into trouble, the Son of the World seethed inwardly—but he had no way to stop them now.  

And when that damned junior brother, who’d been arguing with him moments ago, suddenly lit up like he’d struck gold, the Son of the World’s irritation spiked.  

Forcing a smile, he said gently, “Then I’ll trouble you all.”  

“It’s nothing.” With that, they summoned their magical tools and charged into the fray without hesitation.  

The junior brother followed, but before leaving, he couldn’t help but glance back at the Son of the World.  

Something felt off.  

That earlier refusal hadn’t been about “not wanting to endanger the group.” He just didn’t want to help.  

But voicing that suspicion now would be stupid. What if these blindly loyal followers got angry and backed out?  

So he swallowed his words and buried the thought.  

Even with both groups fighting together, the sheer number of demonic beasts took a heavy toll.

The Son of the World watched as both sides suffered injuries, some even crippled, with several resorting to their last-resort magical treasures—depleting their lifesaving trump cards for this secret realm expedition. He couldn’t help but think, Why the hell were Si Qi’s friends all such idiots?  

Was sticking their noses in really worth it? Couldn’t they just focus on exploring the damn realm and hunting for treasures instead of playing heroes and nearly getting themselves killed?  

But no matter how much he seethed inside, he couldn’t voice any of this. Outwardly, he pretended to give his all, joining the fight against the beasts—though he absolutely refused to expend any of his own precious, limited trump cards.  

With the favored child of the Heavenly Dao (and the team’s strongest fighter) slacking off, what should’ve been a manageable battle dragged on for an excruciatingly long time before barely concluding.  

The senior sister’s arm hung limply at her side, a grotesque bite wound gushing blood like a broken faucet. Yet she ignored her own injuries, relieved to see all her fellow disciples still alive. Grateful, she turned to the Son of the World’s group and pleaded:  

“Our senior brother is still ahead, holding off that demon leader alone. Please—help us save him! We’ll be forever in your debt!”  

The Son of the World’s brow furrowed. These people were already half-dead—useless in a fight. If they went after that demon leader, it’ll be his group taking the brunt of it.  

His followers—though destined to become Si Qi’s legendary right-hand men, achieving great feats in the future—were still far from their prime. Against a demon leader? They’d be cannon fodder.  

Letting them charge to their deaths felt like a waste.  

But the idea of personally protecting so many people and facing that terrifying demon leader alone just pissed him off.  

—Why the hell should I?  

He never wanted to help in the first place. Why should he go all out for a bunch of deadweights who’d contribute nothing even if they survived?  

So when the senior sister spoke, her voice full of desperate hope, the Son of the World just stood there in silence, neither agreeing nor refusing, letting the moment stretch into unbearable awkwardness.  

His harem/entourage once again felt that same strange dissonance. They wanted to reassure him—”Don’t worry about us, do what you think is right!”—but the way Zhou Junyi was acting… it didn’t feel like someone who actually wanted to help. Saying this was for his sake would just sound ridiculous now.  

Besides, charging in now would be suicidal.  

So they, too, stayed silent, leaving the decision entirely to Zhou Junyi.  

Under the weight of that crushing quiet, the senior sister and her group slowly lost hope. They gave the Son of the World’s party a long, deep look—too decent to lash out, but unable to hide their disappointment.  

With a solemn bow, the senior sister said quietly: “Then we won’t impose further. If we survive… we’ll repay your kindness.”  

The group shifted uncomfortably, guilt gnawing at them, and they awkwardly avoided the bow.  

The Creation Sect leader’s daughter, especially remorseful, took out a priceless talisman and handed it over. “This can block a Nascent Soul cultivator’s attack for three breaths. Use it to save your senior brother.”  

The senior sister’s eyes widened in shock—she knew exactly how valuable this was. Overwhelmed, she stammered: “Thank you! The Shengliu Sect will never forget this grace!!”  

The sect leader’s daughter shook her head, ashamed. “We’re the ones who failed to do more…”  

“Don’t say that—” Time was critical, so after a few rushed words, the senior sister prepared to leave. Then, almost absentmindedly, she added:  

“Our master is close friends with Immortal Venerable Liu. He’s always looked out for our senior brother. If you ever need aid in the future, even if we can’t help, we’ll beg Immortal Venerable Liu to intervene—farewell!”  

Casual words—but earth-shattering to the right ears.  

The Son of the World jolted at the name “Immortal Venerable Liu.” Staring at the group in disbelief, memories of the legendary Liu’s achievements in his past life flooded his mind. And hadn’t Si Qi once mentioned, in passing, that Liu had secretly raised his only son under a friend’s care to protect him from enemies? That the boy had died young, leaving Liu heartbroken…  

Wait.  

Was that “senior brother” they’re talking about—  

—Liu’s fucking son?! 

“SHIT—”

The Son of the World hastily stepped forward, about to declare, “My conscience won’t allow this—let me accompany you!”  

Then—  

WHOOSH!  

A talisman streaked through the forest, halting before the senior sister. A stranger’s voice echoed from it:  

“Qinglian, Qingliu—are you alright?! Senior Brother is safe! We’ll regroup soon!”  

The moment those words rang out, the disciples’ eyes instantly reddened. They crowded around the talisman, hands trembling with emotion.  

“Senior Sister—it’s Senior Brother’s voice! He’s alive!!”  

“It’s him! It’s really him! Thank the heavens!!”  

The group erupted into cheers, nearly jumping for joy.  

A young girl who’d been clinging to consciousness by sheer willpower finally smiled—then collapsed, her vision going dark.  

Her fellow disciples fumbled to catch her, relieved to find she’d only passed out from exhaustion and injuries.  

The senior sister quickly replied to the talisman: “Senior Brother, we’re fine too! We’ll come to you immediately! How did you escape? Are you hurt?”  

Senior Brother’s voice replied: “I’m unharmed. A kind fellow cultivator saved me.”  

A kind fellow cultivator? Who?  

Whoever it was, the senior sister felt nothing but gratitude. First they met good Samaritans, and now Senior Brother encountered one too? Without another word, she hoisted her unconscious junior sister onto her back and bowed deeply to the Son of the World’s group—completely missing his look of bitter frustration—before sprinting back the way they’d come.  

The Son of the World gritted his teeth. Damn it! In his past life, that guy died here! Did he misidentify him? Or had his presence altered history, leading to his rescue by someone else?!  

As he stood there stewing, his followers misinterpreted his expression as guilt over his earlier refusal and comforted him:  

“Brother Zhou, don’t blame yourself. The situation was dire.”  

“You were just protecting us.”  

“At least their Senior Brother survived, and we saved their lives too. A happy ending.”  

“Let’s go—the blood here will attract beasts. We’ll rest somewhere safe.”  

Chatting, they moved on, leaving the scene behind.  

—  

Meanwhile, the senior sister’s group couldn’t stop smiling as they speculated:  

“Who could’ve saved Senior Brother? Did we see any powerful cultivators when we entered?”  

This secret realm was created by a Nascent Soul cultivator—only those below that level could enter. Anyone stronger wouldn’t bother. Yet the savior had repelled a Nascent Soul leader—their strength had to be at least mid- or late-stage Nascent Soul!  

A cultivator capable of defeating higher-level opponents while at Golden Core or below would never be unknown in the cultivation world. But no matter how hard they racked their brains, they couldn’t recall meeting any such figures. Resolving to ask Senior Brother later, they hurried on.  

—  

So how had this mysterious savior rescued the Senior Brother?  

Rewind to the moment the groups parted at the swamp, when Si Qi rushed toward the Senior Brother’s location.  

As he ran, Si Qi realized: Returning to demon territory was like coming home. The beasts here would instantly recognize his true nature—including that demon leader.  

He was here to save lives, not reveal his identity. If he intervened and the leader snarled, “You’re a demon—why help humans?”—how would he explain himself? And how would he ensure the human kept his secret?  

Pausing near the battlefield, Si Qi hid behind trees, observing the fight.  

The newly advanced Nascent Soul cultivator was unstable—like a child swinging a warhammer, unable to wield half its power. Meanwhile, the demon leader had centuries of experience and loyal subordinates. Crushing one rookie was effortless.  

Realizing his doom, the human fought recklessly, sacrificing his future cultivation to buy time for his juniors to escape—a suicidal last stand.  

Seeing this, Si Qi couldn’t wait until the man was crippled to act. He pulled out treasures gifted by Chu Feng and activated them.  

Anything Chu Feng gave his prized disciple could block attacks from even Void Refinement or Tribulation Transcendence experts.  

The demon leader’s face twisted with bloodlust as he swung his claws with brutal force toward the human’s throat, aiming to deliver the fatal strike. Yet with a loud “BANG!”, he crashed into an incredibly hard barrier instead, nearly breaking his own claws from the impact. The pain contorted his features into a grimace as he glared viciously at his opponent.

The cultivator gasped for breath, utterly drained of strength to counterattack. He had just resolved to sacrifice an arm to block what would certainly be a fatal strike—when he saw his opponent suddenly recoil mid-lunge, staring warily at the empty space before him.

This…

Of course the cultivator recognized what this invisible, qi-rippling barrier was—a top-grade protective treasure. Shock and hope surged through him.

Yet after several tense moments, no savior emerged. He wisely refrained from calling out—what if the rescuer plans to ambush the demon leader?

Silently, he used the barrier’s cover to press his attack—until the shield shattered, leaving him exposed once more.

Just as he began to suspect something was amiss—wondering if the benevolent cultivator had already left—the barrier materialized before him once more, blocking the demon leader’s attack yet again.

Cultivator: “…”

Demon Leader: “…”

Though puzzled by the helper’s intentions, the cultivator accepted this turn of events. Abandoning his previous reckless, injury-for-injury tactics, he began engaging the leader with cautious precision.

Nearly an hour passed in this manner. The demon leader gnashed his teeth in frustration as this unkillable turtle of a human successively crippled several of his subordinates.

“Retreat!” the leader barked. His beastly followers fell into orderly formation behind him, denying the cultivator any opportunity for a sneak attack.

The cultivator wisely refrained from suicidal pursuit. Only when the demons had truly vanished did his rigid posture finally buckle from exhaustion. After a moment, he straightened and bowed deeply to his surroundings. “Many thanks for your aid, fellow Daoist! Might you reveal yourself so I may know your esteemed name and repay this kindness?”

Si Qi emerged from behind a tree, grinning. “No need for repayment—just happened to lend a hand. Hope you don’t mind me staying out of the fight!”

The cultivator started at the sight of this elegant, richly dressed youth. Noting the boy’s arsenal of spiritual treasures—each marking him as nobility—he connected the earlier miraculous barriers to their likely source.

Then he sensed Si Qi’s cultivation level: barely Qi Refinement. Any trace of confusion or disappointment evaporated instantly. A mere Qi Refining cultivator risked instant vaporization from Nascent Soul-level combat fluctuations. That the boy had aided him at all was extraordinary kindness—let alone expecting him to join the fray. Frankly, even if willing, the youth’s strength would’ve been negligible.

The cultivator bowed deeply, forehead nearly touching the ground. “This humble one offers sincerest gratitude.” Rising, he took in the boy’s jade-cicada silk cloak—each thread worth hundreds of spirit stones—and nearly choked on his awe. “Might I ask your honored name?”

“Just call me Si Qi,” the boy waved. “Skip the formalities—let’s keep it casual.”

“This…” The senior brother, accustomed to cultivation world decorum, hesitated briefly before the youth’s guileless smile melted his reservations. “As you wish… Brother Si.”

“Mn.” Si Qi eyed the man’s battered body and unstable qi fluctuations—clear signs of severe internal injuries. “Talk later. Sit and regulate your breathing—I’ll stand guard.”

Gratefully accepting, standing alone sent stabs of agony through his ribs, the cultivator nodded. “Many thanks, Brother Si.”

“Don’t mention it.” Si Qi rummaged through his storage ring and produced a jade bottle, tipping several pills into his palm. “Here.”

The senior brother gaped at the luminous, fragrant pellets. “These—these are peak-grade elixirs?!”

Si Qi arched an eyebrow. “Not to your taste?”

“No no no!” The man shook his head wildly, swallowing hard. “They’re just… too valuable…”

He couldn’t afford a single one even if he sold himself!

With theatrical sigh, Si Qi said, “But I only have peak-grade. Want medium-grade instead? Sorry, fresh out.”

I’d need to empty my life savings just for one medium-grade pill—and even then I’d save it for death’s door! The cultivator nearly wept at the boy’s casual extravagance.

As he hesitated, Si Qi pouted. “What’s the matter? Take them or not? I said they’re yours—are you refusing my friendship?”

“Ah?” Flustered, the man stammered, “I just—this—”

Si Qi grabbed his wrist and dumped the pills into his palm. “These aren’t rare to me. If you don’t take them, I’ll be offended!”

“……”

After years of cultivation world treachery, encountering Si Qi felt like drinking springwater after endless drought. The senior brother found himself both disarmed and deeply moved.

With a wry smile, he accepted. In that moment, he understood this youth with crystalline clarity: Kind Hearted. Forthright. The rarest sort of person to meet.

To befriend such one… would be a lifetime’s fortune.