After discovering Jin Zhouheng, Jiang Hao didn’t return to the Spirit Herb Garden. Instead, he stayed quietly in his courtyard, picking up bubbles every day, waiting until the bubbles reached one hundred.
Liu Xingchen hadn’t come to inform him of the situation. Jiang Hao didn’t know if any investigation had been made, which concerned him a little. Someone at the initial Golden Core stage was far above the Foundation Establishment stage, and he worried that if the person saw him again, they wouldn’t be able to suppress their hatred.
As for hiding somewhere else, Jiang Hao had considered it but concluded that nowhere was safe or private enough for a long stay. Too many people meant too many eyes. Better to stay in the safety of his courtyard. If Jin Zhouheng appeared, Jiang Hao would head straight to his master's place, hoping for protection.
His greatest hope lay in advancing his cultivation. "Just a few more days," Jiang Hao whispered to himself.
Seven days passed quickly, during which Jiang Hao stayed in his courtyard, solidifying his cultivation, making it easier for his eventual breakthrough. This time was different; reaching the Golden Core stage was a significant leap. In the Foundation Establishment stage, advancing with one hundred cultivation points and one hundred blood qi wasn't impossible. But this time, those might not be enough.
If they weren't, it would definitely be troublesome. Gathering another hundred would take three months. Jin Zhouheng had already discovered him. Would he wait another three months? That seemed unlikely. He might have already scoped out the surroundings and could act in the coming days.
Jiang Hao checked his status panel.
[Vital Qi: 99/100 (Ready for Cultivation)]
[Cultivation: 100/100 (Ready for Cultivation)]
"Just one more day," Jiang Hao thought.
Today, Jiang Hao took out his crescent moon blade to hone it. The greater the importance of the moment, the greater the danger. Sure enough, he sensed once more that almost tangible attention — a gaze, direct and burning.
"They're here?"
Too fast. He wasn't prepared. Jiang Hao's heart raced, yet he didn't move rashly, waiting for the other to strike first, planning to make his escape. He also had a hopeful thought involving the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower. Many were eyeing that flower. Perhaps Elder Bai Zhi and that woman would think someone was trying to steal from them and intervene.
After a moment, the staring suddenly ceased.
"Hmm?"
Jiang Hao was puzzled. Nothing happened.
Just then, Liu Xingchen’s voice echoed from outside: "Brother Jiang, are you here?"
"Yes," Jiang Hao quickly replied.
So it was Liu Xingchen who had come, causing the watchful eye to retreat. But since it was daytime, the threat could return at night.
After inviting Liu Xingchen in, Jiang Hao poured him a cup of tea.
"You were right. There's likely a spy from another sect, and tonight there will be an arrest," Liu Xingchen said after sipping his tea, "It would be best if you stay cautious tonight. The person is likely targeting you. If he's gotten this far, he's probably prepared not to return. Still, everyone has a survival instinct. He'd rather not perish here if he can help it. For now, he's not desperate, but if we act, desperation may follow.”
Jiang Hao nodded in understanding. He didn't ask for protection or insist on capturing the intruder. It was thankful enough for the warning.
Liu Xingchen left shortly after, seemingly only to deliver this message.
In the solitude of his courtyard, Jiang Hao pondered. If Liu Xingchen tried to recruit him, what should he do? Agree reluctantly? Tell that woman? Or seek out Elder Bai Zhi? Jiang Hao shook his head, finding no answer, hoping never to face such a choice.
Then he walked out toward the Spirit Herb Garden. If an attack was going to come tonight, he needed to make sure he was prepared. He lacked just one vital qi point for advancement. If the garden had it, he could advance immediately, gaining the strength to face whatever came.
At the Spirit Herb Garden, Jiang Hao saw Han Ming organizing herbs.
"Brother Jiang, I haven't seen you lately," Han Ming greeted with a hint of respect. Though he was dissatisfied after losing to Jiang Hao, he also understood he wasn't an opponent now. No need to provoke someone you couldn't beat.
"Are you going somewhere far, Brother Han?" Jiang Hao asked, noticing the abundant herbs.
"Yes, the Azure Sky Mountain is holding a Dao Debate Conference soon, causing some issues with our sect. I'm taking this chance to go out and train," Han Ming explained. Jiang Hao shivered at the mention of a righteous and demonic struggle — not something where you'd easily clear your name.
"Be careful, then," Jiang Hao advised kindly. He saw the bubbles in the garden. Only one was blue. Would it contain vital qi?
"Thanks, I'll challenge you again after my training," insisted Han Ming.
Jiang Hao nodded. Perhaps he'd let him win next time, to avoid the trouble of being remembered.
After bidding Han Ming farewell, Jiang Hao entered the garden. He scanned for Jin Zhouheng but saw no sign of him.
Soon, the bubbles flowed toward him.
[Strength +1]
[Spirit +1]
[Endurance +1]
[Spirit +1]
Jiang Hao felt the minor changes in his body and was glad he'd finally returned. Soon, a blue bubble joined him.
[Vital Qi +1]
“Success.”
Jiang Hao left the garden promptly, without bothering to tidy anything. With time still on his side, he would hurry to advance to the Golden Core stage.