Chapter Eighty-Four: Collective Advancement

Chapter Eighty-Four: A Collective Advancement

Shen An had already begun to understand a few things.

"I knew the Shadow Division was targeting them, so I hid myself ahead of time, just in case something unexpected happened," Wang Yuan explained, detailing why he hadn't intervened immediately. "I waited outside the city for a long time, and finally, they showed up. Besides, if Wang Bao hadn't arrived in advance this time, I wouldn't have had the ability to save anyone."

Wang Bao's appearance was what surprised Shen An the most. This man lived by his own code, seeking neither fame nor profit. Back then, his only reason for staying was so Shen An would feed him every day.

"They came to the hotel to cause trouble, and I was afraid that if Mu Linqiu was captured, there'd be nothing left for me to eat," Wang Bao explained, his words lacking conviction. He clutched his bow, his palm sweaty.

"Alright, you all go get some rest," Shen An said with a smile.

He genuinely hoped Wang Bao would be willing to help him.

The two Shadow Division members sent to capture Mu Linqiu had been killed by Wang Bao and Wang Yuan, and Mu Linqiu was safely rescued. It could be considered a stroke of good fortune.

Shen An entered the room to check on Mu Linqiu. He saw that she had only fainted from overusing her energy and exhausting her mental strength, so he left with his mind at ease.

Outside, on a sofa, Xiao Miao sat quietly reading, undisturbed by anyone. Ever since returning with Shen An, he had spent his days here with his books. He had no other family, nor anything else to occupy him. For now, reading was perhaps the best way to pass the time.

The old Taoist's death had dealt him a heavy blow.

Shen An didn't disturb Xiao Miao, silently passing by.

Later, Shen An accompanied his father and others on a stroll through the city.

That evening, after dinner, everyone else retired to rest, but Shen An and his father continued to drink together.

"Your mother worries about you," his father said.

Shen An nodded silently, saying nothing.

"I was worried before I came, but seeing you living well now, I've relaxed a lot. Still..." His father set down his chopsticks, looking at Shen An with rare seriousness. "Xiao An, be honest with me. Is there any danger to life in what you Awakened are doing?"

This was his greatest concern. Shen An understood his father's worry.

He replied, "Maybe it's dangerous for others, but Dad, believe me, I won't be in any danger. Besides, who knows—maybe, in the future, everyone will be able to cultivate. I'm just getting a head start on awakening, that's all."

His father clearly didn't believe him. "What, you think the world will change that much? Like in ancient times, with heroes everywhere?"

Shen An nodded. "Exactly."

Shen Jiahe was still skeptical. "We always hoped you’d make something of yourself, but now that you’re doing so well, we can’t help but worry. I know you’re probably working for the authorities now, but remember: whatever you do, think of your family first. We can’t do much, just hope you stay safe. And don’t embarrass your old man out there."

His father had much to say.

Shen An listened in disbelief. Thinking it over, he realized his father assumed he was working for the government. That was fine—better they stayed unaware and didn’t worry.

He didn’t bother correcting the misunderstanding. The more he tried to explain, the more complicated things would get, and he didn’t want his family to be anxious.

The father and son chatted late into the night, his father drinking all the while. Eventually, after his last glass, he could no longer stay awake and drifted off to sleep.

Shen An put his father to bed, then made his way to the Imperial Hotel.

Today, the Imperial Hotel was closed to guests.

Wang Yuan, Mu Linqiu, Viper, Jiang Meng, and Wang Bao were present. Both Viper and Wang Bao had nearly recovered from their injuries—their resilience was far beyond that of ordinary people. Mu Linqiu, too, had rested sufficiently.

Apart from them, several other Awakened stood to one side.

“My name is Zhang Haojie.”
“I’m Xiang Boxuan.”
“Li Cheng...”

These were all newly recruited Awakened. From the outset, Shen An had set up shared data specifically for these frequent visitors of the Imperial Hotel, so that they could be brought into his fold. Each had passed a series of tests to become members. Shen An also had their background information: their histories, personalities, and preferences.

He drew out the prepared water from his spatial storage—each cup filled with water from the spiritual spring.

Everyone’s eyes widened as they saw what Shen An produced. The fragrance from the spring water tingled their senses, excitement lighting up their faces.

“This is spring water from the spiritual fountain. Each of you gets one cup. Drink it, cultivate through the night, and stabilize your cultivation,” Shen An instructed.

Mu Linqiu stepped forward to accept a bottle. Her eyes were bright with excitement, her heart pounding uncontrollably. The energy radiating from the spring was purer than the vital oxygen she usually absorbed. Was it possible that vital energy could condense into water? If so, this was far more than she could ever absorb in a dozen days.

As Mu Linqiu distributed the water, time seemed to crawl—some could barely contain their impatience. At last, as soon as the spring water reached someone’s hand, they drank without hesitation.

Boom.

Wang Yuan never imagined the spring water’s energy would be so fierce. He hurriedly suppressed the surge, beginning to refine it through cultivation. Pain twisted his features.

Everyone watched his reaction, uncertain and nervous.

“Don’t panic, this is normal,” Shen An reassured them.

Hearing this, the others no longer hesitated and drank their share. At once, they too began their cultivation. Jiang Meng was the last to drink.

Just as Jiang Meng was preparing to begin, Shen An pressed his hand to Jiang Meng’s back. Pure energy slowly began to transform his body.

Jiang Meng’s heart raced with delight. “Boss,” he said gratefully.

“Don’t speak. Focus on refining the spring water. I’m helping you strengthen your body right now.”

Jiang Meng immediately focused on his cultivation, his loyalty to Shen An reaching new heights. Shen An didn’t have to help him, but did so anyway—simply because Jiang Meng was the first to follow him. Determined not to let Shen An down, Jiang Meng worked tirelessly, not wanting to be a burden or cause further worry.

Entering a private room, Shen An quickly slipped into his internal space, sensing the changes taking place. The space itself had grown significantly, seemingly due to the spiritual spring.