Starting Cultivation During a Trip

”It’s hard to say. He can’t prove he was framed, nor can he prove he didn’t defect,” Sui Chunsheng said in a deep voice.

This is a Rashomon. Fang Changle could either have defected or been framed.

Perhaps, he had deliberately leaked family secrets back then, and now, he’s returned as a reverse undercover agent.

Or it could be that he was truly framed, and his release now is meant to put him in a dilemma.

”This is troublesome indeed,” Zhang Fan mused.

The Thirteen Zodiacs truly are not to be trifled with—anyone associated with them has consistently met with disaster.

”So many people died, and since he can’t prove himself, he must bear responsibility,” Sui Chunsheng said solemnly.

Since then, Fang Changle has been incarcerated in Jiangcheng Prison, and it’s nearing three years now.

”Then why are we getting him out this time?” Zhang Fan couldn’t help but ask.

Sui Chunsheng had already informed him that this time their visit to Jiangcheng Prison was to fetch Fang Changle.

”After all, he’s a Maoshan Inheritor. Keeping him locked up like this isn’t a solution, especially when we’re short on personnel...” Sui Chunsheng sighed deeply.

”Short on personnel?”

Zhang Fan’s heart stirred as he vaguely guessed that it might be due to the turmoil stirred up by the Observatory Master of the Perfect View, which led to everything in Jiangnan Province becoming mixed. Thus, the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance was willing to take risks by employing in-custody individuals like Fang Changle, who had questionable backgrounds.

”Of course, there’s another layer of meaning from above—they want to take this opportunity to see where his true intentions lie,” Sui Chunsheng didn’t hide this.

It’s both employing and testing.

”You guys in the system, you’re all so cunning,” Zhang Fan blurted. ”Daring to use such a person—what if he really has defected? If you’re short on hands, just ask the higher-ups.”

”It also reassures Maoshan,” Sui Chunsheng replied coolly.

”Zhang Fan, if something goes wrong, just find the boss; otherwise, why bother with the underlings?”

At this point, Sui Chunsheng’s lips curved into a meaningful smile.

Zhang Fan remained silent, having never eaten pork, but he’s seen pigs run.

He’d seen plenty of news where, when things go wrong, the priority isn’t to solve the issue but to suppress it, seemingly fearing the higher-ups finding out.

Now, listening to Sui Chunsheng’s words, he seemed to understand some of the reasons.

Whew...

Half an hour later, Zhang Fan and his group arrived at Jiangcheng Prison.

Under the pale moonlight, Jiangcheng Prison loomed like a slumbering beast, with no trace of light around.

The massive iron gates slowly opened, allowing the vehicle to drive in.

”You’re finally here.”

The warden, receiving Sui Chunsheng, was a chubby middle-aged man. Though it was early winter, he appeared unbearably hot, frequently wiping sweat, exuding a look of utter fatigue.

”Supervisor Liu, here are the transfer documents; please assist with the procedures,” Sui Chunsheng said courteously.

”It’s no trouble. Keeping that person here was the real trouble,” Supervisor Liu replied, taking out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat on his forehead.

”Is he unruly?” Zhan Xinyue asked casually.

”Unruly? What does he have to do with being well-behaved?” Supervisor Liu shook his head. ”You say he’s a Maoshan disciple, I don’t believe it...”

”If you say he’s a direct lineage from the Wuwei Sect, I’d wholeheartedly agree,” Supervisor Liu lamented.

Ever since Fang Changle started serving his sentence, he frequently caused trouble, fighting with almost every prisoner held here.

Rash and combative, he caused several disturbances; inmates sharing a cell with him were terrified, afraid to even lie down to sleep at night.

Eventually, he was placed in solitary confinement, and even his yard time was revoked.

Sui Chunsheng raised an eyebrow at these words, exchanging a glance with Zhang Fan.

”Take us to see him.”

”Let’s go!”

Supervisor Liu led the way ahead, passing through three gates, walking down a gloomy corridor where the light dimmed the farther they went.

Even Zhang Fan felt an intense sense of oppression.

Moments ago, he’d noticed the unusual nature of those three gates—as though made of bronze, and there were special talismans drawn on the locks.

This prison housed Daoist cultivators and Wuwei Demons, likely designed with special materials in the locks, walls, and even the floors, capable of suppressing the Primordial Spirit.

Because of this, ordinary Daoist Sect techniques were ineffective here.

Rumble...

Suddenly, a dull noise erupted from the end of the corridor, like war drums on a battlefield.

Supervisor Liu paused, eyes rolling, showing a look of resignation.

”He’s at it again!”

”Hmm!?”

Zhang Fan was taken aback, not having the chance to ask further when the rumbling noise grew louder and more frequent, resembling a water pump drawing water, causing the blood in their bodies to accelerate, hearts feeling squeezed.

”Fang Changle? What’s he doing?” Sui Chunsheng asked in surprise.

”He’s cultivating,” Supervisor Liu replied, taking out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

”How can he cultivate when his Primordial Spirit is suppressed?” Zhan Xinyue was taken aback.

”I’ve told you, he’s not normal here,” Supervisor Liu tapped his head.

Rumble...

Suddenly, the dull noise seemed to explode, the frequency changing abruptly, with strange tones resembling a thunderous roar or a beast in the mountains, shaking the walls on either side to the point of vibrating.

Simultaneously, a powerful pressure surged from the end of the corridor.

”Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound!?”

Everyone’s face changed dramatically. This is a Daoist Sect spell, using special tones to stir True Yang, resonating through the muscles and bones, with a simple shout carrying the might of a tiger and leopard, the fury of thunder. Ordinary spirit monsters and fierce ghosts can’t withstand it and would instantly bristle.