[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-after-the-sky-fell":3,"chapter-after-the-sky-fell-after-the-sky-fell-chapter-154":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","After the Sky Fell",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281010,4462,"Chapter 154","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-154",154,"\u003Cp>153. Chapter 153: The Little Ghost Steals the Medicine\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother, when Master sent me over just now, he gave me an instruction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when Li Yi rode past a quiet street did Rongniang speak softly from atop the horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?” Li Yi asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rongniang hesitated, then bit her lip and whispered, “Master told me to move in and live with you, saying you’re new to San Yang City and unfamiliar with everything here—you need someone to look after you. Originally, Master planned to send Little Sister, but she’s too young and careless, so he assigned me instead. You could hire outsiders, but family is more trustworthy. Besides, you need to focus on your cultivation, and someone must manage your daily affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But this is Master’s idea—I wonder what you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lifted her head slightly, gazing at Li Yi with hopeful eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi smiled. “Master truly cares for me—he’s worried about my daily life. But doesn’t this delay you, Rongniang? You’re a Bone-Refining martial artist; once your cultivation is refined and supplemented with potent medicines, breaking into Blood-Refining will come naturally. In time, you might even reach Meridian-Refining. If you waste your time on household duties, that’s a great loss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, people in the Four Seas and Eight Provinces live short lives—only about fifty years. How can you extend your life without reaching Meridian-Refining?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rongniang thought a moment and said, “If you don’t mind, I could cultivate alongside you. Your martial base is still Bone-Refining; next is Bone-Refining, and I have experience in that. I can guide you in training. Master also taught me the secrets of Blood-Refining. With my help, your cultivation will advance much faster—and I won’t fall behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That does make sense,” Li Yi mused. “But speaking of cultivation, I just remembered something else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had wanted to test whether martial artists in this world could enter meditative stillness and become Evolvers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though cosmic energy here was thinner than on Earth, it was unpolluted, so cultivation was still possible. More importantly, Earth’s cultivation methods could extend life and enhance physical potential, aiding martial breakthroughs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did you remember, Senior Brother?” Rongniang asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi smiled. “About cultivation methods—but we’ll discuss that later. First, let’s handle Master’s request, then I can focus on my own matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, Senior Brother, what do you think of my proposal?” Rongniang asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi agreed at once. “Of course. From now on, you’ll stay with me, help me cultivate, and I’ll need you to verify some things for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wonderful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rongniang’s heart swelled with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi, however, thought little of it. He rode swiftly back to the former Jin Family Martial Hall with Rongniang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had shattered its gate with a single punch last time, a new gate had been installed, the signboard restored to its old Zhao Family Martial Hall plaque, and the hall buzzed with activity—thriving, vibrant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s Senior Brother and Rongniang—they’re back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother’s back! Quick, open the gate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Senior Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the gate, several guarding disciples surged forward, bowing respectfully with fervent expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi didn’t recognize them, but they all knew him instantly, their eyes filled with awe and reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, their Senior Brother had slain three Meridian-Refining masters in a single day, forced the Prefect to hide indoors with a single punch, and single-handedly seized control of San Yang City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a figure was a living legend—his story would be told for decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi nodded and greeted them. “You’ve worked hard, junior brothers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rongniang blushed faintly, lowering her head in silence. Though they were sworn siblings, riding together on one horse was improper—others seeing it would gossip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yi dismounted, a disciple immediately stepped forward to take the horse. He thanked him, then entered the hall with Rongniang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no sooner had they left than the disciples at the gate began whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you see? Rongniang Senior Sister seems close to Senior Brother—she rode with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Obviously. Rongniang Senior Sister is gentle and graceful; Senior Brother is a hero. Of course they belong together! Besides, who’ll look after him if he lives alone? Too bad my little sister married early—if only she could be his maid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough chatter. Stay alert—Master is refining medicine inside. Watch for intruders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Blood-Refining martial artist stepped forward and snapped. His name was Yuan Tianfei, a senior in Zhao Family Martial Hall. Thanks to Li Yi’s arrival, he had survived Jin Family’s dungeon; after days of rest, he could now move freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Yuan Tianfei’s rebuke, the disciples fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rongniang led Li Yi toward the back courtyard. Patrols and guards stood everywhere; each bowed deeply upon seeing him, calling out, “Senior Brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, though new, Li Yi’s prestige in Zhao Family Martial Hall surpassed even Master Zhao Ge’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the courtyard’s center stood a bronze alchemical furnace, flames roaring beneath it, burning unknown wood that emitted a strange, fragrant aroma. Beside it stood an elderly alchemist, near sixty, utterly focused on the furnace, adding herbs at intervals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Soul-Returning Pill is rare and hard to refine. Few attempt it, since soul injuries are uncommon. But Master Zhao, rest assured—this is the finest alchemist from Zhenbao Workshop. Before this, I had him practice three times. No mistakes will occur.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shi of Zhenbao Workshop stood nearby, speaking with full confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope all goes well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ge stood motionless, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the flickering flames, his expression grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one Soul-Returning Mushroom, but its quantity was sufficient for three attempts. With San Yang City secured, all other ingredients were plentiful. Unless Zhao Ge was cursed beyond measure, the Soul-Returning Pill would succeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If all three attempts failed, Zhao Ge would have to accept his fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, look—Senior Brother Li and Rongniang have arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Qian’s eyes lit up. She tugged her father’s sleeve, then ran joyfully toward Li Yi. “Senior Brother Li, you’re here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi smiled and nodded, then spread his hands. “Little Sister, calling me so affectionately won’t help—I brought you no gift.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Qian beamed. “Your presence is gift enough. I’m not a child—I don’t need trinkets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master.” Li Yi then bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mengde, you’ve come. We’re family—no need for formalities.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ge’s stern face softened into a smile. “Have you grown accustomed to San Yang City these past days? I arranged for Rongniang to care for you without telling you first—don’t blame me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I? Master’s kindness is clear. I only worry I’m delaying your affairs—Rongniang is meticulous, and the hall’s rebuilding depends on her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ge shook his head, smiling. “What matters could the hall have? Even this old bone of mine can handle them. Give Little Sister a room too—she’s been restless, wanting to find you. If you have time, look after her. She’s wild, but she listens to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Qian blushed at this, yet her eyes sparkled with anticipation, glancing repeatedly at Li Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s simple. No problem. I was just thinking of guiding a few trusted people in cultivation—see if it works.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ge waved him off. “Discuss this privately. Don’t speak of it openly—it could bring trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others didn’t know, but Zhao Ge understood what Li Yi meant by “guiding cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In martial rank, both Rongniang and Zhao Qian were Bone-Refining. Li Yi couldn’t teach them martial arts. The only thing he could guide them in was cultivation methods foreign to the Four Seas and Eight Provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether such methods were blessing or curse was uncertain, but Zhao Ge would ensure they died with Rongniang and Zhao Qian—never passed on. Either buried with them, or taken by Li Yi to his world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, they must never appear in the Four Seas and Eight Provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right, Master. I’ll remember.” Li Yi nodded solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?co\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Earth allowed multiple cultivation methods to coexist, in the Four Seas and Eight Provinces, such methods might be heresy—and bring catastrophic trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as they spoke—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden explosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alchemical furnace, moments ago intact, now erupted—its lid blasted off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The furnace exploded?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elderly alchemist turned pale, eyes wide with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This… this couldn’t be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had practiced three times already. There was no possible way for this to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just him—everyone froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the scattered remains of potent herbs, all knew: the first attempt had failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yi’s eyes glowed faintly—he saw a shadowy figure hiding inside the furnace, unharmed by the flames. He roared, voice thunderous, shaking everyone’s ears, then shot forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, as the small figure turned its head, Li Yi’s pupils contracted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This small figure wasn’t human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a ghost—identical to the spirits he’d seen in the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this one was far more solid, almost corporeal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yi drew near, he saw countless invisible white vapors, like smoke, streaming into the ghost’s nostrils and mouth. The vapors carried a rich herbal fragrance, filling the air with soothing warmth—pure essence of the alchemical herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This little ghost was stealing the medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>",1508,"2026-06-20T01:26:56.586Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4ec0b6e6496af717e45c96bbd0f9828f165cf23a3a110229dce6a01ba80033f1","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-155","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-153",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fafter-the-sky-fell-cover.jpg"]