[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-cultivation-starts-from-killing-pigs":3,"chapter-cultivation-starts-from-killing-pigs-cultivation-starts-from-killing-pigs-chapter-6":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Cultivation Starts from Killing Pigs",{"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},1401948,1856,"Chapter 6: Jianghu Aliens, Ghosts in the Heart","cultivation-starts-from-killing-pigs-chapter-6",6,"\u003Cp>Sishui Crossing, situated near Huaishui City in the Qian Dynasty, evolved from a simple ferry into a small town reliant on the North-South Canal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Traders passing by, guards accompanying valuable shipments, laborers, and Jianghu people from all walks of life converged here, gradually infusing it with a bustling, commonplace atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an open-air wooden teahouse, a blind storyteller struck the table with a bang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A tale from Yutang County in Qingjiang Prefecture: one day the sky suddenly darkened, and down from the clouds jumped a blue-faced, red-faced armored Evil Demon, standing over eight feet tall, spewing flames with a mighty roar...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some tea patrons below listened intently, but most seemed distracted, casting occasional glances at the \"Golden Prosperity Gambling House\" across the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people, with scarred faces or straw hats, exuded a sinister air, their weapons at the ready, revealing them as Jianghu’s bloodthirsty men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the gambling house doors burst open, and figures were hurled out, screaming in anguish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after, a white-robed gentleman, handsome as a jade, emerged shaking a folding fan, and greeted the crowd with a gentle smile and a fist salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fellow Jianghu comrades, this year’s ’Bitter Heart Pill’ is something our Celestial Eagle Manor is determined to acquire, so we ask for your kind consideration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jianghu people in the teahouse gasped in surprise,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"’Silver Sword Young Master’ Chen Wushuang, he’s come too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With Celestial Eagle Manor involved, there’s little hope this year...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bah, not afraid of biting off more than he can chew!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, in a private room on the teahouse’s second floor, Li Dong’Er sat by the window, her cheek in her hand, starry-eyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"’Silver Sword’ Young Master, so elegant and handsome. I wonder which lucky girl will marry him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side of the table,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui, face flushed and neck bulging, tried hard to suppress his laughter but eventually burst out with a hearty chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lustful Young Master... haha, going around with a name like that, haha... Jianghu is truly entertaining... haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Kui!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong’Er’s face flushed with both anger and embarrassment, dashed forward like a ruffled little cat, scratching and clawing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui, unfazed, took a large swig of wine, \"Looks like I need to come up with a formidable alias too. How about ’Empty Young Master’?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, looking like a big bear, calling yourself a young master...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dong’Er said angrily, hands on her hips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui continued teasing,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright, won’t mock your idol anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s an idol?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s the person you adore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, you’re annoying, who adores him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why’s your face red then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s not...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Liu nearby chuckled and shook his head, \"Alright, enough fooling around, let’s eat something quickly and get going.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui took a meat bun and tossed it into his mouth, glancing sideways, \"Old Liu, aren’t you interested in the ’Bitter Heart Pill’ at all?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Liu chuckled,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The ’Bitter Heart Pill’ extends life by over a decade, who wouldn’t want it? But every year, it claims many lives. I’m an old man near the grave, better to earn a stable amount of silver.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui swallowed the last bun and stood up, \"Let’s go then, really wonder what you’re doing with all that silver.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Liu gathered his things, shaking his head,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People say longevity is great, but you can’t do without silver. Ah, fear of poverty...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three descended the stairs, and Zhang Kui’s intimidating presence immediately drew the attention of the Jianghu folks, who eyes them up and down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui snorted coldly, his eyes fierce,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you staring at?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An aura of malevolence filled the hall, and the Jianghu people quickly turned away, putting on a show of nonchalance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, Old Li, this meal is on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, no, I insist on treating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui sneered and strode out the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The waiter bowed low,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Safe travels, Master Kui, come again when you have time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui laughed heartily,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s a nice title, here’s a reward!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, without looking back, he flicked a silver piece that embedded with a bang into the teahouse’s pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhang Kui left, the Jianghu folks breathed a sigh of relief, \"Goodness, what a fierce Daoist, why haven’t we heard of him before, where did he come from?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Felt like being watched by a tiger, drenched in sweat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This year’s ’Jade Flower Society’ is bound to have some big events...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Zhang Kui and Old Liu, the master and apprentice duo, left Yutang County aimlessly wandering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the road, Old Liu asked Zhang Kui what skills he had, Zhang Kui cunningly replied that he could catch ghosts and demons, to which Old Liu was overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was common knowledge that the Qian Dynasty was plagued by evil spirits, some beyond anyone’s daring to confront, but there were many lesser ones too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone could hire the Astronomical Bureau, so private exorcisms became quite a profitable trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui, eager to level up and gain experiences through adventuring, teamed up with Old Liu to form a demon-hunting trio. Old Liu and his disciple handled logistics, while Zhang Kui took action, and they began their Jianghu journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Liu, with an ear to the ground, learned that the young son of a great ferryman in Sishui Crossing had been possessed, and even the Astronomical Bureau couldn’t cure him. A substantial reward was posted, and the trio hurried there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This grand ferryman, named Yu Gaishan, was not only one of the thirteen chiefs of the Cao Gang but also had intricate connections with a court noble. Nearly half the people in Sishui Crossing worked for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place was easy to find, with its vast estate of pavilions and trellises taking up nearly half the town. Just one street away stood a tall paifang, inscribed with words like \"Loyalty, Filial Piety, and Brotherhood\".\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Liu whispered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A few years ago, during a disaster in the north, Yu Gaishan organized grain transport without regard for profit. Though he suffered losses, he obtained this paifang, recognized by the Court as a Jianghu leader, to whom everyone must show respect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui pondered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha, it seems there’s something fishy going on here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, the three of them passed through the archway and arrived at a large red gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a towering stature and a casually tied Daoist topknot, Zhang Kui carried a huge sword on his back. Old Liu and his apprentice barely reached his chest, and their peculiar trio immediately caught the guards’ attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards were brawny men with calloused hands, evidently skilled, yet they were wary upon seeing Zhang Kui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop, what are you here for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui ignored them and surveyed the mansion, while Old Liu stepped forward with a smile and clasped his hands courteously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ve heard your young master is possessed, and we’ve come for that reason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards were taken aback and changed their attitude to one of respect, \"Please wait a moment, I’ll report this right away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, there are monsters and ghosts, but no major cultivation sects. Those with skills either retreat to the mountains or establish altars and temples; various strange and mysterious tales abound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his physique and looks to his aura, Zhang Kui unmistakably appeared to be an alien, hence none dared to slight him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, a corpulent steward hurried out, his eyes wide with surprise upon seeing Zhang Kui. He bowed respectfully, \"This way, Daoist. Please come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trio followed the steward in grand style into the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The compound had a meticulously arranged layout of pavilions, corridors connecting everywhere with ancient trees standing tall. Ponds and rock gardens dotted the area, clearly crafted with effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the living room, Yu Gaishan actually came out to greet them personally, accompanied by several subordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man had an imposing figure, dressed in a red ceremonial robe, black-faced with a long beard, and his eyes were full of concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honored Daoists, please come inside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After they settled in the living room, Yu Gaishan warmly served tea, taking the opportunity to subtly probe Zhang Kui and his companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Liu was a seasoned trickster, never allowing anyone to discern much. The exchanges were full of polite exchanges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impatiently, Zhang Kui spoke up,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chief Yu, never mind the mountain I live on or the skills I’ve mastered. Just bring your son out quickly, I’ll fix it, get my payment, and leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gaishan was not angry, but pleased. The previous arrivals had done a lot of boasting, promising much but delivering little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This straightforward approach actually reassured him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to rush, Daoist. You’ve traveled a long way; please rest, and let me offer some hospitality.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he rose to arrange a grand feast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Zhang Kui and his companions had snacked a bit at the teahouse, they couldn’t resist the delicacies that were now served. They feasted heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gaishan slowly revealed their troubles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His son Yu Wenchang had never enjoyed business or martial arts, preferring poetry and books. Polite and courteous, everyone called him a gentleman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gaishan was delighted, intending for Yu Wenchang to make a name for himself in the imperial examinations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet unexpectedly, his son suddenly changed character, frequently beating and scolding the servants, using vulgar language, and even attempting to assault his father’s concubine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such scandals, naturally, needed to be concealed; hence he acted hesitantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was that both the Astronomical Bureau and others insisted Yu Wenchang wasn’t possessed, merely had a change in disposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gaishan was left with no choice but to offer a reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui understood the implication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being possessed had become a shield against shame; regardless of whether they found the cause, for Yu Wenchang’s reputation, they had to claim he was possessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No problem!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui agreed readily, not caring about these matters, just curious if there were any small demons he could upgrade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenchang was overjoyed, and after the meal, immediately took them to the rear courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the bedroom, a disheveled scholar was tied to the bed with ropes, his face gaunt, complexion fierce, eyes blood-red, cursing vilely upon seeing them:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn you, old bastard, bringing people to torment your grandfather; release me, I’ll kill you bastards!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gaishan flinched at the corner of his eye,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My son was never like this before, yet they all say he’s not possessed...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their Tao cultivation is insufficient!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui narrowed his eyes, activating Tongyou Skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could clearly see a black mist coiled around Yu Wenchang’s heart, occasionally revealing a ferocious face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon closer inspection,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The face bore an uncanny resemblance to the scholar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui had exorcised several evil spirits along the way—mostly insignificant goblins or awakening foxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this phenomenon was a first...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it true... truly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gaishan’s eyes lit up with surprise, confessing he had thought his son merely crazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui said nothing, advancing forward with his right hand ignited in a bloody Gang Evil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Gaishan’s eyes rounded instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man, is a True Immortal...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui frowned as he moved his flaming Gang Evil toward the scholar’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Touching him wasn’t possible; Gang Evil harmed not only ghosts but people and objects alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with experience he had gained, any possessed spirit scared like this would flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the scholar, terror-stricken, struggled madly, \"Get away, you savage, damn you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still daring to curse at me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Kui, filled with Evil Qi, glared wide-eyed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shut up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Urk~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scholar, frightened pale, rolled his eyes and fainted...\u003C\u002Fp>",1922,"2026-06-05T23:30:41.388Z",1,"novelbin.me","25cb870e3925dadd50c6e905083128c3a2dfaf7bace9435e93d62deb89b84ec5","cultivation-starts-from-killing-pigs-chapter-7","cultivation-starts-from-killing-pigs-chapter-5",580,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcultivation-starts-from-killing-pigs-cover.jpg"]