[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-nothing-is-taboo":3,"chapter-nothing-is-taboo-nothing-is-taboo-chapter-358":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Nothing Is Taboo",{"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},2310743,4514,"Chapter 358: Three","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-358",358,"\u003Cp>Xu Yuan entered Qihé Terrace Town quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The village office here operated smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The office’s clerk was a Mountain-Moving Captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been assigned from Zhancheng Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah Guang and Xi Yazi both worked as assistants in the office, like white servants in the county yamen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in Qihé Terrace Town, they were already people of some status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Elder Qiao had wanted to be the village headman, but after the office was established, all village affairs naturally fell under its authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no longer any need for a headman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu’s current rank was, to this small office, a high official towering beyond the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This very office had been established due to Xu’s suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, everyone in the office treated Xu with extra care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan summoned Ah Guang and Xi Yazi, wanting to chat briefly with old acquaintances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet both appeared unusually stiff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They answered only what Xu asked, nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single extra word dared escape them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan saw they were truly uncomfortable, so he let them off: “Go for a walk around town—you don’t need to follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan visited the “Yifang Inn,” which had been rebuilt after its destruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was still an inn, but the owner had changed, and it was now called “Wanquan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan couldn’t help recalling that moonlit night months ago—the outside echoing with demonic wails, while Erliang inside was thinking of women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as if it had happened just last night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet also… as if it had flowed away with the river of time, now only a distant memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inn’s young waiter, seeing someone standing long at the door, stepped out to ask: “Guest, are you seeking lodging? If you’re in trouble, our back courtyard’s firewood shed, though humble, can serve as a place to rest for the night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The waiter was about thirteen or fourteen, his face youthful, eyes clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan smiled—he was just like himself when he first arrived in Qihé Terrace Town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you,” Xu Yuan turned away: “But I don’t need it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, Xu Yuan went to Ying Taipo’s house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she left, she had always worried about this courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, when chatting with Ah Guang and Xi Yazi, his main concern had been whether they came often to clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both naturally said they did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan checked—the courtyard inside and out was clean and tidy; they hadn’t lied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Xu Yuan returned to the village office, slept one night, and headed back to the county seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Xu Yuan had roughly calculated the time and made plans with Wang Shen—she would return too, and they’d celebrate the New Year together in the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan bought all the New Year goods in the county seat, then returned to River Worker Alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving home for his post, Xu Yuan had thought he wouldn’t make it back for this New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet here he was, right in Ghost Witch Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the alley’s entrance, he met Uncle Mao Si.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Yuan laden with packages, the old man chuckled and went over to help carry them: “You’re back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just in Ghost Witch Mountain yesterday, so I came home for the New Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Shen came back yesterday—she already told us. Your stepmother is probably waiting for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Shen’s back already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Mao Si couldn’t help laughing: “She’s back, and behind her trail a whole crowd, hehehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old secretaries who learned from San Niang didn’t want to let her go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, Wang Shen was resolute—she insisted on returning home for the New Year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the old secretaries simply followed her all the way to Shanhe County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Mao Si picked them up yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen them with his own eyes—each one with red eyes, saying, “So this is where the Ancestral Mistress lived? Only a few hundred li from us—and we never met in decades!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen sent them to inns in the county seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she let out a long sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this period, they had surrounded her constantly, serving her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wang Shen, over decades, had grown used to doing everything herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Zhancheng, she’d been fed and dressed by others—it was truly unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan and Uncle Mao Si entered the house; Xu Yuan called out: “I’m back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Wang Shen returned yesterday, Lin Wan had been uneasy—Ah Yuan had gone to Ghost Witch Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Xu Yuan was truly back, her heart eased, yet she grumbled: “You’re back? What’s the yelling for? Do I have to come greet you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan set down his bags and declared firmly: “I’m hungry!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d stay home at most two days—he had to return to Zhancheng the day after tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time frame was within his stepmother’s tolerance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two days, he could order whatever he wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, though she scolded, his stepmother rolled her eyes, tied on her apron, and went to cook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle Mao, stay and eat with us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Mao Si politely refused twice, but was still kept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wan directly ordered Xu Yuan: “Go get Elder Shen and Wang Shen—haven’t had a meal together in ages.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brought the two elders, but Wang Shen was still angry at Elder Shen, scowling and ignoring the old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over dinner, Elder Shen asked Xu Yuan: “How’s the Purification Office?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine,” Xu Yuan picked and chose what to tell of his Zhancheng experiences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen listened intently, but Wang Shen couldn’t help sneering: “You abandoned your child’s welfare—now why are you asking all these questions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen glared at Wang Shen, silently filled his pipe, and lit it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, he said: “Before returning to Zhancheng, come see me—I’ll give you something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need,” Xu Yuan waved his hand: “I don’t lack anything in Zhancheng…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen cut in: “Take it! Why refuse? Are you going to let this old man take it to his grave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan laughed helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the two elders clashed, his stepmother’s cooking was unmatched—this meal left Xu Yuan thoroughly satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dinner, Xu Yuan asked Wang Shen: “Among these trees, which one hides the true seed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen said: “Release your dantian. The true seed and your dantian will attract each other—the stronger the pull, the more suited the seed is to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded and released his Dragon Pearl dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Elder Shen saw Xu Yuan’s dantian, his eyelid twitched sharply: “Dragon Transformation Art…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since all present were true insiders, Xu Yuan had no need to hide it: “I killed a cultivator of the Dragon Transformation Art and swapped her Dragon Pearl for my old Cannonpowder dantian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen complained: “Why didn’t you say you were practicing the Dragon Transformation Art?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen retorted: “You never cared about the child’s life—why tell you in detail?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen snapped: “Woman, shut up! I’m speaking seriously to the child! If Xu Yuan advances to Fifth Stream soon, next July 15, he can help!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen froze; Lin Wan shook her head: “Master doesn’t want Ah Yuan involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan no longer accepted their “protection,” but he also didn’t bluntly reject his stepmother’s and late father’s good intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke: “If I lack the ability, I’ll accept my father’s and stepmother’s arrangements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I’m about to become a Fifth Stream dantian cultivator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And no matter what, to others, my origin in River Worker Alley can never change.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His stepmother still firmly upheld her master’s plan: “No means no!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan said: “If before next July 15, my Dragon Transformation Art reaches Fifth Stream, let me return to help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I can’t, I’ll never mention this again—deal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wan shook her head: “But Master…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen coughed, interrupting: “Xiao Mo, Xu Yuan isn’t a child anymore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wan fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan wasn’t just no child—he’d advanced to Fifth Stream in mere months and now single-handedly led the Zhancheng Purification Office!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen drew a puff of smoke, slowly exhaled, and said: “When Ma Tianshou first came to find Xu Yuan, I hesitated—I even wanted to stop him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But look at Xu Yuan now—even the so-called prodigies of the Northern Capital may not surpass our Xu Yuan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wan said: “That proves Master’s plan is right. Xu Yuan has a great future—he shouldn’t be dragged down by River Worker Alley!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen didn’t directly refute her; he tapped his pipe and said: “I, as the elder, will decide this: we follow Xu Yuan’s terms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But no…” Lin Wan panicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shen waved his hand: “Girl, you mean well, but have you thought—if Xu Yuan truly accepts your plan, this might become a knot in his heart he’ll never untie for the rest of his life!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And... as Yuan eventually rises through the ranks, he will inevitably catch the attention of those in the Northern Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless we completely resolve the matters at home, those in the Northern Capital will suppress him for life, preventing him from reaching higher positions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanmo was also bewildered; rationally, she knew Master Shen was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deep inside, she still believed that a master’s command outweighed heaven itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could not help but look toward Wang Shen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen nodded to her: “During my time in Zhancheng, I’ve thought long and hard—our family has guarded this alley for generations, making countless efforts…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if there’s truly anyone who can fully resolve this matter, it’s only Yuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanmo bit her lip hard, unable to find words to refute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan’s promotion pace even surpassed hers in her prime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Master himself once said she was the most gifted person in He Gong Alley in the past hundred years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to defy her master’s command—she could not accept it yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanmo said nothing, rose, and entered her room, slamming the door shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan exhaled, realizing his stepmother needed time to come to terms with this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Shen and Wang Shen exchanged a glance—rarely had they been so in sync: they would need to find an opportunity to summon Xu HuanYang back and discuss this with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen said to Xu Yuan: “Alright, find the True Seed and plant it within your Inner Dantian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded and directed his Dragon Pearl Inner Dantian to sense each Tree Eye one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, he felt the Dragon Pearl Inner Dantian involuntarily draw close to one particular Tree Eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan took out three hairpins and gently sliced open that Tree Eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brown, almond-shaped seed slid out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its surface was covered in intricate, pale golden patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radiating an aura of mysterious beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The higher the level, the greater the difficulty and danger of advancement,” Wang Shen said. “When ascending to the Sixth Stream, there will be...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen remembered that she had guarded Yuan himself during his Sixth Stream ascent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been fully prepared, ready to sacrifice her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet not a single malevolent entity had interfered!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Wang Shen glossed over that part and continued: “Ascending to the Fifth Stream is far more dangerous. Once the True Seed is planted in your Inner Dantian, the Dantian’s transformation triggers a change in your very life tier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You will gradually perceive another layer of reality—the Turbid Realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You will experience peculiar changes within yourself:”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, suddenly feeling you’ve become a mass of fire, or transforming into a monstrous being with multiple eyes and limbs, or merging with the surrounding space—things like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, do not panic, do not fear—this is normal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your body and soul are perceiving the essence of the world in their own way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you panic or lose composure, your consciousness may scatter across the Yang World and never coalesce again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this state will not last long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generally, silently count to thirty, and it will end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You will feel yourself return to normal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, you must be cautious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The malevolent entities and anomalies within the Turbid Realm will notice you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They inherently despise all living beings and will not allow your ascent—they will stop you in ways you cannot imagine, turning you into one of them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or they will seek to kill and devour you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We will guard you, but you must be vigilant—this time, they won’t just attack from the physical world; they’ll also invade through dreams, the mind sea, and other layers I cannot perceive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded, memorizing every word Wang Shen said, then opened his mouth and swallowed both the Dragon Pearl Inner Dantian and the True Seed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The True Seed slowly sank into the Dragon Pearl Inner Dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen signaled to Master Shen and Mao Si, who nodded solemnly and took positions to guard Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three stepped back, vanishing into the shadows of the room’s corners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen’s eyes gleamed brightly, recalling her previous guard duty during his Sixth Stream ascent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t help but wonder silently: Will this be the same as last time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan sat cross-legged and activated the Five Cauldrons Cooking Scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The True Seed would not grow anything inside the Dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would instead elevate the Dantian’s fundamental nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan was no stranger to the Turbid Realm—he had entered it several times already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those were only the parts within Zhancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would be different here in Shanhe County?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, Xu Yuan felt the state Wang Shen had described.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan suddenly felt “I” was no longer “I”!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick gray mist surged before him, yet for some reason, the mist acted like a mirror, reflecting his current form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I” had become a ghostly deity over seven zhang tall, radiating You blue Ming flame, with refined features yet radiating an inward, feminine malice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The garments and ornaments he wore were beyond the reach of any ordinary mortal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for some reason, he had no hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sleeves hung empty, fluttering without wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around him floated cold delicacies, self-rolling medicine grinders, writhing herbs like earthworms, and Zha knives caked in blood!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind his head burned a sinister crimson moon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moon, countless crimson threads spread outward, crawling like insects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan silently counted in his mind: one, two, three, four, five…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He counted all the way to thirty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The state had not faded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan remained calm, composed, and kept counting: “Thirty-one, thirty-two…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He counted all the way to sixty—then the gray mist before him vanished without a trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It disappeared into thin air, as if it had never existed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, “I” suddenly realized “I” was no longer the ghostly deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shift in perception was abrupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly knew: “I” was no longer the “ghostly deity I.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But “I” had not returned to Xu Yuan either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now “I” could see myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I” was now an extremely complex “net.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary nets were flat—but “I” was three-dimensional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At every intersection node grew an eye, impossibly tiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So small they were like dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These eyes could see one another, so “I” could see “myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within “my” own eyes, “I” appeared infinitely complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like… two mirrors facing each other, reflecting endless layers of images.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And “I” was still growing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The net extended endlessly in all directions, infinitely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And countless new eyes sprouted…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan immediately wondered: Had a malevolent entity invaded my consciousness?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wang Shen said that after this state ended, one would recognize they had returned to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then would the malevolent entities and anomalies arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I had not returned to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then I must still be in that “profound perception of the world” state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan calmed himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not comprehend his current state, so he deliberately stopped thinking about “self.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply counted in his mind: “One, two, three, four, five…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time he counted to sixty—and still remained in the “net” state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone else would have been terrified by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even during the “ghostly deity I” phase, most would have lost their composure by thirty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Yuan remained utterly composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the beginning, Xu Yuan knew he was different from ordinary cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since swallowing the June Worm, I’ve been different from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout this cultivation path, too many “irrational” things have happened to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Xu Yuan firmly remembered Wang Shen’s words: “Do not panic. Do not fear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued counting: “Sixty-one, sixty-two, sixty-three…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He counted all the way to one hundred and twenty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like before, “Me” suddenly vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just like before, it did not return to “Xu Yuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time it was… nothingness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan did not know what “Me” looked like now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no “mirror” to reflect himself, nor eyes to see himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Yuan felt that “Me” was looking down from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if gazing over all things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet below, the void drifted aimlessly, too indistinct to make out anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One, two, three, four, five…” Xu Yuan counted inwardly, and with each number, his awareness of this state of “Me” grew clearer and stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High above, yet distant from all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he counted all the way to “two hundred and forty,” when everything vanished abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan finally felt that “Me” had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me” was myself—I am Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan held fast to his spirit, preparing for the moment Wang Shen had warned of: the demonic and strange entities that would interfere with and assault him through every layer and means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Xu Yuan clearly sensed the qualitative enhancement the True Seed had brought to his Golden Core and himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, the temperature of the “fire in the belly” far surpassed anything before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, the power contained within his Golden Core had increased more than tenfold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, his understanding of alchemical principles had reached a new height.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, if he encountered a Fifth-Stream demon, he had confidence he could spit out a single flame and reduce it to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan waited, hoping that if a demon did appear, he could slay it and perhaps gain another good material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, strange sounds entered his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan did not need to open his eyes—he followed the sounds and sensed the portion of Zhuojian belonging to Shanhe County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Zhan City, this place was more dilapidated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost every building within the city had collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some indescribable things, filthy beyond words, lurked within patches of shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above, massive cracks could be seen; beyond them, strange starlight flickered, yet the starry void held nothing that would notice such a tiny “corner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the ruins, several patches of relatively complex colors lay scattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by their style, they were buildings from ancient Chiao-chih.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From one of them, a thick black sludge slowly oozed forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several thin fissures split open within the sludge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the edges grew sharp teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the center was a dead-gray eyeball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eyeball turned stiffly, as if seeing Xu Yuan—or as if seeing nothing at all—and then closed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sludge retracted back into the cracks of the ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if burrowing deeper into the ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan waited a long time, but no demon came to “test” him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the room, Master Shen and the other two hid in the shadows, ready and alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons always emerged from these shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as when ascending to the Sixth Stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the True Seed was planted in the Golden Core, one began perceiving certain essences of this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavens would notice, sensing theft of certain “authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Door Gods would no longer offer protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after completing the ascent and ceasing this “perception” could one hide again and resume enjoying the Door Gods’ protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fleeting instant, all three sensed violent disturbance within Zhuojian!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their expressions tightened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Shanhe County was a small town, it lay close to Ghost Witch Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three knew that within Zhuojian’s Shanhe portion lurked an ancient and terrifying entity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born from a thousand years of corrupt filth from Chiao-chih’s mortal realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lazy yet furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immensely powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such violent disturbance could only be caused by that thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No other demon possessed such strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three prepared for a brutal battle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the adjacent room, Lin Wanmo sensed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face paled; silently, she laid out one artifact after another before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the violent disturbance came swiftly and vanished just as fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Zhuojian grew calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All was serene and tranquil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanmo was filled with confusion; outside, only Wang Shen gave a quiet nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as when ascending to the Sixth Stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Shen stepped out from the shadows, puzzled, staring at Wang Shen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen lifted her head proudly, refusing to explain to that old fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our A Yuan is just that remarkable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Xu Yuan’s cultivation lasted several hours, ending only as dusk approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The True Seed had fused with roughly thirty percent of his Golden Core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had already enabled him to successfully ascend to the Fifth Stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the three states of “Me,” Xu Yuan had his own guesses: each corresponded to one of his three destiny patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he still did not fully understand—the final state should correspond to “Boundless Freedom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what did that state… actually mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanmo pretended not to guard him, but the moment Xu Yuan ended his practice, her door opened and she asked: “Are you hungry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan smiled and patted his stomach: “I am, indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Wanmo went to cook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen asked: “How much did it fuse?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thirty percent,” Xu Yuan answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Shen’s body trembled: “What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thirty percent. What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Shen’s beard quivered with excitement; he fumbled for his pipe to calm himself, but after several tries, he could not scoop any tobacco into the bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan watched, utterly baffled: “What’s wrong with Grandpa?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shen beamed with pride and said deliberately: “This old fool has no experience—he’s startled by this? Hmph, our A Yuan was always meant to reach this level!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3652,"2026-06-20T12:07:24.624Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ed1dd5bd83810a43d624da6f0889dcaa1aa18c809e582db32c045db87c41dd7b","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-359","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-357",413,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnothing-is-taboo-cover.jpg"]