She had already realized that being reborn was not just about changing regrets—it also meant she could walk a path far stronger than in her previous life. The opportunities she missed in her memories, as long as she planned carefully, she would surely obtain them!

Moreover, the matter of her rebirth could not be revealed again; this would be her greatest secret.

Before her rebirth, even in the Upper Realm, she had never heard of such a bizarre experience as hers. Putting herself in others’ shoes, if she truly believed someone had been reborn, she would probably have sinister thoughts.

……

After returning to his own room, William Harper sat in meditation by the table, activating the Xuan Yang Divine Meridian to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

There were no obstacles, nor any need to adapt. Almost instantly, a vortex formed around him, and the invisible, colorless spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged into his body, making him feel instantly refreshed and clear-headed.

Cultivating in the Celestial Palace also brought such sensations, but it was far less intense than the feeling in his physical body.

He was completely immersed in the exhilarating sensation brought by absorbing spiritual energy, unable to extricate himself.

The Xuan Yang Divine Meridian at the ninth level of perfection was incredibly powerful. William Harper didn’t know how fast others progressed in cultivation, but he was certainly enjoying himself now, and Xuan Yang spiritual power had already condensed in his dantian.

An hour later, he successfully stepped into the first level of the Qi Nurturing Realm.

After a day and a night, he forcefully reached the second level of the Qi Nurturing Realm.

In the days that followed, William Harper did not leave his room, focusing solely on absorbing spiritual energy. At first, his parents would come to visit him, but upon hearing he was cultivating, they dared not disturb him further, only instructing the maid to deliver meals each day.

After that night’s great battle, William Harper’s status within the Fang residence rose sharply, making him the pride of the entire household. However, the matter of cultivation was not spread around. Samuel Harper even issued an order forbidding any mention of the existence of demonic cultivators, only saying that the Fang residence had been attacked by a group of mysterious martial arts experts.

……

In a quiet study.

The Harrison Emperor sat in a chair, holding an ancient book in his hands. He looked only a little over twenty, very young.

An The Old Minister entered, walked up to the desk, and bowed.

“Your Majesty, the Nanqiu plan has failed, and the immortal master I invited has also died,” The Old Minister said softly. He wore official robes, was slightly plump, and had graying temples. As he spoke, his expression did not change.

Upon hearing this, The Harrison Emperor’s right hand, which held the ancient book, trembled. He slowly put the book down, stared expressionlessly at The Old Minister, and said, “Didn’t you say there was no chance of failure?”

The Old Minister sighed and said, “For an immortal master to be killed, it means the Fang residence also harbors such power, or perhaps is protected by such power. I did indeed miscalculate. I thought it was foolproof. But it’s fine—I've already written to that person. Previously, he assured me there would be no mishaps, so I believe he will handle this matter himself.”

The Harrison Emperor turned to look out the window, murmuring to himself, “The power of cultivation, immortality… I want to step through this gate. So much has been sacrificed, yet I have not succeeded. What is it that allows the Fang residence to gain the support of cultivation power?”

The Old Minister did not answer. He was also at a loss, not even daring to send people to investigate the Fang residence for fear of alerting them.

A long silence.

The Harrison Emperor withdrew his gaze, stared intently at The Old Minister, and said, “Let’s leave it at that for now. I know nothing of this matter. Make sure everything is cleaned up.”

The Old Minister nodded.

The Harrison Emperor waved his sleeve, and The Old Minister immediately bowed and withdrew.

“People all say imperial power is great, but how can even the greatest imperial power compare to immortality?”

A faint sigh from The Harrison Emperor echoed in the study, his tone full of helplessness.

……

William Harper remained in seclusion for half a month. News of the massacre at the Fang residence spread throughout the Great Qi Empire, and all the provinces and counties were discussing it. The Fang residence even sent people to the imperial city to appeal for justice, which made all the noble families tremble in fear. After all, the Fang residence was a Duke’s household—what kind of force could be so audacious?

On this day.

Grace Bennett came to visit William Harper. William Harper rose to greet her, and the two sat at the table, with William Harper pouring her tea.

“These injuries healed way too fast…”

William Harper was secretly shocked. Grace Bennett’s injuries had been extremely severe before; with ordinary medicine, it might have taken half a year to recover.

Grace Bennett had already regained her heroic bearing, still dressed in red, dazzling to the eye. Compared to half a month ago, her aura was even more outstanding, with a sharpness between her brows. She looked William Harper up and down and asked, “How is your Xuan Yang Divine Meridian cultivation going?”

William Harper thought to himself that it was going well—he had already reached the ninth level of perfection.

However, facing Grace Bennett, a fellow reborn, he dared not reveal everything. After all, she was still a demonic cultivator. The two had fought side by side before only because the Fang residence was in imminent danger, and neither had time to guard against the other.

“Not bad, I feel like I can keep going,” William Harper replied. After cultivating the Xuan Yang Divine Meridian, he didn’t plan to practice the Spring and Autumn Technique or the Heaven-Swallowing Demon Technique for now.

The Xuan Yang Divine Meridian was simply too powerful. Just half a month of cultivation had transformed him, and his cultivation realm had already reached the sixth level of the Qi Nurturing Realm.

Moreover…

Spending a hundred years in the Celestial Palace was torturous—only he knew how dull and agonizing it was.

Grace Bennett stared at him, her gaze subtle.

William Harper felt a jolt in his heart under her gaze. Did she notice something?

Grace Bennett withdrew her gaze and said softly, “We set out in thirteen days. I’ve made my selections. Including you and me, there will be nine disciples from the Fang residence going together to Taiyuan Sect.”

William Harper nodded, his eyes full of anticipation.