Nine Transformations of the True Spirit.

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Yuan slowly opened his eyes, staring blankly at the strip of cloth in his hand, his mind hazy and confused.

Suddenly, a golden light flashed in his eyes, a booming sound filled his ears, and his vision changed, finding him in a void space with no bounds in any direction.

A hazy, multicolored mist rose from the ground and slowly rolled in from all sides, but it only reached Chen Yuan's feet.

However, the seven-colored mist silently surged into Chen Yuan's body where it came into contact with him, slowly transforming the submerged part into a seven-colored hue.

Chen Yuan felt as if something was leaving him, and he reached out to grab it, but he grasped nothing.

But he didn't know what he had lost, only that it seemed to be extremely important, and his mind was in a state of panic.

Just then, a golden jade disc suddenly appeared in front of Chen Yuan, emitting boundless golden light, enveloping Chen Yuan and dispelling all the overflowing seven-colored mist!
The mist that surged into Chen Yuan's feet melted away like a ghost encountering the blazing sun under the golden light.

The things that had been lost returned, and memories flooded back like a tide. Chen Yuan shuddered and finally remembered everything.

He looked down and saw a body as ethereal as smoke, tall and strong, clad in wide robes and sleeves—it was clearly the true form of his primordial spirit!

A surge of joy welled up from the bottom of Chen Yuan's heart. He had not been reborn. His primordial spirit was still there, and the golden jade disc was still there!
The greatest joy comes from losing something and then getting it back.

Fortunately, Chen Yuandao was resolute and quickly calmed down.

Since he was not reborn, he must have fallen into an illusion.

However, this illusion was too powerful, sealing away his true blood, cultivation level, and internal space.

But how could such a powerful illusion have such a huge flaw, leaving only his memories intact, making him believe that he had transmigrated and been reborn?
Chen Yuan looked at the mesmerizing seven-colored mist, but after only a couple of glances, he felt dizzy and his mind became scattered. He quickly looked away and focused his gaze on the jade wall, and only then did the feeling dissipate.

Fortunately, I had this golden jade disc; otherwise, I would not have been able to resist the seven-colored mist and would have been trapped in this illusion forever...

After the golden light dispelled the seven-colored mist around Chen Yuan, it condensed into a golden barrier, protecting his entire body.

Chen Yuan was filled with lingering fear. Under the golden light, he regained his senses and realized what he had almost lost: his memories.

It includes not only his memories after he fell into the illusion, but also a part of his own memories.

This was merely the consequence of the colorful mist spreading over and flowing into the feet.

If he were to be engulfed by this seven-colored mist, wouldn't he lose all his memories, completely forget his identity, and transform into this handsome beggar, forever trapped in the illusion?

However, what puzzled Chen Yuan was that the seven-colored mist only covered his feet and then stopped, without rising any further. It just kept surging into his soul, and even as it dissipated under the golden light, it never stopped.

Chen Yuan pondered for a moment, not knowing the reason, but with the golden jade disc protecting him, he should be fine.

The most urgent task is to escape the illusion.

His mind returned to his body, and when he opened his eyes and looked around, he found himself still standing by the well, holding the dirty strip of cloth whose original color was no longer recognizable. He was about to wrap it around his face when he was transported back to the time before the idle man, Third Master, stabbed him to death with a dagger.

"My lovely darling, come in and embrace me~ My golden lotus trembles, my cherry lips part, my fragrant tongue licks..."

Just then, a lewd song came from outside the woods, getting closer and closer.

Chen Yuan's eyes flashed, and he suddenly turned and walked in another direction, quickening his movements.

"Hey! You must be that beggar Li Xuan. Why do you run away as soon as you see Third Master? Come here, Third Master is in a good mood today, I'll give you a few copper coins!"

A street urchin walked into the open space. He had a fleshy face, a flushed complexion, and reeked of alcohol. When he saw Chen Yuan, he started shouting loudly.

Chen Yuan stopped in his tracks, not daring to move any further. He slowly turned around, bowed his head, and said, "Thank you for the reward, Third Master!"

As expected, the scene just now repeated itself. Chen Yuan already knew that if he did not obey the orders of this "Third Master," he would be stabbed to death, so he naturally dared not make any rash moves.

He grew increasingly puzzled. What was the purpose of this illusion? It sealed his cultivation, yet allowed him to retain his memories and start over after death.

Fortunately, protected by the golden jade disc, her soul was not tainted by the eerie seven-colored mist, and she did not lose a portion of her memories...

Thinking of this, Chen Yuan's heart stirred. Could this be the purpose of the illusion?
"Hey, you beggar are at least polite. Come here, why are you standing so far away? Take it!"

Third Master laughed loudly, took out a few copper coins, raised his hand to beckon Chen Yuan over, his face twitching as if he were beckoning a stray dog ​​on the street.

Chen Yuan knew that Third Master would draw his sword at the slightest provocation, so he dared not disobey. He stepped forward slowly, still bowing his head, and extended his hands, saying, "Thank you for the reward, Third Master. I wish you great wealth and a long life!"

He spoke these words with utmost respect, and there was not a single fault in them.

But upon hearing this, Third Master's face darkened. He withdrew the copper coin from his hand and shouted, "Why are you keeping your head down when you're talking to Third Master? Do you look down on Third Master? Raise your head!"

Chen Yuan's heart skipped a beat. Looking at the strip of cloth in his hand, he said respectfully, "This humble one is ugly and dares not offend Third Master's eyes."

The strip of cloth was covered with folds and was perfectly suited to be wrapped around the face, clearly indicating that the original owner had intended to conceal her appearance.

This is understandable. If he hadn't been careful all the time, such a handsome young man would never have been begging until now. He would have either been taken in as a male prostitute by a wealthy family or captured and sent to a brothel long ago.

Third Master sneered: "Your face is always wrapped in strips of cloth; you're one of a kind among beggars."

"I'm going to see what you look like today, so why don't you raise your head!"

Chen Yuan hesitated for a moment, but ultimately dared not make any more excuses.

But in that short time, Third Master had already become furious: "You little beast, you dare to disobey Third Master's orders? You're asking for death!"

As soon as Chen Yuan raised his head, Third Master pulled out a short knife from his pocket and stabbed it into his heart!
Chen Yuan looked completely bewildered as the strip of cloth in his hand slowly slipped down, revealing his handsome and flawless face.

Third Master sobered up considerably and exclaimed in surprise, "You were originally a female..."

Chen Yuan didn't hear the second half of the sentence before his consciousness faded into darkness.

When Chen Yuan woke up, he found himself back in that strange space. The surrounding area was filled with a boundless, mesmerizing, and magnificent seven-colored mist that surged toward him, but was blocked by a golden barrier and could not penetrate any further.

But unlike last time, this time the colorful mist rose to knee level and came on much more urgently.

The golden light emanating from the golden jade disc remained firm, but under the relentless permeation of the seven-colored mist, it began to shrink inward at an extremely slow pace.

Enveloped in golden light, Chen Yuan lowered his head slightly, avoiding the bewitching seven-colored mist, and fell into deep thought.

It seems that the seven-colored mist is related to the death of this body; with each death, the seven-colored mist will increase.

While the golden jade disc can protect the soul, it clearly has its limits.

However, what reassured Chen Yuan was that the golden light barrier was shrinking at an extremely slow rate, enough to last for a year and a half, so there was no need to worry for the time being.

However, if the colorful mist becomes even denser, the golden light barrier will likely shrink faster, and may even break.

Chen Yuan withdrew his divine sense, left this strange space, and opened his eyes to find a long, dirty strip of cloth in his hand, which he was wrapping around his face.

"My lovely darling, come in and embrace me~ My golden lotus trembles, my cherry lips part, my fragrant tongue licks..."

The familiar singing came from outside the woods again, tinged with lewdness and smugness, as it drew closer.

Chen Yuan did not move this time. Having died twice at the hands of this Third Master, how could he not see that he had to reveal his face to this man, or he would surely die?

This third master had clearly encountered something good; he was in a good mood and was even willing to reward him with a few copper coins.

He was also extremely respectful and proper to the Third Master, which was entirely befitting of a beggar.

Logically speaking, there is absolutely no way that Third Master would draw his sword at the slightest disagreement.

This was clearly an illusion, like a pre-written play. If Chen Yuan's actions deviated even slightly from the script, he would immediately die on the spot.

The seven-colored mist rose up, infiltrating his soul, stripping him of his memories, until he was completely immersed in the illusion.

Only because Chen Yuan was protected by the golden jade disc, which prevented him from being corroded by the seven-colored mist, and his soul remained unharmed, did he escape this calamity.

What puzzled Chen Yuan was that since this illusion could seal his cultivation and divine sense, it could also seal his memories.

When he first formed his nascent soul, the inner demon tribulation already possessed such power. This illusion was set up by a true dragon, so it shouldn't be too difficult for him.

But he retained his consciousness throughout, which may be the key to escaping the illusion...

"Hey! You must be that beggar Li Xuan. Why do you run away as soon as you see Third Master? Come here, Third Master is in a good mood today, I'll give you a few copper coins!"

As Chen Yuan pondered, Third Master walked into the open space, his eyes lit up when he saw Chen Yuan, and he shouted loudly.

Chen Yuan put down the strip of cloth in his hand, lowered his head, cupped his hands in a salute, and said respectfully, "Thank you for the reward, Third Master!"

He didn't know if the "script" created by this illusion valued acting skills, so he decided to be careful and perform the play well to avoid being killed by the Third Master again and causing the seven-colored mist to rise.

Since this beggar "Li Xuan" covered his face with a cloth strip, he obviously knew that this face would bring him trouble and disaster, and he certainly wouldn't show it to others casually.

"Hey, you beggar are at least polite. Come here, why are you standing so far away? Take it!"

Third Master laughed and took out a few copper coins, then beckoned Chen Yuan over.

Chen Yuan stepped forward in small steps, still with his head down, and stretched out his hands, saying again, "Thank you for the reward, Third Master. I wish you great wealth and a long life!"

Third Master's face darkened. He withdrew the copper coin from his hand and shouted, "Why are you keeping your head down when you're talking to Third Master? Do you look down on Third Master? Raise your head!"

Chen Yuan did not hesitate at all this time. He raised his head, but his eyes revealed a hint of panic.

The moment Third Master saw Chen Yuan's face, his eyes widened, and most of the alcohol fumes dissipated. He strode over and exclaimed, "You were originally a female? How did you become so beautiful!"

Chen Yuan remained calm and collected, but his face betrayed his panic as he retreated repeatedly, saying, "I am not a woman, I am a man..."

He always kept in mind that he was now a frail beggar and could not show any of the composure and calmness of a cultivator.

"stop!"

When Third Master shouted, Chen Yuan immediately stopped, lest he further provoke Third Master's ferocity and have him pull out a dagger to end his life.

Third Master came up to Chen Yuan, grabbed him, and, by the bright moonlight, carefully examined his Adam's apple, revealing a look of disappointment.

"It's not a female, what a waste of such a beautiful face..."

He muttered something, then his eyes flashed with a wicked light, and he chuckled, "Never mind, it's nothing special for a man."

"You are so beautiful that even Lianyun, the top courtesan of Shuyu Pavilion, would have to admit defeat."

"All the rabbit masters in Qingyang City would probably feel ashamed in front of you."

Chen Yuan's face was filled with fear: "I beg for food every day, and my body is filthy..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. If this Third Master intended to do something improper, he would rather die than let the seven-colored mist rise any further.

Third Master laughed a few times, then stretched out his large, fan-like hand and gently patted Chen Yuan's face: "With a face as beautiful as a fairy's, you wouldn't have to worry about finding a buyer, let alone begging for food every day. Even if you slept in a latrine every day, you wouldn't have to worry about finding a buyer!"

"Don't worry, Third Master won't touch you. Only virgins who haven't been deflowered are valuable."

"Selling you to a nobleman will bring in enough money for Third Master to visit the Jade Pavilion and patronize Miss Lianyun ten times over!"

With that, he grabbed Chen Yuan's thin body and hoisted him onto his shoulder: "Come on, Third Master will send you to enjoy a life of luxury. From now on, you'll live a life of fine clothes and sumptuous food, a hundred times better than begging on the streets. Don't forget Third Master's kindness, haha..."

Chen Yuan was thin and weak, and was firmly held by Third Master's two big hands, lying on his shoulder, unable to move or resist.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief; since Third Master hadn't acted like a beast on the spot, there was still room for maneuver.

But Chen Yuan hadn't forgotten his current status, and pleaded, "Third Master, please spare me! I'd rather beg on the streets..."

Li Xuan deliberately covered his face, probably because he didn't want to become someone else's plaything; he couldn't just accept his fate now.

Third Master dragged Chen Yuan in front of him, his eyes flashing with a fierce light, and shouted, "Shut up! Third Master is giving you a fortune, so take it!"

"If you say another word, don't blame Third Master for slapping you across the face!"

As he spoke, he raised his large, fan-like hand, as if to slap Chen Yuan across the face.

Chen Yuan knew, of course, that Third Master was reluctant to slap him in the face, but he still pretended to be afraid, kept his mouth shut, and dared not say another word.

Third Master laughed loudly: "You'll know how good Third Master is in the future." He hoisted Chen Yuan onto his shoulder, strode out of the woods, and began to sing that little tune again.

Chen Yuan smelled a foul odor; it was unclear how long it had been since the Third Master had taken a bath.

He frowned and looked around.

Outside the woods was a dirt road. Every step Third Master took kicked up a cloud of dust. Fortunately, it hadn't rained recently, otherwise it would have been muddy and difficult to walk on.

The streets are lined with low, dilapidated shacks, hastily constructed with thatched mats.

Sewage flowed freely in front of each house, and garbage and filth were piled up, making the place filthy and smelly, clearly the home of the poor in the city.

Third Master carried Chen Yuan for quite a while, and the streets were transformed into brick and tile houses, with much less filth on both sides of the road.

He wandered around for a while and came to a small alley. He stopped in front of a wooden door, took out a key from his waist, unlocked the iron lock, and pushed the door open to go inside.

The courtyard was small, with only two rooms, one large and one small.

Third Master carried Chen Yuan into the main room, put him down, and lit an oil lamp.

Chen Yuan then saw the scene inside the room clearly. It was a mess and had obviously not been cleaned for a long time. Only the bed was somewhat clean.

Third Master pulled a hemp rope from under the bed and tied Chen Yuan's hands and feet with practiced ease, making it impossible for him to break free without leaving any marks.

He laid Chen Yuan on the bed, pulled out the short knife from his pocket, brandished it a couple of times, his face trembling with fear, and threatened, "Stay put and you'll get your share of benefits. If you don't behave, Third Master will stab you with a knife!"

Chen Yuan shrank back, his face full of fear: "If I need to relieve myself..."

"So much shit and pee! If you need to relieve yourself, just say so, and Third Master will untie you!"

After saying this, Third Master blew out the oil lamp, lay down fully clothed on the outside of the bed, and tightly gripped Chen Yuan's arm with one hand, as if it were an iron hoop.

That night, Chen Yuan tried to relieve himself once. The Third Master impatiently untied the ropes binding him, took him to the outhouse, watched him relieve himself, then took him back into the house, tied him up again, and stayed by his side every step of the way.

Seeing that Third Master was keeping a close watch on him and there was no opportunity to escape, Chen Yuan had no choice but to give up the idea of ​​fleeing.

The next morning, Third Master woke Chen Yuan up early and taught him a few words.

Then he took out a piece of cloth, covered Chen Yuan's face, took him to the street to buy a set of silk clothes, and gave him a hearty meal.

After eating the delicious food, Chen Yuan's complexion became a bit rosier. Wearing brand-new clothes, which complemented his handsome and flawless face, even the Third Master showed a hint of reluctance.

He looked left and right, muttering, "What a pity, a rabbit is never as valuable as a girl. If only you were a girl..."

Third Master looked at the silk robe he had bought for five qian of silver with heartache, and said fiercely, "Third Master is taking you to the Liu Mansion today. It is one of the richest households in Qingyang City."

"If you dare to talk nonsense, you'll lose your life!"

Chen Yuan sneered inwardly, but replied meekly, "This humble one would never dare to utter a word."

"Have you remembered what Third Master taught you?"

"I will remember this."

"Say it again so that Third Master can hear it!"

"I am Li Xuan, an orphan from Zhu Family Village on Cuifu Mountain outside Qingyang City. Everyone in the village was eaten by monsters, and I was the only survivor. I was lucky enough to be rescued by Third Master, and now I have no relatives or friends..."

Third Master nodded in satisfaction, stood up, wrapped a cloth around Chen Yuan's face, grabbed his hand but not too tightly, and walked out of the courtyard.

Chen Yuan followed Third Master out of the alley. After several twists and turns, the street became increasingly bustling with people.

He pondered Third Master's words. If Third Master dared to fabricate such an origin story for him, it was clear that in the vicinity of Qingyang City, it was common for monsters to eat people, and it was not uncommon for them to devour an entire village.

Since mortals cannot withstand demonic beasts, the fact that Qingyang City can still exist under the threat of demonic beasts must mean that there are cultivators protecting this city.

Third Master led Chen Yuan through the streets and alleys, entered a pastry shop, bought two bags of fine pastries, and arrived in front of a mansion.

As a commoner, he naturally dared not enter through the main gate, so he went to the east corner gate, where servants and grooms entered and exited, where there were also guards.

After Third Master knocked on the door, a young servant came out and impatiently asked Third Master where he came from.

Third Master smiled obsequiously, his bull-like eyes narrowed into slits, his fat face jiggling wildly, and the ferocity he displayed in front of Chen Yuan was nowhere to be seen.

"I have business to discuss with Steward Chai of your household. Please show me the way, young man."

As he spoke, he took out ten copper coins from his pocket and handed them over.

The young servant raised his hand to take it, his expression softening. He led the two through the side gate, past the stables, storerooms, and servants' quarters, until they arrived at the gate of a small courtyard.

If one wishes to see the master or young master, one must first inform them of this.

However, the stewards and servants in the mansion did not have such strict rules.

The young servant called out twice from outside the door, and a fat man with a goatee opened the door and said impatiently, "What is it that disturbs my peaceful sleep?"

It was midday, the sun was high in the sky, and the heat was unbearable.

The steward was wearing a white cloth shirt, his chest exposed, holding a palm-leaf fan in one hand and vigorously shaking it, while wiping the sweat from his face with the other.

Before the young servant could speak, Zhang San went to greet him, carrying two bags of pastries in one hand and grabbing Chen Yuan with the other.

His burly body hunched over, he bent over and knelt, his face full of obsequious smiles: "Manager Chai! It's me, Zhang San from Weishui Street, do you still remember me, old man?"

Manager Chai glanced at the pastries in his hand, then at Chen Yuan whose face was covered by a cloth, and frowned: "So it's Brother Zhang. Why did you bring a child with you?"

Zhang San's smile widened: "I know that Young Master Liu is always compassionate and has taken in many homeless children."

"This is a poor child that I rescued a few days ago. I have come to deliver him to your esteemed residence. I hope that Young Master Liu will accept him."

Steward Chai raised an eyebrow and ordered the young servant to leave.

The young servant was quite tactful; he bowed to Steward Chai and quickly walked away.

Manager Chai looked around, beckoned Zhang San into the courtyard, closed the gate, and went inside.

Manager Chai sat in the armchair. Zhang San, without permission, dared not sit down. He simply placed two packets of pastries on the table, stood in the center of the room, and kept smiling obsequiously.

Steward Chai gently fanned himself with a palm-leaf fan in his left hand, picked up a cup of cool tea from the table with his right hand and drank it all. He glanced at Zhang San sideways and said slowly, "Brother Zhang, you've been working for my young master for quite some time now, and you've been quite capable."

"But my young master has his own rules for taking in children, are you aware of them?"

Zhang San bowed and smiled obsequiously, "I understand! Young Master Liu only wants those with delicate features..."

"What are you saying!" Steward Chai interrupted him, his face darkening. "My young master only asked that his appearance be decent. Don't tarnish his reputation!"

Zhang San pretended to slap himself: "I misspoke, please don't be offended, old man!"

He felt contempt in his heart. Who in Qingyang City didn't know Young Master Liu's preferences?

He ripped the cloth off Chen Yuan's face and said, "Please look, sir, this child has a handsome appearance, just what Young Master Liu wants..."

As he spoke, he subtly nudged Chen Yuan.

Chen Yuan bowed respectfully and said cautiously, "I am Li Xuan, from Zhu Family Village on Cuifu Mountain outside Qingyang City..."

Upon seeing Chen Yuan's face, Steward Chai rushed forward before Chen Yuan could finish speaking.

He grabbed Chen Yuan's shoulder, his eyes shining: "Where did you find such a jade doll? Don't try to pass it off as a girl!"

Seeing his reaction, Zhang San felt relieved, grabbed Chen Yuan's chin, and lifted it up.

"Look at this, old man! This is a genuine boy, a tender seedling yet to be weathered by the storms of life!"

Butler Chai, no longer caring about concealing anything, quickly leaned closer to examine Chen Yuan's Adam's apple and looked up: "Is this true?"

Zhang San said, "Even if I had a hundred times the courage, I wouldn't dare to lie to you, old man!"

Butler Chai lowered his head again, looking left and right, and even pried open Chen Yuan's mouth with his hands, nodding repeatedly.

Chen Yuan let him do as he pleased, lowered his head, and dared not look into his eyes, appearing timid and submissive.

After a while, Steward Chai finally let go, his fat face beaming with an unstoppable smile.

Zhang San was completely relieved. He picked up a palm-leaf fan from the table and fanned him, saying with a smile, "Are you satisfied, old man?"

Manager Chai patted Zhang San on the shoulder and laughed loudly, "Brother Zhang, what are you saying? You've made me sound so old. Just call me 'brother' and name your price!"

Zhang San sneered inwardly and held up five fingers: "At least this number."

Steward Chai's face lit up with joy: "Fifty taels of silver?"

Zhang San shook his head: "Five hundred taels!"

Steward Chai's expression changed: "Brother, are you joking? In the best location in the city, Banyangfang, a courtyard only costs three hundred taels of silver."

"You're asking for five hundred taels right off the bat! That's outrageous!"

Zhang San chuckled and pulled Chen Yuan behind him, saying, "When have I ever dared to joke with you, brother?"

"Brother, you've seen the child's face too. What's five hundred taels?"

"If it weren't for the rampant monsters on Weiyang Road, I could have sold it for a thousand taels of silver if I took it to Ningzhou City!"

"Five hundred taels is the fixed price. Young Master Liu isn't the only one in Qingyang City who likes this kind of thing."

"It was only because I was promoted by Young Master Liu many times that I was the first to be sent to your residence."

"If you don't agree, I'll have to find another buyer."

Steward Chai squinted at Chen Yuan's handsome face, remembered his young master's instructions, and gritted his teeth: "Fine! Five hundred taels it is, I can make that decision."

"However, you must tell me the truth about Li Xuan's background, without uttering a single lie."

"Otherwise, if you cause any trouble in the future, my young master won't be as easy to talk to as I am!"

Zhang San hesitated for a moment, but still told the truth: "This child is indeed named Li Xuan. He is an orphan who was adopted by an old beggar eight or nine years ago and has been begging for food in the city with that old beggar ever since."

“That old beggar died of illness three years ago. This child has no relatives or friends now, so he won’t have any trouble.”

Chen Yuan lowered his head, and upon hearing his name and origin, a thought stirred within him.

Manager Chai frowned and glanced at Chen Yuan: "This kid looks like he's been begging on the streets all this time?"

Zhang San chuckled: "He always had strips of cloth wrapped around his face, so he didn't reveal his true appearance and was thus not captured."

"I was lucky. Last night, after the banquet, I went to relieve myself in the woods on my way home and ran into him bathing by the well. That's when I saw his true face."

Manager Chai glanced at Chen Yuan and said to Zhang San, "Brother, wait a moment, I'll go get the silver notes right away!"

After saying that, he walked towards the door.

Zhang San said from behind him, "Brother, hurry back! I informed two brothers before I came that I'm treating them to drinks at Huixianlou tonight. It wouldn't be good if we missed the appointed time!"

Manager Chai stopped and turned to look at Zhang San, who smiled and bowed, but his other hand was still tightly gripping Chen Yuan, which looked somewhat incongruous.

Manager Chai frowned, knowing that Zhang San was already on guard. If he didn't leave Liu's residence in time, the two idlers would report him to the authorities, so he immediately abandoned any thoughts of using other means.

"Don't worry, brother, I'll be back within 15 minutes. I definitely won't miss your banquet!"

Steward Chai cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, turned, and walked out the door, this time with a much slower pace. (End of Chapter)