Song Wen retrieved the cultivation methods for the Fireball Spell and the Shield Spell. He intended to master these two techniques first, as they would significantly bolster his combat prowess and chances of survival.

He began with the Fireball Spell. To mortals, the power of a fireball was immense, possessing a formidable deterrent effect.

Following the circulation pathway outlined in the manual, he guided the Spiritual Qi within his body to condense a fireball, yet he failed several times in succession.

Just as he was about to try again, footsteps echoed outside.

Song Wen listened closely. It was Auntie Chen, the servant, bringing breakfast.

He immediately ceased his cultivation and intercepted her at the entrance.

"Auntie Chen, Master is still in Secluded Cultivation and must not be disturbed. Just leave the food boxes with me."

Auntie Chen glanced toward the second floor but noticed no movement. Nodding, she handed both boxes to Song Wen, muttering under her breath, "Immortals truly are extraordinary. To go a whole day and night without a single bite, yet feel no hunger at all."

After dismissing Auntie Chen, Song Wen did not return to his room. He wolfed down his breakfast in a few bites and began practicing the Fireball Spell right there in the courtyard.

This practice lasted an entire day.

Perhaps Song Wen possessed an innate talent for techniques, or perhaps the Fireball Spell and Shield Spell, being basic novice-level techniques, were simply easy to master.

By the end of the day, he had successfully grasped both.

However, the fireball Song Wen conjured was only the size of a fist, a far cry from the head-sized spheres described in the manual. Still, he was in no hurry. He knew that with persistent practice, the technique's power would naturally increase.

Within a range of seven zhang, his fireballs could strike wherever he aimed with exceptional speed. Beyond seven zhang, his accuracy dropped significantly, and the increased distance made the projectiles easier for an opponent to dodge.

As for the Shield Spell, it manifested an invisible, transparent barrier around his body, bearing a striking resemblance to the protective qi techniques depicted in the movies and television shows of his past life. Song Wen had tested it with a dagger; even when stabbing with his full strength, he could not pierce the barrier.

Furthermore, the Shield Spell was a continuous technique. As long as his Spiritual Qi remained sufficient and the barrier was not forcibly shattered by an external force, it could be maintained indefinitely.

Having successfully mastered both techniques, Song Wen finally felt a modest sense of security. He at last possessed the means to handle the dangers that could arise at any moment.

After turning Auntie Chen away once more when she brought breakfast the following morning, Song Wen returned to his room to sleep, not waking until midday.

He walked out to the courtyard gates and spoke to the captain of the guards.

"Master has concluded his Secluded Cultivation. During his Secluded Cultivation, his cultivation base achieved a major breakthrough. He is currently consolidating his newly surged power. Guard the gates strictly and permit no one inside, lest you disrupt the stabilization of his realm."

With that, Song Wen began to walk away.

The captain called out, "Young Master Song, where are you heading?"

"By Master's order, to purchase some premium medicinal herbs," Song Wen replied without looking back.

After taking a couple of steps, as if suddenly remembering something, he paused and turned his head.

"Master wishes for Young Gang Leader Tang Liang to come to the small building tonight at the xu hour. Master intends to impart the true methods of cultivation to him. Convey this message to the young gang leader on my behalf."

"This subordinate will certainly deliver the message," the captain replied respectfully.

After leaving the compound of the Heavenly Fiend Gang, Song Wen wandered the streets for a short while. His heightened senses soon picked up a faint tail behind him.

Feigning ignorance, he stepped into a large apothecary and purchased expensive herbs such as ginseng and deer antler.

Afterward, he entered a restaurant and slipped out through the rear exit, successfully shaking off his pursuer.

Inside the main hall of the Heavenly Fiend Gang.

A subordinate was currently reporting to Tang Yinian.

"Gang Leader, Elder Jiyin has concluded his Secluded Cultivation, though he still forbids outsiders from entering. He has also requested that the young gang leader visit him tonight at the xu hour, promising to bestow the methods of cultivation."

Tang Yinian narrowed his eyes slightly, shifting his gaze to his son beside him.

Sensing his father's look, Tang Liang spoke with a puzzled expression, "What is this Jiyin playing at? In the past, whenever we begged him for immortal methods, he always offered excuses and delayed. Now, he proactively offers to teach them?"

Tang Yinian nodded. "This matter is indeed unusual."

Turning back to the subordinate, he asked, "Did Elder Jiyin state this in person?"

The subordinate shook his head. "No. The message was delivered on his behalf by his disciple, Song Wen."

"Ever since Elder Jiyin left his alchemy cave residence two days ago and entered the small building, none of our people have set eyes on him. Every time Auntie Chen delivers food, she is stopped downstairs by Song Wen. The guards posted around the courtyard haven't seen Jiyin step outside either."

Hearing this, Tang Yinian knit his brows tightly, remaining silent for a long interval.

Meanwhile, a cold glint flashed across Tang Liang's eyes. Ever since his failed attempt on Song Wen's life, he had been plagued by anxiety, terrified that Jiyin would seek retribution. Yet, over twenty days had passed in complete tranquility, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.

He had not dared to inform his father about the ambush.

If Tang Yinian discovered that he had moved against Jiyin's disciple and failed, he would be deeply disappointed. Tang Liang's position as the young gang leader would likely be jeopardized-after all, Tang Yinian did not suffer from a shortage of sons.

After a moment, Tang Yinian murmured suspiciously, "What exactly is that old ghost Jiyin plotting?"

"What has Jiyin's disciple been up to lately?" Tang Yinian inquired further.

"After Elder Jiyin emerged, he kept Song Wen on the second floor for over an hour. Once Song Wen came down, he remained on the lower floor acting as a Dharma Protector for his master."

"However, starting yesterday, that kid suddenly began practicing techniques. The guards spotted him unleashing fist-sized fireballs."

A trace of shock flitted across Tang Yinian's features. That Song Wen could master a technique so quickly far exceeded their calculations.

The techniques of cultivators were terrifying indeed. In terms of raw destructive power, they could surpass an innate martial artist, and they possessed the advantage of range.

A martial artist of exceptional talent required at least thirty years of unremitting, grueling training to attain the innate realm, consuming vast fortunes and rare spiritual materials along the way.

Yet a cultivator could reach a height in a mere two to three months that the vast majority of martial artists could not achieve in a lifetime. It was a reality that bred deep envy and resentment.

Of course, this did not mean a novice cultivator like Song Wen could completely dominate an innate martial artist. His weaknesses were glaring: a limited repertoire and a total lack of practical combat experience. Innate martial artists, conversely, were veterans of countless life-and-death struggles, having forged their breakthroughs at the very edge of the abyss.

The outcome of a clash between them would depend heavily on the environment, the timing of the strike, and their psychological states.

The subordinate continued, "At noon today, Song Wen left the Heavenly Fiend Gang alone. He seemed aware that he was being shadowed; our scout lost him, and his current location is unknown."

Tang Yinian flared with anger. "Hmph! A pack of useless fools! You can't even keep tabs on a green, fledgling brat?"

Terrified, the subordinate dropped to his knees, his legs trembling. "This subordinate bungled the task. I beg the Gang Leader's punishment."

Tang Yinian glared at him. "What use is punishing you now? Deploy more men to find him! This gang leader wants to see exactly what tricks this master and disciple pair are up to!"

Receiving the order, the subordinate scrambled out to mobilize the men.

Once the subordinate had departed, Tang Liang asked, "Father, should I still go to Elder Jiyin's quarters tonight?"

Tang Yinian nodded slowly. "You must go. We must still show Jiyin proper deference. To ensure your safety, I will accompany you tonight. However, before we set out, we must make some necessary preparations."