Shen Wandou's visit did not remain a secret for long. Soon enough, every high-tier cultivator in the city knew that a rogue Sage had taken up residence on Little Jade Mountain. Many attempted to pay him a visit, but nearly all were turned away with the same explanation that Wilderness Hermit had only recently formed his Nascent Soul and needed time in seclusion to stabilize his cultivation.

No one found the excuse unreasonable. After all, rogue cultivators faced far greater difficulties reaching the Nascent Soul Realm than someone backed by a major force. Now that Luo Chen had gained temporary access to a fourth-tier spirit vein, it was only natural for him to seize the opportunity to consolidate his cultivation. 

Yet the truth was nothing like that at all.

Over the next three months, Luo Chen consumed one Great Soul Pill each month. The divine consciousness that had once spread beyond his control slowly settled, and by the end of the third month, he could release or withdraw it with ease. This newfound control also marked a major advance in his...