Chapter 13: Opportunity and Hidden Dangers

Gazing once more at the beautiful figure singing on stage, Lu Yan suddenly realized his understanding of the world’s version updates had been far too narrow.

In the Xianxia version, strength and cultivation talent equated to power and status.

But in the modern version, everyone was just an ordinary person. Cultivation talent and power held no meaning at all. Even the fundamental structure of society had undergone a complete transformation.

There was absolutely no one-to-one correspondence between the different versions.

A peak figure in the Xianxia version might not hold any power in the modern version.

“The identity of an online celebrity relies on influence and popularity. From a certain perspective, a genius cultivator like Jade Fairy—someone born of a prestigious sect—does possess great influence.

But… the term washed-up idol—could it be a hint that Jade Fairy’s influence has waned, and she’s no longer able to maintain the status of a genius true disciple?”

The information available was too limited, so Lu Yan could only speculate silently in his heart.

Still, Jade Fairy’s appearance triggered another realization about the kinds of opportunities offered by version updates.

In the Xianxia version, Lu Yan was nothing more than a lowly ant. Whether it was cultivation techniques or resources, he was never even considered.

But in the modern version, he was the only cultivator in existence—someone who stood far above the mundane world.

If Lu Yan could identify influential figures from the Xianxia version and locate them in the modern version, he could leverage his unique identity as a cultivator to build relationships with them. When the version reverted, wouldn’t those connections become powerful support?

At that point, techniques, legacies, and resources would be his for the taking!

Previously, Lu Yan had been entirely focused on reaching the Qi Refining stage, and once he achieved that, his first priority had been eliminating Gongyang Xuanying to eliminate future threats—completely overlooking what might be his greatest opportunity.

Now that the idea had taken root, Lu Yan’s heart burned with excitement. He could hardly wait to act on it immediately.

However, just as he took two steps toward the stage, his expression froze.

“Something’s not right.”

He murmured to himself, forcibly suppressing his rising emotions.

“In the modern version, demonstrating cultivation power and forming relationships with high-ranking figures from the Xianxia version is theoretically possible…

“But once the version shifts back—will those relationships really hold up?”

“In the modern version, although there are rich and poor, everyone is still fundamentally human. We all share the same hundred-year lifespan—there’s no essential difference.

But in the Xianxia version, Qi Refining cultivators live for 120 years, Foundation Establishment cultivators for 300, and Golden Core cultivators can live up to 800—watching dynasties rise and fall as if from a mountain peak.

To such powerhouses, low-tier cultivators are no different than another species. There’s a fundamental gap in the very nature of life.”

And this was the greatest difference between the modern and Xianxia versions.

In the modern world, people still held to ideals like “all men are created equal.” Even those born into wealth had the same lifespan as the poor.

But in the Xianxia world? Cultivation heirs lived hundreds of years longer.
Anyone who could become a Golden Core or Nascent Soul cultivator was a wily old monster refined by time itself.

Realizing this, Lu Yan’s expression grew increasingly serious.

“My greatest advantage in the modern version is my ability to use spells, my overwhelming strength compared to ordinary people. That’s the only reason I even have a chance to connect with these powerful figures.

But once I return to the Xianxia version, my true self—a mere First Layer Qi Refining cultivator—will be laid bare. Without the unique status of being the only cultivator, I have nothing worth offering.

Even if I manage to forge strong relationships in advance, once that power gap is exposed, things will inevitably shift.”

“In fact, the deeper the ties I form in the modern version, the greater the risk of backlash after the version resets.

A Qi Refining cultivator… as an honored guest of a Golden Core cultivator? Or a peer of a Nascent Soul expert?

Version mapping might be real, but these old monsters aren’t fools—they’ll sniff out the contradiction immediately.”

“As for trying to use love or affection to bind these monsters? That’s nothing but a farce.”

“If I were to use my identity as the only cultivator to marry some high-ranking female cultivator from the Xianxia version, even if we became a loving couple… once the versions switch and the difference in our power becomes apparent, what then?

Would a powerful Golden Core—or even Nascent Soul—female cultivator allow her body to be defiled by a mere Qi Refining ant, all for a few months of fleeting affection?”

And that was only the most basic consideration.

Whether it was revealing his cultivation abilities to these ancient beings, or the changes in his identity, both would bring countless complications.

Lu Yan could already foresee the consequences of acting recklessly in the modern version.

His whirling thoughts quickly brought him back to calm.

Standing at the edge of the stage crowd, Lu Yan’s gaze swept over Ji Xingyao on stage, his expression composed as he analyzed:

“If I were at the Golden Core stage, then building relationships with other Golden Core cultivators through the modern version would pose no problem. I’d have a solid foundation, and the modern version would simply serve as a bonus.

“But trying to cheat the system and leap to the top through version manipulation? That’s out of the question for now. The more threads I pull, the greater the backlash once the version shifts.”

“In that sense, Ji Xingyao—the washed-up idol and faded genius—might actually be the highest-level figure I can reasonably interact with for now.

After all, we’ve met before, and we share a connection through Bamboo Grove Market. Building a relationship wouldn’t be too far-fetched.”

“Of course, it’s not like we can become close friends overnight. The difference in our identities is still too large. A gradual approach is best.”

Having made up his mind, Lu Yan remained on the edge of the crowd, enjoying the concert while simultaneously searching Ji Xingyao’s online presence.

Late into the night, the mall concert came to an end. Only a few staff remained to clean up the trash left behind.

Though Ji Xingyao had once been an internet sensation, her glory days were long gone.

At first, the crowd had gathered out of curiosity, but as time passed, the people gradually dispersed. In the end, only a few dozen stayed to watch the entire performance.

Having just finished singing, Ji Xingyao stood in the mall’s backstage lounge, facing a stern-faced mall manager.

The manager, dressed in a suit and holding a contract, spoke in a harsh tone:

“Today’s turnout was disappointing. Do you have any idea how much money our mall spent preparing this event?”

Ji Xingyao kept her head down, eyes slightly red, but didn’t refute his words.

“I’m very sorry.”

“As per the contract, since the crowd didn’t meet expectations, you’ll only receive thirty percent of the performance fee.

The money’s already been transferred to your account. As for future events—don’t expect another invitation.”

With that, the manager turned and left without another word, leaving Ji Xingyao standing alone in silence.

At that moment, a figure unnoticed by anyone quietly stepped into the lounge.

(End of Chapter)