The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

"The most important thing for you right now is not to make any careless mistakes and expose any weaknesses."

"As long as you ascend to that supreme throne, who in this world would dare defy you?"

Hearing the elder's words, the python-robed youth's face showed unwillingness, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

"Should I just let that wretched beast provoke me and do nothing?"

"You don't need to worry about this matter, I'll handle it well."

Standing up, the elder patted the youth's shoulder and leisurely paced away, muttering to himself.

"The young people these days really don't know what's good for them. They should feel lucky to have picked up their life…"

"Yet they still dare to push their limits, haha, have they forgotten the fate of the last one who provoked the [Duke Ning Mansion]..."

................

Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Zhu Haomiao opened his eyes slowly, sensing the subtle fluctuations of fate's threads in the dark.

After carefully sensing a bit, he didn't capture any more specific information. Regretfully, Zhu Haomiao shook his head and turned his gazes inward.

[Book of Black]: Devour source quality, [Body]+4 (2×200%)

[anger]+288

[anger]: LV.2→LV.3

[Strength]+2

[Body]+2 (1×200%)

[greed coin]+31

Examining the sudden increase in his [Body] attribute, Zhu Haomiao thoughtfully rubbed his chin.

The full force of [Immortal's Grasp] can indeed yield something!

Next time, I should try some other areas...

Wait, what if I dig into the ninth intestinal rotation...

Sss~

Forget it, forget it....

Shivering slightly, Zhu Haomiao shook his head and looked at the over 300 accumulated [greed coins], a satisfied smile forming on his lips.

Having deposits brings peace of mind…

But, should I spend some?

Glancing at his accumulated attributes, Zhu Haomiao pondered for a few seconds and eventually gave up on the idea of cashing in.

The main thing is that after a while, he will need to return to reality to recuperate, and according to the time flow ratio in this world, this process would last nearly two months!

Such a long time, the current amount of accumulated attributes wouldn't be enough to digest!

A peculiar sense of urgency reminiscent of fattening up before hibernation emerged, Zhu Haomiao looked at the newly completed circulation transport Inner Strength, no, it should be the "Void Refining God and Returning to Truth Technique"!

With a deep breath, the [Sloth] authority manifested as gray-white threads emerged from the void, wrapping around Zhu Haomiao, forming a cocoon.

10 [greed coins] mixed with immense power and a hint of law's golden light were infused into the depths of the spirit and body, starting a mysterious transformation.

After double pupation, Zhu Haomiao clenched his fist, realizing his energy level had plummeted two ranks, leaving him with the strength of about a Ninth Grade Martial Artist.

It should suffice for normal days...

In case of danger, I can unlock a layer of seal...

If encountering an unbeatable enemy, I can still completely tear the [Sloth Cocoon] to release the complete form.

But the evolving cultivation techniques and [greed coins] would then be wasted, having to start again from scratch...

Let's hope I don't run into such idiots, otherwise, after breaking the seal, I'll make them understand the meaning of cruelty...

Pouting, Zhu Haomiao inwardly complained, falling back onto the bed.

With some time before the initial return, it'd be best to work out the fifth level of the [Constant Star Melting Furnace Body Tempering Technique], maximizing efficiency during deep sleep...

If not, completing a few basic force skills would work too…

Thinking of future plans, a drowsiness gently crept over him, and the boy's consciousness gradually drifted, slipping into a dream.

................

The Next Day

Zhu Haomiao sat in the Scripture Pavilion of the [Royal Martial Academy], diligently deciphering the secret manuals.

Suddenly, a sweet fragrance wafted over, making the youth unconsciously raise his head, seeing Yin Kejun looking at him, worn-out.

"Sister Ke Jun, what's wrong? Didn't sleep well? You look so exhausted."

Seeing the boy looking so refreshed, Yin Kejun felt both angry and anxious.

"With such a big event happening, how can you still sleep well?!"

"Huh? Big event? What big event?"

"Father already told me, someone from the Ministry of Justice tried to take you away yesterday!"

"Oh, I thought it was something major..."

Seeing the boy's indifferent demeanor, Yin Kejun felt her temples throbbing painfully.

"Do you not understand how serious this is? If you enter the Ministry of Justice's prison, you'll be ruined, they could make up any excuse to kill you there!"

Just then, a small head popped out from the side, with dark circles under the eyes, handing over a jade pendant.

"Mr. Li, my mother has no influence in the outer court, if things get bad, you can take this jade pendant to the [Jade Emperor Temple], someone will safely take you south…"

Seeing Zhao Nuo reluctant to part, Zhu Haomiao couldn't help but chuckle, hesitantly accepting her jade pendant.

"Thank you, but don't make it seem like my days are numbered, the sky won't fall!"

However, no matter how the young boy tried to reassure them, the two girls, one big and one small, thought he was just forcing a smile, their eyes filled with pity and guilt.

Zhu Haomiao: "......"

Forget it, as long as you're happy...

Silently rolling his eyes, Zhu Haomiao focused back on the secret manual, ignoring them.

However, as time flew by, over a dozen days passed with the two anxious girls seeing no further threat, they gradually believed the Third Prince had given up pursuing him, and began to relax, smiling again.

On the other hand, the faint illusory sense of detachment gradually appeared, and Zhu Haomiao knew he developed a lost reaction, making him more determined in deciphering the secrets.

Just in time before returning, he completed the fifth-level deduction of the [Constant Star Melting Furnace Body Tempering Technique].

Hu~

Exhaling a breath of turbid air, the kaleidoscopic divine light in Zhu Haomiao's eyes slowly contracted inward, feeling the imminent break from cocoon to butterfly of the [Void Refining God and Returning to Truth Technique].

He knew he should settle his "affairs."

"Zhao Nuo."

"Hmm?"

Playing happily with Diao Chan, the little girl confusedly raised her head, her big black and glossy eyes looking strangely at Zhu Haomiao.

Why call her full name so solemnly...

A vague sense of ominous omen rose in Zhao Nuo's heart, her thoughts filled with panic and nervousness.

"I'm going to seclude myself for a while, and won't be coming back to the [Royal Martial Academy]."

"What? How long will you be in seclusion?!"

"Well, as short as a month, as long as two months, depending on the situation."

"......"

Secluding for one or two months?!

Why are you, a Ninth Grade Martial Artist, acting like a Supreme Grandmaster?!

Biting her lip, Zhao Nuo pouted, looking aggrieved.

"Will you come back?"

"Of course."

Ruffling the little girl's head, Zhu Haomiao beckoned, and Diao Chan, spiritually synchronized, leapt onto him, standing on his shoulder bidding farewell to playmate.

"Chirp~"

Watching his figure disappear beyond the door, Zhao Nuo only felt emptiness within, her gentle expression slowly vanishing, putting back on the mask that holds others a thousand miles away.