Chapter 5: Haunted Memories of the Old Residence, Advancements in Extraordinary Abilities

Returning to the rented room, a musty smell hit him immediately. The peeling walls, the worn-out furniture—it was the typical “last century décor.” Mao Yu looked at all this familiar surroundings and sighed, “Sigh, when will I be able to move to a bigger place?” But now was not the time for such thoughts. With the Essence Pearl in hand, strengthening his power was the top priority!

He sat cross-legged, clutching the Essence Pearl in his palm. A warm current surged through his entire body in an instant, so pleasant it nearly made him cry out. Staring at the Essence Pearl, a wave of ambition swelled within him. He had suffered endless bullying in the supernatural realm due to his humble origins; the powerful always looked down on him with disdain. He had secretly vowed to rise above it all, never missing any chance to improve his abilities. This Essence Pearl felt like the key to his breakthrough.

Mao Ling, like a little sprite, busied herself around the cramped room. Although thoughtful, her enthusiasm sometimes caused trouble. Just last time, she accidentally spilled an important potion of Mao Yu’s, nearly stalling his cultivation. Yet she possessed a unique gift—an extraordinary sensitivity to danger. Though lacking strong supernatural powers, this ability had saved Mao Yu from peril more than once. She poured him water, peeled fruit, humming an unknown tune softly.

“Brother, are you thirsty? Hungry? Want me to massage your back?” Her big, watery eyes brimmed with admiration, as if Mao Yu was her unparalleled hero. Mao Yu felt warmth flood his heart. This girl, though a bit naive, truly cared for him.

“Cultivate! Must focus on cultivation! Crush all who oppose!” Mao Yu muttered internally as he activated the cultivation technique he redeemed from the system, absorbing the Essence Pearl’s energy. Pure streams of power coursed through his meridians, continuously reinforcing his supernatural veins and abilities. He sensed his strength growing inexhaustibly.

“Boom!” Suddenly, a surge of powerful energy burst from Mao Yu’s body. Small objects around the room began to levitate. The hands of the worn clock on the wall spun wildly, as if cheering his breakthrough. Mao Ling jumped about excitedly, shouting that her brother was invincible, her voice loud enough to shake the rickety room further. Feng Yao’s eyes widened in surprise; she instinctively stepped back, clearly stunned by Mao Yu’s sudden outburst of strength. The air in the room twisted subtly.

Mao Ling gaped in amazement, eyes shining with delight. “Brother, you’re amazing!”

Mao Yu slowly opened his eyes, a faint smile curling his lips. It worked! The Essence Pearl’s effect was even better than he imagined!

Just as he was about to stretch, there was a sudden knock at the door.

“Who is it? Who still comes to this dump?” Mao Yu asked impatiently.

“It’s me,” came a cold, clear voice from outside.

Mao Yu and Mao Ling exchanged a glance, both stunned. That voice... why did it sound so familiar?

Mao Yu rose and opened the door. Standing there was someone who left him dumbfounded.

“Feng... Feng Yao? What are you doing here?”

Feng Yao stood at the threshold, her custom-tailored dress utterly out of place amid the dilapidated surroundings—like a celestial maiden mistakenly stepping into the mortal world. Though she appeared aloof, her heart was kind. Born into a prestigious supernatural family, she had undergone rigorous training from a young age, shaping her stern demeanor. Yet she secretly longed for genuine friendship. Seeing Mao Yu’s earnest effort to improve stirred a hint of respect deep within her. Still, her family’s duties forced her to maintain a distant attitude toward him. She glanced around the room, her delicate brows knitting slightly. This place... truly was “a world of its own.”

But she quickly resumed her icy composure and said lightly, “I came to see you.”

Mao Yu’s heart skipped a beat. What was this about? Could she be here to reprimand him? After the harsh exchange yesterday, was this some form of retaliation? Clearing his throat, he feigned calm: “Ah... Miss Feng, is there something you need?”

Feng Yao said nothing, stepping inside. A faint, elegant fragrance wafted into Mao Yu’s nostrils, quickening his heartbeat. That scent—damn it, so alluring! He sneaked a glance at her and caught her clear eyes meeting his.

Their gazes locked; the air seemed to freeze. Mao Yu saw his own reflection in Feng Yao’s eyes, her long lashes fluttering like a butterfly about to take flight. A gentle breeze suddenly blew through the window, her hair brushing softly against Mao Yu’s cheek, sending a ticklish sensation through him. At that moment, Mao Ling’s voice seemed to vanish; the world shrank to just the two of them. In this shabby room, the charged moment resembled a classic cinematic close-up—impossible to forget.

---

Mao Ling looked here and there, her little head full of questions.

What was going on between these two? Something felt off. She blinked innocently and asked, “Sister, did you come here to play with brother too?”

Feng Yao glanced at Mao Ling but didn’t reply. Instead, she approached Mao Yu closely—so near their breaths mingled. Mao Yu was so nervous he didn’t know where to place his hands and feet, standing awkwardly.

Her gaze lingered on him a moment, then shifted to the Essence Pearl in his hand, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“What’s this?”

“Oh, this...” Mao Yu came back to his senses and hurriedly explained, “This is the Essence Pearl. It enhances supernatural abilities.”

Feng Yao reached out to touch it but hesitated in midair.

She looked at Mao Yu with complex emotions, as if thousands of words were trapped within her but she didn’t know how to start.

Mao Yu’s breath quickened as he stared at her so close.

The atmosphere suddenly turned somewhat intimate.

At that moment, Mao Ling broke the silence, pointing at Feng Yao’s clothes with admiration. “Wow, Sister, your dress is so beautiful! Like a fairy!”

Feng Yao’s cheeks flushed faintly, barely noticeable.

She cleared her throat softly, withdrawing her hand. “It’s just ordinary.”

“No way it’s ordinary!” Mao Ling ran over, tugging at Feng Yao’s hand coquettishly. “Sister, can you give me one like this too?”

Feng Yao looked at her with a trace of helplessness, about to decline when Mao Yu interrupted: “Alright, Ling’er, stop it.” Then he turned to Feng Yao, tone softening, “Miss Feng, you came here today...”

Feng Yao cut him off, eyes fixed on the Essence Pearl. “I want to see how you use it to cultivate.”

Mao Yu no longer wondered about Feng Yao’s intentions. The girl was no match for upgrading power!

He sat cross-legged again, focusing his mind, gripping the Essence Pearl tightly, and began to channel the cultivation technique.

“System, activate super acceleration!”

As the technique flowed, the Essence Pearl emitted a gentle glow. Streams of pure energy flowed into Mao Yu like a gentle stream. He could clearly feel his supernatural power growing stronger, a faint aura shimmering around him, like donning a sacred robe.

---

Mao Ling and Feng Yao watched silently, captivated by Mao Yu’s focused expression.

“Hell yeah! This leveling speed is taking off!” Mao Yu rejoiced inwardly. The Essence Pearl’s effect was insanely powerful!

His strength soared, seemingly endless.

Inside the room, energy fluctuations grew ever stronger; even the air began to warp slightly.

Mao Ling’s eyes widened excitedly, her face flushed red, staring at Mao Yu like a devoted fan.

Though outwardly composed, a flicker of surprise flashed in Feng Yao’s eyes.

“Boom!” A muffled sound echoed as Mao Yu’s body trembled violently. A powerful energy wave burst forth, making the entire room quiver.

Mao Ling leapt up, clutching Mao Yu’s arm, shouting excitedly, “Brother, you’re incredible! You broke through!” Feng Yao’s expression showed genuine astonishment—she hadn’t expected Mao Yu to advance so swiftly to mid-stage primary supernatural ability.

“Hehe, piece of cake!” Mao Yu’s lips curved in a proud smile.

To crush all opposition, he was one step closer to his goal!

He stood and stretched, feeling strength surge through his limbs.

Yet Mao Yu remained grounded. He knew many stronger exist in the supernatural world; his current power was still far from sufficient.

He looked at Feng Yao, still puzzled about whether she was friend or foe.

The shabby rented room fell silent once more, but Mao Yu’s future remained uncertain.

Just as he basked in the joy of his breakthrough, his phone vibrated suddenly.

Picking it up, he saw a message: “Mr. Mao Yu, please report to the Supernatural Management Bureau for a re-examination at 9 AM tomorrow…”

His brow furrowed. Re-examination? What was that about?