Aaryan didn't care what the disciples were doing.

Whatever choice they made—whether they fought back or stayed weak—was their problem, not his.

He had given them an answer. Whether they used it or not was up to them.

With that thought, he put them out of his mind.

Sitting cross-legged in the dimly lit cave, he took a slow breath, letting it flow through his body. The familiar warmth pulsed through his veins, steady and controlled. He had spent the last few days refining his foundation, pushing himself deeper into the second level of Anima. His progress had stabilized. He was still in the early stages of the 2nd level, but his foundation was solid.

He let out a quiet exhale, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

But the moment was short-lived.

His brows furrowed. His cultivation had improved, but the same problem remained—resources.

With a flick of his fingers, he summoned the small sachet Dharun had given him, the faint scent of medicinal herbs lingering in the air. He stared at it for a long moment. Using these now would speed things up. But something in him hesitated.

No.

Dharun had given him these once. There was no guarantee he'd do it again. If Aaryan relied on them now, he'd be just as desperate as the ones begging him for help.

He tucked the sachet away. It was his last resort, not his first option.

Which meant he needed Essence Stones.

His lips pressed into a thin line.

Unlike herbs, Essence Stones weren't handed out—they had to be earned, fought for, or taken. He could fight in the arena, but that was more trouble than it was worth right now. The alternative?

Aaryan sighed. He needed a way to make easy money.

Preferably one that didn't involve getting stabbed.

His thoughts wandered, and for the first time, he briefly considered what would happen if the weaker disciples actually fought back.

Would the stronger disciples retaliate harder? Would the fights escalate? Or… what if they won?

But then, a thought wormed its way in—one he didn't like.

What if they actually managed to stop the constant fights over resources?

Would the sect blame him for disrupting the system?!

The idea was ridiculous.

…Right?

Aaryan shook his head. Not his problem.

He exhaled, shaking off the useless thoughts. There was only one thing that mattered—cultivating and making enough money to not starve.

Aaryan sat in his cave, absently rolling an Essence Stone between his fingers, still lost in thought about how to earn more of them without unnecessary effort. Maybe he could find some minor sect missions? Or perhaps there was some way to trick— convince—someone into giving him a cut of theirs.

He sighed.

"Why is making money so difficult?" he muttered.

Before he could dwell on it further, movement outside his cave caught his attention. A disciple stood there, hesitating, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot. Aaryan immediately felt irritation creep in. He wasn't in the mood to deal with more of them. If this guy was here to beg for protection, he'd throw a rock at him and be done with it.

"Leave," Aaryan said flatly, not even bothering to look up.

But the disciple didn't move. Instead, he took a deep breath and bowed deeply.

"Oh Wise One, I have come to express my gratitude!"

Aaryan blinked.

…What?

His head snapped up. The disciple was still bowing, his expression full of genuine admiration. Aaryan looked around, half-expecting to see someone else behind him.

Nope.

"What?" he asked blankly.

The disciple straightened, eyes shining. "Your wisdom has changed my fate! I followed your teachings, and the results were beyond my imagination!"

Aaryan's brain stalled. Teachings?

"…What are you talking about?"

The disciple clenched his fists, his voice brimming with emotion. "I was attacked. Just like you said would happen! But I did not cower! I fought back, using the strategy you gave us!"

Aaryan squinted. "What strategy?"

The disciple beamed. "I bit him."

Silence.

Aaryan stared at him, waiting for more. "And…?"

"He ran."

Aaryan blinked. "He… ran?"

"Yes! As soon as I bit him, he screamed and took off like a terrified beast!"

Aaryan frowned. That didn't make sense. The stronger disciples weren't the type to back down just because someone fought back. At most, they'd be startled for a moment before retaliating. But running away entirely?

He narrowed his eyes. "Why didn't he come back later? Maybe with his friends?"

At this, the disciple suddenly looked… hesitant. His confidence wavered just slightly. He scratched the back of his head, avoiding Aaryan's gaze.

"Well… I may have… uh… bit him at that place."

Aaryan's thoughts screeched to a halt.

His expression went blank.

The disciple coughed awkwardly. "You know. That place."

Aaryan slowly exhaled, pressing his fingers to his temple. "…You bit him in the—"

"I panicked!" the disciple blurted out.

Aaryan dragged a hand down his face. This was beyond ridiculous.

The disciple, however, looked absolutely grateful. "But it worked! No one's dared to mess with me since! I owe it all to you, Wise One!"

Aaryan nearly choked on air. Wise One?

Before he could correct this utter nonsense, the disciple pulled out a small pouch and placed it on the ground with great reverence. "As a token of my gratitude, please accept a portion of my monthly resources."

Aaryan eyed the pouch, noting the faint medicinal scent. Herbs—not Essence Stones. Of course. The sect didn't hand those out easily. But herbs could be traded, and right now, anything was better than nothing.

Aaryan hesitated. This was ridiculous. Completely absurd.

But… Slowly, carefully, he reached out, plucked the pouch from the ground, and weighed the pouch in his hands. Resources were resources. And if this fool wanted to keep handing them over…

"…Good," he said finally, nodding with the air of someone who had planned this all along.

The disciple's eyes practically sparkled. He bowed again, thanking Aaryan profusely before hurrying off, his faith in his Wise One now unshakable.

Aaryan sat there, staring at the pouch. He had no idea what had just happened.

Aaryan was still staring at the pouch in his hands when another shadow fell over the entrance of his cave.

He slowly looked up.

Another disciple stood there, shifting awkwardly. Then, without warning—

"Oh Wise One! I offer my gratitude!"

Aaryan shut his eyes. No. No, no, no.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. Maybe if he ignored this one, they'd go away.

"Wise One, your teachings have saved me!" the disciple declared, stepping forward.

Aaryan cracked one eye open. "…You bit someone too, didn't you?"

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

The disciple puffed up his chest, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes! Just as you foretold!"

"I didn't—" Aaryan stopped himself, pressing his fingers to his temple. He didn't have the energy for this.

Before he could formulate a response, two more disciples arrived. Then another. And another.

"Oh, come on," Aaryan muttered under his breath.

They all stood before him; eyes filled with reverence. They had all used the same tactic. Biting, scratching, sheer desperate madness—and somehow, it had worked. Every single one of them had survived their encounters, and now, they had come to thank their "master of wisdom."

Aaryan couldn't believe this.

More unbelievable? Some of them had brought offerings.

Small pouches of herbs. Dried medicinal roots. Essence Stones.

His fingers twitched at the sight of the shimmering stones.

Essence Stones. Real, actual Essence Stones.

He had spent days wondering how to get his hands on some, and now they were being handed to him like tributes to a deity.

This was ridiculous.

Absolutely insane.

And if this kept going, someone important was bound to notice. Someone who might not find it amusing.

He should probably stop this before it got worse. Before the wrong people noticed.

Before—

…Was that an Essence Stone?

He picked it up, weighing it in his palm. Well. Just a little longer, then.

Aaryan exhaled slowly and straightened, carefully schooling his expression into something unreadable. He let a moment of silence pass, studying them.

Finally, he nodded sagely. "You have done well."

The disciples nearly collapsed in excitement.

"Truly, Wise One sees all!"

"Your guidance has granted us strength!"

"We shall continue to follow your path!"

Aaryan nodded again, this time with a deliberate pause, as if he were contemplating something profound. He was about to send them away, but then another thought struck him—

What if this kept working?

What if he could turn this into a steady stream of resources?

He cleared his throat and raised a hand in what he hoped was a mystical gesture.

"Remember," he intoned, voice deep with fake wisdom, "one must not always move forward. Sometimes, the path to power… is found by standing sideways."

The disciples gasped. Gasped.

One clutched his chest as if he had just received enlightenment. "Sideways…! Truly, I have been blind!"

Another muttered, eyes wide, "So simple… yet so profound."

A third disciple furrowed his brows, murmuring, "Does he mean physically sideways? Or metaphorically? Is this a test of our comprehension?"

Another whispered, "Maybe we should train while standing sideways… just in case."

One disciple hesitated. "Wait, but what if—" He was immediately shushed by the others.

"Do not question the Wise One!" one disciple hissed. "Doubt clouds the mind!"

The hesitant one gulped, nodding quickly. "Right. Of course."

Aaryan was about to choke on his own absurdity.

The disciples—utterly convinced of his greatness—placed their offerings before him, bowing deeply.

"Thank you, Wise One!"

They left, filled with renewed purpose.

Aaryan sat there, staring at the growing pile of resources.

This was getting out of hand.

And yet, as he weighed an Essence Stone between his fingers, he couldn't help but think…

But… maybe just a little longer.

Because

Making money had never been easier.

Aaryan was halfway through inspecting the latest batch of herbs when he felt the shift in the air. It wasn't loud or obvious, but it was felt—the presence of someone who moved with the weight of authority.

He looked up just as Dharun stepped into the cave.

Unlike the eager disciples who had been coming in and out, Dharun didn't hesitate or fidget. His gaze swept over the neatly stacked offerings, the Essence Stones, and finally, Aaryan himself. His expression remained unreadable, but the slight arch of his brow betrayed his amusement.

Aaryan met his gaze evenly. "If you're here to ask for guidance, get in line."

A pause.

Then—Dharun exhaled sharply, the closest thing to a laugh he ever allowed himself. "So, it's true."

Aaryan clicked his tongue. "You're going to be annoying about this, aren't you?"

Dharun ignored the comment, stepping forward with measured ease. "You've been busy."

"I'd say it's been more convenient than busy." Aaryan leaned back, resting against the cave wall. "I sit here, say a few vague things, and people throw resources at me. You wouldn't happen to be here with an offering, would you?"

Dharun didn't dignify that with a response. He crouched slightly, picking up an Essence Stone and rolling it between his fingers, his gaze lingering on it—not with interest in the stone itself, but in what it represented. "They're giving you these freely?"

"They call it gratitude. I call it free money." Aaryan stretched lazily. "You disapprove?"

Dharun set the Essence Stone down, his gaze sharp but unreadable. "Not at all." A pause. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, "But I am curious how long you think this will last."

Aaryan smirked. "Why? You jealous? You did want me to rely on your herbs forever, didn't you?"

Dharun gave him a look that was neither denial nor confirmation. "It would have been preferable."

Aaryan opened his mouth to scoff—but something in Dharun's tone made him pause. "And yet, here I am—self-sufficient."

Dharun's expression remained unreadable, but there was something assessing in the way he looked at Aaryan. A quiet moment stretched between them before he finally spoke again.

"Well," Dharun said, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. "If nothing else, I suppose this is entertaining."

Aaryan exhaled. "Are you done?"

Dharun hummed, turning to leave. "For now."

As he reached the entrance, he stopped, glancing over his shoulder. His next words were delivered with the slightest trace of amusement.

"Wise One."

Aaryan's eye twitched. He inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly, and resisted the urge to commit violence.

"You've got quite the mouth on you," Dharun said, still smiling. "Just make sure it doesn't get you into trouble."

He stepped out of the cave, his amusement lingering like a bad omen.

Aaryan dragged a hand down his face. This was getting out of hand.

It was fine. It wasn't a big deal. Just easy money.

…Right?

Aaryan sat cross-legged, his hands resting on a growing pile of Essence Stones and herbs, his gaze distant.

Somewhere along the way, this had spiralled completely out of control.

What was once a trickle of misguided disciples had turned into a flood.

They came in waves—eager, desperate, some even trembling with reverence. Each one insisted that his words had changed their fate, and each one came bearing offerings.

Aaryan had tried to stop it.

Tried.

But then someone had placed twenty Essence Stones before him, and well… principles only got a man so far.

A disciple approached, visibly struggling with something. He hesitated before kneeling dramatically.

"Wise One! I seek guidance!"

Aaryan, rubbing his temple, barely looked up. "Then go find a book."

The disciple's eyes widened. "Ah! A metaphor! You mean I must seek knowledge myself rather than rely on others?"

Aaryan sighed, realizing he had walked straight into that one.

"…Sure."

The disciple gasped, nodding rapidly. "Of course! Thank you, Wise One!"

He left with an air of deep enlightenment.

Aaryan slumped back, exhaling slowly. This was exhausting.

And then—

Another disciple stepped forward, this one more confident, practically radiating energy.

"I have followed your teachings, Wise One!" he declared. "I trained while standing sideways, and my balance has improved immensely!"

Aaryan stared.

A second disciple nodded. "I meditated upside down! It has given me a fresh perspective on the world!"

A third added excitedly, "I acted unpredictably in battle! I screamed mid-fight, and my opponent flinched! Victory was mine!"

Aaryan dragged a hand down his face.

This was getting worse.

They weren't just following his nonsense advice. They were interpreting it in ways that made absolutely no sense.

Another disciple eagerly stepped forward.

"Wise One! Please, grant me wisdom!"

Aaryan, utterly drained, answered at random just to make them leave.

"Act unpredictable."

"Don't die."

"If they punch you, fall dramatically. Maybe they'll feel bad."

Unfortunately, instead of sending them away, it only made things worse.

The reactions varied.

One disciple gasped. "He's telling us to use deception! Brilliant!"

Another looked awed. "He understands human nature so well… Even an opponent's pity can be a weapon."

A third clutched his chest. "He speaks in riddles, but the truth is so clear!"

Aaryan sat there, physically restraining himself from slamming his head against the wall.

Aaryan was just about to enjoy a quiet moment, weighing the Essence Stones he'd received so far, when a new presence loomed at his cave entrance.

Another one?

Suppressing a sigh, he looked up—and immediately noticed something different.

The disciple standing before him wasn't one of the usual desperate weaklings. He carried himself with confidence, his aura steady. This one was stronger. Not top-tier, but certainly not someone who should be here seeking guidance.

Aaryan narrowed his eyes. "You lost?"

The disciple bowed—formal, respectful. "Wise One, I seek your guidance."

Aaryan exhaled slowly. "Yeah, no. Get out."

A flicker of hesitation crossed the disciple's face. Then, with the certainty of someone placing down their final bet, he reached into his pouch and pulled out something that caught the light.

Essence Stones.

Not one. Not two.

Twenty.

Aaryan froze.

For a long moment, he simply stared.

"…You're serious?"

The disciple nodded gravely.

Aaryan's entire demeanour shifted instantly. He sat up straighter, smoothed out his robe, and adopted a vaguely wise expression.

"Ah, young one," he intoned, his voice taking on a thoughtful air. "Yes, yes… wisdom awaits."

The disciple's face lit up with anticipation.

Aaryan, meanwhile, internally scrambled. He had no actual advice to give. He needed something vague, something harmless, something that would at least sound profound—

"Go north," he said suddenly. "Train under a tree for two days."

Silence.

The disciple furrowed his brows. "A… tree?"

Aaryan steepled his fingers like a proper fraud, nodding slowly. "Yes. A tree."

The disciple's eyes widened. "Ah… I see! A tree represents stability! Its roots run deep, yet it grows toward the heavens—"

"That's exactly what I meant."

The disciple inhaled sharply, determination flashing in his gaze. "Thank you, Wise One! I shall follow your words to the letter!"

Aaryan watched as the disciple rushed off, still not entirely sure what had just happened.

But it didn't matter.

Because he had twenty Essence Stones.

🔱 — ✵ — 🔱

A Day Later…

A loud voice boomed outside Aaryan's cave.

"WISE ONE!"

Aaryan nearly choked on his water.

The same disciple from before rushed in, his energy wild, his face filled with an almost unhinged level of gratitude.

"I was stuck at the fourth level of Anima for three years!" he declared, falling to his knees. "THREE YEARS, Wise One! But after training under the tree like you said—I BROKE THROUGH!"

Aaryan felt his soul leave his body for a moment.

…What.

It actually worked?!

The disciple's eyes shone with reverence. "Your wisdom is unparalleled! You have opened my path!"

Aaryan quickly forced his expression into something composed. He slowly nodded. "Ah. Yes. Naturally."

"Please!" The disciple pulled out another small pouch. "I must offer you more in thanks!"

Aaryan accepted it smoothly, even as his mind reeled. This was getting ridiculous.

And then—

Another disciple arrived.

Then another.

And another.

🔱 — ✵ — 🔱

Two Days Later…

Aaryan stared blankly at the growing line outside his cave.

More people had come. Some were past sceptics, now converted believers. Some were new disciples who had heard the tales.

But the worst part?

Some were actually strong.

Aaryan was about to reject them outright until one of them, a particularly serious-looking disciple, knelt before him and placed down a pouch.

"This is all I have," he said solemnly.

Aaryan glanced down.

Twenty Essence Stones.

His thoughts derailed instantly.

His tone shifted without hesitation.

"…Ah, young one," he said smoothly. "Yes. A path has indeed opened for you."

The disciple's eyes lit up. "Truly?"

"Yes." Aaryan paused, once again scrambling for vague nonsense. "You… must act unpredictably. Only then will you grasp true strength."

The disciple nodded in deep understanding. "I see. To be unpredictable is to be untouchable! Thank you, Wise One!"

Aaryan watched him leave, still mildly stunned at how easily this was working.

Then—

"Wise One!" Another disciple stepped forward.

This one was carrying a chicken.

Aaryan blinked.

The disciple held it out with both hands, expression sincere. "For you, Wise One."

Aaryan slowly reached out and took the chicken.

It clucked.

He stared at it.

The disciple beamed. "I heard that great wisdom requires proper nourishment! This sacred beast shall ensure your insights remain unmatched!"

Aaryan opened his mouth. Then closed it.

"…Sure."

The disciple bowed and left.

Aaryan sat there, holding a chicken, wondering where exactly his life had gone wrong.

🔱 — ✵ — 🔱

Meanwhile, Elsewhere…

A small group of disciples sat together in the training fields.

One of them was sitting upside down.

Another was randomly screaming at intervals.

A third was muttering to himself, "Sideways. Sideways… What does it mean?"

The chaos had begun.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.