As Meng Lin descended toward Qinghe City, she flicked her wrist, storing away the Void-State Tablet in one smooth motion.

  'Walking around with a flying black board next to me would be too eye-catching', she thought.

  Even in a city filled with cultivators, most would assume it was a high-grade artifact or a rare treasure. She had no interest in drawing the attention of opportunists or high-ranking figures.

  Her gaze swept across the massive city, taking in the towering walls carved from Spiritual Iron, their surfaces glowing faintly with defensive formations.

  Standing nearly thirty meters tall, the walls weren’t just for show—Meng Lin could sense the powerful barrier surrounding the entire city. It was strong enough to withstand an all-out assault from a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator without faltering.

  Before the entrance, groups of cultivators formed orderly lines, each waiting their turn to pay the entrance fee. Some wore the distinctive robes of sect disciples, but the majority were rogue cultivators, clad in practical yet refined attire.

  Meng Lin landed near the checkpoint and approached, her steps calm and unhurried, drawing a few subtle glances her way.

  A guard, clad in silver-lined robes, took notice of her and immediately stepped forward. His cultivation was at the Gold Core Realm—not weak—but he kept his aura restrained as he cupped his fists in respect.

  “There’s no need to wait in line, Senior. You may enter,” he said, his tone polite yet firm.

  Meng Lin gave a slight nod and stepped forward, passing through the gate without a word.

  As expected, she thought. A Soul Wandering Realm cultivator holds value even in the most powerful organizations. In most cities, they are treated very respectfully.

  As she entered, her gaze moved across the city interior, taking in the bustling streets.

  Stalls lined the sides, overflowing with rare herbs, talismans, weapons, and even beast cores. The air itself felt different from the outside—rich with various spiritual energies.

  Nearly everyone here practiced cultivation. Most were in the early realms, but she occasionally spotted Gold Core cultivators and even a few other Soul Wandering Realm experts moving through the crowd.

  "This city is even more prosperous than I expected," Meng Lin murmured, her gaze sweeping over the lively streets.

  Qinghe City, as one of the most important cities within the Luo Kingdom, was ruled directly by the Luo Imperial Clan. It's current emperor, Luo Tian, was a Nascent Soul cultivator with unfathomable strength, though rumors spread of his actual strength.

  After all, the kingdom ranking second in terms of resources translates to more strength. Only the Imperial Capital surpassed Qinghe City in wealth and influence.

  Unlike the cities of other kingdoms, where mortals still played a role in daily life, Qinghe City was entirely ruled by cultivators. Every shop, every stall, every exchange—everything revolved around cultivation.

  She walked forward without hurry, ignoring the occasional glances sent her way. The Immortal Lotus Robe looked normal and restrained most of her aura, however the natural aura she carried made it clear she wasn’t someone to be approached lightly.

  Towering pagoda-like buildings lined the streets, each adorned with large banners displaying their specialties:

  "Refinement Pavilion – High-Grade Artifacts Available!"

  "Moonlight Alchemy Hall – Custom Pills & Elixirs, Made to Order!"

  "Voidwalker Mercenary Guild – Recruiting Experts for High-Rank Missions!"

  It was a different kind of marketplace than she was used to, but the core remained the same—strength determined everything.

  Her gaze flickered as she considered her next step.

  Finding a place to stay came first. She didn’t plan to linger in Qinghe City for long, but securing a proper resting spot before handling her affairs was always a priority.

  It didn’t take long before she spotted a place. The Azure Pavilion Inn, a grand building surrounded by a faint Qi barrier.

  She stepped inside, passing through a spiritual detection array that briefly scanned her before vanishing.

  A young attendant behind the counter welcomed her with a polite smile, but as he was about to speak, an older man in flowing blue robes appeared, his demeanor carrying a little respect.

  “Senior, we have private courtyards available for honored guests. Please, allow me to show you the way.”

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  Meng Lin gave a small nod, appreciating the smooth service.

  She was led to a secluded courtyard, its walls layered with multiple sound-isolating as well as barrier formations. In the center, a small spirit spring bubbled, its waters rich with pure Qi.

  After settling the payment, she sat down cross-legged, her fingers flicking as she pulled up her system panel.

  [Meng Lin]

  [Soul Wandering Stage (late)]

  [Experience Points: 7>13%]

  System Coin: 540

  Immortal Jade: 4

  Taoist Gacha Wheel: unavailable

  Spiritual Roots: [Water > Fire > Gold > Wood > Earth]

  Variant Elemental Qi: [Mud] [Erosion] [Water] [Darkness] [Fire] [Gold 20%] >[Ice 2%] >[Wind 1%]

  [Heavenly Dao]

  [Death]

  [Comprehension 0.06%]

  Main Cultivation Method: [Elemental Qi Convergence Method]

  Side Cultivation Methods: [Basic Qi Gathering] [Formless Cultivation Method] [Brute Vortex Cultivation Method] [Black Tortoise Essence Art, 5th Layer] [Imperial Water Art]

  Techniques: [Celestial Moonlit Sword Art] [Hundred Unity Techniques] [Wrath of Thunder] [Physique Cleansing Sutra] [Vital Essence Exchange]

  Secret Techniques: [Stellar Soul Shield]

  Skills: [Immortal Flesh]

  Ancient Spirit Seal: Crimson Tortoise Dragon

  [Market] [Blacksmith] [Alchemy] [Daily Mission]

  Meng Lin's eyes flickered as she studied the panel, her gaze settling on the newfound trace of Ice Qi.

  Her comprehension of the element had increased, and she instinctively knew the source—the Frostpetal Hairpin, nestled neatly in her hair.

  From the moment she had crafted it, the hairpin had been quietly accumulating Ice Elemental Qi, condensing it into an Ice Qi Essence. The moment it fully formed, her body had absorbed it without resistance, deepening her understanding of the element.

  Though the process was slow, requiring time to refine each essence, the steady progress made it worthwhile.

  Her gaze then shifted to the noticeable new section in Wind Qi comprehension. Unlike the gradual accumulation of Ice Qi, this gain had been entirely unexpected. The short but intense exposure to the Tempest Wind Domain had left its mark on her, embedding a trace of understanding within her mind.

  She tapped her fingers lightly against her knee, thoughtful.

  ‘Is it my improved aptitude at work?’

  Ever since she had used the aptitude advancement stone, comprehension had come easier, and the once-difficult mysteries of the elements were comprehended easier.

  "And yet I still haven't learned this" Meng Lin muttered, taking out a small scroll from her inventory.

  Anuttara Scroll .5*

  The Void Reflection Technique.

  She had spent five days studying in seclusion, yet she still couldn't comprehend it..

  Unlike elemental techniques, which built upon her natural affinity, this one dealt with the spiritual consciousness. Furthermore It was not about controlling it or manipulating it but understanding it to a deeper level.

  "Now is the time"

  Meng Lin closed her eyes, letting out a smile as she let her spiritual consciousness expand outward.

  One of the reasons she had purchased the Spiritual Body Analyzer was to gain a deeper understanding of her Mind Palace and spiritual consciousness. Now, that decision was paying off.

  Her consciousness stretched, her mind molding her spiritual consciousness into a body. The form shimmering before her, ethereal and perfect. Yet just a construct.

  She gritted her teeth, pushing a portion of her consciousness away from the vast sea in her mind, feeling a sharp, stinging pain as it tore free.

  She poured the fragment into the ethereal body and the moment it entered, the figure solidified. The body took on real, tangible form. It breathed, before opening its eyes.

  "Ugh" Pain surged through Meng Lin's head as she massaged her temple, the feeling subsiding slowly.

  The clone blinked, instantly aware of itself, and looked at its hands.

  "Wow, it really worked," Meng Lin muttered, staring at her hands.

  She moved around, flexing her fingers and stepping a little, clearly adjusting to the new form. "It feels... real," she said, her voice exactly the same as the Meng Lin sitting down.

  The Meng Lin sitting down chuckled softly. "Of course it does. It's literally me."

  The clone nodded and repeating the same line at the same time. "Of course it does. It's literally me"

  "Now," Meng Lin said, eyes narrowing slightly in contemplation.

  The Void Reflection Technique really creates a perfect clone, however instead of the clone possessing it's own consciousness, it was Meng Lin who was in control.

  Controlling two different bodies at the same time, it would have been a daunting task for her when she was a Gold Core Cultivator, however the processing power of the Soul Wondering Realm made it easy.

  The clone looked back at her. "So, what’s next?"

  Meng Lin thought for a moment. "Well, I guess we should start by testing what we can do."

  The clone raised its hand in the air. "Test away."

  Meng Lin smiled, clearly having fun playing with herself.

  "System" the clone muttered, however to its suprise, nothing showed up.

  The clone frowned, trying again. "System," it said, but once again, nothing appeared.

  Meng Lin the clone. stood still for a moment, thinking deeply. Her gaze flicked to her body sitting down, and that's when it clicked.

  The soul.

  Although the clone wasn't a separate entity with a mind of its own. It was simply another vessel, an extension of her own consciousness.

  It didn't have her soul thus it wasn't able to bring up the system, "which means the system is connected to my soul."

  The clone took a deep breath and began to process everything about the clone’s abilities.

  "Alright, let’s break this down. The clone only has 20% of my strength, which means it’s roughly at the mid to early stages of the Soul Wandering Realm, not nearly as strong as me at the late stage."

  The clone paced, analyzing further.

  "The clone can use most of my techniques, but the effectiveness will be weaker. It won’t have the full depth of my power, especially with techniques like the Stellar Soul Shield, Brute Qi and Immortal Flesh—they require my soul."

  Her eyes narrowed as she stopped pacing to flex her hands, her thoughts on the clone's physical abilities.

  "Physically, it’s not as strong. My stamina, speed, and power are all reduced by 80%. The clone won’t be able to last as long in battle."

  She then considered combat scenarios.

  "If it faces late-stage Soul Wandering cultivators, it won’t stand a chance. It simply doesn’t have the strength or the soul connection to match them. But against mid-stage cultivators? It can hold its ground, especially if it uses all at its disposal."

  Meng Lin’s thoughts shifted to spiritual energy.

  "The clone doesn’t have the same spiritual energy reserves as I do. Without my soul, it’s limited in how much energy it can gather. Complex techniques or prolonged battles will drain it faster too."

  Finally, she concluded, "It’s pretty weak, but still formidable. Against weaker opponents, it could do just as well. But if it faces someone stronger, it will struggle."

  But most importantly, I can store away the clone in my consciousness—it is a construct of consciousness, after all.

  Meng Lin’s gaze flickered as she willed the clone to dissolve. In an instant, it transformed into strands of spiritual energy, flowing back into her mind like a stream returning to the ocean. She could feel it resting within her consciousness, dormant yet ever-present.

  "This changes everything," she murmured. "I don’t need to maintain it constantly. No energy drain, no risk of exposure. I can call it forth in an instant, anywhere, anytime."

  A smirk tugged at her lips and as she thought about the clones abilities, her mind couldn't help but turn to the a distant memory.

  "Even if it’s weaker, that doesn’t matter. In the right situation, it can do wondrous."

  Her fingers curled slightly as she slowly got up. It was time to go sell all those pills and weapons.

  Leaving the courtyard, Meng Lin made her way back to the inn, and upon entering, she spotted the young attendant from before and approached him.

  “I have some questions about the city,” she said, her tone casual.

  “Of course, esteemed cultivator. What would you like to know?”

  Meng Lin asked. “Which store holds the most influence here? And which powers should I be wary of?”

  The young man hesitated for a moment before answering. “The Luo branch family dominates the city. They hold considerable power, and their influence extends to various businesses, including the well-known Moonlight Pavilion.”

  He then mentioned other notable names, powerful figures within the city, and establishments that carried weight. However, what caught Meng Lin’s attention was when he mentioned another store—Immortal Pavilion.

  Her expression sharpened. Immortal Pavilion... The name triggered a memory. She recalled the sect master once mentioning it in a haste, back when he was trying to stop the Palace Master.

  Could it be the same one?

  A surge of curiosity filled her. “Tell me more about this Immortal Pavilion,” she said.

  The young man shrugged. “Not much is known about them. Just the entrance cost is over 100 middle grade spirit stones, so only the truly powerful go to that place, and unlike the Luo family branch, they don’t openly exert power. But... Even the Luo family branch would think twice about messing with them.”

  Meng Lin nodded, deep in thought. The likelihood of this Immortal Pavilion being connected to the one mentioned seems way too low but she wanted to check it out anyway.

  "Thanks" she said, tossing a small bag to the attendant.