Chapter 5: Destined to Be a Warrior for Life

There are demons in the world, but there are also cultivators capable of standing against them.
Cultivators come in various forms, but they can generally be divided into five main paths: Martial Arts, Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Witchcraft.
Martial artists, Taoists, Confucian scholars, Buddhists, and shamans.
Martial artists focus on cultivating their qi and blood energy, honing their physical bodies. However, because they cannot connect with the elemental forces of heaven and earth, other cultivation systems look down on them, considering them the lowest class of cultivators. They’re often referred to as "warriors" with derogatory prefixes like "reckless," "dull," "foolish," and "stupid."
Taoists cultivate their primordial spirits, gaining insight into the mysteries of the universe. They harness the power of the five elements to cast spells and sword techniques, flying through the air and moving mountains. The most powerful can ascend to immortality.
Buddhists cultivate their hearts, comprehending Buddhist teachings and spreading them. The more they understand Buddhism, the stronger they become. At the peak of their cultivation, they can attain Buddhahood, becoming indestructible and immortal.
Confucian scholars cultivate their virtue, nurturing a breath of mighty righteousness. With time, they develop great personal strength. The most revered Confucians can alter the fate of entire empires.
Shamans cultivate the art of poison, raising insects and casting curses. They can enter dreams, summon wind and rain, or manipulate gods and spirits. Some can kill their enemies from thousands of miles away.
All five systems have a fixed rank hierarchy, from ninth rank to first rank.
The ninth rank is the lowest, and the first rank is the highest.
Similarly, the demon race is also ranked from the ninth level to the first level.
A seventh-level demon corresponds to a seventh-rank human cultivator.
The gray-haired elder who was devoured by the Three-eyed Blood Wolf on Bluffhove Mountain was an eighth-rank Taoist cultivator, at the Enlightenment Realm.
Only a seventh-rank cultivator in the Bigu Realm can hope to fight a seventh-level demon!
Juliana Mabbett’s lips twisted in a bitter smile.
From the moment this journey started, danger had lurked at every corner. By the time they reached Bluffhove Mountain, everyone except her was dead.
Juliana had already suspected that the Three-eyed Blood Wolf was specifically after her.
After the tiger demon incident in Sephton Town’s county office today, she was even more certain—someone wanted her dead, to prevent her from returning to Stonehigh Imperial City.
Taking a deep breath, Lady Juliana looked at the young man in black before her.
“Adrian Waller, are you short on money?”
Juliana’s voice was soft, her gaze filled with hope.
As soon as Adrian heard the words "short on money," his previously lazy expression immediately turned cautious.
It didn’t matter who said it, whether it was a beautiful young lady or a sleazy middle-aged man.
The implication was the same.
"Are you short on money?"
"Want some candy?"
Was there a difference?
No.
“Of course I’m short on money! Why else would I be chasing demons all over the mountains? But I know my limits—if I can only earn a hundred taels of silver, I definitely won’t take on a job that offers a thousand.” Adrian replied.
Juliana ignored his words and gently bit her lip. “I’d like to hire you as a temporary guard to escort me back to Stonehigh Imperial City. I’ll pay you three thousand taels of silver.”
Adrian gasped and immediately waved his hand in refusal.
Juliana had expected this reaction and added solemnly, “Plus a spot at Stonehigh Academy.”
Adrian’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
Everyone in the world knew the name of Stonehigh Academy.
It wasn’t part of any empire, nor did it follow the emperor’s commands. Though located in the heart of Imperial City, it remained independent from worldly affairs.
Stonehigh Academy had been established nearly a thousand years ago, surviving multiple dynastic changes. It gathered renowned masters from all walks of life and was considered a sacred place for cultivation.
The academy had twelve halls, each specializing in different areas, and every hall had highly skilled masters teaching.
If someone could enter Stonehigh Academy, even if they didn’t learn much, simply holding the title of a disciple from the academy would earn them respect. It was like having a protective talisman while traveling the world.
Many dreamed of entering Stonehigh Academy, but its spots were limited. Each year, only a handful of students were admitted—those who were either exceptionally talented or from noble families. For ordinary people, entering the academy was as difficult as reaching the heavens.
Being offered a spot at the academy was something even royalty struggled to secure.
Adrian had no idea who Juliana really was.
But this girl was being targeted by a seventh-level tiger demon, and she could offer a spot at Stonehigh Academy—her identity was undoubtedly extraordinary.
“You don’t have to answer right away. You can think about it.”
After speaking, Juliana turned her gaze to the door.
Zayden Wrath and a few officers were rushing towards them.
Upon entering, Zayden Wrath sighed in relief when he saw Adrian and said, “Brother, where did you disappear to? That demon finally revealed itself—it was the county magistrate’s maid, not Camila! When we questioned her, she said she had been in a daze, like in a dream, and had just woken up.”
“It was a possession by a malevolent spirit. Once the spirit left, she returned to normal,” Adrian explained.
“So you knew all along that it was the maid? Where’s the magistrate?” Zayden looked down and noticed a pile of rubble. “Why is there a pile of stones here?”
“You’re stepping on him—that’s the magistrate,” Adrian said.
Zayden jumped in fright. “The magistrate is smashed!”
“It’s fake. A demon was impersonating him. Go find the real magistrate—I think he’s still in the county office. Now that this matter is settled, I’m heading back.”
Adrian and Juliana left the county office while Zayden, Isaac Nubberd, and the others searched the place. They eventually found the real magistrate, Zaire Mabre, in the outhouse.
They arrived just in time—any later, and the magistrate would have drowned.
Although the case of the twin demons was solved, the magistrate lost his appetite entirely. From then on, the mere sight of food made him feel nauseous.
By the time Adrian returned home, it was already dark.
Having missed lunch at the county office, Adrian was starving.
He got busy in the kitchen.
He sliced two pounds of fresh pork belly into thick pieces, chopped half a cabbage, and fried some onions, ginger, and garlic in hot oil. He added vermicelli noodles to the mix, and soon, the room was filled with the delicious aroma of food.
He made a whole bowl of pork and cabbage stew with vermicelli, piping hot.
He also heated up several large white buns, devouring the meal like a starving wolf.
Juliana, watching this scene for the first time, carefully pinched off a small piece of bun with two delicate fingers, chewing it slowly and elegantly. She was just as particular when picking up food, only taking small, bite-sized portions. Her eating was graceful, hinting at noble origins.
In contrast, Adrian was stuffing his face like a wild beast.
In the dimly lit room, their two figures cast shadows on the window paper.
The stark contrast between them made it seem like a beauty dining with a beast.
Adrian polished off five buns in one go, finally letting out a satisfied burp.
Across from him, Juliana hadn’t even finished half a bun.
Seeing that Adrian had finished, Juliana set down her food.
“We don’t have as many formalities in poor families. Feel free to eat more,” Adrian said.
In noble households, once the head of the family finished eating, no one else would continue.
“I’m full,” Juliana said with a faint smile. “Your cooking is quite good. I’ve never had anything like this at the royal mansion.”
“So, you're a noble lady. No wonder you’re offering three thousand taels.”
Leaning back lazily, Adrian showed no deference despite her high status.
“Money is just a worldly possession. If you think three thousand isn’t enough, I can offer more. But a spot at Stonehigh Academy is priceless. Have you thought about it?” Juliana asked gently.
“We’ll leave from the town’s south gate tomorrow morning. Left leads to Walesring Town, right leads to Jadesford City—both roads head towards Stonehigh.”
Adrian yawned. “For two hundred taels, I’ll escort you to either Walesring Town or Jadesford City. After that, you’re on your own. Personally, I’d suggest Jadesford City—it’s a major jade trading hub, with plenty of merchants and stationed troops. If you reveal your identity, someone will surely escort you.”
Juliana didn’t seem disappointed. She said lightly, “With your skills, staying in Sephton Town would be a waste. You should be in a place where your talent can shine.”
Adrian, still seeming drowsy, leaned his head back and stretched lazily. “That sounds nice, but right now, I’m too tired to think about it. If you don’t mind, I’ll sleep first.”
Juliana sighed softly, unwilling to give up. “Stonehigh Academy has twelve halls, embracing the essence of Confucianism, Taoism, and Martial Arts. If you join the academy, you’ll have the opportunity to switch to another path. With your intelligence, studying Confucianism or Taoism would be a much better fit for you. Martial arts... is simply too difficult.”
“There’s no need for the lady to worry about that.”
Adrian yawned again. “I can’t enter the Confucian halls, nor the Taoist schools, and I can’t bow to the Buddha. In this life, I’m destined to be nothing but a warrior.”
“Why?” Juliana asked, confused.
“Because my life has already been sold,” Adrian replied.