Forced to Be a Villain: Starting With My Brain Extraction System Chapter 5: Trying To Snatch Opportunity

Currently, Zhiran found himself in the , one among the five continents of this world.

A second-tier sect known as the perched on the eastern slopes of the , right beside the Silvermist River.

Dense bamboo groves and caves teeming with mid-level spirit energy enveloped it.

The stretched to the east, harboring Abyssal Demons and rogue cultivators, whereas the to the west swarmed with formidable spirit beasts challenging any disciple brave enough to step foot there.

Memories from his past life informed Zhiran that the operated as a branch of the , a genuine first-tier sect reigning supreme over the Azure Star Continent.

Later, when a massive conflict exploded between the leading first-tier sects and a demonic sect, Divine Cauldron Sect disciples were called to bolster the main army, enabling Tianyu to ascend to core disciple status eventually.

In any event, the location Zhiran reached after departing the sect went by the name of the .

It sat at the extreme fringe of the outer sect's domain, demanding nearly half an hour's journey even on the quickest spirit boat.

Zhiran pondered, eyes fixed on the thick bamboo woods stretching ahead.

Unlike typical forests, this one's bamboos gleamed not green but a vivid blood-red.

Rumor held that fire-type spiritual energy permeated the soil below, gradually absorbed by the bamboos over ages, dyeing their stalks crimson.

These crimson bamboos ranked as prized rare ingredients in alchemy, perfect for fortifying a cultivator's bodily strength.

Back in his previous life, Tianyu had entered this forest for an outer sect mission and chanced upon the wounded elder.

Glancing at the map he'd purchased en route, Zhiran hastened his steps toward the waterfall.

He knew Tianyu had encountered the elder under cover of night with time remaining, yet caution remained paramount.

This was, after all, his debut at wresting away another's serendipitous encounter, with unknown variables in play.

Zhiran reflected, easing up just a fraction.

At merely Qi Condensation 3rd layer, he stood no chance against even the feeblest beast.

Weaving along a meandering trail into the Crimson Bamboo Forest's heart, Zhiran at last heard a mighty roar, soon unveiling the roaring waterfall before him.

Recognizing the elder's described spot, Zhiran felt a surge of excitement laced with faint nervousness.

He had already suffered through one existence as a wretched background character; no desire burned to repeat it.

To shatter that destiny, he must seize every opportunity from his knowledge—the sole avenue to true strength.

Thus, without the slightest waver, he inched behind the waterfall, feigning a hunt for elusive treasures.

True to expectations, beyond the waterfall lay a modest cave snaking downward into the mountain.

Not wide but profoundly deep, the cavern echoed with the water's relentless thunder crashing against rocks, lending its entrance an air of secrecy and vitality.

Lush foliage jammed the entryway, vines dangling like drapes to shroud the opening.

Water spray made their leaves quiver ceaselessly.

Stepping inside, Zhiran instantly sensed the air turn clammy and chill, infused with the raw aroma of moss and rock.

Besides, spiritual energy inside vastly outstripped the outside world.

Admittedly, it didn't qualify as a spirit paradise, but the difference mattered.

Zhiran mused, proceeding deeper with utmost care, Yellow Grade Sword—the one swiped from Wu Kang—gripped firmly.

Though intent on claiming Tianyu's fortune, he avoided any overt signs from the outset.

Rather, he plucked herbs sporadically, probing every crevice like a true seeker of rarities.

Zhiran wasn't naive enough to swallow every story whole.

’

As anticipated, the cave's core stood deserted upon Zhiran's arrival.

No elder lay senseless, though subtle traces hinted at recent occupancy.

Though taken aback, Zhiran betrayed no reaction.

He advanced to the middle, ransacked the area thoroughly, harvested a few rare herbs for his storage bag, then grumbled aloud,

"Tch... such a hidden cave, and yet there’s nothing inside."

"Now I might not even be able to cover the cost of travel with this outer sect mission. What bad luck... sigh."

With a heavy sigh, he wheeled about, pretending to abandon the spot for fresher prospects.

"Kid, are you from the Divine Cauldron Sect?"

Yet before he could depart, an ancient voice rang out directly from behind.

"Who...?"

The sound struck so abruptly that Zhiran hadn't detected the lurker at his back.

On pure instinct, he clenched his sword and whipped around, bellowing.

"Kid, don’t be afraid... answer me first, are you from the Divine Cauldron Sect?"

Only now did a towering middle-aged man in black robes emerge into view, bearded with keen eyes, hands folded behind his back, observing him impassively.

One glimpse told Zhiran this was none other than the Divine Cauldron Sect's Inner Sect Elder, Elder Shuren.

The exact elder Tianyu had discovered unconscious, reaping massive rewards for his salvation later on.

However, as Zhiran observed, no wounds marred the man; he looked utterly unscathed.

"Who are you?"