Southern Continent, Harmony Blossom Sect, Xi Shen's Cave Adobe
As Xi Shen came back in, the blue status screen appeared in front of him.
{Status}
[Name: Xi Shen 喜神]
[Age: 15/275]
[Inheritance: Master of Divine Palace(Divine King) #Mortal Part]
[Cultivation: 9th level of Qi Gathering]
[Cultivation Method: Dao of Longevity]
[Physique: Thousand Leaves Body - Heavenly Grade]
[Root: Six Element Root - Heavenly Grade]
[Spells: Clean, Sound Transmission, Breath Concealment, Detoxification, Fire Spark, Voice Projection]
[Techniques: Seven Petal Sword Dance - Lower Ground]
[Arts: Basic Swordsmanship - 45%]
[Looks: Above Average]
After tirelessly training, Xi Shen achieved Lower Ground in Seven Petal Sword Dance, which also unlocked a new section on his status screen. Looking at his status, he was satisfied, 'If I'd focused on just cultivation, I would have already broken into Qi Refinement.'
He sat back down, ate the last sustenance pill, and began to cultivate. Dividing his attention, he remembered his time on Earth, the novels he read, the tastes of the food, his sister…
Remembering her, he also remembered how a car accident took her life when she was rushing because of his stress call. That happened three years before he died, 'Diana, I'm sorry.'
Xi Shen looked at the ceiling, thinking, "If I got reincarnated, maybe you did too. I hope you did, so we can meet again." With a sigh, he played in his mind, not to go crazy from two years of seclusion.
Like that, two weeks had passed, and he finally saw the imaginary door that leads into Qi Refining. It was the same-looking door he had seen when he had broken into the Qi Gathering in the illusion two years ago.
However, now he easily pushed the door open, the spiritual energy that was circulating around his body, condensed, and became liquid in his lower dantien. Dark impurities oozed from his pores, but he paid them no mind, focusing entirely on stabilizing his cultivation.
Unbeknownst to him, a small green lotus flower appeared between his brows. It had three petals and a golden outline; though small, it fit perfectly with his green eyes. As it flashed, it also vanished, hiding deep inside his soul.
He felt like the world had finally been opened, and all his senses were better. He could see the world around him when he closed his eyes and let out his spiritual energy, 'Spiritual Sense.'
After a day of condensing his cultivation, he finally opened his eyes. Smelling the unpleasant smell of the impurities, he quickly cast the Clean spell, getting rid of it.
He also found some techniques in his mind he didn't have before, 'Lotus Seed of Life's Dominion (生御莲种), Withering Rebirth Art (枯荣再生术), and Evergreen Life Absorption (长青摄生术). They seem to be connected to my physique: enslavement, regeneration, and rejuvenation.'
'These seem… interesting.' He decided to put the matter aside for now, as he wanted to test the power of the Seven Petal Sword Dance. He stood up, took Dawn from his storage ring, and began from the first movement.
'Petal Ascension (花飞升).' He wielded the sword upwards, as it left a faint pink glow. When he channeled the spiritual energy, the asterimage could cut even the hardest jade. Feeling the energy fluctuation, the koi fish curiously looked at his performance.
'Budding Strike (初蕾斩).' His form changed a bit, as he took on a more fierce stance. Stabbing multiple spots in quick succession.
'Dewdrop Glide (露珠飘).' His movements became nimble, making it hard to follow, but someone with a higher understanding of the technique could easily predict his footwork.
He again changed his stance, this time he spun 360 degrees, 'Blossom Cyclone (花旋风).' Small petals emerged from his sword, swirling around him in a cyclone.
Using the prtal cyclone as a ruse, he slashed multiple times, 'Floral Bloom Slash (盛花斩).' Sending waves of spiritual energy, which cut through the air, he dispersed it before it hit the walls.
Slashing the sword in weird patterns, more and more petals appeared, 'Petal Veil (花幕护).' The petals swirled in a barrier-like structure, solid enough to block normal sword attacks and lesser techniques.
After half a breath, he released the last move of the dance, 'Final Blossom Exultation (终花庆鸣)!' All petals, be they the ones making up the barrier or the ones that were created beforehand, gathered around his sword.
He swung his sword with all his might, and the pink ark followed. It quickly traveled through the air, powering up by absorbing the spiritual energy in the cave. Xi Shen quickly dispersed it, as it could destroy the cave.
Putting back the sword in the storage ring, Xi Shen assessed the situation, "I didn't expect this big of a difference between the 9th level of Qi Gathering and the 1st level of Qi Refining. I can perform the full dance three or four more times, meanwhile before I could only do it once. Amazing."
He closed his eyes, letting out the spiritual energy, and he could perceive everything in the cave on a miniature scale. He tried to stretch his Spiritual Sense to its limit, 'So about 25 meters, but normal is only 10 meters… Is it because of my physique?'
Trying to feel his body, he didn't find anything weird, but when he focused on his Spiritual Sense, he felt something from the pond, something refreshing, delicious.
When he came close to the pond, he saw that the source of the feeling was the koi fish. Seeing him looking at them with hungry eyes, they quickly swam away, 'Fear? Why did I feel their fear? Maybe my physique is stranger than I initially thought. There's nothing about this in Qin Qiqiang's inheritance, though he didn't see anyone with my physique.'
Snapping him out of his thoughts was the presence in front of his cave adobe. Immediately after he felt it, a voice floated over, "Junior Brother, come out, we have to get the Old Man a present, he's quite grumpy about them."
Opening the cave adobe, the sunshine hit Xi Shen, making him squint his eyes, 'Why do I feel he's sad?' Shaking off the feeling, he clasped his hands and greeted, "Greetings, Senior Brother."
Huo Fan nodded approvingly, and a smile spread across his face, "From the 9th level of Qi Gathering to Qi Refinement in just two weeks, the Old Man didn't make a mistake."
Xi Shen smiled proudly, as he had earned this strength through the seclusion, 'It was lonely at first, but I quickly got over it. That leads me to wonder, how could I integrate so fast into this world? And when I arrived, I just went along with it, like it was normal…'
Huo Fan took out a sword and stepped on it, "Come on, Junior Brother, the market just opened, we need to hurry to get good items." He urged Xi Shen to pick up his pace.
Remembering something, Xi Shen looked strangely at Huo Fan and said, "Senior Brother, I don't have any money…" Xi Shen looked downwards, embarrassed.
Huo Fan stopped in his tracks, 'He doesn't have any money? How? Every Core Disciple gets a middle-grade Spirit Stone. Wait-' He slowly turned around and asked, "Junior Brother, did you go to Elder Xiao every month for your salary?"
Xi Shen gave him a questioning look, "Elder Xiao? Salary?"
Seeing his gaze, Huo Fan realized his mistake, 'I didn't mention that…' Slapping himself on the forehead, he released a sigh, "I'm sorry, Junior Brother, I forgot to introduce you to the basic economy of the Sect. Most people already know this stuff, so I assumed you do too." He gave Xi Shen a slight bow, "I was wrong."
Xi Shen hurriedly exclaimed, "No need for the bow, Senior Brother. You were busy as it was, some things were bound to be forgotten. You can explain that stuff now, as it isn't too late."
Xi Shen's words made Huo Fan tear up a bit, 'Eldest Senior Brother wouldn't let this off, and Junior Sister Suxian is too much. Finally, a reasonable person has arrived. Heaven hadn't abandoned me.'
Looking at Huo Fan's teary eyes, Xi Shen was at a loss of what to do, 'Should I… comfort him? But how? I'm not good at this sort of stuff.' But before Xi Shen could do anything, Huo Fan wiped the happy tears and smiled widely.
"Junior Brother, let's first go for your salary." Xi Shen sighed in relief and stepped on the sword. As they took flight, Huo Fan began to explain, "Every disciple gets a monthly salary. Servants get 1 low-grade spirit stone, Outer Sect Disciples get 10 low-grade spirit stones, Inner Sect Disciples get 100 low-grade spirit stones, and Core Disciples get 1 middle-grade spirit stone."
After a second, he continued, "You should get 25 spirit stones, as it refreshes every 9th of the month, that was two days ago. You can use them for cultivation or as a currency. The disciples gather at Lianhua City square and sell various things for spirit stones, which is today."
Xi Shen just nodded and didn't look forward to the experience, as he was still weak, and it's a dog-eat-dog world, even if it's a Righteous Sect, 'I can already see it, young masters' jealousy about my position...' He shuddered a bit, "Senior Brother, do we have to go there?"
Huo Fan didn't even look at him as he replied, "Of course, you have to choose a present for Old Man yourself. You need to upstage the Eldest Senior Brother and Junior Sister Suxian, so they can see I'm a good guide."
When Huo Fan said that, he smiled, but Xi Shen could feel deep sorrow, unable to handle it anymore, he asked, "Senior Brother, did something happen on your latest mission?"
Huo Fan winced a bit before regaining his cheery persona, "Why would you say that? How can something happen to your Senior Brother?" Xi Shen was confused. The outside seemed perfectly normal, but Xi Shen's gut feeling said he was sad, depressed even.
Unsure how to approach the situation, he changed the topic, "Senior Brother, what do you think I should get for Master? You've known him longer than I."
Seeing the topic changed, Huo Fan was secretly relieved, "I do know, the Old Man likes alcohol, swords, and he's crazy about xiangqi. So you could get him a set of xiangqi." Xi Shen just nodded, and both went quiet until they arrived at the Disciple Admission Hall.
When they entered, Elder Xiao was standing alone, as disciples only come and go when they want to get their salary. When he saw them enter, he immediately took out 25 middle-grade spirit stones and gave them to Xi Shen.
As he did so, he looked at Huo Fan, pity flashing in his eyes, he spoke, "Blossom Dragon of the North, as your Senior, let me give you some advice: death is inevitable, especially on our path. Don't let grief consume you, and become your Mental Demon."
Huo Fan slowly nodded and clenched his fists. Looking at Elder Xiao, Xi Shen froze, 'Sorrow, regret, and death.' They mixed all together in Xi Shen's mind, making his hand tremble and his knees weaken.
Elder Xiao, noticing his abnormality, smiled a little, "Junior Xi, are you alright?" But Xi Shen heard a voice in his head, {Child, don't use that ability of yours on beings like me. The sheer scale of my feelings would crush your spirit, even though it's somehow at Foundation Establishment level.}
Xi Shen unconsciously nodded, 'This person is just off, also why do I keep feeling something is different. I can feel others' emotions?' Putting that in the back of his mind, he focused on the situation at hand, "Yes, Elder Xiao, I'm feeling quite alright."
Elder Xiao nodded approvingly, "That is good to hear. Also, consider this a gift from senior to junior." He took out a manual, which looked quite old and worn, "It's my take on the sword you've learned." He proudly proclaimed.
Xi Shen just read the title, 'Harmony of Seven Petals' And put it in his storage ring, quickly thanking him, "Thank you, Elder Xiao."
Huo Fan grabbed Xi Shen, "Elder Xiao, we must be in a hurry as Old Man's gift will slip away from us, come Junior Brother." Xi Shen quickly nodded and bid farewell to Elder Xiao, who simply smiled.
After they left, an old man in a red robe walked out from the shadows. Elder Xiao's smile widened, "Senior Brother, he almost discovered you. You should stop stalking people from the shadows, it's not becoming of a Supreme Elder's position."
The old man in red wore an even wider smile, "Emotion and vitality sensing, you know what that means, right?" Elder Xiao just nodded, imagining a brighter future for their home.
The old man in red took out a single branch from his spatial ring, "Make sure he gets more resources. His physique is likely Wood-based, give him this tree branch of Yin-Yang Tree. Tell him just to absorb the branch."
With that, the old man vanished, while Elder Xiao looked at the branch in his hand in bewilderment, "You sneaky old fox, you actually did steal the branch that time… I knew it!" But he still put it in his spatial ring.
Southern Continent, Harmony Blossom Sect, Lianhua City
As Huo Fan and Xi Shen landed, many disciples looked at them with reverence, especially Huo Fan, as he was the most active of the Core Disciples. But they quickly noticed Xi Shen's cultivation base.
"What the heck? How did he go from 6th level of Qi Gathering to 1st level of Qi Refinement?!" A disciple in a dark pink robe exclaimed in disbelief.
"That's right, it's only been two years since he joined the sect."
Another disciple in a light pink robe whispered, "I heard his whole Clan got slaughtered by a demon cultivator at Golden Core."
All disciples looked at the disciple in a light pink robe, and some even mocked, "Just a Golden Core? It must've been quite a weak Clan, only our peak has 10 Golden Core cultivators."
Some laughed, some stayed quiet, while most just didn't care and were just amazed at his cultivation speed. Huo Fan, hearing the circumstances of his Junior Brother, cast him a side glance only to see him indifferent.
Xi Shen secretly clenched his fists, 'I can't change what has happened to my Clan, but I won't let their words get to me.' Breathing out his frustration, he turned to Huo Fan, "Senior Brother, do you know where they sell xiangqi sets? I also need to report the breakthrough to Master."
Huo Fan smiled, "I know a perfect place. As for your breakthrough matter, you don't need to hurry, Old Man's 1100th birthday is in just two months. Use this time to hone your skills, as the Old Man likes to brag and rub it into other Peak Masters' faces."
Xi Shen could smell Lianhua City's ever-fragrant blossoms. After the initial assessment of the two, the crowd returned to its business. Many mortals and low-level cultivators shouted what they were selling.
Huo Fan led Xi Shen through the crowd, which naturally made a way for them. They arrived at a stall with many mortal games Xi Shen recognized, 'Go, Xiangqi, Majong…'
A middle-aged man greeted them, "Greetings, Blossom Dragon of the North." Then he turned to Xi Shen, "Greetings, Star of the North."
Huo Fan looked at the man intently, "Fast as always, Li Huang." He pointed at Xi Shen, "This is my Junior Brother, but you already know that, right?" Li Huang just smiled and nodded.
Xi Shen unconsciously looked at the man; he was an ordinary mortal, but there was a certain light he gave off. In Xi Shen's eyes, he looked like a little sun, 'Why didn't my ability activate earlier in the crowd? Also, this person's emotions are so pure, what's that about?'
Unaware of Xi Shen's thoughts, Huo Fan wore an even wider smile, "You know why we're here, bring them out. Let my Junior Brother choose." Li Huang immediately took out several xiangqi sets.
There were wooden ones, metal ones, and jade ones. Xi Shen was attracted by the purple jade one, as it complemented well with Long Jianxian's purple robe well. So he pointed at it, "How much?"
Li Huang's smile widened, "As expected of a Core Disciple, you have a good eye for picking extraordinary stuff." Huo Fan nodded approvingly, and Li Huang picked up the set, "For you, only 1 middle-grade Spirit Stone."
Huo Fan frowned a bit, "Li Huang, are you trying to scam my Junior Brother? All of your stuff combined isn't worth more than 100 low-grade Spirit Stones, much less 1 middle-grade one."
Li Huang waved his hands, "How would I dare scam Star of the North? This purple jade is from Lake of Truth, it was given to me by a Senior whom I'd helped." As he held it, he was more and more excited, "That Senior was definitely a mighty figure; he used a guard to store half of the lake."
Xi Shen had a gut feeling Li Huang wasn't lying, so he took out a middle-grade Spirit Stone, "Here." Seeing how easily Xi Shen took out a middle-grade Spirit Stone, Li Huang was dejected that he didn't ask for a higher price.
Taking the purple jade xiangqi set, Xi Shen and Huo Fan left. While Li Huang looked at the middle-grade Spirit Stone in his hand, filled with disbelief. Laughing, he put it away in his stash.