A grimy, nondescript human-shaped object descended onto a remote peak of Qingquan Peak. After furtively checking his surroundings to confirm no one was present, he crept up to the entrance of a cave abode, brought his palms together, performed a set of hand seals, opened the outer layer of restrictions, and slipped inside the stone door.
The moment he passed through the stone door, he shouted loudly, "Xi'er! Are you here?"
He walked through the stone passage, entered the main hall, and with practiced ease selected another stone door. After another set of hand seals, the door opened, and he was met with a handsome but gloomy face.
However, upon seeing him, that face immediately shifted to one of astonishment.
Daojun Jinghe wiped his face carelessly, which only smeared the grime further, turning his entire visage even more blackened.
Qin Xi couldn't hold back, frowning as he asked, "What have you been doing? How did you get yourself into such a state?"
Daojun Jinghe looked down at himself, still nonchalant as he sat down in front of him, pointing a finger at his nose. "And who do you think it's for? It's all for you!"
"For me?" Qin Xi raised a skeptical eyebrow. He absolutely did not believe this. What kind of character was this master of his? Didn't he know it well enough? How many years had it been since he had called him by his proper name? It was always 'kid' this and 'kid' that. This sudden, affectionate use of his name likely meant he had done something utterly exasperating and was now trying to curry favor.
Sure enough—
Daojun Jinghe glanced around left and right, confirming there were no others in his cave abode, then leaned in mysteriously. "It's for you! I had a fight with Old Man Zhenyang!"
"..."
"What kind of expression is that, you brat!" Daojun Jinghe rolled up his sleeves. "I got into a fight for you and ended up like this, and you're not even a little moved?"
Qin Xi spoke calmly. "Tell me what happened first."
Dragged back to the main topic, Daojun Jinghe glared at him for a long moment before finally succumbing to the urge to boast proudly. "Old Man Zhenyang's disciple wanted to snatch your woman, so I fought him over it!"
"...My woman?" Qin Xi asked slowly. "Since when do I have a woman?"
"Ai, still pretending?" Daojun Jinghe gave him a look, wearing an expression that said 'no need to be shy'. "Tiange, of course! I know you don't want to talk about it now, it's fine, I won't tell anyone. I'll wait for you to come around slowly..."
His words trailed off automatically because Qin Xi's face had already darkened like storm clouds gathering. "Master!"
"What?" Daojun Jinghe wanted to stroke his beard but ended up wiping a handful of ash instead. Annoyed, he slapped at his robes, sending a cloud of black dust and dirt swirling through the stone chamber.
Qin Xi glared at him furiously but was momentarily at a loss for words. After who knows how long, his expression softened slightly. "Master, if you have nothing better to do, why not go traveling? Your cultivation level is sufficient now; you should be seeking opportunities on how to advance to the late stage."
His voice was calm, his words seemingly full of consideration for the other, but the brewing storm beneath the surface was palpable to anyone.
Hearing his tone, Daojun Jinghe involuntarily shrank back a little, but in the next moment, he righteously blustered, "What kind of attitude is this, you brat? I fought tooth and nail for you, sacrificing even my image, and this is how you talk to me?"
Qin Xi felt he had already exercised great restraint, but hearing this, the fire in his heart flared uncontrollably. He couldn't help but tense his jaw. "Master, even your mischief should have its limits!"
Daojun Jinghe clearly did not know where those limits were. Hearing this, he jumped to his feet again. "Mischief? You dare call it mischief? You, you, you—if it weren't for your twisted personality, would I, at my age, need to be finding you a wife? Let me tell you..."
"Who told you she's my wife?" Qin Xi also couldn't help but raise his voice. "You're taking this non-existent matter seriously! Where has your brain gone after living eight hundred years?!"
Having lived eight hundred years only to be looked down upon by a junior, Daojun Jinghe didn't know where his brain had gone, but he knew his pride was wounded. His face hardened instantly. "You brat! Do you think I don't know what's in your heart? You've been like this since you were little—clearly wanting something desperately but refusing to say it out loud! If I don't keep an eye out for you, you'll be crying about it later!"
His stern rebuke finally carried some semblance of a senior's demeanor, but Qin Xi was not having any of it. "Don't be so self-righteous and assume it's a given! There's absolutely no such relationship between her and me!"
"Hmph, hmph!" Daojun Jinghe sneered twice, his gaze sharp as he looked at him. "Absolutely no relationship? Then why did you hide your identity from her? Why have you refused to see her these past two years? Why are you cultivating like mad? I raised you! Those convoluted thoughts of yours might escape others, but I see them clearly! You didn't tell her who you are because you didn't want to face her in the capacity of a senior! You refused to see her and cultivated desperately because your pride was wounded by that God Transformation ancestor of hers! You always thought you were the one looking after her, but in a blink, you were nothing more than an insignificant ant in the eyes of her ancestor. You felt you suddenly lost the qualification to harbor any thoughts about her, so you went into a frenzy of cultivation—Kid, you've always thought your master is unreliable, but let me tell you, I've lived eight hundred years after all. You're still green!"
After this long tirade, Qin Xi remained silent, but his expression was terrifyingly dark. He knew this master had always been frivolous, but this speech made him feel as if the secrets of his heart had been ruthlessly exposed without warning, laid bare under the sun with nowhere to hide. It felt as if the softest part of him had been cruelly pricked by needles, an ache present but no wound to be found.
After finishing his speech, Daojun Jinghe took a breath to calm himself and continued, "You have this stubborn temper, keeping everything inside, thinking you can handle everything on your own. But I must tell you, with things like this, once you miss your chance, it's gone. So it's fine if you don't admit it now; I'll keep an eye out for you. But don't you dare say one thing and mean another. Your master just doesn't want you to regret it later!"
Qin Xi didn't speak, just glared fiercely at Daojun Jinghe before him. But hearing these last words, his gaze unconsciously softened. He lowered his eyes, his face stiff, lost in thought. After a long while, a somewhat hoarse voice emerged. "Don't be so presumptuous. My efforts in cultivation have nothing to do with this!"
"Nothing to do with it?" Daojun Jinghe leaned in again, smiling. "Kid, do you think I can't tell when something's weighing on your mind? There's definitely something you didn't tell me about last time. That incident hurt your pride, didn't it?"
Qin Xi didn't speak, but his expression shifted slightly, his palms clenching tight.
Seeing his expression, Daojun Jinghe leaned back and let out a soft sigh, speaking in a tone of unprecedented gentleness. "Xi'er, regarding this matter... it's all my fault for not raising you properly. Your Dao Heart has been firm since childhood; you never thought about anything other than cultivation. Even at a young age, you were as steady as an old man. Back then, I thought you were truly born for the path of immortality. It's only now I realize that's not entirely the case. You don't dwell on anything because you don't care. But once you start to care, it becomes a disaster. Your path to immortality has been too smooth—don't glare at me. Even though you've faced many dangers, you've never experienced tribulations of the heart—so smooth you've never tasted failure. Although I've looked after you since you were young, you never liked relying on me. All these years, you've cultivated to Core Formation, and it can be said it's all the result of your own efforts; it actually doesn't have much to do with me. Precisely because of this, you've always been confident and proud. Your pride demands that you always be the best, unaffected by anything or anyone. This nature has always kept you ahead of others, but you don't realize that excessive pride can cost you your life!"
Qin Xi kept his eyes lowered, saying nothing.
This unreliable master had never spoken such a long speech before, nor used such a caring, gentle tone. Yet these words were also too sharp, too sharp for him to muster any rebuttal.
"Xi'er, if this continues, you will develop an Inner Demon," Daojun Jinghe said with a long sigh.
Qin Xi pressed his lips together but said, "I will resolve it."
But Daojun Jinghe only shook his head. "I know you don't want to rely on me, but there are some things this eight-hundred-year-old monster sees more clearly than you. I don't know exactly what's tormenting you inside, but I know the source of it all lies with that girl. So, I'm reminding you very seriously: if you can win her, your Inner Demon will naturally disappear."
"She is not an object."
Hearing his somewhat stubborn tone, Daojun Jinghe smiled—not his usual frivolous grin, but one carrying a hint of tolerance and indulgence. "After that long speech, the only thing you emphasized was this point. Kid, you're really done for."
Qin Xi said no more, keeping his head bowed, motionless.
Daojun Jinghe took out his handkerchief and wiped his face clean, speaking slowly. "Actually, that girl really isn't bad. Having experienced hardship, she knows self-respect and self-reliance. She's not fully matured yet, but given time and tempering, she will certainly become someone remarkable. Not to mention anything else, she truly suits you. You dislike chatter; she's quiet. You only love cultivation; her Dao Heart is firm. Most importantly, you appreciate her. Someone like you could never fall in love with a woman at first sight; it has to start with appreciation. The more you appreciate her, the more you care. The more you care, the easier it is for your heart to stir. You've always looked down on women, yet just now you emphasized she's not an object. Kid, can you deny that she holds a special place in your heart?"
After saying all this, Qin Xi still didn't answer, which only made Daojun Jinghe happier. "Haven't seen you this awkward in years. Seeing you like this really gives your master a sense of accomplishment!"
Hearing this, Qin Xi looked up and snapped angrily, "Master!"
Daojun Jinghe was too pleased to mind his expression. "Don't be like that. Other people's children have the troubles of youth at ten or twenty years old. You're over a hundred before having yours; how rare is that!"
Qin Xi grew even more furious. Though he didn't speak, he clenched his fists as if wanting to punch him. Of course, he wouldn't commit such an unfilial act as assaulting a senior, but he had no qualms about kicking him out!
Seeing him on the verge of losing his temper, Daojun Jinghe wisely knew when to stop. "Alright then, let's not talk about that. Let's have a purely serious discussion on the feasibility of Dual Cultivation. Kid, you've cultivated the Pure Yang Art you obtained from that God Transformation senior to the third layer by now, right? Your Pure Yang energy is growing stronger by the day, almost indistinguishable from a Pure Yang Body. As for your Three Primal Cycle technique, you've already obtained the Solar and Neutral energies, lacking only the Lunar energy, correct?"
Seeing Qin Xi nod hesitantly, Daojun Jinghe continued, "First, let's talk about the Three Primal Cycle technique. This technique is closely related to ancient times. Ancient cultivators believed the Three Primal energies were the origin of heaven and earth. With the Three Primals united as one, one could achieve the Great Dao. According to what you've said, this technique is most suitable for advancement, yet its cultivation requirements are extremely harsh. Without obtaining the Three Primal energies, without unifying the Three Primals, hope for the Great Dao is lost. Currently, you have the Solar and Neutral energies, you just can't find the Lunar energy. I refuse to believe you don't know that Dual Cultivation with a female cultivator possessing a Pure Yin Body is the easiest and safest way to obtain Lunar energy."
Qin Xi remained silent. Daojun Jinghe didn't pressure him to speak and went on, "Now, let's talk about the Pure Yang Art. Back when you accidentally obtained the Yang Spirit Pearl, I told you that such a treasure of heaven and earth, with its endless Yang energy, might alter your physique. Now that you've obtained the Pure Yang Art, that prediction has come true. With you becoming a Pure Yang Body, Dual Cultivation with someone possessing a Pure Yin Body would bring immense benefits!"
After saying all this, the chamber fell quiet.
Daojun Jinghe looked at Qin Xi, seemingly waiting for his decision, while Qin Xi sat stiff-faced, speechless.
After an unknown length of time, Qin Xi finally spoke. "I don't want to engage in Dual Cultivation for the sake of some benefit, whether for cultivation or to resolve an Inner Demon."
Daojun Jinghe laughed outright, not at all surprised by his answer. He patted Qin Xi's shoulder somewhat helplessly. "Kid, I just said that excessive pride can cost you your life. You're still..."
"So what? What's the point of forming a Nascent Soul if I have to rely on a woman?"
"...Ai!" Daojun Jinghe shook his head but suddenly asked, "Then let me ask you, if it's not for cultivation or an Inner Demon, do you truly not want her?"
This time, he received no answer. He had no choice but to tidy himself up on the spot and return to Shangqing Palace refreshed and radiant—how could someone of his lifelong prestige allow his disciples and grand-disciples to see him covered in dust? Fortunately, this kid hadn't taken any disciples, was currently in seclusion, and there wasn't a soul around his cave abode!
Long after Daojun Jinghe had left, a low murmur finally sounded within the cave abode. "At least... wait until after forming a Nascent Soul..."
***
Qin Shoujing!
Bai Yanfei gritted his teeth and forcefully cast a spell.
The towering old tree before him snapped with a crack, crashing down and flattening a swath of shrubs. Feeling somewhat relieved, he found a spot to squat down and rest.
Bai Yanfei had always been proud, and he felt he had every right to be.
He was born into the royal family of the mortal world, the Crown Prince of the Yan Kingdom, enjoying luxury and privilege since childhood. At ten years old, an Immortal Master arrived at the palace, one who commanded immortal arts and wielded the wondrous methods of wind and thunder, making him realize that immortals truly existed in this world.
Filled with envy, he pestered that Immortal Master to take him as a disciple. Unable to resist his persistence and considering his status as Crown Prince, the Immortal Master reluctantly tested his Spirit Root. Unexpectedly, he discovered Bai Yanfei possessed a Single Spirit Root aptitude, a talent that emerged only once in a hundred years!
Overjoyed, this Immortal Master reported the matter to his sect. In truth, this Immortal Master was merely a former menial disciple of the Xuanqing Sect who, having received permission to leave the mountain, had wanted to return to the mortal world to enjoy wealth and status. He never expected to discover a Single Spirit Root genius for his sect, for which he reaped immense rewards—being accepted into the inner sect and even bestowed a Foundation Establishment Pill.
Afterwards, a senior from that Immortal Master's sect personally came to the Yan Kingdom to bring him back to Mount Taikang and had him become a disciple of the sect's Chief Grand Elder, receiving personal instruction from him.
By then, he no longer cared for mortal wealth and status. He abandoned his position as Crown Prince, along with the envious gazes of his former emperor father and brothers, to become the personal disciple of the Xuanqing Sect's Chief Grand Elder.
As a mortal, he was a kingdom's Crown Prince. As an immortal cultivator, he was the prized disciple of a great Late-Nascent Soul cultivator. Having achieved this in one lifetime, what reason did he have not to be proud?
Indeed, with his exceptional aptitude, his path of cultivation was also exceedingly smooth. Advancement, Foundation Establishment—these thresholds that were perilous and difficult for others were extremely easy for him.
However, he still had his moments of discontent. For instance, whenever female disciples in the sect spoke of male disciples, they would inevitably start with, 'How about Uncle-Master Shoujing this,' or 'How about Senior Brother Shoujing that.'
He was extremely indignant! What was so amazing about Qin Shoujing? Foundation Establishment at twenty, Core Formation at seventy-eight? The direct disciple of Daojun Jinghe? Handsome?
Speaking of looks, he had seen that Senior Brother Shoujing's appearance. It was just average! He considered himself handsome and dashing, not inferior to anyone! Speaking of status, he was the Closing-Door Disciple of Daojun Zhenyang. Was that any worse than Qin Shoujing? Daojun Zhenyang was a Late-Nascent Soul great cultivator, superior to Daojun Jinghe in both cultivation and status! As for cultivation level, wasn't that just because Qin Shoujing was over a hundred years older? In terms of aptitude, Qin Shoujing was merely a Dual Spirit Root, far inferior to him!
In summary, Qin Shoujing was just born over a hundred years earlier. Give him a hundred years, and Qin Shoujing wouldn't even be fit to polish his shoes!
Of course, these were just thoughts he used to have casually. Qin Shoujing's existence merely irritated him when mentioned. But now, he gnashed his teeth, wishing he could blast Qin Shoujing to pieces with a spell just like that tree!
To be honest, his feelings towards that Senior Sister Mo weren't exactly 'it has to be her or no one.' He simply felt that a young, promising, talented, and handsome hero like himself should have a beauty by his side. That Senior Sister Mo, not to mention anything else, had sufficient status, decent cultivation, above-average looks, and was around his age. Most importantly, her temperament was gentle—not as dull as Senior Sister Wu from Qingluan Peak, nor as feisty as Junior Sister Jiang from Liuyun Peak. Her capabilities weren't bad either; she would certainly have no problem managing a household and raising children.
But who would have thought? Just when he finally found someone worthy of his attention, that Qin Shoujing fellow had to stick his nose in again!
What was Qin Shoujing? Someone inferior to him in every way! It was only because he was over a hundred years older that his cultivation was higher!
No way. He couldn't let himself be outdone by Qin Shoujing. Others were one thing, but he had picked that Senior Sister Mo to be his Dual Cultivation partner. How could he let Qin Shoujing snatch her away? That would be too humiliating!
Since Qin Shoujing had long harbored ill intentions towards Senior Sister Mo, he absolutely had to win Senior Sister Mo over, just to let that Qin Shoujing fellow know that Bai Yanfei was the number one young talent of the Xuanqing Sect!
Having thought this through, Bai Yanfei squatted on a tree stump and started chuckling to himself. "Heh heh..."