At this moment, the two who once could not stand each other had gradually drawn close.
In fact, for some time now, Li Guanqi had sensed a change in the sword spirit's attitude toward him. Her demeanor was no longer as cold and aloof as before. She was far more willing to stoop and explain the things he did not understand, and she generously instructed him in sword arts and the way of the sword. He even suspected that she had known all along what was in that jade slip. Yet she had still chosen to let Li Guanqi experience it on his own, rather than simply having him inherit their way of the sword.
Having set aside the estrangement in their hearts, the two sat cross-legged facing each other. The sword spirit spoke bluntly.
"Your current cultivation art can no longer keep up with the speed at which you refine spiritual energy. In a moment, I will give you a new one.
"Also, you must take spatial power and the matter of domains to heart.
"As for comprehending a domain... I will help you when the time comes."
Li Guanqi nodded slightly, then began following her guidance to contemplate space.
Gradually, his comprehension of space deepened, and he quickly mastered the technique of teleportation. After all, the sword spirit could conjure many things within this space, making it remarkably simple to simulate the world outside.
Like a conscientious master, the sword spirit helped him identify his flaws and reviewed his previous battles with him. At the same time, she warned him that he must remain vigilant against any enemy! Moreover, the more trump cards he possessed, the better. When facing a foe, unless he was certain the enemy was thoroughly dead...
He had to keep a trump card in his grasp!
These words left a deep impression on Li Guanqi, especially after having just survived the self-detonation of a Nascent Soul cultivator. It had been pure luck that he lived; otherwise, he would still be drifting in the void right now. If any random spatial turbulence had swept him away, there would be no present to speak of.
Clever by nature, Li Guanqi turned many thoughts over in his mind regarding this.
Early the next morning.
Li Guanqi slowly opened his eyes, just in time to see the old man changing his dressing.
Noticing Li Guanqi open his eyes, the elder chuckled softly. "Awake?"
Li Guanqi already knew everything from the sword spirit. He hurriedly propped himself up and cupped his hands to salute the elder.
"Junior Li Guanqi thanks Senior for saving my life."
Gu Yan waved his hand with a smile. "What is there to thank me for? It was just a casual gesture. By the way, how are you feeling?"
Li Guanqi clenched his fists. Feeling the primal energy coursing through his meridians, he grinned. "Senior's medical skill is superb, and the medicinal efficacy of your pills is remarkable. Right now, I feel almost entirely recovered."
Just then, Gu Yi poked his little head around the doorframe to look at Li Guanqi, his eyes a mix of lingering fear and irrepressible curiosity.
The elder smiled helplessly, turning to wave the boy over. "Didn't you want to meet him? Why are you hiding now?"
Li Guanqi naturally knew it was because he had terrified the boy earlier. Feeling a bit sheepish, he rubbed his nose and beckoned to him as well.
Seeing him wave, Gu Yi crept cautiously to his side. When he saw that Li Guanqi made no hostile move, he grew bolder. Leaning against the windowsill, his eyes wide with curiosity, he asked in a timid voice, "Was it really you who killed those two Nascent Soul powerhouses of the Zheng Clan?"
As he spoke, he gestured with exaggerated flourishes.
Noticing the elder's doting gaze, Li Guanqi pondered for a moment, then slowly raised a finger and tapped the boy's forehead!
In an instant, an incomparably profound aura filled the surroundings!
The elder's expression shifted slightly, but he did not stop him.
A speck of spiritual light sank between the boy's brows. Li Guanqi said softly, "When you reach the Core Formation realm, you will naturally understand the use of this light."
Gu Yan shot to his feet, pulling the boy down as he barked in a low voice, "Kneel and kowtow!"
Seeing this, Li Guanqi quickly raised his arm, sending a gentle wave of spatial power to support the still-dazed youth. "There is no need. Consider it a small token of my gratitude."
Gu Yi still had no idea what had happened, feeling only a soothing coolness between his eyebrows.
Yet at his side, Gu Yan gave a wry smile. "Little friend, this 'small token' of yours... is truly far too grand."
Li Guanqi smiled. "A mere sword intent seed is nothing compared to saving my life."
Seeing this, the elder pressed no further and sent Gu Yi outside first. His fondness for the young man deepened even more. Li Guanqi was neither arrogant nor conceited, and he understood propriety and respect.
Looking at the shimmering crest on the elder's chest, Li Guanqi sighed inwardly.
*Earlier, I was thinking about finding an alchemist to extend my lifespan... Well, now I don't even need it.*
Seeing him look toward his alchemist robes, the elder could not help but smile. "What? Does my young friend wish to have a pill refined? Easily done. Gather the ingredients, and this old man will refine a cauldron for you free of charge."
Li Guanqi shrugged and gave a brief account of what had happened.
Gu Yan looked at him in surprise, murmuring in a low voice, "No wonder you carried an air of twilight when I saw you back then. So that was it. Still, think nothing of it. Give me the materials, and I will refine it for you anyway. This pill is exceedingly precious. You might need it in the future."
Li Guanqi thought that made sense. Even if he could not use it himself, he could always sell it later. He simply handed all the materials to the elder; with the manor right here, he was not worried about the old man welshing on him. What was more, that speck of spiritual light he had planted held more than just a sword intent seed!
Li Guanqi slowly walked out of the room, discovering that the manor was vast and lavishly decorated. The fire-attribute spiritual energy in the entire rear courtyard was exceptionally active. Only then did he notice that for every three cyan bricks on the ground, there was an intricately carved jade tile flushed red throughout. It was precisely because of these red tiles that the fire spiritual power was so vibrant.
Stepping outside, he saw Gu Yi scooping fish by the pond. Flashing over to his side, Li Guanqi smiled and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Seeing that it was him, Gu Yi grinned immediately. "Heh, bored out of my mind, so I'm catching fish to eat." With that, he added with an eager look, "Want to taste my cooking?"
Li Guanqi found it amusing and casually agreed.
Seeing him agree, Gu Yi scooped up a large carp brimming with spiritual energy and ran toward the front courtyard with it clutched in his arms.
Two more days passed, and Li Guanqi's injuries were almost entirely healed.
Suddenly, a wail came from the elder in the rear courtyard: "Where are my fish?! Gu Yi!!"
Gu Yi shuddered violently and took off running! "Big Brother Li! Don't tell him it was me!!"
Without needing to guess, the elder already knew who it was. Even so, he first sought out Li Guanqi and handed him the Longevity Pill. He carefully cautioned him that it had to be kept in a high-grade jade box, or else the pill's spiritual energy would dissipate.
Looking at the jade box in his hands, which overflowed with pill fragrance, Li Guanqi expressed his thanks and bid farewell to the elder. Over the time they had spent together, the bond between the two had come to resemble that of friends across generations.
Gu Yan smiled. "The world is vast and the road is long. Take care of yourself. I look forward to the day your name shakes the world!"
A faint smile touched the corner of Li Guanqi's mouth. He said softly, "That day will come."
With that, he turned and departed.
Chapter 282