Origin Qi

Qin Xuan looked toward Hawk's Beak Mountain, then withdrew his gaze. "Old Mr. Gu, since you know yin creatures lurk within the mountain, why not claim them yourself instead of offering such a bargain to me?" "Why wouldn't I want to claim them?" Old Man Gu drooped his eyelids and spread his hands. "A bag of old bones like me with a worthless life—how could I have the chops to earn a living that way? I only scrape together a bit of profit on the margin, dabbling in petty dealings that ordinary folks look down on." With that, he went back to tidying his soul jars, his face darkening as if he had no further interest in conversation. Yet only a moment later, his face beamed with smiles at Qin Xuan once more. "If the young master has any more goods like this next time, bring them all to this old man. Nobody else could ever offer the price you're after." Qin Xuan gave a blank nod. Old Man Gu was truly peculiar. The little fox girl stood beside Qin Xuan and said in a low voice, "Grandfather's temperament is simply like this: sometimes good, sometimes bad. Occasionally he babbles nonsense, and he often forgets things." As if to prove her words, Gu Mei'er turned to the old man. "Grandfather, does our family still have any Nine Palaces formation charts?" "Yes, we've got plenty of those things. They're all hanging in the main hall—go fetch them yourself. Giving a few to this young master won't hurt a bit." Qin Xuan followed Mei'er to the main hall, only to find that every scroll hanging there was an elegiac banner meant for funerals. "How long has he been like this?" Qin Xuan glanced out of the house, where the old man had resumed planing a coffin. "It has been this way for as long as I can remember. But most of the time, Grandfather is still lucid." "Have you ever walked the underworld paths with him?" "No, Grandfather never takes me along." Many questions lingered in Qin Xuan's mind, but the two were hardly well acquainted. The taboos among cultivators had to be observed; prying into another's secrets was bad form. He promptly took his leave of Old Man Gu, and Mei'er saw him out of Huashi Alley. "If you need to find me, Young Master, look either here or at the Huyue Book Pavilion in the city. I am usually only at those two places." "All right..." *** When Qin Xuan returned to Jinghu Manor, Senior Mao Yan had just emerged from the furnace room. Beside it stood a four-story watchtower, where Mao Yan spent most of his time meditating in the open breeze. The moment Qin Xuan saw him, he hurried to retrieve that chunk of spirit metal ore from his hundred-treasure pouch. "Senior, can this item be used directly for cultivation?" Stroking his sparse beard, Mao Yan looked somewhat surprised. "I couldn't tell before, but you're quite well-off, kid." "Anywhere else, a piece of spirit metal ore like this would take a tremendous amount of effort to smelt and refine. But here, there's no need. Toss it into my treasure furnace, and any impurities, no matter what they are, will be burned away entirely." "By the way, are you planning to cultivate Metal Spirit Origin Qi right away?" "Indeed," Qin Xuan said with a smile. "I must ask to borrow Senior's treasure furnace once more." Mao Yan nodded. "I promised, and naturally I won't go back on my word." With a wide sweep of his sleeve, he drew all the lava fire crystals out of the treasure furnace, then turned and walked outside, having not the slightest interest in watching Qin Xuan's upcoming practice. Because the boy would inevitably hit a wall. Unlike Zheng Xiuyuan, Mao Yan had several disciples over at Chongjin Pass, so he had plenty of experience teaching pupils. Letting the disciples suffer a bit of hardship first before instructing them yielded twice the result with half the effort. When first smelting five elements metal crystals for Metal Spirit Origin Qi, it was best to open the Origin Spirit Aperture that stored the five elements' origin qi, allowing one to absorb the qi without letting it leak away. However, opening the Origin Spirit Aperture required the Qi of the Five Sprouts as a guide. The so-called Five Sprouts were the living qi of the five directions: east, south, west, north, and center. Only after a Qi Refining cultivator reached Foundation Building would they have the chance to perceive the Five Sprouts of the five directions. For example, the sprout corresponding to Qin Xuan's metal spirit root was the Western Qi of Bright Stone. Therefore, this method of Metal Spirit Origin Qi was truly far too difficult for a Qi Refining cultivator. Or rather, it was not a Qi Refining technique at all. Mao Yan had said nothing because the formula had clearly stated this long ago. If Qin Xuan wanted to give it a try, why should he stop him? Back when his master passed down the Secret Demon Evil-Dispelling Great Method to him, hadn't he walked that very same path? Inside the furnace room, Qin Xuan began cautiously by tossing in the piece of spirit metal Mao Yan had given him. Next, he brought out the yellow-skin gourd and swallowed eight Solidifying Origin Pills in one go. A few days ago while fanning the flames here, he had suddenly realized that the treasure furnace accelerated his digestion of the Solidifying Origin Pills, while the stray thoughts spawned by rapid cultivation were conveniently absorbed by the fiend. It was like stepping on one's own foot to leap higher; his Qi Refining efficiency multiplied dramatically. He swung the fan of woven palm leaves. With just a single stroke to kindle the furnace fire, that five elements spirit metal transformed into a wisp of golden qi, billowing out from the furnace hearth. Qin Xuan opened his mouth and inhaled, drawing it into his body via the Metal Spirit Origin Qi method. Without an Origin Spirit Aperture, this wisp of golden qi was exceedingly hard to retain. If this went on, that piece of five elements spirit metal would be squandered for nothing. Except... Just as the spirit metal qi was about to slip away, Qin Xuan's Lunar Aperture snapped open. The fiend could not refine the golden qi, but it could seize hold of it with a firm grasp, pinning it within Qin Xuan's body. If once failed, then twice; if twice failed, then thrice. After seven or eight minor heavenly circulations in succession, this wisp of spirit metal qi finally became docile, settling obediently into Qin Xuan's spiritual energy. It worked! "Great, again!" Qin Xuan tossed the piece of five elements spirit metal earned from fanning the fire into the furnace along with the spirit metal ore, swallowed a few more Solidifying Origin Pills, and fanned the flames three times in a row. Several wisps of golden qi flew out and were once more absorbed by Qin Xuan. This time, he meditated in the furnace room for more than an hour. By the time he walked out, drenched in sweat, a sense of melancholy loss unexpectedly crept over him. "Gone... just like that..." "The spirit metal is just gone..." Over in the distance, Senior Mao Yan wiped the smile from his face and adopted an inscrutable, unfathomable expression, having long foreseen Qin Xuan's outcome. "Kid Qin, this Metal Spirit Origin Qi isn't so easy to cultivate." Having said that, he was just about to offer a few pointers. Suddenly, he saw Qin Xuan nod and chime in, "Indeed, Senior Mao, this method consumes far too many spirit materials. My entire stash of savings only yielded two strands of origin qi." *Hm?* Mao Yan's brows twitched, and his back gave a sharp jolt. He replayed Qin Xuan's words in his mind to ensure he hadn't misheard before asking, "Oh? Two strands of origin qi?" Qin Xuan reached out his hand, and two golden threads flashed across his palm. Mao Yan watched them, his expression sinking slightly, and only paused before saying, "The progress is indeed rather slow. Take your time." Qin Xuan cupped his hands in farewell, and Mao Yan gave a nod. Once the boy was far away, Mao Yan vanished in a blur and appeared in the furnace room. Circling the massive treasure furnace restlessly, his heart churned with shock and doubt. "This...!" "How could this be?!" "How could this kid be so well-suited to the methods of my Secret Demon Evil-Dispelling Great Method? *Hiss...* As the saying goes, stems of the same root... Could it be that he possesses the talent to perfectly match the sixteen secret arts of my Chongjin Pass?!" "This..." "This...!!" Mao Yan felt his heart thumping wildly. He had three personal disciples and ten registered disciples, none of whom lacked talent, yet not a single one had managed to master a Secret Demon art before Foundation Building. At this moment, Mao Yan's thoughts were deeply conflicted. He looked in the direction of Madam Wei. If not for her being in secluded cultivation, he would certainly have gone to bring this up. At this moment, Qin Xuan's thoughts were also deeply conflicted. He looked in the direction of the Pingyuan King's tomb. If not for the letter Geng Zhi had left behind, he would certainly have gone to pull off a heist. *** Another eight days passed in this manner. Qin Xuan's days continued as usual, with only one difference: Senior Mao Yan seemed to have grown friendlier as they spent more time together. His expressions had become richer, and he would occasionally crack a joke. Furthermore, Qin Xuan received another gourd of Solidifying Origin Pills from him. This made Qin Xuan feel a bit embarrassed, so he resolved never again to grumble in private about Senior Mao's bad habits. Two days later, Qin Xuan met with the little fox girl to discuss the Nine Palaces formation chart. Although the little fox girl had only grasped the outer form, Qin Xuan was unable to offer her guidance either, because the chart was incomplete; she had only learned it thanks to the fox grandfather's instruction. Thus, conversing with the little fox girl proved immensely beneficial to Qin Xuan instead, allowing him to gradually grasp the key knacks of this formation chart. He was not stingy either, gifting Mei'er a gourd of spirit water. Judging by the behavior of the gold and silver birds, this spirit water was of great help to demon clans. Just as his cultivation grew steadily and he hoped these peaceful days would last, on the afternoon he returned to the manor after parting with the little fox girl, he found Senior Mao already waiting at the entrance. Seeing his grim expression, Qin Xuan's heart skipped a beat, knowing something had happened. "Senior Mao, what is it?" Mao Yan looked in the direction of Lianyun Manor. "Zhu Jinting hid something from me. Something happened to him—go and take a look. This 'Seven-Leaf Pill' is one I just refined; it takes effect within half an hour. Keep it safe, you may have use for it." Qin Xuan could tell that Mao Yan desperately wanted to go in person. Yet fearing an enemy's diversionary tactic, he still had to stay and guard Madam Wei. The primary ingredient of the Seven-Leaf Pill was the Seven-Leaf Spirit Flower, an extraordinarily potent detoxification pill. About five li out from Jinghu Manor, to be safe, Qin Xuan first dispatched a flying crane letter to Yuansong Temple. He had friends he could trust, and he needed to leave himself a backup plan... *** At dusk, Zhongpu Street near the center of the commandery city bustled with heavy carriage traffic, and the cries of street peddlers never ceased. Along the middle stretch of the market stood a grand manor enclosed by whitewashed walls beneath a towering gateway, stretching across nearly half the street. The four gilded black-lacquered characters reading "Lianyun Manor" on the gate plaque were striking to the eye. As the broker for many mountain lords in the surrounding region, Manor Lord Zhu was himself a Qi Refining cultivator on good terms with Temple Head Wu of Yuansong Temple. Consequently, whether in connections, wealth, or influence, the manor was among the foremost in the city. Yet at this moment, bathed in the setting sun, Lianyun Manor no longer maintained its usual orderly calm. Many carriages were parked outside, and people were constantly carrying medicinal herbs to and fro in slight disarray. Near the manor entrance, seven or eight tall, magnificent steeds were hitched. All were spirit horses capable of covering a thousand li in a day, currently chewing on specially prepared fodder. Beside the horses hung yellow-and-white black eagle banners—the retinue of Yingyang Prefecture. Judging by the banner insignia, it belonged to a captain. "Young Master Qin!!" At the main gate, Zhu Gui caught sight of Qin Xuan and immediately came running over at a brisk pace. His shout instantly drew numerous glances from around them. From inside Lianyun Manor, some thirty people poured out one after another, joining together to usher Qin Xuan into the manor. It served both as a welcome and as a display for those watching from the shadows. In a tea pavilion in the distance, someone withdrew their gaze from Qin Xuan's back and said with a hint of vigilance, "That is the sword art genius of Yuansong Temple. This kid's sword art is extraordinary. Moreover, word has it that Temple Head Wu is his Dao protector; with him arriving here, I'm afraid that temple head is not far off either." Overhearing this, several onlookers could not help revealing looks of apprehension. The terror of Old Daoist Wu annihilating the guardian elder of the Xieling Sect still lingered throughout the city. "Hmph!" In a corner, a black-robed old man scoffed, rebuking the two disciples beside him, "Was it he who shattered your astral qi?" "Yes!" Fan Xun, the junior brother from Toad Mountain, began to air his grievance. "Elder Tao, not only did he shatter our astral qi, he even gave us a sound whipping!" "Preposterous!" Yet the old man was scolding his own disciples. "You two must have been lazy and neglected your cultivation! With a mere Qi Refining cultivation and without even unleashing a sword talisman, how could he possibly shatter our sect's astral qi?!" The senior brother, Fan Da, said, "Elder, he only used a willow branch." Elder Tao laughed out of sheer fury. "How can our sect's prestige be ruined at the hands of a mere junior? Stay by my side and watch closely. I'd like to see just what kind of willow branch carries such force!" The junior brother felt a lingering fear, seeming rather reluctant to go. The senior brother, however, offered a respectful smile, indicating he wished to learn. *** "What misfortune befell Manor Lord Zhu?" Qin Xuan asked Zhu Gui as they walked into the manor. Zhu Gui replied, "The manor lord made a trip to Hawk's Beak Mountain and fell comatose upon his return. According to the people from Yingyang Prefecture, it appears he was struck by some kind of soul-eroding poison." "How did the people from Yingyang Prefecture end up here?" Zhu Gui spoke without wasting words: "Captain Lu of Yingyang Prefecture happened to be returning from the Hawk's Beak Mountain god temple when he crossed paths with our manor's carriages, so he accompanied them back. A deity within the manor even attempted to summon his soul using incense arts, but unfortunately to no avail." *Oh?* "Then who sent word of the manor lord's condition to the outside?" "I did." Qin Xuan's question had been subtle, never explicitly mentioning Jinghu Manor, yet Zhu Gui understood at once. Seeing him hesitate as if holding something back, Qin Xuan was just about to press further when footsteps were heard approaching from within the manor, so he pivoted the conversation: "Let's go. First let us check on the manor lord's condition." Before his words could finish settling, a low voice drifted out from the inner chamber. "I presume the sword art genius of Yuansong Temple has arrived. Young Master Qin, seeing is believing; I have long admired your renowned name." Qin Xuan saw the burly Captain Lu clad in a black eagle cloak. Yet the one speaking was a young man beside him. This person wore narrow-sleeved black robes and had ordinary facial features, but his eyes resembled those of a crab, glinting with a faint gleam. Faint horizontal ridges lined his cheeks like markings on a shell. As he walked, he swayed from side to side, as though thoroughly drunk. "And who might your esteemed self be?" Qin Xuan sensed demon qi, and his tone was hardly polite. The young man smiled, snapping open a folding fan in his hand with a crisp *shua*. Written across the fan leaf in vigorous, flowing calligraphy were four large characters: "Lord Gutless..."