Chapter 190 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 190: Magic Mirror
Translator: Lynn
Xu Ziqing swiftly refocused, meeting Yun Lie’s gaze directly. “Yes, Shixiong,” he replied, feeling a tinge of shame. He realized he hadn’t expressed gratitude to his brother, who had been guarding him during the breakthrough. Instead, impure thoughts had crossed his mind—an unwarranted transgression.
Yun Lie glanced at him but couldn’t discern any issue, so he inquired, “You’ve had multiple breakthroughs this past year. Are you certain your foundation is stable?”
Xu Ziqing discreetly circulated the true essence within his body, allowing it to return to his dantian where it transformed into primordial liquid, its consistency akin to thick water—a characteristic of the Foundation Establishment stage. He also investigated his prior hidden injuries, all of which had healed promptly due to the timely deployment of the spirit-gathering array. All seemed well. Xu Ziqing smiled and said, “Thank you, Shixiong, for your concern. While this breakthrough was challenging, it doesn’t pose a significant issue.”
Yun Lie nodded slightly and reached for Xu Ziqing’s wrist.
Xu Ziqing didn’t evade, letting his gaze lower slightly, his eyes gentle.
Yun Lie channeled his true essence to inspect his junior brother’s body. Indeed, there were no concealed injuries, and the foundation was reasonably robust. However, the rapid succession of breakthroughs had left the foundation solid, but not deep. He comprehended this with just a breath and withdrew his hand.
“Your meridians have expanded by more than double, but your dantian remains unchanged. Continuing in this manner may hinder future accumulations,” Yun Lie remarked.
Xu Ziqing contemplated for a moment and said, “Shixiong, please provide guidance.”
Yun Lie elaborated, “During my past practice, I stimulated the dantian with Golden Metal qi, inducing slight discomfort to expand it, and then channeled all true energy into it to prevent dispersion into the meridians. This naturally enlarged the dantian. However, your wood qi is distinct from Golden Metal Qi. It would be best for you to explore and adapt accordingly.”
As Xu Ziqing pondered, clarity emerged in his mind. Reflecting on when his true essence entered his senior brother’s body, the depth of his dantian resembled a black hole. Though more challenging to break through than an average person, the benefits were immeasurable.
It was time to focus on accumulation and enhance his potential, starting with the dantian. As for advancing in realms, he wasn’t in a rush. In just a year, his strength had soared remarkably. If this pace persists, potential hidden risks might arise. Yet he wasn’t eager to climb higher ranks.
Naturally patient, Xu Ziqing was unswayed by temporary gains and losses. He had now made a determined choice regarding his future practice plan. Barring unforeseen circumstances, he would proceed with meticulous consideration and maintain his current trajectory. Solemnly, he expressed, “Shixiong is correct, but…”
Yun Lie looked at him, sensing his hesitation.
Xu Ziqing continued, “However, I have one request. I hope Shixiong…”
Yun Lie encouraged, “Please, go on.”
Xu Ziqing added, “I may not be well-versed in the ways of cultivating immortals, but Shixiong has already achieved the Golden Core stage and possesses much more experience than I. I was thinking, in the future, could I trouble my brother to periodically check on me? If there’s anything amiss, I can rectify it promptly, preventing any missteps and time wastage.” Contemplating walking alongside his senior brother, he desired an extra level of caution. Despite letting other people’s true energy enter his body, exposing him to various dangers, he could only trust his senior brother.
Thankfully, probing the inner world was a brief endeavor, something achievable in a breath’s time. Considering his senior brother’s exceptional care, even without his request, Yun Lie would likely conduct occasional check-ups, much like today. Xu Ziqing’s request was merely to ask for these checks to occur more frequently. Given the strong bond between them, his senior brother would surely oblige.
As expected, Yun Lie readily agreed, saying, “That’s acceptable.”
Xu Ziqing smiled gently, a soft warmth shining in his eyes and brows.
Yun Lie looked at him once more and spoke no further.
After their discussion on cultivation matters, Xu Ziqing recalled the critical information he had gathered in the forest, prompting a serious expression on his face. He spoke up, saying, “There’s another matter I must share with Shixiong.” After a brief pause, he continued, “This matter holds great significance, and I request the utmost secrecy to avoid any leaks.”
Yun Lie observed his caution and nodded slightly. He swiftly enacted a technique with his right hand, causing a formidable sword intent to surge, enveloping the entire small courtyard.
He then raised his hand, and twelve black-gold short swords emerged from his sleeves, positioned in all directions, forming a protective sword array. Any spiritual consciousness or external strength approaching this formation would be neutralized.
Seeing his senior brother’s arrangement, Xu Ziqing felt reassured. He took a deep breath and began recounting the events involving Mu Wuxin and Lang Tianqi, unveiling Mu Ronghua’s true identity, and detailing the mutual machinations between Yu Nongqing and Lang Tianqi. He ensured not a word would be leaked.
It took a good half hour to convey the entire narrative.
Yun Lie, usually composed and indifferent, subtly furrowed his brow after hearing “Mu Ronghua is the daughter of a fairy and a demon.”
Observing this, Xu Ziqing ceased speaking, wearing a wry smile on his face.
For such a pivotal matter, neither he nor even his senior brother possessed the authority to unilaterally decide on it.
Evidently sharing this perspective, Yun Lie decisively stated, “We must refrain from interfering in this matter and promptly report it to the sect leader.”
Xu Ziqing nodded in agreement. “Indeed, Shixiong.”
Yun Lie stood up and directed Xu Ziqing, “I’ve summoned others with the sword talisman. Maintain silence.”
Xu Ziqing understood the situation and promptly replied, “Rest assured, Shixiong.”
In the next moment, Yun Lie raised his hand, and four sword talismans shot through the air in different directions.
Within less than a quarter-hour, several auras approached the door from various distances.
Yun Lie waved his sleeves, opening the door wide, allowing four male and female monks, exuding an air of importance, to enter successively, their faces displaying eagerness.
These were the core disciples of the Wuling Immortal Sect, also Yun Lie’s subordinates, and three protectors.
Among them, Ou Mubai held the highest position. He immediately inquired, “Senior brother summoned us with a sword talisman. What’s the urgency?”
The other three protectors echoed, “Please enlighten us, senior brother.”
Yun Lie directly stated, “I’ve received urgent news and need to utilize the psychic mirror to contact the sect leader, involving all of you in the process.”
The core disciples exchanged glances, and Ou Mubai asked further, “May we inquire about the specifics?”
Yun Lie responded, “This matter cannot be discussed in detail with you.”
Being Golden Core stage cultivators with extensive experience, they understood that this was beyond their purview and hence refrained from pressing for more information.
Ou Mubai suggested, “In that case, let’s activate the psychic mirror and allow senior brother and the sect leader to delve into the details.”
The others voiced no objections.
Yun Lie lightly snapped his fingers, conjuring a hexagonal mirror before him. The mirror exuded a precious light and a compelling aura.
He led the way by placing his finger on it, releasing a drop of blood that landed on the mirror’s surface, instantly absorbed, causing the mirror to shine intensely, almost breaking through the sky. However, the brilliance was contained by the surrounding sword array, preventing it from escaping.
Observing Yun Lie’s caution, Ou Mubai and the others swiftly followed suit, forcing blood from their fingertips and sending it into the mirror. With each additional drop of blood, the light on the mirror slightly dimmed. Finally, after the last person contributed, the blood remained on the surface of the mirror without penetrating further.
A white light emanated from the mirror, and after a brief moment, a distant voice resounded from within.
“Yun Lie, you’ve activated the mirror. What do you wish to convey?”
It was a male voice, distant yet near, exuding majesty and serenity, inducing awe in those who heard it, deterring any impudence.
Although they couldn’t discern, they all knew that this voice belonged to the sect leader.
Seeing that the mirror was functioning, Yun Lie instructed Ou Mubai and the others to withdraw. He then sealed off the courtyard and enforced restrictions before gazing into the mirror.
In the mirror, a faint silhouette could be seen—a mere outline, yet it conveyed a sense of overwhelming might, as if the person within was high above in the sky, capable of causing destruction with the slightest gesture. Such power was truly indescribable.
At this moment, Yun Lie spoke, “Ziqing, come here.”
Xu Ziqing took a deep breath, stepped forward, and stood beside Yun Lie. “Xiaozhu Peak Xu Ziqing, I pay my respects to the sect leader.” He knew very well that he had uncovered this significant matter. Given their cultivation level, concealing this from the sect leader was impossible. However, having never seen the sect leader before, he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
The sect leader observed this hesitant young monk in the mirror but didn’t seem surprised. He spoke, “Since you are the one who can elucidate this matter, please proceed.” His words weren’t gentle, but neither were they harsh. Surprisingly, he didn’t exude an overpowering aura, and Xu Ziqing felt no discomfort.
In that instant, Xu Ziqing felt less anxious.
The sect leader was indeed unattainable, but he was an ancestral figure. He could be revered, yet he didn’t seem to demand excessive fear.
After organizing his thoughts, Xu Ziqing narrated the entire story to the sect leader just as he had explained to his senior brother earlier. He shared the conversation between Mu Wuxin and Lang Tianqi without adding any personal opinions. He realized that he and his senior brother were originally in a different league from them. However, if they were the sect leader, they might draw some distinctions from the conversation between the two.
The sect leader remained patient and didn’t interrupt Xu Ziqing’s account. After listening, he contemplated for a while. He began by acknowledging Xu Ziqing’s luck in discovering such crucial information and then commended his talent, having achieved such a level of cultivation in a year of practice. He suggested to Yun Lie, “Since you care for and respect your junior, you should mentor him well in the future.” He added, “Except for the two of you, keep this information to yourselves. Before the Immortal Fruit Conference, I will send several elders. Your main task is to compete for the Immortal Fruit, and you needn’t worry about anything else.”
Both Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing comprehended and readily agreed.
After a flash of white light, the sect leader’s figure vanished from the psychic mirror.
Yun Lie put away the precious mirror and turned to Xu Ziqing, advising, “If anyone inquires, say that I have no knowledge.”
Xu Ziqing nodded automatically. “Yes, Shixiong.” After a moment of hesitation, he added, “Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to this. There seems to be undercurrents, indicating the situation is far more complex than today’s events suggest.”
Yun Lie’s expression remained composed, his eyes steady. “Stay by my side for the next few days.”
Xu Ziqing was taken aback, then smiled. “Certainly, I will follow Shixiong’s instructions.”
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