Cultivating Immortality in a World of Chaos

Chapter 23: Mingqing Pavilion

Qingzhu Mountain.

Fang Xi materialized in the cellar, cautiously scanning his surroundings.

Noticing that the protective talisman on the wall remained intact, albeit with its glow significantly weakened, he let out a sigh of relief.

“Since I could return, it seems I can easily escape from such perilous situations.”

As for attempting to bring others through the portal? The thought never crossed Fang Xi’s mind!

His golden finger was paramount; even if every soul in Blackstone City perished, he would not compromise this advantage.

This time, under the guise of searching for supplies, he had discreetly ventured to an uninhabited corner to make the crossing.

Fang Xi’s expression gradually turned serious as he retrieved a small jade bottle from his robes.

Inside the bottle lay Demon-infected blood!

“The demons of the Great Liang World…are different from demonic cultivators in the cultivation realm. At least, I haven’t sensed any trace of demonic qi. However, their behavior is indeed quite peculiar…”

After some contemplation, Fang Xi produced a jade plate and carefully poured a single drop of dark crimson blood onto it.

Clack!

The bead of blood landed on the jade plate with a sound akin to a pearl, seemingly already solidified.

Fang Xi’s expression remained unchanged as he infused threads of vital energy into the jade plate.

Instantly, numerous vein-like patterns emerged on its surface, spiraling around the blood droplet.

Sizzle!

Thin wisps of white smoke arose; upon contact with the bead, these veins vanished instantly, evaporating completely!

Unfazed by this sight, Fang Xi switched to inputting true force instead.

Buzzing!

The glow from the blood strands within the jade plate intensified dramatically!

Thread after thread coiled around the blood droplet.

As they began enveloping and melting it, something astonishing occurred - fragmented black tadpole-like symbols started seeping out from within the bead.

Upon encountering these symbols, the blood strands formed by true force emitted sounds of strain and gradually corroded away.

Observing this, Fang Xi’s expression turned serious.

“Setting aside vital energy for now, even a diluted form of lower-tier magical energy can erode a martial artist’s true force?”

After employing cultivation techniques to examine Mu Canglong’s condition, Fang Xi gained a clearer understanding of his state.

Earlier, the dojo master had suggested using substantial true force to resist, but now it seemed his demise was imminent!

“Magical energy… demonic power… can it truly surpass the Martial Path of Blood and Qi?”

Fang Xi pondered for a moment before activating another technique—the Everlasting Spring Art!

Cool threads of magic power flowed into the jade plate, transforming into green filaments that continuously pierced towards the blood bead.

This time!

Even as the fragmented black tadpole script reappeared, the green filaments effortlessly penetrated through them.

Subsequently, the blood bead slowly dissolved, dissipating into a wisp of green smoke…

“Can cultivators’ magic power suppress magical energy?”

Fang Xi’s eyes lit up with excitement.

This was indeed promising news. At least for cultivators, demons might not be invincible after all.

“Mu Canglong is nearing death; I wonder if the Pure Spirit Pill in my possession will help him?” Fang Xi mused as he stepped out of the log cabin.

On the door, he noticed a conspicuously placed note. With anticipation, he picked it up and read aloud, “It’s from Chen Ping…”

Previously, he had asked Chen Ping to introduce him to certain social circles, and it appeared his request had finally borne fruit!

Half a day later.

At Qingzhu Mountain Market.

Chen Ping and Fang Xi arrived, one after another, at a grand teahouse known as Mingqing Pavilion.

A hint of pride showed on Chen Ping’s face as he reassured Fang Xi, “Fellow Daoist Fang, please don’t worry. Both Daoist Shen and Goddess Yunmeng are very amiable individuals with no airs about them.”

Fang Xi smiled wryly, “It’s not that I’m worried, but rather…”

He glanced up at the signboard above the entrance.

The teahouse was called ‘Mingqing Pavilion’, renowned for selling spirit teas. Such high-end establishments were places Fang Xi would never have considered visiting before.

However, swallowing his reservations, he decided to join, knowing it wouldn’t hurt to network with like-minded individuals.

Of course, this decision stemmed from the fact that Chen Ping mentioned the gathering location within the market. If Chen Ping had suggested anywhere outside Qingzhu Mountain, Fang Xi would have immediately turned back without hesitation, severing ties with him.

“Oh, don’t fret. The private room fee has already been paid by Goddess Yunmeng,” Chen Ping comforted, sensing Fang Xi’s concern.

“I see, then why wait any longer?” Fang Xi promptly pulled Chen Ping inside the Mingqing Pavilion.

The interior of the pavilion was elegantly furnished, featuring a rooftop terrace where a skilled pipa player plucked soothing melodies with graceful fingers.

Incense burners around the area emitted calming fragrances that gently ascended into the air. Despite the presence of other guests, their conversations were hushed, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication.

Seemingly slightly nervous, Chen Ping navigated through the premises and led them to a private booth.

Inside, a male and female cultivator already sat cross-legged on meditation cushions, both possessing Middle Stage Qi Refinement cultivation bases.

The male cultivator had a striking appearance, akin to flawless jade, exuding elegance and charm. He wore a blue fox fur coat and donned a jade crown, giving him an extraordinary demeanor.

The female cultivator appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, clad in a pink gown. Her delicate skin seemed almost translucent, her features as gentle as flowing water, imbuing her with a dreamy and ethereal aura.

“Allow me to introduce you all,” said Chen Ping. “This is Fellow Daoist Shen Haoran, and this is Goddess Yunmeng…”

He continued, gesturing towards Fang Xi, “And this is my good neighbor, Fellow Daoist Fang Xi.”

“Greetings to both of you.”

Fang Xi felt somewhat surprised, initially expecting Chen Ping’s connections to consist only of Early Stage Qi Refinement peers. To his astonishment, Chen Ping had access to such influential individuals.

“Greetings, Fellow Daoist Fang.”

Shen Haoran continued sipping his spirit tea, offering a casual greeting with minimal interest.

In contrast, Goddess Yunmeng stood up gracefully and bowed politely, displaying impeccable manners and etiquette.

However, Fang Xi could sense that the more formal her demeanor, the greater the distance she intended to maintain.

“Today we’re truly fortunate. Not only can we enjoy this ‘Cloud Mist Spirit Tea,’ but also witness Zitherist Feng’s performance.”

As Chen Ping and Fang Xi took their seats, Chen Ping smiled warmly and said, “We owe our thanks to Goddess Yunmeng.”

“I too did not expect Zitherist Feng to grace us with her presence…” Goddess Yunmeng replied with a subtle smile.

Fang Xi refrained from joining their conversation, focusing instead on enjoying his tea and pastries. He understood his role clearly - merely as a secondary accompaniment or background figure.

Goddess Yunmeng and Shen Haoran were evidently not low-tier wandering cultivators; their interest in Chen Ping likely stemmed from his talent in talisman crafting. In comparison, knowing he had no such specialized skills, Fang Xi preferred to remain inconspicuous and unassuming.

The spirit tea was exceptional, invigorating both body and mind with each sip. Similarly, the spiritual pastries not only left a delightful aftertaste but also enhanced one’s cultivation base with every bite.

Fang Xi even felt that with daily enjoyment of such spiritual treasures, he might reach the peak of the third layer of Qi Refining within a month.

“Zitherist Feng is arriving soon! And she’s bringing a distinguished guest.”

At that moment, a voice-transmission talisman flew in from outside.

As Shen Haoran caught it, his face lit up with joy, and he glanced towards Fang Xi.

Fang Xi quickly surveyed the surroundings, realizing that while the private booth seemed spacious for four people, adding a fifth would make it slightly crowded.

As the minor cultivator with the weakest cultivation base and least influential background, he knew when to be discreet. He promptly stood up, “Excuse me all, I just remembered an urgent matter at home. Please allow me to take my leave now.”

“But Zitherist Feng is about to perform, her music is truly rare…” Goddess Yunmeng expressed regretfully, yet without any intention to detain him further.

Fang Xi bowed respectfully and exited the booth.

Dimly, he could still hear Shen Haoran speaking to Chen Ping, “Fellow Daoist Chen, as a future talisman master, your status should reflect… Let me tell you, the distinguished guest joining us is a formidable Late Stage Qi Refinement expert…”

“Oh? Then please introduce me, Brother Shen.” Chen Ping responded, sounding both surprised and intrigued.

As Fang Xi exited Mingqing Pavilion, he faintly heard the melody of a zither resonating from within.

Apparently, a graceful figure had appeared on the elevated platform.

Unfortunately, such refined pleasures were not meant for him at this stage.

‘Without sufficient strength, don’t try to enter higher circles…’

He quickly adjusted his mindset and returned to his shack.

Bang!

A gust of wind propelled by palm strikes forcefully hit the door.

The White Cloud Palm!

Although he didn’t get to hear Goddess Feng’s zither performance this time, at least he managed to enjoy some spirit tea and pastries.

This was an excellent opportunity for cultivation!

So far, only Red Snake Leg had achieved the dojo master realm, while White Cloud Palm still fell short.

Krak!

Fang Xi unleashed both palms in rapid succession, forming a series of nine hand seals.

In an instant, his palms began emanating a grayish-black hue.

Strangely, the gray gradually receded, while the black expanded wildly.

“Whew!”

Fang Xi exhaled deeply, sending out a stream of white breath several feet away.

He examined his hands, confirming that they had fully entered the Black Cloud realm, signifying the level of a True Force cultivator!

The true force enhancement of the White Cloud Palm primarily focused on the hands, with lesser improvements to the rest of the body compared to his previous breakthrough.

“So effortlessly broken through…”

“Sigh… if only my talent in the path of immortality matched my aptitude in the Martial Path of Blood and Qi.”

Fang Xi’s low-grade spiritual root talent had always been a source of frustration for him.

In the next moment, as he sensed the changes brought by the White Cloud Palm true force, his expression gradually turned serious.

Using his spiritual sense to examine himself internally, he discovered several additional whirlpools circulating within his blood qi flow, primarily located around his legs and palms.

More alarming was that these blood qi whirlpools seemed to exert mutual pull on each other, causing some disruption in his overall circulation.

“Is this… what Lu She meant by hindrance?”

“Well, unfortunately… I’ve already broken through with Red Snake Leg, mixing my blood qi extensively. There’s no turning back now, even if I practice another technique.”

Fang Xi gazed at his hands.

The White Cloud Palm could be both activated and suppressed; when he retracted the true force, his palms appeared pristine, white as jade, delicate like those of a refined noblewoman.

No one would suspect the immense strength contained within these seemingly harmless hands, comparable to certain mythic beasts.

“The true forces of White Cloud Palm and Red Snake Leg indeed conflict with each other; this issue must be resolved…”

“And there’s still more progress ahead…”

Being merely equivalent to early Qi Refinement as a body cultivator wasn’t significant enough for Fang Xi. His focus lay on future advancements and possibilities!

“At least… it seems Yuanhe Mountain hasn’t slipped away yet…”