飘零影音

Arc 14: Dayan Empire | Chapter 249: The Man in Black Robe

At that moment, the once shriveled, light yellow seeds suddenly plumped up, as if they had been steeped in spiritual energy, gleaming with an extraordinary luster. Upon closer inspection, delicate streams of precious light seemed to flow within them, a sight that filled Xu Ziqing with relief—he had finally succeeded.

However, despite this partial restoration of spiritual vitality, the seeds still needed further nurturing before progressing to the next stage.

Without hesitation, Xu Ziqing bit his fingertip and directed a drop of blood towards the seed. As the light yellow seed eagerly absorbed the blood, it seemed to sway and seamlessly integrate through the breach in Xu Ziqing’s fingertip.

Sensing the foreign presence within his meridians, Xu Ziqing felt a subtle bulging sensation along his Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian where the seed had settled. He knew he would use the warmth of this meridian to nurture it. Once fully revitalized, it would develop a closer connection with him, making eventual integration into his dantian easier.

Encouraged by this success, Xu Ziqing repeated the process with the other thirty or so seeds, excluding the golden blood grass seed, which he kept carefully wrapped in a piece of flesh on his left.

With each seed strategically placed within his Twelve Orthodox Meridians and Twelve Divergent Meridians, complemented by the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, Xu Ziqing felt a sense of accomplishment. These seeds, once revived, would allow him to tap into their potential through the “Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique,” using their inherited memories to determine their cultivation paths.

After completing this meticulous task, Xu Ziqing suddenly realized how fatigued he was. His vision dimmed momentarily as he glanced down to find that the middle-grade spirit stones in his hands had been depleted. The process of drawing spiritual energy and connecting each seed with his blood had taken its toll. It was no surprise he felt utterly drained.

Attempting to stand, Xu Ziqing found himself unexpectedly dizzy, with a numbness spreading through his legs—a sensation he rarely experienced except in moments of extreme exertion during cultivation.

This unexpected energy expenditure differed greatly from his usual cultivation practices. Even the slightest movement now left him exhausted, struggling even to flex his fingers.

With a wry smile, Xu Ziqing looked up at Yun Lie, a hint of helplessness on his face. “Shixiong, I may need your assistance.”

Yun Lie said nothing, simply approaching and gently lifting Xu Ziqing by the arm.

Sighing softly, Xu Ziqing requested, “If Shixiong wouldn’t mind, please take me to my room.”

Yun Lie nodded, pausing briefly before lifting Xu Ziqing around the waist and placing him over his shoulders, carrying him effortlessly.

As he was carried along, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but feel a flush of embarrassment. Being a grown man, relying on his Shixiong like this was quite humbling, especially in his current exhausted state.

Fortunately, there were no outsiders in the courtyard, and Yun Lie moved swiftly. Within moments, Xu Ziqing found himself safely placed on the couch inside his house.

Yun Lie spoke up, “Your mind is exhausted, take this.”

Xu Ziqing lifted his gaze to see his Shixiong offering a small bottle. He reached out, opened it, and immediately felt a wave of refreshment wash over him. The dryness he had felt from the ordeal dissipated significantly. After a moment of consideration, he recognized it as the “Shenyang Pill,” used to replenish the soul when mental essence is depleted. Without hesitation, Xu Ziqing swallowed the pill. Instantly, a profound sense of refreshment spread through his limbs and bones, alleviating much of his fatigue. Gradually, the dizziness in his mind also subsided.

Yun Lie’s voice broke the silence again, “Now that you’ve taken the medicine, rest.”

Confused but beginning to understand, Xu Ziqing realized that for cultivators like them, sleep wasn’t always necessary. However, in times of extreme mental exhaustion, like his current state, it was inevitable to rest and allow the pill to heal his soul as he slept peacefully, devoid of dreams.

When Xu Ziqing woke, he felt a deep sense of comfort throughout his body, the tension and fatigue having melted away. His mind felt clearer, no longer weighed down as it had been before.

Opening his eyes, he noticed the darkness settling in around him—it was already dusk.

Moving quickly, Xu Ziqing got up, only to find Yun Lie absent. After a moment’s thought, he decided to leave his room and head directly to the courtyard.

As expected, he found Yun Lie, dressed in white, seated in a secluded spot within the courtyard. Before him, an intense and invisible force of sword intent filled the air.

Pausing respectfully, Xu Ziqing hesitated to disturb his Shixiong’s meditation. Yet, Yun Lie sensed his presence and asked, “Is there any lingering issue with your body?”

Xu Ziqing smiled gently, reassuringly responding, “I’m perfectly fine. There’s no issue at all.”

Satisfied with the answer, Yun Lie continued to focus on honing his sword intent without interruption.

“I’ve slept for several hours,” Xu Ziqing explained, “and I didn’t wish to disturb Shixiong’s practice. I’ll head back now.”

While their bond was strong, living separately within the Tiancheng Prince’s Mansion meant recovering in privacy was natural.

Yun Lie remained still, stating calmly, “Upon returning, I intend to meditate and stabilize my foundation.”

Respecting his senior’s decision, Xu Ziqing nodded respectfully. With a sense of quiet resolution, he turned and began his walk back.

Their courtyards were close, connected by a small path lined with a bamboo forest. The air was rich with spiritual energy, and the pleasant woody scent of the bamboo soothed Xu Ziqing’s senses as he walked leisurely along the path.

At the end of the bamboo forest stood a small, tranquil courtyard. It was notably quiet here, as the master disliked the presence of servants. Consequently, whenever the master was away, the courtyard remained empty.

Approaching the door, Xu Ziqing pushed it open and immediately felt a subtle shift in the air—a feeling that something was amiss within the yard.

There were no visible signs of anyone’s presence or any discernible scent, yet a vague unease persisted in Xu Ziqing’s heart.

Without hesitation, he entered the courtyard, closed the door behind him, and inexplicably set up the most sophisticated restriction he could currently muster. Then, he scanned the area with his spiritual consciousness, meticulously inspecting every nook and cranny, focusing particularly on places that stirred unease within him.

Eventually, Xu Ziqing’s consciousness settled behind a cluster of small green plants nearby. Despite his scrutiny, there was no response from the hidden figure.

After a prolonged silence, Xu Ziqing sighed and spoke aloud, “If you still refuse to reveal yourself, I’ll have no choice but to inform the prince.”

Just as he turned to leave, a peculiar voice suddenly spoke up, “You underestimate how much cultivation I’ve amassed, yet you dare to dictate my whereabouts. You’re quite bold.”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback.

Could this be the individual who challenged the Ghost Spirit Sect at the auction and won the Thousand Ghost Banner? If so, why were they hiding in his courtyard? Then, reconsidering, perhaps they were evading pursuit by the Ghost Spirit Sect. But if they could infiltrate the Tiancheng Palace, why not simply flee? It didn’t add up.

Unaware of Xu Ziqing’s brief contemplation, the person continued with a soft chuckle, “You’re smart not to call for help indiscriminately.”

Though no explicit threat was made, the implicit warning was clear.

Xu Ziqing had no intention of calling anyone, yet he couldn’t help but feel unsettled by the situation.

Dealing with such a practitioner was outside his usual realm of experience; he should have been more cautious. Yet, there was an inexplicable familiarity about this encounter that intrigued Xu Ziqing. He racked his brain, determined to find a way forward.

After several moments of introspection, Xu Ziqing finally inquired, “Who are you?”

The man sneered in response, “Asking too many questions may hasten your demise. It’s best not to inquire too deeply.”

However, this sneer triggered a flash of recognition in Xu Ziqing’s mind. Surprised, he exclaimed, “Are you Brother Nan Zhengya1Ch. 211: A cultivator that Xu Ziqing met at the Wild Beast Plain while contemplating to save the demon fox or not?”

At the sound of Xu Ziqing’s words, a distortion flickered in the air, and from behind the bush of green plants emerged a figure cloaked in black.

Though the figure remained concealed, a transparent material akin to flowing water lay on the ground beside them—the Hidden Breathing Shadow Clothes.

Relieved at the sight, though unable to discern the man’s features, Xu Ziqing sighed softly, “It is indeed Brother Nan Zhengya. Your cultivation…” He paused, noting that while the former Nan Zhengya had possessed elegance, the aura emanating from this black-clad figure was vastly more powerful. Even though the man suppressed his aura significantly, the underlying coercion was undeniable—a natural assertion of dominance over one of lower cultivation.

Turning slightly, the black-robed figure gazed at Xu Ziqing for a prolonged moment before remarking, “You’ve surprised me. I didn’t expect you to recognize me.”

Despite the man’s formidable cultivation, Xu Ziqing remained composed, replying respectfully, “It’s been only a few years, yet Brother Nan Zhengya has made remarkable strides in cultivation. I’m truly impressed.”

Seemingly caught off guard by Xu Ziqing’s preparedness, the man in black relaxed his stance slightly. “If that’s the case, could you enhance the wood energy here and assist me in remaining hidden?”

Xu Ziqing smiled warmly, indicating his readiness. Energized and focused, he gestured with his hands, dispersing several seeds infused with the wood energy from his dantian. As they touched the soil, the seeds swiftly took root and flourished, creating a lush forest that enveloped the courtyard in verdant growth.

Mindful of his Shixiong’s advice to conserve his energy, Xu Ziqing refrained from expending too much of his own Qi. Instead, he placed a few spirit stones strategically to enhance the growth of the trees, stimulating their vitality further.

Having completed the task, Xu Ziqing approached and seated himself opposite the black-robed man with a congenial smile. “Brother Nan Zhengya, everything is in order now. Shall we catch up?”

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