Unsheathed

This long breath of True Qi swirled around the inner wall of the cauldron like a fiery dragon, leaving a trail of flames in its wake.

When it came to the true flame required for refining items, the quantity determined whether the flame would be successfully lit up in the cauldron, while the purity of the flame determined the caliber of the refined product.

The jade slip didn’t have to take root in any of Chen Ping’an’s acupoints to be refined, so the process posed no threat to his life, and it also didn’t require as many natural treasures and sands of different varieties to refine as the water seal.

Chen Ping’an had already studied the pill refinement scripture given to him by Lu Yong for quite some time, and he had also been studying the immortal mantra on the jade slip on a daily basis. Both things were extremely comprehensive in the information that they imparted, containing the most precious insights from Lu Yong and the Burial River Goddess.

In particular, the jade slip contained the culmination of the Burial River Goddess lifetime of work, and all Chen Ping’an had to do was follow the instructions step by step.

Everything was laid out for him in fine detail, including when to inject additional breaths of True Qi to fuel the flame, when to toss what amount of which type of sand into the cauldron, and when to recite the immortal mantra inscribed onto the jade slip to summon a storm, combining the rain that fell from the heavens with the flame in the cauldron to aid in the refinement process.

Hence, even though the process was a rather wearisome one, it wasn’t particularly difficult.

Fan Junmao was seated outside the giant flower bud formed by the sea of clouds, constantly ready to issue instructions to Chen Ping’an if he were to go wrong in any of the steps, but to her surprise, Chen Ping’an was extremely calm and composed throughout the entire process.

In fact, he was so composed that he would even close his eyes to rest during the windows of time where there was nothing for him to do, and even his breathing was very measured and well-regulated.

He made no major mistakes in any of the steps, and there were occasional minor errors here and there, but that only resulted in miniscule amounts of the water essence in the jade slip seeping out of the cauldron to serve as sustenance for the sea of clouds, something that Fan Junmao was very disappointed to see.

This is your first time refining an innate spirit treasure of such a high caliber, so why aren’t you nervous at all? Can’t you make a few more mistakes?! I’ve done so much for you, surely it’s not too much to ask for you to slip up here and there to contribute a bit more water essence to my sea of clouds!

Before long, it became abundantly apparent that there was no need for her to continue watching over Chen Ping’an, so she promptly laid down and went to sleep. Everything was going so smoothly that there wasn’t any opportunity for her to profit from Chen Ping’an’s mistakes.

Just as Fan Junmao anticipated, everything continued to go smoothly all the way until the following morning.

At this point, Chen Ping’an had already completed the majority of the refinement process, and all that remained were the characters that had been inscribed onto the jade slip.

These characters had most likely been refined onto the jade slip using the same refinement method by the jade slip’s former owner. These characters harbored the true intent of the Great Dao, granting them some level of sentience, so even after their vessel in the form of the jade slip had been refined, they were still unwilling to be erased from this world.

All things inevitably developed a fear of death upon attaining sentience, but the Great Dao mandated that all living beings be subjected to the cycle of life and death. Hence, the act of cultivation went against natural order, and its ultimate goal was to cultivate an undying body that could withstand the ravages of time.

It was extremely rare to see a passage of text in an immortal mantra developing sentience on its own. Fan Junmao got up into a seated position to look down at the spritely green characters—there were over a thousand, and all of them were swirling incessantly within the Five-Colored Golden Box Cauldron.

Fan Junmao hesitated momentarily, then advised, “Chen Ping’an, I suggest you find a way to gather this passage of text. If you encounter a suitable disciple in the future, you can ingrain this passage of text directly onto their soul to impart this immortal mantra upon them.

“This is a method commonly employed by immortals to impart certain immortal techniques upon their direct disciples, and that’s why the process of passing down their inheritances is a relatively simple one for them.

“Before you pass them onto someone else, these characters will remain in your acupoint and nurture your soul from the inside. This is one of the few ways that one can nourish their soul, and there are no negative after-effects, so if you can pull this off, then it’ll truly be a huge blessing for you.”

A hesitant look appeared on Chen Ping’an’s face, and he didn’t know how to go about doing this.

“I can’t help you with this,” Fan Junmao said with a smile. “These characters that developed sentience aren’t things that you can simply capture at will with any treasures or immortal abilities. If they detect that your intentions are impure, then they’ll disintegrate right away, and even a cultivator of the Upper Five Tiers wouldn’t be able to salvage them.”

A thought immediately arose in Chen Ping’an’s mind upon hearing this. He was determined to gather all of these characters and return them to the Burial River Goddess in Green Roving Residence someday. He had never intended for these sentient characters to arise; they originated from Green Roving Residence, so they should be returned there as a piece of inheritance for the Burial River Goddess to continue to pass down.

All of the characters were darting around in a hesitant manner, but as soon as this thought occurred to Chen Ping’an, the characters immediately transformed into tiny green-robed figures that bowed down and kowtowed to him in earnest displays of gratitude.

After that, they converged to form a stream that gushed into the acupoint that Chen Ping’an intended to transform into the home for his water seal.

Fan Junmao rolled her eyes upon seeing this, then laid back down in a huff as she grumbled to herself, “Is there no end to this bastard’s luck?! I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

At this point, the jade slip had already been completely refined, and some of the taller green-robed figures gathered together, then hoisted the jade slip onto their shoulders before carrying it with them into Chen Ping’an’s acupoint.

After that, it seemed like the green-robed figures still felt like they had to do more to repay Chen Ping’an, and they began carrying out various tasks inside the acupoint. Some of them made their way over to the entrance of the acupoint to begin drawing a pair of door gods, while the others began drawing a large river on the walls of the acupoint, instantly transforming the bare and lifeless acupoint into a vibrant one that was full of exuberance.

Fan Junmao’s jaw dropped to the clouds when she saw this. She sprang to her feet as she stabbed a finger in Chen Ping’an’s direction and yelled, “Chen Ping’an, you’re the reincarnation of a rain god, aren’t you?!”

Chen Ping’an had already begun stowing the natural treasures on the cloud table back into his storage treasures, doing so in a very deliberate and meticulous fashion as he looked up at Fan Junmao and jibed, “Are you trying to suck up to me? If so, you’ve chosen a very unique angle!”

The giant flower bud formation unfurled itself at Fan Junmao’s behest, following which she arrived by Chen Ping’an’s side in an instant, scrutinizing him closely as she mused, “You don’t look like a rain god. This doesn’t make any sense! How were you able to make those tiny figures submit to you so willingly?”

Chen Ping’an paid no heed to the astonished Fan Junmao as he continued packing his things away, and after he was done, he stood up with a smile as he asked, “How do I go back?”

Fan Junmao snapped her fingers, and the sea of clouds beneath Chen Ping’an’s feet slowly parted to reveal a cloud staircase that led straight to the Dust Medicinal Shop. There were bursts of rainbow light flashing incessantly around the cloud staircase, and Chen Ping’an knew that this was the unique light produced by the clashing flows of time between two worlds.

Hence, no one in Old Dragon City aside from cultivators of the Upper Five Tiers would be able to see him as he descended the staircase.

Chen Ping’an thanked Fan Junmao before making his way down the cloud staircase, taking in the majestic sights and scenes of Old Dragon City along the way while thinking to himself that this was something worthy of recording on a bamboo slip so that he could tell Ning Yao about it the next time he saw her.

Early in the morning on the final day of the year, all of the ordinary households in Old Dragon City were already reveling in festivities, completely unaffected by the tension and apprehension in all of the city’s major clans.

The Fu Clan had lifted the lockdown in the city, so all of the streets and alleys were extremely lively and bustling.

Over at the Dust Medicinal Shop, the cloud staircase faded away as soon as Chen Ping’an set foot on the small alley.

The Zhao Clan yin soul was very relieved to see his safe return, and he asked, “Have you successfully refined your bonded item?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head as he replied with a smile, “I’ve only refined a piece of water essence, but that’s going to significantly increase my chances of successfully refining my bonded item next time.”

“That’s fantastic news,” the yin soul replied with a nod.

Chen Ping’an made his way back to the counter in the medicinal shop. He had already stowed his golden jade tablet away the night before. Otherwise, if he had worn it this entire time, then it would’ve constantly been devouring the water fortune of the sea of clouds, and Fan Junmao would’ve been furious.

At this point, Zheng Dafeng was already able to move around, and early this morning, he instructed Pei Qian to carry a small stool out to the locust tree for him so that he could could go and meet the old man that Zhu Lian had spoken so highly of. Sure enough, the old man was already there, reading a book under the locust tree, while Zhu Lian had also gotten up very early in the morning to learn from his respected senior.

As soon as Zheng Dafeng sat down onto the stool, he immediately went back on his word, dismissing Pei Qian and telling her to go back and play by herself at the shop. Pei Qian was naturally unwilling to oblige, and she extended a hand toward Zheng Dafeng, demanding that he pay her the promised compensation of one copper coin.

It was only right that she be compensated for her work, so even if Chen Ping’an were to find out, there would be no reason for him to get mad at her. Hence, she felt very justified in her demands.

Zheng Dafeng didn’t want to deal with her, so he told her that he would throw an extra copper coin in the New Year’s money that he was going to give her. Pei Qian refused to budge, telling Zheng Dafeng that she didn’t like it when other people owed her money. On top of that, owing someone money on the last day of the year was a very bad omen, so if Zheng Dafeng didn’t repay his debt, then he would have bad luck for the entirety of the following year.

The old man was reclining on a wicker chair, and he chimed in in agreement with Pei Qian, telling Zheng Dafeng that this was the worst possible time of the year to be owing someone money, and that even a debt of a single copper coin could ruin his fortunes for the entirety of the upcoming year.

Zheng Dafeng reluctantly rummaged around in his pockets for a long while, but was unable to find even half a copper coin, and right as he was wracking his brains for a solution, the old man came to his rescue.

The solution proposed by the old man was for Zheng Dafeng to sell his stool to him, and the money used to purchase the stool could then be given to Pei Qian as her compensation. Zheng Dafeng felt like this was a good solution. It was just a little stool, and he could just ask Chen Ping’an to make another one. Chen Ping’an was very good with his hands, and he also enjoyed making little crafts like furniture and bookcases.

Pei Qian rolled her eyes as he scoffed, “You two are the stingiest people I’ve ever met! Forget it, I’ll let you off the hook this time. Just treat it as an act of charity from the kindness of my heart.”

She then put on a serious expression, as if she had just done Zheng Dafeng a massive favor, and she continued, “There’s no need to thank me, just remember what I’ve done for you.”

After that, she swaggered back into the alley while practicing her walking meditation, and all of a sudden, she was struck by the urge to imitate the sweeping kick that Lu Baixiang had demonstrated. As soon as this thought sprang into her mind, she leaped up into the air, and she really was able to perform a full pirouette while kicking out in mid-air. Unfortunately, her landing was far from smooth, and she thudded to the ground like a puppet with the strings cut.

She immediately sprang back to her feet, pretending as if nothing had happened, but as soon as she entered the small alley, where she thought that she was out of sight, she immediately began jumping up and down and grimacing in pain.

“Who is this little girl? What a mischievous little bundle of joy she is!” the old man chuckled.

“She’s my young master’s unofficial disciple, and she’s indeed a very mischievous little girl,” Zhu Lian replied.

“I’ve heard much about you, esteemed senior,” Zheng Dafeng said as he cupped his fist in a respectful salute.

The old man returned his salute as he replied, “You’re far too kind, Brother Dafeng. In our circle, my title is Foot-Long Spear, and my alternate title is Young Ascended Immortal. Which celestial maiden do you currently admire the most?”

“That would be Heroine He Lian of the Invincible Divine Fist Sect!” Zheng Dafeng replied with a serious expression.

“Your taste is rather mediocre, Brother Dafeng,” the old man scoffed.

It was clear from this brief exchange that these two did not walk the same path, and Zheng Dafeng harrumphed coldly as he moved his little stool several meters away.

The old man returned the display of hostility, moving his own wicker chair away a little before sitting back down on it.

Zhu Lian was crouched down on his haunches between the stool and the wicker chair, paying no heed to what was happening around him as he continued reading with single-minded focus. The book that he was holding was an extremely expensive one that had been printed by an immortal sect, and the beautiful women drawn on its pages were capable of moving.

“It really is a huge travesty that Celestial Maiden Su Jia had to fall from grace right at the height of her prime,” Zheng Dafeng sighed.

The old man’s eyes lit up slightly upon hearing this, but he still didn’t want to engage in a conversation with Zheng Dafeng in light of their conflicting opinions on He Lian. However, he was certainly very tempted to speak up. After all, Su Jia had once been one of the top two celestial maidens under the heavens in the eyes of himself and Handsome Chivalrous Young Man.

Zheng Dafeng stroked his own chin as he mused, “Some years ago, I was fortunate enough to have been able to see Celestial Maiden He of Divine Edict Sect in person. At the time, she was walking elegantly through a forest with her white deer in tow. Thinking back now, I was but a few steps away from her…”

The old man was unable to remain silent any longer, and he turned to Zheng Dafeng as he conceded in a sheepish voice, “Now that I think about it, Heroine He Lian is also a fine choice, Brother Dafeng.”

Zheng Dafeng picked up his little stool and trudged back to the medicinal shop without a word.

The old man was silent for a long while, then suddenly slammed a fist down onto the palm of his other hand in frustration as he sighed, “Brother Dafeng has clearly seen far more of this world than I have. A fool like me should’ve never been so rude as to criticize his tastes! Now that I’ve irked Brother Dafeng, I’m one step further away from Celestial Maiden He!

“Otherwise, if I could’ve met Celestial Maiden He through Brother Dafeng, then I would be able to boast about the encounter to no end when I meet with Handsome Chivalrous Young Man in the Invincible Divine Fist Sect! Even he would have no choice but to concede his inferiority to me then!”

Zhu Lian gave a half-hearted response while continuing to read his book.

The old man laid back against his wicker chair as he sighed, “The peach blossoms of this world are so fickle and elusive. Who can pluck down such a prized flower and plant it upon their own heart?”

“That’s very deep and profound of you, Senior,” Zhu Lian praised him, finally raising his head from the book.

The old man nodded in response.

“This is a quote that I heard from Handsome Chivalrous Young Man. He’s a man of extraordinary literary talent. He can sometimes be a little crass with his words when arguing with others, but such profound quotes often escape his lips as if by second nature. If not for that, I wouldn’t have anywhere near as much respect for him as I do.”

Zhu Lian wet his fingertip with his own saliva, then turned over a page as he nodded and said, “I’ll be sure to pay this esteemed senior a visit if the opportunity presents itself.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, when are you going to be making your breakthrough to the Vajra Body Tier, and do you need me to watch over you as you make the breakthrough?” the old man suddenly asked.

“There’s no need for that, Senior,” Zhu Lian replied with a shake of his head. “With my young master watching over me, I’m sure everything will go smoothly.”

“Your young master sounds like an exceptional man,” the old man mused with a nod.

Zhu Lian suddenly closed his book, then asked, “May I ask if you’re an Unpolished Jade Tier cultivator from some powerful immortal sect, Senior?”

“You’re a little off the mark there,” the old man replied in an ambiguous manner, and Zhu Lian didn’t ask any further questions.

Knowing too much was often not a good thing, and it could hurt the bond that they currently shared.

Chen Ping’an was standing behind the counter, where the piece of Dragon Slaying Platform had already been whittled down to a thin scrap by First and Fifteenth.

Chen Ping’an had no intention of being stingy here; once this piece was used up, he was going to bring out an even larger one.

Zheng Dafeng set his little stool down outside the entrance of the shop, and even though he had already witnessed the pair of flying swords eating away at the piece of Dragon Slaying Platform countless times, he still couldn’t help but be stunned as he remarked, “These two little little things eat up even more money than your Golden Sweet Wine dao robe!”

“Are gold essence copper coins no longer being produced?” Chen Ping’an asked.

Zheng Dafeng leaned against the counter, looking down at the mesmerizing sight of the two flying swords raising sparks over the piece of Dragon Slaying Platform as he nodded in confirmation.

“Jewel Small World has already fallen, so gold essence copper coins have been made redundant, and it only makes sense that they’re not being forged anymore. At his point, even if you give them to the old man for free, he won’t accept them.”

“All I know is that gold essence copper coins are more precious than grain rain coins, but I don’t know why and by how much. How many grain rain coins can a gold essence copper coin be exchanged for?” Chen Ping’an asked.