Chapter 8: Yin Shihang

Now, the vitality within Yu Qiushui’s body not only surpassed what it had been in the past but had also broken through the shackles of his cultivation that had persisted for many years. Still, he understood that, precious as this gift was, with Senior Zhu present, how could he dare to act recklessly?

“One grain of rice could buy our entire sect?”

Leng Qianxue’s beautiful eyes were filled with astonishment; such a priceless thing was, in Senior Zhu’s words, just a makeshift meal?

Was this the vision of the truly powerful?

“Are you thirsty?” Zhu Xiaoyuan, seeing the change in their expressions, thought perhaps they had burned their mouths. He quickly added, “One mustn’t rush when drinking porridge; only at the right temperature will it do. Why not have some tea first?”

With that, he poured tea for the three of them.

Immediately, all three accepted the cups with deep respect.

The moment the tea slid down Yu Qiushui’s throat, he was overcome with joy. Was this really just tea? It might as well have been divine water! A single sip cleansed both his spirit and his divine sense. In that instant, he gained complete insight into the state of his body.

With his transformed divine sense, he perceived remnants of flaws in his cultivation. The tea, as soon as it entered his body, instantly mended those imperfections.

His previously unstable cultivation, made so by his rapid progress, was now steady as a mountain.

What extraordinary fortune was this?

Were it not for the tea’s cleansing effect, they would never have noticed the many flaws in their cultivation, which could have led to dire consequences in the future.

Now, after drinking the tea, their hearts and foundations were thoroughly stabilized.

Yu Qiushui gazed at Zhu Xiaoyuan in awe. As expected of a true master, he must have seen through their situations at a glance, hence his earlier words.

He immediately bowed deeply to Zhu Xiaoyuan. “Senior, your kindness—both I and the Fire Moon Sect shall never forget it.”

Beside him, Huang Xiantang and Leng Qianxue likewise knelt in gratitude.

Zhu Xiaoyuan, however, looked utterly perplexed.

Had he not merely served them a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea? Was all this ceremony really necessary?

Were all cultivators so… odd in the head?

He wondered if the three of them were from the very lowest rungs of the cultivation world—so poor they could barely feed themselves, forced to beg in this mountain village. How pitiful.

“There’s no need for such formality,” Zhu Xiaoyuan said. “A meeting is fate; it was a trifling matter!”

Afterward, Zhu Xiaoyuan continued, “Since you’ve eaten porridge and drunk your tea, it’s time for you to leave.”

Hearing this, Yu Qiushui and the others could only sigh in resignation. As expected, the cause and effect between them had now been settled. From this point on, it seemed likely that Senior Zhu would have nothing more to do with the Fire Moon Sect.

“Then we shall take our leave,” Yu Qiushui said, bowing deeply.

The three of them prepared to depart. Before leaving, Leng Qianxue’s eyes showed a flicker of hesitation. Haltingly, she asked, “Senior, may I… may I come here again in the future?”

Her tone was full of hope.

Yu Qiushui and Huang Xiantang’s eyes narrowed; their hearts seized with anxiety.

How could one make such a bold request of a figure as terrifying as Senior Zhu? If he was displeased, would he not erase the Fire Moon Sect with a wave of his hand?

But Zhu Xiaoyuan only smiled faintly. Leng Qianxue had left a good impression on him. “Of course.”

How could he refuse a visit from a woman of such exceptional beauty?

Leng Qianxue’s mood immediately soared; she was nearly unable to contain her delight and almost skipped for joy. Blushing slightly, she said, “Thank you, Senior, for your generosity!”

Zhu Xiaoyuan then escorted them out of the village.

…

“Qianxue, do you know how worried I was for you just now?” Once they had left the village, Huang Xiantang wiped the sweat from his brow and let out a breath of relief.

“Since Senior has agreed, this is your great fortune, Qianxue. Remember, always speak with Senior as much as possible, and never show the slightest neglect!” Yu Qiushui’s heart was filled with gratitude. Though Senior Zhu had not agreed to help the Fire Moon Sect outright, as long as Qianxue remained welcome, there would be a connection between them. Should disaster ever befall the Fire Moon Sect, surely Senior would not stand idly by.

Leng Qianxue was smiling as well. “From what I see, Senior Zhu is gentle and not at all rigid. He’s a man one can get along with… and not at all like the self-important types in our world!”

Her eyes sparkled. Despite his immeasurable depth, he was content to live in a humble, remote village, his manner refined and courteous.

Surely, this was the true demeanor of a cultivator.

“Qianxue, from your aura, have you already broken through the Ninth Heaven of Nascent Soul?” asked Huang Xiantang.

At the mention of cultivation, the three of them could hardly contain their excitement.

“That’s right, I’ve reached the peak of Nascent Soul. And what’s more, the Dao intent within the tea continues to flow within me. In the future, I’m certain I’ll break through to the Spirit Severing stage,” Leng Qianxue said, elated.

“As expected of a true master! With a mere gesture, he’s raised the Fire Moon Sect’s power to such a terrifying level. I myself have broken through to the seventh level of Spirit Severing,” Huang Xiantang said, brimming with confidence. In the entire Anluan Kingdom, the Fire Moon Sect would no longer have to bow to anyone.

“And you, Master?” he asked, turning to Yu Qiushui.

Yu Qiushui wore a satisfied smile. “My foundation is a bit steadier than yours. With the help of the tea’s Dao intent, I’ve reached the pinnacle of Spirit Severing, and my lifespan has increased by three hundred years!”

Hearing this, Huang Xiantang could not help but sigh in awe. “Senior Zhu is truly a being beyond comprehension.”

As they spoke, they arrived at the edge of the village.

“What’s this…?”

Suddenly, Yu Qiushui’s expression shifted. He sent his divine sense into the sky.

There, a blazing red light had appeared, painting the heavens a fiery crimson. Atop the flames sat a middle-aged man with a commanding presence, his gaze cold as he looked down upon the three below.

“Chi Flame Sect—Yin Shihang!” Huang Xiantang’s voice grew heavy.

The man in the flames was none other than the master of the Chi Flame Sect.

They had not expected this man to track them down.

“Yin Shihang, your nose is as keen as a hound’s! You actually managed to trace us here,” Huang Xiantang said coldly.

Above, Yin Shihang looked down at them with disdain. “I have but one purpose in coming here,” he declared.

“Submit to the Chi Flame Sect, or I will send you into the cycle of reincarnation!”

Huang Xiantang’s eyes flashed with cold light as he stepped forward. “Dream on! Do you really think the Fire Moon Sect is a pushover for you to crush at will?”

Yin Shihang shook his head with scorn. “No, you’re not even worthy of being called a pushover.”

“I’m only giving you a chance because I’m in a good mood. Otherwise, I’d wipe out your entire sect without a word!”

Arrogant and overbearing, he did not regard the Fire Moon Sect as anything at all.

Even as he spoke, a terrifying aura erupted from him, filling the sky with oppressive might.

Spirit Severing, Ninth Heaven.

“Back then, your Fire Moon Sect’s ancestor was only at this level. And now, he is long dead!”