Chapter 102: Star Movement |
Inside the quiet room, Chen Qing felt the strand of vigorous Qingmu true qi in his dantian.
It was like a newborn vine, slender yet containing powerful life force, slowly flowing through his meridians, nourishing his limbs and bones.
"So this is true qi?"
With a slight thought, the Qingmu true qi moved as naturally as his own limbs, flowing at will.
Only by stepping into embracing elixir strength could one generate true qi.
Once possessing true qi, martial arts power would multiply. Light-body techniques could be learned, and one could circulate protective energy, strengthen foundations, heal injuries and expel toxins... its wonderful uses were endless.
Chen Qing stood up, took the Cold Flood Dragon Spear and went to the courtyard.
Standing with spear in hand, he didn't practice complex moves, but instead sank his mind and attempted to mobilize that strand of Qingmu true qi from his dantian, slowly infusing it into the spear shaft.
Hum!
The spear shadow flashed, green energy shooting in all directions.
He gathered the Qingmu true qi within his body to the spear tip, aimed at a specially made hardwood dummy, and thrust out with one spear!
Whoosh!
Green light broke through the air, carrying a sharp whistle.
With a muffled "bang," that hardwood dummy actually exploded instantly!
One must know this dummy was specially made with extremely hard wood.
"True qi is indeed extraordinary."
Chen Qing looked at the Cold Flood Dragon Spear in his hands, his heart stirring, "However, different true qi have different attributes. If I used Kunti true qi to perform this spear technique, would the power be even greater?"
Embracing elixir strength was divided into early, middle, and late stages. The core was to open the twelve main meridians and accumulate and refine true qi.
Each meridian opened would make true qi more profound and pure, with strength rising accordingly.
The more meridians opened, the smoother true qi circulation, and the faster breathing regulation and recovery.
When experts of the same realm competed, besides physical foundation and combat skills, the depth and purity of true qi was also crucial.
A thought flashed through Chen Qing's mind, "If I cultivate the 'Nine Revolutions Flowing Gold Formula,' I would have two streams of true qi in my body. Wouldn't that give me twice the foundation of ordinary disciples?"
He secretly decided to spend more time cultivating the Nine Revolutions Flowing Gold Formula in the future to verify his conjecture.
In the afternoon, Chen Qing went to the martial repository and copied the second level of the "Qingmu Longevity Formula."
For the following month, he entered seclusion, devoting himself wholeheartedly to the meticulous refinement and application of Qingmu true qi.
He repeatedly circulated the "Qingmu Longevity Formula," causing that strand of Qingmu true qi to cycle endlessly through his meridians, constantly growing and condensing, like a trickle gradually becoming a stream.
Each breath was accompanied by true qi's subtle tempering of his body. Under this nourishment, his flesh, muscles, and bones quietly improved in strength and toughness.
Chen Qing attempted to integrate Qingmu true qi into the "Floating Light Passing Shadow Hand."
When throwing hidden weapons, not only was the speed faster and trajectory more deceptive, but the flying needles and coin darts were also imbued with a wisp of Qingmu energy, doubling their lethality.
He focused on practicing the "Mountain Suppressing Prison Spear." Although the true qi attribute slightly differed from the spear technique's essence, he didn't forcibly change the spear method's fierce nature, but instead integrated the "toughness" and "life" of Qingmu true qi into it.
The transitions between spear moves became more smooth and fluid, with the thrust's force having better follow-through. Like ancient trees with intertwined roots, after one strike the force remained hidden, adding more variations.
As the spear shaft moved, though lacking mountain-crushing might, it gained an ancient, vigorous, and endlessly vital quality.
A month later, Chen Qing changed his clothes, left the quiet room, and came to Qingmu Courtyard.
There weren't many disciples in the courtyard, appearing rather deserted.
They gathered in small groups, chatting, sparring, and exchanging experiences.
Chen Qing's gaze swept across but didn't see Luo Xinya's imposing figure.
"Eh? Junior Brother Chen?" A slightly surprised voice rang out.
Chen Qing looked toward the voice and saw it was Xu Qi speaking.
He was tall with handsome features, one of only two mid-stage embracing elixir strength disciples in Qingmu Courtyard, holding quite high status within the courtyard.
At this moment, Xu Qi was looking Chen Qing up and down with obvious surprise in his eyes.
"Senior Brother Xu." Chen Qing calmly cupped his fists in greeting.
Xu Qi walked closer a few steps, sensing the true qi fluctuations Chen Qing hadn't completely restrained, and couldn't help confirming again, "Junior Brother Chen, you... have broken through to embracing elixir strength?"
His tone was full of disbelief.
In his impression, Chen Qing was just an unremarkable nobody. He never expected him to actually break through to embracing elixir strength.
Chen Qing didn't deny it, nodding frankly, "I was fortunate to break through yesterday, still stabilizing."
The surrounding disciples who had been chatting or practicing instantly fell silent, their gazes focusing on Chen Qing with shock, envy, and even a trace of complexity.
"Junior Brother Chen actually achieved embracing elixir strength?"
"Is it real or fake?"
"The eighth embracing elixir disciple in Qingmu Courtyard."
Many began whispering.
Those who had entered the sect at the same time as Chen Qing but were still struggling in transforming strength had the most complex feelings, looking at Chen Qing with indescribable emotions.
Embracing elixir strength was truly the threshold for stepping into martial arts mastery. Within Five Terraces Sect, the status was completely different, and resource allocation vastly different as well.
"Congratulations Junior Brother Chen!"
"Congratulations Junior Brother Chen! This is truly Qingmu Courtyard's fortune!"
"Congratulations Senior Brother Chen, please give more guidance in the future!"
After brief shock, the disciples who recovered quickly came forward to congratulate.
Whether sincere or not, facing a newly advanced embracing elixir expert, their attitudes became much more respectful and enthusiastic.
Zhao Shi's expression was most conflicted.
Among everyone, he was closest to Chen Qing. Their backgrounds and opportunities seemed similar.
He both hoped for Chen Qing's success yet couldn't help feeling an indescribable sourness in his heart.
Chen Qing returned each greeting with cupped fists.
Just as everyone surrounded Chen Qing with congratulations, a disciple hurried over and respectfully greeted Chen Qing, "Senior Brother Chen, Master Li requests your presence immediately."
Chen Qing's heart stirred slightly. He cupped his fists to the surrounding disciples again, "Fellow seniors and juniors, please excuse me."
With that, he passed through the crowd and walked toward the courtyard gate filled with medicinal herb and sandalwood aromas.
Pushing open the half-closed courtyard door.
Li Baichuan wasn't sitting on the meditation cushion, nor playing chess at the low table, but was seated before a massive star constellation fate chart.
The star constellation fate chart was drawn with special materials, with points of starlight flickering with dim light.
He held several ancient tortoise shell copper coins in his hands, seemingly calculating something while facing a certain direction on the star constellation fate chart. He didn't even look up when Chen Qing entered.
Chen Qing stood quietly to the side without interrupting.
After about half a tea's time, Li Baichuan slowly put down the tortoise shells, moved his gaze from the star constellation chart, and fixed it on Chen Qing.
Those eyes filled with inner radiance lingered on Chen Qing for a moment, as if they could penetrate flesh and directly observe his dantian qi sea.
"Mm, not bad."
Li Baichuan nodded slightly and smiled, "Your foundation is fairly stable, and the Qingmu true qi is well condensed."
Qingmu Courtyard hadn't had a disciple advance to embracing elixir strength for over a year, and many elders had considerable complaints about this.
Now Chen Qing's breakthrough was good news for the entire Qingmu Courtyard.
How could he not feel pleased?
"It's all thanks to Master Li granting the heart method. This disciple dares not slack off." Chen Qing bowed respectfully.
"Dare not slack off?"
Li Baichuan's mouth curved slightly with a neither-smile-nor-frown expression, "Among Qingmu Courtyard disciples, there are many diligent ones, but few who reach embracing elixir strength."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Chen Qing again, "Embracing elixir strength is only the beginning. True qi application, martial technique integration, Qingmu longevity lies in endurance, don't be impatient."
Chen Qing solemnly replied, "This disciple will remember Master Li's teachings."
"Mm."
Li Baichuan waved his hand, his gaze returning to the star constellation fate chart, "Go then."
"Yes, this disciple takes leave."
Chen Qing bowed again and quietly withdrew from the courtyard.
That encouragement felt like routine business without special favor.
Chen Qing originally thought Master Li might bestow some benefits or guidance, but it seemed he was overthinking.
For someone as money-obsessed as Li Baichuan, wanting benefits from his hands was undoubtedly wishful thinking.
After Chen Qing left, only the star constellation chart's dim light and swirling medicinal fragrance remained in the courtyard.
Li Baichuan's eyes slightly closed, his mind seemingly wandering beyond.
After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes and muttered to himself, "Stars move three degrees, fate palace turns by itself... when will tribulation end? When will enlightenment come?"
Chen Qing had just left the back courtyard when Xu Qi approached with a smile on his face.
"Congratulations to Junior Brother Chen for officially stepping into embracing elixir realm. From now on, you're a pillar of our Qingmu Courtyard."
Xu Qi's tone was much warmer and more sincere than before, carrying a hint of peer-to-peer interaction, "Since you've achieved embracing elixir strength, you should report to the administrative office. Embracing elixir disciples in the sect don't just receive cultivation improvements, corresponding authority and benefits come with it too."
Chen Qing understood Xu Qi's intentions perfectly.
Luo Xinya and Xu Qi had long competed for Qingmu Courtyard's position of chief senior disciple.
This position represented Qingmu Courtyard when dealing with outsiders, with status comparable to an elder, and was a candidate for Qingmu Courtyard master.
Li Baichuan had no interest in worldly affairs and had never established this position. The two had been openly and secretly competing, rallying embracing elixir disciples in the courtyard, all for this position.
As they walked, Xu Qi explained in a low voice, "Five Terraces Sect has vast holdings, controlling twenty-seven cities in Yunlin Prefecture, requiring numerous executive-level experts to oversee various locations, maintain operations, and deter troublemakers."
"Serving as an executive brings monthly sect stipends. Besides regular silver, there are sect-crafted pills greatly beneficial to embracing elixir strength cultivation, plus portions of precious fish containing pure blood qi."
"More importantly is status! Executive identity means you're officially integrated into the sect's power structure. When traveling, you represent Five Terraces Sect's reputation. Many resource acquisitions and information gathering become much more convenient. Of course, you must also shoulder corresponding responsibilities."
Chen Qing listened silently and nodded.
The sect wasn't a charity. If they cultivated you, naturally they expected you to contribute.
This executive position was both welfare and responsibility, and also a stepping stone to the sect's inner circle.
Through Xu Qi's introduction, Chen Qing learned about the sect's executive responsibility categories, divided into four main types.
The first was sect patrol executives, responsible for patrolling important sect locations like the mountain gate and outer martial repository. Though without great danger, the duties were extremely tedious and mentally taxing.
After all, sect security was of utmost importance and couldn't have the slightest mistake.
The second was city garrison commanders, managing local Five Terraces Sect forces, responsible for taxation, bandit suppression, controlling local strongmen, and possible cults.
They held great power and heavy responsibility, requiring independent leadership with high autonomy.
Pang Qinghai was this type.
However, to become a commander required not only strength but also five years of executive experience.
The third was mine supervision executives, responsible for overseeing mine excavation, accounting, and security defense in remote, harsh environments.
The last was fishing ground executives, responsible for managing precious fish farms, patrolling and guarding, preventing theft, ensuring fish growth.
The environment was relatively stable, within the sect's core sphere of influence, recognized as a lucrative position.
Having worked at fishing grounds, he naturally knew the benefits there.
Ye Rong'er rarely inspected personally, mostly dispatching Chen Qing. When friends visited, she would go to the fishing ground to enjoy some precious fish.
After all, a fishing ground wasn't small, with many precious fish. This small loss wouldn't be questioned closely by the sect.
These were the benefits of fishing ground executives.
Chen Qing thanked Xu Qi and then went to the administrative office.
This place bustled with people coming and going, mostly disciples and executives handling daily sect affairs, with a serious and busy atmosphere.
After giving his name and purpose, a disciple quickly led him to a side hall.
Inside sat an elderly man wearing deep green executive elder robes, with a lean face and gentle expression.
He was Elder Zhao, responsible for personnel assignments in the administrative office.
"Disciple Chen Qing greets Elder Zhao." Chen Qing respectfully saluted.
Elder Zhao's gaze swept over Chen Qing and he nodded slightly, "Mm, sit."
"Thank you, Elder."
After Chen Qing sat down, Elder Zhao took a roster and said while flipping through it, "Chen Qing, age nineteen, Qingmu Courtyard disciple, newly advanced embracing elixir strength."
"There aren't many vacant positions lately."
Chen Qing's heart tightened slightly. Surely he wouldn't be assigned to the mines?
"Your luck is quite good, boy."
Suddenly, Elder Zhao paused his movements and smiled, "South Marsh Fishing Ground No. 7 is relatively far from the sect, but the precious fish are growing well. The previous executive was transferred, leaving the position vacant. Are you willing to go?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Qing immediately cupped his fists, "This disciple is willing!"
Elder Zhao took out a palm-sized black iron token engraved with 'South Marsh 7' and a scroll, handing them to Chen Qing, "This is your executive token and fishing ground records. The token allows free access to the fishing ground and use of certain resources. The records contain fishing ground details, personnel composition, annual output, and important notes. You must study them thoroughly."
Then he took out a brocade pouch and an exquisite jade box, "This is your monthly executive stipend, twelve hundred taels of silver. Two types of pills: first is 'Condensing True Pills,' three monthly, specially crafted for embracing elixir strength, containing gentle pure plant essence. Taking them accelerates true qi condensation and growth, basic pills for embracing elixir cultivation."
He pointed to three other differently colored pills, "These are 'Element Refining Pills,' also three monthly. These pills focus on refining true qi, removing impurities, improving true qi purity and toughness, making foundations more solid, with minor effects on breaking small bottlenecks. Using both together works even better."
"Thank you, Elder!"
Chen Qing received the token, records, and stipend.
This treatment was far more generous than before!
Twelve hundred taels of silver was already a fortune, and even more precious were those six pills.
Condensing True Pills increased true qi quantity, Element Refining Pills improved true qi quality, both rare excellent medicines.
"Go then," Elder Zhao waved his hand, "From today, you are South Marsh Fishing Ground No. 7's executive. The fishing ground is located on the southern shore of Dingbo Lake, with a map in the records. You must take office within three days. If there's anything unclear, consult the records or ask duty disciples at the administrative office. Remember, executive positions carry responsibility, don't slack off."
"This disciple understands and will certainly fulfill duties conscientiously!"
Chen Qing solemnly saluted, then left the administrative office.
…
Record Archive.
Twilight light filtered through the window lattice.
Nie Shanshan stepped lightly into the record archive, her moon-white outfit spotless.
She came to retrieve a record copy for her master Chu Jinyun.
The archive was filled with the scent of paper and ink.
Executive Zhu Ping, responsible for registration and filing, was buried in desk work, focused on updating inner court disciple information records.
She was so concentrated that she didn't immediately notice Nie Shanshan's arrival.
Nie Shanshan walked to the desk and said, "Junior Sister Zhu, I need to retrieve recent records of Limitless Demon Sect activity ranges."
Only then did Zhu Ping suddenly look up. Seeing it was Nie Shanshan, she quickly put down her brush and stood, "Senior Sister Nie! Please wait a moment."
She quickly walked to the nearby ironwood filing rack, skillfully extracted a sealed leather scroll tube, and presented it with both hands, "Senior Sister, the copy is here, properly sealed according to regulations."
"Much obliged."
Nie Shanshan took the scroll tube and casually asked, "What were you looking at just now? So focused?"
"I was reviewing the just-delivered inner court disciple change list."
Zhu Ping smiled in response, "Qingmu Courtyard has one promising disciple this month, named Chen Qing... that four-form bone structure disciple from Gaolin County actually achieved embracing elixir strength? Really... not easy."
Four-form bone structure, and embracing elixir strength in less than two years, this was considered fast even in Five Terraces Sect.
"This name seems somewhat familiar... Chen Qing."
Nie Shanshan's gaze fell on the roster before Zhu Ping, those two characters clearly entering her sight.
She remembered now.
Nie Shanshan had excellent memory.
She clearly recalled that when her master Chu Jinyun was selecting disciples, this Chen Qing's name had been specially picked out.
Four-form bone structure, eighteen years old with transforming strength, perfect fist technique... Master had evaluated him well then, even initially inclined to choose him.
Later, due to an unpaid debt to an old friend, Master ultimately abandoned Chen Qing and chose the slightly less qualified Zhang Rui.
However, now, the news inadvertently heard from Zhu Ping was like silent thunder.
Embracing elixir strength!
In Qingmu Courtyard!
That Qingmu Courtyard famous for "letting disciples fend for themselves"!
Without guidance, relying entirely on himself for resources!
He actually broke through that threshold countless people couldn't reach in such short time!
Zhu Ping's casual "not easy" comment, but Nie Shanshan knew the weight behind it.
This was far more than just "not easy" could describe.
What astonishing willpower did this require?
What tenacious determination?
Compared to Zhang Rui, still wandering in transforming strength, the difference was like heaven and earth.
A trace of indescribable regret quietly swept through Nie Shanshan's heart.
"Mm, to have such progress in Qingmu Courtyard is indeed rare."
Nie Shanshan's voice remained steady, her gaze already moving from the roster back to the scroll tube in her hands, "Junior Sister Zhu, continue with your work."
She nodded slightly, said no more, and turned to leave.
Zhu Ping watched Nie Shanshan's departing figure and blinked.
Senior Sister Nie's reaction... seemed too calm?
But thinking again, what kind of person was Senior Sister Nie?
A genius of Guishui Courtyard, with a clear sword heart. A newly advanced embracing elixir disciple from Qingmu Courtyard, however special, how could he truly catch her eye?
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