Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Jade Slip Revisited

“Could it be that you possess the cultivation methods of true cultivators and intend to trade them with me? That’s impossible.” Even the usually composed Li Xingyu was taken aback by Master Wan’s words. It wasn’t that he personally needed a cultivation method, but he understood just how rare and precious such techniques were in this world. Even methods that hadn’t been translated into the language of this planet and were recorded in the script used by cultivators remained invaluable. Whether acquired by an individual or a powerful organization, such treasures would never be traded lightly. After all, just because the script was unintelligible now didn’t mean it would remain so forever—and even if the technique’s attributes were unsuitable for the current owner, who could say it wouldn’t benefit their descendants or disciples in the future?

With a chuckle, Master Wan explained, “Young Master Li, you must be joking. Of course, we don’t have the cultivation methods of true cultivators, and even if we did, we certainly wouldn’t offer them in exchange. What we have is indeed a jade slip left behind by a cultivator. However, we don’t know exactly what it contains, and unlike other jade slips, we’ve been unable to decipher its contents.” He smiled and, after some hesitation, decided to reveal the entire origin and history of the jade slip to Li Xingyu. Master Wan was concerned that if Li Xingyu had a formidable background, and something strange were to happen to him while researching the jade slip—such as an inexplicable death—it might lead to an irreconcilable grudge with any powerful faction backing him.

So that’s how it is. After listening, Li Xingyu began to ponder the matter. If this jade slip truly was left by a cultivator, then regardless of its contents, it should prove useful to him. He had already chosen—and indeed, could only walk—the path of cultivation, and anything related to the cultivation world intrigued him. As for the story of the Pavilion Master who died mysteriously while researching the slip centuries ago, Li Xingyu wasn’t sure if it was related to the jade slip, but if it was, he suspected, based on his own understanding, that the cultivator who created the slip had set up prohibitions to prevent others from prying into its secrets. Such precautions usually protected either unique secret techniques or items of great importance.

If he obtained it, he believed that—as long as he was careful—he shouldn’t face any major trouble. Judging from what he’d learned recently, aside from a handful of proprietary weapon technologies that piqued his interest, the rest of Wanfa Sect’s offerings held little appeal for him. But even if he were to request those technologies, the odds of them agreeing were slim; those techniques constituted the very foundation of their power in the empire, and even on the planet as a whole. Moreover, those technologies might have some use in the mundane world, but once he fully embarked on the path of cultivation, they would be of no help to him.

Having weighed all this, Li Xingyu made up his mind, though he didn’t show it. After a moment’s contemplation, he said, “So, what you’re offering is a jade slip that might have been left by a cultivator, but its contents are still unreadable and unknown?” Seeing that Li Xingyu appeared uninterested, Pavilion Master Lu grew anxious and was about to speak when Li Xingyu gestured for him to stop and continued, “But didn’t you also mention a piece of paper left by a previous Pavilion Master of the Artificer’s Pavilion? Why don’t you bring both items out for me to examine before I decide?”

Relieved that Li Xingyu hadn’t outright refused, Pavilion Master Lu glanced at Master Wan, who nodded slightly. He then produced the two items and handed them to Li Xingyu. Li Xingyu first pressed the jade slip to his forehead, focusing his mind to probe its contents. As his consciousness touched the slip, he felt tremendous resistance, as though something was blocking his entry. When he tried to push through, a sudden, piercing headache struck him, as if the jade slip was devouring his consciousness. Alarmed, he swiftly withdrew his mind. After a while, the pain subsided, but unfamiliar scripts and images appeared in his mind. These characters matched those he’d found on a beast hide earlier, which he’d since learned were the written language of the cultivation realm. This convinced him that the slip truly was the legacy of a cultivator.

Though Li Xingyu was stunned internally, he betrayed nothing outwardly, giving the impression that he was simply attempting to read the slip. Realizing he had little time to study it further, he opened his eyes and put it aside. He then picked up the piece of brocade paper—a special, centuries-old material used for recording vital information and secret manuals in this world. The paper was indeed ancient, and bore unfamiliar characters and a few seemingly incomplete diagrams. Some of the script resembled that of the cultivation world.

As Li Xingyu set down the sheet, Pavilion Master Lu couldn’t contain himself and blurted, “Young Master Li, these items—” He was quickly cut off by a cough from Master Wan and, realizing his error, flushed with embarrassment and fell silent. Master Wan sighed inwardly and shook his head; his junior brother Lu was excellent in many respects and had no interest in power struggles, but when it came to technology, he tended to lose his composure. Such impatience would only encourage the other side to drive a harder bargain.

Li Xingyu, still deep in thought, took note of all this. He had grown to respect Pavilion Master Lu during their time together and was impressed by his talents and devotion to research, so he didn’t wish to keep him in suspense any longer. “Master Wan, though I don’t yet know the use of these items—and they are of no immediate value to me—I do believe they are relics of the cultivation world and may prove helpful to me in the future. Consider this my opportunity. However, I have one small request—would your sect be able to accommodate it?”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at Li Xingyu’s words, and Master Wan replied, “We are very grateful for your generosity, Young Master Li. You have indeed made a concession in this matter. If you have any other requests, please state them, and we will do our best to fulfill them if it is within our power.” Even Master Wan was a little excited now.

“In fact, all I require is a copy of your sect’s maps of the various nations,” Li Xingyu replied. Although he had obtained some maps from the Mu family before, he found them lacking in detail and accuracy. According to his research, Wanfa Sect possessed the most comprehensive and precise maps, which was why he made this request.

At first, the members of Wanfa Sect were taken aback by such a modest demand. Then they recalled their previous suspicion that Li Xingyu was a wandering swordsman traveling between nations, which clarified his intentions. It was well known that Wanfa Sect held the finest maps of the Divine Gift Empire and the surrounding lands, so it was no surprise he would ask for them. As a traveler accustomed to journeying across kingdoms, such maps would prove invaluable. This world was vast, and without a map, one could easily lose their way or waste time wandering. Traveling between nations often required passing through uninhabited or unexplored regions, which could be extremely dangerous due to harsh environments. There were even infamous forbidden zones on this planet—places where top-tier martial artists, unable to break through to new realms, had ventured together in their final years hoping for a miraculous encounter, only to vanish without a trace. And those forbidden zones were only the documented ones—who could say what other perils lurked elsewhere?

“Very well, we can agree to that request. Also, may I ask when you plan to depart, Young Master Li? If you should ever return to the Divine Gift Empire, we hope you will visit Wanfa Sect again, and perhaps share new discoveries with us in the future.” Master Wan promptly accepted Li Xingyu’s request. The exchange was quickly concluded, and after Li Xingyu indicated he would leave immediately, they tried to persuade him to stay but, seeing his resolve, did not press further.

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