Chapter Thirty: The Mystical Daoist Arts

Qi Fei spent another day confined to his sickbed. He had just swallowed the bitter, spicy medicinal brew when, at last, Elder Sun—a man who had cultivated the arcane arts for decades—arrived.

Mo Zhanpeng entered with Elder Sun, his expression grave as he approached Qi Fei’s bedside. “Qi Fei, have your injuries begun to heal?”

Qi Fei set down his porcelain bowl, gratitude in his eyes. “Thank you, Master. Compared to yesterday, my wounds have greatly improved. The dissipated vital energy within me is slowly gathering once more.”

“This is Elder Sun, whom I’ve mentioned to you before,” Mo Zhanpeng said, taking the bowl from Qi Fei’s hands and introducing the white-haired elder.

Elder Sun’s face warmed with a gentle smile as he regarded Qi Fei. “Last night, Elder Mo told me you wish to learn the arcane arts. If you do not mind my meager abilities, I will do my utmost to guide you.”

Qi Fei replied solemnly, “Elder Sun, you are far too modest. If I am fortunate enough to receive your guidance, I will surely repay your kindness in the future.”

Mo Zhanpeng looked at Qi Fei and asked, “Qi Fei, do you know what became of Guo Huai?”

Qi Fei felt a pang of remorse at the question. Though he trusted his master, he dared not reveal the full truth of that day before his injuries had healed.

Feigning confusion, Qi Fei said, “Guo Huai attacked me in the Fourfold Sword Array and fell from the cliff—could it be...?”

Elder Sun spoke with bitterness, “Indeed. The disciples of Arcane Truth Temple discovered Guo Huai’s corpse beneath the Cliff of Reflection. Guo Huai, once a grand elder of the sect, judging by his conduct in the hall, may have colluded with Arcane Truth Temple. It is likely even our missing sect master fell victim to his schemes. Qi Fei, you have rid our sect of a great menace. Elder Mo is fortunate to have a disciple like you—truly, I envy him.”

Qi Fei’s expression grew somber. He hadn’t expected Arcane Truth Temple to find Guo Huai’s body so quickly and worried they might trace the matter back to him. “Has Arcane Truth Temple discovered I was the one who killed Guo Huai?”

Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun exchanged smiles. “The elders of Arcane Truth Temple would never suspect that a disciple of Danxia Sect slew Guo Huai. Instead, they blame the Seven Absolutes Sect.”

Elder Sun seemed to release a long-held resentment, saying cheerfully, “When two tigers fight, one is bound to be wounded. Let’s hope Arcane Truth Temple and Seven Absolutes Sect exhaust each other, so we may have a chance to reclaim the legacy of Qingyang Peak.”

After discussing matters for a while in the chamber, Mo Zhanpeng advised Qi Fei to focus on his recovery. Elder Sun informed Qi Fei of his own residence and then left the room alongside Mo Zhanpeng.

Qi Fei lay back, slowly raising his injured right hand, gazing at the limb that had nearly been ruined. A wave of emotion washed over him.

These past six months at Danxia Sect had been fraught with peril. In the little valley, Qi Fei had once boasted shamelessly, vowing to avenge his master, Lord Bloodshadow. Now, not to mention the famed Sword Sect of Profound Heart—even Danxia, a third-rate sect, had nearly cost him his life.

Lying in bed, Qi Fei reflected deeply. After a long while, he managed a bitter smile. His master had spoken true: in this world, power reigns supreme. If one’s cultivation falters, all the caution in the world cannot prevent disaster—a single misstep could bring ruin.

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After settling his spirit, Qi Fei sat upright, cross-legged on the bed. While the medicine’s effects lingered, he swallowed a healing pill his master had given him, then began to channel his vital energy to repair his injuries.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. With rest and the subtle workings of the Profound Heaven Heart Sutra and the cold aura from the spirit jade, Qi Fei’s wounds gradually healed.

During these weeks, supported by Arcane Truth Temple, Elder Yang Zheng—who had pledged his loyalty to them—began to take charge of Qingyang Peak. As for the outer court, where Mo Zhanpeng and his allies resided, Arcane Truth Temple regarded them as insignificant insects. Out of respect for Marquis Weiwu, and to avoid the reputation of merciless slaughter, they had not acted against Danxia Sect’s outer court during this time.

Once mostly healed, Qi Fei got out of bed and practiced the Tiger Roar Fist. Aside from a lingering soreness in his right hand, his vital energy flowed smoothly, revealing no abnormalities.

Knowing that, after reaching the fifth tier of martial cultivation, further progress would be slow, Qi Fei sought Elder Sun’s guidance to begin training in the profound arcane arts.

Stepping outside, Qi Fei encountered a group of outer court disciples in the valley. Through their conversation, he learned that his master had concocted a story about his escape from the Cliff of Reflection: after six months of digging, he had discovered a secret tunnel in a cave, allowing him to survive.

Though the tale was bizarre and somewhat embarrassing, it made Qi Fei a legend in the outer court and a frequent topic of conversation. Qi Fei could only smile wryly and, after exchanging pleasantries, proceeded straight to Elder Sun’s residence.

Unlike Qingyang Peak, the outer court’s quarters were exceedingly humble. Qi Fei crossed a thick bamboo grove and found himself before several modest huts nestled deep within.

Before he could announce himself, an aged voice called from within, “Is that Qi Fei, Master Mo’s esteemed disciple?”

Qi Fei was startled—how did Elder Sun know he was outside? He sighed inwardly at the mystery of the arcane arts and quickly replied, “Yes, Elder Sun, it is I.”

Elder Sun’s laughter echoed from within. “Come in and speak.”

Qi Fei entered, immediately struck by the sight of countless bamboo scrolls and books filling the room. He paused in surprise, but managed to spot Elder Sun amidst the mountain of texts.

Elder Sun held a book and smiled. “These volumes are ordinary cultivation methods and wild tales, unworthy of Arcane Truth Temple’s attention. Thus, I brought them here to the outer court. Though my abilities are limited, I enjoy pondering the arcane arts—it is perhaps amusing to you.”

Qi Fei replied respectfully, “Elder Sun, you are too modest. I have come today to seek your guidance in cultivating the arcane arts.”

“Follow me.”

Led by Elder Sun, Qi Fei wove through the sea of books, arriving at the rear courtyard encircled by verdant bamboo.

Elder Sun sat cross-legged on a plain mat and gestured to another mat before him, indicating Qi Fei should sit. Qi Fei gathered his thoughts, seated himself before Elder Sun, and waited patiently for instruction.

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“I heard from your master that you awakened your martial soul beneath the Cliff of Reflection, reaching the third tier of martial cultivation. Sadly, your right hand was injured by Guo Huai, and your progress in martial arts may now be limited.”

Qi Fei, unwilling to complicate matters, concealed the true extent of his cultivation and the secret of the spirit jade from both his master and Elder Sun. Though he felt guilty, he replied calmly, “Precisely because of this, I wish to learn the arcane arts from you.”

Elder Sun spoke gravely. “The arcane arts are unfathomable—more difficult than martial cultivation.”

“I understand. To receive your guidance is a privilege; I will practice diligently and strive not to disappoint you.”

Elder Sun nodded slowly and continued, “The arcane arts require a cultivator to draw the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into the mind, condensing a spiritual soul, then forging the true spirit to transcend the cycle of life and death. There are seven realms: Spirit Condensation, Pure Yang, Out-of-Body, Form Transformation, Void Penetration, Profound Connection, and Heavenly Origin. My talents are modest; after decades, I have yet to reach the second realm, Pure Yang. If you choose this path, you must avoid reckless ambition, or you risk destruction of both body and soul.”

Qi Fei replied earnestly, “I will remember your teachings and never act rashly.”

Seeing Qi Fei’s humility, Elder Sun handed him a cultivation manual. “Danxia Sect excels at alchemy. Though we are not as powerful as Arcane Truth Temple or Seven Absolutes Sect, we have forged many friendships over the years and acquired numerous cultivation techniques from fallen sects and clans. This ‘Transformation Sutra’ is not the ultimate law, but it is a profound method. Take it.”

“I have set up a spirit-gathering formation around this residence. Spend the next few days here in the rear courtyard, studying the Transformation Sutra. Later, I will teach you the method of condensing spirit and soul.”

Qi Fei accepted the Transformation Sutra, his heart swelling with joy. In the valley, his master Lord Bloodshadow had been near death and unable to teach him the arcane arts. Without guidance and lacking a spiritual soul, Qi Fei dared not attempt the devilish sect’s techniques, left with treasures he could not use. Now, with Elder Sun’s instruction, mastering the arcane arts no longer seemed impossible.

Fearing Qi Fei might be careless, Elder Sun warned, “The arcane arts differ from martial cultivation. Though both harness the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, the difference is vast—never underestimate them.”

Qi Fei’s heart tightened; he quickly abandoned any sense of superiority and asked, “Elder Sun, how do the arcane arts differ from martial cultivation?”

Elder Sun pondered briefly, then explained, “Martial cultivation draws spiritual energy into the body, refining it through martial techniques to create vital energy and the martial soul, strengthening the flesh. The arcane arts condense that energy into a spirit, then cultivate true essence to strengthen and transform the spirit into the true spirit. Martial cultivators gain immense strength, their martial souls embodying the principles of yin, yang, and the five elements. With the right techniques, their vital energy manifests in many powerful forms—at their peak, they can tear the heavens asunder. Arcane cultivators, however, refine their spirit and use true essence to wield arcane techniques, sealing spiritual energy into talismans or swords to create countless magical abilities. At their peak, their true spirit can leave the body and slay enemies unseen from miles away.”

At this point, Elder Sun paused, a hint of embarrassment on his face. “My abilities are limited; I know only a little of the arcane arts. My explanations may fall short. Ultimately, you must comprehend their mysteries yourself.”

Qi Fei rose and bowed in thanks. After watching Elder Sun depart, he settled into the rear courtyard and opened the Transformation Sutra, delving into its secrets with careful study.