Chapter Thirty-Five: Unfathomable

Staring at Qi Fei, who held a talisman aloft with an air of tranquil composure, the disciples gathered outside the courtyard of Danxia Sect were utterly dumbfounded. Zhang Xuzhong, who had matched the senior brother blow for blow with his sinister martial skills, was nonetheless no match for Qi Fei? Even their master, a cultivator of the Fourth Heaven of Martial Dao, could not possibly have slain Zhang Xuzhong before he crushed the talisman.

Senior Brother Luo Dingshan’s expression changed abruptly, and he rushed into the courtyard; the other disciples snapped out of their shock and hurried after him. Upon entering, Luo Dingshan gazed at Zhang Xuzhong’s corpse, unable to mask his horror. Qi Fei had carried no weapon, and yet he had slain Zhang Xuzhong in a single strike? The gaping, blood-soaked wound in the corpse’s chest—could that have been made bare-handed?

Some among the less seasoned disciples had already turned pale with fright, recalling Qi Fei’s earlier humility and gentleness with a cold sweat. Zhang Xuzhong’s skills had rivaled Luo Dingshan’s, both standing at the Third Heaven of Martial Dao, yet he had been dispatched with one move by the unassuming Qi Fei. Just how deep did his cultivation run? Could he be even more formidable than their master?

Elder Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun exchanged glances as they entered, each reading the other’s shock. Qi Fei’s cultivation seemed to rest at the Third Heaven, but was, in truth, unfathomable. In retrospect, it was hardly unjust that Guo Huai had died by Qi Fei’s hands at the Cliff of Reflection.

No one could have guessed that Qi Fei had not even exerted his full strength. He had suppressed his cultivation at the Third Heaven, refrained from unleashing his domineering true qi, and yet, with only the exquisite fist technique derived from his supreme Sword Art, had slain Zhang Xuzhong in a single blow.

Now, a faint fanaticism glimmered in the eyes of those who looked at Qi Fei; even his scarred right hand seemed to them imbued with a mysterious profundity.

Mo Zhanpeng was the first to recover, clearing his throat and speaking gravely: “What has transpired today in the rear courtyard must not be spoken of. From this day forth, all disciples are to keep watch on each other. Any who leave the outer compound without leave shall be deemed traitors to the sect.”

Though the disciples’ hearts were unsettled, the sight of Zhang Xuzhong’s corpse lessened their fear of Xuan Zhen Monastery. Yet a deep confusion lingered: how could Qi Fei be so powerful? Had their master hidden his true abilities? But recalling that their master was only at the Fourth Heaven, and knowing his character, they dismissed the idea. Clearly, Qi Fei’s abilities did not originate from the master’s teachings.

Dismissing the perplexed disciples, Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun invited Qi Fei into a quiet chamber.

Looking at this inscrutable disciple, Mo Zhanpeng gave a wry smile. “Qi Fei, your cultivation surely far surpasses the Third Heaven, does it not?”

Qi Fei, now mostly recovered from his wounds and confident he could contend with even the masters of Xuan Zhen Monastery, replied with candor, “What I have learned is all thanks to your guidance, Master. I concealed my strength before out of necessity. I hope you will forgive me.”

“You risked exposing yourself to kill Zhang Xuzhong for the sake of the sect. How could I blame you? The current situation in the mountains is perilous—your caution is only natural. I ask nothing else of you, save that you lend your strength to Danxia Sect in this time of crisis.”

Qi Fei nodded. “You have shown me great kindness, Master. If not for that, I would not have risked revealing myself to kill Zhang Xuzhong.”

Elder Sun spoke up in concern. “Though Elder Mo has ordered mutual surveillance, it’s possible another like Zhang Xuzhong may emerge. If Xuan Zhen Monastery covets Qi Fei’s abilities, disaster may befall us.”

Qi Fei remained calm and smiled. “There’s no need for worry, Elder Sun. At the Cliff of Reflection, Guo Huai likewise sought to seize the opportunity I gained from the valley, and yet he perished at my hands. What I acquired has already become one with me—no outsider could ever take it.”

Elder Sun, enlightened, asked, “Then, the way you drew in spiritual energy into your Tianchong and Chengling points in a single day—that’s also the result of your opportunity?”

Qi Fei extended his scarred right hand. At a thought, the chill of the spiritual jade within him surged forth: a faint white radiance gathered around his fingertips, and, before long, the wounds on his palm began to heal.

Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun were left speechless. The power Qi Fei revealed exceeded their wildest expectations. In Danxia Sect’s hour of peril, to have such a disciple was truly a blessing.

Mo Zhanpeng turned to Elder Sun. “In my opinion, we should let Qi Fei vie for the position of Sect Master.”

Qi Fei could not help but smile wryly and quickly shook his head. “Though my skills have advanced, I have no desire to compete for the leadership. When I received my opportunity, I promised its giver that I would accomplish a great task on their behalf. Once the sect’s troubles are settled, I must descend the mountain to fulfill that promise. Please, Master, say no more.”

Disappointment flickered across the elders’ faces, though they still held hope that Qi Fei, with his boundless cultivation, might change his mind.

Qi Fei, unwilling to waste words on the matter, turned to Elder Sun. “Elder, now that I’ve drawn spiritual energy into Tianchong and Chengling, how long until I can cultivate the Profound Soul?”

“When you have opened a spiritual platform between those two points, akin to a dantian, you may practice the ‘Treatise of Transformation’ and focus your soul.”

“In that case, I will retire to the bamboo grove to cultivate. Master, Elder, my loyalty to the sect is unwavering, and I speak to you now in all honesty. Please do not press me further about the Sect Master’s seat.” With that, Qi Fei bowed and departed, unwilling to linger.

Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun exchanged helpless smiles. Qi Fei’s cultivation was unfathomable, and he was on the verge of forming his Profound Soul—a future revival of the sect would be impossible without him. Since he had no interest in leading, they could only let him be.

Qi Fei had barely stepped outside when he saw Senior Brother Luo Dingshan waiting for him. As soon as Qi Fei appeared, Luo Dingshan approached. “Brother Qi, please wait.”

Qi Fei was slightly surprised, uncertain why Luo Dingshan would block his path. He frowned and asked, “Senior Brother, what business do you have with me?”

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Luo Dingshan’s stern face. “To be honest, I am deeply troubled. I do not understand by what method you slew Zhang Xuzhong in a single move.”

Qi Fei was taken aback, then sneered, “Do you wish to seize the supreme skills I possess?”

“I dare not. I know I could not defeat Zhang Xuzhong in a hundred exchanges—how could I presume to covet your abilities? In truth, my own cultivation has stagnated these past years. I only beg you to share some guidance.” Luo Dingshan’s rugged face flushed, his manner awkward.

Qi Fei was at a loss for how to deal with this forthright but warm-hearted senior brother. Even with his master, Qi Fei had never divulged his true skills, let alone teach Luo Dingshan his martial secrets so lightly.

“My abilities were gained through fortune that day. If you seek instruction, best ask the master.”

Suddenly, Luo Dingshan dropped to his knees before Qi Fei. “If you would guide me, I, Luo Dingshan, would repay you with my life.”

Qi Fei felt vexed and forced a bitter smile. “Senior Brother, do you realize how much you embarrass me with this?”

Luo Dingshan, ashamed but unyielding, replied, “I have no other choice. I am bound by a blood vendetta, and after years of no progress, I know not when I will have my revenge. Desperation has driven me to this.”

Qi Fei slowly shook his head, refusing him directly. “In these troubled times, those burdened by vengeance are as numerous as the fish in the river. Even I lost my parents to marauding armies. Besides, I am no martial arts grandmaster. There is no need for this.”

Before Luo Dingshan could reply, Qi Fei bowed and took his leave. “I must now train in the profound arts under Elder Sun. We may speak of instruction another day.”

Luo Dingshan rose determinedly. “If you must train, I dare not hinder you. Allow me to serve as your protector.”

Qi Fei could only laugh helplessly, inwardly regretting ever revealing his strength. Rather than drawing covetous eyes, he had attracted the troublesome senior brother—a headache indeed.

Ignoring Luo Dingshan’s persistence, Qi Fei hurried toward Elder Sun’s quarters, Luo Dingshan following closely behind.

As the two figures left, more disciples, who had been hiding nearby, gathered outside.

A gaunt-faced man tugged at Jiang Yifan’s sleeve and whispered with a sly grin, “Brother Jiang, you and Brother Qi are old acquaintances. Since his skills far surpass even the master’s, why not ask him for some guidance?”

Jiang Yifan looked pained. “You heard what he said just now. It would be asking too much.”

At that moment, Mo Zhanpeng strode out and frowned at the nervous crowd. “Why are you all gathered here instead of training?”

The disciples fell silent. One bolder youth raised his head and muttered, “Senior Brother just asked Brother Qi for guidance, but was refused. Then he said he would serve as Brother Qi’s protector. We were just curious…”

Before the youth could finish, Mo Zhanpeng’s expression changed, and a bold idea struck him. His eyes widened as he shouted, “If even your senior brother has gone to be Qi Fei’s protector, what are you still doing here dawdling?”

The disciples exchanged bewildered glances, uncertain of his intent. One quick-witted disciple guessed the master meant to let them also seek instruction and spoke up, “Master is right. Why don’t we all go with Senior Brother to serve as Brother Qi’s protectors?”

Only then did the group come to their senses. “Yes, yes, let us go together!”

Knowing Qi Fei’s martial prowess was unfathomable, none of them had any heart left for solitary training. Now that the master permitted it, they bowed and hurried after the others.

Jiang Yifan shook his head with a wry smile and, after a long sigh, quickly followed as well.

(P.S. Final day of the week, finally reached 12th on the Newcomer Rankings—so exciting! There aren’t many recommendations, but I’ll look to myself for improvement and keep working hard!)