64 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

In the dim expanse of his mental sea, a tiny, multicolored stone flickered intermittently. This was the [Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart] that Qi Xiu had visualized. Ever since acquiring the [Heart-Mind True Nature Sutra] from Chu Huixin's version, Qi Xiu had diligently practiced daily. The esoteric techniques grew increasingly sophisticated through use. His visualization of the Exquisite Heart grew more detailed, with the seven apertures gradually becoming distinct, albeit remaining dark and undefined in terms of their specific functions. This heart was not something that existed in reality; it was entirely a product of Qi Xiu's visualization according to the cultivation method—a fictitious original life core to facilitate his training endeavors. Qi Xiu sat with closed eyes, seated alone in the spiritual formation of Chu Qin Temple. Today, he was attempting to break through to the third layer of Qi Refinement. All other disciples who typically cultivated there were temporarily asked to vacate, creating a perfect environment for his advancement. "Hoo~" Qi Xiu's breath grew rough, and as the Dao circulated within him over several cycles, it approached perfect harmony. The pool of spiritual energy in his dantian was on the verge of overflowing, resembling an invisible disc-shaped force suppressing the surface. This brought a heavy, irresistible pressure where advancing even slightly more was impossible. He understood that this was the tangible manifestation of the third level of Qi Refinement, the first significant threshold in cultivation that he hadn't approached for over twenty years. Now, finally having a chance to break through, a sense of apprehension welled in his heart. "After more than twenty years, what's the harm in failure? Embrace tranquility, non-action, like a solitary moon reflecting through turbulent winds, I remain unmovable, letting fate take its course." Qi Xiu collected his thoughts, quelling chaotic emotions, and maintained his inner focus. He mobilized all the spiritual energy within him, gradually aligning with a profound truth of the Dao in the [Exquisite Tower] before him. Following the path of its circulation, he began breaking through the constraints that suppressed his own cultivation. The path of cultivation lies in transcending oneself; both the assault and the bindings are two sides of the same person, akin to battling oneself. The success or failure ultimately depended on his Dao heart cultivation, external support, comprehension of his state, and fortuitous circumstances. With wave after wave of impact, the restrictions began to slowly loosen. The spiritual pool consumed greatly but continued to absorb surrounding spiritual energy to replenish itself, arduously inching upwards. Time was forgotten, the environment was forgotten, even his physical form was forgotten. In a profound state of meditation, an indeterminate length of time passed. Finally, the Exquisite Heart in his mental sea radiated brightly, giving a sudden leap. The [Exquisite Tower] before him, drawn by energy, slowly floated of its own accord, releasing an exquisite intent, resonating with his mental sea. "Clang!" The sound of something shattering internally jolted Qi Xiu out of his deep meditation. Upon reassessing his cultivation state, he found the spiritual pool within him had doubled in size, unknowingly crossing that threshold and entering the third layer of Qi Refinement. Drenched in sweat, his face mixed with tears and perspiration, Qi Xiu, having made no progress for over twenty years, now found himself at age thirty-two finally entering a new realm! Fetching several pre-prepared pills from his pocket to replenish his depleted energy, Qi Xiu, jubilant, began examining the rewards of his breakthrough. Besides the advancement in cultivation, his mastery of the [Heart-Mind True Nature Sutra] had also sharpened. Most significantly, he had unlocked two innate talents! Ever since the Red Shirt Master was unable to perform a soul search on him, Qi Xiu harbored doubts about his abilities. Now, everything became clear. Within his mental sea, two apertures of the [Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart] had illuminated—one was a talent realized through this advancement, while the other was a talent he had possessed all along but had never acknowledged. Firstly, Qi Xiu's initial innate talent had been unconsciously realized long ago, possibly before he began crafting [Fate Hiding Talismans] and potentially even inherent from his [Fiery Monkey] life form, which is why it went unnoticed. This talent was called [Beyond Fate's Calculation]. Why was he able to create talismans impervious to the influences of destiny magic? Why could even Nascent Soul cultivators not seize his memories through soul search? Why was he chosen by Chu Duo to partake in such a morally reprehensible act of stealing infants with grievous implications? It was all because of this innate talent! [Beyond Fate's Calculation], unconsciously conforming with the Fiery Monkey's abilities to disrupt fate, prolonged life, and aligning with the Exquisite Intents of the [Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart], rendered Qi Xiu's actions impervious to any destiny technique's prediction or calculation. His memories could not be retrieved by any means, and his soul immune to any magical control! What an overwhelmingly powerful talent! How could the southern Chu Sect resist using this rare capability of Qi Xiu to perform not only sinister but also highly consequential secretive endeavors! The second innate talent was prompted by the [Heart-Mind True Nature Sutra], again aligning with certain aspects of both his [Fiery Monkey] and [Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart] abilities, christened [Clarity of Inner Mind]. This, too, was a formidable talent. For cultivators, much of their struggle lies in battling internal desires, doubts about existence, life's myriad worries, and such delusions that cloud the heart. Qi Xiu, by employing [Clarity of Inner Mind], would be impervious to all disruptions, attaining direct insight into his true self. Future cultivation would be free from countless obstacles and unseen dangers. Learning of his acquisition of such potent talents, Qi Xiu was ecstatic, sitting alone in the hall, laughing uncontrollably, unable to contain his joy. "Congratulations, you seem quite elated; I presume you've gained much?" A cold voice suddenly echoed through the hall, startling Qi Xiu out of his ecstasy, draining his newfound energy in an instant. Looking up, he saw that Chu Duo had appeared before him at some point, though the space had previously been empty. “Master Chu... Elder Chu, when did you arrive?” Qi Xiu asked awkwardly, his mood dampened by the ominous figure before him. “I've been here for a while, watching you as you reached the critical moment in your cultivation,” Chu Duo maintained his vulture-like expression, though his tone carried an unusual subtext, as if to say, “See, I've been good to you, haven't I?” "Let's skip the pleasantries. You've been performing well lately, I'm pleased," Chu Duo continued with the same dry tone. The family had sent another couple to Hei River Peak after the last dragon and phoenix twins event. Just like before, they quickly “produced” a child sent back to the southern Chu Sect by their “relatives.” The same script as before, unaltered, pressured Qi Xiu to continue playing along seamlessly. “I live to serve, as per the Old Master's instruction,” Qi Xiu replied, careful to show nothing but willingness. “Good that you know.” Chu Duo's visage grew serious as he directly transmitted into Qi Xiu's mind, "Remember, if Zhao Liangde asks for your help with anything, agree to it. Then report every detail to me." Zhao Liangde? Could it be that the southern Chu Sect had designs against the Beast Taming Sect? Qi Xiu's thoughts raced, but given Chu Duo's solemn command, he dared not slack, responding reverently, “Understood!” Prostrated for a lengthy period without a response from Chu Duo, Qi Xiu mustered the courage to look up, only to find the hall empty once more. Chu Duo had long departed. If the southern Chu Sect had a debt of gratitude for maintaining his sect, Qi Xiu felt he had equally repaid his due by risking his life in their tasks. Yet having stepped onto this veritable pirate ship, stepping off seemed an impossibility. Whatever instructions Chu Duo gave, Qi Xiu was bound to follow. Cursing Chu Duo internally, he opened the temple doors. Yu Den.uo was the first to approach him with congratulations, "Congratulations, Sect Master, may your path of the Dao advance another step!" All the disciples joined in the chorus of blessings. Even Zhan Yuan and others had returned, waiting outside the main hall for who knew how long. “Thank you, thank you…” Moved by their concern and elated to rekindle his path to cultivation, Qi Xiu found himself tearing up once more. After the tumultuous congratulatory chaos, Zhang Shishi stepped forward, presenting Qi Xiu with an invitation. “This is from Zhao Liangde, inviting you to attend some racing spectacle after the new year.” “Ahh…” Qi Xiu drew in a sharp breath, “How coincidental!?”