41 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

After three whole months of busyness, the Chu Qin Sect finally welcomed a rare period of peace. Apart from taking shifts to handle daily affairs, the only task left for everyone was cultivation. Various spells, Daoist techniques, the comprehension of innate talents, and the application skills of magical tools were all meticulously scheduled by Zhang Shishi. Though the physical exhaustion was no more, the mental tension followed closely behind. At the two Spirit Gathering Arrays, someone was always cultivating. Especially at the stone platform near the pool at the foot of the mountain, there were people meditating at all times—even sleeping was done in shifts to avoid wasting a single moment. The entire sect was brimming with effusive vigor, to the point that even Yu Denuo, who occasionally visited, would praise them profusely in front of Qi Xiu, remarking that if this continues, the sect would undoubtedly achieve great success. Qi Xiu graciously accepted the compliments this time, observing the hard work of his disciples and naturally wanting to believe in a promising outcome. Ever since the cultivation of the "Black Heart Lotus," there hadn't been any significant matters requiring his attention. He secluded himself to revisit the art of talisman crafting, which he had abandoned years ago, and achieved decent results. After all, it was the only type of spiritual talisman he once knew how to craft. Within a dozen attempts after acquiring the materials, he successfully crafted one. When Yu Denuo visited, Qi Xiu seized the opportunity to consult him on whether this talisman could fetch a price in the southern frontier. Yu Denuo took the spiritual talisman from Qi Xiu's hands, and upon seeing its chaotic patterns—an indecipherable mix of elements, seeming more like a child’s doodles—he noted the undeniable spiritual energy swirling on its surface, confirming it as a first-grade talisman. “Ah, well, I have never seen such a talisman before,” Yu Denuo admitted after scrutinizing it for a while, his face slightly flushed. He chuckled awkwardly, “I must ask for Sect Leader Qi's guidance.” “This talisman isn't easily sold because suitable occasions for its use are quite rare, and it’s not something we would typically use ourselves, making it very niche. Most cultivators wouldn't recognize it,” Qi Xiu explained its effects in full detail. The "Fate Concealment Talisman," a first-grade special talisman, could obscure the monitoring of various fate-based spells, such as prophecies, retrospections, or innate abilities. After using it, within a very small area, its effects would last for a quarter-stick of incense time. “So, if I use this talisman first, within that area and time frame, and killed someone, no fate spells could trace or retrospectively look into it?” Yu Denuo, accustomed to wandering the world for over a decade, immediately grasped the talisman’s potential uses after Qi Xiu's explanation. “Not just any, only those of the same grade. Anyway, the Daoist text I learned this talisman from stated so. Regarding its actual efficacy, fate arts target the deepest and most profound aspects of a person's soul. Those who can wield such power among cultivators are exceedingly rare. I’ve never encountered one, hence it can’t be tested,” Qi Xiu replied. “Given that your sect's origins trace back to Qi Yun, and the Daoist texts note its efficacy, there probably aren't any major issues. In that case, I'll try it out in Baishan.” Yu Denuo glanced at Qi Xiu with a complex expression, "But... those who would need such a thing likely aren't good people!" Qi Xiu remained expressionless, silently retorting in his heart, "This kind of talisman isn't in demand at the ever-present Daoist Qi Yun, but in your chaotic Baishan, that's not a given. Besides, having spent some time here in the southern frontier, based on what I've seen and heard, isn't the number of immoral cultivators in Baishan quite plenty?" Of course, these thoughts couldn't be voiced, so he placated Yu Denuo with some perfunctory remarks. Yu Denuo examined the talisman thoroughly and then pointed at a faint imprint on the lower left corner of the talisman’s backside, asking, “What is the purpose of this mark?” Qi Xiu replied with a hint of pride, “This imprint is my personal mark, a tradition in Qi Yun’s talisman crafting and artifact-making to discreetly leave the sect’s and the craftsman’s name. Talisman signed by renowned talisman masters fetch a higher price. In my case, it's the characters for ‘Chu Qin Qi Xiu’ stacked together.” Yu Denuo gave a cryptic laugh, “Sect Leader Qi, you might be overthinking this. How could such a talisman leave a traceable mark? If someone uses a talisman with your mark for ill deeds and it comes to light, how would you handle it if you were blamed?” “Uh... this…” This time Qi Xiu was caught off guard, realizing his lack of experience. “Indeed, I was not thorough in my considerations; thank you, Brother Yu, for the reminder. I will make another without the imprint.” After bidding farewell to Yu Denuo, Qi Xiu strolled briskly around the Heihe Peak, a habit he had recently developed with a fixed route. He first visited He Yu, who was at the mountain's base working tirelessly, then slowly ascended, greeting disciples busy with chores along the way. At Chu Qin Hall, he exchanged pleasantries with Zhang Shishi and others cultivating there, before heading to the kitchen in the back mountain to check the next day’s menu. During these rounds, Qi Xiu felt akin to a lion patrolling his territory, proudly asserting that this was his domain, not allowing any encroachment. The grass and trees on Heihe Peak, its halls, the mountain gate's archway, the golden auspicious clouds above formed by arrays, and even the row of unsightly mud houses on the mountain’s waist—all were built through the relentless effort and toil of him and his disciples, each holding deep emotional investment. Of course, he couldn't forget the valuable red jade array disk left by Qin Siyan, despite the former sect leader’s apparent frivolity. Now, Qi Xiu held no resentment toward Qin Siyan; everyone has their own fate and persistence. Besides, if not for him, Qi Xiu might still be an unknown rogue cultivator peddling wares in Qinghe Market or a lowly member of a sect. Where would he be today? Even Yu Denuo, who was at the later stage of Qi refining, treated him with utmost respect now! After finishing his round, Qi Xiu returned satisfied to the sect leader’s chamber, closing the door to continue crafting the "Fate Concealment Talisman." First, he sat in meditation to achieve his optimal state, then carefully placed a blank first-grade talisman paper on the small table. With a brush made from spirit beast hair, dipped in a paste mixture of various materials and first-grade spirit stone powder, he began to meticulously sketch on the talisman paper. While crafting, he also infused it with various spells. Qi Xiu had picked up the preparation of this "Fate Concealment Talisman" quite quickly back then, with a decent success rate, much to the old sect leader’s surprise. This special talisman required specific innate talents to create. The old sect leader thought it might be related to Qi Xiu's natal entity, the "Red Tailed Monkey," which naturally understands yin and yang, is knowledgeable about human affairs, and adept at evading danger and prolonging life—these traits somewhat correlate with manipulating fate. However, at that time, such a talisman had no use or market in Qi Yun, and since Qi Xiu couldn't summon even a shadow of his natal entity despite numerous trials, he set it aside, ceasing further exploration. “Since there's some leisure time now, I might as well revisit it and explore the connections.” Qi Xiu resolved internally, for the allure of the Dao was such that no cultivator would abandon even a sliver of hope until the very last moment. Immersed in crafting and comprehension, he committed himself wholly to the task. As the sky outside gradually darkened, thus, another tranquil day at Heihe Peak drew to a close. However, beneath its calm exterior, subtle undercurrents were subtly stirring. (To be continued)