Chapter 17
Afternoon.
Countless azure birds, trailing streams of light, flew towards the various pavilions, delivering news of the competition details for the Plum Immortal Assembly to the different sects.
The three Masters (Yu Shuang, Dan Feng, and Chang Yi) had gone out to conduct an on-site inspection.
It began to snow heavily again blanketing the waterside pavilions and boats, yet not a single flake drifted into the pavilions where the various sects were temporarily staying. It seemed an invisible barrier was isolating these celestial phenomena.
Thus, one could only see the snow accumulating in the square below, while the pavilions themselves remained untouched, as pristine as before.
Fei Xing remained indoors, imitating Yu Shuang by sitting cross-legged on the couch.
His consciousness was submerged in his sea of awareness.
Since the opening of his six senses, immortal energy would automatically flow into his body even when he wasn't cultivating.
Streams of immortal energy, like trickles of water, merged into the lake. The lake had grown several times larger than yesterday, faintly showing signs of transforming into a great river or sea.
Although the disciples' matches from the various sects had broadened Fei Xing's horizons, they hadn't given him much insight.
On the contrary, the fight between the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Frost Sect and the young man from the Abyssal Sea Sword Sect, though brief, was much more intense. In their back-and-forth exchange, offense and defense shifted several times, making it dazzling to watch.
Suddenly, ripples appeared on the calm lake's surface.
The ripples multiplied, forming a giant whirlpool at the lake's center.
In the next moment, this world suddenly inverted!
The water surged a thousand feet high. A colossal wave rose and fell, scooping up the lake water and transforming it into a waterspout that roared between heaven and earth.
For a moment, it was as if the roars of dragons and tigers, the galloping of beasts, and the cries of birds echoed from the waves—
Then, all fell silent.
The world was restored. The central lake condensed into a spring, calm as before.
Compared to the lake, the spring water was rather viscous, yet it was crystal clear, allowing one to see the bottom.
Fei Xing opened his eyes.
He had entered the Heart Observation Realm.
To reflect on the heart is to see one's true nature.
His heart was clear and pure, unobstructed without any barriers.
However, he didn't know where the commotion in his sea of awareness had come from just now; it was indeed shockingly intense.
Upon entering the Heart Observation Realm, as long as he could absorb immortal energy, he could abstain from food and go a month without sleep.
Suddenly, a red flower fell into the center of the spring.
Fei Xing's sea of awareness was rendered in black and white.
This red flower was like a drop of blood from the heart, glaringly vivid in this monochrome world.
It was the Drunken Immortal Passion Flower.
The joy that had just surfaced in his heart vanished instantly.
Calm down, calm down...
Now that he had reached the Heart Observation Realm, the immortal energy in his body was more condensed. Why not try to refine that demonic flower?
This thought appeared in his mind.
No. If I failed and something went wrong, with the Master not here, it could lead to a great disaster.
Fei Xing carefully probed the demonic flower. It just floated quietly in the immortal spring, neither absorbing immortal energy nor emitting anything, as if asleep and motionless.
He then checked his own body. There seemed to be no change.
His perception, however, had grown stronger.
Not only could he sense immortal energy more clearly; he could also tell exactly how many people were standing outside his door.
That's right, someone had come.
Knock, knock—
It was rare for his door to be knocked on.
He decided to set aside the matter of the demonic flower for now and wait for the Master to return before making any plans.
Fei Xing got up to open the door.
As the door opened, several female disciples were standing outside.
One was leaning against the doorframe, looking shy; another was a mix of bashfulness and joyful, a smile playing on her face; one was staring at him with wide, curious eyes; and another was turned to the side, looking disinterested, but her eyes kept glancing at him.
The others also had various expressions, but they all seemed quite curious about him.
These disciples were all of a young age. In terms of appearance and figure, while a few had potential, at present, compared to Yu Shuang and Dan Feng, they were like stars compared to the bright moon, falling far short of even Yang Chun.
Of course, having cultivated for several years, their skin was smooth and radiant, and they were all quite lovely.
But Fei Xing had spent most of his time with Yu Shuang, and had just seen the celestial beauty of the Heavenly Frost Sect's Holy Maiden that morning.
He had simply been spoiled by too much beauty.
Fei Xing asked: "What can I do for you all?"
A chorus of voices erupted, asking a jumble of different questions:
"Your name is Fei Xing?"
"Were you brought by Martial Aunt Yu Shuang?"
"What's your relationship with Martial Aunt Yu Shuang?"
"Where are you from?"
"What's your favorite food?"
"Can you use our sect's sword techniques?"
"Are you betrothed, young master?"
"..."
After they barrage of questions, their exchanged glances and started chiding each other:
"Why are you so blunt?"
"What kind of stupid question is that!"
"It's so noisy, how can he hear you clearly?"
Since the disciples attending the Plum Immortal Assembly were all chosen elites, they were the personal disciples of the Masters from Yu Shuang's generation. They didn't need to address Yu Shuang and the others as Master; Martial-Aunt was sufficient.
Everyone except Yang Chun.
Because Yang Chun wouldn't let them call her Aunt; she insisted on Elder Sister.
Fei Xing blinked and subconsciously took half a step back, saying:
"My name is Fei Xing. I've lost my memory. It was out of the kindness of Master Yu Shuang, Master Dan Feng, and Master Guang Sha that they brought me to this immortal land. I have no favorite dishes, and I have not learned your esteemed sect's sword techniques."
He hesitated for a moment, then added: "I am not married. Yes."
"Master Guang Sha was kind?"
They seemed to have heard something unbelievable, their eyes widening in unison.
Someone said, "Martial-Aunt Guang Sha was probably bewitched by his looks, too."
"Then what about Martial Aunt Dan Feng?"
They began to tease each other, their voices like chirping of birds.
"What about her?"
"She must've also been..."
The sentence stopped halfway.
The disciples fell silent, their gazes falling on a figure downstairs.
Amidst the fluttering snowflakes, a figure leaped up and landed on the corridor, looking at them with a half-smile.
Like spring blossoms emerging in the icy wilderness, her presence was dazzling.
It was Master Dan Feng.
The female disciples all lowered their heads. Master Dan Feng said sternly:
"Instead of using this good opportunity to improve your cultivation, what are you doing here gossiping?"
Her voice was not harsh, but it was still captivating as ever.
"Luckily, it was me who heard you. If your Master Aunt Yu Shuang had been here, you would be in for a scolding today. Now, go back to your cultivation."
"Yes!"
The disciples lowered their heads and returned to their rooms, two of them casting a last, reluctant glance at Fei Xing.
Fei Xing, however, felt that Master Yu Shuang wouldn't bother with such idle gossip.
But she might mention it to Master Guang Sha later.
Then they'd really be in trouble.
"Don't mind them."
Dan Feng sighed softly like a dedicated teacher:
"The younger disciples are always restless. What can be done?"
Fei Xing said, "Books say that the young are always full of energy and curiosity. That's only natural. They'll naturally calm down as they get older. Master, you need not worry."
"That is indeed true."
Dan Feng walked over, changing the subject:
"But you are quite patient, aren't you? I heard from senior sister that you've done nothing but cultivate every day since she taught you immortal arts."
"This..."
Fei Xing didn't know how to answer.
He couldn't very well say that it was because he was afraid of being corrupted by the demonic flower that he was so serious about wanting to raise his cultivation level as quickly as possible.
Seeing Fei Xing's expression, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't, Dan Feng couldn't help but laugh. It was like a bright light appearing in the long night.
"Earlier, how did you sense the sneak attack from the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Frost Sect's?"
"Hm?" Fei Xing looked a little surprised.
Dan Feng smiled, "Others might not recognize it, but do you think I can't recognize your voice?"
"I..." Fei Xing said, "I'm quite sensitive to immortal energy, and I was also very aware of the underground frost vein, so I happened to discover it."
"It was just a coincidence then?"
"Good luck, I suppose." Fei Xing thought for a moment, then changed the subject, "I've read about the Heavenly Frost Sect in books. That white-haired woman is their Holy Maiden?"
Dan Feng nodded, "The title of the Heavenly Frost Sect's Holy Maiden is passed down through generations. Her name is Sui Ri. This generation's Holy Maiden is exceptionally talented, but... her temper is still as bad as ever."
So the Heavenly Frost Sect's Holy Maidenes all have bad tempers—Fei Xing filed away this useless piece of information.
Fei Xing said, "I saw that everyone from the Heavenly Frost Sect has white hair, and the Holy Maiden is completely silver. Is this caused by their cultivation method?"
Dan Feng nodded, "The Heavenly Frost Sect's cultivation method is special. The more compatible a cultivator is, the more white hair they will have."
If the current Holy Maiden's hair is entirely white, doesn't that mean she's a chosen one?
Dan Feng walked to the nearby railing and rested the two heavy masses on her chest upon it.
Fei Xing subconsciously compared their size to Master Yu Shuang's. Dan Feng was slightly more endowed.
He didn't know if it was the demonic flower's influence, but he felt a stir in his lower body and hurriedly banished the thought from his mind.
Dan Feng asked, "By the way, did you notice the Holy Maiden's eyes?"
"I did. They were blood-red, quite terrifying."
Dan Feng gazed at the snowstorm outside the window and said:
"I once heard that the Holy Maiden has a special background. She was born under an extremely sinister and fierce blood curse, and only something of the utmost yang and cold could neutralize it. The Heavenly Frost Sect's cultivation method happens to be just that supreme yang and cold, which is why she joined them. See, such a coincidence... I wonder if it was fate."
Dan Feng's voice trailed off as she pressed a hand to her chest. Her heart was still beating, for now.
Fei Xing noticed a flicker of envy in her eyes.
What was she envious of? The Holy Maiden's blessing in disguise?
Fei Xing didn't know, but he smiled.
Noticing his change in expression, Dan Feng looked at his handsome, smiling face and asked in confusion, "What's so funny?"
"You are an immortal cultivator, striving to defy fate and achieve ascension. Yet you speak of destiny. It's truly amusing."
Dan Feng froze for a moment, then lowered her head.
"You're right."
She looked up and broke into a smile. For a moment—
The wind was like strong wine, intoxicating; the snow was like a profusion of flowers, blossoming.
"You are not a disciple of our sect, and since senior sister Yu Shuang has taught you immortal arts, I shouldn't interfere. But in the future, if senior sister is not around and you have any questions, you can come to me. If I know the answer, I will surely explain it to you."
She seemed to have let go of some worry, turning to look at Fei Xing. Her loose white robe could not hide her voluptuous figure, the slight straps at her waist outlining an alluring curve.
"Then, I thank you in advance, Master."
Fei Xing said, doing his best to avert his gaze from her eye-catching, perky buttocks.
"However, your mind is free of distracting thoughts, so I don't think you'll encounter any problems at the beginning. But cultivation also requires regular self-reflection. Seek stability, and do not be impatient. Otherwise, an imbalance of immortal energy is a minor issue; qi deviation is a major one."
She said this earnestly to Fei Xing; Yu Shuang had said something similar before.
Fei Xing asked, "What does it mean to self-reflect?"
Dan Feng said, "It is to remove distracting thoughts and bring peace to your sea of awareness. Our sword sect has a Three Frost Sword Spring for that very purpose. It is specially used for disciples to cleanse their hearts and purify their thoughts."
His own sea of awareness was quite clean at the moment… ignoring the demonic flower.
Fei Xing asked, "Can I go and soak in it too?"
"The Sword Spring is only open to the disciples of our sect." Dan Feng said with a smile, "And our sect is all female. You are a man, so it wouldn't be appropriate, would it?"
That's true. Borrowing a women's bath was indeed improper.
Fei Xing nodded and asked, "Then what does it mean to be stable?"
"It is to act naturally. For example, what is your current realm?" Dan Feng was truly like a private tutor, ready to teach him patiently.
"I just broke through to the Heart Observation Realm."
"Good, Heart Observation... wait, what?"
Dan Feng paused slightly, looking at him to confirm:
"Heart Observation Realm?"
Fei Xing nodded.
Hadn't he just started cultivating not long ago? The stage after the early Six Senses Realm isn't called the Heart Observation Realm!
Dan Feng's immortal sense swept over his body, and her expression changed.
He really was at the Heart Observation Realm! How could it be possible?!
Suddenly, she felt she understood why Yu Shuang had taught him immortal arts.
For such a prodigious talent to live out his life as a mortal would be a true waste of a heavenly gift!
But, there was one more thing…
"Have you felt any discomfort during your cultivation?"
Fei Xing shook his head and said, "When I absorb immortal energy into my body, it feels like bathing in a clear spring and a gentle breeze, it is extremely comfortable. When I break through, it's as if my sea of awareness is being cleansed, like being reborn."
"Can you control the immortal energy freely?"
"Naturally, it's like commanding my own arm." As Fei Xing spoke, a wisp of immortal energy floated from his fingertip, transforming into a lifelike dragon.
"Oh, then that's good."
Dan Feng didn't know Fei Xing as well as Yu Shuang did. After learning of his astonishing cultivation speed, her first concern was whether he was experiencing any strange problems because of it.
"You haven't... accidentally learned some unorthodox cultivation technique, have you?"
She was still a bit worried.
Fei Xing said, "Everything I've learned was taught to me by Master Yu Shuang. Currently, I've only learned one method for absorbing immortal energy, called the 'Transforming to Purity Yin-Yang Art'."
This was a widely circulated basic immortal art in the cultivation world, one that many rogue cultivators learned when they first started out.
Only then did Dan Feng feel relieved. "Oh, then that's good."
Fei Xing said, "Right now, I only want to raise my cultivation level. The other few immortal arts are not useful for that, so I've set them aside for now."
Dan Feng nodded and said, "There are no shortcuts on the path of cultivation. All righteous paths emphasize a solid, grounded foundation."
Fei Xing said, "I've read in books that dual cultivation can accelerate breakthroughs."
Hearing this, Dan Feng's eyebrows shot up, and she said sternly, "Using techniques like harvesting yin to supplement yang or harvesting yang to supplement yin to quickly advance are unforgivable evil arts. You must not harbor such evil thoughts!"
Fei Xing said, "Naturally, I was referring to the righteous path of dual cultivation."
"That requires two people to be of one mind and heart, which is extremely difficult to achieve. Besides—" Dan Feng said, turning her head to the side, "you are currently staying in our sect. Who do you plan to dual cultivate with? If senior sister were to hear you say this, she would probably throw you out. Remember, you must not mention this matter again."
"What shouldn't be mentioned?"
Yu Shuang's figure suddenly appeared beside them. She had some snowflakes in her hair, as if she had just hurried back.
She looked at the two of them, having only heard the last half of the sentence.
"It's nothing, just an unimportant little matter." Dan Feng said, "I'm going to go organize the detials for the Plum Immortal Assembly. I'll tell them about it later."
With that, she went downstairs.
Before leaving, she also glanced at Fei Xing, as if signaling him not to speak carelessly.
Yu Shuang also looked at him and said:
"You've entered the Heart Observation Realm?"
Fei Xing nodded.
"Come with me."
Yu Shuang said, heading back into the room.
Fei Xing nodded and followed her in.
This was just the right time to talk to the Master about the demonic flower.
...
*****
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