Chapter 20: The Rival’s Family
“Mother, this is Mingyan’s blood.” Huang Feiyan returned to the inner courtyard and found Huang Junru, who was about to visit her comatose sister, Huang Qingfei. She handed her mother the vial of blood.
The blood shimmered within the transparent glass, strangely beautiful. It was hard to believe it was human blood. Huang Junru accepted the vial, uncorked it, and inhaled the faint fragrance. She then recorked it. “This blood not only possesses potent Yang energy but also a strong life force… That must be why his regenerative abilities are so remarkable… Such a treasure. Without the ability to protect himself, he would be nothing more than a walking medicinal ingredient. It’s a wonder he’s survived this long.”
Huang Feiyan’s expression turned slightly complex. “Mother… you promised to write a recommendation letter for him.”
“Of course. Would I lie to you?” Huang Junru walked forward. “Does he have a preferred Sacred Land?”
“He doesn’t know much about them yet. I’ll tell him more later.” Huang Feiyan shook her head.
Huang Junru was silent for a moment, then said, “I wonder if Qingfei would be surprised to see you all grown up.”
Hearing her aunt’s name, Huang Feiyan bit her lip, guilt washing over her. “I’m sorry… Mother.”
“Sorry? What good is it to apologize to me?” Huang Junru scoffed. “If it weren’t for your youthful recklessness, Qingfei wouldn’t be in this state. The same goes for this time. If Mingyan hadn’t found you, and if he hadn’t been kindhearted, and if Xia Yanming hadn’t recognized you, do you think you would have survived? Do you feel any remorse for Qingfei, who has been in a coma for over ten years because of you?”
Huang Feiyan lowered her head, unable to refute her mother’s words.
“But at least you’ve done something good…” Huang Junru snorted and vanished, leaving Huang Feiyan alone. She didn’t pursue her mother. She knew she had been reckless. Although she had met Mingyan, giving her hope for her aunt’s recovery, it didn’t justify her actions. If it hadn’t been Mingyan, if his sect hadn’t been Rain Terrace Blessed Land, she might already be dead. Meeting Mingyan was a stroke of immense luck.
Huang Feiyan sighed and turned to leave.
Meanwhile, Mingyan was examining the changes in his body after his breakthrough.
The most obvious change was the increased number of springs and faster spiritual energy absorption.
The energy within his body flowed towards his abdomen, where the Qi Sea was located.
The energy gathered there, slowly accumulating.
Before reaching the Great Brook Realm, spiritual energy could only be absorbed and used, not stored. Spring Gushing and Gathering Stream cultivators had a limited supply. But at the Great Brook Realm, the energy flowed like a stream into the Qi Sea, where it could be stored. The next realm, Illuminating Sea, was when the stream became a sea… a vast ocean of spiritual energy within the Qi Sea. However, Illuminating Sea and Qi Sea were different. Although Illuminating Sea guided energy into the Qi Sea for storage, it was a “false sea,” unable to generate its own energy. Only after establishing the Yin Tomb and Yang Tomb realms and entering the true Qi Sea Realm could a cultivator generate their own spiritual energy. Only then could the Qi Sea be called a true ocean of energy.
Upon reaching the Great Brook Realm, Mingyan was surprised to find he could see inside his Qi Sea.
It was a vast, enclosed space, devoid of any visible light source, yet brightly lit.
Spiritual energy, seemingly solidified, flowed into the Qi Sea from all directions, converging into a stream… But the Qi Sea was immense. This small amount of energy was insignificant, like a needle in the ocean…
Strange… He should only be able to sense the Qi Sea’s existence at the Great Brook Realm. Only at the Illuminating Sea Realm, when enough energy had accumulated, should he be able to enter it with his consciousness… Why could he enter it now? Mingyan was puzzled, realizing this was another way he was different from others.
His consciousness stood within the Qi Sea, able to move freely, as if he were physically present.
The spiritual energy within the Qi Sea flowed like water, converging from all sides. This flow was blue, unlike the colorless energy of the outside world or the energy of Huang Junru and Huang Feiyan… Mingyan dipped his finger into the stream. The energy had no temperature, but it felt pleasant against his skin…
According to the scriptures, he could store things within his Qi Sea… Mingyan withdrew his consciousness, opened his eyes, picked up a spirit fruit from the table, enveloped it with his spiritual energy, and willed it into his Qi Sea. When he focused his consciousness inward again, he saw the spirit fruit lying on the ground within the Qi Sea…
So, he could store things like an Illuminating Sea Realm cultivator? Mingyan smiled. This was quite convenient… However, there were limitations. He couldn’t store living things, like other people or beasts. Only inanimate objects… But even so, the storage capacity was vast.
This meant he could finally choose a suitable weapon.
Most cultivators chose their weapons after reaching the Illuminating Sea Realm. Cultivators’ weapons were different from ordinary weapons. They needed to be stored within the Qi Sea, nurtured, and bound to the cultivator, becoming life-bound weapons that grew stronger alongside their owners. A bound weapon could be controlled with mere thought.
Therefore, it was best to choose a weapon after gaining access to the Qi Sea…
Mingyan opened his eyes, pondering. The quality of a weapon depended on its materials, which also determined its potential. He couldn’t make a hasty decision. Perhaps he should discuss it with Feiyan.
He left his room, intending to explore the outer courtyard.
Blessed Lands were built amidst mountains and rivers. The Huang family, however, had enclosed the mountains and rivers within their estate. Even the outer courtyard contained several mountains, creating a picturesque and refreshing environment, ideal for both cultivation and relaxation.
Mingyan entered a courtyard with a peach tree laden with ripe fruit. Grown in this energy-rich environment, the peaches must be incredibly juicy and sweet.
The tree, although not particularly tall, had ancient-looking roots. Examining its bark, Mingyan guessed it must be several hundred years old.
“This peach tree was brought back from the Yaochi Sacred Land by the former Third Miss of the Huang family, Huang Qingfei, the current Family Head’s younger sister, as a symbol of friendship between the Huang family and the Yaochi Sacred Land.”
A male voice spoke behind him. Mingyan turned and saw a young man in elegant attire approaching, holding a folding fan and smiling warmly. He looked every bit the refined nobleman.
“Although this tree isn’t a branch of the ancient Yaochi Peach Tree, it grew in the Peach Garden, imbued with its immortal energy. It’s far more potent than ordinary peach trees. Brother, why not pick one and try it? They’re quite delicious.” The young man stopped beside Mingyan.
“If it’s so precious, I shouldn’t pick it casually.” Mingyan looked at the spirit peaches on the tree and shook his head.
“Haha, may I ask for your name, Brother?” The young man chuckled, looking at him politely.
“My surname is Ming, and my given name is Yan. And you, Brother?” Mingyan responded politely, seeing his courteous demeanor.
“My surname is Zhao, and my name is Feiliu. Have you perhaps heard of me?”
“I haven’t,” Mingyan shook his head, assuming he was someone important.
Zhao Feiliu’s face stiffened slightly. He coughed. “I’m the third young master of the Zhao family. My elder brother is the renowned Zhao Feiyun.”
Mingyan looked confused and shook his head again. “I apologize, I haven’t heard of him. I’m not well-informed.”
Zhao Feiliu nearly stumbled, surprised that Mingyan hadn’t even heard of his elder brother. “Brother… you’re quite… uninformed… Well, it’s my fault. Not everyone knows my brother, let alone me. My apologies.”
“It’s fine.”
Zhao Feiliu sighed and bowed slightly. “I’ll take my leave then. Also, I must advise you, Brother, not to get too close to the Eldest Miss Huang. Although I hold nothing but respect for her, my elder brother is quite fond of her. I mean no offense, just a friendly warning…”
Mingyan understood. This was the rival’s family member… No, wait, what rival? He shook his head.
“You misunderstand my relationship with Feiyan. We’re just friends.”
Zhao Feiliu’s expression changed slightly, hearing him address Huang Feiyan so casually. “My brother has a rather fiery temper. Getting too close to Eldest Miss Huang might cause a misunderstanding.”
Mingyan frowned. That sounded rather domineering. “Can your brother control who Feiyan befriends? Is she his fiancée?”
“Not yet, but she will be.” Zhao Feiliu smiled. “Therefore, I hope…”
“How laughable. He doesn’t even have an official title and dares interfere with Feiyan’s friendships?” Mingyan’s eyebrow twitched, losing any desire to continue this conversation. “I’d like to see how ‘fiery’ your brother’s temper is.”
“There’s no need for this. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Zhao Feiliu sighed, seemingly disappointed that his warning went unheeded.
Mingyan didn’t bother being polite. “Then tell him to come find me.”
Zhao Feiliu sighed and left. Mingyan watched him go, then also sighed. Trouble had found him so quickly. Why did everyone treat Huang Feiyan as if she were his forbidden possession? Celestial Sister, you’re causing me a lot of trouble.
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