Chapter 107: The Late Stage of Qi Refining
Half a year later.
Qingye Peak, designated by the code Xuan 17.
An ordinary outer disciple’s dwelling, not far from Song Yan’s abode.
Shao Sichao sat inside the cave dwelling, brows furrowed deeply. On the desk lay a letter.
He held a brush, sighing repeatedly.
Finally, mustering his courage, he began to write.
"Master, I hope this letter finds you well.
Since returning from Beiya Mountain half a year ago, Song Yan’s cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds, now nearing the late Qi Refinement stage.
About nine days ago, he broke through the seventh layer of Qi Refinement, ascending to the late stage.
Moreover, he has somehow acquired some sword cultivation inheritance, and his spirit is currently soaring. There is a strong possibility he will be assigned to the Changping garrison.
Changping is rife with demons, ghosts, and evil cultivators. I worry that his rapid progress might cause him to fall into demonic corruption. Should that happen, I alone would find it difficult to control.
If it is necessary for me to accompany him and monitor the situation, I humbly await your orders.
Recently, I have observed his temperament; it is no different from when he was in Shiliang Town. His inner demons have not been dispelled, yet there is no sign of him straying from the righteous path.
Curiously, though his demonic thoughts surge wildly, his behavior—aside from being somewhat ruthless in action—remains unaffected in nature.
Truly strange.
However...
Shao Sichao paused, then forced himself to continue.
On New Year’s Eve, during a casual chat, I falsely mentioned a hometown.
Unexpectedly, half a year ago, Song Yan was assigned to Beiya Mountain… I fear he may have noticed this.
Nothing else of importance.
Respectfully wishing you good health."
The letter was filled with reports of achievements, with minor flaws barely mentioned.
On the windowsill, a white carrier pigeon perched quietly.
Shao Sichao gently rolled up the letter and placed it into a slender bamboo tube.
A flicker of spiritual light swept his fingertips, activating the runes etched upon it.
He then handed the bamboo tube to the pigeon’s claw.
He lightly stroked the bird’s feathers. “Flying thousands of miles, you’ve truly endured hardship.”
“We are both brothers in misfortune. Let’s endure it together.”
He lifted the pigeon and released it into the sky.
“Sigh... When will I return home...”
...
On the other side of Qingye Peak, Xuan 39.
Song Yan sat cross-legged in his cave, drawing on the residual power of his elixirs to steadily consolidate his cultivation.
After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes.
"The Awakening Pill… truly remarkable."
He stood up and removed his clothes.
Black grime clung to various parts of his body.
When a cultivator breaks through to the late Qi Refinement stage, there is a process of cleansing the sinews and marrow, expelling accumulated toxins and pill poison, slightly enhancing one’s innate constitution.
He performed a brief Water Curtain Technique to wash away the filth, then leisurely stepped into a warm pool.
“Phew…”
Long days of arduous cultivation culminated in a breakthrough.
Though mentally fatigued, his mood was light and joyful, his entire aura rejuvenated.
His spiritual power, though concealed, radiated a faint pressure.
Nine days ago, Song Yan refined his spiritual energy, which had reached a bottleneck, into an exquisitely pure form before attempting the breakthrough.
With the potent effect of the Awakening Pill and his solid foundation, the breakthrough was well within reach.
Yet, to prevent mishaps, he also took two Spirit Condensing Pills consecutively.
After breaking through, the spiritual energy within his dantian continued to grow rapidly.
He then spent another eight or nine days fully absorbing the medicinal power and stabilizing his cultivation.
Following the breakthrough, Song Yan noticed a significant expansion of his divine sense.
The radius of his perception widened from twenty zhang to more than thirty-five zhang.
This was equivalent to the level of an ordinary cultivator at the ninth layer of Qi Refinement.
With his divine sense unleashed, he could oversee the flowing water, plants, and light throughout his entire cave dwelling.
But...
Where was Xiao He?
Suddenly,
A cool sensation pressed against his neck.
“Huh?”
Song Yan snapped his eyes open and saw Snake Treasure’s head right before him. Upon seeing him awake, it flickered its tongue.
“Xiao He… why couldn’t I sense your presence?”
Xiao He chuckled softly, “You get to cultivate, but I’m not allowed?”
With a gentle hiss,
Its snake eyes shimmered with a faint blue-gold glow. Song Yan finally sensed Xiao He’s aura.
Though still weak, it was unmistakably a genuine early first-rank beast.
“Where did you learn this cultivation method?”
Song Yan was surprised. “Could it be… you remembered it yourself after growing up?”
He had heard many rumors about the demon clans.
It was said that the cultivation methods of their descendants were inherited through their bloodline.
They would naturally recall it upon maturity.
He did not understand the reasoning but found it enviable.
Xiao He was momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded, “Ah, yes.”
Naturally, Song Yan was pleased to see Xiao He beginning to cultivate.
“Impressive!”
“Indeed.”
Puffed up by the praise, Xiao He swam about merrily.
After a while, Song Yan stood, dressed, then calmed his mind.
The exhilaration and strength gained from the breakthrough could not last forever.
Having only reached the late Qi Refinement stage, even within the Chu Kingdom’s cultivation world, he was still at the very bottom.
He needed to remain humble and patient.
After only half a day of rest, Song Yan left his cave.
Advancing to the inner sect was urgent.
Walking through the sect, many disciples hurried past with anxious expressions.
About three months had passed since the Changping garrison mission began.
Many disciples had already departed for Changping.
Song Yan had inquired beforehand and learned that many sects still had vacancies.
The reason was simple: Changping was spiritually barren and infested with demon and evil cultivators.
It was known as the “Ghost Mountain.”
Moreover, the mission was extremely dangerous, so few disciples volunteered.
Aside from necessary elders and inner sect Foundation Establishment disciples stationed there, most who went were confident in their strength or those stuck at cultivation bottlenecks for years without progress.
Now, having broken into late Qi Refinement with elders from his sect stationed there, Song Yan could mostly ensure his own safety.
The rest would be left to fate.
Within the inner sect, on Sitting Forgetfulness Peak.
Outside the General Affairs Hall.
“This senior brother, I am disciple Song Yan. I recently broke through to the late Qi Refinement stage and now wish to participate in the Heart Refining Path to advance into the inner sect.”
The hall guardian disciple studied the youthful face with curiosity, then nodded. “Please.”
Inside, numerous junior disciples guided newcomers through various procedures in an orderly manner.
Next came the Heart Refining Path.
The Heart Refining Path was a mystical formation set by the sect master and several elders.
On one hand, to prevent ill-intentioned individuals from infiltrating the inner sect and causing disasters.
On the other, to provide diligent disciples the opportunity to confront their true selves.
It was both a test and an encouragement.
Passing the Heart Refining Path required a firm dedication to the cultivation path and no ill will toward the sect.
Under normal circumstances, failure was rare.
If one failed due to unstable mindset or insufficient pursuit of the immortal path, they could try again later.
But if failure was due to the latter reason...
Then likely there would be no second chance.
Before the Heart Refining Path, the steward senior brother prepared everything for Song Yan, indicating he could begin at any time with a gentle gesture.
Taking a deep breath, Song Yan cast aside all distractions.
After a moment, he opened his eyes steadily.
With resolve, he stepped into the Heart Refining Path.
Spiritual energy swirled like mist, and the surroundings shifted like clouds and wind.
Green hills and humble cottages.
The fragrance of herbs filled the air.
An old man with white hair squatted in an herb garden, tending to a seedling.
The hem of his plain robe was stained with mud.
Exactly as in his memory.
“……”