At daybreak, Yuling Peak was wrapped in morning mist. Faint golden light pierced through the clouds, falling on the hall's upturned eaves and refracting into fine halos. Shen Qingci had unusually risen earlier than usual. Though he had tossed and turned all night, he had used the moonlight to sort through the original's memories about the "Clear Spirit Art"—this technique was an ancient inheritance of Qingyun Sect, specifically designed to neutralize violent spiritual energy, with a natural suppressive and guiding effect on the spirit-devouring constitution. However, the cultivation threshold was extremely high, requiring a clear mind and pure spiritual energy. The original had only cultivated it to thirty percent before giving up halfway. He sat at the pearwood table in the main hall, fingertips rubbing over the opened technique manual, his eyes full of gravity. This was not only the key to helping Ling Xuan control the spirit-devouring constitution, but also crucial to maintaining their relationship and stabilizing his own safety.
"Master." A cold young voice sounded at the hall entrance. Ling Xuan wore the moon-white disciple robe Shen Qingci had given him yesterday, his posture upright, his black hair neatly tied. Compared to his previous gray cloth clothes, his features appeared even more handsome. However, he still carried some restraint, hands hanging at his sides, steps light as he entered the hall. When he bowed, his robe hem swept the ground without making a sound. Shen Qingci looked up and saw the young man's eyes still carried lingering fatigue. He must not have rested well after last night's healing. His heart inexplicably softened. He pointed to the seat beside the table: "Sit. First try this spirit bud tea. It can calm the mind. It will make it easier to enter a meditative state when cultivating the Clear Spirit Art later."
Two cups of hot tea were already prepared on the table. In the celadon tea cups, tender green spirit buds slowly unfurled in the hot water, a clear fragrance rising, refreshing the heart. Ling Xuan sat as instructed. As soon as his fingertips touched the tea cup, he felt a gentle spiritual energy spreading from his fingertips throughout his body, dispelling the lingering fatigue. He looked up at Shen Qingci and saw the master was looking down, reading the technique manual, his profile soft. Morning light fell on his hair, coating it in pale gold, actually reducing the usual cold aloofness and adding a touch of worldly charm. This appearance made him subconsciously tighten his grip on the tea cup, the wariness in his heart dissipating somewhat.
"The core of the Clear Spirit Art lies in 'using clarity to control violence, using softness to transform hardness.'" Shen Qingci put down the manual, his tone serious. "Your spirit-devouring constitution naturally has the characteristic of absorbing spiritual energy. Ordinary techniques will only intensify the violence in your body, but this technique can help you purify and transform the absorbed spiritual energy, turning it into gentle spiritual energy that you can control. This solves both the backlash problem and helps advance your cultivation." As he spoke, he raised his hand and condensed a wisp of pale cyan spiritual energy. With a light touch of his fingertip, the spiritual energy transformed into flowing bands of light, sketching out the cultivation diagram in midair. "Watch carefully. When circulating spiritual energy, you must follow these twelve meridian nodes. Remember, don't rush for quick results. If the spiritual energy circulation deviates, it will only increase the burden on your meridians."
Ling Xuan stared intently at the spiritual energy diagram in midair, his pitch-black eyes full of focus, fingertips unconsciously following the diagram's trajectory. He had been cultivating on his own since childhood, and no one had ever patiently explained technique details to him like this, let alone been willing to select a suitable technique tailored for him. Seeing his serious expression, Shen Qingci slowed his pace, explaining the technique's mantra word by word, and personally demonstrated the rhythm of spiritual energy circulation, afraid the young man would misunderstand. During a break in the explanation, he noticed Ling Xuan's fingertips were white from exertion, so he deliberately paused and pushed a plate of freshly prepared osmanthus cakes toward him: "Rest first. Cultivation requires balance between tension and relaxation. A full stomach helps focus the mind."
The osmanthus cakes were specially ordered from the kitchen early this morning, made with premium spirit osmanthus and glutinous rice, with moderate sweetness and rich fragrance. Ling Xuan looked at the exquisite pastries on the plate, his Adam's apple moving slightly. Remembering yesterday's spiritual rice cakes and looking at Shen Qingci's calm expression, he finally picked up a piece and took a small bite. The sweet but not cloying taste melted in his mouth, carrying faint spiritual energy that slid down his throat, warming his internal organs. He lowered his eyes, hiding the emotions within, but didn't notice Shen Qingci was watching him. Seeing he was willing to accept it, a barely perceptible smile appeared in Shen Qingci's eyes.
After resting for a moment, the two moved to the cultivation ground behind the main hall. Ling Xuan sat cross-legged and, following Shen Qingci's guidance, closed his eyes to calm his mind and tried to circulate the Clear Spirit Art. At first, the spiritual energy in his body was still violent and hard to control. As it flowed through his meridians, it constantly impacted his tissues, bringing waves of stabbing pain. The spirit-devouring constitution's characteristics made him unconsciously absorb the surrounding spiritual energy, causing the energy in his body to become increasingly disordered. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his temples, his brows tightly furrowed, fingertips white from clenching, yet he never stopped, his eyes full of stubbornness.
Shen Qingci stood beside him, constantly monitoring his spiritual energy fluctuations. Seeing his energy was disordered, he immediately raised his hand and placed it on his head, gently injecting spiritual energy to help stabilize his mind and guide the violent spiritual energy to follow the Clear Spirit Art's trajectory. "Don't panic. Guard your true heart. Let the spiritual energy follow the mantra. Take it slow." His voice was low and gentle, carrying a calming power. "Remember, you are the master of spiritual energy, not a puppet controlled by it."
Under Shen Qingci's guidance, Ling Xuan gradually stabilized his mind. The spiritual energy in his body no longer rampaged wildly, slowly flowing through the twelve meridian nodes. The violent aura gradually neutralized, and a faint cyan halo appeared around him. Half an hour later, he slowly opened his eyes. The violence in his eyes had dissipated considerably, replaced with more clarity. He raised his hand and felt the gentle spiritual energy flowing in his body, an expression of disbelief appearing on his face—this was the first time he had so clearly controlled his own power, without backlash, without stabbing pain, only the smoothness and warmth of spiritual energy circulation.
"Thank you, Master." Ling Xuan stood up and bowed deeply to Shen Qingci, his tone full of sincere gratitude, without the previous distance and wariness. Shen Qingci withdrew his hand and smiled, waving dismissively: "No need to thank me. This is the result of your own efforts. The Clear Spirit Art requires daily diligent practice. That's enough for today. Continue tomorrow. Remember, don't try to force breakthroughs in private. If you don't understand anything, come ask me anytime." As he spoke, he took a jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Ling Xuan. "This contains Spirit-Condensing Pills. If you feel the violence is hard to control during cultivation, take one. It will help stabilize your mind."
Ling Xuan took the jade bottle. When his fingertips touched the cool bottle, warmth surged in his heart. He gripped the bottle tightly and looked up at Shen Qingci. The master's figure was reflected in his pitch-black eyes as he said seriously: "This disciple remembers. I will not disappoint Master's expectations." Sunlight fell on both of them. The wind on the cultivation ground carried a faint osmanthus fragrance. The air was filled with rare warmth. The barrier between master and disciple gradually melted away in day after day of interaction and teaching.
When the two returned to the main hall, they happened to meet senior disciple Su Mu bringing meals. Su Mu looked at the harmonious master and disciple in the hall, his eyes full of surprise—in the past, the master had either harshly criticized or ignored Junior Brother Ling Xuan. Today, not only was he personally teaching techniques, but he had also prepared pastries and pills for him. This kind of treatment had never been given even to him, the senior disciple. He suppressed the confusion in his heart, placed the meals on the table, and bowed respectfully: "Master, Junior Brother Ling Xuan, the meals are ready."
Shen Qingci nodded, indicating they should sit and eat. The dishes on the table were rich and exquisite, all made from spiritual ingredients, nutritious and able to both satisfy hunger and nourish spiritual energy. Ling Xuan sat to the side, movements restrained, only daring to pick up dishes near him, eating slowly in small bites. Shen Qingci saw this and, without showing it, pushed a plate of steamed spirit fish toward him: "Eat more. You're at the age of growing and building foundations. Spirit fish can nourish meridians and greatly benefit your cultivation."
Ling Xuan paused, looked up at Shen Qingci, and saw the master was looking down eating, his expression natural, not like deliberate flattery. He silently picked up a piece of fish. The meat was tender, and spiritual energy spread through his body with the fish, gently nourishing his meridians. Su Mu sat across from them, watching this scene, the confusion in his heart growing, but he didn't dare ask and could only eat silently.
After the meal, Ling Xuan actively got up to clear the dishes, his movements skilled and efficient, clearly long accustomed to handling such chores. Shen Qingci watched his back, thinking of the days in the original novel when Ling Xuan struggled to survive in the mass grave. His heart inexplicably ached. He said: "From now on, let the maids handle these chores. Spend more time on cultivation." Ling Xuan's movements paused. He turned to look at him, a trace of confusion in his eyes, then nodded: "This disciple obeys."
Meanwhile, in the Third Elder's residence in Qingyun Sect, the atmosphere was particularly heavy. Zhao Peng stood with bowed head in the hall, his face full of unwillingness and resentment: "Elder, that old bastard Shen Qingci not only publicly punished me but also favors that bastard Ling Xuan everywhere, even taking him to live in Yuling Peak's main hall. He clearly doesn't put you in his eyes!" The Third Elder sat in the main seat, fingers tapping the table, his eyes full of gloom, his expression extremely unpleasant. That day at the sect competition, Shen Qingci had publicly humiliated him, punished his distant relative, and favored a low-born bastard. This had made him lose face, and hatred had long taken root in his heart.
"Shen Qingci's behavior has become increasingly abnormal recently." The Third Elder's voice was low and cold. "In the past, he treated Ling Xuan harshly in every way. Now he's suddenly changed his nature. This deliberate courting must be strange." He pondered for a moment, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes. "That boy Ling Xuan has an unclear background and harbors strange power in his body. Keeping him is always a hidden danger. If Shen Qingci wants to protect him, we'll make a point of targeting him. This will both avenge today's humiliation and probe Shen Qingci's bottom line, see what he's really up to."
Hearing this, Zhao Peng's eyes lit up. He quickly bowed: "Elder, rest assured. This disciple is willing to handle this matter! I'll definitely make that bastard Ling Xuan pay, and let Shen Qingci know who really has the say in Qingyun Sect!" The Third Elder waved his hand dismissively, his tone serious: "No need to rush. Ling Xuan is now living in Yuling Peak's main hall, which is heavily guarded. Shen Qingci is also watching constantly. Acting rashly will only alert the enemy." He paused, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "In a few days, it will be the sect's monthly trial. The trial ground is set in the Blackstone Secret Realm. The terrain there is complex, and demonic beasts run rampant—a perfect opportunity to act. Arrange a few people secretly. During the trial, 'accidentally' seriously injure Ling Xuan. This won't expose us and can eliminate this hidden danger—killing two birds with one stone."
"This disciple understands!" Zhao Peng bowed to accept the order, a flash of killing intent in his eyes, then turned and quickly left. The Third Elder watched his back, fingertips clenched, his eyes full of calculation. Let's see if Shen Qingci can protect Ling Xuan forever. If Ling Xuan dies in the trial, even if Shen Qingci is dissatisfied, he won't be able to find any evidence and will have to swallow this bitter pill.
In Yuling Peak's main hall, Shen Qingci was sitting by the window, reviewing the original's memories and sorting through the upcoming plot points. He clearly remembered that the monthly trial was the key plot in the original where Ling Xuan was ambushed by the Third Elder's faction—in his previous life, Ling Xuan had been surrounded by Zhao Peng and others in the Blackstone Secret Realm, seriously injured, and after barely escaping, had been scolded by the original for incompetence and embarrassing Yuling Peak, completely losing heart. Thinking of this, his heart tightened, fingertips unconsciously clenching. Although the plot had now deviated, the Third Elder's hostility hadn't dissipated. Ling Xuan was still in danger during the trial.
"Master." Ling Xuan's voice sounded at the door. He held that tattered cultivation manual and entered the hall. "This disciple has some questions about cultivation and would like to ask Master." Shen Qingci came back to his senses, suppressing the worry in his heart, and smiled, nodding: "Come here. I'll help you look." Ling Xuan walked to his side, spread the manual on the table, and pointed to several obscure mantras, his eyes full of confusion. Shen Qingci leaned close, patiently explaining for him. Their shoulders touched, the faint scent of ink and the young man's clear aura intertwining, warm and peaceful.
After the explanation, Shen Qingci looked at Ling Xuan, his tone serious: "In a few days, it will be the monthly trial. The Blackstone Secret Realm has complex terrain and many demonic beasts. You've just started cultivating the Clear Spirit Art, and your foundation isn't stable yet. Remember, don't be reckless. Safety comes first in everything." He paused and took a protective jade pendant from his sleeve, handing it to Ling Xuan. "This jade pendant was obtained by the original in his early years. It can block three full-power attacks from a Golden Core stage cultivator. Keep it with you. It can save your life at critical moments."
Ling Xuan took the jade pendant. The pendant was warm and cool, carved with intricate defensive runes, clearly a rare treasure. He looked up at Shen Qingci, complex emotions filling his eyes—gratitude, dependence, and a trace of emotion even he hadn't noticed. "Master, why are you so good to this disciple?" he asked quietly, his tone carrying a hint of vulnerability. "This disciple is of low birth and has an abnormal constitution. I'm not worth Master going to such trouble."
Shen Qingci's heart softened. Looking at the confusion in the young man's eyes, he reached out and gently ruffled his hair, the action natural and gentle: "You are my disciple. If I'm not good to you, who should I be good to?" He avoided Ling Xuan's burning gaze, his tone carrying deliberate authority. "Live well, cultivate hard, and help me support Yuling Peak in the future. That's the best repayment you can give me."
Ling Xuan looked at his slightly flustered appearance, the corner of his mouth curving almost imperceptibly. He gripped the jade pendant in his hand tightly and nodded solemnly: "This disciple will not disappoint Master's expectations. I will definitely return safely and help Master support Yuling Peak." Moonlight streamed through the window, falling on both of them, their figures closely pressed together. Shen Qingci looked at the young man's determined eyes, but his heart was still uneasy—the dangers of the Blackstone Secret Realm, the Third Elder's schemes, and unknown plot deviations. This trial was destined not to be peaceful.