NOVPUBT/N: 1: I will be editing all the chapters starting from this weekend, Saturday the 13th, covering chapters 4 to the current chapter. This revision is primarily to ensure consistency in the realms of cultivation and some minor errors, thanks to a helpful comment that pointed out some inconsistencies with the realms. I will also correct any minor errors I notice during this process. Here’s the updated and consistent list of cultivation realms that will be used from now on:
Original Translation(Sometimes I wrote their synonyms in previous chapters)Improved TranslationChinese Characters Qi Refining (-) Qi Condensation 炼精境 (Liànjīng jìng) Qi Condensation Foundation Establishment 练气境 (Liànqì jìng) Spirit Refinement Core Formation 炼神境 (Liànshén jìng) Reversion Nascent Soul 返虚境 (Fǎnxū jìng) Dao Awakening Soul Transformation 悟道境 (Wùdào jìng) Unified with Dao (+) Dao Integration 合道境 (Hédào jìng)
2: Also I will change Furnace(炉鼎) to Vessel
Update 29/07/24: All previous chapters are fixed (Or so I think). You can ignore the previous notice if you’ve already read the previous chapters with the improved Realms terms edited.
Mu Zhi’an was taken aback by the founding Peak Master’s question.
However, he quickly understood.
As Nascent Soul cultivators, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to sense his unique constitution.
“It’s true. I am an Inborn Celestial Vessel,” he confirmed respectfully.
Ying Guhuan’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she studied him. “You may leave. I’ll contact you if I need anything else.”
He bowed, then turned and left the back mountain, relief washing over him.
She might be beautiful, but she wasn’t as captivating as Ruoxi… It wasn’t just because of her predatory aura. All signs pointed to her being the “Seventh Seat” mentioned by the black-robed figure.
If she was truly the Seventh Seat, he had to ensure she didn’t discover the Heavenly Dao Aura.
This could be tricky… Mu Zhi’an pondered as he made his way down the mountain.
The Heavenly Dao Aura currently resided within Bai Ruoxi, and the founding Peak Master rarely left her seclusion. The chances of her discovering it were slim.
However, what if someone reported him…?
He reached the foot of the mountain and found the Dao Peak elder waiting for him.
“Greetings, Elder,” he said, bowing respectfully.
The elder, a beautiful woman with a captivating figure, smiled warmly. “Come with me,” she said, her voice surprisingly gentle.
He followed her to Dao Peak, where he found Yu Ziyan meditating in the main hall.
“Peak Master, I’ve brought him,” the elder announced.
“Very well. You may leave,” Yu Ziyan replied, her eyes still closed.
The elder hesitated. “Peak Master—”
“Leave us,” Yu Ziyan repeated, opening her eyes and smiling faintly.
Once the elder had left, Yu Ziyan gestured for Mu Zhi’an to take a seat.
“You just visited Boundless Sea Peak?” she asked, her voice as pleasant as ever.
He nodded. “Senior Yi Hao’s Master seemed interested in me and asked me a few questions.”
“Yi Hao’s Master?” Surprise flickered in her eyes. “She granted you an audience?”
Could she have discovered his Inborn Celestial Vessel constitution as well?
But Ying Guhuan hadn’t left Boundless Sea Peak recently. How could she have known?
“What did she say?”
“Just some general questions. Nothing of importance,” he said, shaking his head.
“What kind of person is she?” he asked curiously.
She studied him with a playful smile. “Are you interested in her, Young Master Mu?”
He shook his head, chuckling. “Of course not, Peak Master. I’m just curious.”
“I heard she’s a powerful cultivator. Naturally, I was a bit nervous when she summoned me…” He paused, hoping to glean some information from her.
“I don’t know much about Peak Master Ying. I’ve only met her once, but she’s undoubtedly strong.” She paused, then continued, “However, if I can break through to the next stage, I’ll be on par with her soon enough.”
“The path of cultivation is long and arduous. Many elders within the sect, myself included, have spent years, even decades, within the Nascent Soul Realm.”
She twirled her teacup between her fingers, sighing softly. “It’s not that cultivation is inherently difficult. It’s the comprehension required for each stage. Without sufficient fortune, it can take an eternity.”
He was intrigued. “Is it that difficult to advance within the Nascent Soul Realm?”
She nodded. “It is. The challenge lies in understanding the essence of the Nascent Soul Realm. Most elders, myself included, are stuck at a particular stage.”
Her tone shifted slightly. “However, if one were to receive a boost of spiritual energy, a breakthrough would be within reach…”
She glanced at him pointedly.
He understood her meaning but feigned ignorance. He took a sip of his tea, his expression carefully neutral. “Where would one obtain such spiritual energy, Peak Master?”
“External assistance,” she replied.
“It can’t be from one’s own Cultivation Vessel’s spiritual energy. It has to come from… another Cultivation Vessel.”
Her implication was crystal clear.
Understanding dawned on Mu Zhi’an.
So that’s why Master Yan recruited me… She’s after my body as well…
He sighed dramatically. “I had no idea the Nascent Soul Realm was so challenging.”
He paused, then continued, “You’ve been so kind to me, Peak Master. If there’s anything I can do to repay your kindness, I’ll do my best.”
“However, with my current strength, it might be a while before I’m of any real assistance…”
She smiled graciously. “You’re too modest, Young Master Mu.”
After all, it wasn’t his strength that mattered, but his unique constitution as a Cultivation Vessel.
With his help, anything was possible.
Perhaps even reaching the Soul Transformation Realm…
As the thought crossed her mind, her gaze lingered on his handsome features.
If she recalled correctly, the effectiveness of dual cultivation with a Celestial Vessel increased with the cultivator’s strength…
The stronger the cultivator, the more potent their spiritual energy.
And upon reaching the Core Formation Realm, the vessel’s capacity would more than double…
Her eyes flickered with anticipation. She discreetly retrieved two jade bottles from her sleeve and placed them on the table before him.
He eyed the bottles curiously. “What are these, Peak Master?”
“Qi Gathering Pills. Dissolve one in your bathwater, and your cultivation will improve significantly,” she explained, her smile radiating warmth and concern.
She’s loaded… He hesitated, then shook his head. “I can’t accept these, Peak Master.”
She chuckled softly. “You brought two talented young disciples to our peak. It’s only right that I reward you. Besides, your Master and I are close. There’s no need to be so polite.”
“There are thirty Qi Gathering Pills in these bottles. They’re not difficult for me to refine, so don’t worry. Just accept them.”
He hesitated for a moment before accepting the bottles with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Peak Master!”
They chatted for a while longer, her words filled with genuine concern.
Before he left, she even arranged for an elder to escort him back to his residence.
Everyone in this sect is so kind and generous… He thought, glancing at the beautiful elder walking beside him.
“What did the Peak Master discuss with you, young friend?” the Second Elder of Dao Peak asked as they approached the Jade Glass Palace.
“Just some general advice. She encouraged me to focus on my cultivation,” he replied, bowing slightly.
So the Peak Master wants him to reach the Core Formation Realm as soon as possible… The Second Elder nodded thoughtfully, then retrieved a jade bottle from her storage ring.
“These are Fifth-Grade Essence Replenishing Pills. They’ll help you recover your energy after cultivating. Take one if you feel tired.”
He stared at her, his eyes lingering on her beautiful features and her unwavering gaze. He hesitated for a moment before accepting the bottle.
“Thank you, Second Elder. I’m eternally grateful for your kindness. If there’s anything I can do to repay you, I won’t hesitate,” he said, repeating his earlier sentiment.
The Second Elder’s brow arched in approval. She exchanged a few more pleasantries with him before departing.
The Peak Master can’t have him all to herself… Once he reaches the Core Formation Realm, it’ll be my turn.
…
Mu Zhi’an returned to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony but didn’t go straight to his room. He went to Lin Ling’s room and knocked gently.
“Aaa?” Her voice called out from within.
He entered to find her playing a game of Go. She held the black pieces, and with each move she made, a white piece would appear after a brief pause.
She glanced at him and tapped a message on the table.
“What is it?”
He nodded. “Sister Lin, I visited Boundless Sea Peak today and met with the founding Peak Master.”
He had switched from calling her “Senior” to “Sister,” but she didn’t seem to mind. She blinked her crimson eyes curiously, waiting for him to continue.
“It seems the Peak Masters can all sense my Cultivation Vessel constitution… I’m worried that if you transfer some of your destiny to me, including a portion of the Heavenly Dao Aura, they might detect it.”
“That could be problematic…” He explained his concerns.
She stared at him calmly, then wrote on the table: “What do you propose?”
“Is there a way to conceal my constitution as a Cultivation Vessel, to mask the Heavenly Dao Aura?”
She pondered for a moment, then nodded. She tore a piece of paper in half and drew strange symbols on each piece.
She muttered something under her breath, then handed him the two pieces of paper.
“Will this work…?” He eyed her skeptically. He wasn’t entirely convinced.
She nodded reassuringly.
Trusting her judgment, he accepted the two pieces of paper.
“Thank you, Sister!”
He left her room, and she resumed her game of Go.
He went to Ye Lingxuan’s residence and gave her a third of the Qi Gathering Pills.
“Qi Gathering Pills…?” She stared at him in surprise. “Where did you get these, Brother Mu?”
Although they were Fifth-Grade pills, the recipe was rare and difficult to refine. He shouldn’t have had access to them…
Your Master gave them to me because she’s after my body… He couldn’t say that, of course. “Don’t worry about it, Lingxuan. Just use them to cultivate. If you need more, I’ll find a way,” he said with a smile.
She hesitated. “You should keep them for yourself, Brother Mu. I don’t need them…”
“Lingxuan, do you really think we need to be so formal with each other?” he asked gently.
She blushed, falling silent.
“Oh, and you can’t take these pills directly. You have to dissolve them in your bathwater. If you need help, I can…” He laid his trap.
She rolled her eyes, seeing through his ploy. “Just go, Brother Mu. I know what to do.”
He probably just wants an excuse to join me in the bath…
Lingxuan is so smart… He sighed inwardly, then left her residence.
He returned to the Garden of Heavenly Harmony and knocked on Bai Ruoxi’s door.
When she opened the door, he handed her one of the pieces of paper Lin Ling had drawn on and half of the Qi Gathering Pills.
“What’s this, my dear…?” she asked, tilting her head curiously.
“Keep this paper with you at all times. It’ll mask the Heavenly Dao Aura,” he explained. “And these pills are for cultivation.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over her beautiful features. “I’ll show you how to use them tonight.”
I wonder if the bathtub is big enough… If not, I’ll have to find one that can fit two people…
She accepted the paper, but hesitated when she saw the pills. “Why don’t you keep these for yourself, my dear?”
He took her hand, his gaze softening. “Don’t worry. We’ll use them together.”
“I’ll give some to Mengrou as well,” he added.
He wasn’t worried about his cultivation slowing down without the pills.
His conversation with the Peak Master of Dao Peak had made it clear that she intended to “fatten him up” before making her move.
Which meant… he had time.
Besides, if the Peak Master of Dao Peak was giving him Qi Gathering Pills, her rivals would undoubtedly do the same.
… I need to stay on Master Yan’s good side.
