Feng Shui Chapter 159: The Sword Cultivator’s Invincibility

There’s no denying how astonishing human recovery can be. The Feng Shui mega stone that was placed here had transformed into a bustling plaza in just a few months.

At first, no one dared to come near because of the earlier collapse. But after Chen Xiao sat quietly here for a while, rumors spread that an Immortal Master had cast a spell, turning this plaza into a blessed land.

It wasn’t entirely a rumor, this spot was indeed a lucky land at the heart of a Feng Shui formation. When someone dared to set up a small wooden cart business here and wasn’t chased away, more people gradually followed, and the area slowly turned into a market.

After officials from the capital city consulted Chen Xiao, they told the local people to avoid going near the giant stone but encouraged residents to do business here to quickly revive the local economy. The capital’s residents were curious about this new district built by cultivators, and even people from neighboring cities came just to see it. The growing number of visitors made the area more prosperous, and every family around earned quite a bit.

Under the influence of the Feng Shui formation, the once-poor northern part of the capital city began to undergo a dramatic transformation.

By mid-June, the canal construction was complete. Chen Xiao, Xi Yunqing, Shen Yanxing, and his bodyguard Zhou Zheng headed to inspect the riverbank.

Originally, the canal was narrow and straight, running from the southwest of the city. Under Chen Xiao’s guidance, the newly rebuilt canal was widened, and the previously straight channel was reshaped into a gentle curve.

The rainy season had begun with several bouts of rain. Now, the water rippled gently, and villagers who had stored their boats for three or four years dragged them back onto the water, casting their nets for fish. Many of the village’s young men had also gathered at the new canal dock, waiting for merchant ships to arrive and hoping to find work.

Watching the changes, Shen Yanxing felt a surge of pride. “Teacher is truly amazing. Just this one idea has saved countless lives.”

The riverbanks were lined with weeping willows, and a cool breeze blew over the water. Chen Xiao explained to Shen Yanxing, “After the reconstruction, the canal’s flow is gentle and calm, giving a warm and comforting feeling. The curved channel creates a natural return flow, which helps mitigate the impact of floods downstream during heavy rains. Good Feng Shui is meant to maintain peace and stability for a region.”

Listening attentively, Shen Yanxing asked respectfully, “You mentioned before that you had a good plan to deal with the city’s subsidence. Now that the canal is finished, what’s the next step?”

Chen Xiao smiled slightly but didn’t answer directly. Instead, he turned to Xi Yunqing and said, “Big brother, please fly up and observe the canal. Tell me what you think.”

Xi Yunqing was a little surprised but didn’t refuse. He rose swiftly into the air and hovered above the canal. After about fifteen minutes, he landed, and Chen Xiao asked with a smile, “Big brother, what are your impressions of the canal?”

Xi Yunqing glanced at Chen Xiao with some expectation, thought for a moment, then said, “The winding curves of the canal remind me of a graceful woman.”

Chen Xiao praised him, “Exactly. That’s the symbolic shape and meaning in Feng Shui.” Spending time with Chen Xiao had helped Xi Yunqing understand his way of thinking, even without formal study. Having him as an assistant was a great comfort to Chen Xiao.

Shen Yanxing, prompted by this, recalled the canal design sketches he’d seen before and suddenly realized he’d learned a lot. Feng Shui involves both innate and acquired elements. If the innate part is insufficient, the acquired can compensate. Just by the canal’s resemblance to a woman’s form, Shen Yanxing guessed Chen Xiao must be planning another layout. His curiosity was barely containable.

Chen Xiao said, “Everything is ready now; all we need is the east wind. What comes next is hard to explain, and Yanxing might not understand anyway. It’s better to see for yourself when the time comes.”

It wasn’t just Shen Yanxing who was curious, Xi Yunqing and Zhou Zheng also wanted to know the plan. But Chen Xiao rarely revealed things without a clear outcome to avoid embarrassment if things didn’t go as expected.

Days passed in eager anticipation until, at the end of July, Shen Yanxing received news that the person they invited had returned.

He rushed to Chen Xiao and said, “It’s an Immortal Master known as the ‘Venerable Sanshui.’ He was invited from the Middle Heavenly Realm of Guangyin and brought a disciple with him.”

Chen Xiao turned to Xi Yunqing, puzzled. “What does ‘Venerable’ mean? Do you know this Venerable Sanshui?”

Xi Yunqing replied, “’Venerable’ is a title, not a real name. It’s a respectful way to address famous Daoist cultivators who have reached the Nascent Soul stage, which means they are true immortals. To avoid offense, they use these titles instead of their given names.”

Chen Xiao understood and asked, “Do they choose their own titles?”

Xi Yunqing nodded, “Sometimes yes, sometimes given by elders. It’s rare for someone before Nascent Soul to have a nickname used as a title. Titles like ‘Layman,’ ‘Venerable,’ or ‘True Person’ are formal, while ‘Old Master,’ or ‘Ancestor’ are less formal.”

Chen Xiao thought about this and realized it was similar to how ancient scholars gave themselves courtesy names. Daoists and monks often use dharma names rather than birth names, so it made sense that cultivators did the same.

“Venerable Sanshui specializes in water and earth magic and is at the Combining Body stage." Xi Yunqing said. “Bringing him here shows the Shen royal family has really put effort into this.”

The cultivation world frowned upon superficial knowledge. Cultivators would focus on mastering the strongest attribute of their spiritual roots, some specializing in one, others two, rarely more.

Shen Yanxing added, “Although Venerable Sanshui is skilled in two elemental magics, his goal is still to strengthen the water layer beneath us.”

For Chen Xiao, a Combining Body stage cultivator was a first. He was very curious about Venerable Sanshui but, unfortunately, the palace banquet didn’t invite them. Despite his contributions during the city’s crisis, Chen Xiao’s status wasn’t high enough.

He had thought he wouldn’t get to meet the Venerable, but the next day the palace sent someone to invite Xi Yunqing instead.

Xi Yunqing frowned slightly and calmly told the attendant, “Please inform them I will arrive on time.”

Chen Xiao looked surprised. The pronoun “I” in this classical tone was something he hadn’t heard in a long time. Xi Yunqing’s mood was clearly dark.

“Is something wrong?” Chen Xiao asked cautiously.

Xi Yunqing’s brows remained tightly furrowed, revealing his mood. His voice was cold, “Trouble has found us.”

Brother Chen Xiao didn’t understand the gravity of this. Seeing his worried expression, Xi Yunqing patted him lightly on the head and said, “I have matters to attend to and won’t dine with you tonight. Don’t forget the time while drawing your talismans. I’ll find you before we leave tomorrow.”

With that, Xi Yunqing strode off, leaving Chen Xiao holding his head, staring after him.

Since their coming-of-age ceremony, Xi Yunqing had grown more openly close to Chen Xiao, perhaps finally having a legitimate reason. His physical contact with Chen Xiao had increased noticeably.

Puzzled by Xi Yunqing’s mysterious behavior, Chen Xiao quietly asked around and learned that Xi Yunqing hadn’t gone out but locked himself inside the largest training arena in the garden. This made Chen Xiao even more confused. He dutifully went to work on his talismans, went to bed early, and didn’t procrastinate.

The next day, Xi Yunqing’s mood hadn’t improved, in fact, it was colder. Though not directed at them, his chill made Tong Nuonuo and Shen Yanxing tremble, while Chen Xiao and Tang Ru felt uneasy.

Chen Xiao braved asking, “Are you two going to the palace today?”

Tong Nuonuo nodded through the cold, and Tang Ru said, “Meeting a Combining Body stage cultivator is rare; we can’t miss it.”

Xi Yunqing said, “When the time comes, you and Xiao stand together to protect each other.”

Protect each other? They exchanged confused looks, wondering if they were going to the palace or walking into a den of dragons and tigers.

With questions lingering, the group climbed into a carriage and headed straight into the palace. The meeting was held in the same hall where they first met Shen Yonghe.

As Chen Xiao entered, he immediately noticed the seat of honor was not occupied by Shen Yonghe, but by a man with a handsome face, white eyebrows and hair, dressed in an indigo Daoist robe.

A quick glance revealed Shen Yonghe and Shen Yongqing sitting on seats nearby. Apart from these two members of the Shen royal family, on the opposite side sat a man slouching back in his chair with his hair tied up by a wooden hairpin. When he saw them enter, his eyes brightened and he straightened to speak, but the person above gave him a glance that silenced him.

The usual court attendants were absent, so Xi Yunqing stepped forward and bowed before the honored seat. Chen Xiao and the others followed suit.

Xi Yunqing lowered his head respectfully, “Junior disciple Xi Yunqing pays respects to Venerable Sanshui.” Chen Xiao and the others echoed together, “Respectful greetings to Venerable Sanshui.”

Venerable Sanshui stroked his three strands of white beard and smiled, “Xi Xian, there’s no need for formalities. Rise quickly. Are these your companions? No need for formalities either.”

Only then did Chen Xiao and the others realize that Venerable Sanshui actually knew Xi Yunqing.

Shen Yonghe then spoke, “Thanks to young friend Xi’s reputation, we were able to invite the Venerable to come in person. It’s also because he heard you were visiting Jin City that the Venerable agreed to make this journey.”

After rising, Xi Yunqing led Chen Xiao and the others to sit beside Shen Yonghe. Hearing their conversation, he said, “The crisis of the city’s sinking threatens the livelihoods of millions in Jin City. The Master is compassionate and would never just stand by. There’s no need to consider anyone’s face, your words, Lord, are more a joke than fact.”

Shen Yongqing gently tugged Shen Yonghe’s sleeve to stop him from offending anyone further. His elder brother really was getting carried away with excitement. Even though it was thanks to Xi Yunqing that Venerable Sanshui had been summoned so quickly, it wasn’t right to put it all on him. If rumors spread, the safety of Jin City’s people was at stake, not to mention the damage to Venerable Sanshui’s reputation. Besides, Xi Yunqing himself had already denied those claims.

Venerable Sanshui, with a broad mind, didn’t take offense at Shen Yonghe’s slip of the tongue. Instead, he chuckled, saying, “It’s been many years since I last saw Immortal Master Xi. His cultivation has advanced greatly. As for that old fellow Taixu, he must be relieved to have such a clever disciple. He can just close himself off and leave everything else to him.” Then he sighed, “I, unfortunately, have not been so lucky, ”

A man seated lower nearby suddenly jumped up, as if stung: “Master, it’s unfair of you to say that! How have I ever failed to make you worry less?”

Venerable Sanshui shot the man with a sharp glare. “Jiusi, sit down at once. What sort of conduct is this?”

Though chastised, Jiusi grudgingly sat, still unhappy. In his eyes, Xi Yunqing was like the “perfect disciple” from some other family. Both were sword cultivators, and Jiusi’s competitive streak was strong. He had entered Nascent Soul a step before Xi Yunqing, gaining a clear edge. He wanted to challenge him again, but Xi Yunqing was always out on expeditions, impossible to find. If Jin City hadn’t sent word to his master and he hadn’t overheard Xi Yunqing was here, Jiusi wouldn’t have bothered to come along.

Venerable Sanshui shook his head helplessly. This disciple was gifted with excellent spiritual roots and sharp understanding, but his impulsive personality couldn’t compare to Xi Yunqing’s calm steadiness.

The Master asked, “It’s been over twenty years since we last parted. How is your master, the Realized Taoist Taixu?”

Xi Yunqing replied politely, “Thank you for your concern, Master. My master is currently in seclusion.”

The Master hummed, nodded, and said, “Now that he’s stepped down as sect leader, he can finally cultivate in peace. If it weren’t for the heavy affairs of Chongxuan Sect, he might even have advanced through tribulation by now.” He frowned. “Who took over as sect leader? I missed the handover because my disciple and I were away on a trial.”

Xi Yunqing answered, “The new leader is Seventh Senior Uncle Taixuan.”

The Master said knowingly, “Ah, so it was him.” Meanwhile, Jiusi was growing restless listening to their slow, casual chat. He leaned forward and said, “Daoist Xi, since we’ve met by chance, why don’t we have a spar? It’s rare to meet a worthy opponent. My sword is itching for a fight!”

The Master massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He knew this disciple was impatient and hated waiting even for pleasantries. Putting on a stern face, he scolded, “Jiusi, what did you promise me before leaving?”

Jiusi was a bit anxious, saying, “Master, I promised to follow your instructions and not act rashly. But if I don’t challenge Daoist Xi now, what if he leaves without saying goodbye?”

Since both were sword cultivators and worthy opponents were scarce, Jiusi had been obsessed with besting Xi Yunqing ever since their first duel. He’d even stayed in the city closest to Chongxuan Sect for a while, showing up frequently for challenges. Yet he kept losing, and Xi Yunqing had to go on adventures just to avoid him. When they did meet, Jiusi would charge without hesitation, causing Xi Yunqing to frown and radiate a chill.

Xi Yunqing said calmly, “Daoist Ke, there’s no need to be so eager. I won’t be leaving Jin City anytime soon. Let’s postpone this. The Master is here because of the city's sinking crisis; we mustn’t delay.”

Jiusi’s eyes lit up. “So you agree to the match? The city won’t collapse anytime soon, let’s have Around first.”

Xi Yunqing gave him a cold glance, seeing right through his intention. Though Jiusi was a full Nascent Soul cultivator, a whole realm above him, the truth was that before his seclusion, Xi Yunqing’s insight hadn’t just advanced his realm, it had completely transformed his fighting style.

Since Jiusi was so eager to be used as sparring practice, Xi Yunqing simply indulged him: “Since you’re impatient, I’m willing to oblige.”

Venerable Sanshui paused while stroking his beard. Seeing this fierce exchange, Xi Yunqing didn’t seem at a disadvantage; in fact, he almost overshadowed his disciple. The Master said nothing, thinking this restless young man deserved a blow to humble him, though he wondered if Xi Yunqing could really handle it.

The mood shifted quickly from friendly to tense. Shen Yonghe anxiously said, “Gentlemen… please, don’t let things escalate. Best not to fight.”

The Master chuckled. “No worries, Lord Shen. These young men are just sparring.”

Shen Yonghe forced a smile but looked uneasy. He wasn’t afraid of a duel, but worried the fragile city structure might be damaged further. Noticing his concern, the Master thought for a moment and said, “If the Lord is truly worried, then let Immortal Master Xi and Jiusi duel without spells, just sword and footwork.”

Shen Yonghe sighed and stood, bowing to the Master. “Please, watch over them closely. We cannot afford damage outside the palace.”

The Master stroked his beard, assuring him, “Rest easy. I won’t allow harm to the city.”

Jiusi was Nascent Soul, while Xi Yunqing remained at the Golden Core stage. This restriction actually made it easier for Xi Yunqing. Still, Jiusi believed his higher realm gave him a clear advantage. Losing to Xi Yunqing again would torment him. He raised no objections, and the two stood, heading outside.

As Xi Yunqing passed, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but tug his sleeve. “Big Brother.”

Xi Yunqing paused and turned, saying, “Xiao, stay back and keep clear of any fallout.”

Chen Xiao’s worried eyes met his. “What are your chances?”

Xi Yunqing smiled faintly, restraining the urge to show affection in public and simply touched his shoulder lightly. “Don’t worry. Jiusi won’t beat me.”

Jiusi had already stepped outside and missed the exchange. Venerable Sanshui nearly plucked a few beard hairs in surprise when he noticed Chen Xiao’s unusually warm attitude toward the usually cold, taciturn Xi Yunqing. Even the distance they stood from each other spoke volumes.

He couldn’t help but ask Shen Yonghe, “Who exactly is this young man to Immortal Master Xi?”

Shen Yonghe introduced, “This is Chen Xiao, the feng shui master who first discovered the city sinking and saved thousands of residents. At his coming-of-age ceremony in May, it was Immortal Master Xi who presided.”

The Master raised his eyebrows, clearly intrigued.

Their voices weren’t hushed, but Chen Xiao, too focused on Xi Yunqing’s duel, didn’t approach and instead moved to the doorway.

Tang Ru stopped him softly. “Xiao Xiao, sword cultivators fighting, don’t get too close.”

At that moment, Venerable Sanshui also arrived at the door and kindly called, “You young ones, come sit by me.”

Chen Xiao thought for a moment, then followed his friends over.

Outside, Jiusi had already drawn his sword, eager to challenge. “Daoist Xi, show your blade!”

Xi Yunqing remained calm and unhurried, raising his hand. Xuefeng materialized from thin air and landed in his palm. Jiusi’s excitement showed, he shouted, “Watch my sword!”

With magic banned, Jiusi launched a direct assault. He was so fast his shadow seemed to linger behind while his body struck forward.

Xi Yunqing was composed. A single raise and swing of Xuefeng blocked Jiusi’s attack path, forcing him to twist and change his move.

Jiusi thought it was a fluke and pressed on, creating multiple illusions around Xi Yunqing and aiming for his vital spots. Xi Yunqing responded with smooth elegance: Xuefeng twirled, the blade sweeping horizontally to block the strike.

Jiusi was surprised. Then Xi Yunqing effortlessly parried two or three more attacks, leaving him dumbfounded.

Giving up on mere swordplay, Jiusi unleashed his sword energy: “Rainbow sword qi!”

The sword qi arced fiercely, but Xi Yunqing charged through, deftly dodging the torrents of energy and closing in until he was face-to-face.

Jiusi nearly panicked at the killing intent radiating from Xi Yunqing’s intense gaze. Reflexively, he used a spell: “Sword formation!”

Countless icy sword lights swirled, enveloping Xi Yunqing. Xi Yunqing twisted mysteriously, and with a sharp crack, the sword lights scattered like snowflakes.

Jiusi blinked, stunned, as Xuefeng’s heavy blade pressed against his vital point. He gaped, “How did you do that?” Who was really the one a realm higher? Had Xi Yunqing taken some divine pill?!