Chapter 56: Relief and Equipment
Master Qingfeng cleared his throat. “We must keep constant watch over her. Until we understand her behavior—she might harm others without meaning to.”
Xiulan adjusted her position as Mei Chen’s breathing slowed into the steady rhythm of sleep. The young maid curled against her chest, fingers twisted into the fabric of Xiulan’s robes.
Xiulan nodded quietly. Being cautious was wise. Each of Mei Chen’s breaths tickled her collarbone....
2024-11-22 04:22:00 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 55: ...the ice storm.
Xiulan closed her eyes, picturing Mei Chen’s qi as a frozen lake beneath her touch. The spiritual energy pulsed and swirled, vast and dangerous in its intensity.
A sudden warmth threaded into her. The yang qi flowed from outside, moving through her dantian in steady waves before cycling back out. The sensation differed from anything she’d experienced in cultivation before.
Would this external energy replenish me if I depleted my reserves...
2024-11-21 19:23:47 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 54: The Ebb before...
Xiulan knelt beside the bound assassin. Assassin was a good word for him. “Do you work for the Chao family?”
“No.” The cultivator spat blood onto the ground.
Feng Yu’s boot connected with his ribs. He wheezed but maintained his defiant glare.
Xiulan winced internally, but she had already steeled herself to adding torture to her list of crimes. She rifled through the man’s robes, finding an embroidered symbol hidden in the inner...
2024-11-21 19:20:30 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 53: Standard Pill and Trap
Xiulan packed the ingredients with methodical precision. The Dawn Serpent Scales were carefully contained in cloth bags. The blood lotus petals remained in the qi-containing jars provided by Master Qingfeng. She arranged fifty thunder roots in their own wrappings, their energy crackling faintly against her qi-enhanced senses.
Two travel packs absorbed the precious cargo, reinforced with extra padding to prevent any unfortunate bumps. She added a ...
2024-11-20 20:19:23 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 52: Disconcerting Wave
As dawn lightened and the sun threatened to peek out over the eastern horizon, smoke trailed from Blackmere city in the distance. Xiulan squinted at the dark plume, her heart sinking.
“Look,” Feng Yu pointed. “Something’s burning.”
Xiulan nodded. “We need to hurry.”
“We can’t leave the wagon behind,” Feng Yu said, glancing at their load. “Let’s push through to the Treasure Pavilion without stopping.”
The ga...
2024-11-19 23:42:43 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 51: Return Gust
Xiulan stared as the roll of half-finished talisman papers fluttered away behind the wagon as they dislodged themselves from the hasty placement under her travel pack.
An hour ago, she’d floated cross-legged atop the wagon while practicing basic formations under Feng Yu’s guidance. The gentle sway of the cart had made the delicate brush strokes challenging yet oddly enjoyable.
Now arrows whistled past her head as the wagon thundered down a forest ...
2024-11-18 19:02:29 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 50: Profitable Winds
Polished marble floors lined the Treasure Pavilion’s prison hallway. It was distinctly at odds with the states of the cells lining the walls, which were rough stone and filthy.
Xiulan bristled at the rough treatment. She could walk on her own. There was no need to lay hands on her! “Release me at once! I am Lin Xiulan, sister to Lord Lin of Blackmere County!”
The guards maintained their iron grip on her arms, their qi-enhanced strength maki...
2024-11-18 19:02:00 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 49: Standard Merchandiser Bullying
Xiulan stared at the collection device overflowing with dawn serpent scales. The destroyed cargo harnesses left them with no choice but to carry it together. Scales spilled over the edges despite the hastily secured tarp, leaving a glowing trail that marked their descent from the valley.
“Careful with the next step.” Feng Yu braced against the device’s weight.
Xiulan’s muscles burned as they coordinated their movements. “R...
2024-11-17 16:17:32 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 48: Standard Post-Trauma Sisterly Bonding
The ancient dawn serpent’s roaring tirade echoed through the mountains, each blast of spiritual energy demolishing peak after peak until it vanished into the distant clouds. Xiulan stared out across the lake, the entire valley writ with a trail of cataclysmic destruction.
Where pristine forest had stood, only splinters and crushed logs remained. The lake’s surface had dropped dramatically, exposing mud-slicked rocks along its b...
2024-11-17 16:16:59 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 47: Standard Unprepared Ancient Beast Encounter
Xiulan craned her neck upward at the towering serpent. Pearlescent scales reflected the sunlight like polished mirrors, each one the same size as the smaller serpents in the forest. The creature’s massive form loomed over her and blocked out part of the sky—a behemoth straight from the endgame raids of Phoenix Kingdom Chronicles.
“What the fuck, Feng Yu!” The words tore from Xiulan’s throat.
Why did t...
2024-11-16 16:25:17 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 46: Serpent Sough
Xiulan gripped the dawn serpent’s muscular body just behind its head, muscles straining against its thrashing coils. The creature’s luminescent scales flickered wildly as it twisted and writhed. Its angry hiss echoed off the trees.
“Ahhh!” Xiulan sprinted toward the bronze bell, fighting to maintain her hold. Each step brought fresh resistance as the creature fought against her grip.
“I can’t believe you caught one!” Feng Yu’s voice ...
2024-11-16 16:25:02 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 45: Wilderness Sigh
Xiulan braced against the bronze collection device strapped to Feng Yu’s back. She pushed qi through her entire body for support as her muscles strained to push upward. The valley path had deteriorated into a treacherous maze of broken stone and jutting rocks.
At least cultivators didn’t sweat easily unless their qi reserves were hard pressed. They hadn’t reached that point yet. The stupid climb was just more of an annoyance.
The two-foot ro...
2024-11-16 16:24:46 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 44: Smackdown Gust
Xiulan stared at Feng Yu, then shifted her gaze to the bell-shaped collection device. The contraption gleamed in the late morning light, its polished surface reflecting the rocky landscape.
They had brought the wagon with them—along with a group of six men plus their drivers—up into the mountain as far as the path allowed. The journey ended at a played-out gold mine, still within sight of the city.
The open ground provided a clear view of the d...
2024-11-15 11:52:29 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 43: Foothills Lull
The cart lurched over another rut, rattling Xiulan’s teeth. She adjusted her position against the rough wooden planks, trying to find a comfortable spot beside the collection device.
The air grew thinner with each mile toward Fershere City, but the qi density actually increased. She certainly didn’t feel any effects from the elevation.
Patches of bare rock dominated the sparse landscape where grass should have grown. As they crested another hil...
2024-11-14 21:31:30 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 42: Violent Wash
Rain drummed against the barn’s wooden roof, each drop echoing through the musty air. Xiulan pulled her cloak tighter as she watched the stablemen secure the wagon with thick hemp ropes. Water dripped from the edges of her hood, running cold trails down her neck.
Feng Yu strode forward once the men finished, producing a yellowed talisman paper from her sleeve. With a practiced motion, she channeled qi into her fingertip until it glowed like an ember. The...
2024-11-14 00:53:29 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 41: Cultivating Flutter
Xiulan sprawled across the packed dirt of the city manor courtyard, chest heaving as she stared at the drifting clouds overhead. Her spear lay just beyond her fingertips, the wooden shaft still warm. Sweat trickled down her temples despite the cool afternoon breeze.
Feng Yu’s face appeared above her, blocking out the sun. “I can’t believe how terrible your endurance is.”
“Aaaaah.” Xiulan expelled a long breath. “I haven’t exact...
2024-11-13 16:55:14 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 40: Potential Clouds
The morning sun cast long shadows across the city manor’s courtyard as Ren Chun struck a dramatic pose.
“Did you think I’d sit around here and pine away for you to return? No! I have to go on a quest! For justice!” Ren Chun punched the air with enthusiasm.
Xiulan exchanged a bewildered glance with Feng Yu. The cool morning breeze rustled through the courtyard’s cherry blossoms, scattering pink petals around them. “I thought you’d st...
2024-11-13 02:23:17 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 39: Pondering Wisp
Xiulan studied the empty guest room with a critical eye. The bare wooden walls and stone floor provided an ideal neutral foundation for alchemy work. There were no lingering spiritual resonances to interfere with delicate processes.
“Remove everything.” Xiulan pointed to the remaining furniture. “Even the wall hangings need to go.”
The servants rushed to comply, carrying out tables and chairs while others carefully rolled expensive tapestri...
2024-11-12 22:45:45 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 38: Nourishing Flurry
Xiulan signaled to the guards. “Move that brazier closer.” She pointed to the desired spot, watching them shuffle the metal container across the stone courtyard. “Now the wire rack—yes, right there.”
The makeshift grill looked ridiculous, but after adjusting the height of the rack over the coals, she nodded with satisfaction. This should work well enough.
Behind her, the borrowed table displayed the chaotic aftermath of her ki...
2024-11-12 00:07:25 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 37: Standard Fated Encounter in the Street
Xiulan strolled through Blackmere’s market district, humming to herself as she headed back to the Lin Family’s city manor. She’d done a good job getting the items she needed. The scent of grilled meat wafted from nearby food stalls.
A sharp turn around a tea shop’s corner resulted in a solid impact. Xiulan stumbled back, steadying herself against the wall. A young man in expensive silver-trimmed robes glared at her, his cu...
2024-11-11 19:35:07 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 36: Standard Reunion with Alchemical Shopping Spree
Master Qingfeng waited outside the tea room, his hands clasped behind his back. Xiulan approached, giving a deep bow.
“Master Qingfeng,” she greeted him.
“Miss Lin,” he replied with a nod. “How did your venture fare?”
“I obtained the Blood Lotus and more,” Xiulan said. “I’d like to discuss everything with you, but if possible, I would like to see Mei Chen first.”
“Understandable....
2024-11-11 16:49:39 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 35: Interluding Cloud
Thunder cracked overhead as Blackmere’s city walls emerged through the misty distance. Light raindrops pattered against Xiulan’s already mud-stained robes. The weather matched her mood.
“We should pick up the pace before this gets worse.” Xiulan adjusted her grip on the reins.
“Hmmm.” Ren Chun’s noncommittal response drew her attention.
A transparent dome of qi energy shimmered above his head, deflecting each raindrop. The ma...
2024-11-10 17:13:25 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 34: Tepid Healing Puff
A scaled beast lunged from the murky water. Ren Chun’s blade flashed, opening a crimson gash across its snout. The creature retreated with a hiss, joining others that prowled at the edges of their path.
Pain shot through Xiulan’s ankle, making her stumble. The phantom sensation of blood lotus barbs pierced deep into her flesh. She’d already checked twice—no thorns remained embedded in her skin, but the bloody puncture wounds around her ankle ...
2024-11-10 11:01:14 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 33: Thunder God Splits the Sky and...
Xiulan channeled additional qi through her meridians into her feet, strengthening her Water Stepping Foot technique. The water’s surface tensed beneath her stance as she slid her pack around.
Squatting low, she plucked the first blood lotus from the crimson carpet before her, its petals gleaming with spiritual energy.
“One down,” Xiulan muttered, tucking it safely away.
The central blood lotus exploded upward in a vio...
2024-11-09 20:32:22 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 32: Bloody Spray
Xiulan thrust her spear through another serpentine creature. The spiritual beast—a two-headed water snake—thrashed before dissolving into mist. Its spirit stone clinked against the others in Ren Chun’s pouch.
“That’s the fourth one today.” Xiulan wiped sweat from her brow.
A rustle in the reeds drew her attention before Ren Chun could respond. A pack of marsh wolves emerged—their bodies translucent like living water.
Xiulan spun h...
2024-11-09 14:52:48 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 31: Muddy Rain
Xiulan’s temple throbbed with phantom pain as memories of last night’s duel flickered through her mind. The clash of metal against metal echoed in her thoughts—her spear meeting Ren Chun’s sword in four solid blocks.
Pride had swelled at how she’d maintained her stance, matching his strength. A fear she had silently held was that she’d be weaker than other cultivators physically, which would have made her future path bleak.
But she had mana...
2024-11-09 04:41:34 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 30: Wraith’s Breath
Xiulan shifted her weight from foot to foot at the city manor’s main gate. Workers bustled past with carts piled high with lacquered furniture and ornate vases. The newly repaired postern gate gleamed with fresh paint and polished metal fixtures.
A twinge of satisfaction eased through her chest at the sight of the manor’s luxuries being carted away. Collecting the three-hundred seventy-five thousand taels to pay the prorated refund for the return ...
2024-11-08 09:56:11 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 29: Standard Mentor Conversation
Xiulan lifted the delicate porcelain cup to her lips, savoring the sweet-herb aroma. The silence stretched across the room like an invisible thread pulling tighter with each passing moment. Why isn’t he saying anything else?
The tea heated a path down her throat, doing little to calm her mounting tension. She placed the cup onto the polished table with a soft click. “The alchemy proved successful.”
Master Qingfeng strok...
2024-11-07 11:15:39 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 28: Useful Flows
Xiulan brushed her sleeve. “Massacred the county lord? On what evidence do you make such claims?”
“The proof drips from your very robes!” Ren Chun flourished his sword in an elaborate pattern. “Your guilt stains you crimson!”
“The county lord was my father.” Xiulan’s words cut through his theatrical display. “And that happened a week ago. This blood?” She lifted her stained sleeve. “It’s so fresh it hasn’t even dried prope...
2024-11-07 01:54:35 +0000 UTC
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Chapter 27: Rebellious Ebb
Xiulan pressed the double doors open and strode into the lord’s hall. The sight before her stopped her dead—the house manager lounged upon the throne, surrounded by a dozen servants engaged in hushed discussion.
“What is the meaning of this disrespect and usurpation?” Her words thundered through the chamber.
The whispered conversations died instantly. Faces snapped toward her, eyes widening in shock. The servants scattered like startled bir...
2024-11-06 22:13:01 +0000 UTC
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