Chapter 49: Chapter 316: Number One, Jiang 7

“Greetings, Senior Brother Jiang!”

Luo Tong cupped his hands in a perfectly natural salute, a well-placed smile on his face.

He wasn’t some clueless fop. From the attitudes of Li Ruohan and even Xiao Tongquan, he could tell that this Senior Brother Jiang was highly regarded—by no means an ordinary person.

’So young, he even looks a bit younger than me, yet he’s already at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer. Senior Brother Jiang has a great future ahead of him. He’s bound to become one of the Inner Peak Disciples one day!’

Luo Tong’s mind raced as he thought to himself:

’Compared to that stingy and short-sighted Zhou Can, Senior Brother Jiang can help me more.

If he can get into the Inner Peak, he could be a huge asset to me!

I have to talk to my sister again. I’ll have her use some tricks to ’rekindle her friendship’ with Senior Brother Jiang!’

Before long, the group arrived at the second floor of Heshui Cave.

This time, they had a better private room.

Wang Heng led the way and pushed open the door, revealing a suspended platform. One could lean against the railings on three sides to gaze out at the endless snow-capped peaks and the sea of clouds.

The WHOOSH of the mountain wind, laced with snowflakes, was conveniently blocked by several floor-to-ceiling screens. These screens emanated glowing orbs of Spiritual Light, dispelling the bone-chilling cold.

“A fine place.”

Xiao Tongquan nodded in praise and took the host’s seat first, his posture calm and dignified.

In the center was a wide tea table, upon which a jade pot billowed with white steam, its fragrance crisp and clear.

The others took their seats as well.

Lu Yun smiled and poured a cup of hot tea for Xiao Tongquan:

“Senior Brother Xiao, try this ’Snow-Capped Jade.’ It’s a new Spirit Tea grown by the Gathering Herbs Peak that only ripens in the dead of winter.”

Xiao Tongquan raised a hand to accept it. The tea was a clear jade green, its leaves unfurled. He took a light sip, and a stream of Purifying energy shot straight to the point between his brows.

“Not bad. The Gathering Herbs Peak is doing better and better. Of the Outer Sect Four Peaks, you and the Sewing Peak have the highest annual income. Your purses are the fattest, and your lives are the most comfortable.”

Lu Yun smiled proudly, as if sharing in the glory.

Only after Xiao Tongquan had taken a sip did the others pick up their teacups.

Wang Heng followed up with his own praise:

“It really is good tea. Thank you, Senior Brother Lu.”

Li Ruohan gently gathered her sleeves, her gaze sweeping over the dashing Jiang Yi, her heart fluttering slightly.

She then shifted her gaze to the silver-clad mountain ranges, a gentle smile on her face as she said:

“The heavy snow has sealed the mountains, the new year is approaching, and the Outer Sect has stopped its work.

In three months, spring will arrive. I wish all you Senior Brothers a meteoric rise to success, and a permanent place in the Inner Peak.”

Hearing this, Wang Heng and Lu Yun exchanged bitter smiles. They knew full well they were most likely just along for the ride. The Inner Peak assessment was extremely difficult, and a mere Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer cultivation was far from enough to even be considered.

Besides, those from the Village Clan Direct Lineages had always cherished their lives.

Unless they were absolutely confident, they would be unwilling to risk their lives in a desperate fight.

They figured they would have to endure for a few more years to polish their Merit!

“Among everyone here, only Senior Brother Xiao’s success is practically guaranteed!”

Lu Yun laughed heartily.

“I will toast you with tea in place of wine!”

Xiao Tongquan had already reached the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer. Although his Primordial Inner Mansion had not yet been opened, it was enough for him to look down on the entire Outer Peak as its number one.

Furthermore, this Senior Brother Xiao’s background was extraordinary. He had connections to the former Yu Country’s Royal Family, and the abundance of Resources he received was enough to make even Inner Peak Disciples green with envy.

“Senior Brother Xiao’s fame shines throughout the four peaks, resounding like thunder in my ears! I have long admired your great name and will also offer a toast!”

Luo Tong eagerly jumped into the conversation, hoping to make an impression on Xiao Tongquan.

Xiao Tongquan accepted this flattery and praise with equanimity.

While sipping the fragrant tea, he casually remarked:

“If I enter the Inner Peak, I’ll probably study under Elder Xu.

A few days ago, Elder Xu privately taught me the ’Gold-breaking Jade-cutting Qi Blade Skill’ for me to use in the assessment.”

Wang Heng and Lu Yun glanced at each other, their faces filled with envy.

In previous years, the Inner Peak assessment was always held in one of the Resource Lands, such as the Hundred Beasts Cave, the Heart-Stealing Forest, or Luohun Gorge.

The many Mortal Servants vying for a spot in the Inner Peak would enter and complete a task assigned by the Qi Gong Institute.

In all honesty, it was neither difficult nor easy.

First, one’s Cultivation had to be sufficient—at least the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer—just to ensure one’s own safety.

Second, one needed to have mastered Protective Measures to face the myriad dangers of the Resource Land without fear!

It was on this second point that Village Clan Direct Lineages like Wang Heng and Lu Yun were stuck.

As the saying goes: Magic is worth thousands of gold, and a single Spell is hard to come by.

The secret Cultivation methods that circulated outside the Dharma Lineages were mostly common, ungraded goods like the True Meridian Qi Flowing Technique.

Even a prestigious and reputable clan like the Bo County Li Clan only had a few Qi Cultivation Ninth Grade Techniques listed among its prized collections.

Furthermore, techniques were hard to acquire, and Spells were hard to refine.

Without investing a great deal of time and energy into painstakingly polishing and comprehending them, it was extremely difficult to grasp the profound mysteries within a Spell.

“’Techniques are hard to acquire, and Spells are hard to refine!’ How true that is. Elder Xu only gave me the full text, with no extra guidance.”

A gloomy look appeared on Xiao Tongquan’s face.

“For days now, even though I’ve studied it day and night, exhausting my mind, I still can’t grasp its essential meaning. It’s truly vexing me!”

As he finished speaking, Xiao Tongquan, looking rather dejected, suddenly threw his head back and drained his tea.

Tsk, ’Senior Brother Xiao’s talent doesn’t seem to be up to par.’

Jiang Yi kept his head down, sipping his tea and quietly playing the role of a nobody, but he was complaining inwardly.

He had only learned from a casual chat with Yang Xun that there was no universal method for Cultivation and Refining Techniques; a million people meant a million different paths.

In short, a single Qi Cultivation Ninth Grade Technique could splinter into numerous versions based on a Cultivator’s individual understanding.

For a prestigious clan like the Bo County Li Clan, one of their foundational strengths was the Commentary Manuals on the Secrets of the Technique, written by their Elder Ancestors.

If someone could take an original copy of a Cultivation Technique and, without referencing the insights of any predecessors, directly master the entry-level stage, then progress past thirty percent mastery all the way to Perfection…

…then, in Yang Xun’s own words, that person would be an Innate Dao Material of the Divine Palace Celestial Level!

Therefore, it was perfectly normal for Xiao Tongquan to feel dejected.

He knew this was a “test” from Elder Xu, yet he had been unable to make any progress and win the elder’s favor.

The more anxious he became, the more he suffered!

Jiang Yi couldn’t help but recall when he had just obtained the Little Refining Yuan Fire Control Technique. Back then, he had been full of enthusiasm, planning to teach himself and master it on his own.

Looking back now, he had been a frog in a well, making a fool of himself.

While Jiang Yi was slacking off and staying silent, Luo Tong spoke up with an obsequious smile:

“I have long heard of Senior Brother Xiao’s profound family learning and that your experience and insight are beyond compare! How could you possibly be stumped by a mere Qi Cultivation Ninth Grade Technique!”

His words made Xiao Tongquan’s brow sink, and the expressions of Wang Heng and Lu Yun at his side also changed slightly.

As for Li Ruohan, who had brought Luo Tong, she was so shocked she almost knocked over the teacup she was toying with.

’Junior Brother Luo, you’ve said the wrong thing!’

Many in the Outer Sect Four Peaks knew that Xiao Tongquan was rumored to be a descendant of the former Yu Country’s Royal Family.

They saw this as the fundamental reason for Senior Brother Xiao’s extraordinary bearing and distinguished appearance.

But only the “insiders” who were close to him, like Wang Heng, Lu Yun, and Li Ruohan, knew that Senior Brother Xiao hated discussing his family background more than anything.

Luo Tong’s attempt at flattery had just backfired spectacularly.

“Senior Brother Xiao…”

Li Ruohan tried to remedy the situation.

After all, she was the one who had brought him, so she naturally had to bear some of the responsibility.

“No matter. Ignorance is no crime.”

Xiao Tongquan waved his hand to cut her off. Ignoring Luo Tong’s confused expression, he subtly changed the subject:

“It’s been a long time since I’ve gathered with you all. I can’t help but recall those unforgettable days when we first entered the Outer Sect, verifying our Cultivation with one another and helping each other advance.

There are spots in the Inner Peak every year. Whether you’re a step ahead or a step behind, we will all eventually meet at the summit.

I am in high spirits today, so I will demonstrate some of my cultivation methods for you all!

I hope you reach the Fifth Layer soon and step into the Inner Peak!”

“We humbly request Senior Brother Xiao’s demonstration!”

Wang Heng and Lu Yun said in unison.

The two of them subtly shifted their positions, putting some distance between themselves and Luo Tong.

The latter remained completely oblivious, his attention firmly captivated by Xiao Tongquan.

’Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer!

In the Outer Sect, that’s enough to be in charge of an entire department!

Back in the clan, that’s a powerful figure on the level of an Elder Ancestor!’

Senior Brother Xiao formed a hand seal with his right hand and let out a soft shout, “Rise!”

Boundless True Qi erupted from his body like the celestial river pouring down from the heavens, its momentum magnificent.

The air thrummed and vibrated, pressing down on everyone present, making their chests feel tight as if crushed by a giant boulder.

’This Senior Brother Xiao has such profound Cultivation…’

Jiang Yi’s eyelid twitched. In his perception, the power of the Merit that Xiao Tongquan was displaying was only a notch below Yang Xun’s.

“Condense!” Xiao Tongquan uttered another word. The endlessly flowing True Qi suddenly coiled back on itself, forming a giant palm.

“Go!” Following another soft shout, the giant True Qi palm, several dozen feet in size, shot through the air with overwhelming force!

Xiao Tongquan calmly formed a hand seal, controlling the giant palm to grasp and seize, creating a boom like muffled thunder!

The whistling mountain wind, the swirling snowflakes, and the churning sea of clouds all disintegrated under this palm strike, turning into a wild torrent of air!

After the palm struck, the True Qi dispersed, but Xiao Tongquan didn’t stop. He walked slowly to the railing, his finger seal changing again as specks of dark light rose from his seven facial orifices.

With a single exhale, the Water Attribute energy nurtured within his body transformed into a vast black cloud, pouring down like a waterfall!

CRASH!

It was like a torrent of black water, surging and ravaging everything in its path!

Wherever it passed, trees toppled, shattered, and disintegrated. An area dozens of yards in radius was left utterly devastated!

’So this is the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer?’

Jiang Yi held his breath, marveling inwardly.

’What terrifying power!’

A golden light flashed in his eyes, and the Celestial Book’s reflection appeared.

’I beg the Celestial Book, give me the answer directly: Among the Mortal Servants of the Qianji Sect’s Outer Four Peaks, what is the rank of Xiao Tongquan from Nourishing Soul Peak based on his overall strength?’

This was the latest usage that Jiang Yi had figured out.

This type of question didn’t involve specific deductions, so the Celestial Book responded extremely quickly.

By not asking for specific details and only requesting a simple answer, he could save a great deal of time by avoiding excessive deductions.

[First]

Jiang Yi wasn’t surprised. He used Xiao Tongquan as a “power level benchmark” and asked another question.

’I beg the Celestial Book, give me the answer directly: Among the Mortal Servants of the Qianji Sect’s Outer Four Peaks, what is the rank of Jiang Yi from Red Flame Peak based on his overall strength?’

Two or three breaths later.

[Seventh]

’Jiang Qi, huh? Tsk, there’s quite a gap. And it doesn’t even sound good!’

Jiang Yi took a deep breath and mused to himself, ’Looks like I still have a long way to go before I can look down on the Outer Sect Four Peaks!’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep