Ji Tianwei's long journey west under Xiao Qing's care finally ended as dawn broke, leaving the Valley of Death far behind.
Sitting behind Xiao Qing on her flying sword, Ji Tianwei slowly opened his eyes to a breathtaking landscape. Giant ancient trees, winding rivers, and towering mountains filled his vision. He listened as Xiao Qing and Bing Ying spoke of their sect, nestled on one of these peaks, known as Immortal Cloud Mountain.
Bing Ying, needing to report back to the sect, parted ways. Xiao Qing, however, chose to first bring Ji Tianwei to her home. Her plan was to take a one-month leave to properly care for him.
The air in Hundred Rivers Village was completely different—fresher and filled with the scent of orchids and lotuses that the villagers grew for their medicinal properties. The houses were better built than in his old village, and the entire atmosphere felt peaceful.
Xiao Qing, seeing how thin and frail Ji Tianwei was, decided she would adopt him. She knew a special herbal mixture could help restore his health.
...
"Little Tian, this is my home," Xiao Qing said with a warm smile as they landed at the front gate. "And perhaps one day, it will be yours, too. Come on in."
Ji Tianwei's small, chapped lips formed a faint smile as he gripped her hand. "Thank you, Sister. You saved me, and now I'm only causing you trouble."
"I don't think so," Xiao Qing replied softly. "Maybe I've always wanted a little brother."
Tap! Tap!
They stepped into the yard. "Father! Mother! I'm home!" Xiao Qing called out.
Her father, Xiao Chao, a tall man who looked younger than his years, greeted them. His smile faded instantly upon seeing the pale and skinny child beside her. "My child, why do you have a young one with you? Did something happen at the sect?"
"No, Father. I found him while on a mission. He's a victim of a demonic cultivator's slaughter. His parents are gone. I felt pity and wanted to introduce him. I have a request!" Xiao Qing's gentle voice, so similar to his mother's, made Ji Tianwei's heart ache.
Guilt washed over him for using her kindness, but he knew it was his only way out of the Valley of Death. Tears began to fall.
Xiao Chao, seeing the tears, felt his heart soften. He gently stroked Ji Tianwei's head. "Let's talk inside. It's a tragedy that a child so young has to endure such a fate. How old are you, son? Don't cry. We will accept you."
Ji Tianwei's sobs grew louder. "I'm six years old. I can't cultivate anymore," he said, wiping his eyes. "Can I still be accepted into this family?"
Xiao Chao sighed. "If cultivation determined a person's worth, then you are mistaken. Humans, with or without cultivation, are still humans. Don't lose heart. Perhaps one day you'll find an enlightenment that makes you the strongest of all."
He took Ji Tianwei's hand and led him to an empty room. As he lay on the soft, downy bed, Ji Tianwei stared at the ceiling. My plan worked, but I feel so guilty. And I still believe Su Changqing is alive. A demonic cultivator wouldn't die from such a careless mistake. He wiped his tears and fell into a deep sleep.
That night, after Xiao Qing explained everything, her mother, Yue Chan, agreed. She brought medicinal herbs to Ji Tianwei's room. "Child, wake up. Drink this medicine. It will help you," she said, gently wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Ji Tianwei's eyes fluttered open. He saw Yue Chan and, in his daze, reached for her hand. "Mother... you're still alive," he murmured.
Surprised but filled with pity, Yue Chan hugged him. "Child, I am Yue Chan, Xiao Qing's mother. It seems you are still traumatized."
After taking the medicine, Ji Tianwei slept until morning. The scent of lotus from the open window guided him into his subconscious.
"Hello. How is your life now?" Nirvana's voice echoed in the darkness.
"It's better, Nirvana. I have a question," Ji Tianwei replied.
"Hmm? About power or something else? I only have a moment, so choose carefully," the voice said.
Damn it, I wanted to ask about the Empress's Kingdom, but he's pushing me toward power. Power is more important now. I'll ask about the kingdom later, he thought.
"Nirvana, I want to know if your power is effective against this world's cultivation laws. And are there other stages for Linghun Qi?"
"Haha! I've been waiting for that question. I'll explain the stages. You haven't even registered on the first stage yet, so pay close attention."
Nirvana explained the four main stages of Linghun Qi:
* Stage Zero (five levels)
* Stage One: Juexing (Initial, Intermediate, Final)
* Stage Two: Chunhua (Initial, Intermediate, Final)
* Stage Three: Kongzhi (Initial, Intermediate, Final)
* Stage Four: Zhuanbian (Initial, Intermediate, Final, True, Extreme)
Each stage requires the consumption of souls or life energy. This power, Nirvana emphasized, fundamentally defies the laws of Heaven and the natural order.
Ji Tianwei opened his eyes. So many stages and levels. And consuming souls? This is insane. I don't want to kill anyone. I just want a normal life here, he thought with a sigh.
He walked outside to find his new father, Xiao Chao, sitting under a plum tree. "Father, where are Sister and Mother?"
"Your Sister returned to the sect at dawn, and your mother is out," Xiao Chao replied with a warm smile.
"Are you practicing cultivation, Father?"
"No. I'm just enjoying the peace of this world before something bad happens," Xiao Chao said, gazing at the sky.
"Something bad?" Ji Tianwei asked.
"Yes, my boy. The world has seasons: cold, drought, rain, snow, and spring. So let's enjoy the good times before something happens," he smiled, as if offering a profound truth.
Ji Tianwei nodded, then ran to hug his new father, feeling a rush of joy and warmth.
As he embraced Xiao Chao, a terrifying vision flashed in Ji Tianwei's mind. He saw his new father and the entire Hundred Rivers Village consumed by fire. A voice whispered in his head, "The coming trouble... it is not a season, it is a destiny."
Was this the price of his survival? Was he a harbinger of doom for the very people who saved him?