Chapter 9: Qi Refining Stage 2
The evening breeze brushed Lin Yi's cheeks, calming his mind. Reflecting on recent events, he sighed, a weariness creeping in after six years of stagnation. Before he knew it, he stood outside Deacon Zhang's quarters—close to the outer disciples' area for easy management. He'd arrived in the time it took to burn a stick of incense, but the door was shut, no one in sight. "I'll wait," he muttered, abandoning the idea of leaving. With time to spare, he sat cross-legged on the ground, deciding to practice the *Longevity Art*—the basic cultivation method he'd long neglected. He dared not use the *Five-Spirits Body Tempering Nine Transformations* outside Deacon Zhang's home, so this would do. Moments later— "Hm?" Lin Yi paused, eyes flying open in surprise. "Could it be an illusion?" He grinned, barely containing his excitement. "Only one way to know." He closed his eyes again, focusing on the *Longevity Art*. Cultivators often say, "No concept of time in cultivation"—and so it was. Lin Yi forgot all about Deacon Zhang, meditating through the night on that spot. At dawn, a crisp *crack* echoed from his body, followed by a triumphant roar. "Well done, Lin! Breaking through right outside my door—but you forgot something, eh?" Zhang Wanshan smiled, his gaze warm with approval. Lin Yi's excitement dimmed, replaced by apology. "Sorry, Deacon Zhang. I got so caught up in cultivation… How about we go in for a drink to celebrate?" "Haha, just teasing! I'm not that greedy. Reaching Qi Refining Stage 2 is cause for joy. The sect tournament in three months—you're eligible now. Do well, and you might become an inner disciple." The Dianxuan Sect held a tournament every three years to identify talent. Outer disciples at Stage 2 or higher could join: the top 10 outer disciples became inner disciples outright. Others could challenge inner disciples; victory earned them inner status too. *The tournament?* Lin Yi mused. With his new strength, becoming an inner disciple seemed feasible—so long as he hid the *Five-Spirits Scripture*. "Thank you for telling me, Deacon. I'll never forget your kindness, win or lose." He bowed deeply. "Good lad. Keep that attitude. Here—" Zhang Wanshan pulled a pale green robe from his storage bag. "A defensive robe. Not great, but better than nothing." Lin Yi accepted it reverently. "Thank you, truly. This could save my life." "Save it for the tournament. Now—what brings you here, besides forgetting our drink?" Lin Yi hesitated, then explained: "I crossed some men on the way to the market. I make a living there, but I can't go back now. Do you know any spells to change my appearance?" "Foolish boy! Picking fights when you're weak?" Zhang Wanshan flicked his forehead, but his tone softened. "But I have something. A face mask, enchanted to fool anyone below Foundation Establishment—unless they've got godlike spiritual sense, which they won't, or you'd be dead already." He handed over a wafer-thin mask. Lin Yi's heart raced. With this, he could speed up Flesh Transmutation without detection. "Ugh, first the robe, now this—you're costing me a fortune," Zhang Wanshan grumbled, though his eyes twinkled. "Thank you! I'll repay you someday." "Just don't use it for mischief," Zhang warned. Lin Yi snickered. "Scout's honor—no mischief… at least, not the kind you're thinking of." "Cheeky brat!" Zhang feigned anger, waving him off. "Go on—practice. And save me that drink!" Lin Yi fled, laughing. Back in his room, he pondered his breakthrough. "突破 (Breaking through) overnight? Could it be from mastering the first transformation? My spiritual energy absorption and refinement are faster now. Unbelievable." "I must balance *Longevity Art* and *Five-Spirits*. Higher cultivation will help hide the scripture. Beat a Foundation Establishment cultivator as a low-stage nobody? Too suspicious." "Three months till the tournament. I'll stabilize Stage 2 first—train *Five-Spirits* by day, *Longevity Art* by night. Making inner disciple will be a piece of cake." He'd witnessed two tournaments in six years, knowing their cruelty. No killing, but injuries were common. He shivered, recalling the brutality—but steeled himself. With a plan in place, Lin Yi settled cross-legged, focusing on solidifying his new stage.