Chapter 5: Lust, Power, and the Path to the Tournament (18+)Lust, Power, and the Path to the Tournament
Just as the debauchery inside the room reached its peak, Mother suddenly turned her head and looked in my direction, the corner of her mouth curling into a mysterious smile.
"Baby, did you break through again?"
Her voice sounded directly in my mind, carrying a hint of mischief. "It feels like your aura has changed again."
My heart skipped a beat, not expecting Mother to suddenly ask this. "Mm... Mom, I've advanced to the Golden Core realm."
I answered honestly.
A knowing look appeared on Mother's face. She looked down at her jade feet covered in semen, a sly glint flashing in her eyes. "Watching Mom get her feet covered in cum and you break through what a naughty boy you are."
I froze on the spot, not knowing how to respond. Mother's sudden initiative made me both excited and uneasy.
Her aura had indeed changed every gesture now exuded a soul-stirring allure. She was like a ripe peach, every movement radiating enticing fragrance.
Mother sniffed the air lightly. "Baby, did you cum too? I smell a different scent of semen."
Her voice was teasing. "Don't tell me you were just secretly masturbating?"
No...
I shook my head in embarrassment.
"Hehehe, little pervert."
A strange glint flashed in Mother's eyes. She would never guess that even without masturbating, just the intense pleasure and the friction of fabric had made my glans ooze quite a bit of semen. "Since you like watching so much..."
I held my breath, waiting for what might happen next.
Inside, Senior Brother's cock, which had just ejaculated, was hard again, seemingly even thicker, longer, and redder than before.
Mother saw this and a look of delight flashed in her eyes. "Good disciple... seems your cultivation is going well today..."
Senior Brother panted heavily, gazing obsessively at the jade feet covered in his own essence. Those beautiful feet were now smeared with sticky white fluid, glistening lewdly in the lamplight. Senior Brother stuck out his tongue and gently licked Mother's toes, as if savoring some delicacy.
"Mmm... good disciple... licking me feels so good..."
Mother enjoyed Senior Brother's service, while using her hand to evenly smear the semen on her other jade foot. The transparent fluid shone lewdly on her smooth skin, emitting a strong hormonal scent.
Mother noticed Senior Brother's gaze wandering over her, especially lingering on her huge breasts now exposed after removing the white undergarment. She couldn't help but show a proud and lascivious smile.
She cupped her heavy breast with one hand, the nipple especially prominent from engorgement. "Want to suck Mistress's tits?"
Mother asked in a teasing tone, her areola a charming pink under the light. She gently played with her nipple with her fingers, then stuck out her tongue, flicking the engorged tip. Meanwhile, her free jade foot began rubbing up and down Senior Brother's swollen cock. Senior Brother's eyes widened, his Adam's apple bobbing, clearly stunned by the sight.
Mother thrust out her chest, making her snow-white breasts even more prominent, twisting her snake-like waist so her tits bounced with the motion. "Mmm... ah..." Mother let out a sweet moan. "Good disciple... aren't they bigger than any you've seen before?"
Senior Brother stared, gulping, nodding repeatedly.
"Hehe, do you like them?"
Mother giggled sweetly, her toes deftly kneading Senior Brother's glans, noticing his cock growing even harder. Her hand unconsciously reached for her crotch. "Ah..."
Mother suddenly let out a soul-stirring moan, her long fingers gripping the jade dildo between her legs, pumping it rapidly in and out of her wet pussy.
Squish squish... the sound of overflowing juices mixed with sticky wetness echoed in the room. Mother's eyes were sultry, her body glistening with sweat, trembling from pleasure.
She deliberately pulled the jade dildo out halfway, then thrust it in again, repeating dozens of times before her whole body suddenly stiffened.
"Oh!!!"
Mother threw her head back and screamed, a stream of golden urine shooting from her urethra and soaking Senior Brother's chest.
At the same time, her toes clamped tightly around Senior Brother's cock and glans, her footwork sending him into another climax.
Splurt... splurt... white semen sprayed out a second time, splattering over Mother's snow-white feet and calves.
Watching this debauched scene, I couldn't hold back any longer, gripping my already-erect cock and stroking furiously.
"Good disciple..."
Mother was still in the throes of orgasm, her face flushed, breathing hard. "Do you want... to taste what Mistress's slutty pee is like?"
She dipped her finger in some semen on her leg and gently smeared it on her huge breasts. Senior Brother was speechless, just staring blankly at the Mistress who was both familiar and utterly strange.
And outside the window, watching Mother's seductive display, my hand moved faster and faster...
...
The next morning, soft sunlight spilled over the bed as I slowly woke from sleep.
"Son, are you awake?"
Mother's voice sounded.
Still groggy, I looked around in a daze, my brain not yet fully online. My throat was painfully dry; I managed to squeeze out a hoarse reply: "Awake, just woke up." As soon as I spoke, I realized this was just Mother speaking in my mind she couldn't actually hear my real voice.
So I quickly focused and responded mentally.
As my mind cleared, memories of last night's madness surged through me.
"That was insane. How did I become like that?"
Mother's exclamation echoed in my heart.
I could clearly imagine her expression her face must be as red as a ripe apple, blushing all over. Yes, last night, Mother was like a succubus queen, playing with Senior Brother. At first I thought after two ejaculations and Mother's squirting, it would be over, but she had no intention of letting him off easy. Like a playful mother cat toying with a tough mouse, she kept going until Senior Brother's cock was rubbed purple by her feet and after six ejaculations couldn't get hard anymore, only then did she stop, and I...
"Baby, last night... when Mom was like that... did you like it?"
"I liked it..."
"Then baby, how many times did you cum?"
"...Four... times."
"Aiya, little pervert."
Embarrassed, I closed my eyes, feeling the pain in my crotch from morning wood even more acute my cock was swollen from all the stroking. In that state, Mother, me, Senior Brother, everyone infected each other, lost in carnal lust.
Fortunately, we'd finally released and regained a bit of sanity.
Suddenly, Second Senior Brother's anxious shout came from outside:
"Junior Brother, are you awake? Something big's happened outside, Junior Brother!"
Still enjoying my lazy chat with Mother, I quickly got up, slipped on my shoes, and went to the door.
Opening it, I saw Second Senior Brother carrying a bundle, clearly just back from the town.
"What's wrong, Second Senior Brother?" I rubbed my eyes.
"Wait..." He set down his burdens and rummaged through them.
Soon, he pulled out a new garment, handed it to me with a smile, saying it was for me.
I took it the pure black fabric was cool and smooth, fine in texture, and looked like it would fit well.
I glanced down at my old, worn-out clothes, full of gratitude for Second Senior Brother, but didn't forget the "big news" he'd mentioned.
I pressed, "Second Senior Brother, what's the big thing you just mentioned?"
"Yesterday I went down to town and saw a notice. It said that the Longevity Sect and the imperial court are jointly organizing a grand martial arts tournament for all cultivators."
Second Senior Brother took the cup of water I handed him, gulped it down, then continued, "This tournament requires sect disciples to participate. Only the top ten sects will be recognized by the court. All others must disband immediately and surrender their sect's location to the court. Of course, the court isn't heartless they'll assign suitable candidates to corresponding posts, like joining the army and such."
Puzzled, I asked, "Second Senior Brother, cultivators are so powerful why do they have to obey the court?"
He paused, then explained gravely:
"There are two main reasons. First, the Longevity Sect plays a crucial role. It's the most powerful sect now, with every member at an unfathomable level. Their support for and participation in the court's plan makes other sects cautious. Second, while cultivators are strong, they're still individuals. Even if one can fight dozens or hundreds, they can't stand against the court's tens of thousands of troops. The court's army is no joke there are martial artists among them, and though a single one isn't as strong as a cultivator, their numbers are overwhelming. In a drawn-out fight, cultivators can't hold out. So, cultivators have to respect the court and follow its arrangements."
"Second Senior Brother, did you tell my mom... my mother?"
"I just did. Mistress said to discuss it with you."
After a stick of incense's time, all four of us gathered in the discussion hall.
Mother looked at me with her big, innocent eyes, clearly uninterested in the Longevity Sect and court's tournament, just quietly eating the flower cakes Second Senior Brother bought her in town.
Senior Brother had two obvious dark circles under his eyes, looking half-awake, head bowed, not daring to meet Mother's gaze or look at me.
Second Senior Brother's eyes darted between us, clearly aware he'd missed something important, but now wasn't the time to ask Senior Brother.
I'd thought about this for a long time there was definitely a scheme here, or rather, an open conspiracy.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of sects in the world, most claiming to be righteous. Now, the court and Longevity Sect's top ten slots are a mark of official recognition.
As for the rest?
Even if they still claim to be righteous, without official approval, they'll lose prestige among the common people, making it impossible to recruit talented disciples. Over time, the sects will inevitably decline. This way, cultivators can be effectively controlled and the court's rule strengthened.
Those who refuse to submit may be made examples of and suppressed.
I'd wanted to cultivate quietly on the mountain, then take Mother traveling when I was strong enough, but it seems fate has other plans. Since Mother and I transmigrated here, we won't be allowed to idle.
"When's the tournament?" I asked Second Senior Brother.
"One month from now."
We'd only been here less than ten days, still far from forty-nine days...
I looked at Mother, who rolled her eyes at me. Fine, more hard training ahead. The tournament required sect disciples to participate even if Mother completed the first layer of the Beast Desire Technique, as sect leader she couldn't join.
So, this task fell to me. "I'm going to train."
I got up and headed to the training ground, sending a mental message to Mother. "Mom, even though you can't enter the tournament, I think you should still learn the Azure Sword Technique. If something happens when you go down the mountain, you'll have some way to protect yourself."
Mother's lazy voice sounded in my mind:
"Fine, since my precious son is going to stand on his own, as your mother I can't hold you back."
Mother and I went to the training ground. I demonstrated some basic moves again, and now that I was in the Golden Core realm, I could use Azure Rainbow. I wanted to show its power to reassure her. "Mom, this is Azure Glow."
A blue sword light flashed, leaving a clear mark on the training ground wall. I was now proficient at all the moves except Azure Rainbow. Years of hard practice had paid off. Mother lifted her hand, shook her sleeve to reveal a white, porcelain-like palm, and casually waved at the wall five white lights flashed, leaving five marks, four vertical and one horizontal, deeper than mine. I stared in disbelief. She grinned at me:
"Isn't it easy?"
Then she waved her other hand, launching an even stronger Azure Edge. Genius she was a genius.
I then demonstrated Azure Steel and Azure Rainbow. She easily performed the misty-white Azure Steel. Azure Rainbow was a bit harder, but I was sure she'd master it soon. Suddenly, I realized how foolish I'd been trying to teach the "World's Number One Beautiful Sword Immortal."
"Oh right, son, when I was circulating energy just now, I found a little person inside me."
During a break, Mother told me about her discovery while practicing.
"Where? In your dantian or your sea of consciousness, like your brain?"
"Hmm... hard to say, feels like both everywhere and nowhere. I just looked again... that little person looks just like someone."
"Who?"
"Your Senior Brother."
What was going on?
Why would a little version of Senior Brother appear in Mother's body? Was there a special reason? Or was it the Beast Desire Technique? I figured it was probably the technique. "Is it caused by the Beast Desire Technique?"
"I don't know, I'll go check it out later."
Mother stretched and yawned. "Not staying here, yesterday was too tiring, I need a good rest."
She blushed, remembering her wanton behavior last night, and quickly got up. "Take care of yourself, don't overdo it, I'm off."
Then, barefoot, she rode her flying sword away she now used it like a hoverboard, faster than walking, and with less friction.
Thinking of that, the dull ache in my cock reminded me not to let my imagination run wild I couldn't take it anymore...
Chapter 6: Desire and Breakthrough on the Eve of the Martial Tournament (18+)Desire and Breakthrough on the Eve of the Martial Tournament
These days, Senior Brother finally broke through. After more than a decade of arduous cultivation, he successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage. In that moment, Senior Brother was as happy as a child, jumping and laughing on the spot, as if releasing all the hardships and repression of the past ten-plus years, ending up in tears.
As for me, I spent almost all my time in the training ground, only leaving for necessary sleep. I sat cross-legged in the center of the training ground, focusing my mind, doing my utmost to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, intent on stabilizing my recently achieved Golden Core stage.
The martial arts tournament was only a month away. Such precise timing was hard to believe was just a coincidence. I could only race against time to improve my strength.
Besides cultivating and absorbing spiritual energy, sometimes the ring would also emit some green energy. When that happened, I knew Mom was either teasing someone or being teased herself.
After reaching the Golden Core stage, my connection with Mom deepened. When she contacted me, I could already hear the sounds around her and the conversations she was having. It gave me a sense of eavesdropping on Mom. If I focused even more, I could simulate images in my mind not clear like surveillance, but more like silhouettes or shadows.
I hadn't told Mom about this improvement yet. This voyeuristic ability was very draining, but also extremely stimulating. Just yesterday, while I was in the training ground and felt the ring's energy surge, I activated "peeping mode." The three silhouettes were easy to recognize: the three of them were having a meal. Senior Brother was sitting opposite Mom, and under the table, Mom's foot was teasing Senior Brother's crotch, while Second Senior Brother was chatting leisurely with Mom.
"Mistress, the newly renovated bathhouse is almost ready. I've replaced the tub with a much larger one, so you can lie in it comfortably," Second Senior Brother said respectfully and warmly.
"That's really thoughtful of you, good disciple. I can't wait," Mom replied in a soft, charming tone.
"It's nothing, I also planted some fresh flowers in the backyard. When you bathe, you can put the petals in," Second Senior Brother continued.
"Mm-hmm," Mom responded softly, then added, "You're all so good to me, thank you."
"Mistress, we're family. This is what disciples should do."
"Mm~"
A soft moan interrupted Mom and Second Senior Brother's conversation, and the shadow under the table withdrew. That moan must have come from Senior Brother, unable to help himself.
I smiled quietly and shook my head. These two Senior Brothers each had their own way of pleasing Mom. Second Senior Brother took the gradual, gentle approach, like spring sunshine, wrapping people up with thoughtful care a true warm man. Honest Senior Brother, on the other hand, really used his tongue.
...
"Son, I'm going to take a bath. Your Second Senior Brother has heated the water. Will you come scrub my back?" Mom's voice sounded in my mind.
"Let Second Senior Brother do it. He's worked so hard, bought you so many nice things from town, and even renovated the bathhouse. Isn't it all to win your heart?"
"Pah, you little rascal. Just for these little favors, you want to sell your mom? Or am I selling myself?"
"Hehe, anyway, I don't have time right now. I just finished practicing Azure Rainbow, I'm exhausted and don't have the strength to scrub your back."
"I think you're doing it on purpose."
Of course I was otherwise, how could I watch the show? I just didn't know how exciting it would be.
Not long after, I heard the rustling of clothes Mom must have entered the bathhouse. Then came the sound of water she'd gotten into the new tub. "Son, your Second Senior Brother is really bad."
"What's wrong?"
"The tub is bigger, and I can lie in it, very comfortable, but it's shallower. If not for the flower petals, I'd be completely exposed..."
"Haha, at least he's thoughtful."
"Go away, you little pervert."
"Mistress, is the water temperature okay?" That was Second Senior Brother's voice, a bit quiet he must have been outside the bathhouse. "It's perfect," Mom replied.
"Oh." Second Senior Brother sounded a bit disappointed, but then said, "Mistress, do you... need..."
"Come in, scrub my back in a bit," Mom interrupted before he could finish.
"Ah, okay... okay."
Then came the sound of the door opening and closing.
"Oh, why aren't you blindfolded this time?"
"Ah, oh, then I..."
"It's fine, come here."
Water sounds followed. "Start with my back."
"Mm."
Then came the sound of skin rubbing. Soon, the water splashed again, and as the splashing faded, rapid breathing replaced it.
I asked Mom in my mind, "Mom, does the bath feel good?"
"Com... comfortable... ah..."
The "ah" was much louder Second Senior Brother must have touched a sensitive spot.
"Mistress, this is bath fragrance I brought from town. It's made from a blend of precious flower petals and spices, for bathing. It whitens and softens skin and leaves a lasting scent," Second Senior Brother explained.
From his description, it sounded like a modern body wash. A true warm man he'd thought of everything. But his intentions were obvious to all.
"Mm," Mom replied softly, then added, "Mm~ a bit cool."
"Oh, I'll warm it up and apply it for you."
The sound of hands rubbing, then Mom's soft moans...
"Aren't you hot?" Mom's seductive voice asked.
"Oh, Mistress, I... I'm not hot."
"Not hot? Then why are you sweating so much? You just dripped on me." Mom giggled. "Take off your clothes."
Second Senior Brother's voice was nervous and excited. "Can I, Mistress?"
"There's no one else here. What are you afraid of? Your Junior Brother is practicing in the training ground."
"Oh... okay."
Mom even had to mention me, to tease Second Senior Brother.
I heard the sound of clothes being removed. Soon, Mom let out a surprised gasp: "So long..."
My heart leapt into my throat the thrill of eavesdropping was indescribable.
Imagining Second Senior Brother's thick, long cock exposed in the air, along with Mom's gasp...
"Mom, what's so long?"
"Hmph, not telling you. That's your punishment for not scrubbing my back."
Fine, women really can't be provoked.
"Hiss... ha, Mistress... gentler..."
Two hurried footsteps sounded Mom must have pulled Second Senior Brother, and it was obvious where she'd grabbed.
"Why are you so far away? Are you scared of me?"
"N-no, not scared."
"Mm, I see. It's fierce."
"Yes... Mistress... you're so beautiful."
"Hehe."
Women love compliments.
Then came the sounds of water and slurping. "Mmm... Mistress..." Second Senior Brother's voice trembled, mixed with suppressed groans. "Ah... ah..."
"Shh..." Mom's voice was intermittent. "Be good... let Mistress... love you well..."
After that, there were faint swallowing sounds.
Was Mom...?
I focused my cultivation, and an image appeared in my mind: Mom's shadow in the tub, reclining, one hand supporting herself, the other at the crotch of the shadow in front of her. Her head moved back and forth, making the thick shadow disappear and reappear, sometimes making it stand up and slide along her cheek, sometimes stroking it with her hand, her face buried in the crotch of the shadow in front of her. There was no doubt Mom was sucking and licking Second Senior Brother's cock and balls. The slurping sounds came from her mouth.
"Mmm... Mistress... slower..."
Second Senior Brother's voice trembled Mom's skill was making him lose control.
Mom panted, "Mmm... disciple's cock... so big... so thick... so tasty... Mistress likes it."
After a while, "Mistress... I'm going to cum..." Second Senior Brother's voice grew urgent.
"Mmm... it's okay... cum..." Mom mumbled, her mouth never stopping.
"Ah!!"
Second Senior Brother let out a low roar, then came the sound of liquid hitting, and Mom's satisfied swallowing. The steamy scene in the bath made my hand reach for my crotch no wonder people say the human brain is the biggest sex organ...
The debauchery in the bathhouse didn't end there Mom wouldn't let Second Senior Brother off so easily. But I couldn't keep watching; the ring's green energy surged, and I drew it in, washing over my green Golden Core, feeling it slowly grow, its shape no longer round.
After reaching Golden Core, I wondered why the core wasn't gold it seemed to be dyed green by the ring's energy.
When the surging energy faded, the core in my body seemed to become like a tiny infant, but I was still at Golden Core, not yet at Spirit Embodiment.
What is Spirit Embodiment? What is it like? I had no way of knowing. I just wanted to quickly amass strength to protect my family.
...
Time passed quickly half a month went by, and there were only a dozen days left before the Longevity Sect and the court's tournament.
During this half month, I was stuck at Golden Core, even feeling "full."
But I just couldn't break through. No one in the sect could help me only the green energy. I'd have to ask around after going down the mountain.
Since Second Senior Brother's debauchery with Mom in the bathhouse, he'd broken through too, and also appeared in Mom's "body," but it didn't matter, so I didn't care.
Today, everyone packed up, ready to go down the mountain.
Mom wore a simple white long dress, her hair in a cloud bun held by a jade hairpin. From a distance, she looked dignified and elegant, like a fairy in a painting.
But only we knew the seemingly conservative dress hid another scene. Mom wore no underwear, and her bare pussy still had a green jade dildo inside.
Mom, barefoot, calmly rode her flying sword, snacking on treats Second Senior Brother bought her, eating as she flew.
We three brothers followed closely. Soon, we reached the village at the foot of the mountain.
"Qingzhu, where are you off to?" Two people came out of the village, one greeting Senior Brother first.
This person looked quite old, hunched, face full of deep wrinkles, eyes a bit cloudy.
The other was thin but upright, plain-looking, messy hair, lots of bangs covering his eyes, wearing an old gray robe with a wine gourd at his waist. "It's the village chief and Mr. Hao. We're off to the tournament. My master and junior brother are going to participate, so we're heading to town to buy a carriage," Senior Brother replied quickly.
"We heard about it too. You'd better win if the mountain and land go to the court, it'll be hard for the people to get them back," the village chief said gravely.
"Of course, we don't want that either. It's all that Longevity Sect's fault, playing these games. Who knows what they're up to," Senior Brother said angrily, spitting to the side, face full of resentment.
"Are you familiar with the capital? I can be your guide," said Mr. Hao, his voice casual and unrestrained.
"Old Hao, are you familiar with the capital?" Senior Brother asked.
I leaned over and whispered to Second Senior Brother, "Who is he? He doesn't seem like an ordinary villager."
Second Senior Brother whispered back, "Old Hao came to our village ten years ago. He could teach and read, so at first he stayed with different families for a few days at a time. Later he set up a school here to teach the village kids."
"Is he trustworthy?" I asked.
"He should be. He's not like the other refugees he always says he's traveling, just staying here for now. In the end, he couldn't leave the kids and stayed. He's a cultured, sentimental guy."
"I've been to the capital before, know the road well. I can go with you, just give me food," Old Hao shrugged.
"No need, we brothers can handle it," Senior Brother waved him off.
Old Hao ignored Senior Brother, turned to look straight at me: "He'll need me."
I was shocked and confused, not understanding what he meant. I thought: I don't need a man.
"I can sense he's 'full,'" Old Hao said, shocking me even more. He'd accurately described my current bottleneck.
"You're a cultivator?" I blurted out, but then realized something was off he didn't feel like Senior Brother or Second Senior Brother after their breakthroughs. Simply put, I couldn't sense any "substance" in him he seemed "empty," just like a normal person.
Old Hao just smiled, not answering, then said, "I can be your guide, drive the carriage, just feed me. I want to see the tournament too."
"What full or not, we don't have enough food, don't get involved," Senior Brother said gruffly.
"Senior Brother, let Mr. Hao come. After we get a carriage in town, you and Second Senior Brother go back to the sect. Someone has to stay home," I urged.
"Junior Brother, I..." Senior Brother tried to speak.
I cut him off: "You two train at home. You know Mom and I are strong enough to protect ourselves. If anything happens, we'd have to look after you. You just broke through, so you need to practice. The sect will depend on you two in the future."
"Fine, let's go, no more delays," Senior Brother said helplessly.
So, with Old Hao joining, the five of us headed for town.
Old Hao was definitely not normal he could see my problem at a glance. More importantly, when he saw Mom, he only paused briefly before looking away, his gaze clear, completely unaffected by her charm.
You have to know, Mom's Beast Desire Technique was almost at the late first stage, constantly radiating feminine allure. We three brothers had only developed a little immunity from being around her so long. The old village chief probably didn't even see Mom's beauty. But Old Hao definitely saw it and was unaffected.
"Mr. Hao, what do you mean by 'full'?" On the road, I couldn't hold back my curiosity.
I needed someone to explain every bit of strength increased my odds in the tournament.
"You're at Golden Core?"
"Yes." I'd already decided Old Hao wasn't ordinary, so I wasn't surprised he saw my realm. "Please, Mr. Hao, enlighten me."
"The next realm is Spirit Embodiment."
Then, his gaze deep and all-knowing, he said, "The answer lies in 'Spirit Embodiment' itself."
Chapter 7: Stirrings of Power and Old Grudges at the Inn (18+)Read this novel at patreon.com/FallenHead
Stirrings of Power and Old Grudges at the Inn
I kept pondering Old Hao's words in my mind: "Spirit Embodiment Realm, Spirit Embodiment... what does that mean? Does it mean you have to have some spiritual charm, or is it related to a spirit body?" But what could that have to do with the word "full"?
I looked at him, completely confused.
Old Hao grinned, shaking his head for a while before slowly saying, "This trip to the capital isn't short, it'll take us quite a few days. I just hope I can have a good drink along the way."
He was clearly making a request.
"Senior, if you can explain this to me, there'll be no shortage of wine."
"Alright," Old Hao squinted, looking at me with a profound gaze, and said nonchalantly, "The key to the Spirit Embodiment Realm is giving your Golden Core a spirit. At this stage, you need to nurture your core with spiritual power and mental focus. Gradually, the core will seem to develop a mind of its own, like creating a clone of yourself. This thing connects with your thoughts and will be the foundation for forming your Nascent Soul in the future. Only then have you truly entered the path of cultivation."
Then, as if remembering something, he casually glanced at my mother and said, "Didn't your master teach you this? It's not even a secret." Old Hao raised his eyebrows, a bit teasing.
I was momentarily speechless. I couldn't exactly say the cold-faced sword immortal never taught me, or that my mother lost her memory and couldn't teach me, so I just braced myself and replied, "Master told me to comprehend it myself."
"Alright, I guess I spoke too much." Old Hao shrugged nonchalantly.
At that moment, my mother noticed Old Hao's gaze, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, like a spring flower quietly blooming, instantly showing a captivating smile.
Then, as if responding to Old Hao's teasing, her eyes feigned a bit of mock anger, giving him a lively glare.
Old Hao immediately put on a "defeated" look, shaking his head with a wry smile, but thinking of all the good wine he'd have along the way, he couldn't help but smile again. In a great mood, he even started humming an unknown tune.
Entering the town, the noise and excitement hit us in the face.
Mother and I looked around curiously, gawking like children and exclaiming from time to time:
"Is this the town's market? So many people!"
Second Senior Brother Qingshan was more composed, silently following behind, but his eyes kept scanning the shops and passersby, occasionally reminding me in a low voice:
"Junior Brother, don't wander off, there are too many people here."
Mother seemed to have a fire of curiosity lit inside her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, her steps light as a deer's. This was her first time coming down the mountain into an ordinary town since transmigrating, and everything was full of endless novelty and temptation for her.
She would sometimes approach a street stall full of trinkets, gently picking up a delicate hairpin and examining it in the sunlight, murmuring:
"These little things are really well made."
Other times, she'd stand in front of a pastry shop, inhaling the sweet aroma, turning to us with a smile:
"This smells so special, come and smell it."
Her figure weaved through the crowd, her white gauze dress fluttering in the wind, like a lively scene that drew many glances. But she didn't care at all, completely immersed in the new experience of her first trip down the mountain.
Old Hao, meanwhile, dove straight into a tavern, soon coming out with a jar of wine, looking delighted.
Senior Brother glared at him, grumbling, "Old Hao, all you know is drinking."
Old Hao just chuckled, "Go pay for it, your Junior Brother promised me."
We arrived at the carriage shop, where all kinds of carriages were on display.
Senior Brother barged up, knocking and testing, loudly haggling with the boss:
"Boss, your carriage can't be that expensive, we're honest people, give us a deal!"
The boss was both amused and exasperated by his manner. Second Senior Brother carefully checked the condition of each carriage, quietly analyzing the pros and cons to me.
Mother stood by with a smile, holding snacks that Second Senior Brother had just bought her.
Old Hao stood aside, drinking and joking, "Just pick one, as long as it gets us there. Don't dawdle!"
After finally picking a carriage, Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother quickly loaded the luggage, and Old Hao huffed and puffed a few jars of wine into the compartment, muttering, "Can't go without wine on the road."
Once everything was ready and we were about to set off, the mood turned heavy. Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother slowly walked up to Mother, eyes full of reluctance.
Senior Brother's lips trembled, his eyes red. He wanted to say something but his throat tightened, so he just stared at Mother, as if trying to engrave her appearance in his heart.
Second Senior Brother bit his lower lip, holding back tears, his hand tightly clutching his clothes, his voice choked:
"Mistress, you must be careful on this trip. We'll be waiting day and night for your safe return."
Mother's eyes also glistened with tears. She gently stroked the faces of Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother, saying softly:
"You two must practice hard on the mountain. When I come back, I'll give you a thorough 'inspection.'"
Mother put special emphasis on the word "inspection."
Old Hao, seeing the scene, quietly turned away to give them a moment to say goodbye. After a while, he gently coughed to remind us:
"It's getting late, we should get going."
Only then did Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother slowly step back, still staring at Mother and me.
Old Hao flicked the whip, and the carriage slowly started moving. Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother stood there for a long time, unwilling to leave, until the carriage gradually disappeared at the end of the road.
The carriage bumped along. Mother and I sat inside. Following Old Hao's advice, I sat cross-legged, his words echoing in my mind. My "consciousness" began to look inward, approaching the core inside me. Then, my "hand" reached out to touch the core. The imagined sensation didn't happen; instead, my palm "accidentally" sank into it. Instantly, the core seemed to activate, trembling violently, then slowly expanding, its light growing brighter.
The baby-like form began to grow, gradually taking on the features and shape of my childhood self. When the change stopped, I was immediately pulled out of the state. As I came to, I instinctively checked my spiritual power, only to find that the energy that had filled my meridians like an overflowing cup was now as sparse as a beach at low tide no longer "full."
"Don't panic," Old Hao's voice came from outside the carriage. "After you irrigate it a few more times, you'll naturally enter the Spirit Embodiment Realm."
For the next three days, aside from sleeping, I spent all my time absorbing spiritual energy. But on the road, the energy was much thinner than at the sect, and without the green energy's supplement, the growth was painfully slow.
During these three days, Mother quickly finished reading the novels she'd brought.
She sat idly in a corner of the carriage, a hint of boredom in her eyes.
Though terribly bored, seeing me focused on cultivation, she was very considerate and never disturbed me, just passing the time on her own.
Because of the Beast Desire Technique, Mother's face often showed a charming blush, like a peach blossom in spring, tender and alluring.
Sometimes, she'd unconsciously make little gestures, like absentmindedly lifting her skirt to reveal her fair, jade-like legs and delicate feet, but Old Hao acted as if he saw nothing, never lingering his gaze on her.
After this happened a few times, Mother lost interest in "seducing" him, tidied her clothes, and sat quietly again.
"There's an inn ahead. We can rest there before continuing," Old Hao's voice broke the silence in the carriage.
The carriage stopped in front of the inn. Old Hao jumped down first, expertly tying the reins to a post. Mother and I followed, entering the inn.
Finally, no more dry rations. For the past three days, Old Hao had just drunk wine, his gourd never leaving his hand. Mother, thanks to her cultivation, didn't get hungry and had no interest in dry food, just happily eating the snacks Second Senior Brother had bought her.
She was clearly just greedy one little bag of snacks could make her smile and even hum with satisfaction.
I looked at her eagerly, but she just hummed, "Go practice your skills."
She was annoyed that I was only cultivating and not keeping her company.
Ah, truly, "women and petty men are hard to keep content."
Entering the inn, we found few customers inside.
In one corner, several men dressed as merchants were quietly chatting, sipping wine, their faces showing satisfaction.
But in another corner, what caught my eye most was a young Taoist nun and her master.
She wore a blue-green gauze Taoist robe, her hair in a bun with a few loose strands on her fair neck, single-lidded but large, round, bright eyes, curved brows, a delicate nose, cherry lips, and dimples when she smiled a sweet beauty like a fairy from a painting.
Her master was a middle-aged man with a stern, chiseled face, dressed in black, sitting upright, exuding an extraordinary aura clearly a cultivator.
When we entered, they looked at us. Seeing Mother, their eyes lit up. The merchants whispered, sometimes sneaking glances at Mother.
On the other side, the young nun and her master sat quietly. When we entered, her master stood up, cupping his hands respectfully to Mother. Did they know each other?
Mother reacted quickly, raising her chin slightly and nodding in greeting. Just then, the innkeeper hurried over, a faded towel on his shoulder, bowing and welcoming:
"Welcome, guests! Will you be dining or staying?" His eyes lingered on Mother for a few seconds, clearly drawn by her unique charm.
He quickly looked away and continued, "We have fresh hot buns, delicious stewed meat, local wine, and clean, affordable rooms."
"Bring me your best wine, and be quick!" Old Hao called as soon as he sat.
I added, "And some signature dishes, and that stewed meat you mentioned."
Our table was next to the young nun's. At that moment, her master cleared his throat and introduced himself:
"I am Daoist Xuanfeng. Greetings, Sword Immortal Lin."
Mother hadn't expected to meet an acquaintance, but out of courtesy, she nodded and replied softly, "Daoist Xuanfeng, you're too kind."
Daoist Xuanfeng continued:
"I've long heard of Sword Immortal Lin's great name. It's an honor to meet you today. May I ask where you're headed?"
Before Mother could answer, Old Hao interjected:
"To the capital."
Daoist Xuanfeng nodded, his eyes meaningful:
"Is it for the martial arts tournament? I believe it's not so simple likely a ploy by the court. With so many sects, good and bad mixed together, the court may use this tournament to reorganize and weaken the power of cultivators, strengthening their own control."
So the old Daoist thought the same as I did.
Old Hao just smiled, unconcerned.
Seeing Old Hao and Mother both fall silent, the atmosphere grew awkward. I stood up and introduced myself:
"I am Lin Lu of the Azure Sword Sect. Greetings, Daoist Xuanfeng."
Daoist Xuanfeng looked me over and returned the greeting, "So it's little friend Lin. Pleased to meet you."
The young nun watched us curiously, her big eyes blinking, clearly interested in our conversation.
"Disciple, greet Sword Immortal Lin," her master prompted.
The young nun, Zhao Lingxi, was startled, then quickly stood and bowed to Mother, her voice clear as a bell:
"Lingxi greets Sword Immortal Lin. I wish you well."
Mother smiled, "No need for such formality, Lingxi. You're very cute."
Zhao Lingxi blushed, lowering her head shyly, looking even more charming.
She peeked at me, her eyes curious and bashful, as if wondering whether to greet me too.
Just then, the innkeeper brought a jar of wine and steaming food, and the rich aroma of meat filled the air.
Old Hao's eyes lit up, grabbing the wine and drinking heartily, "Delicious..."
I looked at the table full of food, my appetite growing.
I served Mother a bowl of rice, and we began to eat. Mother elegantly picked up some greens, chewing slowly and gracefully.
As we ate, footsteps sounded on the stairs.
Everyone looked up to see a white-robed young man descending. His face was fair as jade, sword brows slanting to his temples, long, deep eyes exuding natural nobility and aloofness.
He wore a moon-white brocade robe, with silver cloud patterns on the collar and cuffs, a black jade belt at his waist, and a warm jade pendant swaying with each step.
He walked straight to Lingxi:
"My little Lingxi, long time no see."
He smiled faintly, but his words lacked true affection.
Zhao Lingxi's face turned pale at the sight of Ye Wuhen, her eyes full of fear. Her lips trembled, and she looked helplessly at Daoist Xuanfeng, calling softly, "Master..."
Daoist Xuanfeng immediately stood, his face stern as he glared at the white-robed youth, scolding:
"Ye Wuhen, what are you doing here?"
"Why can't I be here? My beloved Lingxi is here," Ye Wuhen replied mockingly.
"Stay away from my disciple."
Daoist Xuanfeng's eyes widened, hand on his sword.
"Old fool, you can't control me," Ye Wuhen sneered arrogantly.
Daoist Xuanfeng gripped his sword, about to draw, but Ye Wuhen instantly pressed it back down. The movement was so fast it was a blur Daoist Xuanfeng was pinned, unable to move his arm, only able to glare at Ye Wuhen helplessly.
I tried to move, but my legs felt rooted, my arms heavy as lead I couldn't move at all.
It wasn't fear, but as if I'd been immobilized by a spell, trapped in this little space, unable to break free.
Was this a spell? Or suppression by a higher realm?
"Mom, I can't move. Can you?" I asked anxiously in my mind.
Mother, hearing I couldn't move, grew frantic, quickly touching my face, eyes full of worry:
"Son, what's wrong? Why can't you move?" In her panic, all her usual composure vanished, even exposing that she wasn't from this world. But everyone's attention was on Ye Wuhen, so no one noticed her odd behavior.
But her actions still caught Ye Wuhen's attention.
He'd been staring at Zhao Lingxi and her master, but now his gaze slowly turned to our table.
He glanced casually at Old Hao and me, then locked onto Mother.
"Hm? I feel like I've seen you somewhere."
Ye Wuhen frowned, a trace of doubt in his eyes.
But Mother was only worried about me, not hearing Ye Wuhen, still anxiously checking me, trying to find out why I couldn't move.
"Mom, be careful, he's coming for you," I warned in my mind.
Just as I finished, Ye Wuhen's figure flashed, appearing beside Mother like a ghost.
He grabbed her chin, forcing her face up and examining her closely.
"Oh, so it's Sword Immortal Lin. No wonder you looked familiar I saw you when I was little. Don't you remember me?"
Ye Wuhen smiled playfully.
Mother, shocked and angry, struggled desperately. In her panic, she forgot all her skills, like an ordinary woman, only able to slap at Ye Wuhen's arm, crying, "Let me go!"
Ye Wuhen actually let go, stepping back and laughing:
"You almost became my sister-in-law. No, it was just my brother's unrequited love."
He paused, his smile fading, then added:
"It's all because of you that my brother left the sect. Hmph."
His gaze returned to Mother, a faint chill in his eyes.