The Transmigrator's Cultivation

Chapter 53 - Arc 5: Loose Cultivator Alliance | Chapter 53: Forebonding

Translator: Lynn

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This approach proved to be effective in making a positive impression.

Xu Ziqing maintained his smile, but deep down, he felt a genuine sense of relief mixed with a hint of displeasure. He had always treated others with gentleness, humility, and courtesy in both his words and actions. However, bowing out of respect was vastly different from being compelled to submit.

Having lived two lives as a human being, Xu Ziqing was accustomed to being pampered by his family in his previous life. Even though he possessed a gentle and mild disposition, no one dared to disrespect him. In his current life, being born into a prestigious family as the eldest son and grandson, he held a position of authority, and even though the family business had been taken over, his subordinates dared not treat him with disrespect. While he had worked as a laborer, he genuinely loved and treasured the spiritual trees and herbs, never once compromising his principles.

Thus, despite his gentle and refined demeanor, he harbored a n.o.ble and proud spirit within him. It was an aspect of his character he didn’t reveal to others but strictly enforced upon himself.

In this situation, facing pressure from senior cultivators who greatly surpa.s.sed him, Xu Ziqing could have taken advantage of his junior status to bow and avoid conflict. However, he suddenly found himself unwilling to be forced into such a position.

Because of his stubbornness, some of the higher-ranking pract.i.tioners felt slighted, leading them to exert even more force to subdue Xu Ziqing, almost creating an embarra.s.sing situation for both sides.

Turning around, Xu Ziqing offered a slight bow and spoke gently, “Greetings, seniors.”

By enduring the overwhelming pressure with his internal arrogance intact, he now bowed out of respect for the other party.

Witnessing this gentle and handsome young man behave in such a manner, even the few previously discontented elders softened their expressions. Simultaneously, the atmosphere in the hall ceased to feel tense.

The middle-aged man seated on the central futon twirled his beard and smiled, nodding as he said, “Young friend Xu is indeed a remarkable talent. My junior apprentice has made progress by befriending someone like you.”

As soon as he spoke, two futons materialized behind Xu Ziqing and Su Xin.

Xu Ziqing lifted the hem of his garment and gracefully knelt down, saying, “Your kindness knows no bounds, Alliance Master. Xin is a person of great character.”

Sitting down on Xu Ziqing’s left, Su Xin voiced his displeasure, “Master invited Brother Ziqing here, so why subject him to bullying? Just a few days ago, during the battle with the Blood Demon, Brother Ziqing saved my life multiple times, and I’m honored to call him my friend.”

The middle-aged man chuckled, “It was merely a form of greeting. Young friend Xu possesses strong willpower, and we old folks are pleased to witness what we sought. Hence, we may have gone a bit overboard.”

His response indicated that he didn’t disregard Su Xin’s words and held a favorable view of him. The cultivators seated on both sides, numbering seven or eight, maintained calm expressions and showed no objections to the middle-aged man’s statement. This demonstrated Suxin’s esteemed status within the Alliance and how highly he was loved and valued by the elders.

The politeness displayed by the elders was also influenced by Xu Ziqing’s own strength. They had heard from Su Xin earlier that Xu Ziqing, despite being only two years older than him, possessed an exceptionally high level of cultivation, indicating extraordinary talent. While the elders initially suspected Su Xin of exaggerating, they also had the intention of testing Xu Ziqing. Thus, upon Xu Ziqing’s arrival, each of them released a pressure equivalent to the ninth level of Qi refinement, joining forces to exert it upon him.

They expected Xu Ziqing to endure for a few breaths, but his exceptional performance in the face of the test garnered their respect.

Now seated, Xu Ziqing surveyed the individuals in the hall. The middle-aged man positioned in the center of the futon was undoubtedly the leader of the Scattered Cultivation League, exhibiting a clear and refined appearance with bright eyes. To his left and right sat the elders, both male and female each possessing unique characteristics. While their sincerity couldn’t be determined, they all appeared quite amiable.

Although each emanated a strong aura of oppression, it no longer felt intimidating. Xu Ziqing understood that this was the natural aura of high-ranking cultivators, and it was only natural for him to sense it given his weaker cultivation compared to the others.

However, these dispersed pressures didn’t intimidate Xu Ziqing, leading him to speculate that the higher-ranked cultivators were not present.

His speculation was accurate.

Within the Scattered Cultivation League, there were rules stipulating that those who reached the Yuan Yuan stage of cultivation would become elders and concentrate on secluded cultivation in the spiritual mountains to advance further. Unless there was a matter of life and death concerning the Alliance, they seldom emerged from seclusion.

Hence, the highest cultivation level among the cultivators in the hall that day was only in the late stage of the foundation building. As those who hadn’t established their foundation couldn’t deliberate as elders in the inner hall, it was understandable.

The elders and the alliance leader also observed the young man in the green shirt before them and sensed his clear and forthright nature, evident from his unreserved gaze. It was apparent that he was open, and honest, and had never engaged in wrongdoing.

They were aware of Su Xin’s sincerity, but considering his excessive praise of Xu Ziqing, they had concerns that he might be deceived. That was why this meeting had been arranged. However, after meeting and testing Xu Ziqing, their worries were put to rest.

When they spoke to Xu Ziqing again, they did so without any lingering guard.

Both sides had overcome their initial disagreement upon entering, and the atmosphere gradually became more cordial.

Afterward, the master expressed, “I’ve heard Xin’er talk about your battle with him against the blood demon, which was quite dangerous. As your teacher, I feel obliged to do my part.”

As he finished speaking, he traced several intricate patterns with his finger.

Suddenly, the immortal crane depicted in the mural at the top of the hall came to life. Its eyes shimmered as it gracefully descended, tapping its long legs on the ground. It held a wooden box in its long beak, performing a solo-like dance as it placed the box in front of Xu Ziqing. With a flourish of its wings, it returned to the mural.

It was an impressive display of skill.

Although Xu Ziqing knew it was just an illusion, he couldn’t help but be fascinated by the finger technique, momentarily forgetting about it.

The box gently landed on the ground, emitting a soft click.

Xu Ziqing regained his composure and smiled, saying, “I have become good friends with Xin, and I have already accomplished what I wanted to do. How can I accept this gift? Please take it back.”

But the master chuckled and replied, “You wouldn’t dare refuse a gift from an elder. This is just a small token, there’s no need to fuss.”

Seeing that the atmosphere was pleasant, Su Xin tugged at Xu Ziqing’s sleeve and urged, “Brother Ziqing, it’s not worth declining what the master has given you. Put it away quickly!” When he noticed Xu Ziqing’s hesitation, he added, “Could it be that the bond between us, fighting side by side, is not as important as this box?”

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing abandoned his pretense and put the box into his sleeve, saying, “I apologize for accepting it.”

Su Xin grinned and exclaimed, “That’s a good brother!”

The alliance master found it amusing and remarked, “Xin’er has never defended anyone like this. It’s clear that he has a genuine closeness to his young friend Xu.”

Su Xin blushed, looking quite pleased. He responded, “What if I consider him my brother?”

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing smiled lightly and replied, “Yes.” The elders joined in the laughter that followed.

After a harmonious moment, the alliance master and the elders inquired in detail about their battle with the Blood Demon. The conversation flowed naturally, and everyone laughed and smiled, devoid of any tension.

As they conversed, a surge of spiritual energy surged outside, quickly forming into a gust of wind. A striking woman dressed in red entered the hall with swift steps, her eyes glowing red like flames.

It was Huo Tong who had arrived.

Upon entering the hall, Huo Tong spotted Xu Ziqing and Su Xin and greeted them with a smile, “Xu Xiaoyou, have you been neglected since joining the alliance?”

Xu Ziqing stood up and replied, “Thank you for your concern. I haven’t been neglected.”

Huo Tong smiled again and proceeded to the left of her husband, the alliance master, whispering something in his ear.

Although the alliance master’s eyes flickered with a hint of light, his expression remained unchanged.

Observing this, Xu Ziqing knew it was time to take his leave. He bowed and said with a smile, “Lord, Elder Huo, and all the elders, it suddenly occurred to me that I have important matters to attend to. I’m afraid I must go ahead.”

The group understood and didn’t insist on keeping him. They were already quite fond of this young man in the green shirt, and their admiration for him only grew stronger.

The alliance master said, “In that case, we won‘t detain you any longer. Let Su Xin accompany you down the mountain. If you have the opportunity in the future, feel free to visit and enjoy yourself here.”

Xu Ziqing smiled faintly, not taking the invitation too seriously. He replied, “Thank you for your kind offer, senior. I’ll take my leave.”

As he bid farewell, Xu Xin also stood up, realizing that his mother had something to discuss with the master and the elders. He accompanied Xu Ziqing to the Gao Ke residence and left after seeing him off.

Upon Xu Ziqing’s return, Qingfeng Miaoyue was overjoyed to see her master back so early. She hurriedly prepared a meal for him.

After enjoying his meal, Xu Ziqing retreated to his quiet room.

Before settling down, he took out the box given to him by the alliance master and opened it.

Upon lifting the lid, Xu Ziqing was astonished.

The box contained ten porcelain bottles, but when he picked up one of the bottles, he was pleasantly surprised.

The label read: “Beast Spirit Pill.”

As the name implied, the Beast Spirit Pill was a pill meant for beast pets. It strengthened their bodies, keeping them healthy and free from hunger. The pill was made from beast pills and spirit herbs, containing the five elements of Qi suitable for absorption by beasts.

Beast Spirit Pills were exceedingly rare. Since there were few cultivators who kept beast pets, they were also scarce in the trading hall. Xu Ziqing had never come across them before, yet now he had been given several bottles.

The sight of the Beast Spirit Pills warmed Xu Ziqing’s heart.

Chonghua had been by his side for years, but due to his inadequate cultivation level and numerous difficulties, Xu Ziqing couldn’t properly care for him. Chonghua always soared high in the sky, hunting on his own, never causing any trouble. Xu Ziqing felt a deep sense of guilt and pity for him.

He yearned to swiftly establish his foundation and find magic pills for Chonghua. With the Beast Spirit Pills and the body refining technique bestowed upon Chonghua by Yun Ling, he could progress further and eventually reach the demon pellet stage.

Regrettably, Chonghua faced certain limitations.

Demon beasts and spirit animals were born with inner pellets, while ordinary beasts required hundreds of years of cultivation to develop an inner pellet through gradual progress. Chonghua’s father possessed a trace of an ancient peng bloodline, making him a demonic beast from birth. His mother, an ordinary black eagle, cultivated into a demon, becoming a latter-day demonic beast. When the two eagles bred, Chonghua was born with remarkable potential but lacked an inner elixir.

After several years of training with body refining techniques, his sharp steel claws and beak were his only noticeable enhancements, while his speed and senses were only slightly superior to those of an ordinary eagle. He couldn’t be considered a true demonic beast yet.

Since mortal eagles had a short lifespan, Xu Ziqing couldn’t bear to let Chonghua go. Furthermore, in his future training, he would venture into dangerous places. If Chonghua couldn’t advance further, would he be able to accompany Xu Ziqing? But if he left Chonghua behind, how could Xu Ziqing bear the thought when Chonghua had become so reliant on him?

The only solution was for Xu Ziqing to cultivate rapidly and gather more resources for beast pet cultivation, allowing Chonghua to advance to the next stage and ensuring they would never be separated.

Taking out a porcelain bottle, Xu Ziqing’s delight was evident as he whistled with his fingers.

He opened the bottle’s seal and extended his right arm, allowing Chonghua to perch on it with his sharp steel claws.

Xu Ziqing, who shared a close bond with Chonghua, observed him rubbing against his arm and couldn’t help but feel affectionate. He waved the porcelain bottle in front of Chonghua’s eyes and asked, “Chonghua, can you guess what this is?”

Chonghua’s eagle beak pecked the stopper off the bottle, releasing a slightly bitter aroma. Chonghua lowered its head to peck at it, but unexpectedly, the bottle moved and pounced on the pill.

Xu Ziqing chuckled and said, “You can’t just eat it indiscriminately.”

Chonghua let out a low howl as if it were being pampered.

Xu Ziqing smiled gently and poured out a pill into the eagle’s mouth. “Greedy Chonghua, quickly consume it and replenish your energy.”

Chonghua’s beak twitched, and its eyes half-closed as if savoring the moment.

Feeding the pills to Chonghua for the first time made Xu Ziqing slightly nervous. He watched anxiously as Chonghua swallowed the pill, not daring to look away.

As soon as Chonghua took the pill, a change occurred.

The black feathers all over its body trembled slightly, and each plume was covered with a trace of demonic energy, spreading in all directions. The golden plume on its black feathers suddenly glimmered, reflecting light like gold and jade for a moment, appearing exceptionally radiant and beautiful. Xu Ziqing infused his spiritual energy into his eyes, and two light green glows appeared.

He then noticed a faint ripple surrounding Chonghua, starting from its tail feathers and spreading across its entire body, soothing each feather in turn. The feathers became increasingly smooth.

The room gradually filled with demonic energy, swirling around, with Chonghua at the center.

Xu Ziqing could even hear the rhythmic beating of Chonghua’s heart, powerful and resolute. The circle of demonic qi expanded and contracted in sync with its pulsation until it all merged into its feathers.

At that moment, Chonghua opened its eyes, lifted its head, and emitted a clear, long howl.

Its previous glow returned to normal, but it felt subtly different.

Xu Ziqing breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face. “Chonghua, how do you feel?”

Chonghua opened its eyes and nodded its eagle head repeatedly. When it looked at the bottle in Xu Ziqing’s hand, a trace of greed flickered in its eyes.

Xu Ziqing knew Chonghua was enticed by the power of the Beast Spirit Pill, so he warned, “Chonghua, while the Beast Spirit Pill is beneficial, you must rely on your own comprehension to cultivate the correct path. It can only serve as an aid and not be relied upon entirely. Otherwise, if you waste your own cultivation, you’ll be putting the cart before the horse.”

Although it had human characteristics, its animal nature was difficult to change. It would take Chonghua more than a few months of effort to refine one Beast Spirit Pill, and it was not easy to persuade it to pursue great power without being swayed by its instinctual desires.

Xu Ziqing understood this, but considering the importance of the matter, he couldn’t let Chonghua become lax due to the Beast Spirit Pill. He had to teach it a lesson.

He continued, “Don’t be impatient. I only have you as a beast pet, so I won’t share them with anyone else. These ten bottles of Beast Spirit Pills are all for you, but you can only take one pill a day. The rest of the time, you must diligently cultivate the body-refining techniques taught by Brother Yun and not succ.u.mb to greed. Otherwise, not only will the medicinal power in the Beast Spirit Pills go to waste, but it will also bring no benefit to you.”

Upon hearing this, Chonghua turned its head resentfully and emitted a clear howl, seemingly in agreement, though still reluctant.

Amused, Xu Ziqing said, “If you don’t listen, I’ll have to ask Brother Yun to teach you.”

At these words, Chonghua widened its eagle eyes and moved its head closer, seeking a gentle rub.

Xu Ziqing chuckled, stroked the eagle’s head, and said, “I’ll give you a bottle containing ten Beast Spirit Pills for your ten days of training.” He added, “I trust in you, so don’t disappoint me.”

Chonghua nodded, took the bottle in its mouth, and flew out of the quiet room, flapping its wings.

Xu Ziqing sat on the futon, feeling relieved.

Suddenly, the image of Huo Tong’s voice transmission with the leader of the Loose Cultivator Alliance flashed in his mind.

Xu Ziqing was puzzled. He knew that Huo Tong had something to discuss with the Alliance Master, and as a junior and an outsider, he should naturally withdraw. So why was he feeling nostalgic now?

It seemed highly unusual.

Xu Ziqing questioned himself. He had only met Huo Tong once and initially had some disagreements with the Master and the others, but he quickly realized that they were in the right and shouldn’t be missed.

However, a cultivator’s intuition couldn’t be ignored. He should have remained calm and focused on his training, but he couldn’t help being distracted by this feeling, indicating a foreboding sign.

If a cultivator sensed an omen, it was most likely something that directly concerned them. That’s why he felt vigilant.

But how could he be involved in the important matters of the Alliance of Scattered Cultivators?

Xu Ziqing pondered over it for a long time but couldn’t figure it out.

Unconsciously, he delved his consciousness into his storage ring and touched his white-clad friend sitting on the stone platform.

“What is it?” The cold voice brought Xu Ziqing out of his contemplation.

He sighed softly, not intending to disturb Yun Lie but ending up doing so. Since it had come to this, he shared all his doubts with Yun Lie and said, “This sign came unexpectedly, and I can’t trace its source. It’s making me uneasy.”

Yun Lie remarked, “Your heart is in turmoil.”

Xu Ziqing smiled bitterly and admitted, “Indeed, my heart is in turmoil.”

Yun Lie remained silent and then said, “Set aside your distractions and meditate. Resisting the pressure from the cultivators today should have brought you some benefits.”

In the past, Xu Ziqing would have obediently followed Yun Ling’s guidance. However, at this moment, an impulse surged within him, and he couldn’t help but ask, “Brother Yun, who are you…?”

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