Chapter Eleven: First Encounter (Part One)

The next morning, dewdrops clung to tender green leaves and branches, the faintest slant of sunlight casting a gentle radiance, refracting into shimmering points of light. The birds sang incessantly, yet their voices carried no trace of restlessness; instead, they drew one into nature’s embrace, making it nearly impossible to extricate oneself from such bliss.

“Mmm, this feels wonderful.” Bai Qi, having rested for a full night, was brimming with energy and vigor. He stretched, his joints cracking with satisfying pops. After a night of adjustment, he was ready for the day’s training plan set by Kun.

“Well-rested?” The speaker was Kun, already awake and perched atop a boulder ten meters away from Bai Qi.

Bai Qi turned to look at Kun, setting aside, for now, the nostalgia and turmoil of the past. It was time to focus on the present, to do what needed to be done. He had yet to leave Liang Prefecture, nor did he know when he might. Thanks to the vastness of the Azure Mountain Range, even if he went into hiding, neither Soul Sparrow nor his cohorts would be able to find him. For now, all he could do was train with all his might. The vengeance owed to Soul Sparrow would be his to claim, and then there was the shadowy figure behind Soul Sparrow—the dogged lackey, Liang Sui.

Speaking of Liang Sui, one had to mention the region of Liang Prefecture itself. The population was concentrated in Liang City, which was divided into two parts: the main city and the auxiliary city. The main city, apart from the lord’s residence, was primarily for the residents and commerce. Only special matters were gathered in the main city; the auxiliary city was the domain of Liang Sui and his followers, and was also used for meetings. Ten miles outside Liang City stood the wharf, the primary source of revenue for the entire region. Trade was prioritized no matter where one looked. Survival in the mundane world was connected to everyone, even cultivators could not exist in isolation. Before Bai Qi’s ambush, he often chatted with the villagers and visited nearby towns, gradually growing familiar with Liang Prefecture.

Kun stroked his beard and spoke with gravity, “I’ve thought long and hard. You hail from elsewhere, and your spiritual power is unlike the others. Last time, when Soul Sparrow struck you, aside from the effects of the zither, your body recovered with astonishing speed. Perhaps I haven’t uncovered all the secrets of your spiritual attribute, but after these months of training, your use of spiritual energy among your peers is the most efficient I’ve ever seen. So, I’ve decided to teach you a technique for overcoming your enemies—an overwhelming move, combining destructive force and lethality into one attack!”

“Not long ago, you swiftly grasped the mnemonic for the Grand Lingering Silence Zither left by Yin. It shows your extraordinary talent for comprehending martial arts. You’ve already mastered and can wield the mnemonic with proficiency. Even that despicable Soul Sparrow’s attack has brought unexpected benefits.”

“However, though the mnemonic is formidable, given your current strength and situation, you cannot flaunt it. Many covet such skills, and you’d only court disaster. You know the saying: ‘A man’s wealth is his own ruin by attracting others’ greed.’ Still, you must practice it diligently, and in a dire moment, it may serve as your trump card.”

Bai Qi nodded, listening as Kun continued, his eyes shining with anticipation at the prospect of learning another technique.

Kun paused, then, noticing Bai Qi’s eager gaze, couldn’t help but smile. “This technique was found years ago, when my old friend Yin and I explored an ancient site together. It appeared to be nothing more than a black feather. I thought it was left behind by some spirit beast, but Yin discovered its secret. His zither—the very one now sealed within you—resonated with it in an inexplicable way. Upon closer inspection, we found a series of characters etched into the feather, as if someone had inscribed them in secret to evade detection. The feather itself was extraordinary—unyielding and razor-sharp.”

As Kun finished, he extended his right hand and, with a casual motion of his index finger, a golden light flashed instantly.

When the light faded, Bai Qi looked closely to see a glossy black feather in Kun’s hand, no bigger than a palm. Its luster and texture seemed as if it had come from a newly fledged bird, though, according to Kun, it originated from ancient ruins and must have been centuries old.

Watching the feather float in Kun’s hand, Bai Qi furrowed his brow and asked, “Grandfather, this feather doesn’t seem as miraculous as you described. It’s just old, isn’t it? Does it need some sort of blood recognition ritual?”

Seeing Bai Qi’s confusion, Kun activated his spiritual power. Yellow light flickered as the feather, once still, began to spin, circling his hand faster and faster until it was a blur. With a soft shout of “Open!” from Kun, the feather exploded like a firework, scattering into countless starlike sparks, which then gathered in midair, forming a square ‘sheet of paper.’ Gradually, the specks of light coalesced into clear, legible characters.

Bai Qi read aloud the words: “Forest of Severed Fates.”

As he finished, Bai Qi couldn’t help but ramble, irritating Kun so much he nearly yanked out his own beard. Kun scolded, “You rascal, are you trying to anger this old man to death? What nonsense about ‘show-off artifacts’? Speak properly, will you?”

Having chastised Bai Qi, Kun explained, “This is only what remains within the feather. The more it’s copied, the more the mnemonic will fade, until it’s gone. These starlights are the essence of the feather. To learn the mnemonic, you must enter with your mind and will. Then you’ll understand.”

With Kun’s careful explanation, Bai Qi realized the process was much like the Grand Lingering Silence Zither—one had to use the mind to probe within.

Kun continued, “Enter with your will and look it over, but beware—allow no stray thoughts, or you’ll be trapped in the mnemonic’s realm. Unless your mental strength is exceptional, you could be left a fool.”

“Is it really that dangerous? Should I reconsider?” Bai Qi hesitated, but seeing Kun’s fierce stare, he meekly turned to the starlit script, calmed his mind, focused his will, and entered the lights.

While Bai Qi was immersed in the world of the mnemonic, on the other side of the mountain, a woman approached, gazing intently ahead. Her silhouette revealed her to be a woman of striking beauty.

She wore a long gown of purple and blue, the cuffs embroidered with lotus petals in many shades, borders outlined in silver thread, the hem adorned with a dense pattern of azure clouds. As she turned, the skirt fanned out, her every movement graceful as willow swaying in the breeze. Her hair was swept up, revealing delicate features, lightly drawn brows, eyes brimming with spring. Her skin was smooth as warm jade, and two locks of hair brushed her cheeks with the wind, adding to her allure. Her lively eyes sparkled with intelligence, a blend of tranquility and youthful mischief. Her waist was slender enough to be encircled with a single hand—a natural beauty so enchanting one could barely resist the urge to draw near. Those who knew her understood that, though she often appeared demure as a flower reflected in water, or delicate as a willow in the wind, in private with close friends her innocent mischief was both exasperating and utterly endearing.

Had Bai Qi seen her, he would have blurted out, “Wow! A beautiful lady ahead! I have to go say hello!”

But at that moment, Bai Qi was lost in the mnemonic, unable to extricate himself. Based on his talent—whether evading spirit beasts deep in the Azure Mountains, or gaining insight into martial arts during his half year of recuperation—Kun believed Bai Qi would soon master the Forest of Severed Fates technique. When he did, Kun’s training would grow more challenging, but progress would follow naturally. For now, all Kun could do was wait for Bai Qi to “awaken.”

Within the starlight formed from the feather, Bai Qi found himself in a vast hall, resplendent as a palace. He had to strain his vision to glimpse the distant boundaries of the chamber. Amazed, he marveled at the vast power lingering in the feather’s spiritual realm—if such a relic could create entire buildings, could there not be treasures still greater, perhaps even items that could contain living beings?

He recalled tales of leveling up and monster-slaying, where one might obtain treasures that concealed living creatures. The wonders he now encountered seemed to fulfill all the stories he’d once heard.