Chapter 6: Legacy
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Li Xuan was alone. After a hasty meal, just as he was about to head to the Star Sect Elder’s dojo—the Idle Cloud Residence—Jiang Qingyue suddenly appeared and blocked his path. She said, “I heard someone say that the Patriarch appeared to you in a dream, teaching you the ‘Shadow Burning Technique’ and the life-saving ‘Nine Yang Soul-Reviving Needle.’ Even the Star Sect Elder, who never meddles in worldly affairs, intends to accept you as a registered disciple. Is this true?”
Li Xuan had no secrets from this investor and straightforwardly told her everything.
“Li Xuan, look me in the eye and tell me you’re not lying!”
Jiang Qingyue gripped the sword sheath with one hand and the hilt with the other, her starry eyes reflecting Li Xuan’s figure, glaring at him fiercely.
Li Xuan glanced over and noticed Jiang Qingyue had changed into a figure-hugging robe of green willow brocade, looking charming and delicate.
His mouth dry, Li Xuan swallowed hard and said, “Of course it’s true. I respect you as much as my second sister. How could I dare to lie to you!”
Jiang Qingyue noticed something off about Li Xuan and clutched her chest, scolding, “Can’t keep your eyes in check, huh? Watch out or I’ll dig up your secrets from three years ago! Maybe it’s time to fix this bad habit from the root?”
Li Xuan felt like falling into an ice cellar; the flattering words he had prepared evaporated. He shivered and said, “Qingyue sister, I know my mistake. From now on, whenever I see you, I’ll keep you in my heart as if you were my mother!”
Jiang Qingyue kicked Li Xuan sharply in the rear, her phoenix-like eyes fierce: “Behave properly, or I’ll withdraw my investment!”
Hearing that Jiang Qingyue threatened to pull out, Li Xuan panicked and pleaded, “No, no! Investing in me is a great profit. Not only will you make a fortune, but there’s an unexpected bonus. Besides jade and rare stones, the raw ore contains ancient source beasts sealed within.”
Li Xuan’s eloquence captivated Jiang Qingyue, who was eager to drag him to the stone gambling house right then and there.
Like an older sister, Jiang Qingyue twisted Li Xuan’s ear and scolded, “Then what are you waiting for? Hurry to meet the Star Sect Elder and hold tight to this old locust tree. No one in the academy will dare trouble you openly. I’ll tidy up the dorm; come straight over afterward!”
Jiang Qingyue was anxious. Had the Star Sect Elder not given instructions, she would have pulled Li Xuan away on the spot.
Jiang Qingyue had long witnessed Li Xuan’s skill in identifying raw stones and trusted him completely.
After bidding Jiang Qingyue farewell, Li Xuan hurried to the Star Sect Elder’s residence. He didn’t want to miss the chance to earn source crystals. His second sister was exhausted; since he had the ability to improve his life, why not?
Idle Cloud Residence!
The steep green mountains resembled axe cuts; years of wind and frost made them appear even more sacred.
At the summit, white clouds often swirled around a solitary ancient pine standing tall.
Yet, the stone cliff was covered with precious medicinal herbs, vibrant source energy exhaling wisps of immortal aura, breathing with the sun and moon, wrapped in radiant glow.
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At the mountain’s base, lush green bamboo swayed with the wind, resembling a vast emerald sea, producing a rustling symphony.
The humble cottage seemed even more serene and elegant—truly, the mountain is spiritual not for its height but for the immortal within; water is profound not for its depth but for the dragon dwelling there... No commoners passed through, only erudite scholars engaging in lively discourse.
“Haha, well done! Xuan’er, you truly have not disappointed this old man! The old wound from three years ago has healed. It seems the Patriarch’s divine intervention turned calamity into blessing!”
The Star Sect Elder’s gaunt fingers pressed on Li Xuan’s pulse, his face glowing with joy.
Li Xuan humbly replied, “Xuan’er’s understanding of the Patriarch’s techniques is but a glimpse, hardly worthy of being called an apprentice. The Patriarch’s skills are profound; I hope Elder will...”
The Star Sect Elder interrupted, his deep eyes fixed on him, slightly angered: “Xuan’er, how do you address me? Has this old man ever gone back on his word?”
Li Xuan, clever as he was, immediately corrected himself and crisply said, “Master!”
The Star Sect Elder smiled broadly, unable to contain his delight, praising Li Xuan repeatedly: “Good, good, excellent!”
Though kind and gentle on the surface, the Elder had matters on his mind and casually asked, “Xuan’er, see that green mountain? Tell me, why does the stone cliff grow so many precious herbs, even worthy of being called heavenly treasures?”
Li Xuan modestly and respectfully answered, “If there are errors, please do not be offended, Master. My knowledge is limited.”
He then shared his understanding. The Star Sect Elder listened with great interest, smiling and nodding at key points in agreement.
“Master, that is all I know. Please, add whatever you deem necessary.”
The Elder was pleased but sighed: “Xuan’er, you are right. Mountains and waters communicate air; wind and thunder clash. Mountains and water are inseparable; without wind to stir the waves, there would be no thunder’s majesty, and without thunder’s earth-shattering power, no unpredictable storm would arise. From one comes two, two begets three, three gives birth to all things. At the beginning of the Way, life proliferated. You have turned misfortune into blessing. The Patriarch’s legacy may be passed on through you. I vow, before my oil burns out and my lamp dims, to help you grow swiftly and protect your domain!”
The Elder cherished Li Xuan greatly. From his energy sea, he took out the Scarlet Emperor Shadow: “This is the source device I give you. Keep it well. When you return from Mist Shadow Mountain, that will be the day you formally join the Star Sect. It has accompanied me all my life; now it’s yours.”
Li Xuan said little, immediately knelt and, with both hands raised, accepted the Scarlet Emperor Shadow.
The Star Sect Elder seemed to have completed the great ritual of passing on the legacy, his face joyful as he helped Li Xuan up: “Xuan’er, go now. I will negotiate with the Administration Institute to grant you more time. Return when you have earned enough credits.”
Li Xuan nodded solemnly and then departed.
Stone Gambling House!
A row of ancient buildings stood side by side, magnificent and splendid. From the outside, they appeared to be constructed from massive green oak stones, inspiring awe in all who saw them.
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People came and went, dressed in splendid and dazzling attire, every movement exuding an air of high elegance and wealth. They were not only finely dressed but also rare nobles and celebrities.
“Listen, hold my arm, or they’ll kick you out as a beggar!”
Jiang Qingyue transformed into a dazzling figure, wearing a strikingly seductive evening gown, her perfect and graceful curves tightly wrapped in the tailored dress. Her ample hips and exquisite bust made her appear like a celestial being at the entrance of the stone gambling house.
In contrast, Li Xuan was dressed plainly like a rustic bumpkin, his awkward expression out of place among the wealth and splendor.
Li Xuan couldn’t help swallowing and said, “Big sister, you’re leading me into crime!”
Jiang Qingyue shot him a fierce glare, her demeanor full of charm. Her watery eyes were filled with his image.
She made Li Xuan link arms with her supple, creamy arm, which made his entire body tingle. Unable to help but gaze up and down, he earned himself a solid reprimand.
Jiang Qingyue was relentless and threatened, “I told you to hold my arm, not to grope or dart your eyes around!”
Li Xuan knew he was in the wrong and composed himself: “Mom, take it easy. I’ve got the old locust tree backing me!”
Just then, as they fumbled along, a waiter approached, bowed, and said, “Miss Jiang, why have you brought a bumpkin to the stone gambling house?”
Jiang Qingyue glared at the waiter, about to retort, when Li Xuan tossed a handful of gleaming source crystals onto the floor and said, “Have you ever seen such a bold bumpkin? Correction—that’s a nouveau riche! Pick them up; they’re yours!”
Li Xuan’s generosity was remarkable; the crystals scattered on the ground were worth at least ten thousand.
Jiang Qingyue’s brows furrowed; inwardly, she cursed, “Damn kid, squandering the source crystals I invested. If you can’t pick out top-grade raw stones later, I’ll castrate you and send you to the inner court to earn money to repay debts!”
Despite the rough pinches and tugs she gave him, Li Xuan could only endure.
The waiter looked at their backs and muttered, “Nouveau riche, huh? To me, he looks like a kept man. Otherwise, why so handsome?”