Chapter 83: Qin Xuan’s Unique Skill

The Soul Refining Pearl is a magical treasure that can only be used by ghost cultivators. Its effect on enhancing a ghost cultivator’s power is entirely comparable to how a fine sword elevates a swordsman. It has a single purpose: by stimulating the soul force within, it temporarily boosts the user’s cultivation.

For example, the ghost cultivator’s instant shadow movement earlier was only possible thanks to the activation of the Soul Refining Pearl.

With a wave of his sleeve, Qin Xuan collected the pearl, now filled with the souls it had absorbed. Instantly, the surrounding spirits surged toward him in a frenzy.

“Sword Seal Eight Techniques, Radiant Sword Seal.”

With a single stroke, his sword gleamed, scattering the spirits into fragments. As the dark wind faded, Qin Xuan carefully put the Soul Refining Pearl away, hid its aura with a secret technique, and headed back to the villa.

To improve the quality of the Soul Refining Pearl, it must absorb spirits. Now Qin Xuan understood why the ghost cultivator was so desperate for the Profound Yin Qi. With it, he could constantly attract spirits, allowing the Soul Refining Pearl to grow stronger at all times—and his own cultivation would rise alongside it.

“This thing…”

At the villa’s gate, Qin Xuan decisively took down the small bottle containing the ghost cultivator’s ashes. He had intended to leave it hanging for intimidation, but now realized that within a couple of days, it would surely attract other ghosts.

Since confirming the blood-red pearl was indeed the Soul Refining Pearl, a shadow had lingered in his heart.

“Hopefully, the Ziwei Yin-Yang Array will hold. To be safe, I’ll send Master a message.”

With that thought, Qin Xuan formed a secret hand seal. After much effort, a tiny pigeon of condensed vital energy appeared in his hand. Though made from pure energy, it was lifelike, snowy white, and utterly adorable.

It was a technique handed down through generations of the Shushan Sword Sect for sending messages. Qin Xuan wrote the matter of the Soul Refining Pearl on a yellow paper slip, and released the little white pigeon.

“May Master reply soon,” he thought, when suddenly the aroma of food wafted from inside the villa, making his mouth water and his hunger intensify.

“I didn’t expect Qingwan’s cooking to be so good. I really underestimated her…”

He had assumed that Dongfang Qingwan, being a young lady of status, wouldn’t know how to cook. Yet her skills were exceptional.

Qin Xuan entered the villa and found only Liu Qianqian at the table, eating with gusto.

“Hey, where’s Qingwan?”

“She went upstairs to look after Shuixian… Little Qin Xuan, Qingwan’s dishes are so delicious,” Liu Qianqian exclaimed between bites.

“Oh? Let me try some,” Qin Xuan eagerly approached the table, wanting to see what Qingwan had prepared, but his expression changed abruptly. “What… Seriously! You ate everything?”

On the table, only empty plates remained, with traces of the feast clinging to their surfaces.

Liu Qianqian looked embarrassed. “It was just so tasty, and I was really hungry, so…”

“You!” Qin Xuan was furious. This girl was too much. He risked his life outside protecting the villa, and she devoured all the food alone?

“Wash the dishes yourself. I’m going to grill some chicken legs—don’t beg me for any later.”

Qin Xuan decided to use his specialty. Leaving that remark, he went to the fridge, took out several plump chicken legs, and walked into the backyard.

“Grilled chicken legs?” Liu Qianqian paused, then quickly caught on. “Wait, little Qin Xuan! Wait for me, I want some too!”

“All you do is eat! This time, you’re out of luck—go wash the dishes,” Qin Xuan resolved to teach her a lesson; otherwise, she’d never learn.

Having grown up cultivating in the mountains, he’d mastered the art of barbecue. Even his master praised his grilling skills.

Liu Qianqian rarely had such a treat.

He lit the fire, poured oil, grilled the chicken, sprinkled spices. Qin Xuan’s technique was flawless; soon, the aroma of roasted chicken wafted through every corner of the villa.

“Little Qin Xuan…” Liu Qianqian stood nearby, pitifully.

“No way.”

“I’m still hungry…”

She pleaded.

“Forget it.”

“Alright, I’m sorry! Next time, I’ll leave half for you…”

“Glad you know your mistake. But today, these are mine—when I’m in a good mood, I’ll cook for you again. That depends on your performance.”

Qin Xuan said calmly.

“Hey? Shuixian, you’re awake?” Liu Qianqian suddenly glanced at the garden entrance, speaking with surprise.

“Shuixian?” Qin Xuan relaxed upon hearing this, turned to look, but saw no one at the gate and sensed something was wrong.

Turning back, his fears were confirmed.

While he was distracted, Liu Qianqian snatched two chicken legs and darted away triumphantly. “Haha, little Qin Xuan, you’re too slow. These two are mine!”

Qin Xuan was left in tears.

If Shuixian had really appeared, he would have sensed her demonic aura. But focused on grilling, he’d overlooked that, and was thoroughly outwitted by Liu Qianqian.

Qin Xuan shook his head, resigned.

After finishing the chicken, he headed upstairs. Shuixian had not yet awakened, but after checking, he was certain she was fine—her injuries had fully healed, only some lingering weakness remained.

He persuaded Dongfang Qingwan to rest early, then, exhausted in body and mind, retired to his own room.

Lying in bed, Qin Xuan reflected on his experiences since leaving the mountain.

He had saved Su Muqing…

Met Dongfang Qingwan…

And Liu Qianqian followed along…

Undeniably, these were beautiful moments. Yet so much had happened that stirred his anger.

The arrogance of Lei Jinde and his son, the viciousness of Li Shihao, the corrupt medical ethics of Wang Xiang and his mother—all these made Qin Xuan deeply aware of the state of the mortal world.

As for people like Yang Weiyang, Qin Xuan barely spared them a thought. While equally arrogant and fond of bullying others, at least they hadn’t crossed more serious lines.

If they could change for the better, there was still hope for their future.

With these thoughts, Qin Xuan drifted into sleep.

The next day dawned bright and sunny. For most freshmen participating in military training, such weather was hardly welcome.

“Morning.”

Qin Xuan entered the downstairs hall and saw a gentle silhouette busy at work—it was Dongfang Qingwan.

“Good morning, Qin Xuan. I’ve made breakfast,” she said with a warm smile. “Oh, Shuixian just woke up. Would you like to see her?”

Gentle women are always captivating, just like Dongfang Qingwan now, radiant in the morning light.

Without a doubt, she would become the ideal wife and mother—anyone who married her would be truly blessed. Seeing her slightly tired face, Qin Xuan realized she’d not slept well last night.

The reason, of course, was Shuixian.

Though he didn’t approve of her actions, they only highlighted her kindness. Shuixian’s unexpected protection had brought them closer.

“Where is she? I’ll go take a look,” Qin Xuan smiled.

“In my room…”

As Qingwan spoke, a weak voice came from the staircase: “No need, Master. I’m coming down…”

They turned to see Shuixian making her way downstairs, holding the railing. She was still a bit frail, her figure beneath the white gauze even more alluring and evoking pity.