Chapter 180 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 180: Refining
Translator: Lynn
This is also because he has yet to complete the golden core, and the primordial fire cannot be stored in the dantian. Thus, when performing rituals, he can only rely on the fire stored in this talisman.
Even if the externally sourced fire is acknowledged as the master, it can’t compare with his own primary fire. However, this flame was sent by Su Xin.
It turned out that after Xu Ziqing learned a technique from Yun Lie and shared it with Su Xin, Su Xin remained at Wuling Immortal Sect smoothly. He even attended Xu Ziqing’s competition during the major event.
However, being from different school within the same sect, and Su Xin having his own path to follow, he never made an appearance. Instead, he entrusted someone to deliver five talismans, each containing a carefully selected type of fire. He sent them to Xu Ziqing, who had not yet formed a golden core, a gesture of their friendship.
At this time, what Xu Ziqing was utilizing was a superior flame in the realm of weapon refining, known as the “Red Gold Fire.” It was an extremely vigorous fire, perfect for rudimentary sacrificial refining.
The red gold fire enwrapped the bamboo hairpin and exerted its full strength in an attempt to melt it.
In the process of refining weapons, it was necessary to blend various spiritual materials, remove impurities, extract the essence, and then mold them step by step according to the art of weapon crafting. This was controlled by spiritual consciousness, gradually condensing into the desired form by the weapon refiner.
For refining one’s own magical weapon, an additional step was required—tempering with essence and blood before achieving success.
Now, as Xu Ziqing aimed to sacrifice the bamboo hairpin, he also sought to mold it into the desired shape. After a moment of contemplation, he already had a plan.
However, his expectations were met with challenges.
The flames roared with fervor, yet the bamboo hairpin remained intact, displaying no signs of melting.
The crackling sound of burning filled the air, yet the bamboo hairpin stood stubbornly, more resolute than the toughest stone.
Xu Ziqing expelled a surge of true energy, directed into the flames, causing them to leap three feet high, with overwhelming intensity. However, the bamboo hairpin remained impervious, refusing to melt.
This situation caused a secretive smile to play on Xu Ziqing’s lips. Could it be that the fire’s intensity was inadequate, rendering it ineffective? Or was it the bamboo hairpin itself?
It truly was a challenge for Xu Ziqing to control this fire. He couldn’t sustain it for an extended period, prompting a sigh. He couldn’t help but ask, “Senior brother has always kept it a secret. But now, perhaps it’s time you reveal it. What precisely is this bamboo hairpin?”
An item difficult to sacrifice must have an extraordinary origin. Xu Ziqing knew a bit about Yun Lie’s character. Presumably, with his senior brother’s temperament, no matter how rare or exceptional this object was, he would not purposely mention it. He would only perceive it as something suitable for Xu Ziqing to use, a gift given for its utility. Even if mentioned, it was usually to provide guidance in moments of danger, ensuring it was not forgotten.
Up to this point, Xu Ziqing was unaware of the bamboo hairpin’s origin. He had once tried to memorize the comprehensive records of spiritual plants in the great world but had not been successful. He couldn’t remain ignorant now, or he would struggle to find alternative methods for rituals.
Upon hearing the inquiry, Yun Lie responded, “Clear bamboo veins.”
Xu Ziqing’s eyes widened abruptly. “… Is it a descendant of bitter bamboo with innate spiritual roots?”
Yun Lie nodded slightly.
Xu Ziqing was startled, almost losing control of the flame, causing it to waver.
In ancient times, there were ten innate spiritual roots, and bitter bamboo was one of them.
Legend has it that by extracting bitter bamboo and refining it into six pure bamboos, an immense power can seal a person’s six consciousnesses. However, those controlled by pure bamboo lose all ability to exert power and become vulnerable to slaughter by others.
Moreover, pure bamboo possesses the ability to purify the heart and repel malevolent forces. Acquiring this bamboo ensures a mind free from impurity and demonic influence, making one invulnerable to all evil entities. It is, indeed, a superior spiritual entity.
However, while bitter bamboo is exceptional, its roots have been severed. Over the years, the remaining roots haven’t regenerated the same spiritual essence. Instead, they’ve given rise to other forms of bamboo. After numerous derivations and branchings, the original species eventually went extinct.
In contemporary times, only a few ancient secret realms, prominent sects, or exceedingly old noble families may possess remnants of the branches. However, they only have the remnants and not the entire plant.
What Yun Lie had given Xu Ziqing was a bamboo hairpin, measuring less than a foot, yet exceedingly rare.
Though its origins were unknown, considering it’s a relic of bitter bamboo, its difficulty in refinement was unsurprising.
Xu Ziqing gazed at the bamboo branch, a whirlwind of emotions in his heart.
In his earlier years, he had diligently memorized numerous ancient texts on spiritual herbs in Baicao Garden, believing he had amassed considerable knowledge. However, it was only after thoroughly studying spiritual herbs and related subjects in this vast world during his alchemy practice that he realized all plant life with spiritual energy was collectively termed “spiritual plants.” The name “spiritual grass” was typically used due to the prevalence of spiritual grass among them.
Among the twelfth-order spiritual plants, the top ten spiritual roots from ancient times had inherited veins, also known as “subspecies.” Even these subspecies were all twelfth-order spiritual plants, making them incredibly rare and precious.
Suddenly, a sense of guilt washed over Xu Ziqing.
Wasn’t it a travesty for him to be plucking hair from such spiritual beings daily? His heart tightened momentarily, then relaxed again.
In the sect, few paid attention to him, a foundational cultivator akin to an ant. Those who did notice him likely couldn’t recognize him, and those who did recognize him probably possessed ample experience and a realm far beyond his own—perhaps they wouldn’t even bother competing with him.
However, being outside the sect, he needed to be more cautious and hasten the refining process.
Thinking with concern, Xu Ziqing furrowed his brow.
With such an ancient relic, if it couldn’t be melted through diligent effort, what method should he employ?
Xu Ziqing pondered deeply, letting out a sigh once more.
If the “Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique” was refined to the golden core stage or beyond, he could transform many spiritual plants into seeds using their residual branches and leaves, practicing the heart-planting method.
However, his cultivation at this point made it absolutely impossible.
This highlighted that the most concerning aspect in this world wasn’t the lack of solutions, but rather having a clear solution in mind and being unable to implement it—leaving one only able to fret and worry.
Just as he was feeling anxious, Xu Ziqing suddenly sensed a familiar presence behind him—it was Senior Brother. He quickly inquired, “Yun Shixiong?”
The person behind him didn’t respond verbally, but a hand gently rested on his back, its touch firm and warm.
Xu Ziqing instantly comprehended and hurriedly said, “If Shixiong is here, who will protect the Dharma? This is Ruyi Xianzhuang, not our usual dwelling place…”
Yun Lie finally spoke after Xu Ziqing finished his urgent words. “I’ve set up my sword intent.”
Xu Ziqing immediately breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, “I am at ease.”
Seeing his lack of doubts, Yun Lie instructed, “Do not resist.”
“Yes, Yun Shixiong,” he affirmed.
In the next moment, a surge of true energy emanated from Yun Lie’s palm and flowed into Xu Ziqing’s acupoints on his back, swiftly infiltrating his body.
This true essence was immense, carrying an incredibly sharp power, resembling countless steel knives, possessing an invincible force and an imposing aura!
Xu Ziqing’s meridians were wide open, and he didn’t resist. Nonetheless, he was still slightly affected by the true essence, feeling a tightness in his chest and a sense of congestion.
Yun Lie’s true essence circulated within his meridians, its presence impossible to ignore.
Welcoming a different kind of true energy into one’s body wasn’t easy. Xu Ziqing sensed Yun Lie’s true essence coursing through his body, almost challenging the established order. Naturally, this sensation was uncomfortable. However, since it was his brother’s wish, he endured this peculiar feeling, allowing Yun Lie to proceed without making any rash moves.
After Yun Lie’s true energy had permeated Xu Ziqing’s entire meridian system, Yun Lie explained, “I will infuse the true energy into your dantian, and you will merge it with your own.”
Xu Ziqing responded with another “Yes” and opened up his dantian. At this moment, most of his true energy was stored there. As he sensed an uninterrupted flow of additional true energy from his senior brother, he advanced to meet and assimilate it.
Translator’s Notes:
It seems like I forgot to press to publish yesterday, so It’s a double update today. Sorry… I fell asleep lmao
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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