Qingxu Temple, Cloud Hidden Peak.
Night was as dark as ink, with scattered stars. In the meditation room behind the main hall, only a single green lamp burned dimly, reflecting the master and disciple sitting across from each other.
Elder Xuan Lin—Xiao Qi's master—slowly set down his already cold spirit tea, his gaze falling on the young disciple standing respectfully with bowed head. The hardships of the secret realm trial over the past months seemed not to have left too many traces on Xiao Qi's face. Instead, those eyes that once carried traces of timidity and confusion were now clear and firm, with hidden brilliant light. His surrounding spiritual energy was harmonious, and he was clearly already at the Qi Refining Great Complete stage, just one step away from Foundation Establishment, lacking only the opportunity to take that crucial step.
"Sit." Elder Xuan Lin's voice was calm, showing neither pleasure nor anger.
Xiao Qi sat as ordered, hands flat on his knees, posture respectful but no longer as restrained as before. He knew his master had summoned him late at night for far more than caring about his cultivation progress.
"You did very well in the secret realm." Elder Xuan Lin began with affirmation. His gaze was profound, as if it could penetrate human hearts. "You remained composed in crisis, helped fellow disciples. What's rarer is you knew how to hide your capabilities, not easily displaying that purification technique to others. This mental growth is much faster than I anticipated."
Xiao Qi's heart warmed slightly. He said in a low voice: "Disciple dares not claim credit. If not for the master's usual teachings, and the support of senior brothers and sisters, disciple would have long ago..."
Elder Xuan Lin waved his hand, interrupting his modesty: "Your fortune is your fortune. That purification technique is extremely mysterious and has been lost for ages. You obtaining this inheritance in the secret realm is both blessing and karma." His tone slightly shifted, becoming heavier: "However, fortune brings misfortune. Xiao Qi, do you know that you have now become the focal point of many gazes in this Qingxu Temple, and even in this cultivation world?"
Xiao Qi's heart tightened. He raised his head: "Disciple... has some awareness."
"A tree that grows taller than the forest will surely be broken by the wind." Elder Xuan Lin sighed lightly, his eyes revealing complex emotions—relief, but more so, deep worry: "You, with your mixed spiritual root, in just a few short years have reached Qi Refining Great Complete, and bear what seems an ancient purification inheritance. Such fortune, not to mention fellow disciples, even many elders who have cultivated for many years will inevitably feel disturbed. There are those who admire you, but also those who will surely be jealous."
He paused, continuing: "Although the Sect Master and several elders understand matters and are willing to protect your growth, Qingxu Temple is not a monolithic bloc. The outside world is even more so. Possessing treasure brings crime—these four characters have been blood and tears through the ages. Your fame is just beginning, so you may be called a promising youth. But if you reach Foundation Establishment, or form your Golden Core, the brilliance of this 'treasure' will only grow brighter, and those who covet it will swarm like wolves scenting blood. At that time, open spears are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to defend against."
The meditation room fell into brief silence. Only the occasional crackling of lamp wicks breaking could be heard. Mountain wind outside the window passed through the bamboo grove, bringing rustling sounds, adding to the night's tranquility and depth.
Xiao Qi silently digested his master's words. He was no naive child. The life-and-death battles in the secret realm, the subtle attitudes among fellow disciples, and the probing gazes of some elders after returning—all made him vaguely feel an invisible pressure. He had merely been focusing on cultivation and digesting his secret realm gains, not contemplating deeply. Now his master pointed it out, that thin veil was lifted, revealing the hidden undercurrents beneath.
He thought of the fire at Xu Lan Mountain Manor, his parents' blurry figures and that desperate parting. Without power, one cannot protect loved ones, cannot even preserve oneself. He longed for power, to become strong, to uncover his life origins, to search for his father, to deal with the enemy called "Shadow Snake Pavilion." Yet, it seemed improving power also brought more crises.
"Master," Xiao Qi's voice carried a trace of dryness: "What should disciple do?"
Elder Xuan Lin looked at the fleeting confusion in his eyes and sighed again in his heart. He was still just a child, yet had to bear these things so early. His tone softened, carrying guidance: "First, be careful with your words and actions. The purification technique, unless at the life-and-death moment, must not be easily used. To the outside, say you obtained an auxiliary technique for dispelling evil and warding off miasma by chance in the secret realm. Its effect is special but difficult to cultivate, not very useful in combat. Absolutely remember, do not let anyone see the true potential and origin of this technique."
"Second, conceal your sharpness and gather your brilliance. Your cultivation progress has been extremely rapid. Before Foundation Establishment, focus on consolidating your foundation and tempering spiritual power. No need to rush for success. When interacting with fellow disciples, remain modest as before. Don't become arrogant because of improved strength. That frying pan of yours though appearing ridiculous, is also one of your major characteristics. Continue using it, which can make others somewhat overlook your other extraordinary aspects."
"Third, and most importantly, cultivate your heart." Elder Xuan Lin's gaze burned brightly: "Power itself has no good or evil. The key lies in the person who wields power. You bear extraordinary techniques, and must even more conduct yourself with righteousness, and see your true nature clearly. Do not let power blind your eyes, do not let hatred devour your original heart. Remember why you cultivate, remember what you want to protect. Only with a firm Dao heart can you walk far on this path, not be confused by external things, not fall to the demonic path."
Xiao Qi listened earnestly, carving every word into his heart. He knew these were his master's words from decades of life experience and cultivation wisdom.
"Disciple remembers the master's teachings." Xiao Qi bowed deeply.
Elder Xuan Lin nodded slightly, a genuine smile of relief appearing on his face: "Seeing your current appearance, I am very happy. When you first entered the temple, your spiritual roots were impure, your aspirations not high, only seeking stability. Now, you have found your own path, have a firm goal, and even possess the matching potential and temperament. As a teacher, there is no greater joy than witnessing a disciple's growth and transformation."
He stood up, walked to the window, gazing at the deep night outside and those several particularly bright stars on the horizon: "The road ahead is dangerous, storms are coming. But do not be overly worried. Qingxu Temple is your backing. Me, your master, and your senior brothers and sisters will all stand behind you. However, the Dao must be walked alone. In the end, what you can truly rely on is yourself."
He turned back, flicked his sleeve. A plain jade slip and a small jade bottle appeared on the table: "This 'Heart Concentrating and Qi Stabilizing Art' has remarkable effects on stabilizing the mind and resisting external demons. Cultivate it well. The bottle contains three 'Foundation Establishment Pills,' specially granted by the Sect Master. When you feel the timing is right, you may attempt Foundation Establishment. Foundation Establishment is the first true barrier on the cultivation path. It concerns the success or failure of your Dao foundation. Absolutely do not be impatient."
Xiao Qi looked at the jade slip and jade bottle on the table. Warm currents surged in his heart. His nose slightly tingled. He knew these were not just rewards, but his master's heavy expectations and protection.
"Go." Elder Xuan Lin waved his hand, his tone returning to its usual indifference: "Cultivate diligently, but also know when to relax. Starting tomorrow, you may go to the Transmission Law Hall to listen to Foundation Establishment Elder's lectures on Dao methods. You may also go to the lower floors of the Scripture Library to read texts and broaden your knowledge. Cultivation is not all about secluded cultivation."
"Yes, Master. Disciple takes leave." Xiao Qi respectfully bowed again, carefully collected the jade slip and jade bottle, and exited the meditation room.
Watching Xiao Qi's departing figure disappear beyond the door, the indifference on Elder Xuan Lin's face gradually faded, replaced again by heavy worry. He murmured to himself, voice barely audible: "Purification Source... Xu family bloodline... Shadow Snake Pavilion... the demonic entity's remnant soul... The karma on this child is deeper than imagined. Great fortune comes with great calamity. I only hope... he can withstand this storm and truly grow up."
He looked up toward the southeast. That was the Ten Thousand Poison Marsh, also where the general area of the former Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters was located. His gaze seemed to penetrate countless mountains and mist.
"Storm... is coming..."
Night wind stirred his graying beard and hair. The green lamp in the meditation room flickered once, but ultimately burned steadily, holding open a small area of warm, steadfast light in this boundless darkness.