128 Sangsang, My Natal Item! (2/2)

”This is the same example from when I left you the message, the cultivator's psyche power is like one's breath. The Qi of snow and sea mountains are like flutes and bamboos. Only when you are able to blow into it and make a sound will the Qi of Heaven and Earth understand it. And that is when you can feel the Qi of Heaven and Earth. But the thing is, the quality of everyone's flutes and bamboos are different, and yet the Qi can understand them. However, that does not mean that every object can understand or like them all. That is why cultivators have to look for and cultivate their own natal items. It is like finding a partner who can understand and like their own music. I'm already explaining things point-blank to you. Do you understand?”

”I do understand, in general. Is it like the theory of shared vibrations?”

”What is shared vibrations?” Chen Pipi rubbed his face tiredly. He ignored Ning Que's interruptions and continued, ”When a cultivator enters the real state, he would be able to find an item that fits with his own aura. His state of cultivation would rise easily from there on. But it is too difficult to find a natal item that fits perfectly, which is why many cultivators choose to carve symbols to alter the unique state of each item and cultivate their psyche power for many years to achieve a connection with it.”

Ning Que thought about what Lyu Qingchen had talked about regarding sword masters and bucket masters and what not and understood that Chen Pipi was telling the truth. He scratched the back of his hands and smiled, ”So you're saying that in order to become a sword master, I have to find a good sword, hug it every day in bed and become familiar with it before cultivating a relationship with the sword?”

”If you want to understand it in such a ridiculous way, so be it.” Chen Pipi could not be bothered with him.

”Hey, you're the one who said that we have to be in tune to each other!” Ning Que gestured indignantly before he thought of another important question. ”How many natal items can a person have? What is yours?”

”Why should I tell you what my natal item is?” Chen Pipi glared at him. ”The greater your abilities, the more intricate your item. The more you can identify the minute differences in the Qi between Heaven and Earth, the more natal items you can have. In the Seethrough state, you can control trees and lakes once you can identify their aura. But an average cultivator would just choose one to ensure that everything works.”

”If I choose to hug a sword to bed every night, can I split my attention and control the dice?”

”As long as you have the energy to study it, you can play around with small things like this. Hey, why are you still thinking about this? It doesn't seem like you're using it as an example.”

”It's just an example. An example. Don't think too much about it.”

...

…

And so, the chubby lad of sixteen imparted his knowledge to the sixteen year old beginner cultivator until early dawn. He had completely forgotten the rules of the Academy and the promise he made to himself. He spoke seriously, while his audience listened attentively. The various logics behind the world of cultivation was explained in simple terms.

He had lived in the hidden grounds of the almighty West-Hill Divine Kingdom. For the past sixteen years, he had focused on cultivation and lived without being affected by the happenings of the secular world after having left home for the Academy. He didn't have a nasty bone in his body. Other than being a little prideful, the heart in that chubby body was clearer than the shiniest crystal out there, touching the hearts of others.

Having lived on the Min mountain and grasslands and endured much bitterness, and having killed many since the age of four, Ning Que had experienced much deaths in his sixteen years of life. Beneath the jubilant exterior, he hid a careful and cold awareness. In the hours spent together with Chen Pipi, he had felt nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn't until years later when he recalled this moment that he realised how lucky he was.

Ning Que returned home at twilight the second day and ordered Sangsang to close up the shop and prepare dinner before sitting in the chair next to the window in his room. He looked at the little courtyard and the large tree and fell into a daze.

Falling into a daze was equivalent to meditating. He was spreading his psyche power through the Snow Mountain and Ocean of Qi towards the various objects in the house and courtyard. According to the method Chen Pipi taught him, the best way to connect to an object that was in tune with him was to keep a heart of joy and follow the lead of his psyche power.

A weak but pure wave of psyche power emanated from his body, feeling every breath the heavens and earth took before moving off. He could feel the newly embroidered shoe soles beneath the window, the ants crawling around under the tree, and the wad of notes and ingots under the bed. He could perceive many things, but did not receive any reply.

The Qi of Heaven and Earth existed within everything on earth. According to Chen Pipi's instructions, every object would have a natural rejection against the psyche power of a cultivator. If these objects can feel the kindness and joy within the psyche power of the cultivator and the two's energies can get along well, there will be a reply.

”Kindness and joy… should I try this on the brushes, ink and paper in the shop?”

While he was pursuing this train of thought, Sangsang's sudden exclamation could be heard from outside the windows. Immediately following that, was a tinkling laughter reminiscent of bells.

He opened the windows curiously to see Sangsang's back facing him while trying to get water from the well. Her little hands were swatting behind her back while she said, ”Young Master, stop tickling me. It's itchy… itchy.”

Inside the house, Ning Que looked at the writhing Sangsang in shock. He could understand if Sangsang, who had grown up with him was the one who was most in tune with him. However, was he going to use her as his natal sword?

Absolutely not! As he thought of the possibilities that were unfolding before his eyes, he took a deep breath and shook his head vigorously in objection.

If he did that, when he faced general Xia Hou in the future and defeat him, wouldn't that mean he'd have to chant the sword formulas and say, ”You thief, don't you dare be arrogant… here comes my natal item, Sangsang!”