Chapter 3 (1/2)

Translator: Larbre Studio  Editor: Larbre Studio

That night, the weather was chilly and the sky was overcast, with thick dark clouds blocking out half the sky. The wind howled, signalling an incoming storm.

Xu Yi was sitting on his doorstep, staring blankly at the mountain mist dancing with the raging winds. At that moment Liaochen’s spirit stumbled across Xu Yi’s front door.

Xu Yi had not realized anything amiss. He called out, “Venerable monk, a storm is about to come, would you like to rest here before continuing?”

With that shout, Liaochen froze and gasped in shock. “Natural Yin eyes!”

Hearing those words, Xu Yi was alarmed. He suddenly realized that this large monk in front of him was no longer in the mortal realm. His body was incorporeal, and he was floating instead of walking.

Thankfully, Xu Yi had already died once, so he felt no fear towards Liaochen. Once more, he invited Liaochen inside to avoid the rain.

By the time the rain stopped, Xu Yi had some understanding of Liaochen’s story.

Liaochen was a native of the Western Territories and an outer sect disciple of the Heavenly Jhana Temple. He had travelled around the world all the way to Guang’an before meeting with an unfortunate accident and dying in a foreign land. Using a secret technique, he escaped as a spirit, and he was trying to head back home in order to settle the matters of his death before going into the nether world.

But a spirit could not exist in the mortal world for long. After making his way to the bottom of Huiyin Mountain, his spirit was weak and was gradually dissipating.

Coincidentally, Xu Yi had called to Liaochen at that time, then followed his instructions to use a bit of rooster blood daily to help Liaochen restore his spirit form.

In order to repay this debt, Liaochen had taught Xu Yi a Body Forging technique allowing Xu Yi to attain his level of skill today.

Three months ago, Liaochen’s spirit form was more or less whole again, and he intended to carry on his journey. However he knew that this spirit form was unlike his flesh body and could not hold for long.

In case his plan failed, he arranged for Xu Yi to meet with him on this date. If his spirit failed to make it back home, he would still make his way here to meet with Xu Yi.

Little did Xu Yi know that Liaochen’s spirit would have broken down to this extent by the time they met.

Before Xu Yi could ask any more, he heard Liaochen say, “Be it bad luck or bad timing, this monk ran into a calamity on the way back. Although I escaped, my spirit was damaged. Today is the day I leave this world. But the heavens have been kind to this monk for allowing me to meet you.”

“Master, there must be a way! There must be a way!”

Tears flowed from Xu Yi’s eyes.

Liaochen reached out to pat Xu Yi on the shoulder, but the incorporeal hand simply passed right through. He was unable to touch anything solid. Liaochen sighed again and said, “Almsgiver, grieve not, for life and death is fated. This monk is a sinner, he deserves this calamity. Time is short, so allow Liaochen to witness your progress in these months!”

What was left for Xu Yi to say? Liaochen was looking at him gently with eyes full of expectation.

Without another word, Xu Yi assumed his stance. His body was bent slightly at the waist, his left hand was in a fist, and the fingers of his right hand were bent. A burst of energy exploded from his qi center as he began to move.

Qilin Heavenly Stomp!

Crashing Heaven’s Gate!

Unrestrained Heavenly Demon!

Only these three forms were performed over and over, but within the woods, it was as though a bull demon was rampaging. Within the blink of an eye, over a dozen small trees were snapped apart and sent flying!

When the set of moves was complete, Xu Yi brought his fists to his waist and stood back upright. His face was not red, and he was not breathless as he stood strong and tall.

Liaochen’s eyes widened, and his pale face filled with surprise.

This Qilin Tyrant Force was the Heavenly Jhana Temple’s best martial technique for the Body Forging stage. It was usually never passed down unless it was to an heir of the sect.