"This jade pendant, is it something left behind by the Qinming disciple who passed the method to you?" Fu Qianqiu scratched his head, lost in thought. "Yes, what kind of pill was I refining again?" Tang Ruowei stuck out her little tongue and fanned herself with her hand.
In the capital of Shangxuan Kingdom, within the Royal Master's estate, Bai Qiuran sat at the head, gazing at a jade pendant in his hand. His eyes swept over the front of Tang Ruowei's dress, and he clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Miss Tang, have you learned a technique called the Creation Body Refining Method? This technique was created by an old acquaintance of mine many years ago; he has since passed away, and I wish to inquire on his behalf."
"What do you think?" This jade pendant is akin to an ID for the Azure Nether Sword Sect. Bai Qiuran had one himself, which recorded the holder's information and permissions. Judging by the design of this jade pendant, its owner was likely an inner disciple of the Azure Nether Sword Sect from two hundred years ago. During their travels down the mountain, indeed, some individuals had not returned.
Bai Qiuran lightly lectured, and then inquired, "Can I ask any question?" "Today you must answer for your actions!" Tang Ruowei nodded emphatically. Just then, she suddenly launched herself at him, striking and screaming at a high pitch, as if he had harassed her.
Walking along the official road, Bai Qiuran felt puzzled. "Yes, I was merely a farmer who tilled the fields in the western region of Shangxuan. After taking in my master for a night, he bestowed upon me methods.”
“Awake? Awake for what?"
"I will accept this jade pendant. The method he imparted to you is the most orthodox technique of our Azure Nether Sword Sect. Practice diligently, and with your talent, it is possible to reach the Golden Core stage in your lifetime." The Royal Master, Fu Qianqiu, despite being in the Foundation Establishment stage, felt a sense of caution facing Bai Qiuran, who was in the Qi Condensation stage. He respectfully answered Bai Qiuran's questions.
Riding a horse, Bai Qiuran strolled leisurely to the outskirts of Shangxuan's capital. There, by the roadside, he spotted Tang Ruowei, dressed in a long, muted yellow skirt.
"You’re cultivating proper methods; aside from taking pills during your breakthroughs, you shouldn’t eat pills at other times to boost your cultivation, do you understand? It could destabilize your realm."
"Sadly, I ultimately could not save my master's life," Fu Qianqiu mused with a vague expression. Suddenly, he realized, "Right! The pill I refined! I’ve never learned or seen it, why did I end up refining that kind of pill?" Bai Qiuran's expression grew serious as he took a step back: "Xue Ling, it's been two thousand years that we've known each other. Let's not rush this."
"It’s fine; this is not your fault. Cultivators must face tribulations to advance; life and death are normal. He died battling evil cultivators to save the innocent. The Azure Nether Sword Sect will be proud of him.”
"The Creation Body Refining Method?"
“Awake? Awake for what?”
“It has already passed.”
“Any question can be asked." Bai Qiuran tucked the jade pendant into his robe. Fu Qianqiu felt overwhelmed by shame. Bai Qiuran smiled, “After all, they too are people who cultivated to this point; it’s only natural they have such things."
“Any question can be asked…”
After this, the two of them passed cups and exchanged toasts, enjoying a feast of food and drink with much delight. Bai Qiuran pondered, "What is going on with the unpredictable changes in Her Highness the princess's secondary sexual characteristics?”
“I will accept this jade pendant. The method he imparted to you is the most orthodox technique of our Azure Nether Sword Sect.”
“Something like that,” Xue Ling scoffed, flicking the soulbinding chains in his hands. "What is that? I haven't learned anything like this." Tang Ruowei nodded emphatically.
As he spoke, Bai Qiuran's tone held a hint of envy as he added, "Cherish this; the techniques of Azure Nether Sword Sect are indeed foundational cultivation methods."
“I think I have an inkling now.” In the end, the long princess, with the remnants of intoxication on her face, lightly exhaled a fragrant breath and smiled, asking, "Bai Qiuran, as a parting gift, can I let you ask one last question?"
“Today you will surely answer for your actions!” He held onto this vein of curiosity.
“Must I? What can be asked?”
Seeing her like this, Bai Qiuran smiled, taking a drink from his cup down in one go.
The day unfolded, filled with laughter and toast. In the end, the long princess brought a slightly tipsy smile, raising a cup and asking Bai Qiuran to join her in drinking.
Bai Qiuran, gazing at the jade pendant, contemplated deeply: "What do you think about the Azure Nether Sword Sect now? Shouldn't your views have changed a bit?"
With the last issue settled with the Royal Master, Bai Qiuran left the Royal Master's estate and set off on his journey back to the mountain.
“Wasteful…”
Fu Qianqiu swayed his head, perplexed. “Yes, what pill was I refining?”