Chapter 19: Jade Supreme Palace

Dream-guiding Technique! Lingyu immediately remembered that term, and as she looked again at Han Funing’s gentle and friendly smile, she involuntarily shivered.

“Don’t be afraid,” Han Funing said, the corners of his lips curled up. “Since I was able to accept your master, I can accept you as well.”

Yet Lingyu did not relax in the slightest at these words. Her limbs were stiff and trembling, her mind a blank haze, and only after a long moment did she gradually catch her breath.

Upon careful consideration, the fact that Han Funing knew about this matter was not truly significant; after all, it had little to do with her. She had merely witnessed the incident by accident. At most, she simply would not covet the hidden treasures—she had not even thought of that celestial tome, for she was still new to the cultivation world and had no idea it was the opportunity every cultivator dreamed of. In fact, her worry was unnecessary: the Dream-guiding Technique was not Soul-searching; unless the caster actively inquired, nothing would be revealed.

“Uncle Han, please forgive me,” Lingyu carefully chose her words. “I have followed my master for three years, yet he never spoke of his connection to Xuanyuan Temple. Even as he died, he never asked me to report this matter to our sect. So, I thought perhaps my master did not wish the sect to know…”

“You did very well.” Han Funing nodded slightly. “For a twelve-year-old child to have such shrewdness is truly rare.”

Lingyu glanced quickly at him, seeing no change in his expression, and immediately continued, “If Uncle Han desires the hidden treasures, Lingyu is willing to offer her essence blood. But as for the celestial stone…”

Han Funing waved his hand lightly. “Remember, from now on, this matter has nothing to do with you. Whatever your master has done, you know nothing of it.”

Lingyu was startled, then obediently nodded. “Yes, Uncle Han.”

“Go back and rest well. Having undergone the Dream-guiding Technique, you’ll be mentally disoriented for the next few days. Just claim you’ve recently entered the path and close yourself off for a few days.” Han Funing spoke calmly, then tossed her a registration slip, two books, and a jade bottle. “This is your registration and disciple handbook. This book contains your cultivation method. You are a woman, so your practice differs from men’s; in time, female adepts will guide you, so I need not meddle. The bottle contains Essence-nourishing Pills, my personal gift to you. You may go.”

Lingyu accepted the items silently, bowed, and withdrew.

Only when she stepped out of the room and could no longer see Han Funing did her legs give way, almost collapsing to the ground.

This Funing Adept was a dangerous person! The thought flashed through Lingyu’s mind. What on earth was her master’s relationship with him? Her master belonged to the Palace of Great Void, while Han Funing was from the Jade Void Palace, and the two sects’ adepts were far from amicable—why would her master work with him? He said she could take her master’s place, but what exactly did he want her to do? And the hidden treasures of Whitespring Temple—even though those things belonged to the Cheng family, she had never known of its glorious past and did not regard those items as her own. If they were lost, so be it. But would Han Funing let her go because of that?

Lingyu felt her mind was muddled, countless thoughts tangled together, making her head ache intolerably. After a while, she wiped the sweat from her brow, forced herself to stand, and staggered out.

The disciple guarding the exterior of Xuanming Palace saw her and exclaimed in surprise, “Sister Cheng, you’re out so soon! For most, entering the path takes at least half a day, and you were inside for only an hour.”

Lingyu smiled awkwardly and managed a bow.

“No need for such formality, Sister Cheng.” The disciple was especially warm. “If you found entry so easy, your talent must be extraordinary. In the future, perhaps I’ll need your guidance!” Noticing Lingyu’s pale complexion, he slapped his forehead suddenly. “Look at me! So careless! The first time someone accepts spiritual energy into their body, it must feel uncomfortable. Sister Cheng, you should hurry and rest!”

Lingyu was all too eager for this, bowed again, and hurried off.

In fact, her pallor was not caused by the influx of spiritual energy but by the aftereffects of the Dream-guiding Technique.

Returning to her small courtyard, she told her maid that she would be secluding herself, then collapsed motionless onto her bed. She needed to think carefully about what to do next, and also to observe closely what was really happening.

Three days later, Lingyu finally overcame the aftereffects of the Dream-guiding Technique and began to feel the benefits of spiritual energy entering her body.

The most obvious change was physical. Upon waking from her deep sleep, she found the world was suddenly clearer; she could see an ant crawling in the corner, hear the sound of leaves falling in the courtyard. Was this what the legendary martial arts masters experienced?

Next, within her body, a fine stream of warmth flowed slowly along her meridians, converging in her dantian—though she had not yet begun practicing her cultivation method, she sensed that the marvelous world was opening to her.

Lingyu was overjoyed, temporarily forgetting the trouble of her secret being discovered, and rose to stretch her limbs—only to find her whole body sticky and uncomfortable.

Looking down, she saw a layer of blackish grease covering her skin, emitting a faint sour odor.

“Purification of muscles and marrow?” Lingyu quickly recalled this phrase; it was the hallmark of protagonists encountering a master, having their main meridians opened to become experts! She did not realize she was again blending storybook tales into reality, for the path of cultivation had no such thing as opening the main meridians.

She jumped down from the bed, stretched her limbs, and felt her entire body relaxed and nimble. Satisfied, she nodded, called for her maid, and after being attended to and bathing, changed into fresh Daoist robes. She began to read through the cultivation method Han Funing had given her.

The method, titled “The Supreme Purple Cloud Heart Sutra,” was an intermediate technique for female disciples of Xuanyuan Temple. In the preface, it stated: “Though the cultivator is beyond male and female, the yin and yang differ, as do the bodies, and cannot be regarded as the same. Even with the same method, the practice for men and women diverges in subtle ways; separate cultivation is best.”

“The Supreme Purple Cloud Heart Sutra” followed the orthodox path; compared to the “Nine Heavens Clear Cloud Scripture,” it omitted the initial meditation and visualization, beginning directly with the absorption of spiritual energy—presumably because Xuanyuan Temple’s disciples had adepts guide spiritual energy into their bodies, saving them the step of cultivating true essence.

The optimal time for practice was midnight when the moon hung high. Under the influence of lunar yin, spiritual energy was most gentle and suitable for females.

Absorbing spiritual energy, then circulating it as described in the sutra, slowly transforming it into one’s own true essence—by persevering, the body would gradually be refined and transformed into a half-immortal physique.

Having finished reading, Lingyu was full of questions. Practicing “The Supreme Purple Cloud Heart Sutra” would ultimately yield a half-immortal body, but how could one ascend to true immortality? Was there a method for direct ascension?

Unfortunately, there was no one to answer her doubts. As she pondered whether to consult Zhang Qingshu, she saw him arrive at her door.

“Brother Qingshu?” Lingyu thought she must be mistaken, for this brother was incredibly busy—Zhang Zhaoguan had left the entire upper courtyard in his charge, and he had to both cultivate and manage affairs, leaving not a moment free.

“Sister Cheng!” Zhang Qingshu beamed, sizing her up for a moment. “Your aptitude is indeed impressive; the spiritual energy harmonizes perfectly with your body.”

Lingyu smiled and asked, “Brother, you’re always so busy—surely you didn’t come just to say that?”

Zhang Qingshu scratched his head, embarrassed. “You saw through me. Today is the Jade Extreme Palace’s day of lectures; since you’ve entered the path, you can attend. So, Uncle sent me to bring you to listen.”

“Ah? To listen to the teachings?”

Zhang Qingshu nodded. “Every ten days, the Jade Extreme Palace holds a lecture. All disciples, from both lower and upper courtyards, can attend. It’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow disciples. Now that you’re a full disciple, you should get to know your peers.”

“Oh, thank you, Brother Qingshu! Please convey my thanks to Brother Zhang as well for remembering me.” Lingyu did not mind offering a few more polite words; everyone likes hearing compliments.

“It’s only right; no need to be so formal.” Zhang Qingshu stepped aside. “Let’s go, it starts in half an hour.”

“Alright.”

The Jade Extreme Palace was somewhat farther than Xuanming Palace. When Lingyu followed Zhang Qingshu there, the hall was already packed.

Fortunately, upper courtyard disciples enjoyed privileges; most of the yellow cushions at the front were reserved for them, while lower courtyard disciples had to sit on the green cushions at the back. If they arrived late, there would be no seats and they’d have to stand.

It was Lingyu’s first time seeing so many gathered together; a rough estimate put their number at no fewer than several hundred. It was said Xuanyuan Temple had over a thousand disciples, and it seemed eighty percent were present.

Those in deep blue brocade Daoist robes were upper courtyard disciples; those in bright blue coarse robes were lower courtyard disciples; pale blue linen robes belonged to Daoist apprentices.

Besides the upper and lower courtyards, Xuanyuan Temple had apprentices not yet formally admitted, as well as servants who attended disciples. Servants wore green, their roots and bones unfit for cultivation; they could not attend lectures, had no masters, and could not enjoy the rights of disciples. Their only hope was to complete ten years of service, earn a basic cultivation manual, and, with luck, succeed in entering the path after years of diligent practice. Apprentices fared a little better—they had the talent, but were not yet qualified for admission. They served upper courtyard disciples, could attend lectures and practice methods, and if lucky, upon entering the visualization state, could become full disciples.

Zhang Qingshu quietly explained all this to Lingyu, and told her that as an upper courtyard disciple, she could take on an apprentice to serve by her side.

Lingyu observed that, though there were three or four hundred upper courtyard disciples, only a few dozen apprentices were present, showing that few took apprentices. After all, each upper courtyard disciple already had maids and attendants; why add an apprentice?

“Brother Zhang!” As soon as they entered, someone greeted them warmly. “Since Brother Zhang joined the upper courtyard, it’s been ages since we’ve seen you.”

The speaker wore the lower courtyard robe, a youth of fifteen or sixteen, older than Zhang Qingshu, yet called him “brother.”

Zhang Qingshu returned a half-bow, smiling. “So many matters keep me busy, Brother Ji, it’s been a while.” Then, gesturing to Lingyu, he introduced her, “This is the newly admitted Sister Cheng, attending the lecture for the first time.”

The youth surnamed Ji looked at Lingyu in surprise, then bowed, sincerely envious. “So you’re Sister Cheng. Please look after me in the future.”

Lingyu noted the address; lower courtyard disciples called upper courtyard disciples “brother” or “sister” regardless of age, so she followed Zhang Qingshu’s example, returning a half-bow. “You’re too polite, Brother Ji.”

Without further words, Zhang Qingshu patted Ji’s arm. “We’ll talk next time.” He led Lingyu to the upper courtyard section, choosing a quiet corner to sit.

“That fellow is Ji Wu. Though his aptitude isn’t outstanding, he’s smooth and sociable, well-connected, and a capable hand. If you ever need him, just call.” Zhang Qingshu spoke calmly, as if it were only natural. Perhaps, in their view, serving upper courtyard disciples was a great honor for lower courtyard ones.

_________

Caught a cold and wanted to nap, but overslept and only woke up at midnight.