CHAPTER 7: STIRRINGS OF POWER AND OLD GRUDGES AT THE INN (18+)

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Stirrings of Power and Old Grudges at the Inn

I kept pondering Old Hao’s words in my mind: "Spirit Embodiment Realm, Spirit Embodiment... what does that mean? Does it mean you have to have some spiritual charm, or is it related to a spirit body?" But what could that have to do with the word "full"?

I looked at him, completely confused.

Old Hao grinned, shaking his head for a while before slowly saying, "This trip to the capital isn’t short, it’ll take us quite a few days. I just hope I can have a good drink along the way."

He was clearly making a request.

"Senior, if you can explain this to me, there’ll be no shortage of wine."

"Alright," Old Hao squinted, looking at me with a profound gaze, and said nonchalantly, "The key to the Spirit Embodiment Realm is giving your Golden Core a spirit. At this stage, you need to nurture your core with spiritual power and mental focus. Gradually, the core will seem to develop a mind of its own, like creating a clone of yourself. This thing connects with your thoughts and will be the foundation for forming your Nascent Soul in the future. Only then have you truly entered the path of cultivation."

Then, as if remembering something, he casually glanced at my mother and said, "Didn’t your master teach you this? It’s not even a secret." Old Hao raised his eyebrows, a bit teasing.

I was momentarily speechless. I couldn’t exactly say the cold-faced sword immortal never taught me, or that my mother lost her memory and couldn’t teach me, so I just braced myself and replied, "Master told me to comprehend it myself."

"Alright, I guess I spoke too much." Old Hao shrugged nonchalantly.

At that moment, my mother noticed Old Hao’s gaze, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, like a spring flower quietly blooming, instantly showing a captivating smile.

Then, as if responding to Old Hao’s teasing, her eyes feigned a bit of mock anger, giving him a lively glare.

Old Hao immediately put on a "defeated" look, shaking his head with a wry smile, but thinking of all the good wine he’d have along the way, he couldn’t help but smile again. In a great mood, he even started humming an unknown tune.

Entering the town, the noise and excitement hit us in the face.

Mother and I looked around curiously, gawking like children and exclaiming from time to time:

"Is this the town’s market? So many people!"

Second Senior Brother Qingshan was more composed, silently following behind, but his eyes kept scanning the shops and passersby, occasionally reminding me in a low voice:

"Junior Brother, don’t wander off, there are too many people here."

Mother seemed to have a fire of curiosity lit inside her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, her steps light as a deer’s. This was her first time coming down the mountain into an ordinary town since transmigrating, and everything was full of endless novelty and temptation for her.

She would sometimes approach a street stall full of trinkets, gently picking up a delicate hairpin and examining it in the sunlight, murmuring:

"These little things are really well made."

Other times, she’d stand in front of a pastry shop, inhaling the sweet aroma, turning to us with a smile:

"This smells so special, come and smell it."

Her figure weaved through the crowd, her white gauze dress fluttering in the wind, like a lively scene that drew many glances. But she didn’t care at all, completely immersed in the new experience of her first trip down the mountain.

Old Hao, meanwhile, dove straight into a tavern, soon coming out with a jar of wine, looking delighted.

Senior Brother glared at him, grumbling, "Old Hao, all you know is drinking."

Old Hao just chuckled, "Go pay for it, your Junior Brother promised me."

We arrived at the carriage shop, where all kinds of carriages were on display.

Senior Brother barged up, knocking and testing, loudly haggling with the boss:

"Boss, your carriage can’t be that expensive, we’re honest people, give us a deal!"

The boss was both amused and exasperated by his manner. Second Senior Brother carefully checked the condition of each carriage, quietly analyzing the pros and cons to me.

Mother stood by with a smile, holding snacks that Second Senior Brother had just bought her.

Old Hao stood aside, drinking and joking, "Just pick one, as long as it gets us there. Don’t dawdle!"

After finally picking a carriage, Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother quickly loaded the luggage, and Old Hao huffed and puffed a few jars of wine into the compartment, muttering, "Can’t go without wine on the road."

Once everything was ready and we were about to set off, the mood turned heavy. Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother slowly walked up to Mother, eyes full of reluctance.

Senior Brother’s lips trembled, his eyes red. He wanted to say something but his throat tightened, so he just stared at Mother, as if trying to engrave her appearance in his heart.

Second Senior Brother bit his lower lip, holding back tears, his hand tightly clutching his clothes, his voice choked:

"Mistress, you must be careful on this trip. We’ll be waiting day and night for your safe return."

Mother’s eyes also glistened with tears. She gently stroked the faces of Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother, saying softly:

"You two must practice hard on the mountain. When I come back, I’ll give you a thorough ’inspection.’"

Mother put special emphasis on the word "inspection."

Old Hao, seeing the scene, quietly turned away to give them a moment to say goodbye. After a while, he gently coughed to remind us:

"It’s getting late, we should get going."

Only then did Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother slowly step back, still staring at Mother and me.

Old Hao flicked the whip, and the carriage slowly started moving. Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother stood there for a long time, unwilling to leave, until the carriage gradually disappeared at the end of the road.

The carriage bumped along. Mother and I sat inside. Following Old Hao’s advice, I sat cross-legged, his words echoing in my mind. My "consciousness" began to look inward, approaching the core inside me. Then, my "hand" reached out to touch the core. The imagined sensation didn’t happen; instead, my palm "accidentally" sank into it. Instantly, the core seemed to activate, trembling violently, then slowly expanding, its light growing brighter.

The baby-like form began to grow, gradually taking on the features and shape of my childhood self. When the change stopped, I was immediately pulled out of the state. As I came to, I instinctively checked my spiritual power, only to find that the energy that had filled my meridians like an overflowing cup was now as sparse as a beach at low tide no longer "full."

"Don’t panic," Old Hao’s voice came from outside the carriage. "After you irrigate it a few more times, you’ll naturally enter the Spirit Embodiment Realm."

For the next three days, aside from sleeping, I spent all my time absorbing spiritual energy. But on the road, the energy was much thinner than at the sect, and without the green energy’s supplement, the growth was painfully slow.

During these three days, Mother quickly finished reading the novels she’d brought.

She sat idly in a corner of the carriage, a hint of boredom in her eyes.

Though terribly bored, seeing me focused on cultivation, she was very considerate and never disturbed me, just passing the time on her own.

Because of the Beast Desire Technique, Mother’s face often showed a charming blush, like a peach blossom in spring, tender and alluring.

Sometimes, she’d unconsciously make little gestures, like absentmindedly lifting her skirt to reveal her fair, jade-like legs and delicate feet, but Old Hao acted as if he saw nothing, never lingering his gaze on her.

After this happened a few times, Mother lost interest in "seducing" him, tidied her clothes, and sat quietly again.

"There’s an inn ahead. We can rest there before continuing," Old Hao’s voice broke the silence in the carriage.

The carriage stopped in front of the inn. Old Hao jumped down first, expertly tying the reins to a post. Mother and I followed, entering the inn.

Finally, no more dry rations. For the past three days, Old Hao had just drunk wine, his gourd never leaving his hand. Mother, thanks to her cultivation, didn’t get hungry and had no interest in dry food, just happily eating the snacks Second Senior Brother had bought her.

She was clearly just greedy one little bag of snacks could make her smile and even hum with satisfaction.

I looked at her eagerly, but she just hummed, "Go practice your skills."

She was annoyed that I was only cultivating and not keeping her company.

Ah, truly, "women and petty men are hard to keep content."

Entering the inn, we found few customers inside.

In one corner, several men dressed as merchants were quietly chatting, sipping wine, their faces showing satisfaction.

But in another corner, what caught my eye most was a young Taoist nun and her master.

She wore a blue-green gauze Taoist robe, her hair in a bun with a few loose strands on her fair neck, single-lidded but large, round, bright eyes, curved brows, a delicate nose, cherry lips, and dimples when she smiled a sweet beauty like a fairy from a painting.

Her master was a middle-aged man with a stern, chiseled face, dressed in black, sitting upright, exuding an extraordinary aura clearly a cultivator.

When we entered, they looked at us. Seeing Mother, their eyes lit up. The merchants whispered, sometimes sneaking glances at Mother.

On the other side, the young nun and her master sat quietly. When we entered, her master stood up, cupping his hands respectfully to Mother. Did they know each other?

Mother reacted quickly, raising her chin slightly and nodding in greeting. Just then, the innkeeper hurried over, a faded towel on his shoulder, bowing and welcoming:

"Welcome, guests! Will you be dining or staying?" His eyes lingered on Mother for a few seconds, clearly drawn by her unique charm.

He quickly looked away and continued, "We have fresh hot buns, delicious stewed meat, local wine, and clean, affordable rooms."

"Bring me your best wine, and be quick!" Old Hao called as soon as he sat.

I added, "And some signature dishes, and that stewed meat you mentioned."

Our table was next to the young nun’s. At that moment, her master cleared his throat and introduced himself:

"I am Daoist Xuanfeng. Greetings, Sword Immortal Lin."

Mother hadn’t expected to meet an acquaintance, but out of courtesy, she nodded and replied softly, "Daoist Xuanfeng, you’re too kind."

Daoist Xuanfeng continued:

"I’ve long heard of Sword Immortal Lin’s great name. It’s an honor to meet you today. May I ask where you’re headed?"

Before Mother could answer, Old Hao interjected:

"To the capital."

Daoist Xuanfeng nodded, his eyes meaningful:

"Is it for the martial arts tournament? I believe it’s not so simple likely a ploy by the court. With so many sects, good and bad mixed together, the court may use this tournament to reorganize and weaken the power of cultivators, strengthening their own control."

So the old Daoist thought the same as I did.

Old Hao just smiled, unconcerned.

Seeing Old Hao and Mother both fall silent, the atmosphere grew awkward. I stood up and introduced myself:

"I am Lin Lu of the Azure Sword Sect. Greetings, Daoist Xuanfeng."

Daoist Xuanfeng looked me over and returned the greeting, "So it’s little friend Lin. Pleased to meet you."

The young nun watched us curiously, her big eyes blinking, clearly interested in our conversation.

"Disciple, greet Sword Immortal Lin," her master prompted.

The young nun, Zhao Lingxi, was startled, then quickly stood and bowed to Mother, her voice clear as a bell:

"Lingxi greets Sword Immortal Lin. I wish you well."

Mother smiled, "No need for such formality, Lingxi. You’re very cute."

Zhao Lingxi blushed, lowering her head shyly, looking even more charming.

She peeked at me, her eyes curious and bashful, as if wondering whether to greet me too.

Just then, the innkeeper brought a jar of wine and steaming food, and the rich aroma of meat filled the air.

Old Hao’s eyes lit up, grabbing the wine and drinking heartily, "Delicious..."

I looked at the table full of food, my appetite growing.

I served Mother a bowl of rice, and we began to eat. Mother elegantly picked up some greens, chewing slowly and gracefully.

As we ate, footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Everyone looked up to see a white-robed young man descending. His face was fair as jade, sword brows slanting to his temples, long, deep eyes exuding natural nobility and aloofness.

He wore a moon-white brocade robe, with silver cloud patterns on the collar and cuffs, a black jade belt at his waist, and a warm jade pendant swaying with each step.

He walked straight to Lingxi:

"My little Lingxi, long time no see."

He smiled faintly, but his words lacked true affection.

Zhao Lingxi’s face turned pale at the sight of Ye Wuhen, her eyes full of fear. Her lips trembled, and she looked helplessly at Daoist Xuanfeng, calling softly, "Master..."

Daoist Xuanfeng immediately stood, his face stern as he glared at the white-robed youth, scolding:

"Ye Wuhen, what are you doing here?"

"Why can’t I be here? My beloved Lingxi is here," Ye Wuhen replied mockingly.

"Stay away from my disciple."

Daoist Xuanfeng’s eyes widened, hand on his sword.

"Old fool, you can’t control me," Ye Wuhen sneered arrogantly.

Daoist Xuanfeng gripped his sword, about to draw, but Ye Wuhen instantly pressed it back down. The movement was so fast it was a blur Daoist Xuanfeng was pinned, unable to move his arm, only able to glare at Ye Wuhen helplessly.

I tried to move, but my legs felt rooted, my arms heavy as lead I couldn’t move at all.

It wasn’t fear, but as if I’d been immobilized by a spell, trapped in this little space, unable to break free.

Was this a spell? Or suppression by a higher realm?

"Mom, I can’t move. Can you?" I asked anxiously in my mind.

Mother, hearing I couldn’t move, grew frantic, quickly touching my face, eyes full of worry:

"Son, what’s wrong? Why can’t you move?" In her panic, all her usual composure vanished, even exposing that she wasn’t from this world. But everyone’s attention was on Ye Wuhen, so no one noticed her odd behavior.

But her actions still caught Ye Wuhen’s attention.

He’d been staring at Zhao Lingxi and her master, but now his gaze slowly turned to our table.

He glanced casually at Old Hao and me, then locked onto Mother.

"Hm? I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere."

Ye Wuhen frowned, a trace of doubt in his eyes.

But Mother was only worried about me, not hearing Ye Wuhen, still anxiously checking me, trying to find out why I couldn’t move.

"Mom, be careful, he’s coming for you," I warned in my mind.

Just as I finished, Ye Wuhen’s figure flashed, appearing beside Mother like a ghost.

He grabbed her chin, forcing her face up and examining her closely.

"Oh, so it’s Sword Immortal Lin. No wonder you looked familiar I saw you when I was little. Don’t you remember me?"

Ye Wuhen smiled playfully.

Mother, shocked and angry, struggled desperately. In her panic, she forgot all her skills, like an ordinary woman, only able to slap at Ye Wuhen’s arm, crying, "Let me go!"

Ye Wuhen actually let go, stepping back and laughing:

"You almost became my sister-in-law. No, it was just my brother’s unrequited love."

He paused, his smile fading, then added:

"It’s all because of you that my brother left the sect. Hmph."

His gaze returned to Mother, a faint chill in his eyes.

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