Flying Haze and Nine-Petaled Lotus

Chi Qiu, who had been waiting for Su Hanxing to speak further, found herself momentarily distracted. When her gaze refocused, she realized Su Hanxing had already entered a state of cultivation. Chi Qiu’s movements stilled, and she nearly forgot what she was supposed to do.

Seeing Su Hanxing leaning against the rock wall, his eyes closed in meditation, she decided against disturbing him. She rose to extinguish the bonfire, then gathered the teacup, stone mortar, and other items back into her spatial ring. After ensuring everything was put away, she left the spot, settling down in the spirit field to begin her own practice.

Having just broken through to the Heart Scripture Realm, Chi Qiu knew that her current cultivation methods would struggle to further advance her realm. To rapidly enhance her strength, there was now only one path to take.

She brushed her bronze ring, and a pristine white page materialized in her hand—the Moon Gaze Treasure Canon. She channeled her Lunar true qi, lightly tapping the ancient text. A soft rustling sound filled the air as dust motes drifted from the page, and new characters began to shimmer across its surface. This was the fourth chapter of the Moon Gaze Treasure Canon, and beneath its familiar methods, fresh inscriptions subtly emerged.

Just as Chi Qiu had anticipated, after successfully traversing the threshold of the Spirit Nourishing Realm, new secret arts had indeed manifested upon the text. A surge of joy filled her heart. She swiftly skipped past the fourth chapter’s core methods, eager to read the secret art inscribed on the lower half of the page.

“Flying Haze”

“A Fourth-Grade Sword Qi Art”

“The sword like autumn waters, the qi like vibrant clouds…”

The more Chi Qiu read, the greater her delight. This secret art, Flying Haze, was of an exceptionally high grade, designed for long-range offensive strikes. According to the descriptions on the page, as the Flying Haze sword qi soared through the air, it would draw in surrounding spiritual energy, steadily amplifying its own power.

With each increment of distance, the sword qi would absorb an increasing amount of diverse spiritual energy. Ultimately, it would transform into a breathtaking, multicolored spectacle, dazzling like a rainbow-hued haze—hence its evocative name.

Having already mastered the “Blood Lotus” technique from the Blooming Life divine ability, Chi Qiu now only needed to learn this Flying Haze secret art. With these two formidable offensive techniques—one for close combat, the other for long-range—at her disposal, her confidence to enter the Dragon Tomb and seek its treasures would undoubtedly increase significantly.

As night fell, Chi Qiu sat cross-legged within the spirit field. Several Night Ling Vines burst forth from the earth, gently encircling her. A faint, ethereal floral fragrance diffused throughout the entire cave dwelling. Breathing in the soothing scent, Chi Qiu seamlessly entered her state of cultivation.

The following morning, a faint shuffle of footsteps echoed within the cave dwelling. Hearing the sound, Chi Qiu startled awake. Her eyes snapped open, and her sword was drawn in an instant. However, she saw only Su Hanxing, clad in a black robe, pacing calmly within the cave.

“Morning, Little Chi,” Su Hanxing greeted with a smile, seeing that she had awakened.

“Is your left leg healed?” Chi Qiu asked, her tension easing as she realized the footsteps belonged to him. She sheathed her Azure Frost Sword and stepped further into the cave.

“The broken bone has already been set, and currently, there’s no major issue,” Su Hanxing explained, limping closer as she approached. “Little Chi, you must know how powerful the body’s recovery becomes after cultivating the Intertwined Gold divine ability.”

Chi Qiu nodded, for she was, of course, intimately familiar with that divine ability.

“Then why do you still move like this…?” Chi Qiu questioned, mimicking Su Hanxing’s earlier limp for a few steps.

“My bones and muscles are largely fine, but the bite wound itself still requires time to recuperate,” Su Hanxing explained patiently, a mix of exasperation and amusement on his face as he watched her imitate his gait. “This injury was inflicted by an exceptionally agile great demon, and its demonic energy lingers within the wound. Unless that residual energy is dispelled, it simply won’t heal.”

“I see. In that case, you should drink more Sang Tea… Oh, and by the way.” Chi Qiu’s gaze shifted to Su Hanxing’s inner thigh, the site of the bite wound. She then withdrew a bottle of golden wound medicine from her ring, shaking it playfully. “Would you like me to apply the medicine for you?” she asked, a hint of mischief in her tone.

As Chi Qiu’s words, deliberately slow and light, lingered in the air, Su Hanxing felt a ripple of amusement stir within him. He met her mischievous grin, knowing full well she was intentionally teasing him. With a soft chuckle, he replied, “Alright then, I’ll gladly trouble Miss Chi.”

Chi Qiu, who had been fully anticipating an embarrassed expression from Su Hanxing, froze at his reply. She had expected him to blush furiously under her playful teasing, never imagining he would remain so composed. Unwilling to concede defeat, she pressed on.

“Then take them off; I’ll apply the medicine,” Chi Qiu declared, moving purposefully closer to him. To preempt any suspicion of ulterior motives, she added, “Of course, this medicinal service isn’t free.”

Su Hanxing found her slightly hesitant approach amusing. His tone turned playful. “To have such a beauty personally apply medicine for me, a mere trifle of spirit jade is hardly worth mentioning.”

Outmaneuvered by Su Hanxing, Chi Qiu stood rooted to the spot. She had never actually intended to personally apply the medicine, but now she found herself in a rather awkward predicament, like a rider on a tiger unable to dismount.

“You apply it yourself,” Chi Qiu conceded, abandoning her teasing. Her face flushed faintly as she tossed the golden wound medicine to him, then turned to leave the cave dwelling.

“Hahahaha, where are you off to?” Su Hanxing called out, his mood greatly improved now that he had successfully turned the tables. He watched her retreating back as she fled the scene.

“Fishing.”

Chi Qiu replied without so much as a glance back. Annoyed, she exited the cave dwelling, not stopping until Su Hanxing’s laughter faded completely from earshot.

Watching her depart the cave, Su Hanxing turned his head to the side, where a crude fishing rod lay forlornly on the ground. He pondered for a moment but ultimately decided against pursuing her to hand it over.

He raised his hand, examining the golden wound medicine for a moment. After a brief hesitation, he inexplicably tucked it into his storage bracelet. Naturally, this particular medicine would be of no use for his wounds, and his own storage artifact contained countless remedies far superior. Nevertheless, he harbored no intention of returning it to Chi Qiu.

After leaving the cave dwelling, Chi Qiu composed herself, regretting why she had ever thought to tease Su Hanxing. She was now a woman, and if Su Hanxing were to shed even a little of his inhibitions, she would undoubtedly find herself at a disadvantage.

She took a deep breath, dispelling the faint blush of shame from her mind. Then, drawing her Azure Frost Sword, she resolved that since she was already outside the cave dwelling, she might as well dedicate herself to mastering the “Flying Haze” art she had yet to fully grasp.

By the time Chi Qiu returned to the cave dwelling, dusk had already begun to settle.

Su Hanxing, who had been cultivating and recuperating within the cave, instantly roused at the sound of footsteps. Seeing that it was Chi Qiu, a smile touched his lips as he asked, “Did you manage to catch any fish?”

Chi Qiu’s expression darkened. Without answering his question, she walked directly to the designated spot for the bonfire and lit it. Afterward, she retrieved a small deer, already split in half and meticulously cleaned, from her spatial ring and laid it on the ground.

Su Hanxing cheerfully approached, watching her deftly cut the skinned deer into small pieces and skewer them onto thick wooden sticks. He was eager to partake in the meal, and feeling it would be improper to simply stand by and watch her busy herself, he offered, “Let me help you, Little Chi.”

Chi Qiu glanced up at him, then gestured with a subtle twitch of her lips toward the skewered meat. “Then you can do the grilling,” she instructed.

Su Hanxing readily complied.

With his assistance, their progress was naturally much swifter. By the time Chi Qiu had finished skewering the last piece of venison, Su Hanxing had already presented her with the first perfectly grilled skewer.

“Come on, quickly taste my handiwork,” Su Hanxing urged, a look of triumph on his face.

“I’ll wash my hands first,” Chi Qiu stated, glancing from the sizzling, oily venison to her own hands, still stained with deer blood. She made no move to take the meat.

“Just one bite first, give me your critique,” Su Hanxing insisted, extending his arm to hold the skewer near Chi Qiu’s mouth, his eyes alight with expectation.

Chi Qiu cast a peculiar glance at him but didn’t refuse. She leaned in, taking a small bite from the skewer. The taste was surprisingly good—neither burnt nor undercooked, with a remarkably tender texture.

“Quite good, much better than I expected,” Chi Qiu affirmed with a nod. She was never one to stint on praise for delicious food.

“If it’s good, have a few more bites,” Su Hanxing urged, an inexpressible sense of satisfaction welling in his heart as he watched her docilely accept his offering.

“Wait,” Chi Qiu said, lowering her head to retrieve her water flask. After thoroughly rinsing her hands clean, she took the skewer, beginning to eat under Su Hanxing’s slightly regretful gaze.

After they had eaten their fill, Chi Qiu watched Su Hanxing, who had commandeered her teacup and was now sipping Sang Tea. Suddenly, she remembered the unknown green lotus she had yet to consume. Retrieving the lotus from her ring, she presented it to Su Hanxing. Surely, with his vast knowledge, he might recognize this particular flower.

“Su Hanxing, do you know how this lotus should be consumed?”

“This is… a Nine-Petaled Azure Lotus? Let me examine it closely.” Su Hanxing’s casual glance immediately sharpened into keen interest, and he reached out, requesting the lotus from her.

Chi Qiu handed the Azure Lotus to him. Upon receiving it, he began to meticulously examine the profound patterns etched upon its petals.

“It is indeed a Nine-Petaled Azure Lotus,” Su Hanxing confirmed, turning the flower over in his hand. “This item is a sacred healing treasure, highly prized by Buddhist cultivators. It’s a pity the lotus root isn’t present; if it were, my injuries would mend in mere moments.” With that, he returned the lotus to her.

“The Nine-Petaled Azure Lotus is considered one of the sacred treasures of the Buddhist sect,” Su Hanxing explained, his voice measured. “The naturally formed Dao patterns upon it are exceptionally profound. Most Buddhist cultivators possess lotus secret arts, and by meditating on this lotus, they can enhance the power of their techniques by approximately thirty percent.”

“The lotus root at the base of this lotus is a supreme healing artifact, capable of reviving someone even if they cling to but a single breath of life. The lotus seeds, too, are precious; consuming them can alter one’s constitution, making the cultivation of lotus secret arts twice as effective and significantly more powerful in the future. They can also heal wounds, though their efficacy doesn’t quite match that of the lotus root.”

Chi Qiu’s eyes brightened considerably upon hearing this. Wasn’t the third chapter of the Blooming Life divine ability, which she had only just learned, directly related to lotuses?

“Can these lotus seeds be eaten directly?” Chi Qiu asked, a hint of anticipation in her gaze.

“Yes, simply consume them directly. Oh, and Little Chi…” Su Hanxing’s expression suddenly grew troubled. He opened his mouth as if to speak, yet no sound emerged.

“What is it? Don’t be so coy, you’re a grown man!” Chi Qiu plucked a lotus seed from the pod, looking up at his visibly conflicted face.

“Little Chi, would you perhaps sell me a lotus seed? I know this item is incredibly precious, difficult to trade for with mere spirit jade. However, in my escape from the beast tide, most of my magic treasures were destroyed. I can only offer to pay you back in a few months. Once we leave the Sishui Marsh, if you accompany me to the Tianyan Sect, I guarantee I can offer treasures of equivalent value in exchange.”

Though Su Hanxing was ashamed to ask, this lotus seed was of immense importance to him. With it, he could fully recover from all his injuries within five days. Thus, he ultimately voiced his request.

Upon hearing his words, Chi Qiu let out a scoff. “I thought it was something serious! Here, take it. Consider it a favor you owe me.” With that, she tossed the lotus seed in her hand to him.

“Many thanks,” Su Hanxing said, catching the lotus seed. An irrepressible joy spread across his face, and he cupped his hands in a respectful salute to express his gratitude.