Yinglong’s Legacy and Chi Qiu’s Past

“It seems both of you have achieved excellent results.”

Yinglong appeared from beneath the dragon skull, his presence unnoticed until now. With a single glance, he discerned the terrifying power within Su Hanxing’s physique and the subtle essence of the Great Dao that Chi Qiu inadvertently stirred with every movement.

“Senior’s blessings,” Su Hanxing said, bowing with clasped fists upon seeing Yinglong reappear.

Behind him, Chi Qiu mirrored his actions, offering a respectful bow.

“Senior, what is this…” Chi Qiu finished her bow and looked up, only to find Yinglong’s form significantly more ethereal than before. Her gaze could even pass through his body, revealing the immense dragon skeleton behind him.

“I perished ten thousand years ago; what stands here now is merely a wisp of my divine soul,” Yinglong stated, seemingly unconcerned by his imminent dissipation. “I was slain before reaching adulthood, leaving only a remnant soul to reside here for ten millennia. This prolonged vigil was solely to ensure my legacy would not fall into the hands of the mediocre.”

Yinglong’s gaze settled upon Chi Qiu and Su Hanxing, a satisfied smile gracing his lips.

So, Senior Yinglong hadn’t even reached adulthood before his death… No wonder he never exhibited the pedantic air typical of sect elders during our time together, Su Hanxing mused thoughtfully.

“I am content to entrust my legacy to both of you. To sit here in desolation for ten thousand years has been a torment; today marks my release.” With this appearance, Yinglong’s spirit seemed considerably more subdued.

“Next, I shall draw upon the power of the Dragon Transformation Pool to mend your Dragon Orbs.” Yinglong shifted the topic, raising his hand to summon a grand array of golden threads.

Wisps of vital energy streamed down these golden lines, instantly revitalizing both Chi Qiu and Su Hanxing.

“The Dragon Orbs within your bodies were originally one. Soon, I will summon forth your divine souls and Dragon Orbs, temporarily merging them for a unified restoration.” Yinglong gathered the vital energy from the Dragon Transformation Pool, allowing it to slowly coalesce before them, forming a translucent, pale green sphere.

“During the Dragon Orb’s restoration, your divine souls will intertwine. You might glimpse fragments of each other’s memories, so be prepared.”

Without waiting for their thoughts, Yinglong extended his hand and made a grasping motion. Chi Qiu and Su Hanxing instantly felt an immense suction force latch onto their divine souls. In less than a breath, their souls and the Dragon Orbs within their spiritual seas were effortlessly plucked out by Yinglong.

What remained was a miniature Chi Qiu, clad in a tiny silk skirt, and a small Su Hanxing, sporting dragon horns, each clutching a damaged Dragon Orb as they floated into the large, pale green sphere of vital energy. Their divine souls spun within the great sphere for several rotations until, finally, the Dragon Orbs in their hands were drawn together, merging with a soft ‘thump.’

Their souls then slowly melded into the combined Dragon Orb, intertwining and sinking into a deep slumber.

Yinglong offered a faint smile upon completing these actions, his form growing increasingly dim, almost transparent. He lifted his gaze, staring intently as if his sight pierced through countless obstacles, reaching the myriad stars beyond the firmament. A long sigh escaped him, and his body gently floated upwards, his eyes reflecting a sense of liberation. He drifted out of this space, dissipating like smoke and dust into the vast expanse between heaven and earth.

“Do not forget to inter my remains in the Celestial Realm…”

A soft whisper echoed across the scorched earth, lingering for a long time.

“Hanxing, since you have achieved the Heart Scripture Realm, it is time for you to undertake a sect mission.”

Su He stood before Chi Qiu, his expression grave as he spoke.

Hanxing? Me?

Chi Qiu was momentarily stunned. Before she could react further, she watched her own hands rise instinctively, clasped in a respectful bow.

“Yes, Master.”

It seems I’m within Su Hanxing’s memories, Chi Qiu realized, understanding her current predicament.

“Since this is your first mission from the sect, I have specially chosen a simple one for you.” Su He produced a scroll and presented it to Su Hanxing.

“Ten years ago, the Supreme Elder inscribed three hundred and sixty-five names. These individuals are destined to bring calamity upon the lands in the future. Our Tianyan Sect has already dispatched disciples to investigate, eliminating all who have embarked on the path of cultivation.”

“Now, I send you to investigate. If they remain mortals, ignore them; but if they are on the path of cultivation, then eliminate them.”

“Yes, Master,” Su Hanxing replied, accepting the scroll and nodding in agreement.

“Utilize the Tianyan Method frequently to deduce the locations of these ten individuals; it will save you considerable time.” Su He nodded, stroking his beard, and added, “Go now.”

Next, Chi Qiu’s vision blurred, obscuring everything from her sight. It was a long while before her perception returned to normal. Before her lay an unfurled scroll, bearing ten names. Nine of them had already been crossed out, each annotated with the remark: ‘Mortal.’

Su Hanxing then put away the scroll, picked up the tea beside him, and took a sip, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

Su Hanxing observed that Chi Qiu appeared to be drinking tea in a bustling teahouse. The shouts of the waiter and the chatter of the patrons mingled, creating a lively atmosphere. Su Hanxing had been intently watching a figure in black from behind. After a long while, the person produced a silver ingot, handed it to the waiter, and rose to leave.

Seeing this, Su Hanxing quickly called for the waiter to settle his bill, then trailed after the individual. The figure in black was intimately familiar to Chi Qiu; it was none other than herself, from a time when she was still male.

Su Hanxing followed Chi Qiu, his tracking methods remarkably crude. Yet, Chi Qiu was also a novice at the time, making them evenly matched. Consequently, even with someone tailing him, Chi Qiu had genuinely failed to notice.

Turning a street corner, Su Hanxing followed Chi Qiu to a dilapidated temple, which served as Chi Qiu’s residence. Upon seeing the ruined temple, Chi Qiu finally recalled the place. It was located in a small town within Shangsha Commandery, a time when she had just embarked on the path of cultivation, wandering in search of opportunities.

Besides Chi Qiu, a group of beggars also frequently resided in the temple. Chi Qiu never troubled them and occasionally provided them with food. At the time, Chi Qiu believed this allowed him to conceal his identity, never suspecting that Su Hanxing had already located him.

The scene blurred once more. When Chi Qiu’s vision cleared again, Su Hanxing had already returned to the Tianyan Sect.

“Master, must everyone on this list be killed if they embark on the path of cultivation?” Su Hanxing asked, his voice filled with doubt.

“Naturally,” Su He replied, his expression instantly changing upon hearing Su Hanxing’s question. “The Supreme Elder’s cultivation is profound and mysterious; they have never erred in any divination.”

“But Chi Qiu from Shangsha Commandery, who is on the list, is clearly a kind person from my observations. Why would he cause calamity in the future?” Su Hanxing questioned, puzzled.

“Have you eliminated him?” Su He ignored Su Hanxing’s words, his expression unchanging as he asked calmly.

“I have not,” Su Hanxing murmured, lowering his head slightly.

“Then go eliminate him before returning to the Tianyan Sect.” Su He’s face was stern. Having delivered his command, he turned and departed from the spot.

“Why is this…” Su Hanxing clutched the scroll tightly in his hand, his voice laced with profound bewilderment.

The scene before Chi Qiu blurred once more.

“Chi Qiu, I have taken a liking to this item; hand it over quickly.” Su Hanxing stood on a flying boat, looking down at Chi Qiu, who was still male, his words laced with disdain and provocation.

“Truly worthy of a great sect disciple, utterly domineering. Is this grotto-heaven not for dwelling?”

At that time, Chi Qiu’s ‘Intertwined Gold’ divine ability had just reached minor accomplishment. Filled with youthful vigor, he naturally harbored no fear of Su Hanxing.

“Enough idle chatter! Take my sword!” Su Hanxing summoned his flying sword, pointing it from a distance. The sword shot forth like an arrow loosed from a bow, aiming directly for Chi Qiu’s arm.

“Do you only dare to launch long-range attacks from your flying boat? Let’s see how many magical artifacts you have for me to destroy.” Chi Qiu neither dodged nor evaded. With a single punch, he shattered the flying sword.

Su Hanxing summoned several more magical artifacts—blades, spears, axes—and hurled them at Chi Qiu like a torrential storm.

“Hahahaha! Bring more! I’ll smash as many as you send!” Chi Qiu burst into laughter. Instead of retreating, he advanced, his fists swinging, destroying all the magical artifacts in his path.

The two exchanged blows in this manner for roughly half an hour, until Su Hanxing, left with no choice, retreated.

Much later, Su Hanxing returned to the spot on his flying boat. As he painstakingly gathered the fragments of his damaged magical artifacts from the ground, he muttered to himself, “Good thing that fellow doesn’t know their worth. He has no idea these broken artifacts are still quite valuable, otherwise, I’d be utterly ruined today.”

After collecting them for a long time, Su Hanxing finally departed.

This must be their second encounter, Chi Qiu remembered with striking clarity.

“Master, this Chi Qiu possesses extremely powerful divine abilities. Though his cultivation realm is merely Transcendent, his physical body is so resilient that even ordinary magical artifacts can barely harm him. I am not his match,” Su Hanxing reported to Su He.

“It seems this person has encountered quite a few fortuitous opportunities. In that case, I shall withdraw you and send someone else,” Su He said, nodding.

“No need, Master. Your disciple is certain to complete this mission. My progress has been immense through battling this person, and at this rate, I can surely break through to the God Concealing stage within three years,” Su Hanxing said, a hint of urgency in his tone.

“Oh? If what you say is true, then that is indeed a good thing. If you can break through to the God Concealing stage within three years, I will personally ensure you are taught the sect’s ultimate divine ability, ‘Starfall Step’.”

Su He nodded with satisfaction upon hearing Su Hanxing’s words, no longer intending to replace him.

“Chi Qiu, this must be our fourth encounter, wouldn’t you say?”

Su Hanxing, wielding a long sword, struck Chi Qiu back with a single blow. He was panting heavily, his true qi almost depleted.

“Your strength grows with each meeting, but alas, you still fall short of mine.” Chi Qiu pressed forward again, shattering the long sword in Su Hanxing’s hand with a single punch.

“Every time I clash with you, I suffer grievous losses,” Su Hanxing lamented, his voice filled with heartache.

“Hahahaha! You’ve provoked me repeatedly, and now you feel the pinch?” Chi Qiu roared with laughter, then thrust out another palm, shattering the rather high-grade Daoist robe Su Hanxing was wearing.

Su Hanxing retreated repeatedly. With a sweep of his hand, he summoned his Jade Sand Skiff and made a swift escape, leaving Chi Qiu standing alone, watching his retreating figure.

“Supreme Elder, does this demonic qi reside within the physical body or the divine soul?” Su Hanxing sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, facing the elevated platform ahead, and asked with curiosity.

“I do not know either.” On the high platform, an elder clad in a black satin Daoist robe adorned with stars gently shook his head.

“Your disciple once acquired an art called the ‘Soul Transference Art’,” Su Hanxing said, lowering his head to ask. “It can expel the divine soul of a cultivator whose cultivation is a major realm lower than the user’s from their body. I can use this art to separate Chi Qiu’s physical body and divine soul, and then we can ascertain the truth.”

“Hmm—” The elder fell into thought. “Very well. Soon, I will have Su He arrange a duel between you and Chi Qiu. At that time, you shall use the ‘Soul Transference Art’ to expel his divine soul from his body.”

“Bring back the physical body,” the star-robed elder finally suggested.

“If that divine soul lacks a physical vessel, it will soon dissipate between heaven and earth,” Su Hanxing stated. “A new body must be prepared for him.”

“There’s no need to concern yourself with him. You only need to retrieve the physical body. If the demonic qi is not within the body, it must certainly be in the divine soul.” The star-robed elder waved his hand again and added, “Return and prepare early.”

“Supreme Elder, this would be tantamount to taking his life!” Su Hanxing looked up, his voice urgent.

“There’s no need to worry. The Daqi Imperial Family is on good terms with us. Even if Chi Qiu were to kill someone on the arena stage, leading to imperial repercussions, you would not be implicated.”

Su Hanxing, perhaps sensing the elder’s unwavering resolve, cut him off: “No, your disciple accepts the command.”

Su Hanxing abandoned further argument. He rose, bowed respectfully, and departed.

“Supreme Elder, this is Chi Qiu’s physical body.” Su Hanxing retrieved Chi Qiu’s body and placed it to the side. Though Chi Qiu’s body was devoid of a divine soul, it still pulsed with vitality, his chest gently rising and falling.

“Refine it with fire.” The star-robed elder nodded, then commanded.

A fierce blaze roared, and a wisp of seven-colored qi dissipated from Chi Qiu’s body. The star-robed elder recognized it as demonic qi. In the end, only a handful of ashes remained within the refining furnace. Above them, a wisp of ethereal golden qi lingered, refusing to disperse.

“Did you prepare a physical body for that Chi Qiu?” The star-robed elder nodded with satisfaction, then abruptly changed the subject.

“Indeed, I did,” Su Hanxing quickly replied, lowering his head, visibly nervous.

“We still need to confirm if that seven-colored demonic qi is present in Chi Qiu’s divine soul. Tomorrow, you will seek her out, and I will conceal myself within your portable grotto-heaven for easy investigation.” The star-robed elder nodded, not chastising Su Hanxing.

“Do you know, if her divine soul reaches immortal status, this ethereal golden qi would be a fine treasure? You can refine it; it will significantly enhance your strength.” Having said this, the star-robed elder turned and departed.

“Did you come just to talk about such tedious matters?”

Chi Qiu, now transformed into a young woman, glared at Su Hanxing, her eyes wide with fury. Her words conveyed a stifled frustration, a desire to erupt yet a fear of doing so.

“Of course not. I merely came to admire my masterpiece, pfft pfft pfft…” Su Hanxing extended his hand, seemingly intending to touch Chi Qiu’s face.

“Supreme Elder, is this distance sufficient?” Su Hanxing asked in a low voice, approaching Chi Qiu, while inquiring of the Supreme Elder within his portable grotto-heaven.

“It is sufficient. I have completed my investigation, and there is no demonic qi.” The star-robed elder’s voice reached Su Hanxing’s ears. “I shall depart now. You should strive to obtain that ‘Intertwined Gold’ technique; it will also augment the Daoist scriptures of our Tianyan Sect.”

After speaking, the star-robed elder left Su Hanxing’s portable grotto-heaven.

Su Hanxing finally relaxed. He smiled, looking at the young woman Chi Qiu, who suspected him of having homosexual tendencies. Then, he retrieved a bronze mirror from his storage artifact, enlarged it, and placed it beside Chi Qiu.

“Do you not know what your new body looks like?”

The young woman leaned closer to the bronze mirror, instinctively reaching out to gently caress her own face reflected within. She then regained her composure, looking at Su Hanxing.

“So what? I will eventually change back to my original body. Don’t forget my former appearance.”

Su Hanxing started to say something, but then stopped. He looked at the vibrant young woman before him and finally let out a helpless chuckle.

“At least you’re still alive.”