The Profound Spirit Body and a New Residence

“A method for body reconstruction? Such an item is quite rare…” Chu Yi paused, taken aback when he heard the technique Chi Qiu wished to acquire, before a look of understanding dawned upon his face.

As a steward of Qibao Hall, he was naturally familiar with renowned young talents like Chi Qiu. It was thus easy for him to grasp why Chi Qiu sought a secret method for body reconstruction.

“Though uncommon, we do possess such an item here at Qibao Hall. Fellow Daoist Chi, you have certainly come to the right place. Please follow me.” Chu Yi stroked his beard, a hint of triumphant satisfaction gracing his smile.

Hearing Chu Yi confirm that Qibao Hall indeed held a method for body reconstruction, Chi Qiu’s face immediately lit up with joy. She then followed Chu Yi, leaving the area and returning to the tea room.

“This method is rare, and its price, naturally, is not cheap. Fellow Daoist Chi, you should be prepared.” The two sat down in the tea room, and Chu Yi refilled Chi Qiu’s teacup before speaking.

While waiting for Chu Yi and the others to appraise her treasures, Chi Qiu had already consumed a considerable amount of spirit fruits and spirit tea. Now, feeling somewhat full, she took the spirit tea, took a symbolic sip, and then placed the cup on the tea table.

“It’s fine.” Chi Qiu harbored a deep anticipation, yet she wished to conceal it, fearing Chu Yi might discern her eagerness and inflate the price.

“I’ve already instructed someone to gather and deliver the summarized versions of several body reconstruction secret arts from Qibao Hall. Fellow Daoist Chi, there’s no need to rush.” Chu Yi chuckled as he observed Chi Qiu. In his eyes, she was like a god of wealth descended to the mortal realm, shimmering with golden light.

Knock—knock.

The tea room door was gently tapped. A maid, clad in light gauze, pushed it open, her hands cradling several thin silk books. Although the maid’s light gauze dress accentuated her graceful figure, Chi Qiu showed not the slightest interest in her. Her attention was entirely captivated by the thin silk books.

“Fellow Daoist Chi, all the summarized versions of body reconstruction secret arts in Qibao Hall are right here.” With a wave of Chu Yi’s hand, the maid presented the silk books to Chi Qiu.

“Allow me to examine them one by one.” Chi Qiu eagerly picked up a silk book and began to peruse it carefully.

Demon Blood Body, a third-grade secret art.

Forged with the essence blood of several great demons, supplemented by spirit iron and immortal gold, it creates a body of demon blood. Once formed, this physique becomes as resilient as if cast from bronze and iron, impervious to ordinary secret arts and Dao techniques. In combat, a mere flick of the wrist or kick of the leg can sever tendons and shatter bones, making it exceedingly domineering.

Price: 120,000 Spirit Pills.

After finishing the first book, Chi Qiu immediately furrowed her brows. Firstly, the brief description left her somewhat bewildered. Secondly, a third-grade secret art demanding 120,000 Spirit Pills was simply exorbitant. Most third-grade secret arts typically ranged from eight thousand to ten thousand Spirit Pills. This Demon Blood Body, however, was more than ten times that price.

Chi Qiu said nothing further. She subtly put down the Demon Blood Body and picked up the second silk book to examine it.

Four Symbols Physique, a second-grade secret art…

Chi Qiu quietly flipped through the pages, finishing all the silk books in a short amount of time.

“Could you sell this ‘Profound Spirit Body’ to me for a lower price?” Having finished all the silk books, Chi Qiu picked up one and waved it towards Chu Yi.

Profound Spirit Body, a first-grade secret art.

Forges an Innate Dao Body using nine Dao plants with innate Dao patterns, supplemented by Dual Energies and True Lunar/Solar Force.

The price marked on this secret art’s silk book was 800,000 Spirit Pills, far exceeding Chi Qiu’s current savings.

“Hehehe… Fellow Daoist Chi truly possesses a discerning eye, immediately picking out the best one among them.” Chu Yi chuckled, praising her without mentioning a word about a price reduction.

Upon hearing Chu Yi’s words, Chi Qiu nearly rolled her eyes. The ‘Profound Spirit Body’ was the highest-grade and most expensive among these secret arts. Chu Yi’s comment was no different from meaningless chatter.

“I also wish to acquire a movement technique, a flying magical treasure, and a storage magical treasure with a larger capacity. How about 800,000 Spirit Pills for all of these combined?” Seeing Chu Yi merely chuckle without much talk, Chi Qiu had no choice but to propose her own idea.

“Hmm…” Chu Yi fell into contemplation.

“A third-grade movement technique, a top-grade magical treasure flying boat, and the storage magical treasure will be a gift from my Qibao Hall to you. How does that sound?” After a long period of thought, Chu Yi finally presented his conditions.

“Alright, Steward Chu, please assess the value of this longsword.” Chi Qiu nodded. With a swipe of her bronze ring, an Ink Jade Longsword appeared in her hand. She gently caressed its blade before handing it to Chu Yi.

Chi Qiu had gained the true essence of Yinglong’s combat from the Yinglong Tomb, and now she had grasped a superficial understanding of it. In future battles, close-quarters combat would undoubtedly be her primary focus, rendering this longsword less useful.

“A Primordial Spirit Treasure? This is truly a fine treasure.” Chu Yi recognized the Ink Jade Longsword’s grade at a glance, his eyes instantly brightening. “Unfortunately, the spiritual energy within it is too scarce. I can offer 120,000 Spirit Pills for it.” After a thorough inspection, Chu Yi’s face showed regret. With a slight raise of his brow, he stated his price.

“Just take it, take it. I’ll choose this Profound Spirit Body.” Chi Qiu waved her hand with a pang of heartache, turning her head away to avoid looking at Chu Yi.

“Hehehe, Fellow Daoist, please wait a moment. Your treasures will arrive shortly.” Chu Yi’s aged face instantly creased into a wide, joyous smile.

“Does your Qibao Hall also sell residences?” Chi Qiu suddenly recalled that she was currently without a fixed abode, and immediately inquired.

“Of course we do. Is Fellow Daoist Chi planning to reside in the Imperial City for a long time? My Qibao Hall can gift you a residence.” Chu Yi nodded, expressing his generosity.

A single residence, even one in the Imperial City’s core district, was worth less than one or two tenths of what he had earned from Chi Qiu today. Not to mention, with just the Ink Jade Longsword, he only needed to place it in Qibao Hall’s Spirit Nurturing Array for a period to replenish its spiritual energy. Selling it for around 200,000 Spirit Pills then would be effortless.

“I do intend to stay for a while longer, so many thanks, Steward Chu.” Hearing that Chu Yi was willing to gift her a residence, Chi Qiu was delighted.

“It is I who should thank Fellow Daoist Chi. Please accept this token, Fellow Daoist. Next time you visit Qibao Hall, you can infuse it with true qi, and I, this old man, will personally come to greet you.” Chu Yi produced a golden token, upon which the three characters ‘Qibao Hall’ were engraved, and beneath them, a small character ‘Chu’.

“Then I shall trouble you greatly in the future.” Chi Qiu smiled as she accepted the token.

“No trouble at all, no trouble at all.” Seeing Chi Qiu accept the token, Chu Yi was in excellent spirits.

Afterward, Chi Qiu waited less than a quarter of an hour in the tea room before the items she had purchased were delivered.

“Fellow Daoist Chi, this is a top-grade storage magical treasure. Its internal storage space is eight hundred zhang in length and width. The secret art and magical treasures you purchased are all inside.” Chu Yi took a purple-gold bracelet from an attendant and handed it to Chi Qiu.

Chi Qiu accepted the bracelet, then channeled a wisp of true qi into it. Inside, the flying boat, the Profound Spirit Body, and the movement technique were all neatly arranged. Beside these three items was a small mountain of Spirit Pills. Additionally, several jade bottles and wooden boxes were casually placed within, their contents unknown.

Chi Qiu nodded, then slid the purple-gold bracelet over her palm and onto her wrist.

“All the treasures are accounted for. I shall take my leave.” Chi Qiu looked at Chu Yi, then stood up, eager to immediately delve into the study of this body reconstruction method.

“Fellow Daoist, take care. You may follow him to choose your preferred residence.” Chu Yi also rose, pointing to the attendant who had just delivered the purple-gold bracelet to Chi Qiu as a reminder.

“I almost forgot about that. Thank you for the reminder, Steward Chu.” Chi Qiu slapped her head. In her eagerness to cultivate, she had completely forgotten about finding a place to live.

“No worries, no worries. Fellow Daoist, take your time choosing.”

By the time Chi Qiu left Qibao Hall, the sky had already grown dim. The Imperial City’s curfew was about to begin, and she needed to return to her residence swiftly.

Chi Qiu caressed her bracelet, and a dark flying boat appeared beside her. This was the flying magical treasure she had just purchased from Qibao Hall, its grade identical to the Jade Sand Skiff Su Hanxing had previously used. Chi Qiu boarded the flying boat, and in less than a quarter of an hour, she located her residence.

As her first proper residence since becoming a cultivator, this manor had naturally been chosen with great care by Chi Qiu. The Daqi Imperial City was divided into inner and outer sections. The inner city was for cultivators, while the outer city was mostly for mortals. Chi Qiu’s chosen residence was located in the outer part of the inner city, an area with fewer dwellings, making it less prone to disturbances.

Chi Qiu pushed open the manor gates and entered the front courtyard. Instead of rushing to explore the residence, she settled onto a stone stool in the front garden, took out paper and brush, and began to write.

Hanxing, I have found a residence. It’s somewhere in the southeastern corner of the Imperial City’s inner district; I can’t pinpoint the exact location.

This item is one of my manor’s tokens. If you come to find me, make sure to bind it to yourself, or else you will be attacked by the protective array.

The Ink Jade Longsword you gave me has been sold. I wished to purchase a method for body reconstruction but lacked the funds, so I reluctantly sold it.

Once you arrive in the inner city, remember to activate the White Spirit Flower I gave you. Following it will lead you to me.

If you encounter any Dao plants with innate Dao patterns, please purchase them for me. I will repay you with Spirit Pills when we meet.

Could you help me look into something within the Tianyan Sect? I want the list of individuals afflicted with demonic qi, which the Grand Elder compiled ten years ago. However, if there’s any danger, then forget about it.

As she wrote this, Chi Qiu’s brush paused. She hesitated for a moment, then continued to write.

Are you doing well in the Tianyan Sect?

I am doing perfectly fine in the Imperial City. There’s no need to worry about me.

Chi Qiu.

After writing the final two characters, Chi Qiu folded the letter. She hadn’t followed a formal letter format, assuming Su Hanxing wouldn’t mind.

Chi Qiu retrieved the paper kite Su Hanxing had given her in the Yinglong Tomb. Then, she took out a small white jade sphere and placed it inside the kite along with the letter. This small white jade sphere was a token for Chi Qiu’s residence. Holding it allowed one to freely enter and exit the manor without being attacked by its protective array.

Having completed these tasks, Chi Qiu channeled true qi into the paper kite. In an instant, the kite seemed to come alive, its wings fluttering as it gracefully ascended into the sky, then soared away with incredible speed.