Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

Lin Shuishui and Zhao Mengli stood there; though several years apart in age, they looked almost equally youthful.

Their appearances were much alike, like twin blossoms blooming from a single stem, each radiating brilliance.

Lin Shuishui, in her thirteenth spring, was like the purest ray of dawn, with a form as light as air, akin to the first white magnolia blooming on a branch in spring—untainted by dust, fresh and distinguished.

Her figure was painted by nature’s most delicate strokes, sketching a maiden’s unique gentleness and lively spirit; the slight swell at her chest hinted at unopened buds, her waist slender and soft, swaying like willow strands brushing water, adding an ineffable grace and elegance.

Standing there, she was a carefully carved painting—every brushstroke perfect—truly beautiful.

Qin Yu could see she was bound to be a beauty, yet he hadn’t expected that, in just a year, the once naive little girl had quietly transformed into a graceful young lady.

As she noticed his gaze lingering on her, Lin Shuishui’s lips blossomed into a sweet smile, even straightening her posture to make her point more persuasive.

However, Qin Yu quickly looked away, ”Kids shouldn’t compare sizes!”

No, that’s no good.

Still have to wait!

Though flowers must be picked when blooming, Lin Shuishui wasn’t a full bloom yet—at best, just a budding flower.

Lin Shuishui heard him, her elegant brows knitted and her lips gently pouted, ”Shuishui is not a little kid!”

”Hmph!”

The little girl grew angry, decided to ignore him, but when Qin Yu only spread out his hands helplessly, she floated right into his embrace.

This scene, Lin Qianqian and Zhao Mengli were already used to.

Yet neither quite understood why Qin Yu didn’t accept Lin Shuishui as his disciple.

And as for the beautiful Master Madam—

Ever since that night, bullied by her two unruly disciples, she’d been inclined to avoid him.

After all, being this old, and right in front of her two disciples...

Bird-bed.

Anyone would feel utterly humiliated.

But what Qin Yu found curious was that, in those circumstances, Master Madam’s Romantic Point actually increased by ten, reaching the level of ’inseparable.’

What a pity.

Now the beautiful Master Madam’s Root Bone had improved, she was busy breaking through to Qi Refining Eighth Layer, not giving him any chance.

Apparently, she’s desperate to be a true Alchemist, and Qin Yu couldn’t bear to disturb her.

...

Deep within hazy clouds, grand palaces and towers emerged, hidden and revealed by turns; built on mountain slopes, staggered and harmonious, with upturned eaves, carved beams and painted columns, all showing off the style of the Immortal Sects.

This was within Yunlan Domain, one of the three standing Immortal Sects... Cyan Mountain Sect!

At the peak, the Sect Leader’s Cave Mansion sat proudly atop.

At this moment, Sect Leader Su Xihe slowly set down the Sound Transmission Jade Token in her hand, a hint of worry flickering through her deep eyes.

The reason, of course, was Saintess Su Xiyue’s continued refusal to return to the Sect—even with daily reminders, there was little effect.

She was naturally worried.

Fearing Su Xiyue might have actually used Forbidden Technique, only hiding her injuries; if the delay continued, it might lead to irreversible deterioration.

Just then, a voice came from outside the cave: ”Sect Leader, Elder Jian He from Hundred Sword Sect seeks an audience!”

”Dare to come to my Cyan Mountain Sect?!”

Upon hearing this, Su Xihe’s expression froze instantly—like winter frost settling—an intimidating pressure surged around her, even scattering the clouds above the summit.

”Haha, Sect Leader Xihe, no need for anger. Jian He is merely here to discuss the Ruins Rift affair with your sect.”

A voice echoed from outside the main peak, reverberating across the summit, drawing much attention.

There was no shortage of hostile glares, but the visitor bore a calm face, seemingly unafraid of Cyan Mountain turning unfriendly, as if he held confidence.

”If you refuse to leave, then stay here forever!”

The Sect Leader’s tone, thunder from the Ninth Heaven, pierced through the clouds, wielding peerless majesty, descending like a hammer, turning the surrounding air into a heavy pressure.

Though Jian He stood below the peak, he could feel an invisible force surging forth with those words, stumbling several steps—his relaxed face instantly replaced by a look of gravity.

This Cyan Mountain’s master was stronger in cultivation and aura than he’d imagined!

Faced with such power, he knew that any underestimation would spell disaster. He straightened his composure, bowed deeply: ”Sect Leader Xihe, Jian He comes at the behest of Hundred Sword’s Sect Leader, with truest intentions...”

Before he finished, the air thickened with an undeniable authority: ”You... dare converse with this Sect Leader?!”

Every word hit the ground like gold and stone, resonant and firm, revealing her untouchable, exalted status.

”Let Jian Hai himself come!”

Jian He’s face turned truly ugly.

He said nothing, bowed again, and finally departed.

Threats?

That’s courting death.

Inside the Sect Leader’s cave, Su Xihe rose, her gaze piercing light gauze windows, casting toward the endless ocean of clouds; her expression grew drier, more solemn.

Hundred Sword Sect was strong—an external threat looming.

Inside, several veteran elders not only failed as pillars, but secretly plotted, coveting her position as Sect Leader—more troublesome than any external foes, causing her deep frustration.

At its root, it was because she, a novice leader, hadn’t established enough authority to command real awe.

If not for that Top Grade Spirit Bone Saintess sister, she might not even hold this Sect Leader seat.

When the previous leader ascended, she was put in charge, clearly to protect the Saintess.

Su Xihe’s gaze grew resolute.

No matter how difficult, she’d stay in the Sect Leader seat!

...

Another ten days passed.

The storms outside didn’t disturb Qin Yu at all.

That day.

He was cultivating in the Alchemy Room, when a ripple of distinct Spiritual Power spread gently from the inner chamber, catching his notice.

It was the beautiful Master Madam.

Judging by the fluctuation of Qi Mechanism, she must have broken through to Qi Refining Eighth Layer!

Yin Qinghe pushed open the door to find Qin Yu waiting outside, smiling, ”Congratulations, Master Madam, on your breakthrough!”

As he spoke, he moved to embrace her.

Ten days without seeing her—he missed the innate Sacred Body of Master Madam dearly.

”This is the Alchemy Room!”

Yin Qinghe’s face flashed anger and shyness, glaring at him.

This rebellious disciple.

Did he really want to turn the Alchemy Room into... his personal playground?!

Alas.

She was born with those captivating peach blossom eyes—even when glaring, she was mesmerizing, intoxicating.

”Disciple just thinks Master Madam has been toiling during retreat—wants to help you relax, nothing else. Master Madam... you’re not thinking of anything improper, right?”

With that, Qin Yu made Yin Qinghe blush, biting her lip as she barely held herself together.

Yet, the disciple who claimed it was just to relieve fatigue quickly swept her into his arms when she was off guard.

”No—you can’t!”

She struggled energetically, scolding in a low voice, ”Li’Er will be here soon.”

”So Master Madam means, as long as Senior Sister isn’t here, it’s fine?”

Qin Yu caught the loophole in her words, whispering in her ear.

At once, Master Madam’s ears turned red; she hurriedly protested, ”You’re talking nonsense, that’s not what I meant!”

She still held onto her restraint.

She’d said before—after her Root Bone improved, she wouldn’t let this disciple succeed.

Her relationship with Zhao Mengli was special; if both served one man, what face would she have left if word got out?

More importantly, every time it happened in front of her disciples...

It truly made Master Madam feel mortified.

Each time, she’d tremble all over.

”Let me go...”

Before she finished, her lips were sealed, conversation replaced with muffled cries, and slowly her body softened honestly.

Fine.

Consider it a reward for helping her strengthen her Root Bone!

She promised—this would be the last time!

Soon, crying-like sounds from Master Madam echoed out from the Alchemy Room.

She couldn’t understand—why was this disciple so strong?!

Back when moving in, only Lin Qianqian was there, and he’d be exhausted—so why was he now even more relentless?!

It made no sense.

Wuwu!

She was still submerged...

”Ah! Master Madam, Junior Brother, what are you two up to in the Alchemy Room?”

Hearing Zhao Mengli’s voice, Yin Qinghe stiffened, tense.

She’d been caught again!

[Emotion Point from Yin Qinghe +4]

”Master Madam, didn’t you tell Li’Er that nothing else should happen in the Alchemy Room?”

One sentence, and Master Madam felt utterly ashamed.

It was Zhao Mengli who used to flirt with Qin Yu in the Alchemy Room, so she made the rule.

Now, she—the one who set the rules—was breaking them herself!

[Yin Qinghe Romantic Point: 50 (inseparable)]

Looking at the information revealed in the fire, Qin Yu paused, confused.

What’s going on?

Master Madam’s Romantic Point was rising so strangely!

Seeing her embarrassed, nervous... Qin Yu seemed to understand something.

That day, Master Madam cried fiercely in the Alchemy Room.

The watermelon she worked so hard to grow—she didn’t get to taste, it was stolen by her two unruly disciples!

Three days later.

Yin Qinghe, in the Alchemy Room’s little partition, finally refined her first elixir!

Though the elixir before her wasn’t exactly round, even a bit bumpy—likely only First Grade—she was still moved to tears of joy.

Successfully refining an elixir proved she was now a true Alchemist!

Although only at Qi Refining Eighth Layer, her status in the city rivaled Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators.

There were plenty of Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators in Lin Xian City, but real Alchemists were rare.

However, she didn’t plan to revive Danxin Herb Hall yet.

Because those in the city knew her too well—as a Middle Grade Mortal Bone, it was impossible she became an Alchemist; if word got out, she might even invite unnecessary trouble.

Just purify medicinal liquid, keep the expenses paid.

Alchemy, she’d have to wait until leaving Lin Xian City.

The days of cultivation always flew by.

They said Hundred Sword Sect and Cyan Mountain Sect had more disputes around the Ruins; some cultivators entered, but none sent any news out.

Under calm days, a faint gloom lingered.

Qin Yu glanced at the fire.

Still not enough—at least another month or two needed for the Pure Yang Divine Body to reach Second Layer.

He resolved—as soon as that happened, he’d leave Lin Xian City!