Innate Realm martial artists did indeed begin to absorb spiritual energy into their bodies, but was their original True Qi in their bodies truly just useless? Likely not. While Innate Realm martial artists could not perform immortal techniques, nor build golden bridges or ignite alchemy furnaces in their inner world, why couldn’t they completely consume True Qi and transform it all into spiritual energy? Previously, Ji Yuan thought they simply couldn’t, but now he believed that might not necessarily be the case. Many martial arts manuals stated that True Qi was energy transformed from grains and food, and it was also influenced by the body’s vital essence and energy. This statement held some truth. Vital essence and energy were the foundation of both the physical body and the spirit. When Innate Realm martial artists combined spiritual energy with their True Qi, it likely didn’t just temper their physique, but also stripped away some of the impurities in their bodies. However, the vital essence, True Qi, and spiritual aspects were not necessarily affected; breaking through any further remained incredibly difficult.1 Therefore, when Ji Yuan used the technique of imbuing an object with spiritual intent with the “Sword Intent Inscription” to allow Yan Fei to witness Zuo Li’s demeanor, he also infused his own understanding into the technique. However, future matters would have to be discussed later. A person’s destiny and circumstances were their own; ultimately, it depended on their own efforts. Moreover, amongst the countless martial artists in this world, those who could reach the Innate Realm were already rare, let alone those who had progressed beyond that. There was only so much Ji Yuan could do. The next morning, Yan Fei didn’t wake up until the sun was already high in the sky,2 much later than usual. As he sat up, the scenes from his dream still swirled in his mind. This was also the first time he truly gained a new understanding of the “Martial Path” that Ji Yuan had spoken of. Zuo Li’s demeanor in the dream completely transcended Yan Fei’s understanding of martial arts. It almost felt as though he had transcended the mortal realm. No wonder he dared to call himself “Sword Immortal Zuo,” and no one in the martial world had dared to object. Although it wasn’t yet fully clear, the divine spirit of martial arts once again ignited in Yan Fei’s eyes. The familiar path, that of pursuing the pinnacle of a field he was familiar with, at least helped Yan Fei feel less lost than before. “Brother Yan, are you up yet? Hurry up and get ready, don’t keep Mr. Ji waiting!” The Old Bull’s words startled Yan Fei. He threw back the covers, pushed open the window, and looked outside. The sun was already high in the sky. ‘It’s already this late?’ Yan Fei quickly called out, then hurriedly began to dress and clean himself, brushing his teeth with willow branches and water in the guest room. Latest content publıshed on 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅✦𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾✦𝗇𝖾𝗍 By the time Yan Fei opened the door and stepped outside, he had already packed up all his belongings and carefully rolled up the Sword Intent Inscription, storing it close to his body. When Niu Batian noticed Yan Fei that morning, he felt that the aura of his newly acquired brother of his was slightly different from before. He saw a slight change in his aura, but it was subtle, like the rolling of clouds or waves, that he couldn’t discern it clearly. To the north of Luoping City was a large, picturesque manor, surrounded by various fields and weaving mills, as well as a cluster of houses resembling a village. This was where the Wei family of Luoping City lived and worked. Early that morning, Wei Ming, dressed in close-fitting martial arts attire beneath a loose robe, led his people to wait outside the Wei Family Mansion, ready to welcome the Flying Swordsman Yan Fei. As a master swordsman whose reputation had grown considerably in the martial arts world in recent years, Yan Fei’s name was naturally well-known to the Wei family. Moreover, Yan Fei was still considered young; his future potential was immeasurable. As long as he didn’t lose his life too early, he could certainly reach the Innate Realm, making him a potential future legend in the martial arts world. In recent years, the country of Zuyue had grown increasingly chaotic. Many local governments struggled to suppress the unrest, and the country’s martial arts world was constantly embroiled in turmoil and conflict. Befriending a promising expert like Yan Fei was a boon for the Wei family. Wei Ming was the most accomplished of the younger generation of the Wei family. Although he couldn’t match the Flying Swordsman’s fame, he was of comparable status. Furthermore, he had met Yan Fei once before, making him the most suitable person to welcome him. However, after waiting for so long, with the sun already high in the sky, Yan Fei still hadn’t arrived. Wei Ming began to worry if whether there had truly been an agreement to visit. He turned to look at one of the men in the group accompanying him. “Did Hero Yan say yesterday that he would arrive early?” The man, also in martial attire, quickly replied upon hearing Wei Ming’s question. “To answer Master Ming’s question, Hero Yan did indeed say so. Perhaps he was delayed by something, or perhaps… perhaps that man wasn’t the real Yan Fei…” Wei Ming frowned, turning his gaze back towards the road ahead. “Let’s wait a little longer. Yan Fei’s reputation is worth us waiting a while more.” A moment later, a servant hurried over, arriving before Wei Ming. “Master Ming, three swiftly-moving individuals are headed towards our Wei Family Mansion. One of them is carrying a sword and matches the description of Hero Yan. Of the other two, one looks like a scholar, and the last is dressed in a short vest, and may be an attendant.” “Good. Let’s get ready. Everyone, look alive!” The Wei family servants to either side of the road instantly perked up. Before long, Yan Fei and his companions came into view. Wei Ming’s eyes lit up. He instantly recognized Yan Fei at first glance, especially the aura that remained vividly in his memory. Wei Ming led his group over to greet them. “Hero Yan, your visit to our humble residence truly brings honor to our Luoping City’s Wei family, hahahahaha…” Wei Ming spoke as he bowed with cupped hands, his smile bright and enthusiastic. Yan Fei didn’t dare to neglect his manners. He returned the greeting loudly, bowing with sword, then introduced his companions beside him. “Many thanks for coming to greet us, Sir. This is Mr. Ji, an elder of mine. And this is Brother Niu, a brother I’ve befriended.” Wei Ming had already arrived right in front of them. Hearing Yan Fei’s introduction, he quickly bowed to Ji Yuan and Niu Batian. “Greetings, Mr. Ji. Greetings, Brother Niu. I am Wei Ming!” Wei Ming had originally hoped Yan Fei would recognize him, but from those previous words, he sensed that Yan Fei didn’t know him at all, so he quickly announced his name to avoid any awkwardness. Ji Yuan and Niu Batian returned the bows and greetings. Afterward, Wei Ming enthusiastically led Yan Fei, Ji Yuan, and the other two towards the Wei family mansion. The estate covered a vast area with stretches of fertile fields, small bridges, and irrigation canals. Some areas were shaded by green trees, others featured pavilions and winding paths. Along the way, they could see clusters of houses in the distance, likely home to some branches of the Wei family, or even servants of the mansion. With the pleasant breeze and beautiful weather on this day, walking through this area truly felt like stepping into a paradise. “Hero Yan, Mr. Ji, Brother Niu, the scenery here at our Wei family mansion is quite nice, isn’t it?” Yan Fei and Niu Batian remained silent, but Ji Yuan offered praise with a slight sigh. “Indeed, the scenery is beautiful. It truly feels like a paradise of peach blossoms.3 It’s just a pity that those outside the Wei family cannot enjoy this tranquility.” Wei Ming glanced at Ji Yuan and said: “Sir, you flatter me. However, it is as you said. The world is not peaceful these days. We can only ensure our own safety. The Wei family is large and powerful, but without a strong background, even those who performing acts of chivalry and justice must consider them carefully.” Ji Yuan nodded in agreement. “As is only proper.”4 The group soon arrived at the main hall of the mansion. Wei Ming spoke briefly to a servant beside him, instructing him to hurry on ahead and quietly report to the elders inside. Then he led Ji Yuan and the others into the main hall, where they were greeted by the people inside. The head of the Wei family was Wei Ming’s father, Wei Xuan. He was an older man in his sixties, still strong and healthy thanks to his martial arts practice. After a round of polite small talk, it was time for the main reason behind Yan Fei’s visit. Inside the main hall of the manor, both hosts and guests settled down to drink tea. Wei Xuan politely spoke. “Hero Yan, I have already sent Ming’er to retrieve our Wei family’s Wordless Heavenly Book. It will be brought here soon for the three of you to view. I hear that Hero Yan has been sharpening his sword in the south these past few years, and has challenged quite a few renowned experts?” “Indeed. However, I was overly conceited in the past. In the future, I will often reflect upon myself and strive to pioneer new realms in the Martial Path.” Hearing Yan Fei’s words, Wei Xuan asked with concern. “Did Hero Yan perhaps suffer a defeat at the hands of some martial arts expert?” “I have not suffered a single defeat.” Wei Xuan smiled; it seemed Yan Fei had just been being polite. Just then, Wei Ming came over carrying a mahogany box, and Wei Xuan quickly stood up. “Come, come, please take a look, all three of you. This is the Wordless Heavenly Book that has been passed down through generations in my Wei family.” Wei Xuan personally opened the wooden box on the tea table, revealing a book inside. There were no words on its cover. Yan Fei quickly urged Ji Yuan to come and look. Niu Batian could only crane his neck to see as he made way for Ji Yuan, like Yan Fei. This made the Wei family once again reassess Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan walked to the box, his gaze sweeping over its contents. Several large, rather messy characters appeared on the book’s cover. He picked up the book and flipped through a few pages. The book was entirely filled with the same sloppy handwriting, clearly all from the same person. Reading at a book was distinctly different from simply flipping through something. Ji Yuan turned page after page, his gaze occasionally cycling up and down, as though hewere truly reading words on paper. “Mr. Ji, are there words in this book?” Yan Fei asked. Ji Yuan glanced at him, then at the Wei family members. After all, this book belonged to the Wei family, and he couldn’t just speak any casual nonsense, so he answered truthfully. “There are indeed words. This book is titled ‘A Dream of Wandering in the Clouds,’ and it appears to be a personal biography.” “A Dream of Wandering in the Clouds! ” “A Dream of Wandering in the Clouds?” The Wei family, Yan Fei, and Niu Batian all had different reactions. The Wei family members in particular looked at Yan Fei, then at Ji Yuan, with very strange expressions. For countless years, no one had ever seen words in this book. Even the Wei family themselves had lost confidence in there being text. Now, suddenly, someone said they could see them, and even told them the book’s title. It felt strangely surreal. T/n: Man, just dropped straight into a complicated cultivation discussion with no warning, that was rough. Anyway, happy Diwali to those who celebrate, sorry I missed the update yesterday!