Chapter 319: Lessons

Chapter 319: Lessons

Even if I did create a Lightning Palm talisman, what would I have then? A talisman of one of the lowest level techniques I have? Hui mocked himself. He closed his hand around the lightning, shaking his head.

But it was Masters ultimate move. Fair, he never learned any other spells, but maybe theres something more to the Lightning Palm that I fail to comprehend. In any case, its not as if I lose anything by adapting it to a talisman. If nothing else, I should try to extract the lightning part of the palm and make a talisman out of that. After all, lightning is one of the elements I still lack a talisman for.

The caravan slowed. Hui looked up to find the caravans driver hurrying back toward them.

With a nod, the man gestured Hui and the other three closer. They gathered around. Ding Qinwen put a hand on his sword warily, while Hui quickly scanned the surroundings. I dont sense anyone around.

Were going to stop up ahead in a little bit. The bamboo falls back, and theres an inn, if you have coin. If not, you can always sleep in the cart, the driver offered, rubbing his stubble.

Ah. No threat, then. Hui nodded. Thank you.

The trio glanced amongst themselves. Lu Lintei cleared her throat. How many rooms does the inn have?

Enough, the driver assured them.

What about baths?

Not much, but theres something, I think, he said.

She smiled, warm and slow, like the sun breaking through the clouds. Wonderful.

Is it really that important? Zhi Ahn asked, already tired.

Weve been banned from using

Zhi Ahn glared at her.

unusual methods. I havent felt clean in days, Lu Lintei complained, shaking her hair out.

Eh? Theyve been banned from using qi? Why?

If we use qi, wed alert our prey. We dont want her to run or attack, before we find her, Ding Qinwen replied darkly.

Hui licked his lips and glanced at Ying Lin, who continued to practice the Lightning Palm. I hope our using qi doesnt alert their prey, whoever it is or wait, no, this is All-Heavens Sect. I hope it does alert her, whoever she is! It might be petty revenge, but its still revenge.

A monster like that forget the caravan, even we would be in danger, Zhi Ahn confirmed, tense.

Lu Lintei gave him a lazy smile and wrapped one arm around his shoulders. Aww, is the precious fourth-stage worried about the danger?

Zhi Ahn shoved her away. Its dangerous for you as well, Lu Lintei. She killed the last fifth stage cultivator the sect sent out here. We dont know how strong she actually is. Remember, were just here to gauge her strength. We cannot fight her.

Waving her hand, Lu Lintei gave him a haughty look. Who do you think I am? Naturally, I'm not going to be so rash."

She tilted her head. I guess?

Hui nodded. Meditate on it some tonight until you reach a full comprehension. You have great promise. With proper effort, you can become someone much more powerful than myself.

Anyways, Master, why did you tell me to stop practicing the Lightning Palm? Ying Lin asked.

Right. Ying Lin, our three compatriots are fighting a vicious monster of some description. Apparently, qi alerts it. In fact now is a good time to pass my greatest technique.

First your Masters ultimate technique, and now yours? Ying Lin asked, her eyes sparkling.

Serious, Hui looked her in the eye. Ying Lin, you must take this seriously. This technique is incredibly dangerous. Used properly, it can allow you to escape the deadliest of situations. Used improperly, your life is forfeit. Do you understand?

Ying Lin cupped her hands and bowed. Disciple understands.

Hui put her hand on his chest. Circulate your qi inside me. Watch what I do.

Ying Lin nodded and closed her eyes, equally serious. She matched pace to him, walking backward as he walked forward.

Hui allowed his qi to well up, then suppressed it. Her qi chased his toward his dantian, where his qi continued to compress, growing smaller and smaller. He drew his death qi back, unwilling to let it touch Ying Lins qi. She isnt ready for that yet.

His body weakened as his qi retreated. At the final moment, his body faltered, and he nearly fell to the ground.

Ying Lins eyes widened. Master!

Releasing his qi, Hui circulated it back at a low level, about equivalent to a first-realm cultivator. Do you understand?

Ying Lin hesitated. She nodded, but slowly. But why?

To play dead! It is the greatest escape and disguise technique I have. In the moments playing dead may gain you, you can turn the flow of a battle, or escape entirely. Once you fully grasp the skill of playing dead, your survivability ranks up. Its almost as good as gaining a cultivation level, Hui advertised firmly, hands tucked behind him in a scholarly gesture.

Wow. Its that powerful? Ying Lin whispered, her eyes as big as dinner plates. Then her awestruck expression crumpled. But I havent fully comprehended it.

Hui reached to his neck and lifted Zhubi, handing him over to Ying Lin. She took him with a befuddled expression. Zhubi, likewise, tilted his head at Hui in confusion.

To tell the truth, Ying Lin, this is a technique I adapted from Zhubi. He is the true master of playing dead. Study his techniques for a time. If you require pointers, come to me, but between the two examples, I believe you will prove able to master my most powerful technique.

Zhubi hissed, understanding, and waved his tail in happiness. He crawled up Ying Lins arm and settled into place around her neck.

Ying Lin nodded studiously. She delicately petted the snake, peering down at Zhubi with new understanding. Disciple hears and obeys, Master!

For now, its sufficient if you simply figure out how to suppress your qi. If the monster is attracted to qi, its better to appear as a mortal so it doesnt target you. Focus on suppression, not fully playing dead, Hui said. I dont want Ying Lin to die. If she doesnt know how to suppress her qi, in the worst case, I might be forced to attract the monster with my own qi and risk my own little life. This way, we can both suppress our qi and escape safely!

Ying Lin cupped her hands and hurried off, already murmuring to Zhubi.

Hui smiled after her, pleased. What a good disciple. Despite myself, Im glad I picked her up. Letting her talent rot in the mortal world would have been a true waste.