Chapter 7: Wenxian Qi Refining Technique

Chapter 7: Wenxian Qi Refining Technique

"Come in!"

Amid Ling Feng's contemplation, a gentle voice emanated from the bamboo tower. The voice sounded surprisingly mild, dispelling the earlier impression of fierceness and malevolence.

With a clenched fist, Ling Feng felt a sense of caution creeping into his heart as he proceeded towards the bamboo tower.

Step by step, ascending stairs woven from bamboo, Ling Feng entered the central and largest room of the bamboo tower.

Approaching the door, Ling Feng came to a halt. He then bowed respectfully before the entrance.

"Disciple Ling Feng pays respects to the Master!"

Being assigned to Little Bamboo Peak implies I am now the disciple of "Master Duanmu," right? Does this mean, in terms of seniority, I am on the same level as the peak leaders of the Wenxian Sect?

A gentle breeze swept through, and before the person arrived, the scent of alcohol permeated the air.

In green attire with tousled white hair, an elderly man emerged. A flask, containing alcohol, hung from his waist, and his disheveled appearance exuded the aura of a "drunken sage[1]."

Despite his somewhat unkempt appearance, he wasn't as menacing as Ling Feng had anticipated.

"Are you the disciple they sent my way this year?" the old man scrutinized Ling Feng and inquired.

"Yes! Disciple Ling Feng, greetings, Master!" Ling Feng bowed, a hint of curiosity lingering in his mind.

Why is he residing in such modest quarters when he's the mentor of Yang Wei and Li Liang? Shouldn't he be dwelling in a more prestigious place?

"You're quite the wise kid, aren't you? Addressing me as master even before I've taken you under my wing." Duanmu's mouth curled slightly as he continued, "However, it's a bit early for formal apprenticeship. As you can see, our branch is down to just the two of us."

Hesitating for a moment, Ling Feng noticed that the closer he got to Little Bamboo Peak, the scarcer signs of human presence became.

Could my "Master" be a bit eccentric? Perhaps that's why nobody dares to be his disciple.

"Extend your hand," Duanmu Qingshan's voice, magnetic yet lacking any emotional ripples, urged Ling Feng.

Ling Feng gritted his teeth and extended his right hand.

Firmly seizing Ling Feng's arm, Duanmu Qingshan assessed his pulse and then shook his head. "Indeed, another youth with mediocre aptitude," he sighed.

Blinking, Ling Feng, even in his naivety, could sense the ill intentions harbored by Yang Wei and Li Liang.

Why would they send a disciple with mediocre aptitude to Duanmu Qingshan?

Clenching his fist, Ling Feng realized that unraveling the many mysteries within himself required significant strength.

Ling Feng took a deep breath, Duanmu Qingshan mentioned he had planted some herbs.

Intrigued, he turned and headed towards the courtyard, where he indeed found several herb fields.

"Red Sage!"

"Qirong Chrysanthemum!"

"Oh my, all are precious! "

Ling Feng's eyelid twitched violently; these were spiritual herbs, unseen in the mortal realm.

The moment Ling Feng laid eyes on these herbs and medicine, being a physician, his mind spun with excitement.

Given Duanmu Qingshan's consent for harvesting, Ling Feng decided to gather some herbs for himself.

...

Sitting by the window, Duanmu Qingshan sipped his wine, his gaze fixed on Ling Feng.

It's odd. How can this kid be so interested in these herbs? Ordinary folks probably wouldn't even recognize them.

As a highly skilled medical Daoist, Duanmu Qingshan cultivated herbs in his yard for treating his own hidden injuries.

Without considerable medical expertise, recognizing those unconventional herbs would be implausible by all means.

Suddenly, a dark aura flickered on Duanmu Qingshan's forehead. Hastily, he sealed several acupoints on the left side of his body, taking a while to catch his breath.

"Lin Canglang, Yang Wei! Don't think you can trap me, Duanmu Qingshan, forever!"

Duanmu Qingshan snorted lightly, finally withdrawing his gaze, no longer looking at Ling Feng.

He was well aware that even if the young man named Ling Feng understood some medical skills, it wouldn't change his own destiny.

In no time, he would become akin to the mediocre talents sent here in the past decade, unable to endure the humiliation from disciples of other branches, and opt to leave voluntarily.

1. Drunken sage is a nickname given by Li Bai by himself ☜

2. It means: why worry about others when you can't even ensure your own safety or well-being? ☜