Chapter 55: Zongdi Jinguang

Chapter 55: Zongdi Jinguang

Xiao Chen curiously followed Steward Chen and once again encountered Elder Chen.

Though appearing unfazed, Elder Chen had immediately sought the clan’s forging master to verify details the moment Xiao Chen left.

The bad news: the Chen family indeed had members secretly selling flying swords for profit.

Another bad omen: those culprits weren’t foolish enough to peddle standard-issue flying swords.

Thus, the weapons leaking into the Black Market likely meant an outer sect disciple had truly been killed.

Elder Chen explained, “This matter must be reported, but given the current situation, it’s more convenient for me to present the token and inform the other elders.”

Xiao Chen nodded in understanding—this meant the incident still required official channels, but he himself couldn’t be the one to expose it.

No problem. He had three tokens in his storage bag anyway.

He casually handed one to Elder Chen. “I wonder which unfortunate junior brother met his end. I hope justice comes swiftly.”

Elder Chen was pleased. This disciple truly understood discretion.

He then pulled out a small manual. “I heard you declined the Three-Star Synergy Technique during the trial?”

“You probably didn’t grasp its importance back then.”

“This technique greatly aids in commanding multiple magic artifacts simultaneously or coordinating spell formations.”

Steward Chen added, “Don’t dismiss it as useless now. It’s foundational training.”

“When you eventually reach Foundation Building and face enemies with multiple artifacts or five-element spells, you’ll appreciate this basic skill.”

Xiao Chen bowed gratefully. “Thank you, Master, for your guidance.”

Though slightly hush-money flavored, acquiring a technique for free was still a win.

Leaving Elder Chen’s quarters again, he bypassed Azure Water Peak and headed to the riverside beach outside the mountain.

He intended to cultivate the Zongdi Jinguang technique.

Flipping open the first page, he saw three bold lines containing a 42-character mantra:

“Five elements’ metal qi fills the void, gathering and merging seamlessly.”

“Travel a thousand miles in an instant, body swift as drifting shadows.”

“Golden radiance illuminates heaven and earth, free as the wind, boundless as the horizon.”

Xiao Chen’s spirit lifted instantly. This technique was clearly extraordinary. He eagerly followed the heart sutra’s instructions to sense the five-element metal qi.

This time, progress was far slower than usual.

Only after four arduous hours did he finally condense a faint thread of metal qi.

“But why does this look identical to Golden Light Technique?”

Both techniques radiated golden light across the body. The basic Golden Light Technique even seemed brighter.

“Is this actually effective? Did I misinterpret something?”

Doubt gnawing at him, he formed a hand seal and poured all his energy into activating Zongdi Jinguang’s speed.

He took one step—and thud!—slammed directly into a tree ten zhang away.

Good news: Zongdi Jinguang’s speed was terrifyingly fast, like soaring through the air.

Bad news: it was too fast to control. That afternoon alone, he crashed into trees three times.

“Three times! Three!”

Rubbing the red lump on his head, Xiao Chen endured both pain and exhilaration.

Zongdi Jinguang was a top-tier cultivation technique. Worse, it belonged to the Yellow Tier Spell category, synergizing with hexes.

To exaggerate slightly, even a novice-level practitioner who mastered speed control and reflexes could surpass all other cultivators.

As long as he avoided beginner mistakes like crashing into trees.

In combat, he’d be invincible against any opponent.

Even bolder speculation:

“Once I reach minor mastery, even ordinary Foundation Building cultivators won’t be able to catch me.”

His survival capabilities had just multiplied severalfold.

That 500 spirit stones? Absolutely worth it.

“This cultivation manual must take priority. I need to master it quickly and practice daily.”

Xiao Chen’s mind sharpened instantly. “Even the Fire Transformation Talisman can wait. Survival techniques are paramount.”

“After all, my current talismans already contain a hundred mysterious flames. That’s sufficient for the upcoming Yan Chi Secret Realm.”

“If the Fire Transformation Talisman isn’t urgent, I’ll have time for pill forging. I should decipher the pill formula first.”

“This way, I can start earning spirit stones sooner to buy new techniques.”

“Perfect!”

After adjusting his speed for a while, he noticed dusk approaching and decided to return.

He’d organize the pill formula today and resume shunshu practice tomorrow.

But as he approached Azure Water Peak, Shen Simyue called out from afar. “Xiao Chen, wait!”

She quickened her pace, then spotted his torn robe. “Oh, Xiao Chen! What happened? Your robe has holes torn in it!”

“Did you encounter marauding cultivators on your way back?”

Embarrassed to admit his technique’s flaws, he hastily lied. “No, no—I just… tripped.”

Shen Simyue frowned. “Tripping shouldn’t tear your clothes.”

He waved her off. “Some random rock tripped me, and I crashed into a tree.”

Changing the subject, he asked, “Anyway, where are you coming from, Senior?”

Reminded of her purpose, Shen Simyue’s expression turned grave. “Xiao Chen, I recall you often visit the bazaar. Be cautious recently.”

“The grand elder just announced a surge of marauding cultivators from Quanzhou.”

“We’ve confirmed an outer sect disciple’s death. Details are under investigation.”

Xiao Chen feigned shock. “Such incidents? I’ll be careful. Thank you, Senior.”

She added, “I know you’ve been learning pill forging and might need spirit herbs from the bazaar.”

“But you’re usually solitary. You barely know anyone on our peak. Don’t act alone now.”

“Either wait a few days until sect elders clear the marauders, or find me. Going together is safer.”

“These marauders differ from ordinary solitary cultivators—they’re vicious. If targeted alone, survival odds are nearly impossible.”

Xiao Chen nodded. “I understand.”

Indeed, near-impossible odds—but for his foes, not him.

After mastering Zongdi Jinguang in a few days, even that “one life” might vanish.

Shen Simyue seemed to sense his dismissiveness and frowned sternly.

“Don’t hesitate to approach me. You’ve only recently joined the Inner Sect. Your cultivation time is short.”

“As your senior, it’s my duty to protect you.”

To emphasize her point, she subtly radiated her cultivation aura.

She was at Liang Qi Stage 9, her aura stable and formidable—truly Azure Water Peak’s top disciple.

Touched by her concern, Xiao Chen patted his chest earnestly. “Senior, rest assured. If I go to the bazaar, I’ll find you first.”

They parted ways with waves.

Back in his cottage, Xiao Chen finally had time to review the pill forging insights purchased from the Black Market.

“I wonder if there’s a complete pill formula inside.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end