Heshui Cave, second floor.
Everyone returned to the premium room, but this time, Jiang Yi was with them.
Wang Heng voluntarily gave up the head seat, sitting to the side with Lu Yun.
Li Ruohan, on the other hand, seemed absent-minded. It was as if she had suffered another blow, and she looked completely dazed.
"Junior Brother Jiang, what outstanding talent. The Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer isn't something one can reach just by wishing for it. I remember how incredibly difficult Refining the Internal Organs and coordinating my insides was for me!"
Wang Heng was a smooth operator. The disdain and cold shoulder he'd previously shown Jiang Yi might as well have never happened.
"Next spring, when the Inner Peak takes on new Disciples, a spot will be guaranteed for you, Junior Brother!"
Lu Yun chimed in:
"Exactly, exactly. Once you pass the Fourth Layer, you're no longer considered 'expendable.' Even if you offend a senior brother from the Inner Peak, they'll have to consider their own financial standing before acting.
From now on, you can live securely in the Outer Sect without fear! Congratulations, congratulations, Junior Brother Jiang!"
The ups and downs of life, the fickleness of human relationships.
'Things really do change fast!'
Jiang Yi sighed inwardly. Being invited back to this premium room, his circumstances were now completely different.
No one mentioned his village clan origins anymore. Everyone was warm and friendly, acting as if they were long-lost best friends.
"You two senior brothers flatter me. The Qingyun Road to the Inner Peak is not an easy one to walk. How could reaching the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer make it a sure thing?"
Jiang Yi said with a smile:
"This successful breakthrough to the Fourth Layer was a stroke of luck. Looking back on it now, it still feels perilous. The memory alone makes my heart pound."
'Well, it was only ninety-nine percent Perfection, after all.'
'Can't say it was an absolute certainty!'
So Jiang Yi thought.
'He's Inner Peak material!'
Wang Heng and Lu Yun exchanged a look, their assessment of Jiang Yi rising several notches in their minds.
Just this humble and patient disposition was rare enough.
Those from the Village Clan Direct Lineages, especially the young ones, were accustomed to a life of luxury and had never known hardship. Upon first entering a Dharma Lineage Sect, they were all somewhat arrogant and impetuous.
Frankly, reaching the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer wasn't enough to warrant this level of fawning praise from them.
But this Junior Brother Jiang was progressing at a divine speed. He was a potential seed worth betting on!
Besides, Senior Brother Xiao Tongquan most admired promising young talents with outstanding aptitude.
Bringing him into their fold had a hundred benefits and no drawbacks!
"Junior Brother Jiang, you are too modest."
Wang Heng, ever the most perceptive, saw that Jiang Yi was not the frivolous type who enjoyed boasting, and said:
"Senior Brother Lu, let's have Junior Brother Jiang drink the copper juice and consume the Iron Pills first, to properly circulate and refine his organs and strengthen his Primordial Essence."
"Thanks for the reminder, Junior Brother. I almost delayed Junior Brother Jiang's Cultivation. This copper juice isn't good once it cools. Junior Brother Jiang, please, go ahead."
Lu Yun nodded, signaling for Jiang Yi to help himself and pay them no mind.
When a Cultivator entered the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer, their internal organs became stable and integrated, allowing them to swallow gold, consume jade, chew iron, and drink copper.
By circulating their skills, they could break down and absorb the dense, swirling "Essence Qi" to consolidate their Primordial Essence and increase their Cultivation.
"Haha, thank you, Senior Brothers and Senior Sister, for your consideration. I am indeed anxious to fill my five viscera temple."
Jiang Yi cupped his hands, then picked up the piping hot, round bowl. Beast-bone charcoal was placed underneath, keeping the molten copper juice from solidifying.
GULP, GULP!
He tilted his head back and drank deeply. The boiling copper juice turned into a crimson stream, flowing down his throat and straight into his entire body.
Had this been a Mortal Body, the flesh would surely have been burned black and seared through with holes.
But Jiang Yi had completed Refining the Internal Organs. His Primordial Essence was robust and incomparably pure. Coupled with having undergone Bone Strengthening, Bone Changing, Blood Changing, and Marrow Changing, his physique and vitality were unbelievably formidable.
Therefore, he drank the copper juice without a change in expression, completely unharmed. It was like swallowing a piece of scalding hot tofu—it just felt a little hot in his mouth, that was all.
Immediately, he began to circulate his skills and refine it.
The Little Refining Yuan Fire Control Technique drove his True Qi, which coiled around the copper juice like a swimming jiao-dragon.
The faint sound of sizzling smoke, "TSSSSS," could be heard as the crimson liquid was evaporated into vapor, transforming into warm "Essence Qi."
This process lasted for the time it takes two incense sticks to burn. The entire bowl of copper juice was completely dissolved, nourishing the Primordial Essence surging in his organs.
As if he had taken a powerful tonic, a healthy, rosy color appeared on Jiang Yi's youthful face, which brimmed with vigorous, budding vitality.
He then opened another bowl, grabbed a handful of smooth, peanut-sized Iron Pills, and popped them into his mouth.
CRUNCH, CRUNCH!
His white teeth easily crushed the Iron Pills. He chewed them with great relish as if they were snacks and swallowed them all.
Li Ruohan watched this scene with great envy. This was the wonder of Refining the Internal Organs at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer.
It was equivalent to a mortal frame undergoing a metamorphosis from the inside out. The organs were no longer fragile and vulnerable; instead, they generated Primordial Essence that mixed with True Qi, acting like a great furnace in a Quenching Room, capable of smelting iron, stone, gold, and jade.
This kind of Cultivation efficiency far surpassed that of seated meditation and Breathing exercises.
Take Jiang Yi drinking copper juice and chewing Iron Pills, for example.
The Essence Qi he obtained was more than Li Ruohan could hope to match even with several hours of meditation every day for over a month of painstaking Cultivation.
'No wonder the elders in the clan say that in the Qi Cultivation Twelve-Story Floors, if you take one step quickly, you'll be fast in every subsequent step.'
A strange light gleamed in Li Ruohan's bright eyes as she mused:
'Junior Brother Jiang is younger than me, yet he has steadily entered the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer. His talent must be extraordinary. I should ask him for a great deal of advice and guidance later.'
Never mind the Outer Sect; even for Inner Peak Disciples, unless they had a clear master-disciple lineage, it was difficult to get their questions about Cultivation answered.
Most had to fumble around on their own, repeatedly deliberating, comprehending, and summarizing their findings.
As for the Preaching Elders, one could ask questions, but getting a detailed answer required giving a "gift."
'I've made more progress.'
An hour passed in a flash. Jiang Yi retracted his True Qi and bound his Primordial Essence. His eyes were bright and full of spirit.
His Small Success in the Little Refining Yuan Fire Control Technique was perfectly suited for refining copper, iron, gold, and stone, making the process twice as effective with half the effort.
"My apologies for making you wait, Senior Brothers and Junior Sister."
Jiang Yi said with a smile.
"Junior Brother, your Merit is so profound! Ordinary Cultivators who have just entered the Fourth Layer must be extremely careful when drinking copper juice and eating Iron Pills, lest they injure their organs and feel searing pain throughout their bodies."
Wang Heng laughed and praised:
"But you, Junior Brother, are so relaxed and at ease! I've only ever seen such composure from the senior brothers in the Inner Peak."
Lu Yun's tone was half praise, half envy:
"Junior Brother Jiang, you are so young and promising, your future is limitless! Since fate has brought us together today, why don't we host a banquet to celebrate for you, Junior Brother Jiang!"
Li Ruohan, who had been silent for a long time, had also composed herself and said softly:
"Senior Brother Lu's suggestion is excellent! Jiang… Senior Brother, please don't refuse. This little sister also wishes to ask for your guidance on how to coordinate the principles of the internal organs!"
'She's already calling him Senior Brother?'
A smile played on Wang Heng's lips. Junior Sister Li was truly worthy of being a daughter of the Bo County Li Clan of Zhao Country. Her skill at social maneuvering was no less than his own.
"'Guidance' is too strong a word. I wouldn't dare accept it."
Jiang Yi suppressed the giddiness in his heart and said seriously:
"Since we're here at Heshui Cave, let's sit and discuss the Dao, advance together, and share our experiences."
After speaking, Jiang Yi couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.
Being surrounded and flattered by these once-unapproachable Village Clan Direct Lineage members had almost made him lose himself.
But he couldn't be blamed. A country boy like him from Guniu Town would probably have had to kneel and grovel if he met people like Wang Heng and Lu Yun outside the Sect's gates.
As for a noble lady like Li Ruohan, whose ancestors had been granted titles, she was like the bright moon in the sky; just getting a closer look was an extravagant hope. But now, they were calling him "Senior Brother" one after another, their words filled with praise. It was truly like drinking fine wine, relaxing both body and mind.
'My mental fortitude still needs more tempering.'
Jiang Yi thought to himself. No matter how steady he was at his core, he had to personally roll through the temptations of wine, women, wealth, power, and fame to truly know their taste and develop his self-control.
It was just as his old leader used to say: anyone who claims to be unswerving and true to their original intentions without ever having faced temptation is just spewing empty nonsense.
"Senior Brother Lu, quickly have Heshui Cave send over some of the good stuff! The Spirit Rice from the Purple Mud Fields, well-aged Treasure Medicines, bring them all out!"
Wang Heng was a master at livening up the atmosphere. After he gave the orders, it wasn't long before cups and plates of Spiritual Meals and Treasure Medicines filled the table.
Everyone ate and chatted, the atmosphere harmonious and lively.
Just as guests and host were thoroughly enjoying themselves, Li Ruohan suddenly said:
"Senior Brother Jiang, forgive this little sister for asking, but do you have a way of making money?"
Jiang Yi shook his head. Unlike the Direct Lineage members at the table, he had no village clan to support him.
As for Marshal Yang's "assistance," that Grandpa had already poured almost all of his "coffin money" into building the Pool of Fire and Water and establishing the ritual.
How could he be greedy enough to ask for more?
"Senior Brother Jiang, have you heard the saying, 'Without wealth, one cannot become accomplished'? This is a truth that applies to both the Immortal Dao and the Demon Dao."
Li Ruohan raised her cup in a toast and said:
"This little sister has some family resources. If Senior Brother Jiang is willing to spare some time to explain the secrets of coordinating the internal organs and harmonizing the body for me, I am willing to treat you as an 'instructor' and provide a sufficient monthly 'stipend.'"
Jiang Yi was a little tempted by her words but didn't agree directly:
"My shallow understanding is hardly worth Junior Sister Li's expense. Since we have met to discuss the Dao, talking about money would create distance between us. In the future, if we have free time, we can simply spar and verify our insights with each other."
He neither refused nor agreed.
The reason was quite simple.
First, no matter how large Li Ruohan's stipend was, it would be a drop in the bucket compared to the expenses of Cultivation at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer.
Take the Copper Juice Iron Pills and ground Jade Powder, for instance. Which one of those didn't cost thousands or even tens of thousands of talisman coins?
Secondly, Associations were, in the end, groups formed for mutual benefit.
Having people like Wang Heng, Lu Yun, and Li Ruohan owe him a favor was actually more valuable than talisman coins.
"Senior Brother is so magnanimous; it is this little sister who has been crass. I'll punish myself with a drink!"
Li Ruohan's cheeks were slightly flushed. Whether it was from the alcohol or some other reason, her already bright and beautiful face gained an extra touch of charm.
The sun sank in the west before the group finally dispersed, having enjoyed themselves to the fullest.
Jiang Yi walked slowly to the Bluestone Plaza, not in a hurry to summon a Flying Crane.
He stopped and gazed into the distance. Although heavy snow covered the mountains, blanketing them in silver, the sky was not gloomy. The lingering sunset glow fell upon the peak of Guanlan Peak, its fiery orange light dyeing the cliffs.
'So this is the feeling of watching the sunset from the Inner Peak. It's a completely different state of mind from the Outer Sect.'
Jiang Yi let out a carefree laugh, only then calling for a Flying Crane and riding it home.
...
...
"Senior Sister Luo? What are you doing here?"
By the time Li Ruohan returned to her private courtyard at the top of Sewing Peak, it was late at night, and the wind and snow were raging.
But she saw a figure standing outside her courtyard gate. It was Luo Qian'er from the Laundry Room. From the looks of it, she had been waiting for a long time.
"Have you forgotten, Junior Sister Li? The day before yesterday, I asked you to take my little brother to the Inner Peak to broaden his horizons. You said you would give me an answer today..."
Facing Li Ruohan, Luo Qian'er's posture was extremely humble, completely devoid of her usual pride. She was as docile as a servant girl.
There was no other reason. The other party was a direct daughter of the Bo County Li Clan of Zhao Country, a status far nobler than that of the Lianxi Luo Clan.
Furthermore, with her clan's full support, her entry into the Inner Peak was only a matter of time. She was someone who absolutely could not be offended.
"Oh, right, right. Look at my memory." Li Ruohan had a sudden realization and smiled. "I was just at a banquet drinking with Senior Brother Wang and Senior Brother Lu, so I'm a bit muddled.
Senior Brother Wang has already agreed. The next time I go to the Inner Peak, I will bring your brother along."
Luo Qian'er was overjoyed to hear this and thanked her profusely.
Li Ruohan, however, seemed completely unconcerned. Her expression was distant, showing no intention of a deep conversation.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, her tone became intimate. She said softly:
"By the way, Senior Sister Luo, since you work in the Laundry Room, could you help this little sister find a good bolt of fabric? I want to have a cloak made to go with this snowy scenery."
Luo Qian'er frowned slightly, then her expression cleared as she agreed, "That's not difficult. I wonder what color you prefer, Junior Sister? Do you have a seamstress you're familiar with?"
Li Ruohan explained her requirements in detail, her voice full of excitement:
"Senior Brother Jiang probably likes brighter colors. Senior Sister, you must help me choose carefully."
Luo Qian'er readily agreed. Taking advantage of Li Ruohan's good mood, she boldly asked in a teasing manner, as if between sisters:
"Senior Brother Jiang? I wonder which Senior Brother Jiang has managed to catch your eye and earn such favor, Junior Sister?"
Li Ruohan said with a grin:
"Senior Sister, don't speak nonsense. I simply admire Senior Brother Jiang Yi's talent for Cultivation. I have no other thoughts."
"Senior Brother Jiang Yi?"
The smile on Luo Qian'er's face froze instantly. Her entire body went rigid as if she had been encased in ice.
"The very same Senior Brother Jiang from the Quenching Room on Red Flame Peak," Li Ruohan said sweetly. "Senior Brother Wang, Senior Brother Lu, and I all feel that he has an extremely high chance of being selected during the Inner Peak's recruitment next spring."
The wind and snow swirled, falling with a soft RUSTLE.
Luo Qian'er stood dazedly outside the courtyard gate, completely oblivious to the bone-chilling cold.
She no longer remembered when Li Ruohan had gone inside.
In her mind, only the three words "Senior Brother Jiang Yi" remained.
Like rolling thunder, they boomed again and again, throwing her Heart Spirit into chaos and leaving her completely distraught.
...
...