Chapter 128
Chapter 128: Entering Seclusion Together
Yun Xi didn’t force Dian Dian. She was more than willing to give Dian Dian that little bit of freedom.
When Yun Xi arrived at the grand hall atop the peak, she respectfully bowed, sincerely thanking True Lord Leng for the generous apprenticeship gifts.
After accepting Yun Xi’s gratitude, Leng Ruo Han finally spoke, saying gently, “Your master will soon enter seclusion to attempt a breakthrough to the Divine Transformation stage. As I may not emerge for some time, to avoid delaying your cultivation, I’ve already prepared all the resources you’ll need to advance to Golden Core. As for when and how to use them, you can decide for yourself.”
“Yes, Master,” Yun Xi replied respectfully, “this disciple understands.”
“Good,” Leng Ruo Han nodded. “Now, tell me of any difficulties you’ve encountered in your cultivation.”
Leng Ruo Han quickly took on his role as a true teacher, patiently guiding his disciple.
Yun Xi was direct. Taking out a jade slip from her storage ring, she listed each question she’d accumulated during cultivation, one by one.
Leng Ruo Han answered her inquiries methodically, demonstrating personally with his own spiritual power whenever Yun Xi struggled to grasp a concept.
By the time Yun Xi had asked all her questions, it was already noon.
“Master,” Yun Xi said earnestly, “today I have gained much. I wish to return and carefully absorb your teachings. Tomorrow, I would like to seek your guidance on ice techniques.”
“Very well,” Leng Ruo Han agreed calmly, “but remember, trying to understand too much at once may overwhelm you. Today’s lessons alone cannot be mastered in just a day or two.”
“Yes, Master,” Yun Xi promised sincerely, “I will keep this in mind.”
She respectfully bowed once more, then withdrew from the hall.
The next two days followed the same routine. Master and disciple engaged in detailed discussions and practical demonstrations. Like a thirsty sponge, Yun Xi eagerly absorbed everything, clearly understanding the difference between having and not having a teacher. Though she considered herself mature and intelligent, certain fixed ways of thinking had truly held her back from further breakthroughs.
On the third day, after their session concluded, Leng Ruo Han informed Yun Xi that he would officially enter seclusion the following day. Should she encounter issues beyond her abilities, she could seek assistance from the sect master.
“Yes, Master, this disciple understands. However, after you enter seclusion, I too plan to enter a short closed-door meditation to properly digest what I’ve learned these past three days. I’ll try not to disturb Sect Master Senior Uncle. He has many responsibilities, and I don’t wish to trouble him over trivial matters.”
At Yun Xi’s thoughtful words, Leng Ruo Han’s lips curled faintly, and he softly said, “That’s entirely up to you. But if something truly dangerous arises, you may simply retreat to Frostridge Peak and wait for my return. At the very least, Frostridge Peak will keep you safe.”
Yun Xi laughed lightly, promising again that she’d take good care of herself.
Early the next morning, Yun Xi saw clouds enveloping the peak’s grand hall, the activated formation signaling Leng Ruo Han’s official seclusion.
The moment Sheng Yu Hong learned of Leng Ruo Han’s seclusion, he hurried eagerly to Frostridge Peak to visit Yun Xi. Unfortunately, Frostridge Peak’s disciple informed him that Yun Xi was also already in seclusion.
Sheng Yu Hong frowned slightly. The disciple explained patiently, “Senior Brother Sheng, Senior Sister Wei was personally instructed by the Peak Master for three days. She must’ve gained valuable insights, prompting her immediate retreat. If your matter is urgent, you may leave a transmission talisman. When she emerges, I will remind her.”
Unable to do anything else, Sheng Yu Hong nodded helplessly and turned away from Frostridge Peak. Before reaching Grand Righteous Peak, he encountered Wei Yun Qing.
Wei Yun Qing had regained her composure, managing her expression perfectly. She flashed a gentle, carefully crafted smile. “Eldest Senior Brother, are you just returning from Frostridge Peak?”
Sheng Yu Hong, somewhat upset from not seeing Yun Xi, merely nodded, reluctant to speak.
However, Wei Yun Qing misunderstood his mood. Biting her lip slightly, she said softly, “Eldest Senior Brother, did you see my younger sister? Is she well? When I visited Yun Xi, I was stopped outside the peak, as if my younger sister didn’t want to see me.”
Sheng Yu Hong glanced at Wei Yun Qing’s aggrieved expression before explaining simply, “Is that so? Didn’t they tell you Junior Sister Wei has entered seclusion?”
“Seclusion? I wasn’t aware…” Wei Yun Qing murmured, surprised.
“I didn’t see Junior Sister Wei either,” Sheng Yu Hong continued. “Before Peak Master Leng entered seclusion, he guided her personally for three days, after which she began cultivating in retreat. If you were blocked from visiting, it probably wasn’t Junior Sister Wei’s decision.”
Though Wei Yun Qing felt uncomfortable hearing this, the knowledge that Sheng Yu Hong also hadn’t seen Yun Xi brightened her mood unexpectedly. Immediately hiding her previous sadness, she smiled again. “I see now! I knew Yun Xi wasn’t that kind of person. That disciple should’ve explained things clearly. It caused me unnecessary misunderstanding. Thankfully, I met Eldest Senior Brother today, or I might have unfairly grown distant from my own younger sister.”
Sheng Yu Hong merely nodded politely, having no desire to continue the conversation. He quickly bade farewell and left for Grand Righteous Peak.
Watching him leave, Wei Yun Qing turned back to Alchemy Peak. She decided against telling the other Wei disciples about Yun Xi’s retreat.
Meanwhile, Golden Core Daoist Master Wei Chen Yin from Law Peak also received the news of Yun Xi’s seclusion, though it hardly surprised her. Elders and True Lords throughout the sect knew True Lord Yu Ling was on the cusp of achieving Divine Transformation, and rumors had spread widely about his sudden decision to accept a disciple just before his breakthrough.
Even Wei Chen Yin, one of Law Peak’s most reserved Daoist Masters, received subtle inquiries. People repeatedly hinted at her, trying to uncover just what made this Wei girl so special that True Lord Yu Ling, known for never previously accepting disciples, had chosen her now.
Wei Chen Yin would simply reply with a soft smile, “I truly don’t know. Originally, after this girl entered the Inner Sect, she was meant to be my disciple. However, her sudden enlightenment and seclusion to consolidate her Foundation Establishment stage lasted four years. When she emerged, she immediately became True Lord Yu Ling’s disciple. Even I was surprised. But the girl’s comprehension is exceptional. Perhaps that’s why True Lord Yu Ling selected her.”
Others quickly agreed with Wei Chen Yin. “Indeed, disciples who advance through sudden enlightenment are incredibly rare. If her comprehension is truly outstanding, lesser talent can easily be overlooked.”
Soon, this explanation became the accepted theory behind True Lord Yu Ling’s surprising decision.
When Wei Chen Yin finally got a break from these endless inquiries, she wanted to visit Wei Yun Xi herself. Before she could send out a transmission talisman, however, she also received news of Yun Xi’s seclusion. Still, Wei Chen Yin wasn’t overly concerned. They were family; there would always be another chance to meet.
Other disciples from the Wei Clan heard through various channels that Yun Xi was cultivating in seclusion. Although disappointed they couldn’t visit her at Frostridge Peak, this spurred them even more to cultivate diligently. None wanted to fall too far behind her.
At this moment, Yun Xi, whom everyone was thinking about, was calmly cultivating the Bright Moon Congeals Frost Art. Thanks to the pure, icy spiritual energy of the Snow Ice Flower, she felt as comfortable as if she were soaking in warm spring water—warm, cozy, and not cold at all.
Pure white icy spiritual qi eagerly flowed into her body, moving smoothly along pathways guided by her divine sense, circulating one full cycle before finally entering her dantian.
This retreat lasted three full months. Yun Xi successfully elevated her mastery of the Bright Moon Congeals Frost Art to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, while also refining the ice needle previously sealed in thousand-year ice, gaining a new weapon.
This ice needle was a spiritual treasure named Cold Frost Mystic Ice Needle, perfectly suited to complement her new cultivation technique.