Chapter One Hundred Seventeen: The Xia Family

Just as I was about to touch the hulking spirit, it suddenly shifted, sidestepping my advance.
“So you can move after all,” I murmured, clutching the Snow Blade as I landed.
In that moment, the spirit seemed to awaken, twisting its taut body, then launched itself at me.
I swung my blade in response, but the spirit, somehow, brandished a machete of its own, its presence fierce and imposing.
Second Uncle, who had been watching from the sidelines, now joined in, wielding his long sword to assist.
Though the spirit appeared intimidating, its true strength was lackluster.
With seamless cooperation, Second Uncle and I quickly reduced the spirit to a battered mess, yet it seemed oblivious to pain, attacking relentlessly.
After kicking it away, I summoned the Five Thunder Technique, gathering my strength.
Lightning crackled—five bolts surged forth, striking the spirit squarely in the abdomen.
With a thunderous crash, the spirit exploded into ashes and vanished.
When the smoke cleared, a small black pouch remained on the ground.
I hurried over and picked it up; it must have belonged to the spirit.
Inside was a slip of paper.
On it was written: “The enmity of today, I, Xia Ji Yan, shall remember.”
I scratched my head, puzzled by the message.
Handing the note to Second Uncle, he glanced at it and said,
“Lately, a group called the Xia Clan Gang has emerged in the martial world. They claim to uphold justice, but their deeds defy all reason. I’ve heard that their specialty is corpse control techniques.”
Xia Clan Gang? Clearly another villain seeking fame.
“Well, let them come. I’ll kill every one that crosses my path.”
Second Uncle nodded and tossed the note aside.
We sat together on the stone bench, and I voiced my doubts,
“Second Uncle, what’s the story behind this Xia Clan Gang?”
He took a sip of tea, then replied,
“I’ve only heard bits and pieces. The Xia Clan was once a reclusive family of corpse controllers. But recently, something struck their clan hard. The survivors banded together as the Xia Clan Gang.”
Gazing at the distant stars, I pressed further,
“But aren’t they a shadow of their former selves? Why hasn’t anyone stopped them?”
Second Uncle sighed softly,
“Though the Xia Clan is but a spent force now, there’s said to be a master among them. Ordinary folk dare not cross paths with such a person.”

“Besides,” he continued, “the Xia Clan Gang hasn’t caused any great commotion yet, so no experts have stepped in.”
Hearing this, I realized the Xia Clan Gang wasn’t to be underestimated—but if they crossed my path, I’d dispatch them without hesitation.
“Tell me, there are surely many evildoers in the world. Who’s responsible for keeping them in check?”
Second Uncle grew solemn,
“For ages, the realms of cultivation and the mortal world have maintained a balance. The villains among cultivators are handled by those who champion justice within that realm.
Most of these guardians are wandering cultivators, drifting through the world; punishing evil and promoting good is their vocation.
But when great matters arise, higher authorities step in.”
The cultivation world really isn’t so different from the mundane one; we all just have a bit more spiritual energy, but the essence remains the same.
Second Uncle praised my finger techniques, saying anyone who could perform what I just did must have at least a decade of Taoist training.
I’ve also distilled many insights into my finger technique—things that can only be comprehended, not easily explained. Most are a matter of intuition and experience.
After chatting with Second Uncle for a while, he retired to his room to sleep, leaving just me and Nangong Xi sitting in the courtyard.
These days, I hadn’t cultivated properly, but tonight, feeling inspired, I decided to devote myself to practice through the night.
I dislike training indoors; the cool breeze outside soothes me.
Nangong Xi brought a blanket from the house and spread it on the ground. Seeing my intent to cultivate, she insisted on joining me.
We sat together on the blanket, and I quickly slipped into a meditative state.
The benefits of the Tanzi Record are obvious. Though the spiritual energy tonight wasn’t as abundant as on Tianyang Mountain, I returned to my most elemental state.
Gradually, spiritual energy flowed into my fingertips, refined and assimilated into my own, infusing my body.
It had only been a few days since I advanced to the fifth grade of Spirit Flower, so I needed to solidify my foundation.
That night, I slowed my pace, preferring a more steady approach.
...
Before I knew it, the sun had risen again, and a rooster’s crow jolted me awake.
I opened my eyes slowly, exhaling a turbid breath.
Nangong Xi, beside me, seemed to have fallen asleep; her posture was nothing like that of someone cultivating.
I lifted her gently and carried her inside, tucking her beneath the blanket before tiptoeing out.
After a night of cultivation, I felt the spiritual energy within me had grown richer and my mind was clear.
I stepped into the yard, shed my coat, and began practicing my martial forms.
So far, my Bajiquan has met no worthy opponents, and I’ve almost deciphered all its hidden meanings.
But Second Uncle taught me only what he knew; he wasn’t a dedicated martial artist, so his guidance was limited.

Looks like I’ll have to visit Qulong Town someday, see if anyone there sells manuals for Bajiquan.
Thanks to consistent training in both blade and fist techniques, my speed and strength surpass others of my level—my little source of pride.
After practicing for a while, Second Uncle finally emerged from his room.
Hearing the old-fashioned clock inside, I guessed it was about six o’clock now.
Seeing me practicing, Second Uncle didn’t disturb me, but went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
After a bit more practice, I sat down to rest.
The sun was already hanging high in the sky, and the cool morning air refreshed my spirit.
As Second Uncle brought out breakfast, Nangong Xi woke up as well.
“You said you’d train with me all night, but you fell asleep halfway through!”
I teased her, and she smiled sheepishly.
After the three of us finished breakfast, my phone rang.
“It’s me, Chen Chen.”
“What’s up?”
“Come with me to Qulong Town, I need to buy a few things.”
I was about to wonder how Chen Chen knew about Qulong Town, but then remembered his family is also a line of cultivators—it’d be strange if he didn’t know.
“Sure, same old meeting spot.”
That old spot is just the park near my house; the three of us often meet there.
After that, Chen Chen hung up, and I got ready to leave the mountain.
“Leaving again? When will you be back?”
Second Uncle stood up, looking at me with reluctant affection.
“I’ll just make a quick trip to Qulong Town, I’ll be back soon, don’t worry.”
Second Uncle wasn’t the sentimental type; he nodded and returned to his seat.
After giving Nangong Xi a reassuring look, I headed down the mountain alone.
At the foot, I happened to catch a taxi whose driver was about to switch shifts. We agreed on a price, and I climbed in, bound for the city.
I was still dressed in my white brocade robe; I’d meant to change into casual clothes, but left in such a hurry I forgot.