Chapter Seventy-One: The Dragon Pool

The “Jade Pool Hidden Scales Sutra” is of excellent quality, yet it still falls short compared to the “Purple Extreme True Art.” To freely command both inner energy and magical power, keeping them in balance, I must seek out several more sutras and integrate them. Otherwise, even if the Jade Pool Hidden Scales Sutra reaches the third realm, it may not withstand the force of the Purple Extreme inner energy.

After quietly comparing the differences between these two profound arts, Qi Xiu’s eyes flickered. As for finding more sutras, that is likely a task for my employer. With his plans settled, Qi Xiu entered his room and retrieved from a secret compartment at the bedside the magic artifact “Flood Dragon Pool,” wrapped and sealed by suppression talismans.

He unraveled the talisman seals and peeled away the oily paper from the artifact, revealing a ring shaped like black jade. Let me witness the power of this rare sutra-specific artifact. Qi Xiu slid the black jade ring onto his left thumb. His eyes shone emerald, and he recited ancient, obscure syllables of a spell. In his sea of consciousness, a thread of magical power surged forth, seizing the moment before the Purple Extreme Dao Seed could detect it, and instantly infused the ring.

A cool sensation emanated from the ring, and faint flood dragon patterns appeared. Following the method described in the Jade Pool Hidden Scales Sutra, Qi Xiu’s thoughts shifted. He turned his left hand upward.

A strange sound of water echoed. Above his palm, a bowl-sized expanse of emerald water appeared out of thin air.

“So this is... the Flood Dragon Pool?”

Qi Xiu stared at the floating water above his palm, his expression shifting slightly. He reached into it.

In the next moment, a bizarre vision was transmitted directly into his mind.

It was a vast body of water, its depth unknown. The murky emerald waters glimmered faintly. Nothing stirred within, except for shadowy figures wandering in the distant darkness.

“A must-have spatial artifact for transmigrators—Qi Xiu finally has one.”

With a satisfied smile, he withdrew his hand, shook off the water, and used his inner energy to evaporate the remaining moisture.

The water domain within the Flood Dragon Pool was immense, capable of storing many things. The only drawback was the need for waterproofing, lest items be ruined by soaking. Living creatures could not be stored, as they would drown.

Moreover, the other spells described in the Jade Pool Hidden Scales Sutra were all water-related, requiring water as a medium for casting. With the Flood Dragon Pool at hand, he had an inexhaustible supply of the essential medium.

So convenient, to use whenever needed.

“The ring’s wonders go far beyond this, but my magical power is too weak now to awaken its deeper abilities. Besides, the latent ferocity of this demon artifact is dangerous.”

Qi Xiu’s eyes narrowed as he stroked the cool, smooth ring on his thumb.

Unlike his Hundred-Faced Mask or Autumn Sandalwood Staff, whose ferocity could be suppressed by consuming flesh and blood, this artifact’s ferocity was subtle and strange. According to the Jade Pool Hidden Scales Sutra, each owner of the Flood Dragon Pool perceives a different demand from its ferocity. The artifact seems to alter its requirements depending on its master. This trait is rare and peculiar, even among demon artifacts.

“Such a special demon artifact would be troublesome in anyone else’s hands. Too bad for it—Qi Xiu specializes in taming the unruly. If it dares bare its fangs, I’ll slap a few hundred suppression talismans on it in a heartbeat. Hmph.”

He threatened the Flood Dragon Pool ring on his hand, then, with a proud little snort and a sweep of his sleeve, went out to ask his employer for an advance on his wages.

…

“Sutra?”

Hearing Qi Xiu’s request, Song Tingye, who was playing with a tri-colored tabby cat, was momentarily taken aback.

A martial artist seeking a sutra—what use would he have for that? If he wanted guidance, he should ask for a true art. Unless...

Song Tingye’s expression turned a little odd as he eyed Qi Xiu, who was calmly disguised as a burly, purple-haired man.

“You want to cultivate both martial and magical arts?”

“No. That’s far too difficult. The clash between inner energy and magical power—one could die at any moment.” Qi Xiu denied it flatly, without hesitation.

“You haven’t tried it, so how do you know inner energy and magical power will conflict?” Song Tingye raised an eyebrow.

“I guessed.” Qi Xiu’s expression remained unchanged, his tone confidently assertive.

“Heh, alright then.”

Song Tingye shook his head with a chuckle, and gently stroked the cat’s head.

“Even if you’re not planning to cultivate both arts, I must remind you: the path of dual cultivation is like walking on a knife’s edge. One misstep, and it’s the end of body and soul. Besides, dual cultivation must start from the beginning; you’re already a martial artist of true intent, so it’s impossible for you now.”

“I’m aware of that. I just... want to leave a path for the younger generation at home.”

Qi Xiu paused and casually invented a lie.

Younger generation? What younger generation? I’m the youngest in my family.

“I see.”

Song Tingye nodded slightly, not pressing further on the matter.

“Since you’ve made your request, I won’t refuse. Let me know which kind of sutra you’re looking for so I can send someone to search.”

Seeing Song Tingye agree, Qi Xiu smiled.

“Thank you for your trouble.”

He cupped his hands in thanks, exchanged some pleasantries, and rose to leave. With everything in hand, he needed to hurry home and continue his cultivation.

“But...”

He had barely stepped halfway out of the parlor when Song Tingye uttered those words, making Qi Xiu’s heart sink.

Bad sign—his employer was about to assign him a task.

Maintaining a stiff smile, Qi Xiu asked, “Is there something else, Magistrate?”

“Ah, it’s a vexing matter.”

Song Tingye strode over, took Qi Xiu by the arm, dragged him back to the parlor, and pressed him into a chair. A hint of annoyance flashed across his face.

“The city is peaceful for now, but as the saying goes, in times of peace, one must be wary of danger. Without foresight, trouble will come. To ensure the safety of Baohua County’s people, I wish to train a city guard. But the instructor for this force has yet to be decided…”

“What about Brother Yueting—?”

“Yueting’s mother fell ill today. He requested leave yesterday to return home. As he’s an only son and his mother is sick, I couldn’t refuse him.”

“So the magistrate’s intention is—?”

Watching Song Tingye’s conflicted expression, Qi Xiu mentally rolled his eyes eighteen times.

What an act. Keep it up. This year’s Oscar goes to you.

“I’d like to ask you, Mr. Ye, to temporarily serve as the instructor. When Yueting returns, he can take over.”

After a few feigned sighs, Song Tingye finally revealed his true motive.

“I’ve never taught pupils before. If I take the job rashly, I fear I’ll delay the magistrate’s progress…”

“No matter. I know full well the depth of your martial skills, Mr. Ye. You’re more than qualified!”

“Well... alright then.”

Seeing Song Tingye determined to have him as instructor, Qi Xiu considered for a moment and agreed.

After all, one’s hands are tied when one’s received favors.

He had indeed benefited much from Song Tingye. The medicinal ingredients alone for the Ten Suns Qiankun Great Restoration Soup cost tens of thousands of silver taels, and were priceless—many rare herbs could not be bought for any price.

With Qi Xiu’s consent, Song Tingye smiled in satisfaction.

The first step was done. Now, everything could proceed slowly, step by step.

…