Chapter 101: Heal and Rest

Chapter 101: Heal and Rest

Hui popped a pill as he stepped off the arena square. A group of panicked-looking Mysterious Heavenly Forest cultivators darted to the ice block that contained Ding Bo, hurriedly chipping at the ice. Inheriting disciple!

Huis ears perked up. He whipped around. Is this how they treat an inheriting disciple in Mysterious Heavenly Forest Sect? How unfair!

The ice shivered, then shattered. Ding Bo jumped up, shaking ice out of his hair and robes. He turned to Hui and bowed formally. His wooden face had a pinched expression to it, reluctant. If we fought again, it would not be your victory.

This small cultivator is not bold enough to dare challenge the mighty you to a second battle, Hui said, with a short bow. Ah, you think youre stronger than me? Ah, you think youre the most powerful? Who cares? Not this Hui. This small disciple isnt going to fight anyone he doesnt have to.

Ding Bos lips trembled, words trying to escape. All at once, he turned on his heel, flicking his hair over his shoulder. His grip tightened on the wooden swords hilt.

The other Mysterious Heavenly Forest Sect cultivators hurried after him, fretting and bobbing around him, checking him for injuries and offering pills. Ding Bo ignored them all.

Hui watched the little procession go, tucking his hands behind his head. What a weird guy.

He checked the back of his hand, but the silver mark became a circle once more, his next opponent not yet decided. Hui wandered back to the stands, shifting his stock of talismans back into his storage ring. I need to make more of the ice ones, I blew them all on that last attack. More of all of them, in general.

Combining talismans is powerful. It isnt as powerful as making a higher-realm talisman, but it can push them from the beginning of the third stage to mid- or late- third stage. For an early third-stage cultivator like me, that can make the difference between victory and death.

Hui glanced back at the rapidly-melting ice in the arena. That wasnt a particularly heart-rending victory. I need to work harder!

White robes rustled. A few of the Starbound Sect cultivators stood and ran at him.

Startled, Hui tensed and jumped back. I walked into the stands without thinking, after I showed my face! Im going to die

A hand clapped his shoulder. Hui killed his qi and started to slump. Nothing else I can do! Ive already been caught!

Those were all talismans? When did you get so rich?

That Ding Bo doesnt look like much, but hes a scary guy. That was an exciting fight!

Did you see the Mysterious Heavenly Forests Sect Masters face? Ding Bo is his favorite up-and-coming disciple, dont you know? Youre a brave man!

Maybe you arent such a bad guy. Ill allow you to look at Li Xiang once or twice.

Hey, could you make some talismans for me?

Halfway through falling, Hui circulated his qi and caught himself. He looked around, wide-eyed. Other cultivators clustered close, excited. Bright eyes stared up at him. Not a single whit of killing intent pointed in his direction.

Eh? They dont want to kill me?

Li Xiang lunged and caught his body. Hui? Hui!

A golden light shone from his dantian. He glanced down and found a golden string connecting his immaterial dantian to his original dantian. It glittered, and his soul zoomed back at his body, string reeling in. He impacted his body, and color came back into the world.

Hui drew a deep breath. He shook his head and pushed his hair out of his face. His voice felt thick. With some effort, he slurred, I Im fine.

Li Xiang peered down at him, brows furrowed in concern. You were dead.

He laughed and waved it away. If I claimed to be second in playing dead, who would be first? This small disciple plays dead all the time.

But this wasnt playing dead. You were dead, she repeated firmly.

Li Xiang, I Hui took a deep breath. I might be having a small problem in my cultivation.

Her eyes went wide. Is it serious?

I dont think Im going to diedie forever, anyways, any time soon. And I I have a solution. I just havent had time to practice yet, he admitted.

Li Xiang put her hands on her hips. Then go!

Eh?

Go practice! What are you waiting for? This is a matter of life and death! Your cultivation is on the line! What are you sitting around here for? she asked, shaking her head at him.

I

Li Xiang gave him a push. Go!

Hui got up, laughing. Im going, Im going.

Stop laughing! Take it seriously, she said indignantly, frowning at him.

At that, Hui sobered. He lowered his head and rubbed the back of his neck. As elder sister says. Youre right.

Ive been taking this issue too lightly. In my mind, these cultivation issues are diverged from reality, because my whole first life, there was no such thing. But now, these issues are as real as any other threat. My little life is on the line! Qi deviations are as much of a problem as if I was getting beaten to death, except playing dead wont stop qi deviations.

He took a deep breath, then cupped his hands to Li Xiang. Thank you for your guidance, elder sister.

Li Xiang nodded. Go, go. What are you waiting for?