Chapter 2: Inhibition and Apprenticeship
Editor: Tennesh, Rainystars
Within the community of Taoism cultivation, there was a type of person whose blood flows with ancient supernaturalism.
This type of person has always possessed great talent and has always been distinguishable from the common crowd. Therefore, heaven casted seals on them the moment they were born, inhibiting them from practicing Taoism for the rest of their lives.
Ling Xian was this type of person. Inside his body, there were four different inhibition spells casted by superior beings; known to seal the sky, lock the earth, trap the Immortals, and restrict the Gods. The four types of spells infused together and have made his dream of being an apprentice of Taoism a wild illusion.
"This explains it. This explains everything," Ling Xian seemed to have lost his soul. He snickered, "how can I defy the Gods if they were the ones deciding my fate?"
He has just received this information from the elderly who claimed to be an Immortal. He finally learned the reason why he could not gather spirits since a young age, and he found out that the place he is now in is the world inside the painting that swaddled him, Painting of the Nine Immortals.
This place was borderless with a thick atmosphere of spiritual energy. There were peculiar looking flowers, plants and a waterfall that reeked with vitality. It was paradise.
If today was like any other day, he would’ve sat down and trained under such a spiritual environment. However, right now, his dream of practicing Taoism has been shattered; all the leftover hope he had has turned into despair.
"Who said you can’t?"
The elderly froze in mid-air, his hair was grey, his had youth-like complexion, and his white robe was flowing in the wind. He stood as if he has just been rebirthed.
Ling Xian looked up sharply, his gaze securely locked onto the mysterious elder. He asked eagerly, "you know a way?"
"If I didn’t have a way, why did I drag you into the Painting of the Nine Immortals?" the elderly stroke his beard and beamed, "the four seals are for sure powerful, but they are not without answers which can unlock them. Don’t forget, I am an Immortal after all."
"Then I request grandmaster, you, to help me," Ling Xian showed a sign of optimism. Practicing Taoism was the beginning of fulfilling all of his dreams. Even if the elderly was lying, he did not want to forego any opportunity that might change his fate.
Ling Xian did not believe that the elderly is an Immortal. Even though he appeared very sage-like and profound, and there was the fact that the Painting of the Nine Immortals was a rare instrument from an old legends. However, within the entire Taoism community, there hasn’t been anyone who has had the ability to fly like the Immortals in the past 30,000 years. Plus, the Immortals would not appear in places where mortals wandered, therefore an Immortal would definitely not be at the pavilion.
"I can help you, but if you want something, you need to give me something in return," the elderly said gingerly.
Ling Xian froze, a horrifying fable he heard before crossed his mind. He spoke without thinking, "are you going to forcefully get rid of my soul and possess my body?"
What he said shocked the elderly, and the elderly angrily yelled, "I cannot believe you would even think that! I am, after all, a legend from the Qing era. Would I do something so disrespectful?"
"I… I have been blunt," Ling Xian thought about it carefully and chose to believe the elderly. After all, he was on someone else’s territory and was standing before an elder who was well trained. If the elderly wanted to possess his physical body, he would’ve done that awhile ago instead of waiting until now.
The elderly grunted coldly and unhappily, he stared towards the horizon, his gaze was unreadable and unexplainable.
After a long while, he sighed deeply, "I am Liao Cang Qiong, have you heard of this name?"
Ling Xian searched his memory and suddenly remembered a name he saw once in ancient literature. His pupils dilated, his entire expression screamed disbelief.
"You… you are the legendary Alchemist Liao Cang Qiong!"
Elderly sighed softly, his gaze becoming complexed, "time flies, things change greatly. I cannot believe there is still someone on this continent who remembers my name."
Throughout the entire history within the Taoism community, the name Alchemist Liao Cang Qiong is a legend that nobody can ignore. He lived his entire life obsessing with alchemy, entered the Ninth Realm at the age of 13, and became a member of the First Realm when he turned 102. He has made an infinite number of recipes for different types of Dan, and in the end, he successfully became an Immortal after creating the Dan of Immortality on top of the Tian Shan mountain.
The later generations described him in one sentence: if the heavens did not grant us Liao Cang Qiong, Alchemy would have experienced an eternity of darkness.
It was easy to see that Liao Cang Qiong has made tremendous contributions to the alchemy community.
Ling Xian’s face was full of shock. He could not believe that an Immortal alchemist was appearing in front of him. He then thought about the idea that maybe an Immortal is able to break the seals inside him. He asked, "then, what would I have to give you in return if I ask you to reverse the spells?"
"Inherit my mantle. I do not want all my past work to evaporate the moment my soul vanishes," Liao Cang Qiong said with a hint of sorrow.
"You soul? Vanishing?" Ling Xian stiffened as he realized how pale and weak Liao Cang Qiong looked. He seemed to be only a shell without blood or skin.
"Yes. What you are seeing is only my soul. Inside this Painting of the Nine Immortals, eight other souls of Immortals are still deeply asleep," Liao Cang Qiong whispered.
What happened?
How could an Immortal, who could not die, be left with only a soul? How could nine Immortals be in the same situation all together?
Ling Xian suddenly did not feel like he had enough energy to think this through. Everything that has happened today has been obscure.
"The things I’m saying are a bit out of reach for you. But I have to ask, are you willing to become an apprentice of mine?" Liao Cang Qiong’s expression was stern and serious.
"Why… Why me?" Ling Xian questioned. To be an apprentice of an Immortal was a great pride and privilege. But he was dragged into the Painting of the Nine Immortals without an explanation and he met the legendary Liao Cang Qiong. Everything seemed like a dream, he felt as if he has lost touch with reality.
"To be my apprentice you cannot be common. Only those with seals can call me Master. Also, I have just woken up from a deep sleep, and I immediately met you. That is what I call destiny," he grinned lightly, his white robe danced in the wind, his stance was dominant and persuasive.
"I cannot grasp onto the idea that me, a handicap, can receive praise from such an honorable alchemist," Ling Xian whispered. He felt a wave of relief, as if all the pain he suffered in the past was worth it.
Because of his inability to practice Taoism, he’s been mocked and taunted all his life. Yet now, because of his incapability, Liao Cang Qiong saw him as special. Fate really was something.
"If you agree, then formally acknowledge me as Master. From now on, you are an apprentice of mine," Liao Cang Qiong looked at Ling Xian affectionately, as he reminisced his own past.
Ling Xian’s expression became serious as he kneeled before him on the ground, "Master, please accept apprentice I as I kowtow three times."
Dong!
Ling Xian kowtowed three times, each time his forehead hit the ground there was a crisp thump.
"Alright, alright. Get up quickly, my apprentice," Liao Cang Qiong smiled kindly. He waved his sleeves and a gush of wind helped straighten Ling Xian’s body.
"I have to request again for Master to help me break the seals, so I can begin my practice," Ling Xian made a fist with one hand and cupped it with another as a sign of respect.
"Good thing I have restored some energy from the 30,000 years of sleep I had. Or else I really cannot break these seals," Liao Cang Qiong pressed his index finger between Ling Xian’s brows. Immediately, the entire universe began to shake. The moon descended as the sun rose, waves of dust filled up the atmosphere; it was as if the sky and the earth were splitting into two.
Agony!
It was a heart piercing, lungs shredding type of agony.
Ling Xian felt like his head was being split open. A surge of powerful force violently rushed inside his body. Though his body was fragile, his mind was completely conscious. The pain felt like it would last an eternity. He rather be dead than to endure it any longer.
A loud scream penetrated the universe. Blood spewed out of his mouth, dying his entire robe bright red. His eyes were bloodshot, his body felt like it was stabbed over thousands of time. Blood continued to sputter until he was covered with blood from head to toe.
"Hold on!" Liao Cang Qiong loudly yelled. He pressed Ling Xian’s chest with his finger and instantly, the world spun and the sky turned dark. All light was suddenly sucked out of the universe. It was as if the world inside the Painting of the Nine Immortals was going to be destroyed and fall into eternal darkness.
Crack.
A series of crackling noises ripped out of Ling Xian’s body. A large array of dark shadows clouded above him. A tide of murderous aura veiled around him.
He was trapping the divine being from the seal!
Liao Cang Qiong frowned. He did not anticipate for the first seal to be this complex. He was not worried, however, as he pointed his finger into the sky, the other hand twisted into a mysterious gesture. He howled, "sky seal, release!"
A giant palm appeared in the sky. Accompanied by a violent atmosphere that could make one tremble, the palm started to strike the divine being sitting on top of the dark cloud. With every strike, a ring of bright light appeared.
The body of dark cloud began to emit light. Strands of wind formed an invisible barrier, protecting the divine being from the large palm.
"You are simply a shadow of the real Trap God. How dare you be so arrogant? If I had my physical self, I would have destroyed you with one finger," Liao Cang Qiong hissed. Fearlessly, he shot up through the cloud and summoned all the wind in the sky.
"Taoism, Slayer of the Immortal!"
A gigantic sword appeared. Its blade sharp enough to cut through the earth, the sky, and slice through rivers and mountains. It froze above the divine being, ready to strike.
The killing instinct of the sword dampened the being’s arrogance. The sword shone brightly, dissipating the dark clouds until it fully disappeared. Then suddenly, a ribbon of light reflected off the cloud and thrusted back to earth, piercing through Liao Cang Qiong’s chest.
Though the ribbon of light plunged through his body without any bloodstains, Liao Cang Qiong’s face turned as white as a piece of paper as his stance weakened. To have summoned the sword with his soul and used it as a weapon, his energy was greatly wounded.
"Such strong seals. I thought I could have broken all four, but I have already gotten so weak from unlocking one," Liao Cang Qiong panted softly. Though he had rested and restored his soul with the help of the Painting of the Nine Immortals, after this battle, he was feeble.
Dong! A loud rumble broke across the sky.
Ling Xian, with his long hair untied and his robe drenched in blood, straightened his body little by little. As if a God has landed, his temperament became overpowering.
The wounds on his body were healing quickly. The majestic blood that had been asleep for 14 years has finally been awakened. Even though he was still inhibited by three other seals, he could feel his potential burning inside him like a volcano. It was flowing calmly, but once it erupts, everything around him will for sure perish!
Bushels of immortal energy pranced around him, entering his organs and strengthening his bones. In the end, it concentrated in his chest. The energy entered the first qi, then the second, and all the way to the third. Finally, the energy diffused.
"What a wonderful feeling," Ling Xian felt the tides of energy inside him. The corners of his mouth lifted slowly, until finally he could no longer control himself and burst into a loud laughter.
The biggest achievement from this was not him igniting his third qi, rather, the biggest gain was his new pair of Inner Eyes.
His left eye was ink black and his right was snow white.
These were the fourth ranked Inner Eyes.
Eyes of Execution.
Chapter 3: Rebirth
Editor: Tennesh, Rainystars
Eyes of Execution was ranked fourth out of the 104 types of Inner Eyes.
This prestigious ranking itself was enough to stun a huge population.
According to ancient literature, this pair of Inner Eyes appeared once 12,000 years ago. It was a radiant era back then, a time when there were numerous successful emperors and an abundant of respectable heroes. The owner of the Eyes of Execution dominated the country using those eyes’ abilities, and became the strongest powerhouse in history. He was truly legendary!
“He woke the Eyes of Execution after merely being released from the first seal. His potential really is out of this world,” Liao Cang Qiong exclaimed in awe. He has been an Immortal for a long time and nothing rarely surprised him anymore. For him to be in awe right now means Ling Xian’s potential was shockingly powerful.
“Thank you Master!” Ling Xian said excitedly. He could clearly feel the strength hidden inside his pupils. Even though he cannot unleash their abilities yet, he was sure that one day, these Inner Eyes will illuminate with the glory they deserve.
“I am feeling rather fragile and I will need some time to rest. You are now free from the first seal. This alone is enough for you to train until you reach the level of knotting the Dan, also known as the skill that enables you to combine your spirit, body, and qi. As for the other three seals, we will deal with them later,” Liao Cang Qiong’s said, his face full of exhaustion.
“Yes, Master, please rest well,” Ling Xian’s heart was filled with thankfulness. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“You having that thought is enough. But you are far too weak right now to do anything for me,” Liao Cang Qiong smiled kindly and waved at him to go. “Go on. The Painting of the Nine Immortals is now your world to play around in. This place is surrounded with spiritual energy, triple the amount you can get outside. You are welcome to come anytime you want.”
He then drifted towards the tallest mountain in sight, then he disappeared into the woods and fell into a deep sleep.
Around that towering mountain, numerous other mountains in different shapes and forms stood closely. It was as if they were talking to each other. The scenery was dazzling.
“The mountains seem to be equipped with the ability to heal and restore souls. I wonder if there is an Immortal resting in each of these mountains?” Ling Xian murmured. As his thought wandered, he disappeared from the internal world of the painting and he found himself standing before the front steps of the Qi Zhen pavilion.
Staring at the sign that said Qi Zhen pavilion, Ling Xian felt a thousand emotions rushing through him.
Just an hour ago, he was merely a troubled mortal, fighting for the slightest probability of having a better life by buying the Dan of the Inner Eye. But now, he has begun his apprenticeship and acquired Eyes of Execution. He finally felt liberated. He wanted to swim alongside the fishes in the river and fly with the birds in the sky.
He had to say; this world really was unpredictable.
“Now that I can go under training, I should get some ancient books that were passed down in my Clan. Those should help me advance in my journey.” Ling Xian thought. He turned and walked toward the Ling Clan’s library, where valuable records and books could be found.
The City of Qing was the north part of the country. It was a small city. Other than the city’s government, there were only three clans that dominated the city: the Ling Clan, Qi Clan, and Fang Clan.
Ling Xian belonged to the Ling Clan. However, because he could not practice Taoism and because his Clan had given him nothing but the house his dead parents left him, he felt no strong connections with his Clan. When his Clan is mentioned, he could only think of the infinite amount of teasing and taunting he experienced.
……
The great library could be found at the very back of the Ling’s palace. It was a magnificent three story wooden loft. The afternoon sun shone, brightening the red shingles of the rooftop.
This building was the most secretive place of the palace, because there absolutely cannot be trespassing. Inside, there were records of secret techniques that were explored and created by the Lings in the past few hundred years. With a qi level of three and below, trainees were only allowed to read books and records on the first floor. From level four to eight, the second floor, was open for viewing. Finally, the third story was only open to the elderly and the leaders of the Clan.
There was no door to the great library, only a water spell casted to stop those who were not a part of the Clan from entering.
Ling Xian took out a green bronze medal carved with his identity and dropped it into the water. The water instantly began to twirl and splash, dragging him into the loft.
The scent of antiques and old books rushed towards him. He looked around. The first story was not very big, only filled with rows of bookshelves and books that were dusty and turning yellow.
Without hesitation, he walked towards the shelf that contained records of Taoism techniques. He wanted to look for a technique that he felt curious about and could learn about.
“To sit and to forget technique… marrow cleansing technique… see-through technique…”
Ling Xian felt overwhelmed by the countless different techniques. His eyes scanned all the books until finally, he set his sight on a very simple looking book.
“Bible of the Three Flowers.”
It was a strange name. The cover was covered in dust, clearly nobody has flipped open this book for a very long time. When he picked up the book, there was a voice inside him that whispered, this is the one, take this one.
Ling Xian frowned, he had no idea where the strange instinct was coming from. He hesitated for a while, but eventually gave in and chose to study this strange technique.
“Little fella, you want to choose the ‘Bible of the Three Flowers’?”
A ghostly figure suddenly appeared beside him. It was an elderly with a white beard. Time has been unkind to him, as there were only wrinkles on his face, making him look very tired and old.
“Yes, Elder,” Ling Xian’s face was composed, he’s always known about the elder’s presence and his identity.
The guardian of the great library.
The elder beamed and warned, “based on my estimation, by looking at your bones, you are only 14 years old but have already reached the third level of qi. I can tell you have talent. But if you choose to learn a technique that cannot be refined and practiced, you would be wasting a lot of precious time. I suggest you choose a different book.”
A technique that cannot be refined and practiced?
Curiosity flashed across Ling Xian’s eyes, “thank you for advising me elderly. However, I have already made up my mind. Others cannot practice it doesn’t meant I can’t either. I am willing to give it a try.”
“Others can’t do it doesn’t mean I can’t either. You have great ambition,” the guardian praised as he chuckled, “but if it turns out that you cannot practice it after all, don’t force yourself. You are welcomed to return it anytime and try a different technique.”
“Yes elderly, thank you,” Ling Xian put The Bible of the Three Flowers inside his pouch and left the great library. He was walking towards his house when he suddenly heard a series of provocative snickering.
“Aye, aren’t you the disabled Ling Xian? You are still alive?” a young boy dressed in a black robe walked towards him. He was short with a sharp mouth and chubby cheeks. On his face, an unpleasant smile hung.
“Ling Yu,” Ling Xian’s face dropped. Based on the family tree, the young man could be considered a cousin to him. Because Ling Yu achieved the first level of qi at a young age, he had always taken advantage of that skill and provoked Ling Xian for his own entertainment. Before today, Ling Xian has always endured it because he could not go under training, but now, he was determined to confront him and make him pay.
“Yep, it’s me. Why? Does running into someone so noble scare you?” Ling Yu snickered. He was born with an unbearably ugly face and never had much potential with Taoism. Therefore, he has always been insanely jealous of those who were handsome, and those who showed potential in Taoism. The only person he could pick on in the entire Clan was Ling Xian, as he was handicapped.
Ling Xian was burning with anger on the inside, but on the outside, he remained calm, “yes, I am very scared.”
“Then kowtow three times before me, and crawl between my legs. Do it and I’ll let you live today,” Ling Yu moved his legs hip-width apart and began to laugh arrogantly.
“Your suggestion is pretty nice. I’ve decided to adopt it. Come, kowtow three times,” Ling Xian coldly grinned.
“What did you say to me?” Ling Yu froze for second, then smiled. “did your brain get damaged too in addition to your other disability? How dare you say such things to me. Did I not teach you a harsh enough lesson last time?”
“You want to fight?” a hint of murderous intent flashed across Ling Xian’s face.
“I’m not scared of you. You are handicapped! Today I will teach you a lesson so deadly you’ll never forget it!” Ling Yu walked towards Ling Xian step by step with a ferocious look on his face.
“Why don’t you try,” Ling Xian remained cold. He has already reached the third level of qi. Even if he stood still and took the beating, Ling Yu still cannot hurt a single hair of his.
“Remember, from now on, every time you see me, you must kneel!” Ling Yu smirked. Using all his heavenly strength, he lunged his fist towards Ling Xian.
His fist was heavy like the mountains, aimed to suffocate the opponent on impact.
Ling Xian did not even attempt to dodge, he simply waved his right hand. Instantly, a tornado emerged. Energy from the third qi gushed outwards like unstoppable tidal waves.
Bam!
Their two fists smashed together. Qi poured out of Ling Xian and smacked onto Ling Yu’s body forcefully. His body, like a broken stringed kite, flew backward for meters before he hit the ground and was coughing up blood.
Instant knockout.
“Impossible. How did you suddenly have spiritual energy?” Ling Yu’s face was full of disbelief. He could not comprehend what has just happened. How could someone who was considered a waste become so powerful so suddenly.
“Ling Yu, I am no longer the Ling Xian you know. If you want to humiliate me, then you have to be prepared to pay with your life,” Ling Xian said ruthlessly. With one foot, he stomped on Ling Yu’s chest, preventing him from breathing. Ling Yu gagged as more blood rolled down his chin from his mouth.
“This isn’t possible. How can a handicap defeat me?” Ling Yu rejected reality. He coughed out more blood as he screamed in anger.
“Nothing is impossible. You called me disabled and a waste of space all my life. But who’s the disabled one now?” Ling Xian slapped Ling Yu’s face hard, a few of Ling Yu’s teeth fell out.
LingYu screamed in pain. He shakily pointed his finger at Ling Xian and cursed, “you are dead! You dared to touch me? Watch me! I am going to kill you!”
“Stubborn,” Ling Xian gave him a deadly look. Fast like lightning, he snapped Ling Yu’s index finger in two.
“AH!” Ling Yu’s face whitened in response to the pain. He finally realized the situation, and begged, “I am wrong. Ling Xian, I have been so wrong. Please let me go now.”
“Remember, if you do this one more time, I will slaughter you,” Ling Xian glared at him and lifted his foot off Ling Yu’s chest.
Ignoring Ling Yu, who now looks like a dead dog, Ling Xian walked straight back to his house.
The anger in his chest was now gone. He has avenged himself for the humiliation he experienced from the past. He felt relieved and relaxed. The suppressed anger and the depression that clouded him for 14 years could finally be dismissed.
He was given the chance to start anew.
He was rebirthed.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
0 Power
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