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.
Chapter 4: Fragrance of Heaven
Editor: Tennesh, Rainystars
It was early morning; in the midst of a thousand mountains and trees.
As the breeze blew, the leaves swayed. With every rush of wind, a new tide in the color of green began. Wave after wave, there was no end in sight.
Somewhere in the sea of trees, a mile-tall waterfall hung. Mist and fog filled the air as the heavy water spattered. The atmosphere was hazy, the scenery resembled a fairyland.
Near the waterfall, a young boy dressed in white sat in the lotus pose on top of a boulder. His eyes tightly shut, surges of spiritual power engulfed him, slowly being absorbed into his body.
This young man was Ling Xian.
After teaching Ling Yu a lesson yesterday, he headed home exhilarated and had the best sleep he’s ever had. Early this morning, he woke up and began his training in this rather isolated jungle. Even though he was young in age, he was extremely eager and mature. He understood the concept that if one wants to be well-trained and strengthen their skills, they must do so by fighting against the current.
It was not easy for him to start the journey of training and he truly valued the rare opportunity. In addition, he has always had this dream since he was young. For this dream, he needed a solid foundation of skills. That was why he needed to be dedicated and hardworking, and he must treasure every second and every minute.
"Hmm… If I continue at this pace, I will achieve the fourth level of qi soon enough," Ling Xian opened his eyes and exhaled deeply to release the toxins accumulated throughout his training.
There were nine frontiers to break for the nine levels of qi. With every frontier that was extended, the spiritual power of the trainee got stronger. The slow accumulation of the spiritual powers would eventually trigger a drastic change in the trainee.
However, according to ancient literature, achieving the ninth level of qi was not the end of the journey. Way back in time, there was a tenth level that could be achieved. As time went on, less and less people successfully reached the tenth level – an achievement also known as the stage of invincibility. Because so little people have achieved the tenth level in recent years, the idea became a myth.
"‘The Bible of the Three Flowers’ sure is strange. I cannot understand anything," Ling Xian took out the book he borrowed from the library and frowned as he attempted to read the unrecognizable characters carved onto the book.
Even though mastering techniques was not the only way to train, simply absorbing spiritual energy to strengthen mana would not grant the trainee any advantages over others. The side effect of spiritual impurity may also arise, making it even easier for the trainee to be defeated. Learning different techniques, as a way of training, could bring drastic changes to one’s body and give the trainee new special skills.
There were five types of common techniques. The metal type allowed user’s mana to become sharper and more alert. The wood type allowed user’s physical attributes to become strong. The water type made the user’s mana longer lasting. The fire type allowed the user’s mana to produce extra damage when used. Finally, the earth type granted the user with extra defense abilities.
"The Bible of the Three Flowers" however, could not be categorized into any of the five types. The methods, which the book recommended one to train, were ones Ling Xian had never seen before and therefore cannot comprehend.
"I guess I will have no choice but to ask Master when I enter the Painting of the Nine Immortals," Ling Xian said to himself. He stood up, inhaled deeply and began to practice a set of well-known boxing routine.
Fists of Longevity.
Contrary to its profound name, the routine was simply used to enhance the trainee’s physical capabilities and increase his or her blood flow. It was a routine that other trainees tended to neglect, but Ling Xian never missed a day of practicing it in the past decade. Because he was handicapped, getting physically stronger was his only option.
The many side jobs he did also required him to be physically strong.
The red sun rose from the East, like a fish’s white belly, the West sky brightened. Ling Xian adjusted his stance and continued his practice of the Fists of Longevity.
Very soon, he finished the routine. He was feeling refreshed, clear-minded, and there seemed to be an endless amount of energy in his body.
Just as he was getting ready to leave, three shadows emerged from the deep forest – two men and a woman. The woman was in front, and the two men were behind. They were less than 100 meters apart and were engaged in a wild chase.
The woman was around the age of 20, her eyes beautiful like a painting, her visage exquisite and alluring.
One of the men behind her was tall, and the other was short. Both of them had gloomy expressions on their faces, as if they were looking to kill the woman.
"Ling Tian Xiang, obediently give up, there is no way you can get away!" the short man spelled out a technique with his hands. Suddenly, seven finger-tip sized fireballs appeared and flew towards the woman.
The scorching fireballs slid forward, burning the trees they touch into dust.
"In your dreams!" the female, much like her name, was so dazzling that her beauty outshone the moon and the flowers blushed at the sight of her face. She coldly snickered as a light layer of water encircled her, protecting her from the fireballs.
She waved her hand. A two-meter-long ice sword broke through the air, dashing towards the men.
"Are you not ashamed of such a weak spell?" the tall man stopped running. With two hands, he punched the ground beneath him. Immediately, three giant earth walls emerged one by one behind each other. Though the ice sword was sharp and powerful, it barely pierced through the second wall when it lost its mana and evaporated into thin air.
Ling Tian Xiang’s brows knitted together. She suddenly saw the young, handsome boy in front of her. She became anxious and screamed, "Run!"
Ling Xian raised an eyebrow. He could not believe that there would be a hot pursuit in the middle of such an isolated forest. Moreover, he could not believe that he was witnessing it.
"So unlucky…" Ling Xian hurriedly ran away as he sighed. What a joke. He did not have any intention of being a hero and saving the lady. Despite her beauty, heroes needed to be aware of their own capabilities and their opponent’s. The woman’s abilities were already not weak in Ling Xian’s book. Clearly, the two men were even stronger.
Seeing the young boy running away like the wind, Ling Tian Xiang was a little surprised and a little disappointed. Even though he was young, he was still a man, how could he just run away without any intention of helping her out? Did she lose her charm?
She didn’t have the time to think too much. Despite her wound, she clenched her teeth and cast a charm that helped her speed up.
The two men laughed mockingly. Building up their energy, the sixth level of qi began to spew out of them ferociously, engulfing all of them, including Ling Xian.
Feeling the weight of their vigor, Ling Xian felt like he was running in mud. A few drops of sweat formed on his forehead as his body got heavier and his feet got slower.
Ling Tian Xiang was now in an even worse situation. Before the hunting began with those two men, she already had a life and death battle with a werewolf. Her spiritual energy was running dangerously low. Under the gravity of their qi, she felt a powerful pressure on her chest. She spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground.
The two men smiled but did not stop their attacks. Rows of stone pillars surfaced from the ground, trapping Ling Tian Xiang and Ling Xian.
"Haha, Ling Tian Xiang, we finally caught you. You did not think this day would come, did you?" the short man laughed furiously.
"Screw off!" Ling Tian Xiang scowled. Using the last of her mana, countless icicles formed and shot towards the men.
"I’ve been waiting for this," a giant flame flared up on the short man’s left palm, melting those icicles. Finally, an inhibition spell was cast, tying up Ling Tian Xiang’s physical body and her spiritual energy.
The short man walked closer. He pinched her now unmoving cheek and grinned, "don’t even try to fight it off. You never know, if you can make us happy, we might spare you your pitiful life."
"If you bastards touch even a hair of mine, the Ling Clan will never forgive you!" Ling Tian Xiang’s face whitened.
"Ah, you are from the Ling Clan? I am so scared," the short man faked a scared expression. "Oh my goodness, older brother, she is from the Ling Clan. We have caused big trouble."
"Oh my, a member of the Ling Clan, we must let her go quickly," the tall man chimed in.
Hearing this, Ling Tian Xiang’s eyes brightened with a little hope. Like a drowning person who just found a floating piece of wood, she was just about to speak when a stinging slap hit her face. A distinct, red, palm shaped print showed up on her delicate and soft skin.
"You!" Ling Tian Xiang clenched her teeth. She was not stupid. She realized immediately that these two were only acting. But those involved are often blinded, she couldn’t believe she got tricked.
"Do you even know your place? How dare you talk to me this way after being sealed of all your powers?" the short man smirked. "I know you are the eldest daughter of the Ling Clan and the little sister of the leader. But so what? In a place so isolated, who will know of your death? Even if someone does find you eventually, my brother and I would be long gone."
"I knew it, the Fang Clan ordered you to kill me…" Ling Tian Xiang’s heart sunk, she had lost all hope.
Ling Xian on the other side knew he was in trouble. When the pillars rose and trapped him, he felt his heart drop. Now that he heard the secret of the Fang Clan’s attempt to kill the eldest daughter of the Ling Clan, he knew he was dead.
"I’m sorry for dragging you into this," Ling Tian Xiang looked at Ling Xian, her eyes apologetic and regretful.
Ling Xian didn’t respond. He was thinking of a strategy to get out of there. He knew very well that with him knowing the faces of the two men and with him knowing such a big secret, the situation was not in his favor.
The short man complimented, "I’ve heard about Lady Ling’s beauty for a long time. But seeing it in person today has proven the rumors to be true."
Ling Tian Xiang’s whole body shook. She tried hard to stop her tears as she attempted to end her own life by biting off her tongue. But the tall man acted faster than her and grabbed her jaw.
"You want to die? It’s not going to be that easy," he sneered.
At that moment, a helpless voice with a hint of ridicule spoke up.
"Hey, how do you guys feel about including me in this?"
The young man smiled warmly with a trace of misfortune between his brows.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
0 Power
stone 
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