章節 61: Strange Return

"…Do you have anything to ask?" Shu Yidan gazed at Xiahou Shangyue. She looked at him before shaking her head.

About three hours had passed since Shu Yidan narrated that trash story to her. After that, they had a conversation about all sorts of things. Next, Shu Yidan taught her some tricks that could be used with True Qi, all so that he could be assured of her safety in his absence.

First of all, Shu Yidan helped her master the technique used against the Crown Prince - puppeting a person using True Qi. After that were some miscellaneous True Qi techniques - Buddhist spells that could suppress demons and seal supernatural entities, Daoist techniques that could clear the mind and focus energy, even demonic techniques…

All these techniques were useless to Shu Yidan, yet could prove invaluable to Xiahou Shangyue.

"…Well, now I feel more relieved. You should practice these techniques until they are cast in your bones and engraved in your heart – only at that point will you be able to use them with ease. These techniques won't help you kill a true cultivator, but you can manufacture an opportunity to escape." Hearing Shu Yidan's words, Xiahou Shangyue felt vexed.

The techniques Shu Yidan had taught her were truly divine – yet they couldn't defeat a cultivator. Just how strong was a cultivator?

Shu Yidan hadn't mentioned the hierarchy of cultivators to her – but naturally, these techniques could only help her flee from Peak Qi Condensation cultivators. Foundation Establishment and Golden Cores were unfathomable existences.

Luckily, even if skills were useless, there were still treasures.

Shu Yidan brought out a small pack that contained nine cards, shuffling them around. The cards had an indescribable aura, sending chills down Xiahou Shangyue's back.

"These are nine talismans here. You can use them a single time each. Use them well."

Shu Yidan didn't speak more about the cards (talismans). He only smiled. "Shangyue, I still have an hour to spend with you. What should I teach you now…? Ah. How about some calligraphy?"

Xiahou Shangyue was a bit nonplussed – yet she couldn't help remember that scene of Shu Yidan drawing out that manual for her. She eagerly nodded.

Actually, Shu Yidan had taught her some miscellaneous True Qi techniques – they were all somewhat decent but still worthless in the end. He couldn't teach her anything else – cultivation techniques required cultivation base to utilize.

Finally, the only option remaining was auxiliary techniques – and since alchemy and weapon refining would take too long, Shu Yidan decided to teach her some tricks of his specialty – talismans.

And naturally, the basic foundation for drawing talismans was calligraphy.

"Hold your hand steady! Don't shake it no matter what!"

…

"Broad strokes! Have a free and unrestrained style!"

…

"Be precise! Don't let the ink spread out like that!"

…

"Keep your mind calm, your heart steady and your breath continuous. Merge your qi with the ink…"

Using the calligraphy brush to write Chinese characters, Xiahou Shangyue struggled to follow Shu Yidan's instructions. It was already too difficult to bring forth even a fraction of Shu Yidan's charm as a calligraphist.

However, time went by in a blink and the hour was gone.

"Well, you managed to pick up a lot in an hour. Well, just keep on practicing like that – when you reach the peak of technical skill, you might be able to draw talismans." Finishing things with this line, Shu Yidan licked his lips.

Xiahou Shangyue put away the brush and scroll, looking towards Shu Yidan.

"So you are leaving now, huh? When will you return?" Xiahou Shangyue knew that she might not meet this person for a long time.

"I did give you a communication talisman – even though it is for emergencies, you can use it to summon me. Apart from that, maybe after a month? I'll be a little busy with sect matters." Shu Yidan had quite a few people to kill and resources to plunder.

"I'll await you as the Crown Prince – the next time we meet. Until then…" Xiahou Shangyue strangely couldn't complete that statement. She suddenly realized that she couldn't bear to part from this man who had met her a few hours ago.

Even though he had a righteous Dao Companion and she could only be his side woman, she still couldn't bear to part from him.

"…I will stay loyal and wait for you. By the way, it is alright if you run around gathering women for your harem. Just don't let them near my face." Saying these words, she gazed at Shu Yidan.

"Haha, as the Imperial Prince, aren't you the one with a harem? Please don't gather a bunch of pretty boys around you – actually, don't gather any pretty girls as well. Animals aren't okay, either. Technically non-living things aren't allowed either – no ghosts, spirits or the like.

Basically, only I am allowed to touch you!" Shu Yidan felt a little embarrassed saying this, but he did anyways.

"All right. Only you…" Saying this in a soft whisper, Xiahou Shangyue closed the distance to hug him tightly. Pressing her chest on his frame, she leaned in to kiss him.

Shu Yidan kissed her back.

"Since I'll be lonely for the month… Touch me." Saying this with a blush, she began taking Shu Yidan's clothes off. Shu Yidan was a bit nonplussed – didn't they do it for hours earlier? He was a bonafide Golden Core – stamina wasn't an issue for him but wasn't she a mere mortal?

Naturally, Shu Yidan ended up spending a few hours more beside Xiahou Shangyue.

+++

It was the dead of the night, and Xiahou Shangyue had finally fallen asleep. Looking at her sleeping face, Shu Yidan decided to work on the few loose ends left to clean up.

The Crown Prince's and his maid's memories were modified – there was no rape attempt and Xiahou Shangyue had merely visited him. The Crown Prince would now be neutral towards her, considering her as a sister. He would not consider her as an opponent for the throne – even willing to shelter her for a few favors.

Speaking of favors, the Crown Prince had lent the palace to Xiahou Shangyue as well. He and his maids would spend the night at another palace – even in their memories, they had only met Xiahou Shangyue earlier in the day.

As such, Xiahou Shangyue was alone in the palace that day. It would certainly seem suspicious, but he was sure she could resolve that little point if questioned.

After setting down some arrays for protecting Xiahou Shangyue, Shu Yidan left a letter explaining all his actions.

After everything was done, Shu Yidan finally hopped upon his violet blade and soared up. Wistfully gazing at the city where Xiahou Shangyue lived, he flew away.

He had originally planned to sell Elder Wang, his son and Feng Shiyao's master off… but it was way too late now.

He could only go back to the Heavenly Wind Sect!