Chapter 44: Divine Qi Purification

An Shan’s pure Qi flowed down into their veins.

The two ladies flinched. Pushing through their qi and blood arteries with little resistance, the pure Qi dominated the pathways. Just as concern arose, they noticed the incoming Qi was a benevolent kind. Shao Na’s eyes widened, as if realizing something major. Lifting her head and without care, she looked at An Shan with a pounding heart. By her side, Shao Ting turned to her. Seeing her stunned face, she confirmed something.

The Ancestor in front of them was their patron, the one who offered weapons surpassing their expectation. With such offers, and with his status as an Ancestor, it was only proper to pay respect. They did not expect anything in return. If they could know his name, they would be satisfied. That way, it would not be so awkward to use the communication token he had given them earlier for ‘not being greedy’.

Never did they expect, they would encounter this phenomenon.

‘Divine Qi Purification!’

Something so rare, to be bestowed upon them so readily. However, what stunned them was not that this Ancestor was generous. What perplexed them was that he could even do this! They never heard anyone, even among Ancient Ancestors, capable of such a feat…

A Divine Qi Purification should not be something so easy!

It was a necessary process that members of Mount Emei had to go through to become an Ancestor. In the continent, to ascent into Ancestor-class cultivator, most elders force their way with their large Qi, then compressed their huge Heavenly Stars, forming the gigantic Titan-Stars.

However, due to their cultivation type, Mt. Emei members did not focus on having a lot of Qi. Instead, they emphasized purity to break through and form a smaller, but denser Titan-Star. Shao Na and Shao Ting already witnessed this phenomenon twice. Their Ancestors demonstrated a simulated Divine Qi Purification before, in the hope that their young ones would be enlightened.

Because of this, they could tell that this one was…

Real!

Moreover, it produced such purity!

In their sect, once a Grand Elder managed to obtain a Divine Qi Purification, there was a good chance for them to become Ancestor in fifty or so years. The higher the quality, the higher the chance. But something like this, was not something anyone can bestow. So what was happening?

Being close to each other, the sisters linked their minds with telepathy. Shao Ting, still in utter disbelief, tried to ask her elder sister;

[Sis, is this truly Divine Qi…]

[Pay attention, Xiao Ting. Don’t waste the Ancestor’s kindness,]

[…Em!]

Listening to her sister’s order, Shao Ting followed her action; directing the pure Qi into the innermost part of their Qi arteries. As it did, the Qi cleared any coagulated blood within. Soon, it entered the back of their neck. A marvelous sensation ran through their spine, and their back rose. Their backbones shivered as if they were being run through by frigid water. Soon, the Qi entered their lower dantian. As soon as it did, the whole Star System within them shook.

“Erk,”

“Ugh,”

Shao Na and Shao Ting grunted. The pain was nothing, but the sensation was something else. They felt as if being pricked numerous times by soft, sharp grass. Sweat poured out of the pores of their skin. Soon, the Qi began to change the core of their Heavenly Stars, and their Star Orbit seemed to alter.

…

By their side, Mu-er and Xiao Mei were watching with interest.

Being an expert well in his Mid Heavenly-Star stage, Mu-er realized what was happening. Excitement soared within him! Still, he remembered his duty. He stood guard, ever watchful, especially so when the Ancestor was in his prime focus. Meanwhile, to Xiao Mei, the two aunties were being weird. They kept wriggling around while her Ancestor was holding their wrist.

‘Is Ancestor tickling them?! Or is this some kind of game only adult plays? No fair, I wanna play too!’

…

While Xiao Mei was having wild guesses, the two ladies were gritting their teeth.

They were suppressing their desire to cry. A moment prior, the feeling changed. It was similar to being subjected to extreme vibration deep within their gum and teeth, going to the back of their head, and down to their backbone. The cycle went on and on, as if the whole energy was busy finding its proper place to stay.

The whole process took only the time for a cup of tea, but to the two, it was quite long.

Freaking long.

“Alright, done.”

An Shan breathed out.

At first, he only wished to test clearing out impurities they had from Mao Gu. Yet seeing how well the two were dealing with his newfound Qi, he felt compelled to go the extra mile. An old habit died hard. With the two cultivating pure bodies, he could not ask for better test subjects. As he finished, he directed his spiritual sense, scanning the inside of the two ladies.

By this time, the two were too busy gasping for air.

‘Divine Qi Purification, so it worked better now… The result should be like Ru-er?’

Examining them for a bit, he concluded;

‘No, a bit inferior, but still fine. The amount…’

Examining himself, he noticed a reduction in his pure Qi. It was less than one percent, but still noticeable. While it seemed boundless before, the pure Qi from his body might not be unlimited after all. It was similar to giving away your own youthfulness to someone else. Examining his situation, he inferred that the pure Qi, aptly called Divine Qi by the Emei members, was purified and accumulated through the course of his 2000 years of sleep. The amount he had given Ru-er and these sisters, was close to 20 years of Divine Qi.

With this, he reminded himself not to so readily use it.

The test was not dangerous, since he did it with Ru-er before. While it seemed too generous even for him, these two helped him confirm his improvement in performing Divine Qi Purification, so it was a Win-Win situation. Looking at the sisters, he nodded, satisfied.

“Your body has been purified. Highest degree by your standard. You sisters have done well directing the Qi,”

Hearing him, the two realized their lack of manners.

They were drenched with sweat, and they were gasping like dogs. Only now, they noticed their veil had come off, down on the floor. Fair skin, sparkling eyes with cheeks with a tinge of red… Shao Na had blonde hair and blue eyes, while Shao Ting had black hair and dark, shiny eyes. Though widowed, they were as if fair maidens, yet to be touched. Seeing them, An Shan recalled a memory of the past. Mount Emei members often wore their veil outside the mountain, refusing to interact with any male without it.

Yet currently, the two felt no need to hide their face whatsoever. In their mind, their veil was of no import right now. This person in front of them… was not a Titan-Star Ancestor.

This… He should be, a Soul-Titan!

What a great control of Qi, it was impossible to do what he had done.

Moreover, what he did to them… was a huge favor!

To treat him the same as others? No way!

Immediately fixing their posture, they exclaimed;

“This junior, Shao Na,”

“This junior, Shao Ting,”

…A moment of silent, yet their eyes were adamant as they said;

““We’ll never forget Ancestor’s kindness, till the end of time!””

Kowtowing to him three times, it was a gesture of respect and submission. This was as though admitting, they were willing to return the favor, even if it would cost them their life.

Soon, An Shan waved his hand, dismissing their claim.

“You two had done me a favor, bringing these herbs for me. It just so happens I can do something, think nothing of it,”

Hearing him belittling his own deed, Shao Na protested;

“Ancestor, if this young one may speak… It might be nothing for you, but for us, you’ve done us a big… Immense favor. I’m not sure we can repay this—”

“Silly girl, I did it out of whim. This Ancestor isn’t asking for anything,”

“O-of course, Ancestor! You wouldn’t… Shao Na is embarrassed,”

Hearing him calling her silly girl, Shao Na did not protest.

Instead, she felt honored. Being called that way meant establishing her identity with him. Never mind being called silly, at least Ancestor remembered me. Hehe, he treats me like a little girl. Hm-hm, Xiao Ting, excuse your sister for being petty…

“…Keep this just between us.”

“Understood!” Both of them answered, and Shao Na realized something, soon asking, “But Ancestor, our Ancestors back home might notice… No, they will surely. Divine Qi purification is not a small matter after all. We would be questioned,”

“Tell them then. Just ask them to keep quiet for me,”

“Yes, understood!”

Having received his permission, they were glad. The thought of lying or hiding facts from their Ancestors dreaded them. Fortunately, the Ancestor in front of them was generous. An Shan remembered something, reminding them;

“Another thing… It’s best for you to avoid Dan pills and Mao Gu, forever,”

“Dan pills, and Mao Gu… that flavor enhancer?”

“Only use the highest purity Dan pills, and Mao Gu… It’ll wreck your system… Ah, too much to explain. Just know it’s bad. You two are big girls, think for yourself,”

““Understood, Ancestor!””

The two answered at once. While they did not know why he said so, it probably had something to do with disturbing their Qi purity. They already received something so valuable from him, so bothering him more would be rude. Both ladies saluted and bowed, showing admiration and utmost appreciation.

Unbeknownst to them, they already treated him equal to Ancestors in their sect.

…

An Shan allowed them to ask him a few things about cultivation before he gestured them to be on their way. As they exited, An Shan reminded them;

“Be extra careful on your way home. The city is full of criminals,”

“Ah— Yes, Ancestor. We’ll take extra caution. Thank you for your kindness,”

Shao Na replied. They saluted him while lowering their stance, grateful.

After the both of them went out, Mu-er shut the door tight. An Shan, as per habit, took out a green jade. It had formations inscribed into it. Activating it, it formed layers of acoustic and light barriers, preventing anyone from prying. Xiao Mei, witnessing this, turned confused. What was Ancestor doing? Recalling the various formations she had witnessed before, she realized how lacking her knowledge was. She had no idea what was happening!

'Am I just too dumb? No, I refuse to believe it!'

Xiao Mei vowed to do something about it. What that 'something' was, she had no idea. However, following her ancestor through the day opened her eyes bit by bit. No longer wanting to dig their sect elders' secret like before, she pondered about what to do next...

Meanwhile, a bit drowsy, An Shan called;

“Xiao Xiu, come over,”

“Yes!”

Answering his call, was elder Xiu, the deputy leader of Blood Warriors. He had his invisibility spell removed, kneeling next to An Shan, ready for his orders. Seeing the elder appearing out of nowhere, Xiao Mei exclaimed;

“Eh, grand uncle! When did you—umpff”

“Please be quiet, Xiao Mi,”

Mu-er intervened, closing her loud mouth, concerned that it might annoy the Ancestor. An Shan, seemingly did not care, asked Xiao Xiu;

“Xiao Feng and Xiao Yu, did they finish their task?”

“Answering Ancestor, Xiao Feng had some lead, but he’s not done interrogating. It should take him another day or two. Xiao Yu had finished the task. He’s returning here with the details,”

“Good. You protect the two sisters for now. Have Xiao Yu take over when he returns. Protect them till they arrive at Mount Emei. Tell him to use his Soul Armament if need to,”

“Yes!”

“And, call half Blood Warriors over. I want them here in three days.”

“H-half… Understood, Ancestor!”

An Shan had just called for half of all the Blood Warriors, secret protectors of Absolute Aegis.

That meant, he wanted at least twenty to come over. He did not put too many details, leaving room for them to decide what his words meant. While Elder Xiu was not sure what An Shan wanted to do, he had an idea as to what. All Blood Warriors had the battle ability on par with their sect’s Grand Elder, and the fact that he called over so many, meant that…

‘Ancestor… is about to make a big move!’

Just as he thought so, An Shan’s following words, confirmed his speculation. He briefed him on the details of preparation, leaving no room for mistakes. Receiving his order in full, Xiao Xiu left the room, yet the door stayed shut.

“And now, for the grand finale!”

Outside, the host’s enthusiasm took their attention. As he said, he was about to end today’s auction with the best item there was – The bones of a flood dragon.

As he witnessed this, An Shan gestured Xiao Mu.

“Mu-er, at all cost.”

“It will be done.”

Not bothered by the small details, An Shan slept while Mu-er dealt with the final auction.