Fan Wen coughed before he smiled to Xie Lan, embarrassed. “Lan… I didn’t mean to – I’m sorry…” he said and lowered his head.

Xie Lan expressionlessly wiped his face. “Yeah. I fully received your love.” He told Fan Wen. Fan Wen’s face became red. He shyly looked at Fei Yin.

It was Fei Yin’s turn to be expressionless. He’s already used to being blinded by his parents’ love for 10 years he is a disciple of the Xinfaxian Sect. “Shifu. Founder.” he called, reminding them of his question.

“How did you know of it?” Xie Lan asked.

“The Chen patriarch told me.” Fei Yin answered.

“So he accepted you as his son-in-law.” Xie Lan said. Seeing Fei Yin didn’t answer but his ears turned pink, Xie Lan laughed. “What Chen-shixiong told you, it’s also what we know.” He said, now serious. “He must also have told you this cultivation is a taboo?” he asked.

Fei Yin nodded. “He did.” He said.

“Then, what is this absorbing qi you have said?” Xie Lan asked.

Fei Yin looked at him. “I have seen Cheng-shidi’s body absorbing qi.” He honestly said. He doesn’t want to hide anything, and also in this way, he could protect Cheng Sheng. The more that he could learn and apply it to Cheng Sheng to ensure Cheng Sheng’s safety, and he could also make Xie Lan and Fan Wen aware for them to also protect Cheng Sheng more.

Fan Wen’s eyes widened in shock. Xie Lan’s brows knit. “So, yesterday, it was you?” he asked.

Fei Yin nodded and lowered his head. “This disciple knows it was wrong.” He said. “I only want to protect Cheng-shidi. As for his body not to absorb more qi, and not to explode from absorbing too much.” He explained.

Xie Lan’s brows raised. “You really know how to dodge.” He said. “No wonder Chen-shixiong likes you.” He told Fei Yin. Obviously, what Fei Yin said was a white lie. Fei Yin really intend to keep this matter a secret. Only that, Fei Yin can’t think more of any solution, and so he finally sought help of Xie Lan and Fan Wen, covering up his real intentions.

Fei Yin didn’t answer and just lowered his gaze, hiding his thoughts. Fan Wen smiled. “Lan.” he called.

Xie Lan sighed, feeling helpless. “I know that you know what you are doing.” He told Fei Yin.

Fei Yin nodded. “Yes.” He finally said.

Fan Wen spoke. “Absorbing qi is the main method of cultivation.” He said. “But, of course, it was done regularly. As to avoid the danger it would cause if we have absorbed too much qi.” He paused. “As you have said, our body can explode.” His face went serious. “Our body is only a medium and a tool we use to store our power, and also release our power. The knowledge that we have learned was stored in our soul. That is why, during the Ascension Stage, our knowledge remains even if our mortal body was left in the mortal world.” He explained. Ascension Stage is the stage after the Immortalization Stage.

“Absorbing qi is common in the cultivation world.” Xie Lan said. “You can absorb qi using devices, too. For example, Xiao Sheng’s jade talisman.” he said.

“But, Cheng-shidi was unconscious.” Fei Yin said.

Xie Lan’s face became serious. “I figured.” He said. “Even though Xiao Sheng created his Qi Absorbing Talisman, it is for a good cause. Before, his cultivation level is the lowest. He created the device for self-protection. However – ” he looked at Fei Yin. ” – absorbing qi can also be sinister if done with evil intentions.” He said. “I know this is what you were worried about Xiao Sheng.” He smiled. “We’re glad you told us about this.” He told him.

Fei Yin nodded and let out a breath of relief. Fan Wen smiled. “We all know Xiao Sheng. Even though his attitude is not good, but he never became sinister.” He said and looked at Fei Yin. “For now, we are unable to do something about Xiao Sheng’s condition.” He seriously said. “We need to gather more knowledge about the Spiritual Awakening Method. The Chen patriarch must also have thought of this, too.” He said. “Xiao Yin. We need to bother you to watch over Xiao Sheng.” He told Fei Yin.

Fei Yin nodded and rose from his seat. “This disciple understands.” He bowed. “This disciple will now take his leave.” He told them then left.

The two watched Fei Yin walked away and disappeared. “The Spiritual Awakening Method…” Fan Wen said, worried.

“There must be someone who knows its process and its effect.” Xie Lan said, his brows knit. “Or else, why did it exist and even warned us?” he said.

Fan Wen nodded. “You’re right.” He said. “Let’s just hope that we can find that man. If he isn’t sinister, then he will be a big ally. But, if he is truly sinister…” his eyes narrowed.

They didn’t speak any more after that and silently enjoyed the tea.

After lunch and the four of them – Cheng Sheng, Fei Yin, Li Tian and Feng Mo, roamed around the bustling Xinfaxian. The residents looked like as if they didn’t experience a life-threatening situation. They looked livelier now than before. Maybe, after they almost died, they realized they should cherish life more.

Cheng Sheng felt his back going cold because of Fei Yin’s gaze on him. From the moment they left the Xinfaxian Sect, Fei Yin has always had his gaze towards him. He is very grateful for that mysterious man since he now has a golden core. Before, Cheng Sheng has to ride with Fei Yin on Fei Yin’s sword since his cultivation level is low and he couldn’t make his sword fly due to lack of spiritual energy. Now, he has a golden core. He can finally ride on his sword. Thus, the Xinfaxian residents saw the four of them flew in the sky on their sword. When they landed, they gained admiring gazes. Since today is a vacation day for them, they are not wearing their sect uniform.

Li Tian was wearing clothes the color of the summer leaves. He has a paper fan on his hand and his hair was untied. He looked like a scholar, exuding air around him that’s refreshing. Feng Mo wore extravagant clothes since his family is rich. His hair bun turned into a ponytail. His hair locks on the sides of his head made him look like a pompous young master. Fei Yin wore formal clothes which made him looked like a retrained young man. His long and black hair on his back made his shoulder looked wider. He looked greatly reliable. The last but not the least is a young man wearing bright red elegant clothes which made him very eye-catching. Adding his handsome and pure-looking face, the young women’s heart swooned. The group of four looked varied, but there’s a harmonious atmosphere around them. Their common wear is the white jade pendant hanging on their waist with green tassel.

Cheng Sheng rubbed his belly that was round, but because of his slightly loose clothes it isn’t obvious. “Ah~” he sighed in satisfaction as he licked his lips that turned vivid red after eating. “Roasted chicken will always be my favorite~” he said and smiled like a cat. They are now walking around the business street to digest their food.

“Later when we’ll go to my house, I’ll make my mom cook chicken for dinner.” Feng Mo said. Earlier, they agreed to have an overnight stay in Feng Mo’s house. Feng Mo only goes home twice a year despite his home is close to Xinfaxian Sect. Now that they had two days of vacation, he plans to spend it with his family.

Cheng Sheng’s eyes sparkled and his mouth has a suspicious water around it. He looked at Feng Mo. “Can I eat fried chicken later?” he asked.

Feng Mo’s face was covered in dark lines as he looked at Cheng Sheng who was looking at him as if he is the chicken instead. “Stop looking at me like that and I might consider it.” he said.

Cheng Sheng hesitatingly removed his gaze from Feng Mo. “I’m starving.” He pouted as he rubbed his belly.

“Here.” Fei Yin said and gave him a pack of meat buns.

Cheng Sheng’s eyes sparkled when he smelled the fragrance of meat buns. “Thanks – ” he said and raised his hands to receive the food, only to freeze. Right. He forgot, it’s Fei Yin. He looked at Fei Yin, then the food. Then, he looked at Fei Yin again. Maybe I just misunderstood da shixiong – he thought as his eyes fell on the food and he immediately snatched it. He’s afraid his mind will change. Between his suspicion and the food, of course he’d choose food. Can he eat his suspicion? He shrugged and ate the first meat bun. “Mmn~” he exclaimed. “Da shixiong, where did you buy this?” he asked. “They’re so delicious!” he said, grinning, as he watched Feng Mo and Li Tian looked around the shops, choosing what to buy.

“Didn’t.” Fei Yin said, then cleared his throat. “I didn’t buy it. I made them.” He said.

“Oh. You made –” Cheng Sheng said and froze. He looked at Fei Yin. “Da shixiong. You made these?” he asked, surprised. Fei Yin nodded. Cheng Sheng looked at the meat buns. For 10 years, he was eating these meat buns. They only had one taste. He thought Fei Yin bought them, but now Fei Yin said he made them. So, for 10 years, da shixiong was making these buns? He thought. He remembered that he’s the only one Fei Yin gave these buns to. Li Tian nor Feng Mo didn’t even taste even a single bite. Not even their shifu and founder. So – Cheng Sheng thought, his face became strange. – da shixiong had been bewitching me since 10 years ago through these buns? He thought.

“Shidi. What’s wrong?” Fei Yin asked when he saw Cheng Sheng’s bewildered expression. Did his body act up again? Fei Yin thought, vigilant.

“Da shixiong…” Cheng Sheng called. “I think you could’ve been rich if you’ve sold these…” he looked at Fei Yin.

“Hm?” Fei Yin said, confused.

Cheng Sheng shook his head and resumed eating. I didn’t feel anything strange from these meat buns aside from being ridiculously delicious. The chewy white texture and the juicy filling inside… Cheng Sheng’s mouth watered again despite he’s eating. Between his suspicion and the delicious food, he’d choose the food! He can’t eat his suspicion, anyway. “Hm?” he said when he saw a beggar silently sitting and leaning against the wall. He has a walking stick beside him and a wide straw hat covering his face. He looked like he’s sleeping.

“Cheng-shidi. What’s wrong?” Fei Yin asked when he saw Cheng Sheng looking somewhere. He followed his sight and saw a beggar.

“Da shixiong. Hold these for me.” Cheng Sheng said and pushed the pack of meat buns on Fei Yin’s empty hands. Then, he walked towards the beggar. He passed by Li Tian and Feng Mo who were choosing presents for Feng Mo’s parents. Feng Mo clearly trusts Li Tian’s taste more than Fei Yin and Cheng Sheng’s. Cheng Sheng would choose good-looking but cheap things. Fei Yin will choose bland-looking but expensive things. So it was only Li Tian Feng Mo could trust when buying things. “Sir.” Cheng Sheng called when he reached the beggar.

“Young man, I only have one thing to sell. If you won’t like it, then leave.” The beggar said. He has a rough voice.

“Then, can this sir please show me the thing you are selling?” Cheng Sheng asked.

The beggar took out a dirty blanket without removing his wide hat. “It is only this blanket.” He told Cheng Sheng.

Cheng Sheng took it. Surprisingly, there was no strange smell coming from it. It looked dirty but the material is surprisingly good. “How much for this?” he asked.

“Young man. You are buying it?” the beggar asked.

“Aren’t you selling it?” Cheng Sheng asked, confused.

The beggar slightly moved his hat. One of his eyes was shown and looked at Cheng Sheng. “This blanket is special.” He said. “It chooses its owner. So, even if you buy it, it might not follow you.” He told him.