Chapter Sixty-Two: The Heart of the Dao

Ge Qian listened to Ying Xue’s words and grew deeply interested in the "Fire Python Talisman." With such a talisman, he might face much less pressure when seeking spiritual herbs in the Minor Dao Arena. He asked, “Is it really that simple?”

Ying Xue curled her lips into a smile and replied, “That’s wishful thinking. This is merely an arrangement where neither of us loses out. To be frank, I’m eager to refine the Fire Python Talisman so I can defeat Bai Ruyu. Since childhood, she’s always overshadowed me—making me feel envy, jealousy, and resentment. Over time, it’s become a heart demon. Only by defeating her can I break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. With your abilities, you’re almost certain to make the top ten. If you encounter Bai Ruyu, give her a hard fight, drain her spiritual power, and ideally injure her. If you don’t meet her, take down a few strong rivals. If you face me, simply concede, so I can conserve my strength and have a better chance against Bai Ruyu. It’s not too difficult, is it?”

Ge Qian’s expression shifted as he narrowed his eyes and asked, “I wonder if this method is truly worth the risks you’re asking me to take, Senior Sister.”

“Are you aware,” Ying Xue continued, “that within the Minor Dao Arena, there is a Spirit-Linking Fruit Tree that bears fruit every sixty years? The Spirit-Linking Fruit can greatly enhance a cultivator’s aptitude, granting them the potential for cultivation. Only the great families within the sect know of this; their affiliated disciples—those with poorer aptitudes—enter the arena to consume the fruit. For those with excellent aptitude, it’s useless, and after Foundation Establishment, it has no effect. So these families keep the secret, and every time the Minor Dao Arena opens, their disciples benefit. If you, Brother Ge, eat the Spirit-Linking Fruit, you’ll have a twenty percent greater chance of advancing to Foundation Establishment. What do you think? Is this method feasible?” Ying Xue finished and fixed her gaze on Ge Qian, awaiting his reply.

Ge Qian immediately grasped the pros and cons. He intended to enter the Minor Dao Arena regardless, but if he were injured during the competition, it would be a loss. Now that he knew about the Spirit-Linking Fruit, it would be easier to investigate once inside.

After a moment’s thought, he said, “Your reasoning makes sense, Senior Sister. I’ll endeavor to refine the Fire Python Talisman for you, but I won’t participate in the competition. I can’t reveal my true strength yet. Once I enter the Minor Dao Arena, I can mislead my enemies. Besides, Bai Ruyu’s power is unmatched within the sect; I’d rather not be injured before I even enter the arena.”

Ying Xue’s face darkened as she replied, “You’re shrewd, Brother. You get the refining method for the Fire Python Talisman, and a way to advance to Foundation Establishment, while I gain nothing. But I haven’t finished. The Spirit-Linking Fruit must be picked the moment it ripens and used immediately with the Spirit-Linking Technique for optimal results. All these secrets are controlled by the great families—you would never get them, but I happen to know. Help me, and I’ll teach you the technique.”

Ge Qian’s gaze flickered; he hadn’t expected the fruit to require such precise use. While the Spirit-Linking Fruit could improve his chances, he could progress without it; its effect would merely be an embellishment.

He shook his head regretfully and said, “That’s truly unfortunate. Perhaps you should find someone else, Senior Sister. But I think you’re mistaken in seeing Bai Ruyu as the barrier to your Foundation Establishment. Everyone has their own fate. My aptitude is mediocre—should I see all talented cultivators as obstacles? Your heart demon isn’t Bai Ruyu. If it weren’t her, someone else more gifted would become your heart demon. Demons arise from the heart; it’s a sign your Dao heart is unstable, with cracks forming. Only by understanding your true self can you conquer yourself and ascend.”

Ying Xue’s expression shifted rapidly, her eyes flickering between anger and calm, her spirit unsettled. “Brother, what is a Dao heart?”

Ge Qian gazed up at the sky. “What is the Dao? Everyone’s understanding differs. The Dao is each person’s goal. The greater the goal, the greater the heart. Is defeating Bai Ruyu truly your goal? Compared to immortality, transcending the world, and being beyond the five elements, Foundation Establishment is merely a step towards the pursuit of the immortal path. Bai Ruyu is just a passerby on your long journey. If you cannot move past her, you’ll stop here. Reflect well.”

Ge Qian’s words struck Ying Xue like a blow, clearing the fog and revealing the moon. Suddenly, she realized: yes, her true aim was to attain immortality, to live forever—every cultivator’s goal. Yet she had unwittingly made defeating Bai Ruyu her purpose, thus fueling her heart demon.

She exhaled a long, turbid breath and said, “I never expected your understanding of the Dao to be so profound. You’ve helped me rediscover my path. I’ll return to cultivate and accumulate spiritual power, preparing for Foundation Establishment. I’ll still participate in the sect competition, but only to test my strength; winning or losing doesn’t matter. The Fire Python Talisman, you can refine it; just give me a few when you’re done. The Spirit-Linking Technique is recorded on this jade slip; whether you obtain the fruit is up to your fortune. Also, each sect is sending a top disciple this time. Every three hundred years, the Spirit-Linking Fruit Tree bears a Spirit-Linking Fruit King; it can enhance even the most gifted cultivators. This time, there will surely be fierce battles and great danger. Brother, be cautious.”

With that, she gently handed Ge Qian a piece of beast skin and a jade slip. Their fingers brushed inadvertently, sending a ripple through Ge Qian’s heart as he stowed them in his storage pouch. Ying Xue’s cheeks were flushed, and an awkward silence fell between them.

Suddenly, Ying Xue soared skyward on her sword, leaving only a parting message: “Brother, make sure you survive and return—I still wish to discuss the Dao with you. You owe me a favor.” Her figure quickly vanished beyond the horizon.

Ge Qian exhaled deeply, casting aside his worries. Not only had he obtained the Fire Python Talisman, but he had also learned the secret of the Spirit-Linking Fruit in the Minor Dao Arena—a double harvest.

With his insights from the Dao-Robber Immortal and thorough study of Confucian classics, his understanding of the Dao surpassed even many Foundation Establishment cultivators; his spirit far outstripped his cultivation. To enlighten a Qi-Gathering stage cultivator like Ying Xue was effortless.

Though Ying Xue had delayed him somewhat, Ge Qian’s speed ensured he would reach Five Peaks City by tomorrow morning.

He mounted his flying sword and sped onward, determined to refine the Fire Python Talisman before the competition, so Ying Xue could walk the path of cultivation with greater confidence.

After half an hour of flight, he suddenly spotted a figure standing atop a distant mountain peak—tall and imposing, with the aura of a Qi-Gathering stage cultivator at its peak, dressed in the elite disciple robes of the Celestial Star Sect. With straight brows and a square face, hands clasped behind his back, he radiated authority and called out in a booming, undeniable voice, “Brother, come here—I have something to ask you!”

The thunderous voice, infused with spiritual power, could shake the mind and soul; most would risk falling from the sky upon hearing it, a testament to the man’s profound strength.

Yet Ge Qian simply let his spiritual power flow, his body unaffected. A sweep of his senses revealed the man to be Ye Feng, heir to the Ye family—upright and honest, with a good reputation.

Elite disciples held exalted status in the sect, far above ordinary disciples, and Ye Feng, as the Ye family’s heir, was certainly not someone to offend.

Ge Qian circled down and landed not far from Ye Feng.