Morning sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, scattering pale gold across the stone path. Lin Fei walked in silence, hands clasped behind his back, his steps steady and unhurried.
The Heaven‑Falling Seal stirred faintly within his soul, revealing its ancient script:
Name: Lin Fei
Age: 18
Qi Path: Qi Condensation — Third Stage
Body Path: Saint Demonic Body — Second Layer (Forming)
Bloodline: Dao Dragon Physique (Dormant)
Lineage Strength: Four Pulses (Gestation)
The characters faded like mist returning to the mountain.
Lin Fei exhaled softly.
His qi cultivation rose slowly — the limit of a ninth‑rank spirit root.
But even this "slow" pace was faster than ordinary cultivators, because his physique cultivation constantly reshaped him:
- his meridians widened
- his qi channels thickened
- his dantian grew denser
- his blood carried a faint draconic resonance
The Saint Demonic Body demanded resources and tempering that most cultivators could not endure.
But for Lin Fei, it was natural.
His physique was the foundation.
His qi followed behind like a shadow.
---
The Talisman Pavilion stood at the heart of the Lin estate, its roof adorned with silver runes that shimmered faintly in the morning light. The air smelled of ink, cinnabar, and faint spiritual energy.
Two figures waited at the entrance.
Lin Fei slowed his steps.
The first woman stood straight as a sword, white robes embroidered with silver talisman patterns. Her hair was tied with a jade clasp, her expression calm, composed, and distant — like a cold moon reflected on still water.
Lin Qingxue.
The Fairy of Qingzhu Mountain.
Beside her stood a younger girl, arms crossed, eyes sharp and restless. Her posture was proud, her gaze direct, her expression carrying a faint irritation — like a spark waiting for wind.
Lin Qingyu.
Her younger sister.
Lin Fei stopped a few steps away.
Qingyu clicked her tongue softly.
"So this is the Lin Family's son‑in‑law."
Her tone carried challenge, curiosity, and a hint of disdain.
Lin Fei's gaze swept over them calmly.
Qingxue's qi was steady, refined, controlled.
Qingyu's qi was fiery, lively, slightly unstable — but strong.
Lin Fei inclined his head slightly.
"Eldest Miss. Second Miss."
Qingxue returned the gesture with a composed bow.
"Lin Fei. Thank you for coming."
Lin Fei replied, voice calm:
"The Patriarch asked me to learn. I will not waste your time."
Qingyu muttered, not quietly enough:
"Hmph. We'll see if you can even hold a brush."
Lin Fei turned his gaze toward her.
"If I cannot, you may laugh freely."
Qingyu blinked, caught off guard.
"You—! I didn't say—"
Qingxue raised a hand.
"Enough. Let us begin."
---
Sunlight filtered through tall windows, illuminating rows of talisman racks and shelves filled with ancient scrolls. The air was thick with the scent of cinnabar and old paper.
Qingxue prepared a simple setup:
- low‑grade talisman paper
- a beginner's brush
- basic cinnabar ink
She spoke calmly.
"We will begin with the simplest form — a Low‑Grade Spirit Gathering Talisman.
Follow my strokes. Do not rush."
She demonstrated slowly, each stroke precise and controlled.
Her qi flowed steadily into the brush, forming a clean, stable pattern.
Qingyu smirked.
"Let's see if the son‑in‑law can even copy that."
Qingxue stepped back.
"Your turn."
Lin Fei picked up the brush.
He spoke quietly:
"I will try."
Qingyu scoffed.
"Try? You sound like you're preparing to fail."
Lin Fei ignored her.
His hand moved.
Smooth.
Steady.
Effortless.
The cinnabar flowed like water under moonlight.
Qingyu's smirk froze.
"…Huh?"
Qingxue's eyes narrowed slightly.
Lin Fei finished the talisman in a single breath.
The paper glowed.
Not faintly.
Not weakly.
But with a clean, stable radiance that surpassed Qingxue's demonstration.
Qingyu's jaw dropped.
"W‑wait— that's— that's not possible! You— you're a beginner!"
Lin Fei set the brush down.
"I followed the pattern."
Qingyu pointed at him.
"You—! Don't speak like it's nothing!"
Qingxue stepped forward, examining the talisman closely.
Her calm expression cracked.
"This… is flawless."
Lin Fei remained silent.
Inside—
*This is nothing.
In my past life, I drew talismans that could shatter mountains.*
---
Qingxue composed herself.
"Again."
She placed a fresh sheet of talisman paper before him.
Lin Fei nodded.
He drew.
This time, the cinnabar lines vibrated faintly.
The glow stabilized instantly.
The qi pattern was so clean it resembled a mid‑grade talisman.
Qingyu staggered back.
"Elder Sister—! He's— he's not normal!"
Lin Fei spoke calmly.
"I only followed the pattern."
Qingyu snapped.
"Stop saying that! No beginner can do this!"
Qingxue's eyes sharpened.
"Lin Fei… who taught you?"
"No one."
Qingyu exploded.
"Liar! You're hiding your strength!"
Lin Fei's voice remained calm.
"I have no reason to hide."
Qingxue's fingers tightened around her sleeve.
"You drew a talisman beyond low‑grade stability.
Even I cannot achieve this level without preparation."
Lin Fei met her gaze.
"Perhaps I was fortunate."
Qingyu nearly screamed.
"FORTUNE?! That's not fortune, that's— that's— cheating!"
Qingxue exhaled slowly.
"Enough."
She looked at Lin Fei again, her expression unreadable.
"We will continue another day."
---
Qingyu stormed out of the pavilion.
"I'm telling Father! This son‑in‑law is hiding something!"
Her voice echoed down the corridor.
Qingxue remained still, her gaze fixed on Lin Fei.
"You are difficult to understand," she said quietly.
Lin Fei replied:
"I am only doing what I can."
Qingxue studied him for a long moment.
Then she turned away.
"We will speak again soon."
---
As Lin Fei left the pavilion, the bamboo rustled softly around him.
Inside—
The Lin Family is beginning to see.
The Shui Family is beginning to move.
The mountain is beginning to shift.
He looked toward the horizon.
Let them come.
The Saint Demonic Body pulsed quietly beneath his skin.
The Dao Dragon Physique slept in his blood.
A quiet storm continued to rise.