Chapter 495: The Banquet Drama
Chapter 495: The Banquet Drama
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It matched!
Hua Jin narrowed her eyes and opened the "Divine Body Tempering Technique" to study carefully. At first, her expression remained neutral, but as she read further, she grew increasingly astonished.
The beginning of the book was ordinary, discussing basic cultivation methods—how to guide qi into the body, clear meridians, and use qi to temper the flesh—no different from common techniques.
But as she turned the pages, Hua Jin discovered hidden profundity between the lines of the manual's general principles.
"The path of body cultivation does not rely on external forces, but on one's own foundation," she murmured. "Three essences unified, with the root as priority. While all take heaven and earth's spiritual energy as their cultivation foundation, none realize the greatest energy source lies within oneself."
Hua Jin frowned slightly. This theory contradicted orthodox cultivation yet wasn't without merit.
Continuing, the book stated: "The Dao of all things follows cycles of growth and decay, life and death. What we call progress is merely taking from others to benefit ourselves."
Her fingertips trembled slightly.This passage superficially discussed cultivation philosophy but actually hinted at absorbing and refining others' vital essence for one's own use.
Further on, the technique described "resonance methods"—ostensibly about harmonizing with heaven and earth's spiritual energy, but in truth about how to use one's own qi to interfere with others' cultivation, causing them to unknowingly lose power.
"Through qi resonance and form-spirit harmony, others' strength can become your own. Cultivation was never about solitary perfection—taking one part of another's essence can advance oneself tenfold."
Though phrased obscurely, the ruthless nature was already apparent.
A cold sweat formed on Hua Jin's brow. The book also detailed how to conceal essence-absorbing techniques within ordinary body tempering methods, where the refined targets wouldn't even sense their essence being slowly drained.
"The Great Dao is ultimately simple—merely energy conversion. The distinction between righteous and evil is but a matter of perspective."
This passage reeked of sinister implications.
Fortunately, the manual's overall approach still leaned toward righteousness—the "others" to be refined and borrowed from weren't just fellow cultivators but included the Demon Race. As the general principles stated, there was "no distinction between righteous and evil," only differing standpoints. Using this technique against wicked heretics would be righteous; abusing it wantonly would be demonic.
After finishing the manual, Hua Jin still felt unsatisfied.
The general principles alone had shocked her, while the main content proved immensely beneficial.
Yet somehow, she felt the technique was incomplete, as if missing many parts.
One could cultivate following it, but it gave the frustrating sensation of scratching an itch through clothing—unsatisfying!
But there was no denying that Zhang Yibai, creator of the "Divine Body Tempering Technique," was truly talented.
What a coincidence—she'd just sent Wang Shouyi and Chen Huaian to invite Zhang Yibai.
"Elder Wang, what are your thoughts on this Divine Body Tempering Technique?"
Unable to read Hua Jin's impassive expression, Elder Wang answered honestly: "This disciple believes the technique doesn't conflict with our Kunlun Immortal Palace's cultivation methods. We could practice it to cultivate both internally and externally. Moreover, disciples lacking talent for cultivation would have better alternatives."
"You're right." Hua Jin nodded. "This humble one has already sent someone to invite the Wind Spirit Sect's leader. But... do you think he'd be willing to become Kunlun Immortal Palace's Honorary Elder?"
"This..." Elder Wang hesitated briefly.
Recruiting talent was Kunlun Immortal Palace's specialty; embracing all rivers was its founding principle.
But sects across the world flowed like ceaseless streams—not all were willing to merge into the ocean.
After all, joining the sea might grant vast waters, but one could no longer run freely through mountains and wilderness.
There were pros and cons.
"This disciple fears it's unlikely. The Wind Spirit Sect leader seems unruly—not one to submit to others."
A cold glint flashed in Hua Jin the True One's eyes as she flicked her sleeve. "Once he enters Kunlun Immortal Palace's great hall, whether he joins won't be his decision to make."
Elder Wang's eyes brightened, a smile tugging his lips as he hastily bowed. "Her Eminence is mighty!"
...
...
Kunlun Immortal Palace's great hall glittered magnificently, filled with immortal ambiance.
Hua Jin the True One sat imposingly at the head, snow-white robes pristine, her cold expression showing no trace of warmth.
"Sect Leader Zhang has arrived—" a disciple announced loudly.
Zhang Yibai strode confidently into the hall, meeting Hua Jin's gaze directly as he bowed neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Zhang Yibai of Wind Spirit Sect greets Hua Jin the True One."
From this greeting alone, Hua Jin knew Zhang Yibai would be troublesome.
While the world addressed her as "Her Eminence," Zhang Yibai called her "True One"—showing that despite being a full major realm weaker, he didn't consider himself inferior nor viewed her as some exalted senior.
No matter.
She wouldn't lose her temper over such trivialities.
Hua Jin's lips curled slightly: "I've long heard of Wind Spirit Sect's leader Zhang Yibai. Seeing you today, your extraordinary bearing lives up to the reputation."
"Heh, this old man just established his sect—where could you have 'long heard' of me?" Zhang Yibai snorted bluntly. "Why has the True One summoned me?"
Hua Jin stroked the jade slip in her hand: "I've studied your 'Divine Body Tempering Technique.' Its concepts are remarkably original—a rare masterpiece of our era."
Zhang Yibai raised an eyebrow: "The True One flatters me. It's but a minor technique, unworthy of your attention."
"Sect Leader Zhang is too modest." Hua Jin continued smiling. "This humble one wishes to invite you as Kunlun Immortal Palace's Honorary Elder, to guide our disciples in body cultivation."
Silence filled the hall.
Zhang Yibai stared momentarily before bursting into laughter: "Hua Jin the True One, forgive my bluntness—though Wind Spirit Sect is small, it has its own legacy. I, Zhang Yibai, have always gone my own way and dislike being constrained."
"Sect Leader Zhang misunderstands." Hua Jin's voice remained calm. "Honorary Elder isn't a constraint, but Kunlun's respect for talent. Our abundant resources could help advance your techniques further."
Zhang Yibai shook his head: "I appreciate the offer, but my aspirations lie elsewhere."
Seeing Zhang Yibai's unyielding stance, Hua Jin realized the old man wouldn't respond to soft approaches.
Time for hardness!
A cold glint flashed in her eyes: "If you join Kunlun, I can offer a True Pill to help you break through bottlenecks. We'll even make an exception allowing you to use the Ascension Pillar—such opportunities come once in millennia. Don't be ungrateful!"
"Unnecessary." Zhang Yibai refused outright.
Hua Jin's expression darkened: "Sect Leader Zhang, Kunlun Immortal Palace leads the righteous path. This invitation shows great face."
"Face?" Zhang Yibai crossed his arms, sneering. "You just covet my techniques! Hua Jin the True One, I've always followed my heart, unmoved by external temptations. I haven't hidden these techniques—hence releasing the first volume publicly—but whether I share them is my decision alone!"
Essentially, he was telling Hua Jin not to dictate his actions—or he'd turn hostile!
Seeing tensions escalate, Wang Shouyi hurried forward: "Sect Leader Zhang, Her Eminence means well. Please reconsider."
Zhang Yibai glanced at him: "What junior dares interrupt elders' discussion? Didn't get beaten enough that night?"
Wang Shouyi paled but persisted: "Sect Leader Zhang misunderstands—Her Eminence genuinely admires your talents."
"Enough!" Witnessing Wang Shouyi's humiliation, Hua Jin could no longer restrain her fury. She stood abruptly, the hall's pressure plummeting. "Zhang Yibai! You're merely a minor sect leader! I've invited you personally, yet you're so ungrateful!"
Zhang Yibai showed no fear, stepping forward instead: "Hua Jin the True One, who do you think you are? All cultivators can establish their own sects—why must we submit to others? I, Zhang Yibai, would rather be a rooster's head than a phoenix's tail!"
Hua Jin's mana surged around her, murderous intent blazing: "Do you know how many beg for this opportunity you spurn?"
"Their choice has nothing to do with me!" Zhang Yibai glared back, hand resting on his door-sized iron hammer—a weapon crafted to conceal his identity.
After all, hammers could sometimes be used similarly to swords.
With Zhang Yibai yielding to neither soft nor hard approaches, Hua Jin's expression shifted unpredictably as the hall's atmosphere grew taut with tension.
She could kill Zhang Yibai but was reluctant—he was rare talent.
Yet not killing left her in a dilemma.
As Kunlun Immortal Palace's exalted leader, she couldn't simply back down.
At this critical moment,
Chen Huaian stepped forth from the crowd with a smile.
"Her Eminence, perhaps let me speak with Sect Leader Zhang?"
Positioning himself between them, he bowed: "I'm skilled in alchemy and notice Sect Leader Zhang bears hidden injuries. Perhaps resolving these might make him reconsider your proposal?"
The "white face" act was done.
Through peripheral vision, Chen Huaian quietly observed Hua Jin's expression.
Now... it was time for the "red face" performance.
...