Volume 1, Chapter 14: A Friendly Guest (Part One)

The night was cool and tranquil. The stars sparkled in the sky, and Anyi lay beneath the night sky like a resting beast, quietly coiled and at ease.

Visible to the naked eye, layers of thick starlight descended from the sky, with such pure and dense spiritual energy that it was almost unbelievable. The different colors of starlight illuminated the stone-built pavilions and towers of Anyi, making them glow brightly. Vapor rose from the ground, forming a light blue mist that enveloped the buildings, making Anyi resemble a glowing giant beast swaying in the mist.

In a distant corner of Anyi, lights shone brightly, and the sounds of people filled the air. From the high tower of the Xingtian family, specifically designed for entertaining guests, one could see that the lights over there outshone even the stars in the sky. The faint sounds of silk and bamboo, drums and bells drifted over, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Xiahou and Bai absorbed the abundant external spiritual energy, their pores wide open. Earth elemental energy flowed into Xiahou, while Geng Metal energy flowed into Bai. A yellow glow and a white glow intertwined, with Earth and Metal energies nourishing each other, bringing great benefits to both. Xiahou's dantian, shaken earlier in the day, had not only recovered but also grown stronger. Meanwhile, Bai had expelled a fist-sized white orb from his mouth, floating in the spiritual light, as Bai's core was on the verge of forming.

"Xuanwu True Understanding, Ninth Turn! Transform into Xuanwu, embody the spirit of Xuanwu, with a body as resilient as the earth, indestructible and invincible," Xiahou recited the Xuanwu True Understanding mantra, recalling the teachings of his instructors about the highest level of Xuanwu True Understanding. Achieving the ninth turn would mean merging with the earth, gaining immense strength, and becoming nearly indestructible, the ultimate defensive technique among the Four Symbols True Understanding.

"If the spiritual energy in Anyi is always this strong, I could reach the ninth turn in just a year, a level I never achieved in my past life," Xiahou thought, taking a deep breath and swallowing a mass of pure yellow energy, which immediately integrated into his core. His divine power spread out like a vast net, drawing in the surrounding Earth elemental energy and continuously refining his spiritual power.

"The layout of Anyi is peculiar, resembling a massive formation for gathering spiritual energy. The core is in the palace, and the key elements are in the city walls and the three rivers outside. Truly a magnificent formation that captures the essence of heaven and earth," Xiahou marveled at the ancient masters who created such a formation. "The spiritual energy here is a hundred times richer than in the wilderness, and Yunmengze's spiritual energy is a hundred times richer than Earth in my past life. No wonder my cultivation is progressing so rapidly."

"If this world also has cultivators, their prowess must be unimaginable. Unfortunately, I haven't learned the incantation for the Xuanwu Transformation that follows the ninth turn of Xuanwu True Understanding. Otherwise, I might reach the legendary level of an immortal here."

"Xuanwu Transformation... Xuanwu True Understanding is just the initial practice for refining the core. Xuanwu Transformation is the pinnacle, breaking the core to form the nascent soul, solidifying the primordial spirit, and ascending to immortality. But my instructors never anticipated that I would end up in another world with spiritual energy far denser than Earth."

As Xiahou continued to voraciously absorb the surrounding Earth elemental energy, he steeled himself. "Without the power of an immortal, I can't tear through the void to find my way back. Legends say immortals can travel the stars, but there's no mention of core-refined Daoists doing the same. I must forge my own path."

"Even if it means risking madness, so be it. With such abundant spiritual energy, as long as my vitality remains, I can recover in half a year."

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from below, and a familiar voice laughed, "Young brother from the Chi family, I, Xingtian Dafeng, have arrived. Your divine power has become even more robust."

In a flash of red light, Xingtian Dafeng, clad in black armor, leapt to the rooftop. Seeing the massive yellow vortex above Xiahou's brow, Xingtian Dafeng exclaimed, "Impressive! Not only is your divine power strong, but your talent is remarkable. Your potential hasn't been fully realized yet."

Bai blinked and swallowed his nearly-formed core, then jumped up, baring his teeth at Xingtian Dafeng, warning him not to come closer.

Xingtian Dafeng laughed heartily, his eyes filled with delight. "A pixiu on the verge of becoming a spirit beast? Wonderful! That fool Xiangliu Laoliu said he wanted to nurture you into a spirit beast, and I see you're almost there." Transforming from an ordinary pixiu into a spirit beast with a core is a significant leap in nature, enhancing combat power and intelligence a hundredfold. With his core, Bai could be equivalent to several high-level warriors, much to Xingtian Dafeng's joy.

Xiahou also stopped his cultivation, took a deep breath, and the two yellow flames in his eyes flickered. His muscles, glowing faintly yellow, rippled and hardened like steel, exuding power and intimidation. He stood up, his joints crackling, and saluted Xingtian Dafeng, "Brother Xingtian, Chi Hu, er, Baolong is here as promised."

Xingtian Dafeng grinned, extending a hand to bump fists with Xiahou. "Chi Hu Baolong, what a fierce name. But in Anyi, it's a bit too uncouth. We'll find some scholars to give you a more refined name later." He pointed to Bai and said, "This pixiu, is it...?"

Xiahou pulled Bai close, who affectionately patted his shoulder with a paw. "Bai has been my companion since childhood. He sees me as his father. Is it okay to bring a fierce beast into Anyi?"

Xingtian Dafeng's eyes flashed with a cold light. "Don't mind Xiangliu Laoliu's nonsense. Even if our Xingtian family brought a pack of armored dragons and golden-furred hounds into the city to kill, could the authorities stop us?"

With those words, Xingtian Dafeng effectively included Xiahou in his family. He warmly took Xiahou's arm and led him down the building. "Chi Hu, I've felt a kinship with you since we met four years ago. I knew you'd grow into an extraordinary hero. Today confirms it. How about becoming a guest of the Xingtian family?"

"A guest?" Xiahou asked, puzzled.

Xingtian Aolong stepped forward and explained, "A guest is an extraordinary person invited by a noble family, joining under an external name. They hold a special status, treated as friends and allies. In times of need, they help each other."

"So, like the retainers of old? Perhaps with some differences. But not something strange like a slave, right?" Xiahou mused. He nodded and said, "I don't fully understand what being a guest means, but if Xingtian Dafeng is my friend, I'll help you with whatever you need, without hesitation."

Xingtian Dafeng, Xingtian Aolong, and Xingtian Pan, who had just walked in, all clapped and laughed, their faces beaming with joy. Xingtian Dafeng shouted, "Excellent! Today, our Xingtian family has gained another hero. Kids, take off your armor. Let's enjoy ourselves at the West Market. Chi Hu, you'll see how our wine compares to yours."

It was already past midnight, yet they called it early. Xiahou shook his head but still expressed his concern, "My divine power is weak, barely able to contend with even Xiangliu Rou. I fear I'll let you down, Brother Xingtian."

Xingtian Pan laughed weakly, "No matter. Chi Hu's weak divine power is due to the low-level spells you've learned. The highest rank in your tribe's shamans is five, right? Our Xingtian family has ancient divine spells. Training with them will quickly boost your power."

Xingtian Aolong nodded, "Chi Hu, at sixteen, you already have the strength of a near-ninth-rank warrior. You're already outstanding. With higher-level spells, you could reach the first cauldron in a few years."

"A first-cauldron warrior?" Xiahou glanced at the three Xingtian brothers' insignias, realizing a three-legged cauldron symbolized this rank. It was clearly a higher tier than the ninth rank.

Reflecting on his Xuanwu True Understanding, at the highest level of the eighth turn, barely reaching the ninth rank, Xiahou was astonished. What kind of power did the highest rank, the ninth cauldron, possess? Could it really be the legendary earth-shattering strength?

The four of them prepared, taking Bai and dozens of black-armored guards, sneaking to Xingtian's west gate. Xingtian Pan, unusually cautious, whispered, "Be careful not to get caught by that girl. Why does she always catch us when we go to the West Market?"

A cold but melodious voice called out, "Looks like it's the same this time! Why don't you ever call me when you go to the West Market?"

A stunning beauty stood before them.

With a face like autumn water, skin like creamy jade, and lips that made Xiahou want to kiss, her large eyes glowed with mysterious purple light.

Xingtian Dafeng chuckled, squinting his eyes and scratching his ear as he grinned. "Huaying, can you not cause trouble for us?"

Xiahou was startled to see that the emblem on the girl's chest bore two three-legged cauldrons, explaining why Xingtian Dafeng and his brothers were so helpless against her. By the standards of the Nine Levels of Barbarian Wu Warriors, the combined strength of the Xingtian brothers was still no match for this girl. Surely, such a delicate girl couldn't be a Wu Warrior, could she? Xiahou silently prayed that she was just a shaman, as a beautiful girl wielding weapons would indeed spoil the scenery.

Xingtian Huaying coldly glanced at Xiahou, and he felt a chill in his heart, as if his body had been pierced by lasers, leaving countless transparent holes under her gaze. Although she was much smaller in stature compared to Xiahou, he had no doubt that a hundred of him wouldn't be a match for her.

"Is this new friend of the Chi family like a serrated ape?" Xingtian Huaying leaned lazily against a column in the corridor and asked coldly.

Xingtian Aolong laughed, nodding repeatedly. "Little sister, you're quite smart. This is Chi Hu Baolong, our newly invited friend. Oh, and he's a year younger than you, but he's already close to the ninth level of Wu Warrior, quite impressive."

Xiahou was stunned. How could this girl be only seventeen and yet more powerful than Xingtian Dafeng and his brothers?

Xingtian Huaying scrutinized Xiahou for a long time before finally nodding. "Understood. The family's friends only listen to grandfather and the elders. You want someone to help you, but you can't do it yourselves. Now you've recruited this friend to show off in front of the Xiangliu, Shengong, Kuafu, and Fangfeng families and perhaps to bolster the reputation of your Heiyan Army?"

Xingtian Dafeng laughed dryly, "Little sister, you're too sharp, but yes, that's the plan."

Xiahou felt a growing respect for Xingtian Dafeng. A friend or retainer is essentially someone to be used, but Xingtian Dafeng's candid admission was far better than those who cloak their intentions in false camaraderie.

Xingtian Huaying pondered for a moment, then smirked. "So, you're going to the West Market tonight to stir up trouble? How could I miss such excitement?"

Xingtian Dafeng frowned and huffed, "The West Market is no place for you. We don't want to get scolded by the elders again. If you want to go, take your own people."

Xingtian Huaying's eyes sparkled as she glanced at Xiahou, then sneered, "Fine, I won't go. But why so fierce? Interesting, you've found a promising Wu Warrior. It seems Anyi will be even more chaotic with your antics. Brother, I warn you, if you mess up like last time when you almost killed Xiangliu's youngest, grandfather might really lock you in the fiery cauldron for three years."

After a long, stern look at Xiahou, Xingtian Huaying coldly advised, "Chi Hu of the Chi family, don't get involved in my brother's nonsense. Being a Heiyan Guard and a Bear Army Marquess, yet behaving like frivolous nobles is not a good thing for Anyi's noble families."

Xiahou bowed slightly, "Thank you for the advice, Miss. However, I owe a debt of gratitude to Brother Xingtian. If he needs anything, I will comply without hesitation."

The Xingtian brothers smiled broadly, while Huaying curled her lip in disdain. "Interesting words, 'a man dies for his confidant,' but you just met them today. How can you claim such loyalty?" She eyed Xiahou again, "Sixteen years old and built like an ox, how can you be so foolish?"

A mist seemed to rise around Huaying, and with a slight lift of her sleeve, she vanished.

Xingtian Pan grabbed Aolong's sleeve, wiping his forehead dramatically, and wailed, "Brother, if you don't rein in our little sister, how can we live? Why are we always the ones being scolded?"

Xingtian Dafeng rolled his eyes and snapped, "Then beat her? Didn't she say, the brother who can defeat her will command her?"

Xingtian Pan fell silent, then muttered, "A top-tier one cauldron Wu Warrior against a top-tier two cauldron Shaman. She can fling me from Anyi to Dongshan with a mere thought, how can I fight her? Our elders are so biased."

Xingtian Aolong sighed and shook his head without saying a word. Xingtian Dafeng smiled bitterly at Xiahou, "My sister is a bit unreasonable, don't mind her. Luckily, she didn't insist on coming to the West Market. We've avoided much trouble. Thank the ancestors for this bit of luck."

The West Market? Why can't women go? Is it a brothel? Judging by the brothers' reactions, it seemed likely. Xiahou smiled wryly. He had always avoided such places in his past life, but it seemed he was about to break that streak. Given Huaying's words, his role as a guest seemed to also involve being a bodyguard, and such places were bound to bring trouble.

"Well, since I'm here, I'll go with the flow. I don't belong to this world, so I might as well enjoy the ride," Xiahou thought, feeling at ease. Whether as a bodyguard or lackey, he planned to leave eventually, so he might as well treat it as an interesting journey. Enjoying life freely and naturally suited the Daoist way after all.