Chapter Sixty-Two: Withdrawal

“There was no extraordinary encounter, just that when the opportunity arrived, everything naturally fell into place.” Yi An reflected for a moment; his breakthrough to the Returning Origin Realm had indeed been a matter of course. If anything set him apart, it was his relentless cycle of exhausting true energy and replenishing it anew, over and over. This repetition had certainly hastened the condensation of his true essence.

Xuan Yangzi paused, seeing that Yi An did not wish to elaborate, and could only sigh inwardly.

The method that quickened the transformation of true essence within the body was something he coveted deeply. Yet, such methods were not to be lightly shared. For a cultivator, every technique was a closely guarded secret, a precious inheritance. Sectarian pride and self-reliance were ingrained deeply among cultivators. Even knowing these attitudes hindered the broader development of their community, people remained selfish; with no blood ties or obligation, why should anyone share their methods?

Even among family, enmity could arise over such secrets.

The lure of immortality, the promise of transcending life and death, tempted countless souls to fight bitterly, even at the cost of their lives.

A human life, but several decades long, is full of limitations. Rather than timidly scraping by, many would rather risk everything.

An ancient saying goes: Only those with deep fortune may obtain the secret methods.

In their view, how could one know if one had such fortune without striving for it?

If successful, one is favored by destiny; if not, one is simply unlucky.

This was the true mindset of most people. If one lacks even this much courage, how could one ever seek the path to immortality?

“My young friend, in these past few days, how much mastery have you gained over the Five Elements Dao techniques?” Xuan Yangzi, having suffered a blow in matters of cultivation, seemed eager to regain some confidence in the realm of techniques, so he asked.

“These days, I have been diligently practicing the Earth Escape and Water Evasion arts, and have achieved some preliminary results, though nothing yet worth boasting about.” Yi An answered honestly. In his view, profound techniques should be those capable of traversing heaven and earth, splitting mountains and stirring seas. The Five Elements Dao techniques, no matter how deeply refined, were but minor arts, a foundation to prepare for greater skills to come.

Xuan Yangzi’s spirits lifted at once, and he smiled, “Why not demonstrate for me? Though I dare not claim great mastery, I have devoted years to this path and may offer some unique insights.”

“Thank you, then, for your guidance.” Yi An was not arrogant. Though he possessed broad knowledge, this was his first time truly cultivating, and he lacked practical experience. Even if Five Elements Dao techniques were but entry-level arts, they still held mysteries not to be underestimated.

“Well said, well said,” replied Xuan Yangzi amiably.

If he did not regain some dignity soon, his Dao heart would truly waver.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yi An’s figure flashed and transformed into a stream of light, slipping underground toward the east.

Not to be outdone, Xuan Yangzi followed, likewise becoming a stream of light.

The two soon arrived beyond the city walls, and Xuan Yangzi felt somewhat bewildered.

“This boy’s true essence is deep indeed. Even his Earth Escape is perfected to an extraordinary degree. At this rate, he’ll soon surpass me,” Xuan Yangzi muttered, genuinely stunned.

Just days ago, Yi An had only begun his training. Had he not witnessed it himself, Xuan Yangzi would never have believed this was the result of mere days of practice.

If word spread, it would surely dishearten many who considered themselves prodigies.

No, perhaps they would refuse to believe it altogether.

For ordinary cultivators—including himself—a year or so to reach this level would have been cause for pride.

“Daoist, how is my Earth Escape technique?” Yi An revealed himself, seeing Xuan Yangzi had followed, and smiled.

“It’s quite good,” Xuan Yangzi forced a laugh, silently vowing never to bring up such matters again. This was nothing but courting discomfort; not only had he failed to regain confidence, he had been dealt another blow.

“Then, Daoist, please observe my Water Evasion technique.” In truth, compared to Earth Escape, he had mastered Water Evasion to an even greater degree. His days in the Eastern Sea had been ideal for training, and with the guidance of the Turtle Minister—even just a few words—they had been invaluable. When it came to water arts, none could rival the aquatic clans.

“Very well, I shall look forward to it,” Xuan Yangzi replied, his eyes regaining some brightness.

Among the Five Elements Dao techniques, Earth Escape was simpler than Water Evasion or Fire Control. Yi An’s talent was already remarkable; mastering Earth Escape could be explained. But Water Evasion was different—humans inherently lacked affinity for water arts. For everyone, water techniques were a daunting threshold. Yi An could not possibly achieve much in such a short time.

To demonstrate Water Evasion, Yi An went directly underground to the city moat. As for the Qiantang River, he dared not approach it; who knew if the dragon clan’s spies were lurking there?

If he went, it would be courting disaster.

Even knowing the risk was small, Yi An would not take the chance. He would lay low for now, wait a decade or so for the dragon clan’s memory to fade, and then venture onto their territory.

One innate treasure, one acquired treasure—he did not believe the dragons would let it go. Even the lofty immortals of old rarely possessed such treasures.

They knew nothing of the Azure Lotus Banner, but the Ten Thousand Dragons Armor was one of Ao Guang’s few prized possessions. From the pained expression on Ao Guang’s face earlier, Yi An could easily deduce that the armor’s importance was greater than he had imagined.

As Yi An’s figure gradually entered the moat, Xuan Yangzi followed closely; only by staying right behind him could he accurately assess Yi An’s mastery of Water Evasion.

Where Xuan Yangzi passed, the water parted, though not without leaving some ripples—he could not achieve utter silence. Among humans, few could reach his level. He glanced at Yi An beside him and smiled, “We humans have an inherent disadvantage with water arts, so as long as one has dabbled—”

He did not finish. His words abruptly ceased, his face suddenly stricken with terror as if he had encountered something truly dreadful, and he swallowed his unfinished sentence.