Chapter Seventeen: The Thoughts of Chu Yao at the South Gate

However, he did not stop there. He continued to circulate the “Chaos God and Demon Technique,” beginning to practice the first part of the divine art—the Condensation of Divine Thought. The divine art of refining the spirit emphasizes guiding with divine thought, condensing an intangible force of divine will that can both attack foes and protect the body.

The essence of refining the spirit lies chiefly in cultivating the soul. The power of the soul is profoundly mysterious, capable even of glimpsing the secrets of heaven and earth. Although Bai Jingyan had not previously focused on soul cultivation, he understood that the strength of one’s soul was crucial for any cultivator.

“Condensing divine thought is merely the foundation of the divine art. The true essence lies in distilling the soul’s power to perfection, even to the point of manifesting it into a soul clone,” Bai Jingyan murmured softly, the key principles of the art unfolding vividly in his mind.

He drew a deep breath, his consciousness sinking into his sea of awareness, and began to attempt condensing his divine thought into an invisible blade. The divine thought blade hovered within his awareness—razor-sharp, able to effortlessly slice through spiritual barriers. Yet, this was only the initial step of the technique.

“Next comes the refinement of soul power...” Bai Jingyan whispered, focusing his mind as the divine thought within his sea of awareness slowly coalesced into an invisible vortex. At the vortex’s center, strands of divine thought were compressed and refined until they formed a crystal-clear soul core.

The moment the soul core took shape, Bai Jingyan felt a surge of overwhelming energy bursting forth from his sea of awareness, rapidly spreading throughout his body. His soul power experienced a qualitative leap, allowing him to keenly sense every subtle breeze and rustle around him.

“So this is the true might of soul power,” Bai Jingyan thought with quiet delight, realizing that his soul had ascended to a new realm.

Yet he did not cease but continued circulating the divine technique, attempting to condense his soul power into an invisible barrier. This soul barrier could not only defend against enemies’ divine thought assaults but also protect his sea of awareness at critical moments, guarding his soul from harm.

“Condense!” Bai Jingyan called out softly, and his soul power swiftly solidified into an invisible shield that enveloped his sea of awareness. He tested its resilience and found it remarkably tough, capable of easily withstanding divine thought attacks from cultivators of the same level.

“The divine art of refining the spirit is truly profound,” Bai Jingyan thought with satisfaction, knowing his soul power had greatly improved.

“Since the divine art has brought such progress...”

As he spoke, a faint black mist slowly rose from the palm of his left hand, writhing in the air like a slender serpent.

The Chaos Technique’s cultivation method emphasizes using the chaotic qi as a guide, merging the forces of heaven and earth to unleash power far beyond one’s own realm. However, chaotic qi is wild and uncontrollable; a slight misstep could cause it to backfire. Bai Jingyan had previously been blasted away and nearly seriously injured due to poor control of this chaotic energy during practice.

“Chaos qi is indeed difficult to master...” Bai Jingyan murmured, his gaze fixed intently on the black mist in his palm. Though it appeared faint, the energy it contained was terrifying, as if capable of devouring all in its path.

He inhaled deeply and sank his consciousness inward, beginning to guide the chaotic qi. Under his control, the black mist slowly spun, and the surrounding air seemed pulled and distorted by an invisible force.

“Condense!” Bai Jingyan commanded softly. The black mist suddenly contracted, condensing into a black orb no larger than a thumb. Its surface was etched with intricate patterns, as though harboring endless mysteries.

Yet just as he thought he had succeeded, the black orb began to tremble violently, energy surging frantically into it. Bai Jingyan’s heart tightened as he rapidly circulated spiritual power to stabilize it. But the shaking intensified until the orb exploded with a deafening roar.

Boom!

A powerful burst of energy erupted from the orb, blasting Bai Jingyan backward. He crashed heavily against the wall before collapsing to the ground, blood spurting from his mouth.

“Cough... cough...” Bai Jingyan struggled to rise, wiping blood from his lips, a trace of helplessness and wry smile flickering in his eyes. “As expected, chaos qi isn’t so easily controlled.”

“Fortunately, everyone is in the training arena. Otherwise, such a commotion might have aroused suspicion.”

He gave a bitter smile. This Chaos Technique was clearly beyond his current grasp, but if mastered, it would undoubtedly become a formidable hidden weapon in battle.

Time passed moment by moment, and Bai Jingyan’s cultivation steadily solidified. As his understanding of chaotic qi deepened, the black mist in his palm gradually stabilized. It no longer exploded easily but instead moved fluidly with his will, absorbing energy from the surroundings.

“Chaos qi has finally stabilized...” Bai Jingyan whispered, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes. He knew he had grasped the essence of the Chaos Technique for the time being.

Yet he did not stop but continued practicing the divine art. Refining the spirit through divine thought, condensing the invisible force of divine will. Though Bai Jingyan had not yet specialized in soul cultivation, he knew the soul’s strength was vital for cultivators.

He closed his eyes, sinking his consciousness into his sea of awareness. Within the sea, chaos reigned, with only his divine thought shimmering like distant stars. Following the divine art’s guidance, he slowly condensed his divine thought into an invisible blade.

“Condense!” Bai Jingyan whispered sharply, and the divine thought blade instantly took form, hovering within his sea of awareness. He manipulated the blade, marveling at its sharpness and its ability to easily cut through spiritual barriers.

“Condensing divine thought is truly profound,” Bai Jingyan thought with quiet delight.

“Condensing divine thought is truly profound,” Bai Jingyan repeated inwardly, knowing his divine thought power had reached a new level.

Just as he prepared to continue his practice, faint footsteps sounded outside the door. Bai Jingyan swiftly withdrew his energy and opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as he looked toward the entrance.

“Knock, knock, knock—” came the tapping, followed by a familiar voice: “Brother Jingyan, are you there?”

It was Chu Yao from the South Gate.

Bai Jingyan furrowed his brow slightly, quickly adjusting his breath before rising to open the door.

Chu Yao stood outside, smiling gently. “You must be tired from your practice. I brought some snacks for you.”

Bai Jingyan accepted the food box, his tone calm. “It’s nothing—just a bit weary from training.”

Chu Yao glanced at him, seeming hesitant but eventually speaking softly. “Brother Jingyan, we’ve known each other for so long. If you have anything on your mind, you can talk to me.”

Bai Jingyan’s eyes flickered, a trace of caution stirring within. He knew Chu Yao was perceptive and might have noticed something. After a moment’s thought, he cautiously asked, “Yao Yao, what do you think of the Star Feather Sect?”

Chu Yao was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting the sudden topic. She pondered for a moment before replying quietly, “Though the Star Feather Sect is affiliated with the royal family, their actions have grown increasingly arrogant in recent years—even somewhat reckless. Brother Jingyan, why do you ask?”

Bai Jingyan smiled faintly, his tone casual. “Just making conversation. After all, the Star Feather Sect holds considerable influence within the Martial Marquis State. As outer disciples, we should remain vigilant.”

Chu Yao nodded but the confusion in her eyes lingered. She looked at Bai Jingyan and suddenly said, “Brother Jingyan, I’ve always felt... you seem to pay special attention to the Star Feather Sect. Have you... discovered something?”