Chapter Sixty-One: The Art of Escape

Three years had passed, and yet her cultivation remained at the fourth level of Qi Refinement; she had not managed to break through to the fifth. Yet He Song’s cultivation had already surpassed hers, reaching the fifth level.

What did this signify?

It meant that He Song had managed to break through from the fourth to the fifth level of Qi Refinement in just three short years—a speed of advancement that made a strange light flicker in Bing’er’s eyes.

To improve so swiftly in cultivation… Was the “mundane entanglements” he mentioned in his letter a reference to frantically earning spirit stones? Thinking about it this way, it seemed to make sense.

Imagining the “hardships” He Song must have endured over these three years, Bing’er’s faint dissatisfaction vanished entirely, replaced by a subtle joy.

Three years… Three years of intense cultivation. She herself would have been utterly exhausted, body and soul. And yet, He Song still remembered the promise he made to her three years ago, going so far as to invite her to meet him at the Hundred Flowers Teahouse. Clearly, she had not misjudged his character.

“My apologies, Daoist friend. For the past three years I have been beset by worldly affairs, which demanded much of my attention. I hope you won’t hold it against me,” He Song said as he placed a freshly brewed cup of tea before Bing’er, bowing slightly in apology.

“Mundane entanglements”—of course, it was merely an excuse. After three years apart, he needed to give Bing’er a reason, a way to gracefully move past the matter. Such words would also ease any resentment in Bing’er’s heart.

After all, He Song had not deliberately avoided her; he had simply been helplessly caught up in affairs beyond his control. Only now could he finally extend an invitation, thus keeping his promise.

“It’s nothing,” Bing’er replied, taking in the delicate aroma of the tea. She picked up the cup, sipped lightly, and shook her head. “Though I didn’t receive your invitation these past three years, I suffered no loss. Now that you have invited me, how could I take offense?”

Noticing He Song’s cultivation had already reached the fifth level of Qi Refinement, Bing’er could already imagine the effort he must have expended in these three years. Breaking through in so short a time surely took a heavy toll on him. Forgetting their meeting for a while was understandable.

Now that he had finally reached out, her purpose in befriending him was achieved. There was no need to say anything further.

Seeing this, He Song realized that Bing’er harbored no ill will.

Thus, with He Song intent on probing her and Bing’er eager to form a connection, their conversation soon became harmonious. As they enjoyed their discussion, both felt their relationship draw closer.

When the tea in the pot had been drained and the time seemed right, He Song recalled the true reason for his invitation.

“Daoist Bing’er, as you work at the Hall of Spiritual Arts, may I ask if you know of any techniques there for swift escape?” He Song inquired with a respectful bow.

Having just set up a Concealing Array, He Song now indeed needed such a technique. Only with an art that allowed for rapid flight could he begin the next phase of his plan. With the Concealing and Spirit-Gathering Arrays in place, all that remained was to set up a Five Elements Array, and he would be able to cultivate his own spiritual field outside the immortal market.

Before the Five Elements Array was complete, He Song had to make all necessary preparations for opening the field. Only in this way could he establish his own spiritual land as quickly as possible once the array was laid, rather than scrambling at the last minute.

The question he now posed was the real reason for inviting Bing’er. Were it not for this, he might not have thought of her again for another three years.

“Techniques for swift escape? There are a few; let me think,” Bing’er replied, adopting a thoughtful pose. But soon she spoke again.

“The first is the Lightfoot Art of Mount Lian—a middle-grade technique, faster than the basic Lightfoot Art, essential for long journeys or fleeing for one’s life. It costs fifty spirit stones.”

“The second is the Earth Escape Technique, a high-grade art that allows the user to dive underground and travel rapidly beneath the earth. However, it is vulnerable to the Earthquake Art. This one costs a hundred spirit stones.”

“The third—” She paused, then continued, “All these techniques are in the Hall of Spiritual Arts. If you’re interested, you can come with me.”

Although she managed the Hall of Spiritual Arts, she couldn’t take these techniques out of the hall—each jade slip containing them was crafted by Foundation Establishment experts and was exceedingly valuable, equivalent to their personal service. If one were lost, even she would not escape blame. Thus, she had to insist that He Song accompany her back to the hall to discuss further.

“In that case, I will go with you,” He Song agreed, and together they left the Hundred Flowers Teahouse.

Soon, they arrived at the Hall of Spiritual Arts.

Within the Hall’s Distinguished Guests’ Lounge, Bing’er brewed a pot of spiritual tea for He Song before excusing herself to retrieve the jade slips he sought. He Song poured himself a cup and took a sip. Instantly, he felt a surge of spiritual energy within him.

The taste brought back memories of the first time he had drunk this tea. This spiritual tea, known as Green Immortal Tea, was reserved exclusively for the lounge’s honored guests. The first time he tasted it—on his second visit to the Hall—he had inquired about the price. He remembered Bing’er telling him it came from the Earth Sect and cost ten spirit stones per tael.

Ten spirit stones per tael. Not only could he not afford it back then—he still couldn’t now. It was far too expensive. With his current annual income of ninety spirit stones, he could only afford nine taels a year. How many times could one drink nine taels of tea? He Song neither knew nor wished to know.

Perhaps, when he was no longer short of spirit stones in the future, he could buy some Green Immortal Tea to enjoy leisurely at home, savoring the pleasure of tea that could also enhance his cultivation. But now was not the time.

Soon, Bing’er returned carrying a tray. On it, several jade slips gleamed with a captivating luster.

“Daoist friend, these are all the techniques for swift escape held by the Hall of Spiritual Arts. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me—I will answer them all without reserve,” Bing’er promised as she set the tray before him.

After their earlier conversation, their relationship had already begun to warm. Now, at the start of their friendship, she naturally had no intention of holding anything back from He Song. Having long wished to befriend him, she found herself quite satisfied with the current outcome.

“Thank you, Daoist Bing’er,” He Song replied, pouring a cup of spiritual tea and placing it before her in gratitude.

He then turned his gaze to the jade slips arrayed on the tray.