Yao Lao: Not Good

Dou Po World.

Qi Fei exited the Shared Space and began to digest the power he had acquired from the other versions of himself.

The Life Bead, reinforced by the Supreme God of Destruction, pushed against the environmental incompatibility and forcibly manifested.

The special power representing his Innate Ability merged into his soul, while at the same time, a chaotic surge of energy gathered along with it.

"The speed at which this power is gathering is a bit slow."

Because he possessed the experience of Shen San Qi Fei, Dou Po Qi Fei even had the leisure to offer a critique.

He did not know if it was because there was no position of Destruction here, or if the Dou Po World itself simply did not mesh well with the Destruction lineage.

In any case, the gathering speed of the power here was far inferior to that of Shen San Qi Fei.

Qi Fei waited for a long time before he finally felt a sense of confusion in his mind.

Only then did he take out a long sword he used for daily practice and poured these chaotic energies into it.

This was likely because the worldview of the Dou Po World also contained rules regarding the endowment of spirituality to external objects through soul power.

(Alchemists can endow medicinal pills with spirituality through soul power to refine Grade 8 pills.)

As Qi Fei poured his power into it, the sword began to emit a chaotic aura, and within it, a trace of spirituality was slowly being born.

"Why does it feel like this guy wants to rebel?"

Qi Fei observed the long sword in his hand.

Unlike the Sword Spirit in the Shen San world, which felt like an extension of his own body upon birth, this one felt different.

The spirit here, even before it had fully formed, gave off a strange sensation.

It was as if it were not an extension of his own power, but a separate, independent entity.

Qi Fei could not help but recall something.

In the original novel, there were many instances in the later stages where high-level medicinal pills, once born, would attempt to escape the alchemist's grasp.

Grade 9 and Emperor Grade pills could even transform into human shapes, possessing intelligence no different from an ordinary person.

They could basically be regarded as independent living beings.

If the process of endowing spirituality he was using now was similar to refining high-level pills, then it was not impossible for this spirit to want to rebel.

Qi Fei's gaze turned cold.

If that were truly the case, he would have to make preparations in advance.

Although Qi Fei did not believe the strength of this Sword Spirit could rapidly increase to the point of opposing him, who possessed the Shared Space, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Qi Fei's soul power surged into the sword, instilling thoughts of loyalty toward himself into the unformed spirit.

If this spirit obeyed the thoughts instilled in advance, then it would be good for everyone.

But if there were still signs of wanting to rebel, then he would have no choice but to seal the spirit away for the time being and wait until the various Qi Feis had finished researching soul contracts before considering activating it again.

Three days later.

The speed at which the power of destruction absorbed the chaotic energy gradually slowed, and the Sword Spirit fully took shape.

As Qi Fei had expected, this Sword Spirit was an independent entity and could not be transferred to other versions of Qi Fei through the Shared Space.

This caused Qi Fei to feel a sense of vigilance.

Fortunately, after the Sword Spirit formed, it was quite close to Qi Fei and completely submissive to his control.

It seemed that, at least in the short term, there was no need to worry about the issue of soul contracts.

As for the weapon spirit shared by Shen San Qi Fei, Qi Fei had not yet decided where to place it.

This spirit was different from the one that couldn't even enter the Shared Space; it was a truly genuine part of his body.

It was loyal and powerful.

He had to find a good home for it.

In addition to the formation of the Sword Spirit, Qi Fei's cultivation had also stabilized at the Dou Huang stage.

Furthermore, due to the Profundity of Explosion and the Rules of Fate shared by Coiling Dragon Qi Fei, his Dou Qi had been further refined.

At the same time, under the influence of the laws and rules, his Dou Qi had gradually taken on some special properties.

The explosive nature of the fire attribute and the ethereal, unpredictable nature of the Rules of Fate made his Dou Qi look nothing like the initial Dou Qi that had not yet been converted by a cultivation technique.

At the same time, the Flame Explosion created by Coiling Dragon Qi Fei could also be used here.

It was just that the execution felt a bit awkward, as if it required Qi Fei to make some adjustments.

It stood to reason that the fundamental rules of different worlds should be largely similar, which was why this universal phenomenon occurred.

"It is time to go get a cultivation technique."

Qi Fei decided to end his seclusion.

Cultivation methods in the world of Battle Through the Heavens are divided into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Huang. Heaven is the highest, and Huang is the lowest. Each tier is further subdivided into high, medium, and low grades.

Even the most trashy low-grade Huang tier cultivation method is faster to practice than his current situation of having no method at all.

Of course, it was naturally impossible for Qi Fei to actually practice a low-grade Huang tier method.

The strength of a Dou Huang is basically enough to obtain a set of high-grade Xuan tier cultivation methods, complete with matching Dou Techniques, within the Jia Ma Empire.

Just like the best angel investor in the original work, Hai Bodong.

As for the even higher Earth tier and Heaven tier methods, they are not something that a small place like the Jia Ma Empire can produce; obtaining them basically depends on luck.

However, it seems it is not impossible to think of a way.

Qi Fei pondered as he left his room.

"As expected of my nephew, you've already broken through to a Dou Zhe."

Xiao Zhan, the father of Xiao Yan and the patriarch of the Xiao Clan, wore a look of joy on his face.

Although it was a few months later than Yan'er had been back then, he was still an unquestionable genius.

How fortunate the Xiao Clan is.

But at the thought of Xiao Yan, whose Dou Qi had been completely crippled, Xiao Zhan could not help but reveal a trace of imperceptible sorrow.

If Yan'er hadn't been crippled, the Xiao Clan could have possessed two geniuses, sigh.

"It was just luck."

Qi Fei, who was projecting the aura of a Dou Zhe, said.

His method of concealing his aura came from a derivative application of the Profundity of Explosion.

Simply put, it was the gathering and compression stage before an explosion.

The advantage of this method is that it is simple and effective; even someone as inexperienced as Qi Fei can compress the aura of a Dou Huang into that of a Dou Zhe.

The disadvantage is that in the eyes of those with keen senses, Qi Fei becomes abnormally conspicuous.

For example, the guardian of the heroine Xiao Xun'er, the Dou Huang Ling Ying.

In Qi Fei's perception, this person had already looked at him at least five times, and even now, he was still staring at him.

It was clear that he had already discovered his strange presence.

"Luck alone cannot allow one to break through."

As Xiao Zhan spoke, he took a card out of his sleeve.

"There are five thousand gold coins in this card. Consider it a small gift from me personally. Later, the clan's resources will also be tilted in your favor. Cultivate well."

He patted Qi Fei on the shoulder while handing the card in his hand to Qi Fei.

"Thank you, Uncle."

Qi Fei took the card and thanked Xiao Zhan.

"It's just a little money, nothing to thank me for."

Xiao Zhan said with a smile.

"Right, you came over now, you want to obtain a cultivation method, right?"

"Yes, I wonder if Uncle could make an exception?"

Qi Fei asked.

The Dou Qi Pavilion where the Xiao Clan stores its cultivation methods is generally opened for a short period after the coming-of-age ceremony.

Xiao Clan members with suitable cultivation levels can enter to test their attributes and obtain cultivation methods.

However, Qi Fei had never been inside.

Dou Qi cultivation methods can only be practiced once one becomes a Dou Zhe, and they must be returned within a year after taking them, so going early is basically useless.

Moreover, every cultivation method inside the Dou Qi Pavilion is protected by a barrier; only those with sufficient strength can obtain excellent methods.

This point is no exception, even for Xiao Yan, the son of the patriarch.

Therefore, the previous Qi Fei had planned to wait until he became a Dou Zhe before going to get the best one.

Anyway, once he became a Dou Zhe, the Xiao Clan could not possibly withhold a cultivation method from him.

It's just that Qi Fei didn't expect that on the day he became a Dou Zhe, his cheat would directly make him a Dou Huang.

Truly, the ways of the world are unpredictable.

"Normally, the Dou Qi Pavilion only opens after the coming-of-age ceremony, but for a nephew like you, we can naturally make an exception."

Xiao Zhan wore an expression that suggested they would only make such a concession for a genius like him.

"Thank you, Uncle."

Qi Fei said.

Subsequently, Xiao Zhan led Qi Fei toward the Dou Qi Pavilion.

The first thing Qi Fei faced was the classic crystal ball attribute test.

"Fire attribute as the primary, with a large amount of other attributes—this is truly rare."

Xiao Zhan looked at the multicolored crystal ball, his face full of surprise.

Normally, a person would only have one, and only a few special individuals would possess two attributes.

This was the first time he had seen a situation like Qi Fei's, where the crystal ball could barely display them all.

The Xiao Clan did not have cultivation techniques for composite attributes; it was a bit of a waste of Qi Fei's aptitude.

It seemed he would have to think of a way.

"Nephew, your affinity for the fire attribute is the highest. I personally suggest you choose this attribute to cultivate first."

Xiao Zhan withdrew his focus from the crystal ball.

"Wait until your strength is greater in the future, then consider whether or not to replace your cultivation technique."

This was what he considered the optimal solution.

"Then I shall follow your advice, Uncle."

Qi Fei had intended to choose a fire attribute technique anyway, so naturally, he would not refuse.

"Fire Path, third road, room forty-three."

A whisper echoed in Qi Fei's ear.

Clearly, this was Uncle Xiao fearing he wouldn't be able to find a suitable technique, so he had specially pointed the way.

"Alright, Nephew, go on in."

Xiao Zhan didn't wait for Qi Fei to respond before patting him on the shoulder.

"Yes, Uncle."

Qi Fei stepped into the Dou Qi Pavilion and went directly to the room Xiao Zhan had indicated.

At this moment, the door to the room was already open.

However, there was a red light screen inside the room, separating the inside from the outside and making it impossible to see what was inside.

Qi Fei feigned a punch, and the light screen shattered immediately, revealing a narrow room before him.

Inside the room was a stone pedestal, and on the pedestal lay a scroll.

It was none other than the Yellow Tier Advanced fire-type cultivation technique of the Xiao Clan that had appeared in the original story: Burning Fire Refinement.

Qi Fei took the scroll back to the entrance to register, then bid farewell to Xiao Zhan and headed home to cultivate his newly acquired technique.

In less than half a day, Qi Fei had successfully cultivated it, and his Dou Qi had been fully converted.

"The quality has risen a bit, and both properties have been preserved, just as I expected."

Qi Fei inspected his Dou Qi.

Originally, his Dou Qi was basically at zero in areas outside of its two special properties.

Now, although other areas still couldn't compare to the special properties, they at least had a score.

This meant that Qi Fei's base strength had improved, allowing him to reach a higher ceiling.

Of course, this slight increase in strength wasn't important.

What was important was that now that he was fully prepared, it was time to go to Yao Lao and give it a try.

Qi Fei's gaze drifted past the window and landed on the lush back mountain; that was the place his good brother Xiao Yan liked to go the most.

On the summit of the back mountain.

Thirteen-year-old Xiao Yan was lying on the ground, doubting his life.

He had cultivated diligently for most of the day, and just as he finally saw his Dou Qi Stage increase by a tiny bit, it vanished before he could even be happy about it.

Was heaven playing a joke on him?

Qi Fei was already starting to go into seclusion to break through to Dou Zhe, while he was still struggling at the third stage of the Dou Qi Stage. What was he going to do in the future?

Just as Xiao Yan sighed, a voice rang out.

"Yo, little Yan-zi, sleeping?"

Qi Fei poked his head out and looked at Xiao Yan with a smile.

"Yo, isn't this little Fei-zi? Did you succeed in breaking through to Dou Zhe?"

Xiao Yan remained in his lying position, even crossing his legs for good measure.

Although his actions and choice of words sounded more like a provocation than concern, his tone indeed carried a hint of care.

After all, this was one of the only two friends he had left.

"You could say that."

Qi Fei replied.

"It's truly enviable, a Dou Zhe..."

Xiao Yan let out a sigh.

He had once been one, too.

"What if I told you that I might have found the root cause of your disappearing Dou Qi?"

Qi Fei's soft words instantly snapped Xiao Yan out of his lament for the past.

He sprang up with a nimble kip-up.

"Big Brother, are you serious?"

Xiao Yan grabbed Qi Fei's hand, staring straight at him.

The fervor in his eyes seemed as if it were about to turn into a tangible, flickering flame.

"Naturally, it's true."

Qi Fei silently broke free from Xiao Yan's grip and began to weave a story for him.

"I don't know if I've ever told you, but my senses have always been sharper than the average person's."

"Uh... in my memory, you haven't."

Xiao Yan recalled the past and stated with certainty.

Although he had been a bit mischievous in the past, he always listened to what his father said.

For instance, his father had once said that Qi Fei's parents died because of the Xiao Clan, so he must be treated well.

Therefore, Xiao Yan, who considered himself the leader of the younger generation, had always taken good care of Qi Fei.

Especially after Qi Fei displayed cultivation talent comparable to his own, he had almost treated Qi Fei like his own younger brother.

Back then, he had even nearly dragged Qi Fei and Xiao Xun'er into a sworn brotherhood.

Unfortunately, Qi Fei had been quite proud at the time and refused to be the younger brother no matter what.

The matter of the sworn brotherhood had fallen through just like that.

So, if Qi Fei had told him these things, he would definitely remember.

"...That's not important. What's important is that I can often see some other things."

Qi Fei said, feeling a bit awkward.

The very first sentence of his fabrication had been questioned; how was he supposed to fool people in the future?

"Other things?"

Xiao Yan began to feel puzzled.

"Yes, for example, from time to time, I see a human face on your chest."

Qi Fei brushed off the awkwardness and spoke in the tone of someone telling a ghost story.

"?!"

Xiao Yan was so scared his soul nearly left his body.

He had suspected it when he first transmigrated, but it turned out there really were ghosts in this world.

However, after the brief moment of fear came an irrepressible joy.

Even if there really were a ghost, at least he could identify the reason for his disappearing Dou Qi, which was far better than knowing nothing at all.

"You mean, my Dou Qi is disappearing because of this face on my chest?"

Xiao Yan pressed further.

"Yes."

Qi Fei nodded.

"In the past, I only saw the face occasionally and wasn't sure, but perhaps because my cultivation has improved, I can see more things now."

He stared at the Ring hanging on Xiao Yan's chest, as if he were looking at the very face he spoke of.

"Just a moment ago, I saw with my own eyes that it was absorbing your Dou Qi Stage."