"..." Pei Ye did not rush. He gently turned the Pendant over twice, waiting for any other changes that might occur.
"Is this your second 'Immortal Authority'?" Ming Qitian suddenly asked.
"Hm?" Pei Ye looked bewildered.
"You already had [Quail Head], and now you have this..." Ming Qitian pointed at the dark blue that had just faded.
"This is... an ability I gained through my pact with it, [Chi Flame]. I've seen the Torchworld Cult use this flame too." Pei Ye looked at her. "[Quail Head]... also belongs to Black Chi. Through our pact, we can share it. Miss Ming, do you know what they are?"
This was almost the very reason he had set out on this path. Black Chi had vaguely called them "fruit," while the Torchworld Cult had written "[Quail Head] Immortal Authority" on the Heart-Transmitting Candle. Now, it seemed he could finally learn what they were called in this world.
"...I don't know where they come from or where they lead either." Ming Qitian pondered briefly. "But that is indeed the name those in the know currently use for them. The term hasn't been around long, and its scope is still rather unclear. Broadly speaking, it means an ability of unknown origin that isn't based on Profound Qi or True Qi, or something that often represents the ultimate end of a path..."
"...Extraordinary Arts Canons? Famous Swords?"
Ming Qitian nodded. "Those are the most typical examples."
She added, "In recent decades, many eyes in high places have focused on them. Their uses remain rather unclear, but they must be extremely precious. Keep yours safe."
Pei Ye gave an earnest hum of assent, looking at the campfire before him, now reduced to sparks among the ashes. "Perhaps... this time we'll find out what they're for?"
Black Cat