Chapter 5 – What am I to do if I lose this life of mine?
Nothing particularly special or unusual occurred the moment the wooden sword entered the wok. “Eh?” Bai Xiaochun uttered a faint sound of surprise. Not daring to believe it, he opened his eyes wide and gazed attentively at the wooden sword.
But even after waiting for a long while, he still didn’t notice anything unusual happening. Bai Xiaochun thought for moment, taking a glance at the design on the tortoiseshell-patterned wok, and then looked at the wood ashes inside the fire stove. Pondering, he turned around and left the room. Returning a moment later, he now had a few pieces of wood in his hands that were identical to the ones within the fire stove.
This wood was quite rare in the Hearthfire Kitchens, so he was only able to obtain some after asking Senior Fatty Zhang.
When he set the wood alight, Bai Xiaochun instantly saw the first stripe of the design on the tortoiseshell-patterned wok light up once more. At the same time, the fire that was rapidly burning away the wood gradually started to diminish. As Bai Xiaochun’s thoughts stirred, the wooden sword inside the wok suddenly shone with a blinding silver light.
Bai Xiaochun took a few steps back. When the light dissipated shortly after, he immediately felt a fierce aura emanating from within the wok.
Taking a deep breath, he carefully approached it and saw that one stroke of the glaring silver pattern had appeared on the wooden sword in the wok, similar to the one that had appeared on the Spiritual Rice. The pattern was gradually darkening, eventually turning a dark silver color!
The sword’s entire blade had changed slightly, and even though it was still a wooden sword, it gave off a sense of sharpness equal to that of a metal one. Bai Xiaochun’s eyes brightened as he went forth, prudently taking the wooden sword out of the wok. It felt somewhat heavier, and when brought close, it gave off a threatening feeling of cold sharpness.
“I did it! I’ve successfully refined the spirit of this wooden sword once!” Bai Xiaochun was in ecstasy as he held onto the wooden sword, incapable of keeping his hands off it. Then, he looked at the wok and pondered about what he should do with it. In the end, he decided to just leave it there. The more it was showcased like this, the more inconspicuous it would be.
As for the Spiritual Rice, it could just be eaten; the wooden sword couldn’t be discovered by others so easily. Bai Xiaochun pondered upon whether using some dyes to cover it up would reduce the glowing of the spiritual pattern.
As he thought of this, he tidied up his things and walked out of the room while assuming a normal countenance. Several nights later, he brushed the various colored liquids he had gathered from the Hearthfire Kitchens these last few days onto the wooden sword. This caused the sword to look multi-colored, tattered and worn-out. He kept at it for a while, and soon discovered that the spiritual pattern was indeed covered to an acceptable extent, becoming less noticeable than before. Only after reaching this conclusion did he nod with satisfaction.
In the following days, Bai Xiaochun was like a fish in water, easily getting along with the few Senior Brothers in the Hearthfire Kitchens. He had become familiar with the work in the Hearthfire Kitchens, the most important thing he learnt being that different spirit foods required different fires. These fires were even separated into single-colored fires and dual-colored fires. He had also discovered that the wood underneath the tortoiseshell-patterned wok was precisely the spirit wood needed to create single colored fire.
Senior Fatty Zhang was especially fond of Bai Xiaochun, giving him extra care. After a few months, just like Fatty Zhang had foreseen in the beginning, Bai Xiaochun had indeed become quite fat.
The present him was in no way similar to the skinny boy who had initially entered the sect, and had already become many times fatter. Along with this, he had become even more fair skinned, harmless looking, and fit his name, Ninth Fatty Bai.
As for the matter of obtaining seconds, he had participated in that more than once. However, what confused him was the fact that although his weight had been rapidly increasing, his cultivation was still proceeded at a snail’s pace. In the end, he decided to stop thinking about it and went back to eating and drinking with his Seniors all day. Regarding the various matters of the sect, Bai Xiaochun had gained a better understanding by listening to Fatty Zhang these few months.
He knew that within the sect, there was a separation between Inner and Outer Court disciples. In the Miscellaneous Chores Department, one could undergo one of the peak’s trials by fire after breaking through to the 3rd layer of Qi Condensation. If they succeeded, they would become an official outer disciple of that peak. Only once you became an outer disciple could you be considered a member of the Spirit Creek Sect.
However, this could be compared to a fish trying to transform into a dragon. Every month, each peak would only accept the top 3 disciples. Therefore, the amount of people who became outer sect disciples in the span of a year stayed consistent.
One day, Seventh Fatty, who was originally supposed to go down the mountain to buy materials, was late. As such, Fatty Zhang waved his hand and ordered Bai Xiaochun to go in his place. Bai Xiaochun hesitated for a moment, remembering that he hadn’t seen Xu Baocai for a few months. Although he reasoned that he would be fine, his heart wouldn’t calm down. After returning to his room, he took out a couple of kitchen knives and dressed himself in several layers of leather, which made him seem more like a ball.
Still not feeling reassured, he found a sturdy wok and strapped it to his back. Only then did he finally decide to depart. Swaying, he walked out of the Hearthfire Kitchens and descended down the mountain.
While he was walking along the sect’s limestone path, Bao Xiaochun looked around at his elegant surroundings, a deep sense of superiority coming forth from within his mind.
“How fast time flies! I, Bai Xiaochun, have already cultivated for several months.Thinking back to when I was still a mortal, living in the village was so pitiful.” He sighed as he muttered to himself. With his hands behind his back, a couple of kitchen knives around his waist, a wok on his back, and the several layers of leather he was wearing, he truly looked like a worn-out rubber ball. On his trip, he encountered many people working in the Miscellaneous Chores Department who all raised their eyebrows upon seeing him.
In particular, there were quite a few female disciples who would cover their mouths and laugh when they saw Bai Xiaochun passing by. Their laughter was as pleasant as the ringing of bells.
Bai Xiaochun’s round face was tinged with red as he felt even more formidable. With a cough, he walked onwards with his head held high and his chest out.
Not long after, before he had even left the third peak’s Miscellaneous Chores area, he suddenly spotted a group of Miscellaneous Chores disciples in the distance. They all wore excited expressions and were hurriedly running in the same direction. The place that they were heading towards was the mountain path of the Third Peak, where Outer Sect disciples could usually be seen wandering around.
More and more Miscellaneous Chores disciples were excitedly running over there. Bai Xiaochun was taken aback at this scene and quickly grabbed the weakest and most timid looking disciple who passed by.
“Fellow disciple, did something happen? Why is everyone running over there?” Bai Xiaochun asked in curiosity.
This youngster was clearly displeased about being grabbed, but when he saw the wok hanging on Bai Xiaochun’s back, the displeasure in his eyes turned into admiration and his expression relaxed.
The youngster explained, “So it was actually a Senior disciple from the Hearthfire Kitchens. You go and take a look. I heard that the genius Outer Sect disciples Zhouhong and Zhang Yide are currently at the mountain, partaking in the trial by fire. It is rumored that despite both being at the Sixth Stage of Qi Condensation, they share mutual animosity. We shouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch this kind of event. Perhaps by watching them we could comprehend some concepts and reap a few benefits.” As he was afraid that he wouldn’t get a good spot if he arrived late, he hurriedly ran towards the scene.
In his curiousity, Bai Xiaochun also began running over, following the stream of people. He left the Miscellaneous Chores region and arrived at the base of the third peak. At the base of the third peak, he discovered that there was an enormous and vast stage.
This enormous stage was 3300 meters in length and was currently surrounded by countless Miscellaneous Chores disciples who even crowded the upper reaches of the mountain. There were quite a few Outer disciples dressed in luxurious clothes who were also spectating.
On top of the towering stage were two youths clothed in similarly luxurious robes. One had a scarred face, while the other had a face as white as jade. Their figures intersected and a burst of explosions boomed.
Both of their bodies radiated with the light of shining treasures. The scar-faced youth had a small flag that was moving about freely, as if there was an incorporeal hand wielding it. It transformed into a mist tiger which released an earsplitting roar.
The figure of the youth with skin as white as jade scuttled back and forth with a small blue sword before slashing out with a spirit wave that whistled forth nimbly.
Bai Xiaochun stared wide eyed at this scene as he drew in a deep breath. He could also control his wooden sword, but when compared to the youth with skin as white as jade, Bai Xiaochun
wasn’t even close to his level.
These two opponents were completely unrestrained and full of bloodthirst. Their numerous clashes were all dangerous, and new injuries appeared with each one. Although neither of them had received a fatal wound, it was still a ghastly sight.
This was the first time Bai Xiaochun had seen a battle between cultivators. His original impression of immortals had been completely different; this kind of vicious behavior instilled fear and trepidation in him.
“Cultivation……is it not only for the sake of obtaining longevity? What is the point in trying to kill? What am I to do if I lose this life of mine……” Bai Xiaochun swallowed his saliva, and once he saw the scar-faced youth’s small flag produce a misty tiger that wore a savage expression as it swallowed the other person facing them, Bai Xiaochun wiped the sweat off the top of his head, feeling that it was too dangerous outside and that he had better return to the Hearthfire Kitchens for some security.
Thinking this, he hurriedly drew back, but a great roar resounded from nearby the very moment he started retreating.
“Bai Xiaochun!!”
Bai Xiaochun turned his head and immediately saw Xu Baocai, who had originally written the letter in his own blood. His face bearing an evil grin aimed at him, Xu Baocai had rushed over with a wooden sword held in front of his body that emitted an extraordinary radiance. Coalescing a layer of qi was in no way comparable to this. At this moment it had cut out an arc, emitting spiritual pressure which headed straight for Bai Xiaochun.
The moment Bai Xiaochun saw the wooden sword approaching, his pupils contracted, and he immediately felt like he was in a kind of intense life or death crisis.
“This is an attempt to murder me!” His thought process came to this conclusion, and he produced a mournful scream as broke into a run.
“Murderer, murderer……” These cries were so loud that they caused many Miscellaneous Chores disciples all around to hear. Each one looked on in astonishment. Even Zhouhong and Zhang Yide, who were currently fighting on the tall stage halted for a moment, showing how loud the sound waves were.
Even Xu Baocai had jumped in fright, he had clearly only shouted for the other person’s name while chasing after him. The sword still hadn’t touched the other person, yet Bai Xiaochun’s scream made it seem like there were already several holes in his body.
“Bai Xiaochun, if you have the ability, don’t run away!” Xu Baocai had an ashen complexion as his hatred of Bai Xiaochun began to stir. He went straight after Bai Xiaochun.
“If I had the ability I would have killed you already; it wouldn’t make sense for me to run. Murderer! Murderer!” Bai Xiaochun’s speed was extremely fast as he screamed, resembling a fat rabbit, and in the blink of an eye his image could barely be seen anymore.
Meanwhile, in a pavilion erected on the peak of this mountain were two practitioners, one middle-aged and one elderly, sitting across from each other as they played chess. The middle-aged one was precisely Li Qinghou. The elderly man who was sitting across from him had a head full of white hair, a rosy complexion, and streaming light that flowed all over the place inside his eyes. With only a single look, it was clear that he was unusual. At this moment his eyes swept over the bottom of the mountain and he laughed.
“Qinghou. That child you brought back is quite interesting.”
“Others will ridicule the sect leader for this; the disposition of this child truly requires even more polishing.” Li Qinghou had a slight headache and he shook his head as he placed down a chess piece.
“The children in the Hearthfire Kitchens are all proud and arrogant. To unify them is not simple.” The elderly man stroked his beard, his eyes containing a mocking expression.
Brothers and sisters, this new novel beseeches favourites!!!
Chapter 5 – What am I to do if I lose this life of mine?
Nothing particularly special or unusual occurred the moment the wooden sword entered the wok. “Eh?” Bai Xiaochun uttered a faint sound of surprise. Not daring to believe it, he opened his eyes wide and gazed attentively at the wooden sword.
But even after waiting for a long while, he still didn’t notice anything unusual happening. Bai Xiaochun thought for moment, taking a glance at the design on the tortoiseshell-patterned wok, and then looked at the wood ashes inside the fire stove. Pondering, he turned around and left the room. Returning a moment later, he now had a few pieces of wood in his hands that were identical to the ones within the fire stove.
This wood was quite rare in the Hearthfire Kitchens, so he was only able to obtain some after asking Senior Fatty Zhang.
When he set the wood alight, Bai Xiaochun instantly saw the first stripe of the design on the tortoiseshell-patterned wok light up once more. At the same time, the fire that was rapidly burning away the wood gradually started to diminish. As Bai Xiaochun’s thoughts stirred, the wooden sword inside the wok suddenly shone with a blinding silver light.
Bai Xiaochun took a few steps back. When the light dissipated shortly after, he immediately felt a fierce aura emanating from within the wok.
Taking a deep breath, he carefully approached it and saw that one stroke of the glaring silver pattern had appeared on the wooden sword in the wok, similar to the one that had appeared on the Spiritual Rice. The pattern was gradually darkening, eventually turning a dark silver color!
The sword’s entire blade had changed slightly, and even though it was still a wooden sword, it gave off a sense of sharpness equal to that of a metal one. Bai Xiaochun’s eyes brightened as he went forth, prudently taking the wooden sword out of the wok. It felt somewhat heavier, and when brought close, it gave off a threatening feeling of cold sharpness.
“I did it! I’ve successfully refined the spirit of this wooden sword once!” Bai Xiaochun was in ecstasy as he held onto the wooden sword, incapable of keeping his hands off it. Then, he looked at the wok and pondered about what he should do with it. In the end, he decided to just leave it there. The more it was showcased like this, the more inconspicuous it would be.
As for the Spiritual Rice, it could just be eaten; the wooden sword couldn’t be discovered by others so easily. Bai Xiaochun pondered upon whether using some dyes to cover it up would reduce the glowing of the spiritual pattern.
As he thought of this, he tidied up his things and walked out of the room while assuming a normal countenance. Several nights later, he brushed the various colored liquids he had gathered from the Hearthfire Kitchens these last few days onto the wooden sword. This caused the sword to look multi-colored, tattered and worn-out. He kept at it for a while, and soon discovered that the spiritual pattern was indeed covered to an acceptable extent, becoming less noticeable than before. Only after reaching this conclusion did he nod with satisfaction.
In the following days, Bai Xiaochun was like a fish in water, easily getting along with the few Senior Brothers in the Hearthfire Kitchens. He had become familiar with the work in the Hearthfire Kitchens, the most important thing he learnt being that different spirit foods required different fires. These fires were even separated into single-colored fires and dual-colored fires. He had also discovered that the wood underneath the tortoiseshell-patterned wok was precisely the spirit wood needed to create single colored fire.
Senior Fatty Zhang was especially fond of Bai Xiaochun, giving him extra care. After a few months, just like Fatty Zhang had foreseen in the beginning, Bai Xiaochun had indeed become quite fat.
The present him was in no way similar to the skinny boy who had initially entered the sect, and had already become many times fatter. Along with this, he had become even more fair skinned, harmless looking, and fit his name, Ninth Fatty Bai.
As for the matter of obtaining seconds, he had participated in that more than once. However, what confused him was the fact that although his weight had been rapidly increasing, his cultivation was still proceeded at a snail’s pace. In the end, he decided to stop thinking about it and went back to eating and drinking with his Seniors all day. Regarding the various matters of the sect, Bai Xiaochun had gained a better understanding by listening to Fatty Zhang these few months.
He knew that within the sect, there was a separation between Inner and Outer Court disciples. In the Miscellaneous Chores Department, one could undergo one of the peak’s trials by fire after breaking through to the 3rd layer of Qi Condensation. If they succeeded, they would become an official outer disciple of that peak. Only once you became an outer disciple could you be considered a member of the Spirit Creek Sect.
However, this could be compared to a fish trying to transform into a dragon. Every month, each peak would only accept the top 3 disciples. Therefore, the amount of people who became outer sect disciples in the span of a year stayed consistent.
One day, Seventh Fatty, who was originally supposed to go down the mountain to buy materials, was late. As such, Fatty Zhang waved his hand and ordered Bai Xiaochun to go in his place. Bai Xiaochun hesitated for a moment, remembering that he hadn’t seen Xu Baocai for a few months. Although he reasoned that he would be fine, his heart wouldn’t calm down. After returning to his room, he took out a couple of kitchen knives and dressed himself in several layers of leather, which made him seem more like a ball.
Still not feeling reassured, he found a sturdy wok and strapped it to his back. Only then did he finally decide to depart. Swaying, he walked out of the Hearthfire Kitchens and descended down the mountain.
While he was walking along the sect’s limestone path, Bao Xiaochun looked around at his elegant surroundings, a deep sense of superiority coming forth from within his mind.
“How fast time flies! I, Bai Xiaochun, have already cultivated for several months.Thinking back to when I was still a mortal, living in the village was so pitiful.” He sighed as he muttered to himself. With his hands behind his back, a couple of kitchen knives around his waist, a wok on his back, and the several layers of leather he was wearing, he truly looked like a worn-out rubber ball. On his trip, he encountered many people working in the Miscellaneous Chores Department who all raised their eyebrows upon seeing him.
In particular, there were quite a few female disciples who would cover their mouths and laugh when they saw Bai Xiaochun passing by. Their laughter was as pleasant as the ringing of bells.
Bai Xiaochun’s round face was tinged with red as he felt even more formidable. With a cough, he walked onwards with his head held high and his chest out.
Not long after, before he had even left the third peak’s Miscellaneous Chores area, he suddenly spotted a group of Miscellaneous Chores disciples in the distance. They all wore excited expressions and were hurriedly running in the same direction. The place that they were heading towards was the mountain path of the Third Peak, where Outer Sect disciples could usually be seen wandering around.
More and more Miscellaneous Chores disciples were excitedly running over there. Bai Xiaochun was taken aback at this scene and quickly grabbed the weakest and most timid looking disciple who passed by.
“Fellow disciple, did something happen? Why is everyone running over there?” Bai Xiaochun asked in curiosity.
This youngster was clearly displeased about being grabbed, but when he saw the wok hanging on Bai Xiaochun’s back, the displeasure in his eyes turned into admiration and his expression relaxed.
The youngster explained, “So it was actually a Senior disciple from the Hearthfire Kitchens. You go and take a look. I heard that the genius Outer Sect disciples Zhouhong and Zhang Yide are currently at the mountain, partaking in the trial by fire. It is rumored that despite both being at the Sixth Stage of Qi Condensation, they share mutual animosity. We shouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch this kind of event. Perhaps by watching them we could comprehend some concepts and reap a few benefits.” As he was afraid that he wouldn’t get a good spot if he arrived late, he hurriedly ran towards the scene.
In his curiousity, Bai Xiaochun also began running over, following the stream of people. He left the Miscellaneous Chores region and arrived at the base of the third peak. At the base of the third peak, he discovered that there was an enormous and vast stage.
This enormous stage was 3300 meters in length and was currently surrounded by countless Miscellaneous Chores disciples who even crowded the upper reaches of the mountain. There were quite a few Outer disciples dressed in luxurious clothes who were also spectating.
On top of the towering stage were two youths clothed in similarly luxurious robes. One had a scarred face, while the other had a face as white as jade. Their figures intersected and a burst of explosions boomed.
Both of their bodies radiated with the light of shining treasures. The scar-faced youth had a small flag that was moving about freely, as if there was an incorporeal hand wielding it. It transformed into a mist tiger which released an earsplitting roar.
The figure of the youth with skin as white as jade scuttled back and forth with a small blue sword before slashing out with a spirit wave that whistled forth nimbly.
Bai Xiaochun stared wide eyed at this scene as he drew in a deep breath. He could also control his wooden sword, but when compared to the youth with skin as white as jade, Bai Xiaochun
wasn’t even close to his level.
These two opponents were completely unrestrained and full of bloodthirst. Their numerous clashes were all dangerous, and new injuries appeared with each one. Although neither of them had received a fatal wound, it was still a ghastly sight.
This was the first time Bai Xiaochun had seen a battle between cultivators. His original impression of immortals had been completely different; this kind of vicious behavior instilled fear and trepidation in him.
“Cultivation……is it not only for the sake of obtaining longevity? What is the point in trying to kill? What am I to do if I lose this life of mine……” Bai Xiaochun swallowed his saliva, and once he saw the scar-faced youth’s small flag produce a misty tiger that wore a savage expression as it swallowed the other person facing them, Bai Xiaochun wiped the sweat off the top of his head, feeling that it was too dangerous outside and that he had better return to the Hearthfire Kitchens for some security.
Thinking this, he hurriedly drew back, but a great roar resounded from nearby the very moment he started retreating.
“Bai Xiaochun!!”
Bai Xiaochun turned his head and immediately saw Xu Baocai, who had originally written the letter in his own blood. His face bearing an evil grin aimed at him, Xu Baocai had rushed over with a wooden sword held in front of his body that emitted an extraordinary radiance. Coalescing a layer of qi was in no way comparable to this. At this moment it had cut out an arc, emitting spiritual pressure which headed straight for Bai Xiaochun.
The moment Bai Xiaochun saw the wooden sword approaching, his pupils contracted, and he immediately felt like he was in a kind of intense life or death crisis.
“This is an attempt to murder me!” His thought process came to this conclusion, and he produced a mournful scream as broke into a run.
“Murderer, murderer……” These cries were so loud that they caused many Miscellaneous Chores disciples all around to hear. Each one looked on in astonishment. Even Zhouhong and Zhang Yide, who were currently fighting on the tall stage halted for a moment, showing how loud the sound waves were.
Even Xu Baocai had jumped in fright, he had clearly only shouted for the other person’s name while chasing after him. The sword still hadn’t touched the other person, yet Bai Xiaochun’s scream made it seem like there were already several holes in his body.
“Bai Xiaochun, if you have the ability, don’t run away!” Xu Baocai had an ashen complexion as his hatred of Bai Xiaochun began to stir. He went straight after Bai Xiaochun.
“If I had the ability I would have killed you already; it wouldn’t make sense for me to run. Murderer! Murderer!” Bai Xiaochun’s speed was extremely fast as he screamed, resembling a fat rabbit, and in the blink of an eye his image could barely be seen anymore.
Meanwhile, in a pavilion erected on the peak of this mountain were two practitioners, one middle-aged and one elderly, sitting across from each other as they played chess. The middle-aged one was precisely Li Qinghou. The elderly man who was sitting across from him had a head full of white hair, a rosy complexion, and streaming light that flowed all over the place inside his eyes. With only a single look, it was clear that he was unusual. At this moment his eyes swept over the bottom of the mountain and he laughed.
“Qinghou. That child you brought back is quite interesting.”
“Others will ridicule the sect leader for this; the disposition of this child truly requires even more polishing.” Li Qinghou had a slight headache and he shook his head as he placed down a chess piece.
“The children in the Hearthfire Kitchens are all proud and arrogant. To unify them is not simple.” The elderly man stroked his beard, his eyes containing a mocking expression.
Brothers and sisters, this new novel beseeches favourites!!!
