Chapter 318: Cloud Dreaming

Xiantian realm martial artists do indeed begin to absorb spiritual energy, but is their original True Qi truly dross? Probably not.

Although Xiantian realm martial artists cannot attain immortal techniques, nor erect golden bridges or light alchemical cauldrons, why can they not completely eliminate True Qi and transform it all into spiritual energy?

Ji Yuan used to believe they couldn't do it, but now he thinks that might not be the case. Many martial arts scriptures state that True Qi is formed from grains and food, and is also influenced by the vital essence within the body. There is some truth to this statement.

Vital essence is fundamental to the physical body and soul. When Xiantian martial artists combine spiritual energy with True Qi, besides tempering the physique, what should be eliminated is not all True Qi, but rather some of the impurities within it. However, the vital essence and spiritual energy within might not be eliminated. It's just that breaking through is still very difficult.

Therefore, when Ji Yuan conveyed his understanding through the "Sword Intent Scroll," in addition to letting Yan Fei perceive Zuo Li's demeanor, he also integrated this layer of his own understanding into it.

However, future matters will have to be discussed later. An individual's circumstances, while guidance is one aspect, the key still lies with oneself. Moreover, among the countless martial artists in the world, those who can reach the Xiantian realm are exceedingly rare, not to mention beyond that. This is all Ji Yuan can do.

The next morning, Yan Fei woke up only when the sun was high in the sky, much later than usual. As he sat up, images from his dream still flickered in his mind. It was also the first time he had gained a new understanding of the "martial way" as spoken by Ji Yuan.

Zuo Li's demeanor in the dream completely surpassed Yan Fei's understanding of martial arts, almost feeling transcendent. It was no wonder he dared to call himself "Sword Immortal Zuo" back then, and no one in the martial arts world objected.

Although it was not yet entirely clear, a divine spark for martial arts reignited in Yan Fei's eyes. To pursue the ultimate in his familiar domain, this path at least made Yan Fei feel less lost than before.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

"Brother Yan, are you not up yet? Hurry up and get dressed. Don't keep Mister Ji waiting!"

Old Niu's words startled Yan Fei. He threw back the covers, pushed open the window, and looked outside. The sun was already high in the sky.

'Is it that late already?'

"I'll be right out!"

Yan Fei quickly called out and began to dress. He then used the willow branch, clean water, and other items in the guest room to freshen himself.

When Yan Fei opened the door and stepped out, he had already packed everything and carefully rolled up the Sword Intent Scroll, keeping it close to his person.

As soon as Niu Batian saw Yan Fei this morning, he felt that his "sworn brother" seemed a little different from before. Observing his aura, it was slightly different, but this subtle change, like rolling clouds, was hard to discern clearly.

To the north outside Luoping City stood a large, picturesque manor. Surrounded by various farmlands and textile mills, and clusters of houses resembling a village settlement, it was precisely where the Wei family of Luoping City resided and thrived.

Early this morning, Wei Ming, clad in martial attire underneath a loose robe, was already waiting with his people outside the Wei Manor, ready to welcome Yan Fei, the Flying Swordsman.

As a renowned swordsman in the martial arts world in recent years, Yan Fei's name was naturally well-known to the Wei family. Furthermore, Yan Fei was still considered young, with limitless potential for the future. As long as he didn't meet an untimely end, reaching the Xiantian realm was also foreseeable; he was bound to become a prominent figure in the martial arts world.

In recent years, the Zu Yue Kingdom had become increasingly chaotic, with local authorities unable to suppress unrest in many areas. The martial arts world, in particular, was rife with bloodshed. Being able to befriend a promising expert like Yan Fei was a good thing for the Wei family.

Wei Ming was the most capable among the younger generation of the Wei family. Although his reputation was far from matching that of the Flying Swordsman, his status was somewhat comparable. Furthermore, he had met Yan Fei once before, making him the most suitable person to welcome Yan Fei.

However, after waiting for so long, with the sun already high in the sky and still no sign of Yan Fei, Wei Ming began to worry if the visit was indeed happening. He turned to look at a man in the ranks beside him.

"Did Sir Yan say he would arrive early yesterday?"

The man, also dressed in martial attire, quickly replied upon hearing Wei Ming's question.

"Replying to Master Ming, Sir Yan did say so. Perhaps he was delayed by something, or perhaps... perhaps that person wasn't the true Yan Fei..."

Wei Ming frowned and turned back to face the road ahead.

"Let's wait a little longer. Yan Fei's reputation is worth us waiting a bit longer."

After a while longer, a household servant ran over quickly and said to Wei Ming.

"Master Ming, three fast-moving individuals are approaching our Wei Manor from ahead. One of them is carrying a sword and matches Sir Yan's appearance. Of the other two, one looks like a scholar, and the one in a short jacket is likely a retainer."

"Good, let's prepare. Everyone, pay attention!"

The Wei family servants lining both sides of the road quickly perked up.

Not long after, Yan Fei and his companions appeared in their sight. Wei Ming's eyes lit up. He recognized Yan Fei at first glance, especially the aura that was still fresh in his memory.

Wei Ming led his people forward to greet them.

"Sir Yan, your visit to our humble Wei residence truly honors our Wei family of Luoping City, bringing glory to our humble abode! Hahahahaha..."

Wei Ming spoke while cupping his hands in salute, his face beaming with a bright and enthusiastic smile.

Yan Fei did not dare to be negligent. He saluted loudly with his sword, and then introduced those beside him.

"Many thanks for coming to greet us. This is Mister Ji, an elder to me, and this is Brother Niu, a sworn brother of mine."

Wei Ming was already close by. Upon hearing Yan Fei's introductions, he quickly saluted Ji Yuan and Niu Batian.

"Greetings, Mister Ji. Greetings, Brother Niu. I am Wei Ming!"

Wei Ming had initially hoped Yan Fei would recognize him, but from Yan Fei's recent words, he realized Yan Fei didn't know him at all. So this time, he quickly announced his name to avoid awkwardness for both parties later.

Ji Yuan and Niu Batian also returned the greetings in turn. After that, Wei Ming enthusiastically led Yan Fei, Ji Yuan, and Niu Batian towards the Wei Manor.

The manor covered a vast area, with fertile fields, small bridges, and irrigation canals. Some areas were shaded by green trees, while others featured pavilions and winding paths. Along the way, they could also see clusters of houses in the distance, which were likely where some of the Wei family's collateral branches or even the manor's servants and their families resided.

Coupled with today's pleasant weather, walking through this area felt quite like stepping into a peaceful, secluded paradise.

"Sir Yan, Mister Ji, and Brother Niu, the scenery here at our Wei Manor is quite good, isn't it?"

Yan Fei and Niu Batian remained silent, but Ji Yuan spoke with praise and a touch of lament.

"Indeed, the scenery is beautiful, and it feels like a secluded paradise. It's a pity that those outside the Wei family cannot enjoy this peace."

Wei Ming glanced at Ji Yuan again and said.

"Mister, you flatter us. However, as you said, the world is not peaceful these days, and we can only ensure our own safety. The Wei family is large and has many affairs, but lacks strong backing, so even when performing acts of chivalry, one must think things through carefully."

Ji Yuan nodded in agreement.

"That is understandable."

The group soon arrived at the main hall of the manor. After Wei Ming spoke a word to a servant beside him, he instructed the servant to go ahead quickly, enter the hall, and quietly report to the elders of the family. Then, by the time he led Ji Yuan and the others to the main hall, those inside had just come to the entrance to greet them.

The head of the Wei family was Wei Xuan, Wei Ming's father, an old man over sixty but still robust and healthy due to his martial arts practice. After an exchange of pleasantries, they finally got to the main reason for Yan Fei's visit.

Inside the main hall of the manor, hosts and guests alike were seated with tea, Wei Xuan politely said.

"Sir Yan, I have already sent Ming'er to retrieve our Wei family's Wordless Heavenly Scripture. It will be brought here shortly for the three of you to view. I hear Sir Yan has been honing his sword in the south these past few years and has challenged many renowned masters?"

"That is indeed true. However, I used to be overly conceited. From now on, I will frequently reflect on myself and strive to open up new realms in the martial way."

Hearing Yan Fei's words, Wei Xuan asked with concern.

"Did Sir Yan happen to lose to a martial arts master?"

"I have not suffered a single defeat."

Wei Xuan smiled. It seemed Yan Fei was just being polite. Just then, Wei Ming came over, carrying a rosewood box. Wei Xuan also quickly stood up.

"Come, come, come, please have a look, all three of you. This is the Wordless Heavenly Scripture passed down through generations of our Wei family."

Wei Xuan personally opened the wooden box placed on the tea table, revealing a book inside, which had no words, not even on its cover.

"Mister Ji, please!"

Yan Fei quickly urged Ji Yuan to go and look. Niu Batian could only crane his neck to peek, his body, like Yan Fei's, made way for Ji Yuan. This made the Wei family members re-examine Ji Yuan once again.

Ji Yuan walked to the box, his gaze sweeping into it. A few rather messy characters appeared on the book's surface. He picked up the book and flipped through a few pages; the entire book was filled with the same clearly messy handwriting.

The way one looks at a book when reading is clearly different from merely flipping through something. Ji Yuan, at this moment, turned page after page, his gaze occasionally moving up and down in a loop, exactly like someone reading words on a page.

"Mister Ji, are there words on this book?"

Yan Fei asked this question. Ji Yuan looked at him, then at the Wei family members. After all, this book belonged to the Wei family, so he couldn't just casually make things up. He answered truthfully.

"Indeed, there are words. This book is titled 'Wandering in Clouds and Dreams'; it seems to be a personal biography."

"Wandering in Clouds and Dreams!" "Wandering in Clouds and Dreams?"

The reactions of the Wei family, Yan Fei, and Niu Batian differed. The Wei family members, in particular, looked at Yan Fei, then at Ji Yuan, their expressions very strange.

For many years, no one had ever seen the words in this book. Even the Wei family themselves were no longer confident. Now, suddenly, someone claimed to be able to see them and even stated the book's title, making them feel a sense of unreality.