Chapter 32: Light and Carefree Days (Combined)

Dusk.

A rosy haze just meets the rain; a few threads of tender green suddenly blend with mist, charming the soul to fade before the sunset.

Outside Azure Cloud Street, Lou Qinghe changed into a set of clothes before heading home.

From afar, one could see white smoke rising from the kitchen.

Creak—!

He pushed the door open.

That slender, tall figure was wiping the wooden table; upon seeing Lou Qinghe, she whispered, "You're back, you're back, the food is ready."

The somewhat cluttered wooden hut was very clean and tidy.

On the table lay a plate of fish, two bowls of rice, and two pairs of chopsticks.

Simple yet warm.

Lou Qinghe set down his bundle and said, "Let's eat; I came back a little late today, you must be hungry too."

"Mm."

Pei Siyu's voice was as fine as a spider's silk.

Lou Qinghe sat down, picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, and asked, "Where did this fish come from?"

A glint appeared in Pei Siyu's eyes: "I caught it; today my luck was good, I caught two."

Her words carried a hint of anticipation.

"Delicious."

Lou Qinghe gave a light chuckle.

Just those two short words made Pei Siyu's heart feel sweet.

Several strands of faint sunlight pierced the window lattice and fell onto the indoor table.

Time suddenly seemed to slow down.

Pei Siyu, wearing a veil, ate very slowly, almost chewing gently and swallowing slowly.

"Come, eat a bit more."

Lou Qinghe placed a piece of fish in her bowl, saying, "No wonder Aunt Qiao always says I mistreat you—look how thin you are."

"No, it's not needed."

Pei Siyu quickly replied, "You're the one who needs to eat more."

"Eat!"

Lou Qinghe pressed down on Pei Siyu's chopsticks with one hand and said, "If you can't finish, you can't go home."

Hearing this, Pei Siyu hurriedly lowered her head.

She knew in her heart that Lou Qinghe wanted her to eat more.

Lou Qinghe also laughed.

The two said nothing more and soon finished their meal.

Lou Qinghe stood up and said, "I'll wash the dishes; you go rest first."

Though called washing dishes, a simple cleansing technique would make them spotless.

But Pei Siyu was accustomed to washing by hand, preferring to do any chores herself.

"All right..."

Saying this, Pei Siyu took out a porcelain bottle from her waist and carefully placed it in Lou Qinghe's hand: "This... this is for you."

"This is a Qi Gathering Pill?!"

Lou Qinghe opened the porcelain bottle; three Qi Gathering Pills fell into his palm, and he exclaimed in surprise, "Where did you get these?"

Qi Gathering Pills are not cheap; even the lowest-grade ones require five low-grade spirit stones.

For struggling loose cultivators living on the subsistence line, Qi Gathering Pills are hardly ever used.

"I've been saving these for a while; you need them now."

Pei Siyu said this and then lowered her head.

Lou Qinghe took her hand and saw that her palms were bluish-red, even bearing two cracks.

That river water was icy and bone-chilling, carrying a chill; even a cultivator could hardly endure prolonged immersion.

Moreover, some of the fish even possessed a hint of aggressiveness.

"I..."

Pei Siyu only felt warmth transmitted from his palm, and her heart instantly fluttered like a startled deer.

She wanted to pull away, but found she could not.

"How can you be so foolish?"

Lou Qinghe couldn't help but say.

He had given Pei Siyu some demon beast meat, yet he still had more demon beast meat and even hidden spirit stones.

But Pei Siyu took out all her spirit stones and sewed a second-rank robe for him.

He gave Pei Siyu spirit rice, while she would bring back the spirit fish she caught, and they would eat them together.

Nowadays, they even scrimped and saved to purchase Spirit Gathering Pills for Lou Qinghe.

She clearly needed the Qi Gathering Pill even more.

"Some women are just like that: foolishly, having received only a bit of warmth, they give everything they have."

"It's fine; I can still catch spirit fish."

Pei Siyu gazed earnestly at Lou Qinghe and said, "You need these Qi Gathering Pills now."

Lou Qinghe clenched the Qi Gathering Pills in his hand, nodded, and said, "I am now your reliance; I will surely strive."

"You, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Even through the veil, that pretty face could still be seen flushed with color.

After saying that, Pei Siyu hurriedly walked toward her home.

Looking at the Qi Gathering Pill in his hand, Lou Qinghe paused for a long time.

He could still feel the warmth on the pill bottle.

"Stupid woman...."

After a long while, Lou Qinghe came to his senses and went to the bedroom.

He took out a storage bag from the cloth bag and emptied today's haul onto the ground.

Several of the damaged magical artifacts were nothing special, just worthless junk.

But the six Life Soul Banners were particularly eye-catching.

Two of them were first-rank upper grade, while the rest were first-rank middle grade.

The Life Soul Banner is a unique magical artifact of White Bone Sect disciples, requiring the sect's core method to forge, and there is also a set of ways to improve the artifact's quality.

"White Bone Sect magical artifacts might be useful to keep."

Lou Qinghe stored the Life Soul Banner away, since it could be useful when he needed to hide his identity later.

After that came various techniques, most of which were White Bone Sect's evil arts.

"Huh?!"

Lou Qinghe suddenly discovered a technique manual, his eyes lighting up.

Soul Controlling Technique!

"This was obtained from Lei Chuxue's person; it's a proper technique from the Law Department."

Thinking of this, Lou Qinghe took out the desiccated beast egg he had bought, saying, "I'll use the Soul Controlling Technique later to see if I can hatch this beast egg."

Besides the Soul Controlling Technique, Lei Chuxue's storage bag also contained a jade pendant.

"A second-rank artifact! This jade pendant is a defensive magical artifact; wearing it can save one's life at critical moments."

Lou Qinghe thought to himself.

After another check, he still had over twenty Qi Gathering Pills, including a few second-rank ones, over a hundred first-rank upper-grade Vitality Return Pills, thirteen first-rank Dissolving Pills, one second-rank Dissolving Pill, and several Healing Pills.

As for spirit stones, there were even more—thirteen medium-grade spirit stones.

Lou Qinghe secretly calculated: "Adding these three storage bags, my wealth amounts to over twenty medium-grade spirit stones."

Over twenty medium-grade spirit stones is a huge fortune for a rogue cultivator.

"The most urgent matter is to increase cultivation."

Lou Qinghe took out the array flag of the Spirit Gathering Array he had bought, placed it in the room, and then put a low-grade spirit stone at the array's eye.

Instantly, spiritual energy gathered around, becoming three times denser than before.

Lou Qinghe picked up the Soul Controlling Technique to study, and soon a change appeared on his interface.

【Soul Controlling Technique LV1 (1/100)】

Lou Qinghe again took out the desiccated beast egg, and, following the method written in the Soul Controlling Technique, dropped a drop of his own blood onto the egg.

The blood soaked the beast egg, then released streaks of red light.

The next moment, the beast egg eagerly absorbed the surrounding spiritual energy.

In less than a few dozen breaths, the low-grade spirit stone on the Spirit Gathering Array was completely drained; Lou Qinghe quickly took out another and placed it on top.

Repeating this, when the seventh low-grade spirit stone was used, the beast egg's absorption of spiritual energy began to slow, and something inside seemed to wriggle.

"It finally stopped."

Lou Qinghe gently exhaled.

"Crack! Crack!"

Soon, the membrane on the beast egg's surface ruptured.

A pinkish little creature poked its head out, with tiny eyes and four legs that wobbled as it walked.

"What is this?!"

Lou Qinghe looked at the creature hatched from the beast egg and thought to himself, "How is this so like a mouse?"

Next, the little creature crawled toward the spirit stone, as if smelling something tasty, then bit directly into the low-grade spirit stone.

"Crunch! Crunch!"

Lou Qinghe just watched like that.

After a while, the little creature had eaten about a third of its size, its pink belly becoming round and plump, as if full, and then it lay down.

Snoring loudly, asleep!

"In a few days I'll buy a Spirit Beast Compendium to see what kind of spirit beast this is."

Lou Qinghe muttered to himself, "No wonder rogue cultivators rarely keep spirit beasts; this is completely a gold-swallowing beast..."

The Spirit Gathering Array's spiritual energy wasn't enough, so he also swallowed a Qi Gathering Pill.

If it were an ordinary cultivator, they definitely couldn't absorb the spiritual energy from the combined Spirit Gathering Array and Qi Gathering Pill.

But Lou Qinghe is different; he wants to try to see how much proficiency he can increase in such an environment.

Sitting cross-legged, with the five hearts facing heaven.

The Supreme Clarity Grand Void Technique began to circulate, spiritual energy flowing along the meridians and finally gathering in the dantian.

One circulation completed.

Lou Qinghe quickly looked at his interface.

【Cultivation: Qi Refining Fourth Layer (251/7200)】

"Proficiency increased by six points."

Lou Qinghe's heart jolted, "With the Spirit Gathering Formation's help, my cultivation speed has increased considerably."

Although the Spirit Gathering Formation consumes spirit stones, the speed of cultivation increase has risen significantly.

In this world, cultivation is what's crucially important.

So spending these spirit stones is worth it!

"Continue cultivating."

Lou Qinghe seemed to have gained tremendous momentum, continuing to circulate the Shangqing Tai Xu Jue.

The next day.

Lou Qinghe woke from his cultivation and immediately glanced at the panel.

【Cultivation: Qi Refining Fourth Layer (269/7200)】

In one night, his proficiency increased by eighteen points.

You should know that previously it took a full day and night to achieve such results.

"Although cultivation speed has increased greatly, consumption has also increased considerably."

Lou Qinghe looked at the spirit stone in his hand and thought to himself: "I still need to continually earn spirit stones."

Suddenly, a clamor of crying came from outside.

Lou Qinghe pushed the door open and went out, only to see Qiao Li holding a wooden stick, pointing at her daughter Qiao Xiaobao, shouting: "You don't know cultivation all day, you just know how to play?"

"I rise early and work late every day going to the Spirit Bird Market to slaughter pigs—who am I doing this for?"

Qiao Xiaobao's eyes reddened as she cried out: "Wuwu... I know I was wrong; next time I will definitely strive to cultivate."

Since Qiao Li's husband died, she moved to Qingyun Street, focusing all her thoughts on Qiao Xiaobao, hoping she would strive to cultivate, reach Qi Refining Third Layer early, and participate in the Huangshi Sect disciple selection.

Even if she became an outer sect disciple of the Huangshi Sect, her life would be much better than that of a loose cultivator now.

However, Qiao Xiaobao is still young; by nature she is somewhat fond of play.

Qiao Li also believes in the saying that "under the rod comes a filial child," so she often beats her.

Lou Qinghe whispered: "Aunt Qiao, Xiaobao knows she was wrong, just let it go."

Who would have thought these words would completely ignite Qiao Li? She turned her head and snapped fiercely: "What do you mean 'aunt'? I'm only two years older than you!"

Lou Qinghe was momentarily lost for words.

It seems Qiao Li really isn't much older than me.

At that moment, Pei Siyu, wearing a veil, also came out, holding Qiao Xiaobao in her arms, comforting: "Sister Li, Xiaobao is still young....."

Qiao Li's eye sockets reddened a bit as she said: "I know, but she is all my hope."

Qiao Xiaobao also stepped forward to comfort: "Mother, don't be angry; Xiaobao will cultivate properly from now on."

Qiao Li took a deep breath, adjusted her emotions, and looked at Pei Siyu: "Didn't you go fishing today?"

Pei Siyu pursed her lips and said: "Yesterday the White Bone Sect caused trouble; now the riverbanks are all blocked, so I probably can't fish for the time being."

The White Bone Sect invaded the Baiyu Market, quickly escalating; now all major markets are heavily guarded.

"That damned White Bone Sect really gives people no way to live."

Qiao Li also let out a heavy sigh: "You know Shili Street? Yesterday two Qi Refining Third Layer loose cultivators underwent mutation."

"Two in just one day?"

Lou Qinghe felt somewhat surprised in his heart.

In the past there were also loose cultivator mutations, but nothing like the current frequency.

"Yeah, now in the Spirit Bird Market we need to use exorcism talismans every day to ward off evil."

Qiao Li nodded, her brow furrowed with worry, and said: "This morning I heard the Xu family is organizing loose cultivators to patrol Qingyun Street and Shili Street every day."

Lou Qinghe furrowed his brows and asked: "Then do we have to participate as well?"

"Nonsense, any loose cultivator living here must participate."

Qiao Li pondered for a moment, then said: "If I go on patrol, fellow cultivators, if you have time, please help look after Xiaobao."

Pei Siyu gave a slight nod, saying nothing.

"These are just small matters."

Lou Qinghe nodded, thinking to himself: "This place is really becoming increasingly unsafe; it seems I need to quickly find a way to move into the Outer City."

Not only are the numbers of loose cultivator mutations surging, but the White Bone Sect also appears.

Although the Outer City is safe, if one resides there long-term, aside from top-tier artifact crafters and alchemists, ordinary cultivators must purchase an Outer City Immortal Register to live there.

And an Outer City Immortal Register costs at least fifty medium-grade spirit stones, and even then it's pricey but unavailable.

Besides that, one also needs to buy a dwelling in the Outer City.

That is even more costly.

Qiao Li looked at Qiao Xiaobao sitting on the ground playing, thought of something, and said: "I've prepared some demon beast meat; why don't we eat together? It'll be livelier with more people."

"No, thanks, Sister Li, you're being too polite."

Pei Siyu quickly waved her hands.

"What's with the politeness? Being able to gather together is fate."

Qiao Li said irritably: "How come you can eat at Fellow Cultivator Shengkui's place but not at my house?"

Pei Siyu glanced at Lou Qinghe, then hurriedly lowered her head.

"Come on, let the two of us cook the rice first; that lazy bum Shengkui will just get in the way....."

Afterwards, Qiao Li enthusiastically pulled Pei Siyu into the kitchen.

"Lazy bum....."

A black line appeared on Lou Qinghe's face, and he didn't bother to argue further.

Compared to female cultivators, he is indeed quite unkempt.

Watching the two busy back and forth, chatting and laughing, Lou Qinghe sat in the courtyard basking in the sun.

I don't know how long it's been since I last enjoyed life so leisurely.

Every day is for making a living, rushing about busily.

"Uncle Lou, Uncle Lou."

At that moment, Qiao Xiaobao came over hopping and skipping, holding a stalk of dogtail grass, saying, "I want to ask you a question."

Lou Qinghe said lazily, "Go ahead."

Qiao Xiaobao asked, "Do you mean that everything in my family from now on will be mine?"

"Of course."

Lou Qinghe replied without hesitation, "Although your family doesn't have anything valuable, everything your mother has is for you, and naturally it will be yours in the future."

He well knew that Qiao Li, a widowed mother, raising Qiao Xiaobao was already extremely difficult.

After hearing that, Qiao Xiaobao said indignantly, "Then you mean Qiao Li is now eating my food, drinking my drink, and she still beats me every day?"

Lou Qinghe blinked slightly, "This...."

It actually seems to make a bit of sense.

Qiao Xiaobao widened his eyes and said, "Uncle Lou, I don't want to support Qiao Li anymore; I want to support you."

"You must absolutely not say that."

Lou Qinghe heard and said, "Your mother has suffered bitterly for you; you should repay her well. Why does she hit you? Isn't it so you can enter the Huangshi Sect? If you really enter the Huangshi Sect, how will your mother be?"

Qiao Xiaobao pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "My mother will die smiling."

Lou Qinghe: "......."

This isn't a little padded jacket; this is clearly a shroud!

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