It had been nine days since the Xiao clan had started producing the Mystic Cleansing Jade. Within that time frame Fatty Wang had come by a couple times trying to convince Xiao Yun to go on another outing, but he had adamantly refused, instead he supervised the workers making soap and his free time consisted of trying to cultivate and circulate this new energy inside his spiritual channels. He’s been in this world for enough time to accept his absurd situation. Within that time frame, he had only focused on survival and improving his clan, and with the addition of the original Xiao Yun’s memories regarding his stalled cultivation, he’d decided that cultivating was a waste of effort for someone in his situation and hadn’t even bothered.
Currently he was trying to familiarize himself with this ‘spiritual energy’ everyone kept yammering on about. He remembered the cultivation technique the original Xiao Yun used, just to be sure he read the manual for the ‘Luminous Celestial Flow’ so that he wouldn’t make a mistake and injure himself, as was a common trope in such settings. After memorizing the proper spiritual energy circulation paths, he gave it a go. Circulating spiritual energy was a really peculiar feeling, as if someone controlling the blood inside their own veins. He had almost gotten used to it.
Spiritual Channels or the Spirit Root as some called it, was a completely new phenomenon to Xiao Yun. What he had come to realize was that what made ordinary people and cultivators so different was the presence of these roots/channels in their bodies. It was like a second set of veins in one’s body, extending along his body and limbs just like blood vessels, but instead of blood they carried spiritual energy. What made them even more unique was the fact that unlike the blood in one’s veins, you could consciously control the spiritual energy inside these vessels. What determined ‘cultivation talent’ was a combination of how wide your spiritual veins were, how robust and durable they were, and the amount of control you could exert over the Qi within your spiritual channels. In other words, three attributes determined cultivation talent: Capacity and Durability of your spiritual channels, and your ability to control and absorb Qi, or at least that’s how Xiao Yun understood it.
Xiao Yun, it seemed had poor scores in all three attributes. Thus, his reputation as a useless trashy young master. What they didn’t know was he originally possessed a special set of spiritual vessels, a cultivator disability of sorts, so his poor performance was not his fault entirely.
‘From what I remember, there existed individuals with special bloodlines, unique spiritual vessels with special attributes, and even those with special bodies that were immune to poison or were extremely physically strong. With my luck, I didn’t get special body or spiritual veins, or even an ordinary body for heaven’s sake. I got transmigrated and stuck inside a ‘cripple’ hah.’ Lamenting his luck for a couple seconds, he pulled himself together. Whatever his condition, he wasn’t going to let it be a hindrance, after all he had already decided on a path, that if he couldn’t grow strong himself, he would surround himself with those that were.
Refocusing his mind, he tried to circulate his energy. It was as if he was trying to control some peculiar type of mist within his vessels, but the mist wasn’t just water vapor, it was much heavier and sometimes wriggled out of his control. Thus the days passed.
One afternoon Xiao Yun, who was trying his best to channel inner peace for his morning cultivation session, was instead battling the insistent buzzing of a mosquito and the persistent ache in his lower back from sitting cross-legged for too long. “Cultivation spiritual energy, huh?” he muttered under his breath, his Earth-born cynicism battling with the nascent desire for otherworldly power. “More like ‘cultivation of hemorrhoids’ at this rate. Why couldn’t I get one of those damn cheats, things would have moved much faster.” He muttered a petulant complaint, it didn’t help change his situation, but it made his level of frustration decline by a tiny bit.
His “meditation” was abruptly interrupted. The servant girl Chunhua burst into his courtyard, her face a mask of anxious urgency. “Young Master Yun! The Elders summon you! To the Grand Hall! Immediately!” she stammered breathless, her eyes wide with worry.
Xiao Yun blinked, jolted out of his half-hearted attempt at Qi gathering. “The Elders summon me? Did I accidentally do something to displease them?” He racked his brain, trying to recall any recent transgressions. They should be thanking him for his contribution to the clan’s finances through his soap. Had he been found out? Did they not believe his bullcrap story about the “Grandpa Soul Stuck In a Pendant”? Did the elders suspect his identity? Maybe they were trying to get rid of him, a point of uncertainty, after he showed them how to make the soap?
Swallowing down a knot of unease, Xiao Yun straightened his robes that were slightly too big. “Alright, alright, don't panic.” he told the servant girl, more for his own benefit than hers.
“Lead the way. Who knows it might be something good… maybe.”
He followed Chunhua through the labyrinthine corridors of the once-magnificent Xiao estate. Everywhere he looked, the signs of decline were glaringly obvious; faded tapestries, cracked tiles, and an overall air of decline. It was a far cry from the vibrant and powerful Xiao Clan of legends he’d read about in the few dusty scrolls he’d managed to decipher. His crappy one-bedroom apartment on Earth was arguably more luxurious at this point. But that situation should be changing soon with their new source of income, but would he live long enough to see that day?
As they approached the Grand Hall, the heavy oak doors loomed before them, radiating an aura of solemnity that did nothing to soothe Xiao Yun’s nerves. He took a deep breath, straightened his spine as much as his slightly slouching posture allowed, and pushed open the doors.
The Grand Hall was still undeniably grand, despite its dilapidated state. Sunlight streamed through the high arched windows, illuminating the hall and glinting off the polished jade accents that still held a hint of former glory. The seven elders of Xiao Clan were seated in their usual imposing positions, their faces grim and etched with concern. Elder Xiao Chong, the stoic and venerable First Elder with a beard that could rival Gandalf’s in length and whiteness, sat at the head. His gaze piercing and decidedly unimpressed.
But it wasn't the elders that caught Xiao Yun’s attention. Seated elegantly at a smaller table to the side gracefully sipping tea, was a woman of breathtaking beauty. She looked mature, poised, with an air of quiet confidence that radiated power. Her silken robes were a deep indigo, embroidered with silver lotuses that shimmered in the light. Her glossy red hair was freely flowing down her shoulders. Even with his mind spoiled by all the Instagram models and celebrities he’d seen on earth, Xiao Yun was still stunned by her appearance. Considering all the make up and touch up’s those models did, not to mention all the Hollywood magic and camera filters, this lady was a step above them. This was her natural beauty without any filters. Unless she was currently using some sort of an illusion spell, but that seemed unlikely to say the least, as they were no one in this place worth impressing.
Standing beside her was a younger girl who looked to be around Xiao Yun’s age. She was nervously fidgeting and looking distinctly uncomfortable. She was a beauty herself. Her dark hair had a light greenish hue; her soft amber eyes seemed to shimmer with innocence and a curious intellect. Her features looked like they were drawn on by a dedicated artist portraying a youthful beauty. Compared to the mature lady who looked like a gorgeous rose in full bloom, the girl was more of a freshly budding flower.
Xiao Yun racked his brain. He vaguely recognized the younger girl, a fleeting memory surfacing from the depths of the original Xiao Yun's rather hazy and unmemorable life. Had he met her at some clan gathering? Was she a visiting dignitary from somewhere? A distant relative?
‘Oh fuck, this wastrel didn’t try to hit on the daughter of a powerful clan in the past did he? If so that woman over there could say something along the lines of “impertinent junior” and “a frog lusting over swan meat” before slapping me to death!’
But things looked a bit too calm for that. Additionally, it had been a good long while since he transmigrated into this world, if someone wanted to seek revenge on him for something disrespectful they did they wouldn’t have waited so long. The young girl was undeniably beautiful, but if he was being honest that mature lady was more current Xiao Yun’s speed. He wasn’t that kind of a person on earth, but if he was going to hit on someone it would be that lady rather than the young girl by her side.
He bowed deeply to the elders, carefully avoiding eye contact with the beautiful woman for fear of accidentally drooling and further embarrassing himself.
Elder Xiao Chong cleared his throat, the sound booming in the otherwise silent hall. His white eyebrows furrowed even deeper, if that was even physically possible. “Xiao Yun.” he began, his voice laced with a displeasure that could curdle milk at fifty paces.
“We have summoned you today regarding a matter of significant clan import. Miss Liu Yan has come to us with her master, Elder Bai of the Soaring Sword Sect to request the annulment of your engagement. She claims our family is no longer worthy, that the Xiao name has become a shadow of its former self, and you yourself are an unworthy match due to your lacking talent and impure heart. That you are not even remotely worthy of marrying a qualified disciple of the Soaring Sword Sect.” the elder intoned, each syllable laden with disappointment.
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It was an insult not only to Xiao Yun but to the entire Xiao lineage. Their whispers echoed ominously, their concern palpable.
“I wouldn’t quite put it so harshly Elder Chong, but that is the long and short of it.” Said Elder Bai coolly, taking another sip of her tea.
Xiao Yun was dumbfounded. He looked at the girl and then at the elder Xiao Chong. His eyes darted all over the room.
‘Me? Fiancé? That girl is? Breaking off engagement?’ His mind was spinning with so many questions.
He stood there brows furrowed, looking like he got slapped in the face. This was of course understandable from the perspective of onlookers. Although this event was insulting for the whole Xiao family, it was Xiao Yun who was at the center of it.
Liu Yan clad in a flowing silk gown that shimmered like moonlight, stood with her master, a formidable woman of imposing stature, her aura crackling with latent power. The elder from the Soaring Sword Sect, known simply as Master Bai or Lady Bai had a reputation that sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned cultivators. Her gaze bore into Xiao Yun with a mixture of disdain and pity.
‘Wait, Lady Bai? Soaring Sword Sect? I think Fatty mentioned her a while ago? Isn’t she a famous master? Now she’s my “fiancé’s” master? Oh, and I also have a fiancé.’ Xiao Yun stood there with a stupefied look on his face.
“The engagement was proposed by the Lin clan’s patriarch to begin with, now they’re the ones wanting annulment after our patriarch has gone missing? Humph, the impertinence!” Spat out the fourth elder while avoiding eye contact with Lady bai, his tone seething with resentment. But what could they do? They were in no position to refuse anything, especially not when the request came from someone of high power and prestige like Elder Bai Hong.
She was one of the youngest people to ever break into the Golden Core realm, a true genius. She was in the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm. It was expected that someone with talent and resources could break through to that stage within a hundred years, she however did it a few decades earlier, proving her extraordinary talent. She was extremely adept in combat, not even her peers in similar stages were her match. Not to mention she had the backing of the Soaring Sword Sect, one of the Five Great Sects.
Elder Bai’s gaze swept over the assembled Xiao clan elders, a dismissive glance that clearly assessed their weakness and irrelevance. All cultivators weren’t equal in strength, even if their cultivation stages were similar. She alone possessed enough power to wipe them out with ease. She waved her hand and her ring glowed, suddenly a small and exquisitely crafted pouch appeared in her hand, which she placed onto the table. It jingled softly.
“We understand that circumstances change.” Elder Bai continued, her tone as devoid of emotion as polished jade. “Lui Yan’s talent has blossomed under my tutelage. She possesses a special constitution that is very suited to cultivate a certain technique of the Soaring Sword Sect. If she manages to cultivate it successfully, it’s almost guaranteed that she will reach the Nascent Soul Realm within three hundred years. Her future lies within the Soaring Sword Sect and a union with Xiao Clan would be unsuitable at this stage of her development. She has already reached the seventh circle of the Qi gathering stage. Additionally, the technique most suitable for her within our sect needs her to remain pure until she reaches the Nascent Soul Realm.” She paused, letting her words settle in the listeners minds, each syllable a subtle barb aimed at the Xiao Clan’s pride. “As a token of our appreciation for the Xiao Clan’s understanding, we offer two hundred mid-grade spiritual stones.”
Two hundred mid-grade spiritual stones. It was a substantial sum, enough to alleviate some of Xiao Clan’s immediate financial woes, but worth little to someone like Bai Hong. For anyone else, it would likely be considered generous compensation for a broken engagement, especially considering Xiao Clan’s current standing.
Xiao Yun was trying to process what had happened. He stood there stone faced, looking like he was enduring great humiliation stoically.
Everyone in the hall expected Xiao Yun to explode. Young masters of struggling clans, their pride often being the last thing they had, were notorious for their fiery tempers and reckless actions. This was the moment for a dramatic outburst, a challenge to a duel, perhaps even a foolish attempt to cling to the engagement despite the clear power imbalance.
While in reality, Xiao Yun first felt relief, then amusement. ‘So, I didn’t get caught.’
It seemed his assumption was completely wrong, and he got swept up in cultivation story cliché. He just wanted to laugh.
‘Wait, wait should I maybe say some over the top line like “The Yangtze River flows ten years west, then ten years east.” Or maybe “Don’t look down on a young man just because he is poor. Every dog has its day.” My surname in this world is Xiao after all haha.’
While he was laughing at how ridiculous the situation was on the inside, outwardly he stood quietly in the hall, his silence causing unease in the hearts of some of the elders. Xiao Yun was still a hot-headed youth with many troubles, who may not be able to control his temper. If he said something that truly offended Master Bai, it might be the last straw that broke the camel’s back. That could be the end for the already struggling Xiao family. They were just beginning to turn things around!
However, the expected outburst didn’t come. On the inside his office-worker brain was running at full capacity, spreadsheets of potential outcomes and negotiation tactics flashing through his mind faster than a swordsman’s strike. His goal was to turn this “unfortunate event” into something that could help him instead. Turning disaster into opportunity so to speak. He had been a relatively unremarkable office worker yes, but years spent navigating corporate politics, placating demanding clients and negotiating contracts had inadvertently equipped him with a unique skillset now proving surprisingly useful in this new world.
‘Where there was danger, there was also opportunity.’ This clichéd Xianxia saying was proving to be quite true today. Master Bai being a powerful cultivator, likely had access to rare resources others only dared to dream of.
“Elder Bai and Miss Liu.” Xiao Yun addressed them, his voice devoid of any trace of anger or resentment. He even managed a small, polite smile towards Liu Yan, who looked increasingly uncomfortable under his gaze. “Thank you for coming to inform us in person. And thank you for the… generous offer.” He glanced at the pouch on the table, his smile widening ever so slightly, a subtle hint of something unreadable flickering in his eyes.
“However,” Xiao Yun continued with a slight shift in tone. “While we appreciate the consideration, I believe you may have underestimated the gravity of this situation. You see Elder Bai, breaking an engagement is not merely a change of circumstance. It is a matter of the clan’s honor and reputation. Especially when done in this manner.”
Elder Bai raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, a trace of amusement dancing in her eyes. “Are you suggesting two hundred mid-grade spiritual stones are insufficient, Young Master Xiao?” Her tone was laced with mild condescension.
“Insufficient is perhaps an understatement.” Xiao Yun replied smoothly. “You see Elder Bai, you are correct. Circumstances have changed. Liu Yan’s talent has blossomed and the Soaring Sword Sect is a powerful force. However, Xiao Clan despite our current challenges still holds a certain level of prestige in this region. We are not some nameless family to be dismissed with pocket change.”
Xiao Yun had no idea or concern about the family’s honor, their actual standing, Liu Yan’s talent or how much the 200 mid-grade spiritual stones were truly worth, however this seemed like an angle he could make use of to gain extra profits.
He took another step forward, his gaze now fixed on Elder Bai, his calm demeanor unwavering. “Breaking an engagement that was initiated by your side, especially one that was considered a strategic alliance initiated by the Lin family in the first place, is not simply a ‘change of circumstance.’ It is in fact a significant blow to Xiao Clan’s face. It signals to everyone in the region that Xiao Clan is weak, vulnerable and easily discarded. This will have far-reaching consequences for our clan’s future, for our ability to secure resources, alliances and even recruit new people.”
Xiao Yun paused, letting his words sink in, watching as the amusement in Elder Bai’s eyes began to fade, replaced by a flicker of something else. Perhaps annoyance? Perhaps a hint of understanding.
The elders on the other hand were looking dumbfounded. Since when was this wastrel so eloquent, so aware and well informed? Could it be because of the influence of the Ancestor? Bestowing arcane knowledge was one thing, but could the Ancestor Xiao Tianlong also bestow common sense, maturity and wisdom?
“Two hundred mid-grade spiritual stones.” Xiao Yun repeated. “While helpful, they are merely a temporary balm. They do not address the underlying damage to our clan’s reputation. They do not compensate for the loss of face, the signal you are sending to the wider world.”
He looked directly at Elder Bai, his eyes unwavering. “Therefore!” he said, his voice now firm and resolute. “If you truly wish to break this engagement and ‘appreciate our understanding,’ then the Xiao Clan requires appropriate compensation!”
A collective gasp rippled through the Xiao Clan elders. Even elder Xiao Chong who had been paralyzed by a mixture of anger and despair straightened up in his chair, his eyes widening in surprise.
Elder Bai’s expression hardened. “And what, in your estimation, Young Master Xiao would constitute ‘appropriate compensation’?” Her voice was tight, the polite fa?ade beginning to crack.
Xiao Yun took a deep breath, the corporate negotiator fully taking over. It was time to play his hand. “In addition to the two hundred mid-grade spiritual stones,” Xiao Yun stated clearly, his voice ringing through the silent hall, “the Xiao Clan requires a Foundation Establishment Pill, or something of equal value.”
The silence in the hall became absolute, thick enough to cut with a sword. Even the dust seemed to hang suspended in mid-air. A Foundation Establishment Pill. For a struggling clan like theirs, it was a treasure beyond their reach, not to mention it usually cost more than a thousand mid-grade spiritual stones, and just because you had the money didn’t mean you could find a pill to purchase, as such pills and it’s ingredients were usually bought up by the large sects and wealthy clan. There was always a high demand and not enough supply, which would drive up the price even further.
Even with Xiao Clan’s now supplemented income it would take a long time to muster enough spirit stones to purchase one. It was a chance for a Qi Condensation realm cultivator to break through to the next crucial stage, a chance for a member of the Xiao Clan to significantly increase their strength, their lifespan and their potential. It was a seed of hope for the clan. Although the Elders were in the Foundation Establishment stage, they were all old and well past their prime and most of them had achieved their stage with pure talent and grit. If they had access to better resources the clan would have been much stronger than it currently was. Their talents and bloodline weren’t the problem. Currently due to their unfortunate circumstances, the Xiao clan had no one to pass the torch to in the younger generation. The last time they had gambled on a foundation building pill, Xiao Lian had failed and that failure only accelerated the clan’s decline.
Now they had a chance to get another pill, maybe it could help one of their descendants break through in the future. It was a resource worth fighting and killing over!
