Clear Sky Page 6

  “Those… are difficult questions to answer.” Elder Ling hesitated a little before continuing. “With any of the cultivation techniques in this academy, you will not be able to do any of these things. You would first need to find a better cultivation technique and replace the one you pick here. Unless you disperse your cultivation in the future, you would need to continue cultivating in the same elements, and your ability to make the switch will depend on luck.

  “The Living Inferno technique that I practice is not from the academy, but rather my original sect. I would share it if I could, but I can’t share the technique outside the sect due to a Dao oath.” He looked at Cha Ming apologetically. He really liked the kid, and he would have passed on the cultivation technique if he could.

  “Elder Ling, I understand,” said Cha Ming, “Let’s ignore the issue of a cultivation technique for now. What I really want to know is if it’s possible—and under what conditions it would be possible—for each of these situations. I play to win, and I wouldn’t let a small setback like my initial cultivation technique hold me back from my full potential.”

  Elder Ling was very impressed with his confidence and enthusiasm, so he continued his explanation. “Right, right. One should never let themselves be held back by their initial circumstances. That’s what being a cultivator is all about, after all. Forever improve, and if the heavens try to stop you, fight the heavens!

  “The answer to your question is simple: Yes. It is theoretically possible to fuel two elements consecutively in the creation circle. The person in question needs a very stable cultivation, and the requirements on the technique are rather high. The qi must also be very pure, and this detail is also dependent on the cultivation technique. Finally, you need to remember that you would potentially be feeding three times as much energy into the final element as you normally would be. In addition, the original water qi fueling the wood, unless completely consumed by the wood-element qi, would counteract the fire. Very strict control and finesse are required when fueling a technique in this fashion.

  “To answer your question on refinement, wood-fueled fire will refine the best metal, assuming the wood is completely consumed prior to the flame reaching the fire. Otherwise the metal being refined will fight against the wood qi. Assuming you are successful, the final refined metal would be lower in quantity but much higher in purity. Any refined element will provide much higher-quality fuel for the corresponding technique, but the loss in the refinement is usually much greater than the gain. Conversely, the refined element will be the best refining agent, but the lower quantity of refining agent—say, water-quenched flame, for example—will only be able to refine a much smaller amount of its opposing qi.”

  A bright look had appeared in Cha Ming’s eyes after hearing Elder Ling’s explanation. He clasped his hands and bowed. “Thank you for explaining, Elder. This has helped me a great deal. Are there any four- or five-element techniques available?”

  Elder Ling pondered a moment and dug out an old bronze scroll. He dusted off the scroll as he shook his head and placed it back on the shelf.

  “What is this cultivation technique?” asked Du Cha Ming curiously.

  “This technique is the Lesser Five Elements cultivation technique. To cultivate this technique, you need to split your qi into five. Unfortunately, even by using a fueling effect, you would only have access to the mid-level skills of each element. You could also do things like use two or three attribute skills, though these skills are quite rare. Regrettably your small qi pool in each element would also make it so you can’t practice consummate skills in any specific element. All of the professions are available, but splitting your attention between all of them dooms you to never accomplishing anything great in any of them.

  “While five-element affinity is rare, there was once a great emperor, Emperor Qin, who practiced all five elements. He created his own cultivation method, and eventually the Lesser Five Elements cultivation technique became available in all kingdoms. Unfortunately, it is only a bronze-grade technique, and people rarely practice it. Guidance is almost impossible, and so people must advance without the aid of a competent teacher. I do not advise that you practice this method.” Elder Ling once again shook his head in sorrow. “This technique was clearly incomplete, otherwise Emperor Qin would never have risen to prominence like he did.”

  While the Lesser Five Elements cultivation technique was perfectly suited for Cha Ming, the path he would need to travel would be harder than any other. Sacrificing perfection for variety was a great taboo for most professions; this was also considered an unwise choice in the cultivation world.

  Cha Ming sat down cross-legged and pondered for an hour. Many groups of grades three and four students came and went. One by one, they obtained a copy of their respective cultivation techniques and quietly left. A memory of his past life surfaced as he saw these many students following their suggested path, with only the illusion of choice. This memory strengthened his determination, after which he stood and pointed his finger.

  “This one. I choose the Lesser Five Elements cultivation technique,” said Du Cha Ming calmly.

  A few of the surrounding teachers and elders escorting students gave Cha Ming and Elder Ling a strange glance. They would never under any circumstance recommend such a choice. However, they were quite afraid of Elder Ling, and they continued their quest in escorting their various students.

  “Are you sure you want this one? It is very difficult to turn back once you’ve started a cultivation method,” Elder Ling warned sternly.

  “I’m sure,” replied Cha Ming. For the very first time in his two past lives, he felt like he’d made a significant choice, one that would affect his entire destiny.

  Elder Ling took the scroll to a contraption with two platforms. The scroll was placed on the platform, and another identical but newer scroll appeared. Elder Ling then put away the old scroll and handed the new scroll to Cha Ming.

  “Cha Ming, this is an illusory scroll, which will persist for five days, after which it will fade away. It has been recorded under your identity, and if it is leaked, we will immediately know. If you fail to memorize this technique before it fades away, you will have another chance to take a scroll. However, your choices will be more limited due to your low perception. You would not get access to this fourth floor ever again. I’ll once again give you one last chance to change your mind.”

  Elder Ling didn’t want Cha Ming to live with regret, but he also did not want to take away his freedom of choice. Cha Ming declined, as expected.

  As a new Grade 3 student, he was allowed to choose a single treasure, and so they made their way to the treasure pavilion.

  From the outside, the treasure pavilion looked a little like a very large green silk tent with golden posts and a conical roof. A very burly monkey holding a spear was standing guard at an entrance flap to the pavilion. It sat down meekly as it saw Elder Ling bringing Cha Ming inside.

  Elder Ling chuckled. “I raised this monkey since it was a little child. It always treats me like its parent.”

  Elder Ling really did dabble in everything under the sun. Talismans, alchemy, healing, and raising beasts. Elder Ling telling Cha Ming not to divide his attention was like the pot calling the kettle black.

  Just past the entrance flap was a large greeting hall. The inside of the building no longer looked like a green tent. A figure that looked a lot like a Saudi Arabian vizier walked up to them, a large smile plastered on his face. His beard was heavily oiled and merged with his mustache into a single large curl.

  “Gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to this humble establishment! And you, Elder Ling, it has simply been ages since our last meeting. I assume this youngster is here to pick his introductory treasure? I highly recommend this wonderful sword. It is definitely first in its class, and he will not be disappointed.” He held out the sword while Elder Ling waved his hand, shooing him away with a gust of hot wind. The man continued smiling despite Elder Ling’s assault
.

  “This is the treasure pavilion keeper,” Elder Ling said in a low voice. “He’s technically not a part of Green Leaf Academy but a part of the world-renowned treasure pavilion. All the people inside are his employees, and all of the profits are handled by their corporate office. This gentleman is the highest authority here. For the most part, they will try to con you. Every Grade 3 or higher student can choose treasures here, but we give them a fixed payment for each student. He’s simply trying to maximize his profits!”

  Elder Ling gave a quick humph and kept walking with Cha Ming in tow. The pavilion keeper kept smiling and greeted the next batch of guests. It was quite lively inside due to the large influx of students.

  The treasure pavilion was gigantic and could likely accommodate a dragon’s treasury. Treasures were crammed onto shelves here and there with no semblance of order. Cha Ming was instructed to wander through and see if there was anything he liked. In the future, he would be able to accept assignments to earn contribution points and trade them in for items. Alternatively, he could just pay for them with any money he made. Elder Ling seemed unimpressed.

  Cha Ming wandered about for a whole two hours. He picked up items, swung swords, inspected seemingly ordinary goblets, mirrors, and talismans. He tried on a pair of boots, swung a staff, and tried to lift a huge greatsword. After the excitement wore off, he walked through the remainder of the pavilion at a brisk pace.

  About three-quarters of the way through the pavilion, a small item caught his eye. It looked like a paintbrush. Curious, he picked it up and began inspecting it in detail. It seemed quite familiar to him. The paintbrush was the purest white in color, with thin, barely visible lines forming patterns.

  Suddenly, it struck him. The little brush looked just like the staff that he’d seen prior to disappearing in his previous life! Where the black patterns had appeared previously, thin golden lines now passed through. Where the five colored runes once were, thin engravings were present. The brush was very light and only twelve inches long. The bristles were held together by a golden ferrule, which had previously been pierced into the ground. The bristles were thicker near the base and quite thin near the tip. The brush would be capable of both very broad strokes as well as thin, precise strokes.

  The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like fate that he’d seen the brush that day. If there was anything else he needed, he could always come back for it later. But if he didn’t choose it, where would he find it if someone else took it? As he continued examining the brush, the thin engravings seemed to transform into a string of words. The words were very small, barely large enough for Cha Ming to make them out.

  Three made many, and choices are infinite;

  Do not let worry color the landscape.

  Why not paint the heavens

  With this Clear Sky Brush?

  Why not paint the heavens, he thought. What a bold statement. But indeed, there were too many things to worry about in life. Cultivation techniques, occupation, money, marriage, fortune, and disaster. Everyone had too much to handle. The worries created are endless. But the brush was saying, “Why worry? There are so many details ordained by the heavens.”

  Painting the heavens? The brush was telling him to overthrow his fate and forge his own destiny. This enlightenment strengthened Cha Ming’s resolve in choosing his own path.

  Since he had made his decision, he slowly walked back to the desk, enjoying the scenery. Elder Ling had been with him all day and noticed the change in temperament.

  Cha Ming smiled as he placed the paintbrush on the desk. “I would like to take this paintbrush.”

  Elder Ling shot him a strange look, but the pavilion keeper was quite happy. Elder Ling clearly recognized the brush and had already judged that it was quite an ordinary but very specialized treasure. The pavilion keeper also didn’t see it as a very expensive item. It had been around for ages. Both Cha Ming and the treasure pavilion were very happy with the exchange.

  Once they exited the pavilion, Elder Ling instructed Cha Ming to register at the student residence, where he would be assigned a room and given his monthly allowance of ten spirit stones.

  “You have a lot of possibilities to choose from, but a lot of opportunity to go astray. I also know that you’re not a very rich student. Since you’ve decided on five-element cultivation, you would be allowed to learn as an apprentice alchemist, but they wouldn’t put a lot of effort into teaching you. Those old coots are very stubborn and proud. However… well, I find that your talents suit talisman crafting quite well. You also picked that old talisman brush that’s been there for some hundred or so years, and I’m a little intrigued.

  “No need to answer now. You’ll need to reach at least the third level of qi condensation before being able to start practicing any professions. Just come find me at my home if you ever decide you want to learn from me, and don’t be a stranger!”

  With that, Elder Ling placed his hands behind his back and walked away, whistling happily.

  Chapter 6: Qi Condensation

  It was just before supper by the time Du Cha Ming made it to the residence hall. The campus was quite large, and he had a long wait at the front desk before obtaining his room key. Every room required a jade slip to enter, and his room was the five hundred and twelfth. Third grade or lower talents needed to share rooms while fourth grade or higher talents were allowed their own courtyards, so Cha Ming was not talented enough to enjoy this luxury. Despite this disadvantage, he considered himself quite fortunate to have free room and board. If not for the academy, he truly didn’t know how he would have been able to feed himself.

  He didn’t immediately go to his new room but instead made his way to the dining hall, where had had promised to meet Hong Xin. Supper was served over a long period of time, so only fifty or so students loitered around while talking and eating. Cha Ming immediately spotted a shy girl poking at the cold food on her plate. An impish grin appeared on his face as he avoided her line of sight and put his hands on her shoulders.

  “Boo!”

  Instant regret appeared on Cha Ming’s face as Hong Xin let out a bloodcurdling scream, attracting the attention of dozens of nearby students. These students shot them awkward glances, which caused Hong Xin’s face to turn beet red.

  “Cha Ming, I waited so long, and you only show up now! I’m going to tell Second Brother that you’ve been bullying me, and he’ll come beat you up!” A cute, pouting expression was painted all over her crimson face.

  “Ha-ha, Xin Er1, I’m sure you missed me and my devilish good looks! Here, you can have this dumpling if you don’t tell Brother Xun about this.”

  In truth, he was less scared of Brother Xun and much more scared of Uncle Hong. Uncle Hong had a very impressive aura and was extremely protective of his only daughter. Xin Er cast him a suspicious glance but chose to eat the last remaining dumpling regardless, appeasing her fleeting rage.

  Cha Ming sighed in relief as he excused himself to get another helping. He returned in a few minutes with a plate full of food and two glasses of pomelo juice, one of which he placed in front of Hong Xin.

  “Xin Er, I’ll be locking myself up to learn my new cultivation technique starting tonight. I’ve been told by Elder Ling that the cultivation technique I’ve chosen is very difficult, and I only have five days to learn it before my illusory scroll disappears.”

  He had originally intended to spend a few days with Xin Er so they could familiarize themselves with campus, but his time was currently too precious.

  “I understand. I should do the same as well. You’re so lucky. I’ve only been given three days to practice my Gentle Flame dance technique. If I can’t practice it successfully I’ll be forced to give up and learn a new technique.” She thought for a bit as if connecting the dots. “Wow, you get a whole five days with yours? Which dual-element technique did you decide to practice?” Her previously disappointed expression had been replaced with pure excitement.

  “This… I didn’t pi
ck a dual-element technique,” said Cha Ming, embarrassed.

  “Wow, so you got a whole five days with a single-element technique? So lucky!” Not a hint of jealousy was reflected in her beautiful eyes.

  “Actually… I’m cultivating a five-element technique. The Lesser Five Elements cultivation technique.”

  Xin Er’s face filled with pure shock, and a few nearby forks were dropped as some older students were overcome with surprise. They had clearly heard about the technique and its origins, as well as the difficulty of the technique. The surprise only lasted for a few seconds, as they quickly recovered and continued eating.

  “I didn’t know that was even a possibility. Elder Brother is so impressive!”

  Her expression was now one of pure admiration. The girl really didn’t know how to hold back her emotions.

  They finished eating at a relaxed pace, after which both Cha Ming and Xin Er spent an hour chatting and headed to the cultivation pavilion.

  The cultivation pavilion was a veritable palace. Its pure alabaster walls were adorned with carvings of immortals fighting ferocious demons. The palace stood in stark contrast to the gaudy treasure pavilion, with not a single golden adornment on its walls. The two characters for “cultivation” were engraved into the front arch, and the characters seemed to imbue each person who walked through the empty arch with a sense of calmness and tranquility.

  There were no guards at the front of the arch, and everyone could enter and exit the pavilion as they pleased. Violence was strictly forbidden; this was enforced by a guardian elder who meditated on each floor. Lucky students could sometimes catch them when they weren’t cultivating and receive guidance.