NABC 12. Grandfather
12. Grandfather
Over the course of two weeks, Jin Shu inscribed three new runes onto his body: the Body Strengthening Rune, the Qi Compression Rune, and the Qi Gathering Rune.
The Qi Compression Rune, as its name suggested, compressed his qi, temporarily lowering his cultivation by two stages, back to the 4th stage. However, this compression made his qi twice as potent as that of someone at the same level.
The Qi Gathering Rune allowed him to absorb qi at twice the normal rate, accelerating his cultivation speed. While impressive, it wasn’t extraordinary—his mother had once explained that the signature cultivation technique of the Immortal Phoenix Sect allowed disciples to cultivate four times faster. Unfortunately, only women could practice that technique; otherwise, she would have given it to him long ago.
Jin Shu was now
“I stumbled upon a fortuitous encounter,” he said cautiously. “And I’ve been using some... unique methods to enhance my cultivation.”
“Unique methods?” His grandfather raised a bushy eyebrow. “What kind of methods?”
After a moment of deliberation, Jin Shu said, “I discovered a cultivation technique that requires me to inscribe runes on my body. Namely, the Qi Gathering Rune and the Qi Compression Rune. Together, they help me cultivate faster and strengthen my qi.”
His grandfather stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Runes, hmm? Interesting. That’s not a path I’ve heard of. But use caution—rushing ahead without understanding the risks can be dangerous.”
“I know,” Jin Shu said, meeting his grandfather’s gaze with determination. “But it’s effective. And if I want to protect Mother—and this family—I can’t afford to be ordinary.”
The older man studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Good,” he said simply. “You have ambition, and you’re willing to take risks. But be careful, Jin Shu. Ambition without discipline is a blade without a hilt—it’ll cut you down just as easily as your enemies.”
Jin Shu bowed again. “Thank you for your guidance, Grandfather.”
“Go on, then. Collect your materials. But come back when you’re done—I want to see how you’re progressing.”
“Yes, Grandfather,” Jin Shu said, stepping back.
“Wait!” his grandfather called out again, making a grasping motion with his hand.
To Jin Shu’s shock, Yin’er suddenly appeared in the old man’s open palm. She was too stunned to protest, her fur bristling as she looked around in confusion.
“Grandfather?” Jin Shu asked cautiously, worry tightening in his chest.
“Hmm?” The older man glanced at him and chuckled at his expression. “Ah, don’t worry, I won’t harm your little pet.”
“Thank you,” Jin Shu said, relief washing over him.
“Was this the fortuitous encounter you spoke of?”
“Um, partially, yes.”
“I see. I heard her talking. What an interesting little creature.”
“Yin’er not a little creature! Yin’er is Yin’er!” she growled, puffing up indignantly.
His grandfather’s booming laugh filled the room. “Ahahaha! Fierce, isn’t she? I like her!”
Yin’er puffed out her chest proudly, her tiny face alight with satisfaction.
“Alright, go on now.”
Jin Shu turned and left the throne room, Yin’er quietly chittering her approval as she settled back onto his shoulder.
As he walked, Jin Shu felt a flicker of pride. His grandfather’s acknowledgment wasn’t given lightly, and it strengthened his resolve. There was much to do, and little time to waste.