Chapter 53: The Soul Disc

Upon returning to his cave, Dao Sansheng took out the cultivation manual and examined the route for the Floating Technique. With a single read, he committed it fully to memory and began his practice.

The first step required him to open two acupoints at the soles of his feet—an easy task. Gathering spiritual energy in his dantian, he guided it down through his meridians. The current flowed unhindered to the left sole, and with a surge, the acupoint opened instantly. He repeated the process for the right sole, following the method prescribed by the manual.

After two days, Dao Sansheng had grown fully familiar with the flow of the technique. Now able to circulate his energy swiftly, he was ready to put it to the test.

He found a secluded spot halfway up the mountain—a relatively flat area—and prepared for his first flight. According to the method, he channeled spiritual energy along the prescribed path. Dao Sansheng felt a breeze rising beneath his feet, and slowly, he lifted off the ground, his whole body suspended in midair. He wondered how to move forward or backward; as soon as the thought crossed his mind, his consciousness guided him forward through the air.

From the sky, the landscape of the Sky-Tempering Valley unfolded beneath him, majestic and boundless. He felt as if he were standing atop the world, surveying all beneath him.

After circling through the air, he reviewed the introduction to the Floating Technique again, noting the mention of flying treasures—though he had none. With such an artifact, his speed would increase dramatically.

Just then, his gourd began to glow, and the skull’s voice echoed from within.

“That fellow has finally been fully refined by me. It’s fortunate—I’ve now evolved into a corporeal form!” A figure flew out from the gourd.

Dao Sansheng was taken aback to see a girl emerge, despite the voice having been male. He was utterly perplexed—this girl seemed to have no connection at all to the terrifying skull he’d known.

She looked about sixteen, with fair, clean skin, clad in a dark green dress. A pair of wings beat behind her, keeping her aloft in the sky. The hem of her skirt reached just to her knees, revealing slender, delicate legs, half-bare, her feet shod in black shoes. Dao Sansheng found himself staring at her legs and feet. The girl squatted, her skirt covering her legs, and she stuck out a small foot.

“My shoes aren’t dirty—what are you looking at?” she asked with a youthful voice, questioning Dao Sansheng. He was left at a loss for words. The girl blinked her large eyes, as if she could see straight through his thoughts, gazing intently into his eyes—eyes so captivating that Dao Sansheng quickly averted his gaze.

“N-nothing. Why have you changed into this appearance? I remember you as an old man—an awfully devious one at that. Did you trick me on purpose? Don’t think I’m a child just because I look young,” Dao Sansheng protested.

“I hail from the Greenwing Tribe of the forests. We are the guardians of the continent. Three thousand years ago, a great natural disaster struck—the continent, once whole, was torn apart. Lava and acid rain covered everything. Most of our tribe perished, and I lost all sense of time, drifting in unconsciousness.

“But when I awoke, I found myself here and now. I’ve just been resurrected, and I feel energy surging through me. I can soar through the skies and return to nature once more.”

A five-pointed star rose above the skull’s head and descended to Dao Sansheng, casting its radiance upon him before slowly fading. On the small island within Dao Sansheng’s mindsea, a new statue appeared—a winged figure—and the island itself grew larger, with no sign of stopping. Where once there had been only a stony islet, vines now crept everywhere. His entire mindsea expanded, its waters deepening. Dao Sansheng felt his soul grow stronger—his spiritual sense now rivaled that of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, at least by his own quick estimate.

What on earth was this skull’s true nature? It had just released a five-pointed star, yet the increase in power was astonishing.

“I have just forged a contract with my master,” the girl—now no longer a skull—declared. “I once made a promise, and now that I have recovered my true form, I must fulfill it.”

Watching this being flit through the sky, Dao Sansheng realized that they were now bound together.

“You’re so powerful—can you destroy the heavens and the earth? Let me see!” Dao Sansheng asked, excitement shining in his eyes.

“I cannot. Our Greenwing Clan is formed from the soul power of fallen forest plants. We can strengthen your soul and enhance your spiritual sense,” she replied, her face proud.

“That’s not very useful. I thought you’d be more impressive—seems I was mistaken,” Dao Sansheng muttered, disappointment washing over him. He had thought he was destined for greatness, only to be brought down to earth once more.

“I can shield you from others’ spiritual senses, and confuse them as well. If you encounter a powerful enemy who tries to find you using their spiritual sense, I can mask you so they cannot locate you.”

Now that was a life-saving treasure! Excited, Dao Sansheng rushed forward, trying to put his arm around the girl’s waist, but she fluttered away on her wings, and he grasped at empty air.

Embarrassed by his attempt, she shrank down and darted back into the gourd.

Dao Sansheng chuckled inwardly at her shyness. With such beauty, how could she still be called “Skull”? She needed a new name. As he wandered along the mountainside, inspiration struck.

“From now on, you won’t be called Skull anymore. How about the name Spirit Disc?”

A joyful voice echoed from the gourd. “Really?”

“Really. Since you are so pleased, it’s settled—you’ll be called Spirit Disc from now on.”

Today had been unusually satisfying—not only had he mastered the Floating Technique and learned to fly, but now, with such an ally, he could return and contact his friends to discuss when they would set out.

Meanwhile, on the fractured peak, a young man in white was cultivating. Steward Wang stood before him, bent at the waist, his voice tinged with sorrow as he recounted what had happened in the warehouse that day.

“That boy Dao Sansheng came to the warehouse. We ignored him, but his methods were despicable. He threatened to burn down the warehouse, and though we refused to be intimidated, he actually set it on fire. Fortunately, our people rushed in to save the goods, even suffering burns. But that fire of his—it was no ordinary flame…”

The man in white waved a hand to silence him. “Enough. I’ve seen that flame myself—it is indeed unusual. Just tell me the outcome.”

“In the end, the boy wouldn’t relent; he was a real scoundrel. We had no choice but to give him supplies, but we only handed over useless things like that bankrupt shop in Qiu Pond City, Fangtian County, and some other worthless items. Here is the inventory list, Senior Brother Tu—please take a look.” Steward Wang presented the list with both hands, awaiting Tu Tianxiong’s review.

Tu Tianxiong glanced at the list. As Steward Wang claimed, the items were all worthless, though he didn’t trust Wang’s words. Outwardly, however, he maintained a façade.

“I understand your difficulties. That fellow is troublesome to deal with. Just give him these things—he won’t be able to stir up any real trouble.”

“I must thank you for your support. Here is a bottle of pills—share it among the warehouse staff as a token of my concern for your injuries.”

Steward Wang accepted the pills and left, cursing inwardly: If you weren’t the future heir of the valley master, I, Wang Xiangui, would never bother with you.