Chapter 17: Exchange

Qi Xin was quite reluctant inwardly, but reason compelled him to acknowledge that Jiang Zhiwei’s words made a lot of sense. After exchanging for Lightness Kung Fu, hard-body external skill, and saber techniques, with some time for practice, he would definitely undergo a transformation, no longer ending up like this time—only managing to kill Cheng Yong opportunistically, and even that had been perilously risky.

“Senior Junior-apprentice Jiang speaks truly well,” Zhang Yuanshan had somehow already approached, with Qi Xiya and Qi Zhengyan following behind him.

“Senior-apprentice Zhang, have you completed your exchange?” Jiang Zhiwei asked in slight surprise; she hadn’t seen Zhang Yuanshan heading toward the central column of light.

Zhang Yuanshan smiled slightly: “Not yet. I was thinking that ‘Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation’ specifically mentioned the terms ‘companion’ and ‘fellow faction member’ at the beginning. I suspect that perhaps our next mission will still be together. Therefore, I took the liberty to invite Junior-apprentice Qi and Junior-apprentice Qi Zhengyan here, hoping that we can discuss our choices before the exchange, pooling our wisdom to enhance each companion’s strength optimally, thus increasing our chances of successfully completing the next mission, avoiding another tragedy like Senior-apprentice Qingjing and Leader Yan.”

His tone grew somber toward the end.

Qi Xin gave a slight nod, having to admit that Zhang Yuanshan indeed possessed a natural talent for leading small teams—he considered every aspect thoroughly while also being attentive to others’ emotions.

Zhang Yuanshan looked at Qi Xin: “Lightness skill and hard-body external skill are your current priorities, Junior-apprentice Zhen Ding. Particularly, Tie Bushan (Iron Shirt) is not only a hard-body external skill, but also includes foundational internal cultivation techniques that can help you initially consolidate your dantian. Moreover, it lays a solid foundation for you to later learn Shaolin’s supreme techniques like ‘Diamond Indestructible Divine Skill’ and ‘Golden Bell Shield.'”

“Mm, thank you, Senior-apprentice Zhang and Miss Jiang, for your guidance. I shall follow your advice,” Qi Xin replied with determination. While defeating opponents with grace, charm, and elegance was appealing and admirable, for now, survival remained the priority.

Zhang Yuanshan nodded and turned to Jiang Zhiwei: “Junior-apprentice Jiang, you still need twenty virtuous points? Are you planning to exchange for Tian Cong Pill?”

Upon hearing “Tian Cong Pill,” Qi Xiya wore a knowing expression, while Qi Zhengyan looked visibly excited, seemingly having longed for this pill.

“Yes, the Tian Cong Pill costs 110 virtuous points,” Jiang Zhiwei showed no surprise at Zhang Yuanshan’s accurate guess, because she knew Zhang Yuanshan would also prioritize it. “I’ve already refined all nine acupoints related to the ear canal, needing only one more step to open the ear’s acupoint. Originally, I intended to refine it through self-cultivation, but time waits for no one. I must improve as soon as possible, hoping that the interval between future missions will provide me ample time for compensation.”

At this moment, the voice of the Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation suddenly sounded: “The interval between missions ranges from one month to three or five years.”

“Then what about our next mission?” Zhang Yuanshan asked loudly.

“Exchange 500 virtuous points for this information,” the Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation remained as cold and ruthless as always.

Jiang Zhiwei exhaled, seeing Qi Xin’s bewildered expression, kindly explained: “During acupoint opening, one can be aided by specific elixirs and herbs, but each type of pill can only function once. The next time, one must switch to a better pill. For instance, if I use the ‘Tian Cong Pill’ to open the ear acupoint, I cannot use the ‘Tian Cong Pill’ again for opening the nose acupoint. At the very least, I must use a pill of the ‘Tian Shi Di Ting Pill’ level, worth at least 260 virtuous points.”

“Moreover, even similar pills, though my Sword Washing Pavilion is not lacking, I still need to make corresponding contributions to obtain them, or my master might give me from his private collection.”

“However, unless it’s urgent, you’d better not rely on pills for breakthroughs. This might leave behind some issues, which must be compensated for with hard work; otherwise, crossing major cultivation thresholds in the future will be much more difficult. Of course, the lower the cultivation level, the relatively easier the compensation.”

Qi Zhengyan suddenly sighed: “For someone like me with ordinary talent, the hope of acupoint opening might only lie in these pills. If not for entering this Reincarnation World, what virtue would I possess to obtain even one Tian Cong Pill…”

Indeed, many similar martial artists in the Jianghu rely on the passage of time for acupoint opening opportunities, though by then they might already be thirty or forty years old, leaving little time for further advancement.

Hearing Qi Zhengyan’s words, Qi Xin felt an immediate sense of kinship. It seemed they were both at the bottom of their sects, with no hope of advancement. This Reincarnation World was both dangerous and an opportunity!

“Hehe, the Miscellaneous List clearly states that the ‘Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation’ can directly help you enhance your internal energy, refine your acupoints, open your acupoints, and break through cultivation boundaries, albeit at a price higher than corresponding pills,” Qi Xiya said with a smile. “Would you like him to handle everything for you?”

Jiang Zhiwei replied earnestly: “What others give directly is always easy to take away. Only what belongs to oneself can be relied upon until the end.”

Qi Zhengyan nodded, his expression calm, whether he truly listened or not remained unknown.

Zhang Yuanshan pondered for a moment before saying: “Junior-apprentice Jiang, why don’t I lend you twenty virtuous points so you can exchange for the Tian Cong Pill.”

He raised his right hand to stop Jiang Zhiwei from speaking and continued: “I still have two acupoints related to the ear canal unrefined. Continuously relying on pills or the Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation for enhancement might lead to irreparable hidden dangers in the future. Therefore, I plan to proceed steadily. Moreover, your strength surpasses mine. If you gain enhancement, it will benefit us more than if I were to enhance myself. Hehe, I never expected you to have learned ‘Sword Emanates Without Self,’ which even Senior-apprentice Su could only perform after opening four acupoints!”

“‘Sword Emanates Without Self’ is one of the nine deadly techniques from ‘The Supreme Sword Sutra,’ a supreme skill at the Dharmakaya level, and the move that established my master’s reputation. I have merely grasped its surface. Even my master dares not claim mastery,” Jiang Zhiwei, knowing Qi Xin’s “limited knowledge,” deliberately explained in detail.

Qi Xin’s gaze lowered, the jade scroll flipping along with the words, stopping at “Sword Emanates Without Self”:

“Sword Emanates Without Self, one of the nine deadly techniques from ‘The Supreme Sword Sutra,’ exchange price: 18,700 virtuous points.”

This left Qi Xin secretly astounded. Without the overarching principles, just a single move was worth so much! Truly, disciples of major sects enjoyed unparalleled advantages!

“Regardless, once you open the ear acupoint, Junior-apprentice Jiang, you won’t be completely drained after a single move,” Zhang Yuanshan said openly and generously.

Jiang Zhiwei frowned slightly: “Senior-apprentice Zhang, what about you? What do you plan to exchange for?”

Observing Zhang Yuanshan’s actions, Qi Xin felt not only secret admiration but also a sense of relief: “Thankfully, I didn’t refuse the virtuous point loan just now; otherwise, in everyone’s eyes, I would be completely overshadowed by Zhang Yuanshan’s radiant image—a stingy and petty monk…”

Suddenly, Qi Xin heard Jiang Zhiwei’s voice enter his ears, faint as a mosquito’s hum: “As disciples inheriting our sects’ teachings, we are not too short of resources, so we can afford to be so casual about virtuous points. It’s like a person in distress receiving one tael of silver from a wealthy friend with a thousand taels versus receiving five mace from a poor friend with only one tael. Though the goodwill may be the same, the latter’s character and friendship are clearly more worthy of my admiration.”

Haha, Qi Xin was immediately delighted. Unconsciously, he had somehow gained a noble character!

Just as happiness arose, Qi Xin suddenly startled—how come no one else reacted to Jiang Zhiwei’s words?

Jiang Zhiwei softly laughed: “The skill of transmitting voice into secrecy, even though I haven’t opened the mouth acupoint yet, I can still forcefully use it through internal energy. However, my previous injuries obstructed the flow of energy, so I could only focus on sword techniques.”

Zhang Yuanshan naturally couldn’t hear what Jiang Zhiwei said to Qi Xin, smiling as he replied: “As Junior-apprentice Jiang previously mentioned, I excel in the ultimate defensive stance but cannot unleash its offensive capabilities. ‘The True Martial Seven Severance Sutra’ is profound and difficult to enter, making it impossible for me to break through in the short term. Therefore, I have sought another sword technique superior in offense. Of course, for now, I can only exchange for one move to study.”

“Mm, which sect’s sword technique?” Upon hearing about sword techniques, Jiang Zhiwei’s whole face seemed to glow, beautiful beyond description.

“‘Dark Heaven and Black Earth’ from the ‘Heavenly Maimed and Earthly Deficient One Hundred and Eight Sword Techniques’ of the Sword Hiding Pavilion. Hehe, actually, if discussing offensive techniques, your Sword Washing Pavilion’s sword techniques are certainly the best. However, with Junior-apprentice Jiang here, I really can’t bring myself to exchange and study them,” Zhang Yuanshan said with a smile.

The Sword Hiding Pavilion was a sect from the Northern Zhou, one of the six sword-wielding sects, always mentioned alongside the Sword Washing Pavilion.

Jiang Zhiwei’s eyes sparkled: “‘Heavenly Maimed and Earthly Deficient One Hundred and Eight Sword Techniques’ originates from the Sword Hiding Pavilion’s fundamental sword technique, ‘Thirteen Sword Techniques Without Life,’ truly a life-risking sword method. In the future, I must request instruction from Senior-apprentice Zhang. Oh, and thank you, Senior-apprentice Zhang, for the virtuous points.”

Qi Xin secretly glanced at the jade scroll, discovering that this “Heavenly Maimed and Earthly Deficient One Hundred and Eight Sword Techniques” belonged to the Outer Scenery Level sword techniques, worth 6,000 virtuous points. However, if split into the general principles and different moves for exchange, the general principles cost 1,000 virtuous points, while other moves ranged between forty to sixty points. The move Zhang Yuanshan chose required fifty virtuous points, exactly exhausting his remaining points.

“I am extremely honored that Junior-apprentice Jiang is willing to borrow my virtuous points,” Zhang Yuanshan said with a smile. “Therefore, definitely no ‘nine out, thirteen back.’ After the next mission, just return them as they are.”

Hmph, both Jiang Zhiwei and Qi Xiya couldn’t help but laugh, while Qi Xin awkwardly raised his head, his face slightly reddened as he looked at the drifting white clouds in the sky.

“What if I die in the next mission?” Jiang Zhiwei smiled and asked.

Zhang Yuanshan shook his head with a smile: “Then consider it my misjudgment of character.”

Jiang Zhiwei didn’t say much more, turning her head to ask Qi Xin: “Little monk, have you chosen the martial arts you need to exchange?”

While listening, Qi Xin had been selecting, nodded, pointing at the jade scroll: “Following Senior-apprentice Zhang and Miss Jiang’s suggestions, I have decided to exchange for the ‘Shaolin Tie Bushan’ manual, the ‘Shen Xing Ba Bu’ manual, and the ‘Five Tigers Severing the Gate Saber’ manual, costing thirty, twenty, and thirty virtuous points respectively. Actually, I wanted to directly exchange for the first three stages of ‘Golden Bell Shield,’ but altogether it requires 120 virtuous points, so I’ll have to wait until next time.”

He referred to the temple’s supreme skill, “Golden Bell Shield.” The first four stages belong to the Qi Accumulation Period, requiring twenty, forty, sixty, and one hundred virtuous points respectively. Other versions of “Golden Bell Shield,” though cheaper, each stage’s effect is not as good as this one. After all, if this Golden Bell Shield reaches its twelve stages of perfection, it can achieve the “Diamond Dharma Body,” impervious to all techniques!

This practice of Tie Bushan from the main world was a quick success method derived from “Golden Bell Shield,” roughly equivalent to achieving the first three stages—Shaolin martial arts foundation is solid and progresses step by step. Once the first three stages are mastered, one can achieve the same effect as a basic level of Tie Bushan, making it difficult for ordinary weapons to penetrate.

Therefore, for Qi Xin, who needed to improve himself in a short time, he ultimately chose Tie Bushan instead of merely exchanging for the first stage of Golden Bell Shield. However, this Tie Bushan can evolve into Golden Bell Shield, and Qi Xin planned to relearn the Golden Bell Shield in the future to compensate for the shortcomings of the quick method.

After careful selection, Qi Xin just used up all his virtuous points. Originally, he had wanted to exchange for the “Shen Xing Bai Bian” that Wei Xiaobao learned. However, for a martial artist with low skills to repeatedly escape danger, this lightness skill must be extraordinary. Even in the martial arts’ declining era, it was classified among the strongest of the Qi Accumulation Period, worth one hundred virtuous points, so he had to give it up with regret.

Fortunately, Qi Xin later discovered “Shen Xing Ba Bu.” According to the detailed description, it was a simplified version of “Shen Xing Bai Bian.” If one’s martial arts talent was exceptional, one might even directly comprehend “Shen Xing Bai Bian” from it.

“Exchanging for manuals? Do you have time to cultivate them?” Qi Xiya suddenly interjected.

Qi Xin frowned and shook his head: “If there’s a year, no problem. However, if one’s comprehension is sufficient, ‘Shen Xing Ba Bu’ is easy to grasp, perhaps a month could be enough for a preliminary mastery. As for basic saber techniques, I only aim to enter the door; a month should suffice.”

Wei Xiaobao was an example.

Jiang Zhiwei thought for a moment: “Then directly exchange for ‘Tie Bushan’ cultivation. Once you master this hard-body skill, you can be considered a minor expert. As for saber techniques, I will look around the sect upon returning, to see if any fellow apprentices have casually picked up ordinary saber manuals.”

“Casually picked up…” Qi Xin felt a bit embarrassed.

Direct cultivation of “Tie Bushan” required double the virtuous points, with the remaining points just enough to exchange for “Shen Xing Ba Bu.”

“Zhiwei younger sister, after returning to the Sword Washing Pavilion, will you have the chance to visit Shaolin again? Moreover, going back and forth would waste time,” Qi Xiya said with a smile. “Coincidentally, I love reading and have a good memory. The Great River Gang has also collected many ordinary manuals and miscellaneous studies. How about I write down a saber technique for Junior-apprentice Zhen Ding?”

She grinned as she continued: “I know Senior-apprentice Zhang and younger sister Zhiwei focus solely on your sect’s martial arts, having only a basic understanding of ordinary manuals and miscellaneous studies, making it difficult to recount.”

“Right, I’ve only heard explanations of other martial arts during practical sparring sessions from my master,” Zhang Yuanshan candidly nodded.

“So, the younger sister who remembers many useless manuals and miscellaneous studies has the advantage,” she smiled at Zhang Yuanshan. “Just now, I organized part of the manuals and miscellaneous studies and exchanged them with the ‘Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation,’ gaining an extra fifty virtuous points. Uh, as long as I concentrate and recall, the manuals will form automatically.”

“Hehe, fortunately, there are still some manuals left. Among them is the ‘Five Tigers Severing the Gate Saber Technique.’ According to the ‘Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation,’ once a martial art is exchanged with him, it cannot be taught to others. However, for manuals not exchanged with him, if taught to others, the redeemable virtuous points will be halved per person taught, excluding those not personally taught.”

Jiang Zhiwei and Zhang Yuanshan nodded slightly without further comment. Currently, they could not betray their conscience to exchange their sect’s martial arts with the ‘Lord of the Six Dao Reincarnation,’ even though it was already marked here. Qi Zhengyan, on the other hand, looked thoughtfully at the sword in his hand.

“With Sister Qi providing the saber manual, the little monk’s exchange is settled,” Jiang Zhiwei pondered for a moment. “Why don’t we first observe the little monk’s exchange? We can gain more experience.”

“Good,” the others naturally had no objections, while Qi Xin was slightly excited.

In the center of the white jade plaza, a column of light descended from the sky, hazy and misty, exuding an ethereal and fairy-like aura.

Qi Xin stepped inside, first selecting “Direct Cultivation of Tie Bushan” on the exchange list floating within the light column.