11. The Rebellious Cultivator "Xiao Shui Shui"

That Ye clan—Xiao Qingpei had indeed heard of them a few times. Supposedly, they were a great family from somewhere, whose members held high positions in multiple dynasties and had produced several cultivators at the Golden Core stage. Because of this, they had earned reputations as “noble-blooded families, celestial-veined cultivators.” The meaning was clear: this family was not only born nobility, their bloodline exceptionally exalted, but they also possessed extraordinary talents for cultivation, destined from birth to ascend and found their own immortal legacy.

Yet Xiao Qingpei had always scoffed at such claims. In his view, it was merely a clever reversal—an argument of cause for effect. Simply put, the family had once produced someone blessed enough to lead them all into prosperity, and the whole clan was lifted by that individual’s success. Once freed from the daily struggle for food and survival, they had more time to pursue other ambitions. Those with cultivation talent could rely on abundant resources, making it far easier to form a Golden Core than ordinary folk. Those without such talent could seek official positions in various courts, and with such a prestigious family name, emperors would always show them respect, ensuring smooth promotions and willingly ceding power.

After all, emperors never feared sharing power; what they dreaded was their subordinates forming united factions against them.

When Xiao Qingpei arrived in this world, he hadn’t been as isolated as he was now. He had been a disciple of a sect, with a foundation and friends, but because of his views on such matters, he gradually drifted away from others. By the time he realized it, he had been collectively shunned. However, as a transmigrator, he was actually delighted—no more need to pretend. He was quite content with his solitude.

He’d even taken the initiative to voice these opinions repeatedly. By successfully alienating himself from everyone, Xiao Qingpei earned a rather distinct nickname among the Linwu Sect disciples—“Xiao the Rebel.” There were more refined versions too, like “Xiao Shui Shui, the Contrarian Cultivator,” since his name contained so many waters.

Now, facing someone who claimed to be a guest elder of the Ye clan, Xiao Qingpei couldn’t care less—even for the Ye clan itself, let alone a guest with ill intentions.

Sword cultivators are unmatched in their offensive prowess. A failed sword pellet would only interest ordinary cultivators at the Qi Condensation stage, since after reaching Foundation Establishment, such flawed pellets couldn’t keep up in power. However, if a sword pellet became a genuine magical artifact, it would be a different matter entirely.

Previously, Xiao Qingpei’s trump card was a celestial technique of the stars, but now, without doubt, it was this sword pellet. Perhaps it was imbued with spiritual intelligence, stacked by his first “talent”—at this moment, the sword pellet was intimately connected to his mind, almost as if he had achieved the legendary state of “Sword Heart Enlightenment.”

Sword cultivators at this level often gain the ability to discern good and evil in others—sensing malice directed their way before it manifests. Xiao Qingpei wasn’t a sword cultivator, nor had he reached that realm, yet now he possessed just such a skill. He could clearly sense the deeply concealed malice from this so-called guest elder of the Ye clan—even a faint hint of murderous intent!

Clearly, the man was contemplating murder and robbery.

Thus, Xiao Qingpei’s own killing intent was stirred; he was not the sort to trust in mercy.

“Who you are, I don’t care. But you’ve come at just the right moment. I’ve just attained Sword Heart Enlightenment—perfect for testing my blade on you!” Xiao Qingpei spoke thus. He was at the first stage of Lower Foundation Establishment, his opponent a bit higher. But if he used the sword pellet as a decoy, shifted attention with the Wind Bag, then struck with a surprise attack from the gourd, there was a chance of victory.

If that failed, he had a fallback—within the “Mystic Explanation of Lunar Vitality,” there was a technique for escaping under cover of dark clouds, perfect for this night when the moon was hidden. He could slip away unnoticed.

Cultivation techniques in this world, whether superior or inferior, gain invisible power when aligned with celestial phenomena, earth’s terrain, or worldly changes. For example, on a star-lit night, the “Star Essence Transformation” technique would be amplified, summoning five radiant mountain peaks instead of the usual three.

On a night when clouds shroud the moon, techniques of the lunar path would also be enhanced, particularly the cloud-cover escape method.

Preparing for defeat before the battle, Xiao Qingpei had arranged his retreat. There was no need for further courtesy.

Yet, in the end, he and the Ye clan’s guest elder did not come to blows.

For just as Xiao Qingpei’s sword pellet spun, attuned to his spirit, a figure suddenly materialized, condensing out of the void!

It was a young man, sharp-eyed and star-browed, no more than his twenties, yet his gaze carried profound weariness—clearly, he had lived a life in reverse. His golden robe was adorned with dancing cloud-deer, splendid yet flowing with immortal grace.

It was the unique emblem of Xianyao Palace, one of the three great sects!

“Truly, Sword Heart Enlightenment. All the outstanding sword cultivators of recent years I know well. Are you a rogue cultivator, unaffiliated with any sect?” The man addressed Xiao Qingpei immediately, his voice cold and chilling. Though it was a simple question, an indescribable pressure pressed upon the soul, instilling inexplicable dread.

“Senior, I am indeed a rogue cultivator,” Xiao Qingpei replied hurriedly.

At the Qi Condensation stage, one can spit fire, condense frost, move swiftly like a swallow, and leap skyward with ease. With higher cultivation—Upper Qi Condensation—one might even fly atop artifacts.

At Foundation Establishment, one can ride clouds, summon wind and rain, like a terrestrial immortal. Though their lifespan matches mortals, their abilities mark them as half-divine.

At Golden Core, divine sense is empowered by the will of heaven and earth; one’s “golden body” manifests wherever the gaze falls—as when an immense human face appears in the sky to confront enemies. There is also a chance to reverse one’s life, gaining an extra hundred years if successful.

At Nascent Soul stage, the boundary between real and unreal blurs; gathering and dispersing are at will. With a single thought, one can traverse thousands of miles. A Nascent Soul imprint is a supreme divine art. One may even reverse six lifetimes, truly reaching the human longevity limit.

These are the four realms of cultivation, each with its distinct traits.

Thus, when this man appeared, Xiao Qingpei instantly knew he was facing a Nascent Soul ancestor—likely a venerable monster of that stage.

After all, those Nascent Soul cultivators who have not reversed a life, no matter how gifted, would always appear aged and white-haired.

“Well then, just as it happens. You shall join Cloud Palace—I owe them a disciple.” The man spoke with an indifferent tone, brooking no refusal.