Chapter 68: The Celestial Master Uncle

First, Qin Hanyan treated her wounds, and then she was thoroughly unconscious for three days and nights, so all the external injuries on Feng Ke’er’s body had completely healed.

As for her internal injuries, she secretly tested her energy flow and found no major problems. However, she was still an imposter, and having to stay so close to Qin Jun in the same room made her nervous. Moreover, Qin Hanyan had mentioned her injuries were severe, so she decided to remain in bed, continuing to “convalesce.”

After less than half a day with Qin Jun, all of Feng Ke’er’s anxiety vanished. The reason was simple: her cultivation level was now Foundation Establishment stage three, while Qin Jun’s was merely at mid-stage Qi Refinement. She was far more advanced than him. In their conversations, she could use her mind-reading technique to see everything Qin Jun was thinking.

Thus, Feng Ke’er learned many trivial matters about the Qin family. For example, Qin Ruhua had not yet recovered and was ordered by Qin Hanyan to stay in bed, which explained why she hadn’t appeared. Also, the newborn little sister was named Qin Han, whose father was Qin Ruhua’s junior fellow disciple, Li Hentian—a major source of trouble. He was the favorite “Uncle Master” of both Qin Jun and Qin Heng, especially Qin Heng, who would eagerly cling to him anytime he appeared. Among the three brothers, “Uncle Master” was most concerned for Qin Heng. This time, upon hearing that Qin Heng had been locked in the Ten Thousand Ant Forest, he rushed there with Qin Hanyan. If he weren’t currently in seclusion, he would likely have come to personally attend to the unconscious Qin Heng.

Disaster! Feng Ke’er lamented inwardly. Falsehood cannot pass for truth—she would never be able to fool this “Uncle Master.” What to do? She’d heard some high-level cultivators could be in seclusion for years, even decades. She fervently wished “Uncle Master” would stay closed off for dozens of years.

Feng Ke’er was optimistic by nature, and quite lazy besides. Since there was no better solution, she decided to set it aside for now. The most urgent thing was to find a way to escape. Now that she had reached Foundation Establishment and ventured into the Ten Thousand Ant Forest, she had amassed considerable wealth—no longer the penniless novice she was at first. It was time to leave the Azure Cloud Sect.

But then, Qin Heng’s next words plunged her mood into the abyss.

It went like this: Qin Heng, seeing she was awake, said there was a vacant room next door where he would go to catch up on sleep. If she needed anything, all she had to do was knock three times on the wooden wall. He would come immediately.

Feng Ke’er was delighted. In fact, she had been wanting to get him out of the way. With him there, she couldn’t practice conveniently. Besides, Qin Jun was a boy just over ten, and sharing a room for eating and sleeping was awkward. Now that he had offered to leave, it saved her the trouble of finding an excuse.

However, as a newly awakened patient, she couldn’t react too quickly. So, she deliberately counted to three in her head before responding.

Yet Qin Heng misunderstood, gently explaining, “Qin Heng, don’t be afraid. When Grand Aunt left, she dropped a drop of your blood onto her personal sachet. That way, by carrying the sachet, she can sense everything around you as if she were by your side. That demon won’t dare harm you again.”

In other words, not only was the surveillance still in place, it had been upgraded to follow her wherever she went. Feng Ke’er shivered hard.

“What’s wrong?” Qin Heng noticed her odd reaction and asked in confusion.

“Wonderful. Now I can sleep easy,” Feng Ke’er quickly covered up, then probed, “Big brother, does that mean Grand Aunt doesn’t need to visit me, but can check my condition through her sachet?”

“Wishful thinking. This is just the most common and basic tracking technique used by high-level cultivators. It’s not that miraculous,” Qin Heng shot her a look. “Grand Aunt said she’d come tomorrow to check your pulse.”

Ke’er forced a little smile, relieved deep inside: thank goodness.

Otherwise, if Qin Hanyan could instantly track the flow of spiritual energy within her, the outcome would be truly disastrous.

Qin Heng reminded her of a few things, then went to the next room to rest.

Still uneasy, Feng Ke’er immediately began searching her materials once he left. She found information about tracking techniques, confirming Qin Heng’s words, and finally relaxed enough to practice the Clear Mind Mantra and experiment with various skills. By now, she had mastered many abilities. She intended to use her “convalescence” to quietly optimize and combine them, devising several combat strategies, and practicing them repeatedly.

Fine. She admitted she was spurred on by the black-clad man. Safety was paramount—if she ever encountered another high-level cultivator like him, she hoped that even if she couldn’t win, at least she could escape. The black-clad man was right: against a formidable foe, she couldn’t expect to be as lucky as last time, having Qin Hanyan rescue her.

The next day, Qin Hanyan did come to check her pulse.

To avoid arousing suspicion, Feng Ke’er deliberately inflicted a minor injury on herself, making it seem like her meridians were damaged and her spiritual energy blocked—after all, a cultivator’s recovery speed and ability were proportional to their level. As a mid-stage Qi Refinement rookie, waking in three days was already impressive; if Qin Hanyan discovered she was completely healed and lively, it would be a dead giveaway. Safety first, as always. She couldn’t be blamed for being ruthless—sometimes, a little self-harm was necessary for those who lurked in the shadows.

Besides, one’s own body must be cherished. She hadn’t really hurt herself badly; one round of the Clear Mind Mantra and she’d be perfectly fine.

Every time she thought of the Clear Mind Mantra, Feng Ke’er marveled: she was realizing more and more how incredibly useful it was—it could detoxify, temper the soul, heal wounds; it was even more versatile than universal balm. Here, she once again deeply thanked the great Master of Penetrating Heaven for granting her such a powerful and all-purpose mantra!

Even so, Qin Hanyan still sighed, remarking how youth recovered so quickly.

Feng Ke’er broke out in a cold sweat.

Fortunately, Qin Hanyan didn’t say anything more, leaving behind a bottle of Rejuvenation Pills and medical instructions before hurrying off. Later, Feng Ke’er learned from Qin Jun that “Little Grand Aunt” had suffered a sudden relapse in her illness. With her talents, Qin Hanyan was now handling three patients: Qin Ruhua, “Little Grand Aunt,” and Feng Ke’er herself. It was exhausting. Most cultivators prioritized their training above all, fearing distractions might hinder their progress, so few would take on such burdens.

Feng Ke’er was deeply impressed.

Qin Hanyan was skilled at alchemy, so she gave a whole bottle—ten pills—of Rejuvenation Pills. These were the upgraded version of the Rejuvenation Pellets, with bright red color and a rich aroma as hallmarks of the best quality. As soon as Feng Ke’er opened the jade bottle, the fragrance filled the room.

Qin Jun returned just as she opened it, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “Top-grade Rejuvenation Pill, what a treasure!”

Feng Ke’er poured out one pill. It was marble-sized, vividly red, shining like a pigeon-blood ruby.

Catching Qin Jun’s envious gaze out of the corner of her eye, Feng Ke’er painfully poured out another pill.

Qin Jun waved his hands frantically, exclaiming, “Oh, Qin Heng, the higher the grade, the stronger the medicine—and even medicine can be toxic in excess; spiritual pills are no exception, so you can’t take too many at once.”

Feng Ke’er handed him the two brilliant red pills, smiling sweetly. “These are for you, big brother, for your own protection.”

Qin Jun’s eyes went wide in astonishment, so shocked his words stuttered, “Qin Heng, do you realize how rare these pills are? Look carefully—these are top-grade Rejuvenation Pills, not the common Rejuvenation Pellets! And besides, Grand Aunt gave these to you for healing. How can you just give them away?”

“I know these are top-grade Rejuvenation Pills, the finest for healing. We’re brothers—it’s only right to share good things.” Feng Ke’er tilted her head, playing cute. “Grand Aunt said my injury’s no longer serious, I just need to take one every three days for six doses. You also said, even the best pills shouldn’t be taken in excess. So, that leaves four, just enough for us to each have two.”

Qin Hanyan had given the pills when Qin Jun was present—he saw everything. Pills, talismans, artifacts, and spirit stones were coveted resources among cultivators; for low-level disciples, top-grade pills were rare treasures. If hoarding a few pills changed her “big brother’s” attitude and turned him into an enemy, where would she seek justice? She couldn’t swallow this alone.

More importantly, her minor internal injuries could be easily cured with the Clear Mind Mantra—she didn’t need such precious pills. Eight were essentially free. One must be content, not greedy. Considering Qin Jun had cared for her day and night for three days, he deserved the two pills.

“Good brother…” Qin Jun accepted the pills, moved almost to tears. From then on, he cared for her even more attentively, even changing his informal address from “Qin Heng” to “Brother Heng.”

Feng Ke’er felt guilty. She was truly worried about the day her secret would be exposed.

But her peaceful days of “convalescence” soon came to an end.

On the seventh day after waking, Feng Ke’er’s nightmare finally arrived.

That morning, as she was pondering skill optimization, Qin Jun rushed in, dragging someone behind him like a gust of wind. “Brother Heng, look who’s come to see you!”

The moment Feng Ke’er saw the visitor’s face, she was petrified.

“Heng’er, are you feeling better?” The visitor raised his brows, smiling warmly.

Yet Feng Ke’er clearly saw the icy coldness in his eyes, and beneath the thick, curled lashes, murderous intent was hidden!

Bronzed skin, thick brows and bold features, strikingly handsome… She would recognize that face even if it turned to dust—it was he, outside the mysterious mountain cave beneath Wild Pheasant Slope, who had snapped Old Master Chen’s neck with a single motion.

It was him, unmistakably—the black-robed man!

“Uncle Master, please, have a seat,” Qin Heng greeted him warmly.

(To be continued.)