Host: Lu FanTitle: Qi Refining Master (Permanent)Qi Refinement Level: 1Soul Strength: 0.5Physical Strength: 0.5Spiritual Energy: 8 strandsTransformation Reward:Creation of the Mysterious Qi Refining MethodWorld Rating: Five Phoenix Continent [Low Martial]Permissions: [Task], [Dao Platform], [Qi Infusion]
Lu Fan pinched his finger and flicked—on his system panel the Spiritual Energy count ticked down to eight strands.
"Activate permission… Qi Infusion.""Target: Ning Zhao."
In an instant, the bright world around him dimmed. People and objects became translucent outlines, as if viewed on a divine perspective map. He concentrated and zoomed in, drawing the vision closer on translucent Ning Zhao.
At her dantian, the pale-blue qi he'd first infused burned like coals. A thought, a flick of his finger—and a spark of light blue burst forth, aimed at the translucent form.
Buzz…
In the next heartbeat, Ning Zhao's dantian flared as if stoked by a furnace, absorbing the extra strand of qi. Lu Fan straightened, the strange "X-ray" vision melting away, leaving reality intact.
His head throbbed as if needles struck him. He covered his face, dark hair spilling through his fingers. On the panel, Soul Strength had halved—from 1.0 to 0.5—now perfectly matching his Physical Strength.
"Remote infusion of qi… so it consumes Soul Strength," he murmured with a wry smile. His first infusion had been at close range—holding Ning Zhao's hand—so it cost no Soul. This time, from a distance, it had. If his Soul Strength ever reached zero… would he become a fool? Even with the system, he could not indulge recklessly. Fanaticism was fine, but total loss of self would be disastrous.
He exhaled. No more fretting.
Bloodshot eyes traced the crenellation's curve to the battlefield below. Eight strands of qi in his reserve, two already invested in Ning Zhao—though she had not yet mastered them, her growth would be significant. How powerful would she become? Lu Fan allowed himself a small anticipation.
Below the Wall
The weathered gate swung open. Lu Changkong, bare-chested and gripping his spear, leapt from the saddle and charged out to aid Ning Zhao. Four Grandmasters attacked her—how could he stand by? Adding himself into the fray as two against four, they might yet force a retreat into the city. A Grandmaster's life must not be casually risked.
In the distance, Feng Shi—his legs shattered—reined in and watched. He refused to miss a Grandmaster duel. Dantai Xuan, atop his reviewing stand, red cloak billowing, also watched the fray below.
On the Ramparts
Alone against four Grandmasters, Ning Zhao had little hope—yet she trusted the Young Master's promise to back her. He had tasted real immortal blessing; he could stir the world itself!
Four Grandmasters galloped in: the external masters like wild beasts, the internal like raging floods. Ning Zhao gripped her cicada-wing sword, unwavering.
Suddenly, she froze. A blush bloomed on her cold, beautiful face. Next moment, her red lips parted, and her eyes glazed as warmth flooded her body. She tilted her head back, her dark hair sweeping in the wind, her silk skirt fluttering.
She felt it—his qi, delivered across the distance! Ning Zhao's heart thundered. This was divine power! Emotions surged into a fierce cry. Her dantian roared like a furnace—her soul unshackled to a new realm.
"Qi Dan Realm, Second Tier," she breathed, long lashes trembling, cheeks aflame.
The four Grandmasters charged. The oppressive force that had frozen her now shattered. Ning Zhao swept her sword—two strands of qi poured forth like twin dragons chasing pearls. She pirouetted, skirt swirling, a fairy come to earth.
Thud!
Each Grandmaster reeled back, palm sinews snapping, blood geysering, they were thrown from their mounts—sliding across the ground.
One sword… four Grandmasters subdued! The entire battlefield stilled in shock. That graceful figure in billowing silk, sword in hand, was the center of every gaze.
Hoofbeats rang thinly as Lu Chang Kong, staggering from the gate, watched—dumbstruck. This was Ning Zhao? The maid he'd assigned to Lu Fan? Such power?
Behind the Gate
Luo Yue stared, mouth agape—victory? Unthinkable! Ning Zhao had indeed subdued four Grandmasters single-handedly! His gaze darted to Lu Fan: pale, yet calm, as if all this had been foretold.
"Young Master…" he whispered, heart pounding. He sensed it: Ning Zhao's transformation was tied to Lu Fan.
The Aftermath
Ning Zhao drifted back, sword in hand, battle flair still humming around her. She tossed Feng Shi's broken body before Lu Fan.
"He's the scoundrel who insulted you," she said softly. "I've captured him—dispose of him as you will."
But at seeing Lu Fan's pallor, her smile fled. A pang struck her heart.
Lu Fan flicked his gaze over the feigning corpse in front of him and felt a mild boredom.
A notification glowed before him:
Congratulations, Host: Side Task complete. You gain 2 attribute points and unlock the [Dao Platform] permission.Task Rating: B (Pass).
Lu Fan's brow twitched—only a B? His reassuring of Ning Zhao had carried weight, but clearly her intimidation factor could grow.
Yet with the notification came assurance: the Northern Jun army's siege would no longer threaten Northern Luo City. The crisis was averted. He had no wish to linger on the walls—both from Soul depletion and his restlessness to review his new rewards.
"Father, I leave this madman to you," Lu Fan said to Lu Changkong as the commander dismounted onto the battlements. "Flay him, roast him, or boil him—your choice."
He waved a hand, then realized how morbid that sounded. He waved again, dismissing it.
Feng Shi shuddered, even in his feigned death—this child of Lu Chang Kong was a demon!
"Ning Jie, take me back," Lu Fan said, tone gentle. With the task done, he would depart as quietly as he came.
At Dusk
Lu Changkong, glancing at Lu Fan's ashen face, murmured, "Fan'er, you look shaken… rest now."
Ni Yu and Ni Yu's sisters trailed behind him as he descended the steps. The soldiers on the wall resumed their posts, redoubling vigilance. Below, Lu Fan dozed quietly under his blanket, wheelchair pushed along the ramparts.
As the sun dipped low, evening light stretched long shadows of master and maid down the ancient path—silent witnesses to chaos now quelled.