Path of the Sect Leader

Chapter 118: Treasure-Glow Sight

"Who'd have thought the fourth acupoint to ignite would unlock something like this..."

Fresh from seclusion, Qi Xiu had broken through to Qi Refining Eighth Layer—firmly in the late stage now. A spread of first- and second-tier artifacts and pills lay before him. His expression hovered between amusement and exasperation.

The Fortune Seeking and Calamity Avoidance Art had granted its first innate talent: [Treasure-Glow Sight].

He'd tested it on everything. Any first-tier spirit item—artifacts, talismans, herbs, pills—one sweep, and its effects, functions, laid bare clear as day. Higher tiers? He could peg the rank at a glance. Even spirit veins or fields—from afar, gazing at the qi flow, he'd grasp the essentials. Pure appraisal divine skill.

"[See Human Nature] might reveal a same-realm cultivator's innate gifts. [Treasure-Glow Sight] IDs low-tier items' properties. Looks like even if I ditch this sect leader gig, I could scrape a decent living as a fate-reader or appraiser deacon. Fighting, though? Seems that's off the table for me."

He chuckled dry, shaking his head.

Combat options ran thin. Single innate root meant denser Spiritual Qi than peers—edge there, nothing more. Hell, back in the day, Gu Ji could've probably taken him down.

He packed the items away, stepped out.

Wei Minniang and Bai Muhan off to Hehuan Sect. Mortal kin relocated beyond the gate. Zhang Shishi, Yu Denou, Mo Guinong—those with slim Dao prospects—chose nights with family, savoring mortal joys. Days only for duties.

Aside from little ones like Li Tan, just the Ming father-son pair lingered overnight. And Yue'er. Servants trimmed sharp—mostly tending the seven-to-ten-year-olds. No night watch needed. Foundation Establishment Bai Xiaosheng holed up in the pavilion anyway.

The mountain gate lay hushed under a moonlit, star-scattered sky. Second-tier spirit land's qi rose in gentle veils—finally feeling like a proper immortal peak. Before? Zhang Shishi's rowdy boys wailing through the dark, shaking the whole place. Without sound barriers, nobody slept.

"This is how it should be... Reform hit the mark."

Cultivation grounds wearing the right face at last.

Qi Xiu wandered slow into Yue'er's refined cottage. Long seclusion, wife away—she'd be lonely rattling around this big compound. Peeking into her room: her and Zhao Yao curled together, deep asleep. Relief washed him.

Girls close in age, worlds apart in status. Playing nice already? Rare gift.

Zhao Yao's rough childhood—ten years old, wise beyond. Perfect for watching Yue'er.

He tucked their quilts gentle, slipped out quiet. Then distant check on Chu Duo's secret spot: deaf-mute South Chu immigrant couple resided there.

Years now, Chu Duo funneled White Mountain kids back through the hollow. Method crude, repetitive—but effective. Masked by Qi Xiu's [Beyond Calculation] innate, plus South Chu's illusion arrays. Even Bai Xiaosheng none the wiser. Safe.

Spirit herbs thrived. Second-tier [Wood Sunflower] harvested once already. Three more years, [Ice Cup Flower] ready—sect income spiking solid.

That seven-year [Ice Cup Flower] payout underpinned the stipend hikes. Otherwise? Bleeding dry fast.

Order held. Reform dulled some initiative—folks sticking to lanes. One carrot, one pit. Not bad.

Key: faction friction cooled. Little overlap in duties, less clash.

Rules set for inheritance. Qi Refining lifespan? No Elder overriding leader in their days. No point scrapping—he'd pick successor his way.

Even if Elders could later? Win for him. Wring three Foundation experts from this? Step down guilt-free.

Mood light, steps bouncy. Night crisp—he circled the gate full. Nothing pressing. Back to his hall, settled to cycle qi, stabilize realm.

Few heavens run—stir in his heart. Fragrant breeze hit his lap.

Wei Minniang, home.

"Back already? Trip no fun?"

Hunger flared seeing her. Months secluded—felt like years. Arms crushed her close, kisses fierce.

Long travel left her skin dewed faint sweat, ripe womanly scent thick. Stirred him deeper.

"Boring. Everything cost a fortune. Crowded with all sorts—shady types everywhere. Muhan and I stuck tight, nowhere fun. Gave up, came home."

Kisses left her flushed, eyes hazy. She swatted his wandering hands, tired edge in her voice.

"Any luck?" He pressed on, tugging her sash.

She twisted free, laughing coy. "Not telling. Checking on Yue'er first."

Skipped out playful, like a girl herself.

"Together!"

No chance he'd let go. Chased right after.

"No touching! Bath time."

She'd seen Yue'er, dragged him to the bedroom—then excuses piled, dodging his advances.

"Together!"

Denial fueled the fire. He scratched frantic, pure monkey itch.

"Pfft..."

His desperation cracked her up. Those Hehuan tricks for handling men? Worked like a charm.

"Fine. Whatever."

Shot him a soul-snatching glance, vanished into the bath nook.

Cultivator or not, she hated cleaning spells or talismans. Since building Yue'er's place, she'd crafted a small man-made hot spring—modeled after Lian Water, three parts similar. Indoor, spirit stones fueling a minor fire array for heat.

He followed in. Her flawless form vanished into rising steam—just a teasing glimpse. Clothes off in a blur, splash loud as he dove.

Chase and dodge in the pool—splashing, laughing wild.

"Enough. Stop. Stay there."

Slender pale leg pressed his chest, holding him back. She washed slow, every move, every smile laced with fresh Hehuan grace. Half-hidden teases—deadly to a man's restraint.

He groped frantic along her thigh. Right then? She'd name any demand, he'd cave blind.

Hook set deep enough—she eased off before overplay. Foot slid up, hooking his neck, drawing him close. Lips met hers, soft cry escaping. In the water, they merged as one.