Golden Finger 12

Master Zheng showed no intention of explaining to Qin Ji. He stood up and remarked, “I should rest now.”

Observing Master Zheng's departure, Qin Ji frowned. Suspicion and vigilance heightened within him. Although unfamiliar with Master Zheng, Qin Ji understood the critical role of the formation outside the barrier. The runic mage responsible for evaluating the formation had undergone thorough scrutiny. Furthermore, Qin Ji detected no anomalies in Master Zheng—no signs of possession or demonic energy.

Poking her head out, Chen Xing inquired, “Qin Ji, is he a bad person?”

Qin Ji lowered his gaze slightly. No malice emanated from Master Zheng, as if he had come with the explicit purpose of clarifying the anomalies. Yet, this clarification appeared to be directed specifically at Chen Xing. Despite Master Zheng's generally gentle demeanor, his gaze lacked warmth.

“I don't know.”

Chen Xing acknowledged with an ‘oh’. She wagged her tail, then asked again, “Does he have any ill intention towards us?”

Qin Ji resumed his seat, opting for a different position that afforded a view of both the tent and the surroundings, ensuring he could keep a vigilant watch.

“Probably not.”

Upon hearing Qin Ji's response, Chen Xing, for some inexplicable reason, felt a sense of relief and asked, “Is what he said true?”

The information Master Zheng shared earlier was unfamiliar even to Qin Ji, preventing him from providing a definitive response. Instead, he assured, “I'll double-check when I go back.”

Satisfied with the answer, Chen Xing nestled once again into the fur collar of Qin Ji's clothing. Contrary to the usual coldness associated with snakes, she exuded a sense of delicacy and cuteness.

“Qin Ji, although I feel that this barrier wasn't created by the dragon clan or the divine beast clan. But, if those foreign devils truly harmed the dragon clan's offspring, the dragon clan will surely seek revenge.”

Qin Ji agreed.

Chen Xing actually enjoyed talking and sharing her thoughts with others. Nevertheless, at present, the only person she trusted was Qin Ji, so she could only share her thoughts with him. 

“So, some credit should indeed go to the dragon clan!”

At this revelation, a faint smile graced Qin Ji's lips. He finally comprehended the intention behind Chen Xing's words. 

“Perhaps.”

Chen Xing seemed dissatisfied with Qin Ji's seemingly indifferent response and muttered softly, “Is it that hard for you to give me a little praise? Gee.”

Gazing at the flickering flames, Qin Ji's mind dwelled on Master Zheng's parting words.

In his contemplation, Qin Ji recognized the absence of prominent sword cultivators among the prominent cultivators. After expelling the demonic clans to another continent, the once-prominent sword cultivators had mysteriously vanished. Only a century later did sword cultivators with advanced levels of cultivation start regaining acknowledgment.

Qin Ji's swift reflection originated from a realization that certain aspects seemed anomalous. Upon closer examination, he discovered that during battles against the demonic clans, sword cultivators suffered significant losses. Even the most notable sword cultivation sect of the time was nearly wiped out, with only a handful of recently initiated or less advanced disciples surviving. After driving the demonic clans to another continent, the remaining sects extended substantial support to the surviving disciples of the Sword Sect, thereby preserving the sect.

However, the current status of the Sword Sect has declined from its once prestigious position as a top-tier sect to that of a second-rate sect. This is primarily due to the loss of numerous legacies of the Sword Sect during that crucial period.

Qin Ji lowered his gaze slightly. Nevertheless, the Guiyuan Sect’s library has preserved several invaluable sword cultivation techniques. Other sects also boast numerous sword cultivators. Qin Ji himself, possessing innate sword constitution, cultivated the sword heart during the Golden Core stage. In his perspective, whether it's the Guiyuan Sect or other sects, many sword cultivation techniques share a common origin.

However, these are matters that cannot be scrutinized in detail. Numerous resources were allocated to the Sword Sect when major sects provided support. In times of a lack of high-level cultivators, these sects extended protection. Additionally, when journeying to secret realms, disciples of the Sword Sect often trailed behind teams led by various major sects. Qin Ji refrained from passing judgment on the right or wrong of these arrangements. Nevertheless, Master Zheng's words had stirred a sense of suspicion in Qin Ji.

Although there isn't a distinct hierarchy of strength among cultivators, the battlefield often showcases that the prowess of sword cultivators exceeds that of others. Sword cultivators can confront adversaries from higher realms, making the claim of their invincibility at the same cultivation level not unfounded. So, why did only the sword cultivators meet their demise?

While Qin Ji pondered, he heard the voice of Chen Xing.

In a drowsy state, Chen Xing heard Qin Ji's question and replied, "Ah, because the swords of sword cultivators are easily broken."

Qin Ji subconsciously asked, "What?"

Chen Xing moved her body somewhat wearily and said, "Weren't you asking me why all the sword cultivators died during the great battle with the demonic clans?"

It was only then that Qin Ji realized he had unintentionally voiced his confusion. "Yes," he confirmed.

Chen Xing confidently explained, 

"The reason sword cultivators died is because their swords are prone to breaking. Take you, for instance, who inherently possesses a sword constitution, even your Sword Heart shattered due to inner demons. Other sword cultivators would only be more susceptible to sword breakage than you."

For some reason, a sense of unease arose in Qin Ji's heart. He recalled Master Zheng's words, 

"Don't delve too deep or you will be unable to progress further in cultivation."

Chen Xing thought of another possibility, "Moreover, sword cultivators specialize in close combat. Given that the demonic clans were banished to another continent in the previous battles, it's possible that a considerable number of the sword cultivators died on that separate land."

Qin Ji's expression underwent a dramatic change as he considered another possibility from Chen Xing's words.

Though Qin Ji had never perceived Chen Xing as possessing the same arrogance as the dragon clan, he understood that Chen Xing was indifferent to matters unrelated to herself, such as the life and death of sword cultivators. Maintaining composure, he inquired, "But wouldn't at least one of them manage to escape? Or did they face something unacceptable or unforeseeable, compelling all of them to remain on the other continent?”

Inside Qin Ji's dantian¹, the Nascent Soul awakened and beheld the once slowly mending shattered sword, which now started to fracture once more. He then took out a pill given by Elder Xuan Yu and consumed it.

At this moment, Chen Xing, who usually appeared a bit foolish, unexpectedly displayed keen insight. It was as if she had penetrated Qin Ji's innermost thoughts. "Why are you wavering? Why are you afraid? Did you guess something?"

Qin Ji didn't speak.

After some contemplation, Chen Xing advised, 

"The past is done, you should let it go and just move on. Look at me; I've already let go of all the treasures left by the dragon clan."

In the end, Chen Xing remained dissatisfied with the fact that what should have belonged to her was taken by others.

Silently, Qin Ji added more firewood to the flames.

Feeling a bit tired, Chen Xing said, "In reality, there aren’t that many absolutes of right and wrong in this world. It’s best to follow Master Zheng's advice and not delve too deep. Clarity often brings more pain."

Qin Ji remained silent and inquired, "Do you feel resentment for being the one left behind?"

Chen Xing felt that Qin Ji wanted to share his thoughts, and these weren’t questions that she couldn't answer. She responded, "Resentment is useless, and what if it was beyond one's control? I'll determine whether to resent after understanding the reasons."

Qin Ji experienced a momentary surprise, having long believed that Chen Xing's intellect was not fully developed. Yet, in certain matters, Chen Xing exhibited a deeper understanding than him. Could it be attributed to Chen Xing's simplicity of thought?

Eager to share her thoughts, Chen Xing cautiously transmitted her ideas.

"After hearing Master Zheng's words, I began to wonder if I was contaminated by foreign devils in the past. My own kind couldn't bring themselves to eliminate me, yet they couldn't take me away either. Consequently, they left me behind, leaving me to navigate my own path. Though they did prepare many things for me."

Speaking of this, Chen Xing became animated, "Then, during the hatching process, I defeated the foreign devils. However, my spiritual essence was damaged, resulting in an incomplete inheritance and impaired intellectuality. Do you think this explanation makes sense?"

Qin Ji perceived Chen Xing's words as serious nonsense. However, understanding that Chen Xing lacked knowledge of her past life, he could comprehend such speculations. 

"So, how do you explain the fact that you appeared beside me when you were hatching? The Guiyuan Sect probably wasn't chosen by your kin as your hatching location, right?"

Chen Xing thought for a moment and said, "Well, I don't know. I'll ask my kin when I have the chance in the future."

Qin Ji cautioned, "Even if it's mere rambling, refrain from discussing anything related to contamination by foreign devils."

Don't give anyone any reason to harm you. Despite the widespread respect for the dragon clan, there are also those who prioritize their interests over everything else.

In the previous life, there were quite a few who consumed pills and treasures crafted from Chen Xing’s body.

Chen Xing readily agreed, "I'm not foolish. I know that you're someone I can trust."

After all, their life and death were intertwined.

Hearing these words, Qin Ji experienced a mix of warmth and a hint of bitterness. Would Chen Xing still utter such sentiments if she knew that, in a previous life, she could be deemed to have perished by his hands?

A hush fell between them. With the break of dawn, the occupants in the tent gradually stirred. They packed their belongings and accompanied Master Zheng to the formation. Master Zheng's expression bore a notably more solemn demeanor.

Chen Xing assumed her human form, holding Xiao Bao, and walked alongside Qin Ji. She cast a brief, perplexed glance at Master Zheng. Before he could meet her gaze, she averted her eyes elsewhere. For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that the current Master Zheng seemed far from approachable. She harbored no inclination to draw closer. 

Could it be that Master Zheng had a dual personality? Was he a different person during the day and at night?

If not for Qin Ji's assurance that Master Zheng hadn't been possessed and showed no signs of being controlled, Chen Xing might have suspected that the Master Zheng from last night and this morning were different individuals. 

Chen Xing suddenly recalled that since the initial encounter with Master Zheng yesterday, including the time they set up camp here, she had felt no inclination to approach him. It was only during the night watch when Master Zheng emerged from the tent that Chen Xing sensed a difference and willingly took on a human form to converse with him.

Chen Xing glanced at Qin Ji once more as she contemplated it. Though his expression remained unreadable, there was a sense that Qin Ji, too, had observed this. Attuned to his subtle cues, Chen Xing understood that Qin Ji was exercising caution.

Pondering carefully, she sensed a bit of fatigue. Well, matters concerning human cultivation were indeed too complex, not something a baby dragon like her should dwell on. Instead, she shifted her thoughts toward considering what she might have for lunch later. 

Hot days like this truly affect a dragon's appetite.