Chapter Four: The Profound Heaven Heart Sutra

A ray of dawn pierced through layers of thick mist, spilling into the valley at morning’s first light. Qi Fei, weary yet determined, had risen early to gather wild fruits from the mountain, quietly placing them before the Blood Shadow Master, who sat in meditation.

A faint azure glow continually circled the Blood Shadow Master, and Qi Fei could vaguely sense a refreshing current in the valley flowing ceaselessly toward him—this, he supposed, was the so-called spiritual energy of heaven and earth that the master had spoken of. Back on Cangyun Mountain, Qi Fei’s status as a humble herb-gatherer was worlds apart from the disciples of the Danxia Sect. Now, he was privileged to witness a mysterious cultivator practice in silence, and he found himself mesmerized, wondering when he might also cultivate such boundless magical arts.

Suddenly, the Blood Shadow Master opened his eyes, breaking his meditative silence. With each breath, the azure streams surrounding him surged into his mouth and nose. His expression changed abruptly, and he spat out a mass of thick, ink-black blood.

“Master, are you alright?” Qi Fei’s face was clouded with concern as he hurried forward, offering a ladle of clear water.

The Blood Shadow Master wiped the blood from his lips, a hint of hatred flickering in his eyes. “It’s nothing. The corpse poison of the Hundred Ghost Daoist is exceptionally potent. Even with my cultivation, I can barely suppress it.”

“Is the Hundred Ghost Daoist your nemesis, Master? Who exactly is he?”

The Blood Shadow Master slowly rose, picking up a mountain fruit as he spoke gravely, “The Hundred Ghost Daoist is a demonic sect cultivator, skilled in corpse poison. He refines martial artists’ bodies into unbreakable demonic corpse servants. His cultivation rivals my own. That day, he set a trap for me, and I was careless enough to fall victim to his corpse poison.”

Mentioning his adversary, a flash of anger crossed the Blood Shadow Master’s face. Qi Fei dared not ask further.

The Blood Shadow Master gazed at Qi Fei and declared, “Last night, you memorized the major acupoints and meridians. Today, I shall impart to you an unparalleled martial arts method—the ‘Mystic Heaven Heart Sutra.’”

“The ‘Mystic Heaven Heart Sutra’? Is this the supreme martial art of the Mystic Heart Sword Sect you spoke of, Master?” Qi Fei could barely contain his joy, his brows alight with excitement.

The Blood Shadow Master nodded. “Indeed. The Mystic Heart Sword Sect is one of the foremost martial sects, far surpassing the Danxia Sect that once sheltered you. The ‘Mystic Heaven Heart Sutra’ is the sect’s treasured scripture. In the coming days, you must practice diligently and cultivate true energy. When you succeed, I will help you refine your martial soul. Only with a martial soul will you be qualified to aid me against the Hundred Ghost Daoist.”

Qi Fei bowed respectfully. “I shall not fail your high expectations, Master.”

The two ate wild fruits and dried meat in the valley. Under Qi Fei’s eager gaze, the Blood Shadow Master solemnly produced several scrolls from his robes, selected one, and drew forth several yellowed pages, handing them to Qi Fei.

“If you find anything unclear, ask me. But remember, the path of cultivation depends on your own insight and fate.”

Qi Fei’s hands trembled as he accepted the manual. Taking a deep breath, he eagerly began to read.

---

The ‘Mystic Heaven Heart Sutra’ was but a few thin pages, containing only several hundred words. Qi Fei carefully read through, asking the Blood Shadow Master about obscure characters and difficult passages. Soon, clarity dawned upon his face.

The Sutra detailed the method of martial cultivation: the first part taught how to breathe and absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, transforming it for one’s own use, thereby generating internal energy that circulates endlessly. The latter part described how to use this internal energy to nourish the meridians and acupoints, further refining it into purer martial true energy, ultimately achieving the first realm—Refining Qi into Form.

After guiding Qi Fei, the Blood Shadow Master cautioned, “Soon you’ll practice the breathing techniques in the Sutra, drawing spiritual energy into yourself. Once your internal energy is formed, cast aside distractions and enter a state of deep, selfless meditation. When your internal energy is abundant, use your mind to guide it through your meridians, and at each acupoint, let it circulate slowly to nourish it. This is the indispensable method to cultivate martial true energy. Remember: never let your mind wander while practicing, or you risk falling into madness.”

“Thank you for your instruction, Master. I will heed your teachings.”

Following the manual, Qi Fei relaxed his body and sat cross-legged, beginning to cultivate the breathing method of the Sutra.

In the Danxia Sect, Qi Fei had been a lowly herb-gatherer, never exposed to cultivation. He did not know that what the Blood Shadow Master gave him was merely the introductory portion of the Sutra.

The breathing method was not difficult. Focused, Qi Fei practiced as instructed, and after the time it took for an incense stick to burn, he could clearly feel a thread-like flow of spiritual energy entering his body with each breath.

The Sutra was worthy of the Blood Shadow Master’s praise. Even as a novice, after an hour of practice, Qi Fei began to sense a faint warmth rising within him.

When his internal energy was formed, the Blood Shadow Master’s warning echoed in Qi Fei’s mind. He immediately cast aside all distractions, continuing the breathing method. Gradually, he forgot all worries and entered the state of deep meditation described by his master.

He did not know how much time had passed. Only when a slight cramping in his abdomen pulled him from his trance did he slowly return to awareness.

Qi Fei opened his eyes to find dusk settling outside. Unknowingly, he had practiced for an entire day. His internal energy was abundant, circulating through his meridians, and he felt an inexhaustible strength—though his stomach now clamored in protest.

He stood, stretched his limbs, and hurried to the cabin to gulp down mountain spring water.

Once composed, Qi Fei realized the Blood Shadow Master was nowhere to be seen. He was puzzled: with his master gravely wounded and still afflicted by corpse poison, he should have remained in the valley. The master had gone to great lengths to teach him, so why leave so suddenly?

Puzzled and famished, Qi Fei decided to venture out. But when he reached the valley’s narrow exit, he found it had vanished without a trace. After a moment's thought, he realized the Blood Shadow Master must have placed a mystical barrier at the entrance.

Knowing the myriad powers of Daoist arts, Qi Fei dared not disturb the barrier and returned to the valley to await his master’s return.

---

Soon, a fierce wind arose outside the valley, breaking the barrier and bringing with it a grey-clad figure who swiftly appeared before Qi Fei—it was the white-browed old Daoist, the Blood Shadow Master.

The master looked weary, carrying a large bundle. Without waiting for Qi Fei to speak, he tossed it before him.

“Now that you’ve begun your path of cultivation, your focus will be divided. This afternoon, I went down the mountain and bought some provisions at the market. Keep them safe.”

Qi Fei was taken aback. “Master, I am unfilial. You are still injured, and I should be caring for you. How shameful that you must trouble yourself for my sake.”

The Blood Shadow Master waved dismissively. “It matters not. Just focus on your cultivation and reach martial true energy as soon as possible.”

“Master, I practiced the breathing method all day and my internal energy is abundant. May I now follow the Sutra’s instructions, circulating my energy to nourish my acupoints?”

The Blood Shadow Master grasped Qi Fei’s wrist, infusing him with a strand of true energy. After a moment, he nodded. “Your internal energy is indeed sufficient. You may begin nourishing your acupoints. But cultivation must proceed step by step. You haven’t eaten in a long while—fill your belly first before continuing.”

Qi Fei nodded quickly, opened the bundle, and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. Inside was a fine steel longsword and an array of delicious foods. The hungry youth looked at the feast and swallowed eagerly.

“Thank you, Master. I won’t stand on ceremony.”

Qi Fei, still a boy at heart, grinned sheepishly at his master and then boldly grabbed a roast chicken, devouring it with gusto.

The Blood Shadow Master watched the simple youth’s messy eating and couldn’t help but smile. Yet in the next moment, a trace of coldness flickered through his smile.