Crow Immortal
Chapter 26: Fellow Daoist, Please Teach Me the Technique

Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting fragmented shadows on the blue brick floor. 

Lamp oil splattered in dark red droplets as it swayed, making Old Li Daoist's deeply lined face appear even more sinister under the flickering light. 

Han Yu listened to his words and observed the thick scent of blood surrounding him, remaining cautiously alert. 

"Daoist, you possess the authentic cultivation manual of the Demon Blood Sect?" 

"Didn't have it before. But today, after killing Zhang Shan, a disciple of the Spirit Beast Sect, I obtained it," Old Li Daoist replied. 

Han Yu was stunned. "Zhang Shan? The Spirit Beast Sect?" 

"Exactly, the Spirit Beast Sect." 

"The Green Sprout Market facilitates external exchanges, but it also makes it easier for outside sects to contact Wangu Valley disciples. That's how I got in touch with the Demon Blood Sect, and how Zhang Shan became a Spirit Beast Sect disciple, learning the methods to raise Spirit-Stealing Mice!" 

Old Li Daoist's voice turned hoarse as he explained to Han Yu: "Did you think Zhang Shan was some kind of good person? Giving Liu Lan spirit stones, supporting her cultivation—all just to win her over, so this future outer sect disciple would grant him favors. He even wanted to make Liu Lan his dao companion!" 

He sneered coldly. "That brat was clever though. These past few days, he sensed something was off and set a trap for me, claiming it was Wei Kunyi who was raising Spirit-Stealing Mice, even saying he witnessed it himself. He wanted me to join him in reporting Wei Kunyi to Steward Wang." 

"Thinking I was new and didn’t know Wei Kunyi is Steward Wang’s kept woman, or that it was Zhang Shan himself raising those mice—he wanted me to provoke Steward Wang’s wrath!" 

"Since he had ill intentions too, I had no reason to hesitate!" 

"Today, I took him to the Green Sprout Market and killed him alongside Demon Blood Sect members! In exchange, I obtained the authentic Blood Refinement Technique. Using his spiritual blood, I crossed the cultivation threshold and reached the First Layer of Blood Refinement!" 

As he spoke, his emotions surged uncontrollably. His fists clenched, his red-and-white hair fluttered wildly, and a bloody aura billowed around him. 

"Kid, I’ve reached the First Layer of Blood Refinement!" 

Listening to his tale, Han Yu couldn’t help but feel the journey had been arduous. 

"Daoist, your path has been truly difficult. But now, you’ve finally achieved your wish." 

"Yes, finally!" Old Li Daoist’s eyes burned crimson as he stared at Han Yu like a starving beast. Suddenly realizing his lapse, he swiftly formed hand seals and exhaled deeply. "The Demon Blood Sect’s techniques are fast, but the thirst for blood and the restless energy—they require constant suppression with the Breath-Concealing Art." 

Han Yu asked, "Why did you come to me tonight?" 

Old Li Daoist’s voice rasped: "Kid, I came to tell you not to mention seeing me leave with Zhang Shan this morning." 

"Didn’t expect you to have such vigorous blood energy. If you joined the Demon Blood Sect, you’d go far. Wangu Valley may seem peaceful, but undercurrents stir—not only is the Demon Blood Sect active, but even the Spirit Beast Sect, one of the four great sects of the Southern Domain, has sent spies. Cultivating here means limited resources and endless danger." 

Han Yu frowned slightly. "Daoist, the path of blood refinement isn’t for me. I’ll stick with the Green Sprout Qi Cultivation Technique." 

Old Li Daoist nearly laughed in frustration. "Not for you? Look at the state of your blood energy! Anyone who’s reached the First Layer of Blood Refinement would see you as a supreme delicacy! You think I almost lost control earlier for no reason? Your blood energy is like a rare feast!" 

"Kid, bringing you into Wangu Valley was a mistake. You’re a once-in-a-generation talent for blood refinement!" 

"Tell me, after all this time in Wangu Valley, have you even reached the First Layer of Qi Refinement? With the Demon Blood Sect’s methods, I guarantee you’ll reach the First Layer of Blood Refinement within a month! Could you do that here? What’s the point in clinging to this place?" 

Han Yu’s expression turned peculiar. "But... Daoist, I’ve already reached the First Layer of Qi Refinement." 

Old Li Daoist froze. 

"What did you say?" 

"Daoist, I said I’ve reached the First Layer of Qi Refinement." 

"You—what?!" Old Li Daoist clenched his fists, looking ready to smash something, then gritted his teeth. "You damned Hans! Always hiding things! Just like your grandfather, that old scoundrel!" 

He pressed further: "When did you break through?" 

"Yesterday." 

After Han Yu’s answer, Old Li Daoist’s mood somewhat stabilized. He muttered a few more curses before calming down. 

"Kid, since you’ve reached the First Layer of Qi Refinement, our paths diverge from here." 

"No need for further contact or entanglement... Focus on your Green Sprout Qi Cultivation Technique. Your true path lies in reaching the Foundation Establishment realm one day." 

"That’s a road I can no longer walk." 

Seeing Old Li Daoist about to leave, Han Yu suddenly spoke up: "Daoist, what about my blood energy... Can I still cultivate the authentic Blood Refinement Technique?" 

Old Li Daoist paused. "How would I know? You think I’m some cultivation expert?" 

"Besides, you won’t join the Demon Blood Sect. If I taught you privately, they’d skin me alive. Only if you join would I tell you." 

Han Yu felt disappointed. He craved cultivation techniques and spells—even the Demon Blood Sect’s. 

Just then, Old Li Daoist turned back, his throat emitting a wheezing laugh as he bared uneven yellow teeth. "Kid, feeling let down?" 

"Just messing with you! Couldn’t let you off easy after you humiliated me by secretly reaching the First Layer!" 

Han Yu was stunned—he hadn’t expected the old daoist to joke like this. 

Old Li Daoist continued: "Demon Blood Sect cultivators are unrestrained and selfish. We pass techniques as we please, especially undercover agents like me—no one controls us." 

"But most are too selfish to teach outsiders, afraid they’ll be refined into blood nourishment." 

His ugly face turned solemn. "Kid, you gave me a chance at Wangu Valley’s immortal fate, and today I reached the First Layer of Blood Refinement. Now, our paths split—our bond ends here!" 

"One last gift: the authentic Blood Refinement Technique up to Foundation Establishment, the Breath-Concealing Art, and that sound-transmission trick I promised." 

"Take this gift, and from now on, we go our separate ways!" 

Han Yu’s heart grew heavy. Meeting the old daoist’s gaze, he stepped forward slowly. 

"Please, Daoist..." 

"Call me ‘fellow daoist’ now." Old Li Daoist closed his eyes, picturing a bright, smiling young woman from decades past. 

Wan’er, Wan’er... After today, I sever worldly ties. 

Your grandson—I’ll interfere no more. 

"Yes. Please, fellow daoist, impart your techniques." 

Han Yu spoke solemnly.