The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS
Chapter 534 - 30: Sealing Memories

Chapter 534: Chapter 30: Sealing Memories

"Familiar? I’m afraid not," Qing Yu said with a smile as he listened to Xuanzhen’s sigh, yet inwardly he thought otherwise.

Ten years ago, Xuan Shang perhaps simply loved martial arts, but after ten years, in addition to his passion for martial arts, Xuan Shang had developed a significant amount of cunning.

Previously, Xuan Shang’s eyes were bloodshot with a murderous aura, but within a few breaths, he had already put on a facade, acting as if nothing had happened.

Such acting was not something a person who merely loved martial arts would possess.

The changes in Xuan Shang over the past ten years of living outside in Shu Province were far greater than Xuanzhen could have imagined.

"Daoist, let us enter the main hall, and allow me to recite the ’Mental Tranquility Technique’ for your disciple," Qing Yu offered.

"Thank you, Daoist," the other replied.

The two entered the main hall, first paying tribute to the statue of the Dao Ancestor, and then each took their place on the meditation cushions. The somewhat muddle-headed Qingling lay prostrate across Xuanzhen’s legs.

A large and a small figure, both clad in female crowns, leaned against each other, presenting a touching charm.

But just like Qing Yu, a person whose exterior matched his interior, witnessing such a touching scene left him undisturbed and clear-hearted; he simply watched the heartwarming bond between master and disciple with a smile.

"Daoist, please begin," urged the other.

"Alright."

Qing Yu held the horsetail whisk aloft, and its handle rested on Qingling’s arm, transmuting True Qi into a peaceful and serene energy, softly chanting: "As cold as ice through ages eternal, all things in deep silence; the heart should harmonize with quiet breath, focus on my sole spirit, merge heart and mind, let the breath follow suit, balance as a surplus, amidst myriad changes, nothing stirs..."

The gentle mnemonic, filled with a sense of tranquility and guided by the Power of Thought, not only calmed Qingling but also Xuanzhen who felt her own turmoil over her disciple ease, like a spring of clear water, washing the soul clean.

After a short while, Qing Yu stopped his soft chanting, and Qingling had already fallen into a rare peaceful slumber.

"Daoist, Xuanzhen is grateful," she thanked him.

She gently smoothed her disciple’s now relaxed eyebrows, her voice carrying a lightness not heard in a while.

Qingling had been tormented in nightmares for over a year now. During this time, whether it was soothing medicines or spirit secret techniques, Xuanzhen had tried them all.

Initially, these methods were indeed very effective. But as their use increased, Qingling developed a tolerance, and her indescribable nightmares only grew more entangled instead of receding with her growing immunity.

Now that the effect of the soothing medicines and spiritual guidance was negligible, and the disciple’s condition continued to worsen, Xuanzhen grew anxious.

On this occasion, she had not wanted to refuse the kindness of Daoist Qing Yu and let him try, though she held little hope. Yet, unexpectedly, this attempt turned out to be remarkably effective.

"Daoist, your disciple suffers from a disease of the heart; to fully heal, she must confront her Heart Demon," Qing Yu remarked softly.

"But such a heart ailment has no medicine," Xuanzhen knew all too well that a disease of the heart needed a medicine of the heart, but where could one find such a remedy?

Especially a heart ailment caused by witnessing the tragic deaths of loved ones, how could one find the medicine for that?

"If the issue cannot be resolved, Daoist, you could seal away the related memories; as long as she does not recall those tragedies, the nightmares will naturally come to an end," Qing Yu suggested.

Hearing what Xuanzhen had previously said, Qingling had seen Qing Yu’s decoy and had even interacted with it at a close distance. Given this, precautions were necessary.

Sealing away Qingling’s related memories and the appearance of Qing Yu would be an excellent solution.

"If Daoist does not mind, I could lend a hand to help you seal your disciple’s memories," Qing Yu offered again.

"This..." Xuanzhen hesitated.

Sealing related memories was indeed an excellent method to alleviate worries and return the disciple to her once clever and lively demeanor, which was also a good thing.

However, Xuanzhen had some trust issues with Qing Yu.

After all, she was just a stranger whom he had met for the first time. If she did something to Qingling, what then?

Spirit secret techniques were exceedingly mysterious and abnormal; if she had any hidden tricks, that would be problematic.

"If Daoist is not confident in me, I can teach you the sealing technique, and you can perform it yourself. However, as you are not well-versed in this area, I’m afraid the seal might not be complete," Qing Yu continued.

Those who advanced to the True Pill Realm understood Divine Origin profoundly, but sealing memories required specialization.

Every technique has its mastery, and while the Zhenwu Sect’s Martial Arts didn’t lack in spiritual aspects, sealing memories wasn’t just about the strength of Divine Origin; it required specific secret techniques and experience.

"Junior brother trusts Daoist Qing Yu," Xuan Shang said slowly as he walked closer, speaking in a low voice.

When he approached, he also glanced at Qing Yu very subtly, as if conveying some special meaning.

"Daoist, if you’re still uneasy, you may personally observe the process," said Qing Yu. After finishing her last sentence, she didn’t say more, leaving Xuanzhen to ponder.

The two had only known each other for a short while, and excessive concern at this time might be perceived by Xuanzhen as having ulterior motives.

After pondering for a long time, Xuanzhen finally said, "I apologize. May I take a night to think it over and give you an answer tomorrow?"

"There’s no trouble at all. It’s a matter of great importance; naturally, Daoist needs time," Qing Yu gestured dismissively.

"Thank you, Daoist."

The atmosphere fell quiet once again.

Xuanzhen merely stroked Qingling’s sleek, shiny hair, gazing at her profile in deep thought. As Qingling was asleep, it was not a good time to discuss matters, so Qing Yu and Xuan Shang whispered and left the main hall, making their way to the courtyard outside.

"Daoist brother, do you not have anything you wish to inform me of?" The refreshing courtyard held a hidden restlessness, a resonance with the feng shui arrangement that echoed Xuan Shang’s intense agitation.

"Are you referring to the matter of the Image Stone?" Qing Yu slightly lifted her head, gazing into the distant sky with serenity and composure.

"More than who holds the Image Stone, what I want to know now is the answer to another question."

Whoever held the Image Stone, even if they knew now, they wouldn’t remember. Compared to another question, the matter of the Image Stone had become somewhat irrelevant.

"Well..."

Qing Yu raised her hand to lightly brush her white hanging hair, chuckling softly, "How about I take a night to consider that, Daoist brother?"

A night?

Truth be told, Xuan Shang couldn’t wait even a moment, but after all, he was no longer the Xuan Shang from ten years ago. He gently suppressed the restlessness in his heart and said calmly, "Alright, then I shall wait for you for a night."

Having said that, he immediately departed.

The somewhat heavy footsteps indicated the turbulent emotions in Xuan Shang’s heart, and upon hearing them, Qing Yu could not help but chuckle.

If a True Core Realm Martial Artist’s footsteps were that heavy, one could imagine how excited he must be.

"Tonight, sleep will likely elude us all."

Malicious energy approached from the west, the night boded ill. It was going to be a restless evening.

In Qing Yu’s eyes, there seemed to be a divine light swirling as she silently watched the sky.