Liu Tiansheng stood up and hurriedly walked over to his disciple.
"Are you sure that you want to use the staff?"
Liu Tiansheng was confused. The Staff usually called to those of tranquil mind, those who want only to discover the secrets of the world.
'So why would someone so hellbent on revenge choose the staff?'
Qing Shan immediately responded, not a hint of hesitation present in his voice.
"Yes."
Seeing that his disciple's answer was so firm, Liu Tiansheng could not whole-heartedly reject his disciple. But first, there was one thing he needed to ask.
"You did not choose the staff because it was my weapon of choice, correct? I trust that you chose the weapon that called to you most, so unless you actually felt the call, then why would you choose such a simple-looking weapon if not because it is the weapon I once used?"
Qing Shan shook his head slowly.
"It is not that I am unaware that this was your weapon of choice Master Liu, but I did not consider that at all choosing my weapon. How to explain… It was like although this weapon seems to be the most simple, I can tell that it carries profound secrets that may be the most challenging to unlock."
Not denying that Qing Shan may have been chosen by the staff any longer, Liu Tiansheng asked one more question.
"If you could see that it possessed many profound secrets, then why did you decide to use it. You do not have to choose the weapon that calls you, it is just the best way to grow. If it where any other weapon, I would not say anything, but unlocking the secrets of the staff takes at least ten-times as long…"
Liu Tiansheng's voice trailed off as he realized something that he definitely should not have let out of his mind. Qing Shan had a thought speed ten-times faster than anyone else! And based on his Enlightenment, that speed could raise under certain circumstances.
"Huu…"
"Fine. I will train you in the beginner ways of the staff. The rest you must figure out on your own. The staff is usually held by someone who seeks exploration. If you cannot even uncover the first secret of the staff, then you just chose the wrong weapon. Do you understand and accept this?"
"Yes, Master Liu!"
Finally believing that his disciple had actually be chosen by the staff, and was not just trying to fallow the footsteps of a god, Liu Tiansheng was naturally happy. Who would not want their disciple to be proficient at the thing they were best at?
"Okay then!"
Knowing that he was about to learn straight from a real master of the staff, Qing Shan held the shabby staff in his hand and prepared to spar with his master.
However.
"No, no. You are holding it all wrong. You need to place your left hand near the butt with a loose but secure grip, and…"
"…"
Qing Shan had not expected his master to be so picky about how he held a staff. He did not even get to see his master's skill because Liu Tiansheng insisted that he was handling the staff wrong.
After just one week passed, Liu Tiansheng finally seemed satisfied with Qing Shan's form, center of gravity, and other small things to a passable extent. He then started to go through the two basic motions with Qing Shan. These were the Thrust and the Strike.
Just gaining a beginner level of proficiency in these techniques took a month each.
From that point on, Qing Shan began basic sparring again Liu Tiansheng, except this time he was the only one with a weapon.
Training passed by quickly, and it soon became time for Qing Shan to leave out into the world. His cultivation had not risen at all, so he was still only the very first level of Cultivation, Formation Soul 1st level. However, disregarding usage of any Qi, Qing Shan could win in an unarmed fight with a 6th level Formation Soul cultivator. He could also stand a chance against a 7th level Formation Soul cultivator if he were to use his staff and his Qi loops. Liu Tiansheng was confident that Qing Shan would continue to grow at a fast rate, but he was relatively sure that his combat abilities would not start to raise fast until he surpassed the Mortal Realm of cultivation. Until then, Qing Shan would definitely have a quick increase in cultivation, but his power would not be able to surpass as many level as it was now once he reached the Origin Soul realm.
Liu Tiansheng explained Qing Shan's current limits to him before giving him a few departure gifts.
"Before you go I am going to give you a few things. Do not expect any treasures, because Your Master, I, will not let grow complacent. You have to gain strength on your own now."
The first thing Liu Tiansheng gave his disciple was a new staff. It did not seem to be too high-quality, but it was made from some strong bamboo, and it was sturdy enough to withstand his practice. Qing Shan's wooden staff already had started to splinter after just five month's so maybe this would last Qing Shan a bit longer.
The second thing that Liu Tiansheng gave Qing Shan was a worn book which seemed to be handwritten by none other than Liu Tiansheng himself. The book was titled: Staff Training for Bastard Disciples (Yes, the smiley face was included).
"This book shows how I want you to train with your staff for now. You have not even scratched the surface of what the staff can do yet. Follow all of my instructions and do not start to assume you are doing something right!..."
As always when talking about the staff, Liu Tiansheng got a little distracted. After regaining his composure, he handed Qing Shan the third and final gift that he was giving him.
"Whatever you do, only open this in a safe, secluded area where no one can see you. You will find out what it is then."
Qing Shan was handed an ancient-looking locket that seemed to be shaped like a pocket-watch. The locket was completely rusted on both top and bottom and did not seem to be anything special. There was also nothing special about the locket's Qi aura. However, Qing Shan noted that Liu Tiansheng looked somewhat reluctant when he gave the item to his disciple.
'Just what is it?'
After receiving the gifts from his master, Qing Shan paid his respects to his master and kowtowed three times as a sign of thanks. He then disappeared from the cave, as Liu Tiansheng had warped him someplace else.
Qing Shan looked around, quickly beginning to grow accustomed to his surroundings. He immediately noticed a large shadow cast as far as he could see. It was evening, so Qing Shan could immediately guess where the shadow was coming from. Turning around, Qing Shan's suspicions were confirmed. Right in front of him there was a large wall of stone. No, it was more like a humungous cliff. This was the opposite view of what Qing Shan had seen right before he met his master, almost four years ago now.
'I can't believe its actually been four years… It feels like a lifetime ago.'
However, the scene of his Father's corpse was still fresh in Qing Shan's mind. That image would not grow hazy even after hundreds of years. That image would not fade from his mind until he claimed vengeance for his Father and Mother.
Extracting himself from his thoughts, Qing Shan decided to look around. Of course, his first thought was obtaining food and shelter.
As Qing Shan walked down the streets, he did not notice the gazes of the people fallowing his every movement. No, he was too busy enjoying the scenery. While it was not particularly beautiful, Qing Shan had really only seen and been in five different landscapes throughout his life. The first three were his old village, the communal garden, and the Silent Plains itself. The other two were his master's cave and the pocket dimension that housed the Primal Elements. So, seeing the Brick and stone buildings, and even some made from bamboo, how could Qing Shan, who had lived inside wood and mud buildings all his life not be astonished. The streets were filled with grime, and even beggars. But Qing Shan was too intoxicated by the environment to notice these things.
Qing Shan walked into a building that appeared to be an inn, based on what he could tell from the writing. The language was far less crude than the few words that he had learned in his village, so he found it quite difficult to interpret. Inside the building, Qing Shan walked over to what appeared to be the area he would pay. The first floor appeared to be a tavern open to the public, but there were definitely rooms for rent.
"Welcome to the Dusty Heights Inn and Tavern. What services do you require?"
Qing Shan responded, his voice catching as he realized this was the second person he ever spoke to. The man at the desk seemed like he was getting impatient as Qing Shan was thinking, so he pointed out his forefinger and started tapping it on the desk.
"I would l-like a room and food please."
"Okay, Room and a meal. That will be two Barren Qi Shards. If you wish to stay for at least a week, we offer a discount. We offer a price of ten Barren Qi Shards for a one week's stay. What do you think?"
The man looked up, surprised to see a confused look on Qing Shan's face. The poor kid looked like he had suddenly realized something important.
'Don't tell me…'
The tavern worker suddenly had a bad premonition. Unfortunately, it was too late.
"What's a Qi Shard?"
Qing Shan questioned, unable to keep the words inside his mouth.
Suddenly the whole tavern, which had been loud and rowdy fell silent. In just an instant, everyone there went from barely being able to hear their own voice, to being able to hear a pin drop. However, this immediately changed as everyone in the tavern broke into roaring laughter. The only exceptions to this were the confused Qing Shan and the tavern worker, who started sweating heavily.
"Get out!"
Qing Shan glumly left the shop, thinking that maybe life was easier when he could not talk. He quickly erased that thought from his mind.
Slap!
Qing Shan's hand met his face and a loud sound rang out.
'How could I forget about money? That is the bare minimum thing I need before I can even gain the right to think about getting revenge! Money allows me to eat and sleep, and I expect it also allows me to train and learn. Money is the root of life in this world!'
Qing Shan then began to curse his master for not giving him any clues about how to survive in the world. Thinking back, all his master cared about was strength and growth. Maybe money was not a thing when his master lived?
*Sneeze*
Liu Tiansheng felt a chill run down his back. He had not sneezed in years.
"That little brat must be cursing me."
Of course, Liu Tiansheng could easily guess why. However, he had only remembered that money was a thing after Qing Shan left.
'Ah whatever… He'll figure something out.'
Just then.
A man walked out of the Dusty Heights, seemingly looking for someone. He started walking forward as soon as he saw Qing Shan. He arrived behind Qing Shan and clapped him on the shoulder.
"So, what brings a newcomer to Rising Sun City? Don't deny you're a newcomer. I know everyone in these parts, and you are not from around here. Hell, I don't need to know everyone, I just needed to know that you didn't even know what Qi Shards were."
The man pulled his hand out of a pocket and started flipping a dimly glowing, purple and blue shard in the air. It must have been one of those Barren Qi Shards.
Qing Shan, who had not even moved a muscle since the man arrived, finally moved. He deftly grabbed the Qi Shard that was falling back into the man's hands.
"So this is a Barren Qi Shard. As I am apparently in major need of money, maybe I'll keep it."
"T-that's…"
The man started to speak, but seeing the amiable smile on Qing Shan's face and a small glint in his eye, the man let his complaint fizzle out. Qing Shan flipped the Qi Shard in the air like the man was doing previously, before looking the man in the eyes. He caught the Shard between his thumb and forefinger.
"I wonder… Would this pay for some food and information?"
The man's mouth twitched.
'This boy… He's… Intriguing."
A full smile formed on his face, and gently dragged Qing Shan back into the tavern. He opened his mouth, yelling loud enough to get the barkeeper's attention while holding up two fingers.
"Two for food and liqueur!"
The man behind the desk, nodded and called back into the kitchen, relaying the order. The man with Qing Shan quickly threw two Qi Shards, which were noticeably different than the one Qing Shan was holding, towards the barkeeper. The barkeeper nodded, and Qing Shan was led over to a small table in a quieter corner of the room.
The man who Qing Shan had stolen from held out his hand.
"The name's Mao Xun."