Crossing the Cultivation Realm: Two Souls Coexist

After careful consideration, Hu Qing decided to move his studio to the west courtyard, where it is quieter and more suitable for him to concentrate on researching and making hot air balloons.

He called Qingyin and told her seriously: "Qingyin, from now on, you are not allowed to enter the West Courtyard. I need a place to be alone."

Qingyin nodded in agreement. She understood that Hu Qing needed a place where he would not be disturbed.

Seeing that she understood his intention, Hu Qing began to move the tools and materials to the west yard.

Afterwards, Hu Qing cleaned up the east courtyard and prepared it as Qingyin's residence.

He knew that as a woman, Qingyin needed her own private space.

The two of them worked together to sweep the dust and wipe the furniture. Soon, the east courtyard looked brand new.

While packing, Hu Qing noticed that Qingyin didn't have any luggage, only the simple clothes she was wearing.

He curiously asked the reason. Qingyin stopped what she was doing, a trace of sadness in her eyes.

"Sir, all my luggage at the Music Bureau has been confiscated, leaving only me."

Qingyin said softly, rolling up her sleeves to reveal a silver bracelet, "This is what my mother left me. It was the only thing she left me when she was seriously ill."

Hu Qing looked at the silver bracelet and felt the pain in Qingyin's heart.

Qingyin continued to tell her story, tears welling in her eyes. "My mother died of tuberculosis, and my father abandoned us when she was seriously ill. I had no choice but to work as a servant in the Zhu Mansion to earn money for my mother's medical treatment."

Qingyin's voice was choked with sobs, but she tried to remain calm. "After my mother passed away, the Zhu Mansion was raided, and I was sent to the Jiaofangsi. There, I learned the guqin and did some labor until the magistrate redeemed me."

She recalled the day she left the Jiaofangsi. The sisters around her envied her, thinking that she was valued by the county magistrate and her future life was guaranteed.

After Qingyin finished telling her story, her eyes were red.

Hu Qing listened quietly without interrupting her. After Qingyin calmed down a little, he gently patted her on the back to express his comfort.

Then he took Qingyin out and went to the market, intending to buy some clothes and daily necessities for her.

The market is bustling with people and there is a wide variety of goods on display.

Hu Qing accompanied Qingyin in selecting some simple but good-quality clothing and some daily necessities. Qingyin felt curious and grateful for everything.

On the way home, Qingyin's mood was obviously much better.

She looked at the package in her hand, her heart filled with warmth. Although Hu Qing didn't say many words of comfort, his actual actions had made Qingyin feel cared for and cherished.

On their way home from the market, passing through the bustling streets, Hu Qing's ears caught the sound of storytelling coming from a teahouse.

The storyteller was reciting the legendary story of a young hero who descended from the sky in a hot air balloon.

Pedestrians on the street also gathered in twos and threes, excitedly discussing this magical device that could take people flying into the sky.

When Hu Qing heard this, a satisfied smile appeared in his heart.

He knew that his previous publicity efforts had achieved the desired results, and people's curiosity and interest in hot air balloons were gradually increasing.

After returning home, Hu Qing took out a gold coin from his arms and handed it to Qingyin.

"Qingyin, take this gold coin and use it for our daily expenses." His voice was calm and firm.

Qingyin took the gold coin, felt its weight, and also felt Hu Qing's trust and care for her.

Hu Qing continued, "I'm going to start a retreat to concentrate on research and production. During this time, you'll be home alone. Be careful and stay safe. Don't disturb me unless it's something serious."

Qingyin nodded. She understood the importance of Hu Qing's retreat and knew her responsibilities.

"Don't worry, sir. I will take good care of the house."

Hu Qing turned and walked into the west courtyard and began his busy work.

He wants to ensure that every detail of the hot air balloon is perfect and fully prepared for the upcoming test flight.

Hu Qing carefully put the kerosene into a special iron can.

This flaming oil is the key to the hot air balloon taking off, and he must ensure that every step is precise.

Hu Qing took out a hemp rope, soaked it in kerosene, and made a simple ignition rope.

He inserted the fuse into the mouth of the jar and lit it with a tinder. The flame suddenly ignited. He carefully observed the intensity and stability of the flame, and after confirming that it was correct, he extinguished the flame.

Hu Qing took the sphere, hanging basket and iron can to the yard and began to assemble the hot air balloon.

He placed the tin can above the hanging basket and secured it with a strong rope.

When everything was ready, he prepared to light the fuse again to start the hot air balloon's ascent.

However, Hu Qing suddenly thought of an important problem - the iron can might not be able to withstand the internal pressure and there is a risk of explosion.

He did not dare to be careless at all, and quickly used his spiritual energy to wrap the iron can to form a protective layer.

Under the protection of spiritual energy, Hu Qing lit the fuse again. The heat of the flame gradually filled the air bag, and the hot air balloon began to rise slowly.

Hu Qing was ecstatic. His research had finally succeeded and this simplified hot air balloon actually flew.

Qingyin heard the noise in the yard and went out to check. She saw a huge sphere carrying Hu Qing slowly rising into the air. Her eyes widened, and she was so surprised that she couldn't speak.

After Hu Qing maneuvered the hot air balloon to a certain height, he decided to let it land first.

He slowly closed the switch of the tank, reducing the heat supply. The hot air balloon gradually lost its lift and slowly landed in the yard.

Hu Qing knew that although the hot air balloon test flight was successful, it was not the time to let outsiders know.

He needed more time to perfect the invention and ensure that everything was safe and correct, and he also needed more publicity. He didn't know how those scholars were doing.

Hu Qing jumped out of the hanging basket with an excited smile on his face.

He walked towards Qingyin, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Qingyin, look, we succeeded! This hot air balloon can really fly!" Hu Qing's voice was full of joy and pride.

Qingyin came back to her senses, and a smile appeared on her face: "Sir, this is amazing, you really did it."

Hu Qing knew that this successful test flight was just the beginning.

After the successful test flight of the hot air balloon, safety measures cannot be ignored.

As an important emergency equipment, parachute can protect the safety of passengers in emergency situations.

Hu Qing decided to use the remaining wild forest boar skin to make a parachute.

He returned to his workshop and began cutting out the parachute design from memory.

The texture of wild forest pig skin is tough and wear-resistant, making it an ideal material for making parachutes.