Chapter 4: Sister-in-Law: Actually, I Can

Outside Longshe Shan, Chen Clan disciples patrolled—after all, this was an important location for the Chen Clan, so how could there be no one watching? The main entrances and exits were all being watched, though not very obviously. As long as anyone entered Longshe Shan, they would be discovered.

On Longshe Shan, there was Formation protection. A third-rank Formation was enough to block most people at the True Qi Realm. The True Qi Realm was the second realm of cultivation. Before it came the Body Forging Realm. The Body Forging Realm was divided into three realms: Skin Shedding, Bone Casting, and Blood Refining. These three realms were further divided into nine heavens each, so the Body Forging Realm alone had a full twenty-seven heavens. Every heaven was accumulation. The path of cultivation was harder than ascending to the sky.

After Blood Refining was complete, the body would have finished accumulating blood, vitality, and everything else—this was the essence of the human body, from which Qi was born, marking entry into the True Qi Realm. The first thread of Qi was extremely important; it would condense into a seed within the body, enabling the storage of True Qi. This realm was the first realm of the True Qi Realm: Qi Seed.

Next came Qi Transformation. Once the Qi Seed had accumulated enough, one could transform Qi. Qi Transformation, as the name suggested, meant one could use True Qi against enemies. All kinds of attacks could be imbued with True Qi to enhance their power. Cultivators at this level would be very formidable, not comparable to those earlier cultivators.

The third realm of the True Qi Realm was the True Gang Realm. After True Gang was completed, one needed to enter a new realm.

After that came Core Condensation.

In Longshe Cheng, most of the current Strong Ones were at the True Gang Realm. For example, Chen Chuyang's father, Chen Yuan, was only at the True Gang Realm. Wanting to condense a Core was harder than ascending to the sky.

Formations were ranked in nine grades. Depending on the rank, their power differed and the effects they could produce differed as well. For example, the Flowing Water Mist Formation focused on confusion and entrapment—bewildering and trapping enemies so they could go no further. Over time, they would become lost in the mist.

Shang Hongxue had been walking for a long time—over a full two-hour period—and was still going in circles.

She had returned to this same spot dozens of times. Each time she made changes, but in the end, without question, she came back to the starting point.

"This Formation is at least second-rank or above. I might be trapped here."

To get out, she needed to find the Formation core—that is, the Formation eye.

Shang Hongxue had some basic understanding of Formations, but for her to completely break this Formation, as things stood, was not very likely.

"The Formation eye is too hard to find. It's all mist—endless mist cutting off my senses and blocking my vision. Visibility is less than five meters. Longshe Shan is too big. I..."

Shang Hongxue once again realized the danger of Longshe Shan. If some poison were hidden inside the mountain, wouldn't that be—

"Huh?"

Shang Hongxue's expression changed. She looked down at the trap on the ground—half her foot had already stepped into it. She had nearly fallen for it.

Inside the deep pit were sharp spikes. If she had fallen in, the consequences would likely be—

The sharp spikes were coated with a green liquid.

"Poison?"

"Oh no, this poison."

The poison had evaporated and merged with the mist. The mist before her eyes gradually turned green. Shang Hongxue's expression changed drastically, and she quickly tried to leave the area. However, as she stumbled about, traps kept appearing all around her. She didn't dare move.

Danger—danger everywhere.

The slightest misstep could mean death.

"I..."

Her face pale, she didn't dare wander blindly.

This place was far too dangerous. Compared to last time, it was completely transformed.

*Gurgle. *

The poison gas drew closer.

Danger had arrived right before her eyes.

Once that mist enveloped her, she would have barely a chance in ten of surviving.

"Sigh."

A sigh sounded, and the mist stopped flowing.

Shang Hongxue said with great joy, "Brother Chuyang, is that you?"

"Have you come to save me?"

A pathway appeared before her. Shang Hongxue was overjoyed. She knew this was a path Chen Chuyang had opened for her, and she hurried forward. An hour later, Shang Hongxue saw Chen Chuyang fishing by the edge of Yu Tang. Beside him was a fish basket—empty inside. Shang Hongxue went over to look: completely bare.

She sat down and looked at Chen Chuyang's profile, her face slightly flushed.

Chen Chuyang watched the fishhook. He had known from the moment she entered Longshe Shan. This woman was too foolish—knowing full well how dangerous it was, she still refused to leave. Once the Flowing Water Mist Formation was activated, it posed no danger, but the traps inside were all lethal. They had been laid by Chen Chuyang. The entire mountain was covered with traps. Anyone who entered without his permission could be buried in them at any moment.

Over the years, he had reaped no small harvest.

A few more earthen mounds had appeared on Longshe Shan.

"Brother Chuyang, the fish is biting."

Shang Hongxue had waited a long time, and seeing the fish bite the hook, she couldn't help but cry out excitedly.

Chen Chuyang slowly played with the fish. Fishing required no rushing and no impulsiveness—one needed to wrestle with the fish, wait until it exhausted its strength, then slowly reel it in. This ensured nothing went wrong. A plump, fine fish was pulled up, rich in spiritual Qi.

"Not bad. Lunch is sorted."

The fish was caught. Time to head back.

Shang Hongxue followed behind, not speaking the entire way.

She watched Chen Chuyang scale and gut the fish, his movements practiced and smooth—not a single wasted step. One look and it was obvious he was a veteran fish-killer of many years.

The fish was soon roasting over the fire, sprinkled with some seasonings, the aroma wafting up.

Shang Hongxue's stomach let out a gurgle. She immediately clutched her belly, trying to keep it from crying out.

Hunger made it impossible to control her stomach's rumbling. It growled several times in a row—quite embarrassing.

She buried her head, her face flushed red.

"Here."

Chen Chuyang broke off a piece and popped it into his mouth, giving the rest to Shang Hongxue. Shang Hongxue smiled awkwardly, then ate the roasted fish delicately. After one small bite, her eyes lit up, and she sped up, eating in big mouthfuls with great appetite.

She finished the entire fish and didn't forget to lick her fingers. The whole series of actions was practiced and natural, completely unaffected by Chen Chuyang's presence. Full, she stretched her arms, leaned back, and lay down on the grass—pure relaxation.

"Brother Chuyang, don't blame my sister. She... just has that kind of personality. She didn't understand, that's why she acted that way."

"You don't know this, but after going home, my sister got scolded by our father. She's currently confined."

"My father doesn't want to break the engagement. He doesn't want to be someone who goes back on his word. But my sister is stubborn and will probably fight my father to the end. Don't be angry, okay?"

Once Shang Hongxue opened up the topic, she began chattering away like a lark.

Her gentle, soft voice made one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

"Actually, our Shang Clan doesn't want to break the engagement. It's just my sister who doesn't want to marry you. My mother said at the time that she wanted me to marry over instead."

Those last few words were spoken in a voice very low, very low, like a mosquito's whisper.

Shang Hongxue lowered her head, her head almost buried into the base of her neck, her face flushed crimson.

That hint of rosy glow is the most captivating.

Chen Chuyang startled, lifted his head, looking at the blushing girl beside him, somewhat dazed.