[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-dark-and-dawn-light-years":3,"chapter-dark-and-dawn-light-years-dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-133":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Dark and Dawn Light-Years",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2264733,4420,"Chapter 133: Ice Needle Pot","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-133",133,"\u003Cp>Li Lin stared at the painting for a while and confirmed one thing: the artist of this painting was the same as the author of the Goukou Cave Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the handwriting was identical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what did this inscribed poem mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Does time pass quickly here in a physical sense, or a spiritual one?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or is it… another illusion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The illusion Li Lin knew: the world of the Hui Character Spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned the painting over and over, saw no further clues, and hung it back on the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Jing floated nearby, seemingly curious about everything around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin went back to the cushion, examined it, then sighed helplessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the previous cave mansion, this place held only these few items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No Wordless Heavenly Book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Yan Jing suddenly spoke: “Wait, there’s something still inside this pot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin turned and picked up the glass pot, seeing clearly that something remained inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the object was so transparent, Li Lin hadn’t noticed it at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gently shook the glass pot, and the nearly invisible substance inside suddenly shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It split into countless “ice needles,” emitting faint, tinkling sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like distant wind chimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the half-pot of ice needles, Li Lin froze—he realized these were identical to the ice needles that had fallen from the moon in the Hui Character Illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin looked again at the painting, and now he understood what it depicted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These ice needles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Illusion passes in an instant; fifty autumns pass in the mortal world!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this referring to the Hui Character Illusion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin tilted the pot slightly, and three ice needles flowed out one after another into the glass cup beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at the three ice needles but did not touch them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, Yan Jing leaned close, studied them for a moment, and asked with longing eyes: “Can I eat one? This emits yin energy—it feels perfect for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know what this is, or what consequences it might have.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not afraid,” Yan Jing smiled seductively, leaning closer. “Magistrate, I apologize—I underestimated you before. It was my fault. Beat me, punish me, do as you please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin hadn’t cared about her earlier disdain, but he worried that consuming this might truly harm her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Lin hesitate, Yan Jing knelt down. “I’ll give up the yin-energy stone too. Just grant me one of these divine artifacts, and from this day forward, I pledge my loyalty to you—unwavering, absolute.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Jing had truly wanted to seize it… but she knew she could never take it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was Li Lin’s spirit, and any such thought would be instantly known to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she dared not even imagine it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin looked at her and sighed: “Things left by immortals are unpredictable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was identical to what appeared in the Hui Character Spell—he remembered how agonizing it had been when those ice needles pierced his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She might not survive it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not afraid!” Yan Jing’s eyes burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more she stared, the more she desired it; her consciousness itself yearned for it inexplicably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin thought for a moment. Since she wanted it so badly, let her have it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consider it an experiment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she truly perished, he could still return alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had the Stealth Technique—he could just be careful on the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended the glass cup toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Magistrate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Jing carefully picked up one ice needle, and with reverent solemnity, placed it in her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ice needle dissolved instantly upon contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It became a few droplets, sinking into her belly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A little sweet,” Yan Jing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she laughed, and the yin energy around her seemed to swell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder it’s an immortal’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words cut off as her expression twisted in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, the yin energy on her body surged wildly, growing stronger and more chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, the surrounding air plummeted in temperature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin instinctively stepped back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Jing began trembling violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the trembling grew worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frost now coated her hair, clothes, skin—she turned pale, almost white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at Li Lin, eyes filled with agony and pleading: “I can’t… hold on… Magistrate… save me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clutched her body tightly, her shaking growing fainter, as if she were about to freeze solid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin extended his palm. “Absorb my blood qi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Jing instinctively licked it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After two licks, the white blood qi entered her throat, and her trembling lessened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two more licks, and the frost vanished entirely from her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked up at Li Lin, eyes wide with wonder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she tried to lick again—but Li Lin withdrew his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Magistrate, your taste is wonderful!” Yan Jing gazed at him with an intensity surpassing even her hunger for the ice needles: “Can I have just a few more sips?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin ignored her. He studied the glass pot on the table—the ice needles had once again become nearly transparent, merging into a liquid form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment, tore a strip from his robe hem, wrapped the entire glass pot, and tied it to his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would take this with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he asked: “After eating the ice needles, what benefits did you feel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes—my yin energy strengthened significantly,” Yan Jing leaned close, her gaze now holding an indescribable emotion: “But it pales beside the few sips of your blood qi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hui Character Spell was indeed unsuitable for spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Jing pressed against Li Lin, smiling seductively: “Now you’re my master—can I have a few more sips? If I grow stronger, I can serve you better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin shook his head: “I never agreed to take you on. I saved you out of friendship, nothing more. Don’t misunderstand—I’m no opportunist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, though I’m a spirit and a woman, I know a promise is worth a thousand gold. Please accept me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin still shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He already had the Tree Immortal Lady—and caring for her consumed enough blood qi. Adding another seductive spirit… his cultivation speed would plummet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, less blood qi meant slower cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Lin refuse, Yan Jing looked crestfallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She now regretted having underestimated this magistrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin searched the room once more, confirmed no other objects remained, then pulled out a talisman. “Enter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Jing returned to the talisman. Li Lin placed the cushion in the corner, stepped onto it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything around him darkened, pitch black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, as his fire starter flared, they were back in the previous cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin stepped out of the cave and returned to the guesthouse in Guicheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to retrieve his horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The horse had been well cared for. Li Lin paid, mounted, and was about to leave the back courtyard when someone blocked his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ding family man again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at Li Lin, his gaze lingering on his waist, then smiled: “It seems Magistrate Li has found something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin admitted it—the pot’s shape was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The patriarch invites you. A banquet is prepared. Magistrate Li, please grace us with your presence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin sat atop his tall steed, his long spear resting along the horse’s side, spearhead pointing backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could reach for it in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t. Instead, he asked: “A banquet of betrayal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not!” the young Ding man bowed. “We dare not offend the Huang family of Jingcheng—their son-in-law. The patriarch merely wishes to exchange insights.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin considered, then said: “Very well. Lead the way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man exhaled in relief and smiled: “Thank you, Magistrate Li, for trusting the Ding family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man led ahead; Li Lin followed on horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, they arrived at the southern edge of Guicheng, where a massive estate came into view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder it’s a prominent clan—this place is enormous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This estate wasn’t just a matter of multiple courtyards; its total area reached a hundred mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the estate, under the young man’s guidance, they wound through countless turns and passed through numerous moon gates before finally reaching the lower reception hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was situated on elevated ground; seated within a pavilion-like structure, one could take in all surrounding scenery and the entire estate at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from Li Lin sat a middle-aged man with a face as radiant as polished jade, smiling warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li County Wei , no wonder you’re a scion of a great family,” the man chuckled. “I am Ding Feng, father of Ding Yingqiu and head of the Ding family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Lin, courtesy name Kunge,” Li Lin replied, clasping his fists in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, several maids arrived and placed down platters of delicacies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing the opportunity, Ding Feng studied Li Lin and said, “You carry an aura not your own—do you practice Spirit-Nurturing Art?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Feng’s eyes lit up. “May I see the spirit you nurture?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, Li Lin pulled out a talisman and released Yan Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was daytime, Yan Jing was a great spirit and could appear—as long as she wasn’t directly exposed to sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Yan Jing emerged, she stood behind Li Lin, head bowed, eyes downcast, like a perfectly obedient young maid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Ding Feng dared not underestimate this woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spirit so stable it could appear in daylight—she could only be a great spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder your family has such deep roots,” Ding Feng praised. “The wine and food are ready—please, County Wei , enjoy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Li Lin spoke, Yan Jing moved ahead of him and poured wine for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her movements were effortless, yet carried an indescribable allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Yan Jing had once possessed several courtesans—she knew precisely how to serve men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Ding Feng, this demeanor carried even deeper implications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some casual chatter, as the wine flowed freely, Ding Feng suddenly asked, “County Wei , what treasures did you find in your cave? Might I see them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin didn’t mind—he pulled out the glass flask and placed it on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Feng looked puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Yan Jing picked up the glass flask and gently shook it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a faint chime, the liquid inside transformed into countless fine ice needles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1716,"2026-06-19T19:39:18.782Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","62fb97fb9108d9a57e0cce00d50801896c58445795541c26b9eaecf54f9ae1df","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-134","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-132",221,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdark-and-dawn-light-years-cover.jpg"]