Chapter 303: Wind Rest Daoist

The mist-wreathed island, infinitely far across the sea, drew ever closer.

This island spans several hundred li, with blue mountains and green waters, lush foliage, and abundant spiritual energy.

A gentle breeze brushed the face, carrying a hint of sea salt's fishy odor, yet mixed with a faint fragrance of green bamboo, refreshing the heart and spleen.

The most striking feature on the island is a vast bamboo grove, especially a patch in the center that shimmers like jade; whenever the breeze passes, it emits a flute-like, lingering sound that clears the mind and calms the nature.

This is Wind Rest Island.

Among the myriad islands near the sea, it is relatively famous.

Moreover, over a hundred li beyond this island, a carriage drawn by a white flood dragon, treading upon surging clouds, came slowly.

Hahaha, Fellow Cultivator Feng is truly at ease; this carriage has its own cave heaven.

From within the carriage came the hearty laugh of True Lord Han Sword, Jiang Han Ning.

"Fellow Cultivator Jiang overpraises me; I, Feng, merely did it to save some energy."

Yunhe raised his wine cup and offered a toast to Jiang Han Ning seated opposite.

For this Wind Rest Island exchange gathering, he only decided to attend after inquiring with the two persons from the Snow Sword Sect.

And Jiang Han Ning also seemed to want to exchange some things, so he agreed with Yunhe to travel together; not long after Yunhe departed from the Ice Immortal Pavilion, they met up and rode this carriage to Wind Rest Island.

During this time, Yunhe also learned much information about this exchange gathering from Jiang Han Ning.

For example, the host of this exchange gathering, the owner of Wind Rest Island, is a mid-stage Yuan Ying cultivator known as Wind Rest Daoist.

There are also several Yuan Ying cultivators who might attend this exchange gathering; some Yunhe has heard of, others he has not, but through Jiang Han Ning he gained a better sense of the gathering's quality.

Regarding Yunhe's modesty, Jiang Han Ning repeatedly waved his hands.

In the Wu and Yuan Kingdoms and surrounding regions, few can produce a third-stage late flood dragon to pull a carriage.

The Nine Dragons Sect might manage it, but within the sect there is no third-stage late flood dragon, not even a mid-stage one; they only have an early-stage flood dragon, though its bloodline pales compared to the Cold Chant Flood Dragon, having been forcibly cultivated by secret arts, and whether it can advance further is uncertain.

In fact, although the Nine Dragons Sect claims to be about dragons, its members are mostly pythons and snakes.

The Nine Dragons Sect does possess a third-stage late White Feathered Python.

But let alone them being unwilling to bring it out to pull a carriage; even if they did, it wouldn't have the flair that Yunhe does.

It can be said.

The Cold Chant Flood Dragon has almost become Yunhe's emblem among cultivators in the surrounding area.

"I wonder how Fellow Cultivator Feng's swordsmanship training is," Jiang Han Ning changed the subject.

Upon mentioning swordsmanship, Yunhe immediately became interested.

"Feng does have a few points of confusion; I hope Fellow Cultivator Jiang can clarify them for me."

"Oh?" Jiang Han Ning raised an eyebrow.

In swordsmanship, he still felt somewhat confident.

But before he could speak, both of them paused slightly and turned their heads to the side.

"Ao——"

The Cold Chant Flood Dragon also seemed to sense something, letting out a cry to inform Yunhe.

"No problem, no problem, it's just an acquaintance," Jiang Han Ning said, then flicked his sleeve and stepped out of the carriage.

Yunhe hesitated a moment, then set down his wine cup and exited the carriage.

"Young Master."

Pearl, who sat outside the carriage holding the reins, had a stern expression; upon seeing Yunhe step out, she finally relaxed, her heart instantly at ease.

I don't know since when, but whenever she sees Yunhe, Pearl feels reassured.

"Nothing serious; likely another cultivator attending the exchange gathering, probably acquainted with True Lord Han Sword." Yunhe gave a reassuring glance and spoke calmly.

Although he did not release his divine sense to sweep over them, the earlier brush of their divine sense still allowed him to perceive them clearly.

He was an early-stage Yuan Ying cultivator.

If facing a mid-stage Yuan Ying Yunhe, it's uncertain; but if only an early-stage Yuan Ying, he cannot guarantee victory, yet he will certainly not be easily defeated—whether to fight or flee is up to him.

"I came to participate in the exchange gathering; we should get along peacefully—why compare strength right away?"

Having thought this, Yunhe couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Soon.

Then a streak of golden light fled in from afar.

When it drew near, the escape light dispersed, revealing a monk with kind eyes and benevolent brows, palms together, wearing a kasaya.

"Wu Chen, it's been nearly a hundred years since we last met, hasn't it?"

Seeing the arrival, Jiang Han Ning smiled and said.

Wu Chen's eyes half‑closed; upon seeing Jiang Han Ning, he involuntarily bowed slightly and said:

"It's been ninety‑eight years since we last met, Patron Jiang, your bearing remains as before."

"You old monk, still as calculative as ever," Jiang Han Ning couldn't help but chide with a laugh.

At this moment, the Cold Chant Flood Dragon pulled Yunhe and Pearl closer, drawing their attention; the old monk Wu Chen couldn't help but ask:

"Patron Jiang, this patron is youthful and handsome, of extraordinary bearing—could he be your Snow Sword Sect's newly promoted Yuan Ying outstanding talent?"

Upon hearing this, Yunhe merely smiled faintly and said nothing.

Nevertheless, this old monk's tone and content were quite to his liking.

Old monk, if you can speak, say more.

Likewise, Jiang Han Ning, having heard the same, had naturally prepared to introduce Yunhe, though he added a touch of surprise:

"It's truly rare to see you praising others like this. However, Old Monk, you guessed wrong—this Fellow Cultivator Feng is the Supreme Elder of the Ice Snow Pavilion; although indeed a newly promoted Yuan Ying, his secret arts and powers are profound. The lady Pearl beside him is his attendant."

Having said that, Jiang Han Ning then introduced Yunhe:

"Fellow Cultivator Feng, this Old Monk Wu Chen is a monk of the Golden Light Temple. Don't let his kind eyes and benevolent appearance fool you—he is a master of calculation, practicing the Buddhist six‑character true word, and has already achieved a golden body, his power extraordinary."

Yunhe hadn't spoken yet, but Wuchen's squinting eyes narrowed a fraction more, and the smile on his face grew even wider.

"Jiang benefactor, introducing me like this will leave a bad impression on the Bee benefactor."

After saying that, he again gave Yunhe a Buddhist salute, speaking gently: "I am the humble monk Wuchen; I have met the Bee benefactor."

"I have met Master Wuchen." Yunhe's robes fluttered as he clasped his hands in a salute, seemingly unaffected by Jiang Han'ning's introduction, appearing calm and carefree.

But in his heart, he couldn't help but take a more serious look again.

Jin Guang Temple is one of the three great Buddhist holy lands in the Eastern Border cultivation world, equal in fame to Han Shui Temple and Ci Jing Zhai.

Among them, Han Shui Temple is the foremost.

It is said that within Han Shui Temple resides an old monk of late Yuan Ying stage who holds court, but this old monk is extremely aged; it has been rumored for five or six hundred years that his lifespan is limited, and he has not appeared in public for hundreds of years, so no one knows whether he is still alive.

As for Jin Guang Temple, it belongs to the temples that have been relatively active in recent times.

Jin Guang Temple is located in the southwest of the Eastern Border cultivation world, yet this place is the far east of the Eastern Border; that even Elder Wuchen can appear here shows a glimpse.

However, judging from Jiang Han'ning's appearance, he seems to have some connection with that old monk, which is also rather unusual.

Wuchen, smiling with narrowed eyes, gave Yunhe another once‑over, then slowly bowed again, saying, "Bee benefactor, you have an affinity with the Buddha."

Upon hearing this, both Jiang Han'ning and Yunhe were startled.

Yunhe felt somewhat speechless inside.

But Wuchen didn't say anything more, merely speaking again: "I see that both of you fellow cultivators intend to attend the exchange gathering hosted by Benefactor Fengxi; may I trouble you to give me a ride?"

"It would be an honor." Yunhe immediately replied.

Afterwards, the three of them boarded the carriage together.

Yunhe and Jiang Han'ning continued drinking, while Wuchen simply sat to the side, eyes closed, cultivating his spirit; aside from his Buddhist beads being turned slowly in his hand, he remained as still as a mountain.

Jiang Han'ning seemed not surprised by this either; after downing his cup in one gulp, he said to Yunhe:

"Bee fellow cultivator, you don't know—when I first met Monk Wuchen, I was only at mid‑Golden Core stage; we entered a secret realm together, and afterwards"

Fengxi Island.

Besides the expansive bamboo groves on the island, there are also elegant bamboo houses situated in the center of the grove.

Each bamboo house seems to be covered by a layer of restriction; some have a glowing halo flowing over them, while others are as calm as a mirror surface.

Apart from that, only a few young cultivators in green robes shuttle back and forth; they appear to be disciples of that Daoist Fengxi.

After Jiang Han'ning's introduction, Yunhe learned that these bamboo houses were prepared for them Yuan Ying cultivators; each person could choose one as a temporary dwelling.

With the restriction outside the bamboo houses, it can protect those who wish to conceal their identities.

This shows.

The reason this Daoist Fengxi's exchange gathering has earned the admiration of many Yuan Ying cultivators is that the arrangements he made necessarily reflect his unique insight.

"Two benefactors, I won't stand on ceremony."

After bowing to the two, Monk Wuchen extended a palm; brilliant golden light blossomed in his hand, and with a slap upon the restriction he opened a gap and flashed inside.

"Then I'll take this one," said Jiang.

After Wuchen and Jiang Han'ning each selected and entered a bamboo house, Yunhe waved his hand to put away the carriage and the Han Yin Jiao, then casually walked up to a bamboo house.

"How is it?"

However, before he entered the bamboo house, he noticed Pearl standing frozen in place, so he casually asked.

"No, nothing."

Pearl came to her senses, hurriedly shook her head, and quickly stepped to Yunhe's side.

Seeing this, Yunhe narrowed his eyes without changing his expression, glanced in the direction Pearl had been staring, and formed a slight suspicion in his mind.

But he didn't say anything more; upon seeing the bamboo house's restriction opened, he slipped one arm around Pearl's slender waist, and amidst a faint fragrance brought her into the bamboo house.

After entering the bamboo house, he released the blushing Pearl, then subtly extended his divine sense to scan up and down.

'This restriction, if a Yuan Ying cultivator wanted to break it with his ability, would be fairly simple, but doing so would likely offend that Daoist Fengxi.'

After confirming that aside from the external restriction on the bamboo house there was nothing unusual inside, Yunhe walked to the cushioned platform and sat cross‑legged.

The bamboo house isn't large, but accommodating two or three people is no problem.

Only Pearl still seemed a bit uneasy.

Although she claimed to be Yunhe's maid, after being taken back to the Ice Xian Pavilion she had never even set foot in Yunhe's cave dwelling; most of her time was spent raising fish outside the cave, so sharing a room with Yunhe like this was truly a first.

In this short time, Yunhe also did not cultivate.

With a flick of his sleeve, a tea set appeared before him.

"You've drunk a bit too much with Fellow Cultivator Jiang; let's make tea." He said in a calm tone.

"All right, young master."

Pearl secretly let out a breath of relief, hurriedly knelt to the side, and began brewing tea with practiced ease.

Leaving that aside, during the time she has followed Yunhe, her tea‑making skill has become considerably more proficient.

And just as one was brewing tea while the other sipped it, a melodious flute sound suddenly arose from the bamboo grove—like heavenly music, clear and pleasing, like a light breeze, ethereal and graceful.

"This Daoist Fengxi really is rather interesting." Yunhe couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Beautiful, young master."

Meanwhile, Pearl beside them listened so intently she couldn't help but sigh.

"You also understand music?"

Pearl, having come to her senses, lowered her head and whispered, "I know a little."

Yunhe then recalled that when he first met Pearl, she had sounded the conch in her hand, stirring the surrounding monsters.

"Not bad." Yunhe nodded, and didn't say anything more.

Listening to the flute, drinking spiritual tea, with a beautiful lady beside him, staying in the bamboo house—it's not bad either.

Two days later.

On Wind-stop Island, a sonorous flute sound rose, like the playing of a chapter of national war, striking the earth with resonance.

Inside the bamboo house, Yunhe, who had been closing his eyes to nurture his spirit, stood up.

"Wait here for me; after the exchange meeting ends, go see your grandfather."

"Yes, young master," Pearl replied softly.

Stepping out of the bamboo house, Yunhe saw a mask made of refined jadeite hanging on the door of the bamboo house.

The mask was warm and smooth like jade; to the touch it felt like caressing a girl's skin, not stiff but rather somewhat soft and elastic.

After putting it on, his breath was completely restrained; unless a Yuan Ying Cultivator forcefully swept with divine sense, everyone wearing the jadeite mask became hazy, illusory, and indistinguishable.

And as Yunhe stepped out of the bamboo house, the doors of all the bamboo houses here opened one after another, and cultivators wearing masks walked out.

"Bee Daoist?"

Although Yunhe and Jiang Hanning lived next door to each other, they basically knew each other's backgrounds, so even with the masks obscuring each other, there was no need to hide their identities.

"Jiang Daoist," Yunhe also replied via divine sense.

"Going together?"

"Together."

The two walked together toward the largest bamboo house at the island's center.

Along the way, there were also many other figures accompanying them.

Whether to speak or not, there were at least a dozen people.

And these people, without a doubt, were all Yuan Ying Cultivators.

"This Wind-stop Daoist really knows how to make friends; a single exchange meeting actually managed to attract so many Yuan Ying Cultivators."

Yunhe silently sighed.

Upon reaching the Yuan Ying realm, aside from absolute superiority in realm, most Yuan Ying Cultivators, even if they fight, can easily decide victory or defeat but find it hard to determine life or death, so interpersonal relations become more important.

Thus, being skilled at swaying with long sleeves is also a kind of ability.

Arriving before the bamboo pavilion.

From the open bamboo door looking inward, one sees chairs arranged on both sides, while inside there is no one.

But when he stepped inside, he discovered that the interior was filled with lush bamboo groves, and the original tables and chairs were hidden within this bamboo grove, which would conceal whoever sat in those positions.

Moreover, upon entering, he also found that quite a few people were already seated inside.

More importantly, placed in the center of the room was a table carved from jadeite bamboo, atop which sat a pearl the size of a fist, illuminating the entire tabletop.

Behind the table sat a cultivator resembling a middle-aged scholar in a cyan long robe, holding a fan in one hand, who smiled at Yunhe and the other as they entered, nodding as a greeting.

Yunhe also could not help but admit.

Although this was his first time meeting this Wind-stop Daoist, the numerous preparations the latter had made on Wind-stop Island for this exchange meeting left him feeling quite satisfied and at ease, so it's no wonder that so many Yuan Ying Cultivators attended the gathering convened by this person.

As more and more cultivators entered, the not particularly large interior grew increasingly tranquil.

This room actually gathered twenty or thirty people!

Twenty or thirty Yuan Ying Cultivators is absolutely a shocking sight.

"Strange." After scanning the scene, Jiang Hanning couldn't help but mutter softly.

"How so?" Yunhe asked.

Jiang Hanning withdrew his gaze and transmitted via divine sense: "Before, the Wind-stop Daoist had not never held exchange meetings for Yuan Ying Cultivators, but previously the most was no more than twenty people; this time there are at least seven or eight more."

Upon hearing this, Yunhe rested his elbow on the armrest, leaned sideways with his chin, and after a quiet glance, his suspicion grew a bit stronger.

After a brief pondering, he transmitted: "Today, perhaps even sea clan cultivators have come."

"Sea clan!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Hanning almost jumped to his feet, but Yunhe timely pressed him down.

"Jiang Daoist, don't be impulsive; the Wind-stop Daoist's doing this surely will come with an explanation."

Soon after.

The Wind-stop Daoist, the only one not wearing a mask while seated, rose, bowed to everyone inside, and said with a smile:

"This time, many old friends have arrived, and also many new faces have come; I truly feel deeply honored!"

Many present also spoke up in return greetings.

After all, the Wind-stop Daoist is a mid-stage Yuan Ying Cultivator, whose cultivation base is considerably higher than that of most people present.

However, the pleasantries did not last long before the Wind-stop Daoist spoke again:

"If none of you fellow Daoists have objections, then let me kick off this exchange meeting."

As he spoke, he flicked his cyan robe's sleeve, and a section of crystal-clear, soft-jade-like bamboo appeared on the central table.

As soon as this bamboo appeared, it emitted a faint, refreshing fragrance.

"It's actually a thousand-year-old suspended jadeite bamboo!"

Upon seeing this bamboo, someone inside couldn't help but exclaim.

Yunhe's heart also stirred.

"On the Divine Wood Ranking, it sits at nineteenth place — the suspended jadeite bamboo!"

"It's just a pity that there's not enough of it; it's insufficient as a primary material for forging a treasure, but as an auxiliary material it's quite sufficient."

"However, how many precious things could possibly suppress the suspended jadeite bamboo ranked nineteenth on the Divine Wood Ranking?"

"Hehe, I imagine you fellow Daoists all recognize this object. Though this bamboo is scarce, it is indeed a rare find."

He paused, then continued:

"What I seek is a treasure of lightning or metal affinity, with lightning being preferred; even if its grade is lower than this suspended jadeite bamboo, it's still manageable, but if it's a metal treasure, my requirements might be higher."

Upon reaching the Yuan Ying realm, mutual trade is no longer measured in Spirit Stones; more often it's barter, and even if the values aren't equal, each holding what they need is best.

"I happen to have a piece of humming gold stone here, which quite matches the musical tone favored by Fellow Daoist Wind-stop; what do you think?"

Soon, someone spoke up.

With a faint fluctuation of magical power, a piece of gold stone about half the size of a fist flew from the speaker's position, accompanied by a faint ringing sound, and landed on the bamboo table.

"This poor monk also has a piece of Buddha-front gold essence."

This time, the person who spoke up was recognized by many present as none other than the old monk Wuchen of Jinguang Temple.

However, judging by his demeanor, he didn't seem intent on concealing it too much.

————

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(End of chapter)