Chapter 33

A few days ago.

A few days ago.

Hmm.

Translation: "\"Mm. \"" (the sound). Keep quotes.

Yunhe, who had been sleeping at the lake bottom, shook his dazed head twice, and a lot of dust and dirt on his body were shaken off.

Yunhe, who had been sleeping at the lake bottom, shook his dazed head twice, and a lot of dust and dirt on his body were shaken off.

"Good thing those two guys knew to send me into the cave dwelling; otherwise, even if I had learned the Turtle Breath Body Forging Technique, I'd probably have suffocated."

We need to keep quotes? The source uses 【】 for inner quotes. We'll translate to English quotes maybe using double quotes? But we must keep the content. We'll output: "\"Good thing those two guys knew to send me into the cave dwelling; otherwise, even if I had learned the Turtle Breath Body Forging Technique, I'd probably have suffocated. \"" Use double quotes for outer? The original uses 【】 for speech inside speech? Actually line 4 is a quoted thought? It starts with 【】 indicating inner monologue? We'll just translate content and keep double quotes around the whole line? The instruction: keep each translation on a single output line with 【N】 prefix. We can include the quotation marks as they appear in English. We'll use double quotes for the spoken line. So: "\"Good thing those two guys knew to send me into the cave dwelling; otherwise, even if I had learned the Turtle Breath Body Forging Technique, I'd probably have suffocated. \""

Looking at the surrounding pitch-black passage walls, Yunhe felt deeply relieved.

Translation: "Looking at the surrounding pitch-black passage walls, Yunhe felt deeply relieved."

But just having woken up, his thoughts are muddled now, so he has no choice but to lie on the ground and rest silently.

But just having woken up, his thoughts are muddled now, so he has no choice but to lie on the ground and rest silently.

After a while, the feeling of a swollen headache finally gradually faded.

Translation: "After a while, the feeling of a swollen, aching head finally gradually faded."

Now he could finally properly examine what he had experienced and what he had gained.

Now he could finally properly examine what he had experienced and what he had gained.

First.

Translation: "First."

Demonic power had hardly changed, but his body seemed a bit stronger, though not by much.

Demonic power had hardly changed, but his body seemed a bit stronger, though not by much.

"Then it should be in my mind."

Translation: "\"Then it must be in my mind. \""

He calmed his mind, and his demon sense slowly settled.

He calmed his mind, and his demon sense slowly settled.

Soon, from deep within his consciousness, he 'found' the reason.

Translation: "Soon, he 'found' the cause from deep within his consciousness."

After much more time had passed, Yunhe roughly finished browsing through the new things that had appeared in his mind.

Translation: "After much more time passed, Yunhe roughly finished browsing the extra things that had appeared in his mind."

As his turtle eyes slowly opened, an expression of disbelief appeared that he could not conceal.

Translation: "As his pair of turtle eyes slowly opened, an expression of disbelief appeared that he could not conceal."

As his lips moved, he uttered three words.

Translation: "As his lips moved, he uttered three words."

"Mountain-Carrying Secret"

"It's actually a cultivation method! A demon beast cultivation method!"

Translation: "It's actually a cultivation method! A demon race cultivation method!"

Yunhe knew that the demon race must have cultivation methods specifically for demon beasts to practice.

Translation: "Yunhe knew the demon race must have cultivation methods specially meant for demon beasts to practice."

However, given his current level and the surrounding environment, it didn't seem likely that he could come into contact with high-level demon beasts.

Translation: "However, judging from his current level and the surrounding environment, it didn't seem likely he could come into contact with high-level demon beasts."

Even if he did make contact, the most likely outcome would be like when he first encountered that second-tier demon beast, the Phoenix Crane—being ignored or eaten.

Even if he did make contact, the most likely outcome would be like when he first encountered that second-tier demon beast, the Phoenix Crane—being ignored or eaten.

So he never dared hope to obtain any cultivation method; each day he tried to actively absorb the essences of the sun and moon, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, to promote his cultivation.

Translation: "So he never dared hope to obtain any cultivation method; each day he tried to actively absorb the essences of sun and moon, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, to promote his cultivation."

His sole advantage over other demon beasts is the Origin Refinement Method, which to some extent can speed up and promote the growth of his demonic power.

Translation: "His only advantage over other demon beasts is the 'Source Refining Method,' which, to a certain extent, can speed up and promote the growth of his demonic power."

But that growth of demonic power is savage, lacking method or goal; whether it can ultimately break through to the second stage or higher via this is unknown.

Translation: "But that growth of demonic power is savage growth, a lawless, aimless way of increasing; whether it can ultimately allow him to break through to the second stage and beyond remains unknown."

Therefore, Yunhe placed his greatest hope in waiting until his Cultivator Body's cultivation base rose, then seeing if he could, in the mortal market of the cultivation world, help his Demon Beast Body find a cultivation method suitable for demon beasts to practice.

Therefore, Yunhe placed his greatest hope in waiting until his Cultivator Body's cultivation base rose, then seeing if he could, in the mortal market of the cultivation world, help his Demon Beast Body find a cultivation method suitable for demon beasts to practice.

But he never expected.

Translation: "But he never expected."

The bone that the Black Fish dug up turned out to be the skull of a Mountain-Carrying Giant Ao.

The bone that the Black Fish dug up turned out to be the skull of a Mountain-Carrying Giant Ao.

And within it, there was actually a cultivation method! Most importantly, this 'Mountain-Carrying Secret' is a cultivation method suited for turtle-, ao-, and softshell turtle-type demon beasts!

Translation: "And within it, a cultivation method was actually hidden! Most importantly, this 'Mountain-Carrying Secret' is a cultivation method suited for turtle-, ao-, and softshell turtle-type demon beasts!"

"The 'Mountain-Carrying Secret' should be considered an excellent cultivation method for demon beasts; regardless of its intent, the accompanying secret techniques, or the ability manifestations at each stage and level, it is quite good."

We need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"The 'Mountain-Carrying Secret' should be considered an excellent cultivation method for demon beasts; whether in its intent, the accompanying secret arts, or the manifestation of abilities at each stage and level, it is quite good. \""

Although this is also the first demon beast cultivation method Yunhe has seen, he instinctively felt its extraordinariness.

Translation: "Although this is also the first demon race cultivation method Yunhe has ever seen, he instinctively felt its extraordinariness."

Especially, compared to the Gold Water Element Classic cultivated by his Cultivator Body, who knows how many streets he could leave it behind.

Especially, compared to the Gold Water Element Classic cultivated by his Cultivator Body, who knows how many streets he could leave it behind.

"From looking at the last few chapters of the method, it seems there is an intention of incompleteness; this method likely has a sequel. Not much, but for me right now, it is completely sufficient."

Translation: "\"From the last few chapters of the method, it seems there is a sense of 'meaning not yet exhausted'; this method likely has a sequel. For me now, though, it is more than enough. \""

It can support his cultivation all the way to the late third stage!

Translation: "It can support his cultivation all the way to the late third stage!"

That is equivalent to the late Golden Core stage for cultivators!

Translation: "That is equivalent to the late Golden Core stage among cultivators!"

For Yunhe, who currently only has demonic power at the first stage middle level, this is absolutely sufficient.

For Yunhe, who currently only has demonic power at the first stage middle level, this is absolutely sufficient.

"The Mountain-Carrying Technique is a diligent cultivation method; in ancient times, the Divine Ao carried a great mountain and walked—traveling one li a day, it was majestic; ten li a day, it was vast; a hundred li a day, mountains trembled and the celestial realm shook; a thousand li a day, it feathered and ascended to immortality."

"The Mountain-Carrying Technique is a diligent cultivation method; in ancient times, the Divine Ao carried a great mountain and walked—traveling one li a day, it was majestic; ten li a day, it was vast; a hundred li a day, mountains trembled and the celestial realm shook; a thousand li a day, it feathered and ascended to immortality."

"It can be divided into Leaning Mountain, Moving Mountain, and Carrying Mountain."

Translation: "\"It can be divided into Leaning Mountain, Moving Mountain, and Mountain-Carrying. \""

"Upon initial entry, it is the 'Leaning Mountain' stage; 'Leaning' does not mean to lean, but to borrow the momentum of mountains and rivers, to repeat one's steps, to engrave it into the bones—this is the method of tempering the body through bitter refinement and hammering."

"Upon initial entry, it is the 'Leaning Mountain' stage; 'Leaning' does not mean to lean, but to borrow the momentum of mountains and rivers, to repeat one's steps, to engrave it into the bones—this is the method of tempering the body through bitter refinement and hammering."

Each time he 'browsed' the method, Yunhe seemed to gain a new insight.

Each time he 'browsed' the method, Yunhe seemed to gain a new insight.

After some thought, he came up with his own summary.

Translation: "After some thought, he came up with his own summary."

"If one wants to carry a mountain, first one must have a strong body; therefore, the Leaning Mountain Chapter focuses on forging the demon beast's body, with incidental demonic power cultivation, and is most suitable for first-stage demon beasts."

"If one wants to carry a mountain, first one must have a strong body; therefore, the Leaning Mountain Chapter focuses on forging the demon beast's body, with incidental demonic power cultivation, and is most suitable for first-stage demon beasts."

"By relying on that skull fragment, during the time I was asleep, the demonic power within my body has been operating on its own according to the oral formula of the Leaning Mountain Chapter in the Mountain-Carrying Secret, which can already be considered an initiation."

"By relying on that skull fragment, during the time I was asleep, the demonic power within my body has been operating on its own according to the oral formula of the Leaning Mountain Chapter in the Mountain-Carrying Secret, which can already be considered an initiation."

So upon waking, Yunhe could feel that his body had received a certain strengthening.

Translation: "So upon waking, Yunhe could feel that his body had received a certain strengthening."

"At the same time, the Leaning Mountain Chapter also records some techniques and secret arts for practice."

Translation: "\"At the same time, the Leaning Mountain Chapter also records some techniques and secret arts available for cultivation. \""

"One of them is called the Turtle Breath Body Contracting Technique; it conceals breath, masks demonic power cultivation, and at the same time can strengthen self-control."

"One of them is called the Turtle Breath Body Contracting Technique; it conceals breath, masks demonic power cultivation, and at the same time can strengthen self-control."

Although it's not considered a secret art, its effect is quite significant, able to hide oneself across two minor realms.

Translation: "Although it cannot be considered a secret art, its effect is quite significant, allowing one to hide oneself across two minor realms."

"In other words, if he masters it, with his current First Stage Middle demonic power, he can evade the demon sense probing of an early Second Stage demon beast."

"In other words, if he masters it, with his current First Stage Middle demonic power, he can evade the demon sense probing of an early Second Stage demon beast."

This technique obviously suits his wishes very well.

Translation: "This technique obviously suits his wishes very well."

"There is also one called the Earth Escape Technique, which is a kind of the Five Elements Escape Techniques; it sounds fairly commonplace but is actually a rather uncommon ability."

"There is also one called the Earth Escape Technique, which is a kind of the Five Elements Escape Techniques; it sounds fairly commonplace but is actually a rather uncommon ability."

The technique, using earth, gravel, and stones as a medium, can only escape into soil at the beginner level, and not deeper than five meters, nor travel more than ten li.

Translation: "Performed using earth, gravel, and stones as a medium, this technique at the entry level can only escape into earth, and not deeper than five meters, nor travel more than ten li."

But as one's practice and understanding of the technique improve, and one's cultivation base rises, one can escape into stone and into mountains, with depth and speed increasing accordingly.

But as one's practice and understanding of the technique improve, and one's cultivation base rises, one can escape into stone and into mountains, with depth and speed increasing accordingly.

It can be said to be an essential skill for home travel, ambush, and escape.

Translation: "It can be said to be an essential skill for home travel, ambush, and escape."

The last one is the Three Yang Heavy Water.

We need to keep quotes. So: "\"The last one is the Three Yang Heavy Water. \""

"As the saying goes, mountains and waters are inseparable; the original purpose of this water is to allow demon beasts practicing the Mountain-Carrying Secret to forge their bodies more quickly, so they can cultivate better."

"As the saying goes, mountains and waters are inseparable; the original purpose of this water is to allow demon beasts practicing the Mountain-Carrying Secret to forge their bodies more quickly, so they can cultivate better."

Turtles, ao, and softshell turtles are water-type demon beasts by nature, naturally affinity for water, and have a certain ability to control it.

Translation: "Turtles, aos, and softshell turtles are water-dwelling creatures, naturally affinity for water, and possess a certain ability to control it."

"The Three Yang Heavy Water is harvested from the Lesser Yang Water of dawn, the Pure Yang Water of noon, and the Ultimate Yang Water of dusk; after being refined through sacrifice into a secret, it becomes a completed technique."

"The Three Yang Heavy Water is harvested from the Lesser Yang Water of dawn, the Pure Yang Water of noon, and the Ultimate Yang Water of dusk; after being refined through sacrifice into a secret, it becomes a completed technique."

This technique, with its righteous blazing yang, has the effect of wearing away blood, flesh, essence, and bones; it can be used to temper one's own body, or to corrode and wear away an enemy's flesh.

Translation: "This technique is blazing yang and upright; it has the effect of wearing away flesh, blood, essence, and bones, and can be used to temper one's own body, or to corrode and wear away an enemy's flesh."

"When mastered, as soon as the Three Yang Heavy Water is released, the enemy instantly turns into a pool of blood."

Translation: "\"When mastered, as soon as the Three Yang Heavy Water appears, the enemy instantly turns into a pool of blood. \""

Yunhe's eyes flickered with a faint glow.

Translation: "Yunhe's eyes flickered slightly bright."

Good stuff! This is definitely a superior cultivation method of the Monster Sect; the turtle attribute naturally excels at defense, and now we have the techniques for gathering qi, evasion, and responding to enemies.

I just feel the 'Three Yang Heavy Water' and the 'Source Refinement Method' clash a bit—if it all turns into blood water, how would you even eat it?

He shook his head. "That's the perfected effect of the 'Three Yang Heavy Water'; achieving mastery is still far off—at most, when you first start, you'd only use it to temper your body."

He lightly propped his chin with his claw.

"Besides, besides this cultivation method, the many Yao common knowledge included are also very important."

In the "Mountain Carrying Secret" cultivation method, hints about Yao common knowledge are scattered throughout the text.

For Yunhe, who lives in seclusion, painstakingly training and has little concept of the entire Yao beast world, this is absolutely a timely help.

At that moment, he didn't even have time to send word of safety to Ni Qiu and Black Fish, throwing himself wholeheartedly into studying this cultivation method.

Whether it was the essentials of the cultivation method, secret arts, everyday observations, or Yao common knowledge, he absorbed them all in one gulp.

"Little Yunhe, here a 'pause' is better than a 'gather'—I've told you how many times, here it should be a 'pause'!"

Liu Hongyong of the market sat beside Yunhe, looking anguished, as if he felt a bit of "hate iron for not becoming steel" toward Yunhe.

Yunhe, holding a talisman pen, had a black line appear on his forehead.

Damn it, the previous talisman said it should end with a 'gather', and he also thought a 'gather' was more fitting, but this one says it should end with a 'pause'.

"You damn well aren't that sure either, are you?" Seems he noticed his doubtful gaze; Liu Hongyong gave a light cough and scratched his forehead.

"Cough cough, fine then, big brother will demonstrate it again for you!"

But before he could put pen to paper, Yunhe stopped him and asked, "Liu Daoist, frankly, who did you learn your talisman arts from?"

I always feel his skills are lacking, or maybe his teacher just wasn't good.

He himself has no major problem making talismans, but for some key points he actually lacks confidence.

Typical of this, I can do it, but I can't teach.

Upon hearing that, Liu Hongyong's motion paused, his eyes dimming slightly.

He set down the talisman pen and let out a light sigh.

"It is what I learned together with my elder brother."

Elder brother?

"My elder brother is named Liu Hongyuan; Yun Daoist, have you heard of him?"

"Liu Hongyuan?" Yunhe startled, then slowly realized, his heart slightly shaken: "A first-rank upper-grade talisman master, Master Liu Hongyuan?"

He was a fairly well-known talisman master in the market a few years ago; I had heard of him several times when browsing the original owner's memories, but I had never seen him.

I never expected Liu Hongyong to actually have such an elder brother.

"Then"

Liu Hongyong gave a bitter smile.

"A perfectly fine person, just goes out on a trip and disappears."

"My elder brother had considerable talent in the talisman way, and had already reached first-rank upper-grade talisman master for some time. That day he set out to visit a friend in Hongye City a hundred li away, saying that if the trip went smoothly, he might make a breakthrough in the talisman path."

A breakthrough from first-rank upper-grade would make him a second-rank lower-grade talisman master! His status could even rival a Foundation Establishment cultivator to some extent! For such a "prominent figure" in the River Stream market to just vanish is truly a pity.

From Liu Hongyong's account, Yunhe learned that his elder brother Liu Hongyuan had died in the jaws of a Yao beast.

And this brings us to the geographical location of River Stream Market.

The Qingzong Sect governs a domain of a thousand li, but it's impossible to have cities and towns spread throughout such a vast region.

And River Stream Market lies in the northwest corner of that region, with the nearest major city being Hongye City.

Between them lie a hundred li of mountains, rivers, forests, and wilderness, with many areas overrun by Yao beasts.

To travel back and forth at will, one at least needs the cultivation base of the late Qi Refining stage.

Actually, even late Qi Refining isn't necessarily a hundred percent safe.

So even though many like Yunhe, the spirit bee farmers and spirit farmers, are continually oppressed by the Wang Clan in the market and dare not leave—partly due to contractual bonds, partly because the outside world is too dangerous.

Of course, the spirit veins and spirit energy also play a role.

"Little Yun Daoist, Hongyong, have some tea."

At that moment, Liu Hongyong's sister-in-law, the widow Hua Qianyun, came over carrying tea.

Liu Hongyong hastily put away his sorrow, returning to his usual carefree appearance.

Yunhe then rose, took the tea, and said, "Thank you, sister-in-law."

Hua Qianyun smiled faintly, said nothing more, and left after delivering the tea.

Yunhe glanced at Liu Hongyong.

"Speaking of which, this seemingly frivolous guy actually has a sense of responsibility."

The two said nothing, just silently sipping tea.

The tea was ordinary, but upon drinking it, each had their own flavor.

Suddenly.

Yunhe, holding the cup, paused his motion and gazed out the window at the high sun.

"What fine weather—perfect for killing someone!"

He slowly set down the teacup and said with a smile, "Liu Daoist, I suddenly remember something I need to attend to; I'll take my leave for now, and let's have drinks again tomorrow!"

Having said that, he rose, clasped his hands in farewell, and without waiting for Liu Hongyong to speak, strode out the door.

Liu Hongyong's movements while holding the tea seemed somewhat stiff, only slowly recovering after Yunhe left.

He somewhat uncertainly covered his neck, smacking his lips and said, "Just now, Yun Daoist, you made me feel a bit, a bit of a chilling illusion—must be an illusion."

He then gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"Such a kind-hearted person—how could he have such a fierce gaze? Liu Hongyong, you need to step out of your brother's shadow!"

He patted his cheeks, rousing his spirits.

"All right! Then today I'll just stroll around the market—I'm just strolling, not going in."

(End of chapter)