Chapter 475

The setting sun dyes the evening clouds, laying a gauze of gold over vast lands.

The setting sun stains the evening clouds, draping a sheer gold gauze over the expansive land.

Let's craft concise but faithful.

We'll go line by line.

The setting sun stains the evening clouds, draping a sheer gold gauze over the expansive land.

Translation: The setting sun stains the evening clouds, laying a sheer gold gauze over the vast land.

A carriage drawn by a snow‑white flood dragon reveals the ancient immortal city, while the snow‑colored walkway leaves a brilliant trail in the sky.

Translation: A carriage, pulled by a snow‑white flood dragon, speeds forth from the ancient cultivation city, its snow‑colored plank trail leaving a brilliant arc in the sky.

Inside the carriage.

Translation: Inside the carriage.

"Brother Yun, I've already told the eldest senior brother, and he's been waiting for a while." Ji Li Yun said, smiling.

Translation: "Brother Yun, I have already informed Senior Brother, and Senior Brother has been waiting a long time," Ji Li Yun said with a smiling face.

He is still very pleased that Yunhe can go to the main hall of Bai Xiao Lou.

Translation: He was still very pleased that Yunhe could go to the main hall of the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges.

After all, while Yunhe is already seen by outsiders as a member of Bai Xiao Lou, Ji Li Yun has never heard him give a clear answer about joining.

Translation: After all, although Yunhe has long been labeled as belonging to the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges in outsiders' eyes, Ji Li Yun has yet to hear from him a definite answer about joining.

Yes, Yunhe had said earlier that it doesn't really matter whether he gives an answer.

Translation: Yes, Yunhe had said before that whether he gives an answer or not no longer matters.

Bai Xiao Lou and Yunhe have become widely accepted across the Eastern Cultivation Realm.

Translation: The Hall of a Hundred Knowledges and Yunhe have become the consensus of the entire Eastern Border Cultivation Realm.

Still, Ji Li Yun can't help but feel a bit uneasy, especially after Yunhe reached mid‑Nascent Soul and showed power rivaling a late‑Nascent Soul cultivator.

Translation: After all, Ji Li Yun still harbors a hint of worry, especially after Yunhe broke through to mid‑Yuan Ying and displayed strength comparable to a late‑Yuan Ying cultivator.

He often unconsciously thinks: if Yunhe had never considered himself a member of Bai Xiao Lou, then...

Translation: He often unconsciously thinks: if Yunhe had never considered himself a member of the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges, then.

Note: The line ends with incomplete; we keep as is.

Of course, after years of interaction, he knows Yunhe well and believes Yunhe isn't that sort of person—but still, what if?

Translation: Of course, after years of contact he has come to know Yunhe well and believes he is not that sort of person, but what if?

Without Yunhe, Bai Xiao Lou would be merely a second‑rank power in the Eastern Cultivation Realm.

Translation: Now, their Hall of a Hundred Knowledges, without Yunhe's presence, is merely one of the second‑tier powers in the Eastern Border Cultivation Realm.

Over the years, he's devoted himself to Bai Xiao Lou, handling virtually every affair, partly to keep his mind occupied.

Translation: These years of laboring for the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges, handling nearly every major and minor affair, have also served to distract himself.

Bang!

Translation: Bang!

Ji Li Yun slammed his palm on the table, sprang to his feet, eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Yunhe.

Translation: Upon hearing this, Ji Li Yun slammed his hand on the table, sprang up, eyes wide, staring at Yunhe in disbelief.

This is mutual benefit.

Translation: This is mutual benefit.

Without a mid‑Nascent Soul cultivator to hold the fort, Bai Xiao Lou's power and influence would drop a notch, relegating it to third‑tier.

Translation: Without a mid‑Yuan Ying cultivator to hold the fort, the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges' strength and influence will inevitably drop another tier, falling to third‑rate status.

Ji Li Yun waved his hand, forcing a smile, and said, "After all these years, I've long accepted this."

Translation: Ji Li Yun waved his hand, forcing a smile: "After all these years, I have long accepted this."

Yunhe gave a faint smile and replied, "Is that so?"

Translation: Yunhe gave a light smile: "Is that so?"

Even with all kinds of heart‑demon and heavenly vows, it might not be fully attainable, would it?

Translation: Even with various heart‑demon oaths and heavenly‑dao oaths binding him, it might not be fully achievable.

Even if he claimed he'd join—or even take over—Bai Xiao Lou, how believable would that really be?

Translation: Even if he says he wishes to join, even take over, the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges, how credible is that really?

Ji Li Yun blinked, not quite grasping what Yunhe meant.

Translation: Ji Li Yun blinked, not quite grasping what Yunhe meant.

Besides, the resources and treasures Bai Xiao Lou has amassed over the years make it tempting to think of taking them.

Translation: Moreover, the resources and treasures the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges has accumulated over the years make it hard not to covet them.

Yunhe stopped being evasive, sat up a bit straighter, and said softly, "I, Yun, might be able to try to help you."

Translation: At this point Yunhe stopped being evasive, sat up straight, and said in a low voice: "Yunhe might try to help you."

"You were wounded in the Ting Xiang Lou battle, damaging your foundation—was it your soul and spirit?" he asked calmly.

Translation: "Back in the Battle of the Listening Fragrance Pavilion, you injured your foundation—was it your soul and divine sense?" he asked calmly.

Yunhe doesn't feel he owes Bai Xiao Lou anything, and Bai Xiao Lou doesn't feel it owes him either; to truly tie him to their "cart," mere mutual benefit now isn't enough.

Translation: Thus Yunhe feels he owes nothing to the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges, and the hall owes him nothing; to truly bind him to their "cart," mere mutual benefit now is insufficient.

Besides, even if Fang Qiuyu has no desire to return to the Qing Kingdom, reaching mid‑Nascent Soul within a hundred years would be extremely hard for her.

Translation: Moreover, even if Fang Qiuyu has no intention of returning to the Qing Kingdom, she would find it extremely difficult to break through to mid‑Yuan Ying within a mere century.

Yunhe began to speak slowly, and Ji Li Yun gave him a doubtful look.

Translation: Yunhe spoke slowly, and Ji Li Yun glanced over with a hint of doubt.

In a few decades or over a century, once his eldest senior brother Bai Xiao Sheng and another senior brother Guang Cheng Zi have passed, Bai Xiao Lou will be left with just him and Fang Qiuyu.

Translation: If another few decades or a century pass, once his senior brother Bai Xiaosheng and the other senior brother Guang Chengzi have passed away, the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges will have only him and Fang Qiuyu left.

In the cultivation world, how many cultivators would truly honor a promise based on just one sentence?

Translation: In the cultivation world, how many cultivators would actually keep their word based on a single statement?

At that point.

Translation: By then.

Over the years, Yunhe has certainly gained many benefits from Bai Xiao Lou, but Bai Xiao Lou has probably profited even more from his rise.

Translation: Over these years Yunhe has indeed gained many benefits from the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges, but the hall has likewise profited more from his rise, right?

That's why Ji Li Yun is more susceptible to anxiety about gains and losses.

Translation: That is precisely why Ji Li Yun is prone to gains‑and‑losses anxiety.

He believes that over ninety‑nine percent of cultivators in the cultivation world are just as self‑interested as he is.

Translation: He believes that, regarding selfishness, over ninety‑nine percent of cultivators in the cultivation world are the same as him.

Even if he stays composed, the anguish a cultivator feels upon realizing his progress has stalled is beyond what others can imagine.

Translation: No matter how composed he appears, when a cultivator learns his cultivation base can advance no further, that anguish is unimaginable to others.

So, whether something is spoken or not doesn't matter much; what really counts is actual action and real benefit.

Translation: Therefore, whether something is spoken or not matters little; what counts is actual action and actual benefit.

If we had to judge, Bai Xiao Lou likely gained the most.

Translation: If we are to judge, the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges likely profited more.

Of course, Yunhe's bond with Ji Li Yun and the other Nascent Soul elders of Bai Xiao Lou is undeniable; he'd be willing to help within his means, but not to the point of sacrificing himself for Bai Xiao Lou.

Translation: Of course, the friendship between Yunhe, Ji Li Yun, and the other Yuan Ying cultivators of the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges is undeniable; Yunhe would not mind helping them within his ability, but he has not reached the point of risking his life for the hall.

Therefore, Yunhe's presence is now vital to Bai Xiao Lou!

Translation: Therefore, Yunhe's presence is already vital to the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges!

Ji Li Yun may not fully see this, but he believes the unseen Bai Xiao Sheng would certainly understand.

Translation: This point Ji Li Yun may not have fully grasped, but he believes the unseen Bai Xiaosheng would understand it.

Thanks to Yunhe's rise, Bai Xiao Lou has reaped great benefits; though it still falls short of ancient top sects like Tai Xu Zhengyi Men, Hei He Gu, and Wu Xiang Jian Zong, it now outranks the four major merchant alliances and the four noble cities.

Translation: Naturally, thanks to Yunhe's rise, the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges has also gained great benefits; though it still lags behind the ancient top sects—Supreme Mystery Orthodox Gate, Black River Valley, Formless Sword Sect—that have dominated the Eastern Border Cultivation Realm for millennia, it nevertheless towers over powers such as the Four Great Merchant Alliances and Four Lords City.

Because he damaged his foundation in the Ting Xiang Lou battle, he probably can't advance his cultivation any further in this lifetime.

Translation: He, because his foundation was injured in the Battle of the Listening Fragrance Pavilion, likely cannot advance his cultivation base any further in this lifetime.

Seeing the hint of worry in Ji Li Yun's eyes, Yunhe gave a small smile.

Translation: Seeing Ji Li Yun's eyes faintly clouded with worry, Yunhe gave a faint smile.

And Fang Qiuyu?

Translation: And what about Fang Qiuyu?

Although she is his youngest junior sister, she is after all a Fang—the Fang clan of the Qing Kingdom.

Translation: Although she is his youngest junior sister, she bears the surname Fang—of the Qing Kingdom's Fang clan.

Huh?

Translation: "Hmm?"

It's also an effort to free up more cultivation time for his fellow junior brothers and to restore Bai Xiao Lou to its former glory—one of his few remaining goals.

Translation: It is also to secure more training time for his fellow senior brothers, to restore the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges to its former glory—one of his few remaining pursuits.

Restoring Bai Xiao Lou to its former glory is not far away.

Translation: The return to the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges' former glory is not far off.

Given Yunhe's character, he wouldn't truly fight to the death for anyone or anything other than himself; the only difference is how far he'd go.

Translation: Or rather, given Yunhe's nature, it is impossible for him to truly fight to the death for anyone or any force other than himself; the difference lies only in how far he would go.

Ji Li Yun gave a wry smile and said, "That's right."

Translation: Upon hearing this, Ji Li Yun gave a wry smile: "Exactly."

He certainly knows what Ji Li Yun is worrying about, yet he still has no intention of answering.

Translation: He naturally knows what Ji Li Yun is worried about, yet he still has no intention of giving an answer.

"When fleeing the Ting Xiang Lou battle, he was ambushed by two early fourth‑rank Abyssal warriors and a fourth‑rank Abyssal beast; though he escaped with his life, he was still severely wounded by the Abyssals' divine‑sense technique."

Translation: "When fleeing the Listening Fragrance Pavilion, he was besieged by two early‑Fourth‑Level Abyssal Clan members and one early‑Fourth‑Level Abyssal Beast; though he escaped with his life, the Abyssal Clan's divine‑sense secret technique left him gravely wounded."

Yunhe nodded, lightly rubbing the edge of the blue‑white jade cup in his hand, as if deep in thought.

Translation: Yunhe nodded, lightly rubbing the rim of his blue‑white jade cup, as if pondering something.

"Brother Ji."

Translation: "Brother Ji."

In short.

Translation: After all.

This is also why Bai Xiao Lou has left no stone unturned in aiding Yunhe over the years.

Translation: This is also why the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges has spared no effort in aiding Yunhe over the years.

You must realize, his injury is to the soul!

Translation: Know this—his injury is to the soul!

For a Nascent Soul cultivator, the soul is just as vital as the Nascent Soul, and soul wounds are far harder to heal than Nascent Soul injuries.

Translation: For a Yuan Ying cultivator, the soul is as vital as the Yuan Ying itself, and wounds to the soul are harder to heal than those to the Yuan Ying.

As a Nascent Soul cultivator of Bai Xiao Lou, upon discovering his soul was injured, he had already skimmed through all of Bai Xiao Lou's ancient texts.

Translation: As a Yuan Ying cultivator of the Hall of a Hundred Knowledges, upon learning his soul was injured, he had already roughly gone through all the hall's ancient texts.

There is a way to repair the soul.

Either the method has long been lost, or with the present cultivation world it is simply impossible to accomplish.

If it weren't too difficult, given his status as a Yuan Ying Cultivator, he wouldn't have given up so easily.

But now, Yunhe actually said there is a chance to help him recover?

If it weren't for the speaker being the currently renowned Five Elements Sword Ancestor, he would have scoffed at it immediately.

Seeing Yunhe's expression that didn't look like he was joking, Ji Li Yun's heart involuntarily twitched a little.

Could it really be possible?!

He suddenly took two deep breaths, forcibly suppressed the various thoughts in his mind, then slowly sat down, lowering his voice as he asked:

"Yun, Yun brother, is this true?"

But no matter how hard he tried to restrain himself, the excitement of regaining what was lost could not be contained.

Yunhe understood his feelings and spoke frankly:

"I, Yunhe, indeed possibly can help you repair your injured soul, but the chance is not great, and if it fails, perhaps your soul injury will become even worse."

"I'm willing to give it a try!" Before Yunhe could finish speaking, Ji Li Yun immediately said.

The soul injury would be worse?

How much worse could it possibly be compared to his current state?

It would merely be a significant regression of his divine sense and spiritual awareness.

As long as he doesn't fall out of the Yuan Ying realm, it's not a problem.

Even if failure might cause him to fall from the Yuan Ying realm, Ji Li Yun is still willing to take the risk!

Only by experiencing the pain of being unable to advance one's cultivation base at all can one understand his current resolve.

"No, Elder Ji, wait until I finish speaking." Yunhe reached out to stop him.

Without pausing, under Ji Li Yun's gaze, he continued: "My low chance is only one part; there is another point you must know, Elder Ji, because this method is my secret art and also involves some of my secrets, which cannot be disclosed. I can only tell you that if you use this method, regardless of whether it ultimately succeeds or fails, Elder Ji, you will likely be subject to my restraint."

Restraint?

This is a rather euphemistic way of putting it; Ji Li Yun also understands that the so-called 'restraint' probably means his life and death are in Yunhe's hands, right?

And Yunhe's following words also confirmed what he had thought.

"More accurately put, Elder Ji, your life and death may henceforth be in the palm of my hand."

Indeed.

Ji Li Yun gave Yunhe a deep look, and his heart sank.

Even if his relationship with Yunhe were as good and close as possible, entrusting one's life to another's hands is probably not something everyone would be willing to bear.

And Yunhe was not in a hurry to get an answer.

After all, this concerns the 'freedom' of a Yuan Ying Cultivator.

After all, whether one's cultivation base can break through concerns one's lifespan, while being restrained concerns freedom; this is a choice between freedom and survival.

If Yunhe were in such a situation, he probably couldn't make a choice either.

Seated, Ji Li Yun's expression shifted repeatedly—sometimes calm, sometimes fierce, then quickly turning to despair, hope, and so on, with various emotions flitting across his face.

After a while.

"Elder Ji, this matter can be taken slowly."

"Huu—"

Ji Li Yun suddenly exhaled a long breath; his whole body went limp like a deflated balloon, but then he recovered just as quickly, even revealing a relieved smile.

"No, Elder Yun, there's no need to ponder so long; I, Ji, am willing to take the risk."

He looked at Yunhe and earnestly spoke his answer.

"Huh?"

This time it was Yunhe who was taken aback.

He looked somewhat astonished at Ji Li Yun, who had already made his decision; the latter's entire spirit and energy showed no despair of facing death head-on, nor the helplessness of being forced to choose under pressure, but rather an attitude of calm acceptance, even eagerness to accept.

Such a reaction made Yunhe unable to help feeling somewhat surprised.

"Elder Ji, won't you consider it a bit more?"

Ji Li Yun shook his head and said firmly: "No need."

Immediately afterward, his smile widened, even tinged with a bit of embarrassment, as he said: "This matter is just me getting caught up in overthinking."

"Oh?"

Ji Li Yun rose, picked up the teapot, and poured Yunhe a full cup of tea, then explained:

"Actually, speaking of it, even if I, Ji, do not try your method, Yunhe, isn't my life and death still in your thoughts?"

Yunhe was startled again.

"With your cultivation and strength, Elder Yun, I, Ji, recognize that I have no power to oppose you, and perhaps I lack even the ability to resist or struggle a bit." Ji Li Yun continued, "If you, Elder Yun, wanted my life, you wouldn't need to rely on any other method; you might not even need to act yourself—just a word from you, and perhaps some cultivator eager to curry favor would act on your behalf. In that case, what do I have to worry about?"

He then sat down slowly, saying: "As for the so-called restraint, you and I are already on the same side; in the future you will also be the helm of my Hundred Dawn Tower. As your subordinate, your will ought to be my direction, and your meaning is the meaning of Bai Xiao Tower; I would never have the possibility to oppose your will, so the so-called 'restraint' simply does not exist."

Can it really be understood this way?

Yunhe watched Ji Li Yun, who wore a refreshed smile and drained the cup of spiritual tea in one gulp.

Indeed, I hadn't expected his words, but they really aren't a big problem.

"So, Elder Yun, I, Ji, am willing to give it a try; you need not have any worries—success or failure, it's up to my own fate." Ji Li Yun even comforted Yunhe, telling him not to put too much pressure on himself.

After reacting, Yunhe gave a wry chuckle: "It's not that my cultivation base is stuck; why would I have any concerns?"

The two became acquainted.

Then they both burst out laughing together.

To be honest, up to now Yunhe really does have a bit of admiration for Ji Li Yun.

He is a decisive person.

Initially, inviting Yunhe to join the Hall of a Hundred Enlightenment as a guest elder, and later single-handedly securing his formal entry into the Hall of a Hundred Enlightenment, were decisive actions on his part.

When faced with a choice, Ji Li Yun indeed has his unique insight.

It's no wonder that, although the Hall of a Hundred Enlightenment clearly has four Yuan Ying Cultivators, two of whom have mid‑Yuan Ying cultivation base, the one actually managing the Hall's affairs is Ji Li Yun, an early‑Yuan Ying Cultivator.

"Once we return to the Hall of a Hundred Enlightenment, we'll give it a try." Yunhe said.

The method he spoke of for repairing Ji Li Yun's divine soul actually relies on the Corpse Soul Parasite.

The Corpse Soul Parasite lacks the ability to repair a divine soul, but it can simulate a divine soul's aura by devouring divine souls.

As long as the Corpse Soul Parasite can swallow a strand of Ji Li Yun's divine soul, there is a certain chance it can mimic his divine soul aura.

Then, by using the offspring parasite of the Corpse Soul Parasite to "fill in" the deficiency of his divine soul, Ji Li Yun's divine soul could theoretically be repaired.

In that case, Yunhe's Corpse Soul Parasite would "attach" to Ji Li Yun's divine soul, and his life or death would truly hinge on Yunhe's single thought.

Therefore, he explained the pros and cons of this right from the start.

But I never expected Ji Li Yun to be so decisive.

"Excellent, excellent."

Having figured it out, Ji Li Yun eagerly responded, unable to wait any longer.

"By the way, Elder Yun, how confident are you?" Ji Li Yun suddenly recalled the key point and asked.

Yunhe laughed helplessly, "You're asking only now?"

Ji Li Yun also gave an embarrassed smile, "Elder Yun, your powerful divine sense is common knowledge—even the Abyssal Clan falls far short of you; even with just a ten percent chance, I must give it a try!"

Yunhe laughed and shook his head.

Under Ji Li Yun's gaze, after a brief pondering, he said, "Not even one percent, I'd say about eighty percent."

Ji Li Yun: "."

Eighty percent?

To him, is there any difference between eighty percent and full confidence?

(End of Chapter)