Chapter 51

~20 min read 3,971 words

Several days later.

Qingshan City loomed in the distance.

It is a huge cultivation city situated at the mountain's base, built against the mountain and beside the water.

Translation: "This is a huge cultivator city built at the foot of the mountains, constructed against the hills and beside the water." Need to keep meaning: "This is a huge cultivator city situated at the mountain's base, built against the hills and beside the water." Let's produce: "This is a huge cultivator city situated at the mountain's base, built against the hills and beside the water."

From afar, Qingshan City and the entire Qingshan mountain are shrouded in mist and clouds, with pale cyan towering walls that resemble a giant dragon coiled and slumbering at the mountain's base; the hidden mountain-protecting formation is invisible, yet even just approaching, Yunhe could feel terrifying spiritual power fluctuations.

On the three main roads leading to Qingshan City, cultivators came and went in dense, endless streams.

Translation: "On the three main roads leading to Qingshan City, cultivators came and went in dense, endless streams." Keep: "On the three main roads leading to Qingshan City, cultivators came and went in dense, endless streams."

Moreover, many cultivators, like Yunhe and his companions, piloted flying magical artifacts low overhead, their whistling sounds rising and falling.

No matter from which angle you look, Qingshan City cannot be compared to Red Leaf City.

Translation: "No matter from which angle, Qingshan City could not be compared to Hongye City." Keep: "No matter from which angle, Qingshan City could not be compared to Hongye City."

"Fellow Daoist Yun, is this your first time coming to Qingshan City?"

On the boat, Ma Boyuan asked with a smile; compared to when they first met, his attitude had improved, though by how much he could not say.

"Yes."

Translation: "\"Yes. \""

Yunhe stood with his hands behind his back at the bow of the boat, gazing at the majestic immortal city, and replied softly.

"Under Qingshan Mountain lies a second-grade spirit vein; although most of its spiritual energy is seized by the Azure Green Sect, the spiritual energy dispersed throughout Qingshan City still retains the effect of a spirit vein, not quite first-rate but not far off." Ma Boyuan introduced.

Translation: "\"Under Qingshan Mountain lies a second-stage spiritual vein; although most of the spiritual energy is intercepted by the Qingzong Sect, the spiritual energy dispersed throughout Qingshan City still retains the effect of the vein, not as good as first-stage but not far off. \" Ma Boyuan introduced." Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"Under Qingshan Mountain lies a second-stage spiritual vein; although most of the spiritual energy is intercepted by the Qingzong Sect, the spiritual energy dispersed throughout Qingshan City still retains the effect of the vein, not as good as first-stage but not far off. \" Ma Boyuan introduced."

Can merely capturing the leaked spiritual energy already reach this level?

Translation: "Can merely intercepting the leaking spiritual energy achieve such a degree?" Need to keep meaning: "Can merely intercepting the leaking spiritual energy reach such a level?" We'll translate: "Can merely intercepting the leaking spiritual energy reach such a level?"

No wonder so many cultivators swarm toward Qingshan City like carp crossing a river.

Translation: "No wonder so many cultivators flock to Qingshan City like carp crossing the river." Need to keep simile: "like carp crossing the river". So: "No wonder so many cultivators flock to Qingshan City like carp crossing the river."

It's all for that sliver of a foundation for longevity.

Translation: "It is all for that slim chance of a foundation for longevity." Need to keep meaning: "It is all for that sliver of a foundation for longevity." We'll translate: "It is all for that sliver of a foundation for longevity."

"Yunhe, look quickly!"

The fat Daoist Qian Dajiang beside him suddenly spoke.

The faint sound of interlocking bells and chimes came from afar; following Qian Dajiang's pointed direction, Yunhe saw a black-red giant ship slowly sailing from the southeast.

What a colossal treasure ship this is; its huge hull almost occupies half the sky, its sides towering, its masts lofty, truly like a great mountain carried away by some immense force.

From the middle of the ship rose a four-story ornate pavilion with carved railings, a hip-and-gable roof, flying eaves at the corners, and layers of gleaming fish-scale tiles that glittered in the sunlight, most impressive.

Compared to this treasure ship, the Ma Family's treasure ship is like a mere leaf boat, utterly incomparable.

"Upon seeing this enormous treasure ship, Ma Boyuan's expression grew solemn as well, and he said seriously:"

"This is the Azure Green Sect's treasure ship; it not only has a spirit-gathering formation laid upon it, but also a second-tier formation protecting it. Once the great formation is activated, even a great cultivator of the Foundation Establishment stage would find it extremely hard to breach, and if the killing formation were activated, even a Foundation Establishment great cultivator entering it would be in danger."

Translation: "\"This is the Qingzong Sect's treasure ship; it not only has a spirit-gathering formation laid upon it, but also a second-stage formation for protection. Once the great formation is activated, even a Foundation Establishment great cultivator would find it extremely hard to breach, and if the killing formation were triggered, even a Foundation Establishment great cultivator entering would be in danger. \"" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"This is the Qingzong Sect's treasure ship; it not only has a spirit-gathering formation laid upon it, but also a second-stage formation for protection. Once the great formation is activated, even a Foundation Establishment great cultivator would find it extremely hard to breach, and if the killing formation were triggered, even a Foundation Establishment great cultivator entering would be in danger. \""

He smiled tightly and helplessly.

"Compared to this treasure ship, our Ma Family's treasure ship is like mud."

Translation: "\"Compared to it, our Ma Family's treasure ship is like mud. \"" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"Compared to it, our Ma Family's treasure ship is like mud. \""

Yunhe withdrew his gaze.

Translation: "Yunhe withdrew his gaze." Need to keep: "Yunhe withdrew his gaze."

"Fellow Daoist, why be so hard on yourself? How many forces could produce such a treasure ship?"

"Fellow Daoist, your words are quite right."

Translation: "\"What the fellow Daoist says is indeed correct. \"" We'll translate: "\"What the fellow Daoist says is indeed correct. \""

Soon.

Translation: "Soon." Need to keep: "Soon."

Ma Boyuan's iron-leaf boat then landed at the west gate of Qingshan City.

Translation: "Ma Boyuan's iron-leaf boat then landed at the west gate of Qingshan City." Need to keep: "Ma Boyuan's iron-leaf boat then landed at the west gate of Qingshan City."

Qingshan City stipulates that, within the city, if one is not an Azure Green Sect cultivator, only Foundation Establishment cultivators may fly.

"Right, I'll return this to you, Fellow Daoist; thank you for saving me quite a few spirit stones."

Translation: "\"By the way, I'll return this to you, fellow Daoist; thank you for helping me save a considerable number of Spirit Stones. \"" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"By the way, I'll return this to you, fellow Daoist; thank you for helping me save a considerable number of Spirit Stones. \""

After disembarking from the iron-leaf boat, Yunhe took out a jade slip and handed it to Ma Boyuan.

Translation: "After disembarking from the iron-leaf boat, Yunhe took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Ma Boyuan." Need to keep: "After disembarking from the iron-leaf boat, Yunhe took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Ma Boyuan."

This jade slip records in detail the geography of the Qingshan region, even marking places where dangerous demon beasts lurk; if bought at a market, it would certainly be worth several spirit stones.

Translation: "This Jade Slip contains detailed records of the geography within the Qingshan region, and even marks the places where dangerous demon beasts lurk; purchasing such a slip in the market would cost at least several Spirit Stones." Need to keep: "This Jade Slip contains detailed records of the geography within the Qingshan region, and even marks the places where dangerous demon beasts lurk; purchasing such a slip in the market would cost at least several Spirit Stones."

"Ma Boyuan received the jade slip, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and said:"

"Ashamed, ashamed; due to family regulations, I cannot divulge the map recording the caravan routes; otherwise, another map would be more"

Before he could finish speaking, a young man in servant's attire came running from beside the gate.

Translation: "Before he could finish speaking, a young man in servant's attire came running from beside the gate." Need to keep: "Before he could finish speaking, a young man in servant's attire came running from beside the gate."

"Panting, he said: 'Young master, the old ancestor calls for you.'"

Translation: "He panted, \"Young master, the old ancestor calls for you. \"" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"He panted, 'Young master, the old ancestor calls for you.'\""

Upon hearing this, Ma Boyuan's expression flickered.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Ma Boyuan's expression shifted." Need to keep: "Upon hearing this, Ma Boyuan's expression shifted."

"Knowing some things could not be avoided, he bowed his hands to Yunhe and said:"

"Fellow Daoist Yun, it seems I must go ahead first."

Translation: "\"Fellow Daoist Yun, it seems I must go ahead first. \"" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"Fellow Daoist Yun, it seems I must go ahead first. \""

Yunhe also returned the bow.

Translation: "Yunhe returned the bow." Need to keep: "Yunhe returned the bow."

"That is so."

Translation: "\"Indeed. \"" We'll translate: "\"Indeed. \""

"Afterwards, no matter what happens, Fellow Daoist, you may come to the Ma Family residence to seek me; our Ma Family has dwelled in Qingshan City for a hundred years, which counts as some renown."

Translation: "\"Afterwards, no matter what occurs, fellow Daoist, you may come to the Ma Family residence to seek me; our Ma Family has dwelled in Qingshan City for a century, so we have some reputation. \"" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"Afterwards, no matter what occurs, fellow Daoist, you may come to the Ma Family residence to seek me; our Ma Family has dwelled in Qingshan City for a century, so we have some reputation. \""

"Certainly!"

Watching the attendants enter Qingshan City, Yunhe narrowed his eyes.

Translation: "Watching the attendants enter Qingshan City, Yunhe narrowed his eyes." Need to keep: "Watching the attendants enter Qingshan City, Yunhe narrowed his eyes."

The Ma Family caravan, numbering several dozen with so much supplies, now only Ma Boyuan returns alone; moreover, they lost Ma Shaoyuan, a Qi Refining Great Perfection Foundation Establishment seedling, and Ma Boyuan is likely to face family reproach.

However, judging by his appearance, he must have already made the mental preparations.

Translation: "However, judging by his appearance, he had likely long been mentally prepared." Need to keep: "However, judging by his appearance, he had likely long been mentally prepared."

"Fellow Daoist Yun, we too will go ahead first; if later you need anything from us, speak up and we will not refuse!"

The three people behind also stepped forward, and one middle-aged man bowed and said:

Two men and one woman: the speaker was named Wei Yijun, the slightly younger one called Qi Yang, and the woman Lu Yan; none of them were first-time visitors to Qingshan City, having presumably arranged lodging beforehand or having friends living there.

Translation: "Two men and one woman; the one who spoke was named Wei Yijun, the somewhat younger one was called Qi Yang, and the woman was Lu Yan; none of them were first-time visitors to Qingshan City, and presumably before departure they had already arranged lodging, or had friends residing there." Need to keep: "Two men and one woman; the one who spoke was named Wei Yijun, the somewhat younger one was called Qi Yang, and the woman was Lu Yan; none of them were first-time visitors to Qingshan City, and presumably before departure they had already arranged lodging, or had friends residing there."

Whether it was Ma Boyuan or these three, they were all especially courteous toward Yunhe, naturally because their journey was not peaceful, encountering many demon beasts along the way, and Yunhe, out of necessity, had struck out a few times.

Translation: "Whether it was Ma Boyuan or these three, they were all especially courteous toward Yunhe, naturally because their journey was not peaceful; they encountered many demon beasts along the way, and Yunhe, out of necessity, also struck a few times." Need to keep: "Whether it was Ma Boyuan or these three, they were all especially courteous toward Yunhe, naturally because their journey was not peaceful; they encountered many demon beasts along the way, and Yunhe, out of necessity, also struck a few times."

He did not reveal too much, but his mid-stage Qi Refining strength was enough to earn respect.

Translation: "He did not reveal too much, but his middling late Qi Refining strength was enough to earn respect." Need to keep: "He did not reveal too much, but his middling late Qi Refining strength was enough to earn respect."

After all, not every cultivator who breaks through to mid-stage Qi Refining can immediately exert the corresponding strength.

Translation: "After all, not every cultivator can exert the corresponding strength upon breaking through to late Qi Refining." Need to keep: "After all, not every cultivator can exert the corresponding strength upon breaking through to late Qi Refining."

This undoubtedly shows that Yunhe still has potential for improvement, and Ma Boyuan values precisely that potential.

Translation: "This undoubtedly shows that Yunhe still has potential for improvement, and what Ma Boyuan values is precisely that potential." Need to keep: "This undoubtedly shows that Yunhe still has potential for improvement, and what Ma Boyuan values is precisely that potential."

"Alright, please proceed, fellow Daoists."

Translation: "\"Alright, please, fellow Daoists. \"" Need to keep quotes. We'll translate: "\"Alright, please, fellow Daoists. \""

Yunhe bowed his hands.

Translation: "Yunhe bowed his hands." Need to keep: "Yunhe bowed his hands."

After the three each told Yunhe where they would stay in the city, they departed without delay.

Translation: "After the three each told Yunhe where they would stay in the city, they departed without delay." Need to keep: "After the three each told Yunhe where they would stay in the city, they departed without delay."

Being able to return alive filled them with hope for the future.

Translation: "Being able to return alive filled them with hope for the future." Need to keep: "Being able to return alive filled them with hope for the future."

"Yunhe, what about us?"

Only Yunhe and Qian Dajiang remained, the two greenhorns who had just arrived in Qingshan City.

"Um, let's first find a place to settle, rest well, then figure out what to do next," Yunhe said after thinking.

"All right."

Unconsciously, the two fell into a hierarchy, with Qian Dajiang subtly taking Yunhe as the leader, though they themselves didn't notice this.

The two entered the city.

Instantly, a rich wave of spiritual qi hit them in the face.

"What rich spiritual qi!" Qian Dajiang exclaimed.

Not to mention Hongye City, even if it were the Hewan Market, Yunhe had never felt such rich spiritual qi.

Breathing the city's air, even the dormant spiritual power within his body began to slowly circulate on its own.

Inside the city it was warm as spring, with flora lush on both sides of the streets, distant buildings layered together, crowds bustling, very lively.

Thinking back, Qian Dajiang had once said that when Yunhe entered Hongye City he looked around like a country bumpkin who'd never seen a market; now it was his turn to walk while glancing left and right.

On the contrary, Yunhe, having learned the lesson from Hongye City, walked the street with a calm expression.

Soon the two found an inn called "Zhu Xian Fang" and settled in.

A single room costs one low-grade ling stone every ten days; this price left them stunned, not daring to imagine how expensive lodging would be in Qingshan City.

After eating the complimentary meal provided by the inn, they each returned to their rooms.

To be frank.

These past few days, even though both are cultivators, they've been exhausted and need to completely relax, to ease the nerves that have been tense for days.

However, Qian Dajiang can sleep.

Yunhe, however, still has some matters to attend to.

Qingshan City.

Ma Family manor, inside the courtyard.

Inside, spiritual qi gathers; there are artificial hills and pavilions, lush trees, and the scent of birds and flowers.

Inside, the temperature is constant year-round, the spiritual qi is rich, actually several levels higher than that of Qingshan City.

Ma Family patriarch Ma Zhen'nan reclined on a chair, eyes closed, cultivating his spirit, while listening to Ma Boyuan report the situation of this trip.

Ma Zhen'nan wore a robe of yellow cedar, had white hair and a youthful face, spirited and keen, his qi hidden but not released.

But if a fellow Foundation Establishment cultivator were here, they would notice that although Ma Zhen'nan appears spirited, in truth a wisp of black qi coils around his Yintang, his exterior looks full while his interior is depleted, clearly indicating that his Foundation Establishment limit is near.

After hearing Ma Boyuan's account, Ma Zhen'nan slowly opened his eyes and let out a light sigh.

"Sigh, the loss of some supplies is fine; have someone retrieve the treasure ship later, and ask the Qingzong Sect's artifact smiths to help repair it."

"Yes, Patriarch!"

Ma Zhen'nan sighed again, long and deep, his whole person seeming to have aged a bit.

"It's a pity about Shao Yuan."

"Patriarch, it's all my fault for failing to guard Shao Yuan; please punish me!" Ma Boyuan directly knelt with a "thud" on the ground, speaking in a deep voice.

Looking at Ma Boyuan kneeling on the ground, Ma Zhen'nan's cloudy eyes flashed with a gleam.

For a moment, the courtyard fell into absolute silence; Ma Boyuan's forehead beaded with sweat, his long robe soaked at the back.

After a while, Ma Zhen'nan spoke again, his voice gaining a solemn tone.

"That night, really there was no clue?"

Ma Boyuan lowered his head, appearing to ponder, and after a long pause said:

"Boyuan found no clue; a second-tier beast is truly..."

"Indeed."

Ma Zhen'nan didn't let him finish, rose and walked to a pot of flowers.

"Even if I encountered a second-tier beast, the outcome would be uncertain, let alone you."

After a pause, he spoke again:

"Boyuan, you are eloquent, good at making friends, and adept at socializing; mingle more with those friends of yours, the Ma Family is not what it used to be."

"I'll take care of it, Patriarch."

"Go on."

Ma Zhen'nan waved his hand.

Upon hearing that, Ma Boyuan rose from the ground, brushed off the dust on his clothes, performed a salute, and then slowly retreated.

However, when he retreated to the courtyard entrance, Ma Zhen'nan's voice sounded again, making his body stiffen slightly.

"Boyuan, you are already at the eighth layer of Qi Refining, right?"

Ma Boyuan hastily turned his face, full of shame.

"Yes, Patriarch; Boyuan is dull, far inferior to Shao Yuan, and has disappointed you."

This time Ma Zhen'nan said nothing more, merely nodding.

Without responding to the departing Ma Boyuan's further calls, Ma Zhen'nan simply gazed at the flowers before him.

This flower appears to be blooming well, but it is actually several years old, and who knows how many more times it will bloom.

There are five flowers in total on it.

One of them blooms exceptionally bright and eye-catching, yet seems somewhat "aloof," standing alone like a lone banner protruding from the pot, while the remaining four, though not as conspicuous, cling tightly together, three surrounding the relatively larger central one, displaying another kind of beauty.

"Sigh——"

Ma Zhen'nan let out a light sigh, picked up a pair of scissors from the nearby table, and aimed at the stem of the most conspicuous flower.

He hesitated for a long while.

With a "click," it was cut off.

Afterwards, he turned to the other four flowers, carefully tending to them, especially the one surrounded in the middle.

Inside a guest room on the third floor of the Immortal Dwelling.

Yunhe sat cross-legged on the bed, gently playing with a palm-sized piece of meat in his hand.

The muscle texture was extremely distinct, and the meat even looked somewhat crystalline; it had no trace of fishy odor, instead exuding a faint, fresh fragrance.

He could feel that the Demon Beast Body had completed its breakthrough, successfully entering the First Stage Late Demon Beast level.

He drew a slight breath, his hand motion paused, and he closed his eyes.

The next second.

The piece of meat in his hand suddenly vanished with a "whoosh"!

His bright eyes snapped open again, shining with sharp light.

His lips moved, and he uttered three words:

"Longevity, four hundred!"

Afterward, I will strive to keep updates stable at 6 a. m. and 6 p. m.; this is the update situation during the new book period, and after launch I will aim for ten thousand words a day, with the update time to be determined.

If anyone has any doubts or questions, feel free to raise them.

(End of chapter)

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Ch. 51 / 52110%