Chapter 39: Departure

The sunset was intoxicating.

Still in the second-floor private room of the Qingshi Street Jingxin Tea House, Ji Wenyue gazed out the window at the evening clouds, lost in thought, her fair cheeks occasionally flushed with a blush that, under the glow of the sunset, looked utterly enchanting.

“Sigh!”

After some time, Ji Wenyue seemed to remember something and suddenly let out a soft sigh, turning to sit down beside the tea table.

“Creak!”

The wooden door of the private room was gently pushed open from outside.

“Big Brother Xia!” Seeing Xia Daoming enter, Ji Wenyue’s almond eyes brightened, and she immediately stood up.

Seeing Ji Wenyue rise, Xia Daoming’s eyes subtly brightened.

Though only a few months had passed, Ji Wenyue had grown even taller and slimmer, yet her figure now looked even more striking.

“You’ve grown taller again, and slimmer too—these past days must have been hard,” Xia Daoming said, his gaze flickering briefly over her proud curves, his tone filled with concern.

“Oh? I’ve grown taller? Will that make me look ugly?” Ji Wenyue asked, suddenly looking worried.

At nearly one meter seventy, her height was towering among women of this world, leaving her with a touch of insecurity.

“Nonsense—tall is beautiful! Especially those long legs—I could…” *cough, cough!*

“Really? That’s good!” Ji Wenyue’s worry instantly turned to joy.

“Of course it’s true! I’ve seen countless beauties—I’m the most discerning judge, and if I say it’s beautiful, it’s beautiful!” Xia Daoming said, secretly relieved.

“Good thing I didn’t say ‘legs for years’!”

“Seen countless beauties? But you said you came from a remote small town in the north,” Ji Wenyue smiled, lips pursed.

“Why can’t my little town produce nothing but beauties?” Xia Daoming shot back immediately.

“Hehe, sure, of course it can!” Ji Wenyue grinned, sticking out her tongue at Xia Daoming, then casually pulled out a small sandalwood box and handed it to him.

“Big Brother, this is for you.”

Xia Daoming took it and opened it casually.

As soon as he opened it, a faint but potent elixir scent stirred his blood.

“What kind of elixir is this?” Xia Daoming’s expression changed slightly, his eyes darkening with seriousness.

“Phoenix Cry Elixir—I just brewed it recently. Impressive, right?” Ji Wenyue proudly puffed out her chest.

“Impressive!” Xia Daoming gave her a long look and raised his thumb.

“Big Brother, you’re at it again!” Ji Wenyue’s face flushed crimson, shooting him a scolding glance.

Watching Ji Wenyue’s shy, indignant expression, Xia Daoming was speechless.

Heaven and earth knew—he hadn’t looked anywhere he shouldn’t have!

He’d said nothing but sincere words.

He’d have to be more careful from now on—otherwise, his noble, upright image would suffer!

“This elixir must be extremely precious,” Xia Daoming said, suddenly serious.

“I brewed it myself—what’s precious or not?” Ji Wenyue replied casually.

Xia Daoming gave her another long look, then quietly tucked the Phoenix Cry Elixir away.

After that, the two sipped tea and chatted idly.

Only when the sun had fully sunk behind the western hills did they leave the tea house, one behind the other.

“Damn it, I was so busy chatting and admiring the beauty, I forgot to ask what this green liquid in the bottle is!” On the way home, Xia Daoming patted the small vial in his pocket and slapped his forehead.

“Never mind—it’s not urgent. I can ask when I return from Cangmang Mountain.” With that thought, he quickened his pace.

As soon as he returned home, Xia Daoming entered the back courtyard and took the Phoenix Cry Elixir.

Tomorrow morning, he would depart with Liang Jingtang for Cangmang Mountain—every bit of added strength was better than none.

The moment the elixir entered his belly, a surging medicinal force spread through his meridians.

An hour later.

Xia Daoming slowly opened his eyes, his gaze complex.

The elixir’s effect surpassed his expectations.

His meridian strengthening progress had previously stalled at 90% of Level Six.

Now, it had reached 50% of Level Seven.

This effect was nearly comparable to that of the three-hundred-year-old Pelin Ginseng.

Most crucially, the elixir’s medicinal force was far gentler than the Pelin Ginseng’s.

This meant its value must far exceed that of the three-hundred-year-old Pelin Ginseng.

That Pelin Ginseng had cost him seven thousand taels of silver.

By that calculation, this single Phoenix Cry Elixir was worth at least ten thousand taels—and given its rarity, anyone truly desperate and wealthy might pay twenty thousand taels for it.

Forget it—she gave me too much. If she’s a bit bold, so be it—I’ll do my best to protect her from now on!

Xia Daoming chuckled at himself, finished his cultivation, and rose.

“Master, you’ve finished your cultivation! Are you tired? Let me give you a massage,” Liu Qiaolian said, rising quickly from beside him as he flipped through the yellowed scroll she called the “Immortal Array Scripture,” swaying her willowy waist as she bowed respectfully.

“Alright,” Xia Daoming nodded, lying back on the rattan chair, savoring the decadent life of a master.

“Tomorrow I depart for Cangmang Mountain—don’t stop taking your medicine. As for studying the secret diagram, don’t stress—just keep observing. One try isn’t enough.” Xia Daoming half-closed his eyes, enjoying Liu Qiaolian’s gentle kneading as he spoke.

“It’s all my fault—I’m so useless, making Master worry for me…” Liu Qiaolian lowered her head, blaming herself.

“Don’t talk nonsense—you’re my Lian’er. This little effort means nothing,” Xia Daoming cut in.

As he spoke, he pulled Liu Qiaolian onto his lap and his hands began wandering.

“Master, no! Tomorrow you’re leaving with Master Liang for Cangmang Mountain—you must conserve your strength!” Liu Qiaolian struggled, an unprecedented resistance in her voice.

“Fine, I’ll deal with you when I return!” Xia Daoming, though certain he could stay vigorous even after an all-night card game, didn’t want to hurt her feelings or make her anxious—he smiled, released her, and gave her a light pat.

“When Master returns, I’ll serve you properly!” Liu Qiaolian bowed deeply.

The next day.

Morning.

A light rain drizzled.

Carrying a chill.

A group of martial masters sat atop fine horses, wearing conical hats, waiting outside the East City Gate.

Powerful qi and blood energy radiated from them, a chilling aura that made passersby keep their distance.

Xia Daoming wore black martial attire, a conical hat, two short spears strapped to his back, riding quietly behind Liang Jingtang, his eyes scanning the surrounding martial masters through the brim of his hat.

Ten sixth-rank Grand Martial Masters, twenty-three fifth-rank Grand Martial Masters, twelve fourth-rank Martial Masters.

Xia Daoming silently counted.

This time, the Xu family had gathered ten forces from Li City, including Qianjiao Martial Hall.

Of these ten forces, only Liang Jingtang, as head, brought one disciple; all others brought at least two disciples or family members.

The martial masters kept glancing toward the city gate; as the Xu family failed to appear, their faces showed growing irritation, though none spoke.

Just as the martial masters grew impatient, hoofbeats sounded.

From the end of the East Gate Street, a mounted escort galloped forward, swiftly passing through the gate and arriving outside.

A vast, domineering aura of qi and blood surged toward them.

The martial masters instantly fell silent.

The heads of each faction stepped forward to bow and greet the old man and young man standing side by side before the escort.

“Greetings, Clan Elder Zhiji! Greetings, Young Master Shixiong!”

Xia Daoming slightly pulled down his hat, covering half his face, his heart tightening.

After more than half a year, Xu Shixiong felt even more inscrutable than during his time at Chiyan Valley.

Fortunately, Xu Shixiong’s qi and blood energy remained at the seventh rank—Xia Daoming was confident that if he unleashed his full power, he could fight him evenly.

But with the eighth-rank clan elder beside him, Xia Daoming dared not speak of victory.

Though the elder appeared frail, well into his eighties, his qi and blood surely weakened, he was still eighth rank—two ranks above Xia Daoming.

Besides these two, the Xu family brought twelve martial masters, all at least fifth rank.

One among them was even a seventh-rank Grand Martial Master, though he was past seventy, no match for Xu Shixiong.

Xia Daoming was certain he could utterly defeat him in a one-on-one fight.

“The Xu family truly lives up to being Li City’s only Master Clan—this overwhelming force ensures no faction dares to slack off or cheat—they must give their all!” Xia Daoming thought to himself.

As he pondered, Xia Daoming suddenly sensed hostility.

His heart stirred—he peered beneath his hat’s brim, fixing his gaze on a young man.

The young man was none other than Xu Shisen, who had crippled Gu Ren and tried to assault Liu Xiaoqiang at Yaohua Pavilion.

After months apart, Xu Shisen now radiated the aura of a sixth-rank Grand Martial Master.

At this moment, he smirked, gazing at Xia Daoming with contempt, as if looking at a dead man.

Clearly, he had recognized Xia Daoming.

“What a fool who doesn’t know when he’s doomed!” Xia Daoming silently sneered, a flash of killing intent glinting deep beneath his hat.

Just then, Xia Daoming felt a sudden chill—he realized Xu Shixiong had also turned to look at him, his eyes filled with thoughtful calculation.

“No way—he’s remembered me after nearly a year? I’m just a nobody!” Xia Daoming was startled.

Fortunately, Xu Shixiong quickly returned his gaze to calm indifference.

Clearly, whether or not he recalled meeting Xia Daoming, to a man like Xu Shixiong, Xia Daoming was utterly insignificant.

“Depart!” Zu Zhiji merely nodded slightly to Liang Jingtang and others, then waved his hand decisively.

"Yes!" everyone rose and replied.

In the rain, the group whipped their horses and soon galloped away like a whirlwind toward Cangmang Mountain.

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