Chapter 189: Complications on Yunshi Shan

Foot-Ascending Cloud Talisman: Entry Level/3/100 (Obtained from the White Cloud Secret Method, one-tenth of the total; for every ten completed, one can be advanced.)

Chen Ci looked at the three pairs of freshly made Foot-Ascending Cloud Talismans in his hand and couldn't help but grin.

It was clearly agreed upon that the Cloud Tremor—cough, no, that's not it—that he would bring advanced "Yun-style" services to his fellow Daoists in Xishan Prefecture. How did the startup collapse halfway through? What a pity, what a pity.

However, this couldn't be blamed on Master Chen; the main issue was that he simply couldn't keep up with the refining, he really couldn't keep up. His remaining lifespan was only eighty-odd years, and he hadn't even seen the threshold of a Perfected Qi Refining stage yet. He feared that only after attaining the Dao Foundation and extending his life would he have the extra time and energy to delve into other marvelous methods.

"Yunshi Shan isn't located too deep; using one pair of White Cloud Talisman Method talismans is enough for the journey. The remaining two pairs can be given to Shi Sanniang to play with. That woman has always liked novel gadgets, and if I have matters to inquire about, it's never good to visit empty-handed."

Chen Ci put away the Foot-Ascending Cloud Talismans, thought for a moment, and then packed two bottles of Health-Preserving Pills, feeling that would be sufficient.

He had previously had some business dealings with Shi Sanniang. Whether it was wild game or some Essence Refining materials and Spirit Materials, the other party had been quite diligent. However, Chen Ci had left in a hurry last year and hadn't had time to bid Shi Sanniang farewell. The business had suddenly been cut off, and Yunshi Shan had likely lost some silver and goods; this time, he could make up for it all at once.

Thinking of this, Chen Ci gave an instruction to Qingfeng, then stepped out of Sanyin Temple, identified the direction, and drove the Foot-Ascending Cloud Talismans toward Yunshi Shan.

West of Changping County, Yunshi Shan.

With the heritage of a Miscellaneous Cultivator and several thousand able-bodied men, this was already a significant force among the mountain folk.

Glancing at the bowl of ginger soup, Shi Sanniang paused, then said gently and warmly: "Daoist Du, managing such a large Yunshi Shan is indeed not easy. I have no apprentices or nephews, and having thought it through these past few days, I have developed the idea of entrusting the village to you. I intend to go to the Liang Kingdom to enjoy a life of leisure among the mortals and spend my remaining years in peace. I wonder if that is acceptable?"

"By the way, there is one more thing. Several of your clansmen were unfortunately killed by wild beasts while out hunting; Sanniang asks that you please accept her condolences."

After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, a middle-aged cultivator pushed the door open and walked in. This man was tall and had a refined face. He wore a Daoist bun on his head, and his pitch-black beard was groomed very exquisitely; one could tell he must have been a handsome man in his youth.

In Qingyun Village, the mountain master Shi Sanniang was half-lying and half-sitting on the edge of the bed. The curves of her figure under her thin skirt were quite pleasing to the eye, and one of her lower legs hung in the air, swinging back and forth in boredom. However, the color of her face was slightly pale, as if she were suffering from a minor ailment.

In recent years, there had been quite a few new faces among the cultivators within a radius of several hundred miles. Their cultivation levels varied, and while there were some conflicts with local Miscellaneous Cultivators, things were generally peaceful. Shi Sanniang had also befriended a group of female cultivators who had recently arrived at Nongyu Nunnery on Lantao Mountain, sixty miles away, and they could barely be considered close friends.

"Daoist Du, you are very thoughtful."

If this had been a few years ago, with such a handsome and high-level cultivator around her, Shi Sanniang would have thrown herself at him long ago. But for the past two years, for some reason, Shi Sanniang had felt that carnal pleasure was meaningless. Instead, she had picked up her cultivation again and now had a cultivation level of over ten apertures; she treated Du De only as a fellow Daoist from the mountains.

"Bang~"

This Du De was someone Shi Sanniang had met during a visit to Nongyu Nunnery. His cultivation was quite high, estimated to have opened sixty or seventy apertures, and he was quite forthright in his manner. Although he hadn't been here long, he had already made a name for himself among the surrounding cultivators.

"Sanniang, you and I have been a couple. If you cooperate, I will naturally give you a dignified future."

Shi Sanniang sighed: "Although my Shi family has been passed down for three generations here on Yunshi Shan, there are few cultivators. These days, it is thanks to Daoist Du's help that the village has been managed well. I am truly grateful."

Yunshi Shan was not a famous mountain, nor did it occupy a vast area. It was only named because a patch of vegetation was missing on the summit, revealing a white-colored stone body that looked like clouds from a distance. It also happened that there were several small flat areas on the mountainside and at the foot of the mountain that could be farmed, so mountain folk had built a village there. After more than two hundred years of development, it had finally become three villages and six hamlets, with a population barely exceeding ten thousand.

Shi Sanniang's expression changed slightly; she clutched her chest and said no more.

Half a month ago, Shi Sanniang had felt fatigued and thought it was just exhaustion from cultivation, so she didn't take it to heart. But now, she had inexplicably caught a strange cold and felt weak all over. As a cultivator, she finally suspected that she had been subjected to some evil means. This man surnamed Du claimed to be a son-in-law marrying into the family, but he was likely eyeing the foundation of her Yunshi Shan—the type who wanted to wipe out the entire family to seize their property.

"Sanniang, you joke. As long as our Qi and blood have not declined, we cultivators are in our prime. Besides, your Shi family has managed this Yunshi Shan for two hundred years; how could I, an outsider, take charge? If the fellow Daoists next door found out, they would think I was using force to seize the business. That wouldn't do, that wouldn't do."

"Sanniang, come, drink some brown sugar ginger soup to replenish your Qi and blood."

The middle-aged cultivator shook his head repeatedly, smiling as he rejected Shi Sanniang's proposal, but then his tone shifted, and he said with ulterior motives: "However, if I could become the son-in-law of Yunshi Shan and we became one family, then naturally it would be possible. I have already sent out wedding invitations these past few days; seven days from now will be the day we marry. Although it is a bit rushed, this is also to bring some good fortune to Sanniang. I will make up for the proper rites for Sanniang later."

The middle-aged cultivator rubbed his fingers, his expression somewhat nostalgic: "And with my methods, besides that Ma Family Ancestor, other fellow Daoists who come here can only harm the peace in vain. Why bother?"

This person had inexplicably developed a desire to pursue Shi Sanniang upon meeting her. He was quite earnest toward her and often came to Yunshi Shan as a guest. Once, he even took action to resolve a troublesome matter for Shi Sanniang.

This person carried a porcelain bowl, walked to the bedside, and placed the bowl on the table.

Du De smiled indifferently and raised his hand to cast a spell. Shi Sanniang felt as if something had fiercely pierced her brain. Suddenly, her vision went black, and the True Qi throughout her body dissipated, making her no different from a mortal. Even her own Dharma Artifact could not be used. However, her whole body stiffened, and she stood up slowly while supporting herself on the edge of the bed. Apart from her mind remaining clear, she could not control her eyes or expressions. After five or six breaths, this man surnamed Du finally dispersed the spell, observing the terrified expression on Shi Sanniang's face with interest.

But inwardly, he felt a bit of regret.

This "Heart-Linking Gu" of his was not cheap; it was truly a pity to use it on a minor cultivator like Shi Sanniang.

But he couldn't afford not to use it. Even evil cultivators who killed people like chickens generally didn't dare to easily harm the cultivators and Daoists around them. They were more cautious about their methods and reputation, fearing they would end up in a situation where "when the wall falls, everyone pushes."

One must know that those cultivators from profound sects and noble families had teachers, fellow disciples, and relatives to support them when they encountered trouble, so they were actually more arrogant and domineering when acting outside.

But for Miscellaneous Cultivators and Loose Practitioners who were alone, they could only rely on friends when they went out. Harming mortals was one thing, as there was a difference between immortals and mortals, but if they harmed surrounding cultivators for no reason and others found out, it would be difficult to make friends. When encountering trouble, let alone asking for help, even inviting people to drink and discuss the Dao would require extra caution.

This Du De coveted the population and foundation of Yunshi Shan. He had originally wanted to use his own appearance to gain both the person and the wealth, but after several months, this woman actually didn't like his type of male beauty. Having no choice, he could only resort to these means.

"Sanniang..."

Du De stroked his long beard and was about to say something when a light knocking sound suddenly came from outside the door, interrupting his words.

"What is it!"

Du De asked with some impatience. The person outside the door seemed to pause for a moment and said with some hesitation: "Mountain Master..."

Du De then realized that he was still an outsider on Yunshi Shan. He chuckled and just glanced at Shi Sanniang beside him. Even though his reputation in Qingyun Village was not bad lately and he had the air of being half the master, it would probably take another two or three years before he could truly take over Yunshi Shan.

"What is it?"

Shi Sanniang slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, her brow slightly furrowed, her heart wondering what she was pondering.

"Mountain Master, Temple Master Chen of Sanyin Temple is visiting, saying he has business to seek the Mountain Master."

The person outside the door heard Shi Sanniang's voice and then replied respectfully.

"Temple Master Chen? Chen!"

Shi Sanniang spoke subconsciously, but quickly stopped herself.

"Sanyin Temple? This person surnamed Chen must be the mortal Deacon of the He Mountain Sect in Changping County."

Du De thought for a moment and sneered: "An Outer Transmission of a side-door sect, how much ability can he have? It seems you have a clansman who was going to Changping County to see if this person surnamed Chen had returned. Very well, I will go with you to see this person, so that you can give up this hope and see if this person dares to stand against me for your sake. But Sanniang, you must not ruin yourself."

Good heavens, has Sanniang found someone to take over?

Chen Ci stood in the hall with his hands behind his back, looking at the red decorations being put up all around, exclaiming in wonder. Although Sanniang had a relatively rich romantic history, she at least had the assets of a mountain; this brother wouldn't be at a loss.

By the way, is the bride price among cultivators in this world heavy?

Furthermore, an excellent cave dwelling is also a difficult problem for the vast majority of male cultivators.

Chen Ci's thoughts wandered inexplicably. After about half a stick of incense, Shi Sanniang walked out with Du De.

Chen Ci looked; Shi Sanniang hadn't changed much, but perhaps because she had found a Daoist companion, the dissolute air about her had diminished significantly, and she looked more like a proper female cultivator instead. However, the male cultivator beside her had a high cultivation level and looked at a glance like he wasn't from the mountain folk; he was likely an outsider cultivator, just like that Qingmu Ridge.

Chen Ci didn't look too much, raised his hand in a salute, and greeted with a smile: "Daoist Shi, I apologize for the abrupt intrusion today. I wonder who this Daoist is?"

Daoist Shi.

Shi Sanniang felt inexplicably dazed. She didn't know how many years it had been since anyone had greeted her like this. While the title "Sanniang" was intimate, it was actually frivolous; conversely, the title "Daoist" gave her a sense of the dignity of interactions between cultivators.

But what a pity.

Shi Sanniang came back to her senses and returned the salute, saying, "Daoist Chen, it has been a long time. This is..."

Shi Sanniang's tone paused slightly, as if she were hesitating about what to say, but she did not say much more.

"My surname is Du. Greetings, Daoist Chen. I heard Sanniang mention long ago that a high disciple of He Mountain is stationed here. I had planned to pay a visit in the future, but today is quite a coincidence."

Du De took over the conversation very naturally and smiled gently: "Seven days from now is the day Sanniang and I are to be married. If Daoist Chen has the time, I hope you can come to have a cup of wedding wine and enjoy the festivities with all the fellow Daoists."

"Daoist Du, that is easily done."

Chen Ci nodded in agreement. After a moment of thought, he fished two pairs of Cloud-Stepping Talismans and two bottles of Life-Nurturing Pills from his sleeve, handed them over, and likewise smiled: "Just a small gift, I hope Daoist Du will not mind."

These were originally trinkets for Shi Sanniang to play with, so giving them away like this was perfectly fine.

"Then I shall gratefully accept."

Du De's gaze dropped slightly; he took the pills and talismans directly and tucked them into his sleeve, laughing heartily as a maidservant served tea.

Once the three of them were seated, Du De sipped his tea and then asked curiously: "Daoist Chen, I wonder if you have any important business in coming to find Sanniang this time? Sanniang's friends are my friends. If there is any way I can lend a hand, I, Du, will certainly not refuse."

"It is nothing major."

Chen Ci glanced somewhat strangely at the quiet Shi Sanniang to the side, but he did not think much of it, set down his teacup, and said with a light smile: "I wonder if Daoist Du knows of Qingmu Ridge? I have some medicinal herb business dealings with the local Ma Family Village, but recently the contact was suddenly cut off. Daoist Shi has extensive connections, so I thought I would come to inquire about the situation in the mountains, so as not to be completely in the dark and provoke someone I cannot afford to offend."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Ci asked curiously: "Daoist Du, are you also from the Tang Kingdom?"

"More or less."

Du De laughed heartily: "However, you have asked the right person, Daoist. I am quite familiar with many fellow Daoists in the mountains. But given your cultivation and background, within a radius of several hundred miles, there are only a mere four or five people whose methods are worth your consideration."

(End of chapter)