Chapter 265

Triple Link City, inside the Golden Tower.

Translation: "Triple Link City, inside the Golden Tower."

But we need to preserve the meaning: 'Triple Link City, inside the Golden Tower.' That could be phrased as 'Triple Link City, inside the Golden Tower.' Which is acceptable.

The spacious hall is located at the top of the Golden Tower; the surrounding sloping walls are translucent, allowing one to clearly see the thick clouds flowing down along the smooth outer walls of the tower.

Translation: "The spacious Grand Hall is located at the top of the Golden Tower; the surrounding sloping walls are transparent, allowing one to clearly see the thick clouds flowing down along the smooth outer wall of the Golden Tower."

We need to keep numbers? none.

Heavenly and earthly primordial energy flows downward in this manner; within this cavernous space spanning tens of thousands of li, the primordial energy is abundant, so even ordinary residence here is equivalent to consuming a low-grade primordial herb each day.

Translation: "Heavenly earth elemental energy flows downward in this manner; within this stone cavern space spanning tens of thousands of li, the elemental energy is abundant, so even normal residence here is equivalent to consuming a low-grade elemental herb each day."

We need to keep 'tens of thousands of li' as 'tens of thousands of li'. Keep 'low-grade elemental herb' as 'low-grade elemental herb'. Good.

Without a doubt, Triple Link City can be called a blessed land of a cave heaven.

Translation: "Without a doubt, Triple Link City can be called a blessed land of a cave heaven."

But 'blessed land of a cave heaven' is a term meaning 'blessed land, cave heaven'. We'll translate as 'a blessed land of a cave heaven'. Could also be 'a paradisiacal cavern'. We'll keep meaning.

Wu Tie stood before the wall, gazing into the distance where several flood dragons tumbled and chased each other among the drifting clouds.

Translation: "Wu Tie stood before the wall, gazing into the distance at several flood dragons rolling and chasing within the flowing clouds."

We need to keep 'flood dragon' as 'flood dragon'. Good.

These creatures, perhaps having slept for far too long, are overly active. Wherever they pass, flocks of birds are frightened into chaotic flight, and the sky is filled with a continual shower of multicolored feathers.

Translation: "These fellows, perhaps having slept too long, are overly active. Wherever they pass, flocks of birds are frightened into chaotic flight, and the sky is filled with mixed feathers constantly falling."

We need to keep 'flocks of birds' as 'flocks of birds'. Good.

This is the new Triple Link City.

Translation: "This is the new Triple Link City."

Strong, fertile, with conditions so excellent they leave one speechless—Triple Link City.

Translation: "Strong, fertile, with excellent conditions that leave one speechless, Triple Link City."

We need to keep the list: 'Strong, fertile, with conditions so excellent they leave one speechless—Triple Link City.' Could be 'Strong, fertile, with conditions so excellent they leave one speechless—Triple Link City.' We'll keep meaning.

If it weren't for the explanation by the Demon Chapter King, Wu Tie would not understand; with such excellent conditions, how could the successive generations of the Great Peacock King clan have left them unused, instead confining themselves in a cavern the size of three thousand li?

Translation: "If it weren't for the Demon Chapter King's explanation, Wu Tie could not understand how, with such excellent conditions, the successive generations of the Great Peacock King Clan would not utilize them but instead 'confine themselves' in a stone cavern the size of three thousand li."

We need to keep 'the size of three thousand li' as 'the size of three thousand li'. Keep 'confine themselves' as 'confine themselves'. The original had 'confine themselves' maybe meaning 'confined dwelling'. We'll translate as 'confine themselves'. Quotes not needed.

'The Inquiry of the Original Heart!'

Translation: "'Original Heart Inquiry'!"

To activate Triple Link City's ultimate defense system and transform the complete form of the 'Undying City? Eternal Triple Link City', the primary condition is that one must be a direct descendant of the Great Peacock King clan.

Translation: "To activate Triple Link City's ultimate defense system and transform the 'Never-falling City? Eternal Triple Link City' into its complete form, the primary condition is that one must be a direct descendant of the Great Peacock King Clan."

We need to keep the quotes? We'll keep as is.

Besides that, activating the ultimate defense system is easy, but transforming to the complete form must pass through the 'Original Heart Inquiry'.

Translation: "Besides that, activating the ultimate defense system is easy, but transforming into the complete form requires passing the 'Original Heart Inquiry'."

What kind of person are you?

Translation: "What kind of person are you?"

After obtaining the complete form of Triple Link City, what will you do?

Translation: "After obtaining the complete form of Triple Link City, what will you do?"

What do you want to gain, what are you willing to sacrifice, and what are you willing to give up for others?

Translation: "What do you want to gain, what are you willing to pay, and what are you willing to sacrifice for others?"

It is extremely complex, a direct interrogation of the soul that allows no falsehood or deceit—the Original Heart Inquiry.

Translation: "Extremely complex, it directly interrogates the soul, allowing no falsehood or lie in the Original Heart Inquiry."

Long ago, several ambitious Great Peacock Kings came to undergo the Original Heart Inquiry; in every case their souls completely collapsed, turning them into living corpses. Thereafter, no one from the Great Peacock King clan was foolish enough to come and seek death.

Translation: "Long ago, several ambitious Great Peacock Kings came to take the Original Heart Inquiry; the result was always their souls completely collapsing, becoming living corpses. Thereafter, no one from the Great Peacock King Clan dared to come and throw away their lives."

The Demon Chapter King... was simply inexperienced, and a mistake triggered the Original Heart Inquiry. He inadvertently activated it, inadvertently passed it, and then his life became bound to the entirety of Triple Link City.

Translation: "Demon Chapter King... was completely unskilled, mistakenly triggering the Original Heart Inquiry. He accidentally touched it, accidentally passed it, and then his life became bound to the entire Triple Link City."

He is Triple Link City, and Triple Link City is him.

Translation: "He is Triple Link City, and Triple Link City is him."

The vast Undying City became his body, and he became the soul of the Undying City. If one day the Demon Chapter King's physical form perishes, his soul will fully merge with Triple Link City, becoming the city's 'artifact spirit'.

Translation: "The vast Never-falling City became his flesh, and he became the soul of the Never-falling City. If one day Demon Chapter King's physical body perishes, his soul will fully merge with Triple Link City, becoming the artifact spirit of this Never-falling City."

That truly is not a pleasing ending.

Translation: "That truly is not a pleasant ending."

However, the Demon Chapter King clearly does not care; he is even quite satisfied with the current situation.

Translation: "However, Demon Chapter King obviously doesn't care; he is even satisfied with the current situation."

Behind Wu Tie, at the end of a long red carpet, upon a tall throne, the Demon Chapter King wears simple, clean white robes as he discusses with Mutian, Huaguang, and Grey Master the future prospects of Triple Link City.

Translation: "Behind Wu Tie, at the end of a long red carpet, upon a tall throne, Demon Chapter King wore simple, clean white robes, discussing with Mu Xu, Hua Guang, Grey Master, and others the future path of Triple Link City."

Old Iron takes human form, the priestess rides on his neck gnawing roasted meat; Old Iron lazily, at times improperly, offers them some very improper suggestions.

Translation: "Old Iron took human form, with Wu Nu riding on his neck gnawing roasted meat; Old Iron lay lazily, occasionally offering them some very improper suggestions."

But there is no doubt that Triple Link City can no longer indulge in decadent, carefree leisure as before.

Translation: "But there is no doubt that Triple Link City can no longer indulge in decadent leisure as before."

Old Iron imparted to the Demon Chapter King a military merit system with which he was familiar.

Translation: "Old Iron taught Demon Chapter King a military merit system he was familiar with."

Seeing the Demon Chapter King's eyes light up, one knows the system Triple Link City will soon adopt: merit above all, military merit above all. Triple Link City will cultivate a batch of elite elite cultivators, expand its territory in all directions, and establish a unified superpower.

Translation: "Seeing Demon Chapter King's eyes light up, one knows the system Triple Link City will soon adopt: merit-based, solely military merit. Triple Link City will cultivate a batch of elite cultivators, expand territory in all directions, and establish a unified superpower."

Usually cold and aloof, somewhat distant, Mutian becomes excited, his face flushing red as he loudly argues with Huaguang over every detail.

Translation: "Usually cold and aloof, somewhat distant, Mu Xu flushed with excitement, loudly arguing with Hua Guang over every detail."

Including how to organize the army, how to advance, how to control the conquered territories, and how to make all great and small clans willingly submit forever and forever yield allegiance.

Translation: "Including how to organize the army, how to advance, how to control the conquered territories, and how to make various large and small clans willingly submit and forever pledge allegiance."

"Education, education is the key." Grey Master, whose grayish-white hair is slick and shiny, constantly bounces about, loudly reminding Mutian and Huaguang, these two extreme radicals, to pay attention to the 'Education' issue.

Translation: "\"Education, education is the key. \" Grey Master's grayish-white hair was slick and shiny; he kept hopping about, loudly reminding Mu Xu and Hua Guang, these two extreme radicals, to pay attention to the 'education' issue."

Let everyone learn to read and write, let Triple Link City's ancient classics spread, let the flower of ancient civilization take root and sprout on this fertile land, let the once dim and dark civilization regain its rightful brilliance……

Translation: "Let everyone learn to read and write, let the ancient texts of Triple Link City spread, let the flower of ancient civilization take root and sprout on this fertile land, let the once dim civilization regain its rightful brilliance……"

Moreover, only education can enable the members of those barbaric, savage, crude, chaotic, beast-like great and small forces and clans to understand propriety, be enlightened, comprehend human relations, and value morality.

Translation: "Moreover, only education can enable the members of those barbaric, savage, crude, chaotic, beast-like large and small forces and families to understand propriety, embrace civilization, comprehend human relations, and value morality."

Swords and spears cannot sustain long-term rule; only education and cultivation can cause the vast territory of Triple Link City to coalesce into a solid whole.

Translation: "Swords and spears cannot maintain long-term rule; only education and civilization can cause the vast Triple Link City territory to coalesce into a solid whole."

Even so, Grey Master loudly proclaims that he wishes to restore ancient rites, establish ancestral temples, honor the forebears, so that those great and small clans thrown into chaos may gain an initial sense of 'nation-family' and an original sense of 'clan identity'.

Translation: "Even so, Grey Master loudly shouted, he wants to restore ancient rites, build an ancestral temple, worship ancestors, so that those families fallen into chaos gain an initial 'sense of homeland and family' and a primitive 'ethnic identity'."

At this moment, Grey Master is undoubtedly passionate and exhilarated, his heart brimming, and he is happy!

Translation: "At this moment, Grey Master is undoubtedly fervent, his heart brimming, and he is happy!"

He doesn't even have much time to exchange pleasantries with Wu Tie.

Translation: "He doesn't even have much time to exchange pleasantries with Wu Tie."

Wu Tie is merely his little disciple.

Translation: "Wu Tie is merely his little disciple."

In the future, Grey Master's education may perhaps affect the fates of millions, even tens of millions. A spark will become a prairie fire; Grey Master will surely leave a bold, vivid mark in the history of Triple Link City.

Translation: "In the future, Grey Master's education may affect the fates of millions, even tens of millions. A spark will become a prairie fire; Grey Master will surely leave a bold, vivid stroke in the history of Triple Link City."

Compared with such a great undertaking, these petty romantic feelings…… Grey Master and Wu Tie have not taken them to heart.

Translation: "Compared to such a great undertaking, those little romantic feelings…… Grey Master and Wu Tie didn't take them to heart."

The great serpent Yi sits with head bowed and spiritless in the corner of the hall, his dull gaze fixed upon Mutian, who seems to glow all over.

Translation: "Da She Yi sat dejected in the corner of the Grand Hall, his dull gaze fixed on Mu Xu, whose whole body seemed to glow."

She is his wife, he is her husband; at the moment the Serpent clan relied upon the Bodhi clan, Great Serpent Yi met Mutian, then stood out among Mutian's many suitors, easily defeating those decadent, corrupt aristocratic heirs and winning Mutian's affection.

Translation: "She is his wife, he is her husband; when the Great Snake Clan relied upon the Bodhi Clan, Da She Yi met Mu Xu, and then he stood out among Mu Xu's many suitors, easily defeating those decadent, corrupt rich youths and winning Mu Xu's affection."

All along, Great Serpent Yi has believed himself to be extraordinarily remarkable.

Translation: "All along, Da She Yi thought he was incredibly impressive."

Only today does Great Serpent Yi realize that it is not how remarkable he is, but that his previous competitors were simply terrible.

Translation: "Only today did Da She Yi realize it wasn't how great he was, but that his previous competitors were simply terrible."

Because of the pressure from the Bodhi clan, Mutian must choose a husband; from a pile of rotten potatoes like shorties, picking one that grows relatively smoothly, with a bit of ambition, a bit of drive, or rather a bit of ambition… only Great Serpent Yi, this outsider, fits.

Translation: "Because of the Bodhi Clan's pressure, Mu Xu had to choose a husband; from a pile of rotten-potato-like short men, picking one who grew relatively smoothly, with some ambition, some drive, or some ambition… only Da She Yi, this outsider, fit the bill."

Great Serpent Yi never forgets to reclaim the Black Serpent domain, never forgets to take revenge, never forgets to expand his power and influence.

Translation: "Da She Yi never forgets to reclaim the Black Snake Domain, never forgets revenge, never forgets to expand his power and influence."

Perhaps it is this obsessive effort of his, compared to those hedonistic aristocrats who only indulge in eating, drinking, and entertainment, that stands out so much, thereby winning Mutian's heart.

Translation: "Perhaps it is this obsessive effort of his, compared to those who only indulge in eating, drinking, and pleasure among the rich youths, that made him stand out enough to win Mu Xu's heart."

But upon seeing Mutian today……

Translation: "But upon seeing Mu Xu today……"

Great Serpent Yi suddenly realizes that he is actually not worthy of her.

Translation: "Da She Yi suddenly realized he was actually not worthy of her."

Great Serpent Yi has always considered only his personal grudge against the Ba Serpent clan, thinking of reclaiming the ancestral land and eliminating those who betrayed his ancestors.

Translation: "Da She Yi has always considered only his personal grudge against the Ba Snake Clan, thinking of reclaiming ancestral land and eliminating those who betrayed his ancestors."

Meanwhile, Mutian's concerns lie with the entirety of Triple Link City, the whole Triple Link region, and the future of the many great domains under Triple Link City's control.

Translation: "But what Mu Xu worries about is the future of the entire Triple Link City, the entire Triple Link Region, and the many great territories under Triple Link City's control."

She wishes to awaken those immersed in decadent pleasure, to spur them to strive and become vigorous, making Triple Link City a truly hopeful, promising, powerful entity.

Translation: "She wants to awaken those immersed in decadent pleasure, to have them rise up and strive, making Triple Link City a truly hopeful, promising strong entity."

"No wonder, every time I stand before her I feel a little nervous." Great Serpent Yi furrows his brow, seriously pondering the questions concerning himself and his future with Mutian.

Translation: "\"No wonder, every time I stand before her I feel a bit nervous. \" Da She Yi furrowed his brow, seriously pondering his own future and his future with Mu Xu."

Wu Tie slowly walks up to Great Serpent Yi.

Translation: "Wu Tie slowly walked up to Da She Yi."

Great Serpent Yi startles, his whole body jerking as he leaps up.

Translation: "Da She Yi was startled, his whole body jerking as he leapt up."

In Great Serpent Yi's mind, Wu Tie is undoubtedly a terrifying presence; this guy, with a single slap, could tear off his tail and beat him into that state……

Translation: "In Da She Yi's mind, Wu Tie is undoubtedly a terrifying existence; this guy, with one slap, tore off his tail and beat him into that state……"

"What do you want to do? I tell you, this is Triple Link City, Mutian is my wife…… Wu Tie, if you dare to mess around, I tell you, you won't have a good ending." Great Serpent Yi looks nervously at Wu Tie, his legs trembling, ready to flee at any moment.

Translation: "\"What do you want to do? I tell you, this is Triple Link City, Mu Xu is my wife…… Wu Tie, if you cause trouble, I tell you, you won't have a good ending. \" Da She Yi nervously looked at Wu Tie, his legs trembling, ready to flee at any moment."

"I see you've been dazed for two days." Wu Tie looks at Great Serpent Yi: "Between us there is actually no grudge…… you killed those in the Serpent's den, that was your family's revenge, so I make no judgment."

Translation: "\"I see you've been dazed for two days. \" Wu Tie looked at Da She Yi: \"Between us, there's actually no grudge…… you killed those people in the Great Snake Cave, that was your clan's revenge, so I won't judge. \"

"You are Mutian's husband, at least in name."

Translation: "\"You are Mu Xu's husband, at least in name. \"

Great Serpent Yi's face reddens: "Of course I am her husband, not just in name!"

Translation: "Da She Yi's face flushed: \"Of course I am her husband, not just in name! \"

Wu Tie spread his hands, smiling as he nodded: "Okay, okay, not just in name... You are her husband, you know what she wants to do, so do your best to do it."

「Mu Tu and them want to change the atmosphere within the Three Linked City region, want to make Three Linked City strong, want to make it civilized, sweep away the past's foul miasma, and become a great, prosperous, civilized, everyone‑advancing civilization。」

「I know, you might be a bit stupid, you don't have much knowledge。」

Da She Yi's face turned ugly, but he couldn't deny that what Wu Tie said was true… he actually doesn't know many big characters.

But for him, this kind of ancient species that relies on bloodline information for all its inheritances, does literacy make any sense?

The cultivation method, inscribed in the bloodline, even if one doesn't know big characters, can still become strong.

「But you, you're still very strong… Three Linked City, now is the critical moment of lacking troops and generals… Do your best. 」 Wu Tie lightly punched Da She Yi's chest with his right fist: 「Do your best, with your big build, you're still qualified to be a charging general. 」

「But, don't eat people… absolutely don't eat people. If I find out you've eaten people… even if Mu Tu protects you, I'll chop off your head and skin you to make leather armor. 」 Wu Tie solemnly warned Da She Yi.

Da She Yi stared at Wu Tie blankly for a long time, then let out a cold snort.

He arrogantly raised his head: 「My Great Snake Clan… hm… a fierce general? You're underestimating me too much. 」

He strode forward, Da She Yi gathered his courage, step by step walking toward Mu Tu: 「Mu Tu, have you decided what to do? I can't do anything else, but believe me, no clan's castle can withstand my charge. 」

The Ba Snake Clan's physique is enormous beyond compare, and they also master the power of the earth veins… just as Da She Yi said, no stone wall can withstand his charge. One person alone has the strength to raid and exterminate a clan.

A few words sparked Da She Yi's thought, and Wu Tie then went to find Shi Fei, Lu Ji, Yan Hanlu, Shan Dun, Lao Bai, and others one by one.

Wu Tie told Shi Fei, Lu Ji, and Yan Hanlu that their goal in leaving the Cangyan Realm was to see a broader world, strengthen themselves, learn more knowledge, and in the future strengthen their own clan.

Three Linked City, it's a good place.

Here there is a complete civilizational inheritance; their casting skills are extremely profound; their knowledge base is very rich; their cultivation methods are very exquisite.

Three Linked City is worth them staying.

Mo Zhang Wang undoubtedly wants to stay in Three Linked City; he is the king of Three Linked City.

Wu Tie hopes they can stay in Three Linked City, help Mo Zhang Wang strengthen Three Linked City, and build Three Linked City into a glorious existence distinct from other great realms, other caves, and other clan territories.

Strong, prosperous, civilized, confident—no longer barbaric, no longer savage, no longer chaotic, no longer ferocious.

Mo Zhang Wang lacks people around him; Wu Tie hopes they can stay.

Shi Fei can become an excellent diplomat.

Lu Ji can become an excellent technical official.

Yan Hanlu, well, she can completely become Mu Tu's partner, becoming a mighty female general.

Even Shan Dun, Wu Tie told him, he has already fulfilled his promise to Wu Jin, he has already followed Wu Tie to Three Linked City; no matter from which angle, Wu Tie hopes Shan Dun stays in Three Linked City.

Even Tie Da Jian, Wu Tie also told him, he should stay in Three Linked City.

Wu Tie told Tie Da Jian, he can consider contacting the Six Dao Palace Master, to move the Six Dao Palace to Three Linked City.

Now Three Linked City needs a sect like the Six Dao Palace that observes rules and has strict discipline; while the Six Dao Palace wants to continue developing and growing, they also need more people to support them, need a broader territory for them to exert themselves.

Tie Da Jian and Mo Zhang Wang have friendship.

The Six Dao Palace has moved to Three Linked City; Tie Da Jian should stay by Mo Zhang Wang's side.

Wu Tie found each of these companions one by one and gave them his opinions one by one.

He even frankly told these companions that continuing to follow him by his side would involve great risk; with their current strength, they cannot give Wu Tie greater help.

Wu Tie hopes they can stay in Three Linked City, while helping Mo Zhang Wang, also strengthen themselves.

In the future, Wu Tie may need their help.

Even Lao Bai, Wu Tie also told him, the Rat People Clan should need a fertile, peaceful territory to rest and reproduce. Lao Bai should stay in Three Linked City, and the Six Dao Palace will bring his close relatives here.

Lao Bai can train batch after batch of elite Rat People scouts in Three Linked City.

The Rat People Clan needs Three Linked City, and likewise Three Linked City needs the Rat People.

Wu Tie's words are very persuasive.

Shi Fei and others fell into deep thought, pondering the words Wu Tie had said to them, while carefully observing that under Mo Zhang Wang's control, Three Linked City is undergoing changes day by day.

Indeed, Three Linked City is undergoing tremendous change.

Every day, Three Linked City sees new and different things appear.

Compared to the various caves and clans they've seen along the way with Shi Fei and others, some novel things have exerted a great attraction on them.

Here there is a vibrant vitality constantly bursting forth.

On the faces of ordinary commoners, day by day, a smile full of vitality is sprouting.

Without the chaotic Great Peacock King Clan, without the corrupt Twelve Administrators Clan, Mo Zhang Wang, who has struggled among the commoners for years, has returned.

Three Linked City, destined to be a brand‑new Three Linked City.