Chapter 108

Inside the wall was a courtyard; the courtyard was empty, all around silent; to the left of the courtyard was stone and earth, to the right a pond.

Niu Dingtian strode forward, crossed the courtyard, and led the two women toward the inner hall; before the hall was a moon gate, without a door.

Passing through the moon gate, they saw a woman with white-streaked hair crouching on the ground, wearing a hemp robe, her figure rather slender.

At that moment she was intently studying the bamboo slips on the ground; although she heard the movement of Niu Dingtian and the others entering, she showed no sign of lifting her head.

Heavenly Origin Technique?

Miss Huang was surprised; she immediately walked over slowly, went behind Miss Ying and took a look.

Miss Ying showed no reaction, still crouched on the ground, motionlessly staring at the bamboo slips.

You……

That wicked woman deserves to die! She actually dared to attack my older brother Niu Dingtian; Xiao Ying's sword thrust just now was too shallow—she should have just run her through!

This mountain is really high!

After a glance, Miss Huang lost interest; after returning the map to Niu Dingtian, she suddenly whispered: "Niu Dingtian, are you really going to help that wicked woman rescue the old mischief-maker? My father, I'm afraid."

Seeing Niu Dingtian close his eyes and take a deep breath, she also imitated him, after wrinkling her nose she said coquettishly, "What feeling could there be?"

Miss Huang raised her arm, nudged Niu Dingtian, and gave a coquettish reminder.

Outside the forest,

Big Brother Niu~

Heroine Han couldn't help but burst out laughing with a pfft.

When Niu Dingtian reached the ridge, he looked up and saw a great waterfall rushing down between the two opposite peaks, like a giant dragon; beside the waterfall stood a thatched hut.

Niu Dingtian furrowed his brows, took a slow step forward, and said lightly, "You want to rescue the old mischief-maker Zhou Botong?"

Hehehe~

I don't know if it's an illusion, but he felt that the further he went inside, the more comfortable his breathing became; the air inside seemed to have a touch more mystery than the outside air.

"Big Brother Niu, what's wrong?" Seeing Niu Dingtian absent-minded, Miss Huang was a little worried.

He knew this person was the Diancang Fisherman-Recluse, originally the naval commander of the Dali Kingdom, able to tolerate Miss Huang's provocations; Niu Dingtian would at least give him some face.

……

"Only floral scent?" Niu Dingtian asked.

Miss Huang was already panting slightly, but she still quickened her steps to catch up.

Just dodging a palm strike, Han Xiao Ying's sword tip had already reached her chest, the blade about to pierce the hemp robe, when a faint glimpse of plump, snow-white skin appeared—Miss Ying twisted her body and nimbly slipped past the blade.

Niu Dingtian did not rush to attack, but Miss Huang gave a coquettish shout and directly swung her palm toward Miss Ying's back.

Big Brother Niu, I'm here!

Then he looked at Han Xiao Ying; her older sister Han focused her senses for a moment and lightly shook her head.

His time is somewhat precious, but he has no interest in accompanying this woman to solve multi-variable, higher-order equations; so he simply went straight for the seven-inch vital point.

But such a charming scenery, Niu Dingtian couldn't spare to admire it; the further he rowed forward, the more excited his heart became.

After saying thanks, Niu Dingtian directly threw the iron boat into the water.

Miss Huang shouted coquettishly, seeing that person still glaring at her with wide, angry eyes, she lifted her head and retorted, "This isn't your home; I, Miss Huang, will stay if I want to! What business is it of you, a hairy-faced fellow?"

The Diancang Fisherman-Recluse still felt some doubt, his face showing hesitation; if this person before him really is that surnamed Niu, he fears that continuing to block him would offend the other party and also delay his master's important affair.

The three rode their horses, galloping straight toward the northeast; unlike their leisurely arrival, after just over an hour they had once again entered the borders of Peach Blossom County.

Upon entering the cave, a light white mist hovered over the water surface, the fragrance grew richer and assailed the nose; Niu Dingtian felt his breathing method suddenly stir, as if some nameless thing was flowing into his body.

"Ah? What feeling?" Miss Huang asked, puzzled.

With an angry shout, he again attacked in anger; after executing the Loach Threading Flowers technique, his lithe body suddenly lunged toward Han Xiao Ying, he raised his hand and struck with a palm, showing no mercy, slamming it hard into Han Xiao Ying's chest.

Upon hearing that, he flew into a rage, stretched out his big hand and stepped forward two steps, ready to strike.

Han Xiao Ying was no exception; after looking up, she gripped her treasure sword with one hand, surveyed the surroundings of the waterfall, water mist filling the sky, rainbow light scattering everywhere, her eyes full of unusual color.

Niu Dingtian raised his head and looked up; seeing the mountain before him pierce the clouds, steep and extraordinary, and that great waterfall plunging straight down as if falling from the heavens, he couldn't help but say with a smile:

"If Rong'er and Xiao Ying like it, we can come live here in the future."

Niu Dingtian probably also understood that the other party feared his ill repute, lest they had come to seek trouble for his master.

Don't forget your promise!

Finally,

Miss Ying clutched her chest, gritted her teeth, and reluctantly handed over a cloth bundle.

"Let's see what's hidden in the cloth bundle."

As they walked, Niu Dingtian suddenly stopped his steps and asked abruptly.

The iron boat slowly moved forward; before long it slipped into the mountain cave.

After rowing for about a quarter of an hour, passing two rapids and a bend, the iron boat entered the valley, and the scenery before them instantly changed.

Seeing that person not make a move, Niu Dingtian stepped forward and said, "My younger sister is a bit unruly; I hope the general will excuse me. I am Niu Dingtian, come to visit Prince Duan; please, general, show me the way."

The further they went, the louder the water sound became; at this moment the mountains were silent, only the water sound surged and echoed through the valley, gradually growing into a tremendous roar, awe-inspiring.

The misty vapor rising from the water actually caused his breathing method to begin spinning wildly inside his body.

That wicked woman is asking for death!

Big Brother Niu, there's a cave ahead!

He had just heard Niu Dingtian's words inside the house, feeling somewhat displeased; after his master retreated into seclusion here, he subconsciously already regarded this place as having an owner and could not tolerate outsiders coming to disturb it.

"Rong'er, rest assured—he has arms and legs; there's no need for me to go rescue him. Next year he will naturally run out to find me on his own." Niu Dingtian said with a smile.

The iron boat had just hit the water; he had already grabbed the oars and flashed onto the boat, one hand controlling the boat so it wouldn't drift backward, while smiling at the two women on shore he said, "Rong'er, Xiao Ying, hurry up and get down!"

These words were no empty boast; he clearly felt that this Peach Blossom Source held more wonders than the outside world, deeply inhaling the air beside the waterfall, even his internal energy seemed to flow much more smoothly.

The three lightly landed on a large rock beside the waterfall, and Niu Dingtian also noticed that someone was inside the thatched hut.

Hearing Niu Dingtian's name, the pupils of the Point Azure Fisher Hermit shrank sharply, then he cautiously clasped his fists and said in a deep voice: "My master has long passed away; please, sir, go back!"

But just as the palm wind was swung out, a phantom inside the house flashed past; in the blink of an eye, Niu Dingtian had already gripped Yinggu's wrist tightly with one hand, then his eyes flashed like lightning, staring straight at her, and he said coldly:

"Give it, or not?"

Is it really related to this breathing technique?

As soon as Niu Dingtian's words fell, a bearded, full-cheeked man suddenly walked out of the thatched hut beside them, furrowed his brows and stared at the three of Niu Dingtian, then said in a low voice:

Feeling a sudden gust of force at her back, Yinggu bent her waist, slipping away as slick as a loach, light and nimble.

"My master has long been cultivating in the mountains, rarely receiving guests; please forgive my earlier rudeness. If you wish to go up the mountain, you must steer this iron boat yourself."

At this moment, the water roared loudly, its momentum mighty; behind them was the edge of the waterfall, and below lay an abyss of ten thousand fathoms, making the three on the boat dare not be careless.

After dodging that fierce sword, Yinggu suddenly felt a chill surge into her chest; looking down, she saw the tear in her hemp clothes, and instantly felt a mix of shame and anger, extremely resentful.

"How beautiful~"

He then put away the map and mounted his horse.

"Pfft~"

He then pointed to the right side of the waterfall and explained:

"This water flows around the mountain corner from the right, becoming a rapid; steering the iron boat upstream through the rapid, one will eventually pass through a cave, and upon exiting the cave, my brothers will guide the way."

After breaking the seam, inside was a simple map; beside it were two lines of text reading: 'Leave the forest heading straight northeast, then, within the borders of Taoyuan County, follow the route shown on the map; at the road's end lies a great waterfall, beside which stands a thatched hut.'

Niu Dingtian couldn't help but glance; he suddenly felt curious, wondering how this woman had trained her loach technique—was it really as slippery as the legends say?

Perhaps noticing his glance, Yinggu gave a cold sneer and suddenly slapped a palm straight at Niu Dingtian's chest, refusing to believe that someone surpassing Hong Qigong could be so young!

Niu Dingtian's eyes narrowed, his face instantly sinking,

Following the route shown on the map, after traveling another seventy or eighty li, the road beneath their feet gradually grew somewhat narrow.

As for this fairyland treasure, he had already made up his mind; upon returning, he must spare no effort to seize it.

"Lowly wretch, seeking death!"

He then went forward another ten or so li, as the mountains on either side began to lean against each other, towering into the clouds, forming a goat‑track narrow path in between, extremely narrow, barely allowing a single person to squeeze through.

By now the sky was approaching dusk, and the descent down the ridge was no longer as narrow as before; thus Niu Dingtian scooped up the two, unleashed his movement technique, and darted toward the thatched hut.

Niu Dingtian came to his senses and saw a pitch‑black hole ahead, thinking to himself that this must be the cave mentioned by the Point Azure Fisher Hermit.

Niu Dingtian said lightly: "General, do you want me to show a trick to prove my identity, or do you think my strength is unworthy of meeting your master?"

"Brother Niu, slow down!"

Having said that, he circulated his inner power, and his aura burst forth, pressing directly toward her.

Yinggu suddenly lifted her head; after seeing Niu Dingtian's face clearly, her eyes flashed with sharp light, a hint of surprise and doubt, yet she said nothing.

The young lady in yellow lifted her head, seeing the great mountain towering into the clouds like a heavenly pillar, and exclaimed in amazement.

"'Zhou Botong is still trapped on Peach Blossom Island; you don't want him to keep suffering there, do you?'"

Niu Dingtian then stopped, continued walking ahead to lead the way, but this feeling did not fade; the deeper they went, the stronger it became.

But changing the address to Master Yideng also directly tells you that I already know your master has left home to live in seclusion; continuing to hide it like this is simply not giving me face.

After walking another stretch, the three heard a faint sound of water in the distance, and Niu Dingtian immediately quickened his pace.

After a moment of contemplation, he pointed to the iron boat by the shore and clasped his fists toward Niu Dingtian, saying:

After a pause, Niu Dingtian said pensively: "Give me the position of Duan Zhixing, and within two years I will rescue Zhou Botong for you."

Such a supple, agile waist made Niu Dingtian beside her click his tongue in wonder.

Han Xiao Ying's sword flashed; after drawing her treasure blade, she also pressed forward with a sword.

"Hurry up and leave!"

Only then did Niu Dingtian get a clear look at her; she was about thirty, plump yet slender, with a lovely visage, but her temples had already sprouted white hair.

He had originally wanted to remind them that each trip could carry only one person, but after considering the other's strength, he finally gave up.

"'Only the scent of flowers.' Han Xiao Ying nodded."

"'Rong'er, Xiao Ying sister, do you feel anything?' He paused, the molten iron in his hand, and asked the two again."

"'What are a few brats doing here?'"

Before their eyes, the water surface was shrouded in a light white mist, actually exuding a faint, secluded fragrance; green willows on both banks brushed the water, lush and jade‑like, while each peach tree, though it was February, was already a brocade of blossoms, bursting forth in profusion.

Niu Dingtian chuckled lightly: "General, rest assured, I am merely paying a visit; I have personally come to invite Master Yideng to attend the founding ceremony of my sect next year."

After tethering the horses at the roadside, Niu Dingtian led the way, guiding the young lady in yellow and Han Xiao Ying deeper inside.

The young lady in yellow leapt down and sat directly in Niu Dingtian's arms; Han Xiao Ying jumped onto the boat, sat behind him, placed her treasure sword on her lap, and tightly wrapped her arms around Niu Dingtian.

"Let's get moving first; if we delay any longer, the night road will be hard to travel."

"'It's fine,' Niu Dingtian smiled."

Feeling the fleeting, mighty aura, the Point Azure Fisher Hermit's face twitched slightly; such a breath he had only occasionally sensed in his master, so it must indeed be that person.

"'Rong'er, Xiao Ying sister, do you… do you have any special feeling?'"

"Thank you!"

The young lady in yellow grew even more pleased, gave a giggle, made a cheeky face to provoke, then hid directly behind Niu Dingtian.

"Pah~ you're the brat!"

She was a little worried that the two might clash again.

Hearing those words, Yinggu's eyes narrowed, her breathing quickly became rapid; she sprang to her feet, and her chest began to rise and fall incessantly.

Having just left the forest, the young lady in yellow giggled and snatched the cloth sack from Niu Dingtian's hand; while undoing it, she hummed:

Following the narrow path slowly up the ridge, after about half an hour, the road ahead gradually became even narrower; in some places, Niu Dingtian had to turn sideways to get through.

Han Xiao Ying sighed softly: "If I ever die, I would bury myself here and never leave."

The stream's current had already slowed; the young lady in yellow also slipped from Niu Dingtian's embrace, her hands resting on the gunwale as she gazed at a large patch of white flowers by the water, her eyes curved, her expression enraptured.

After ten-odd breaths,

After the two were seated firmly, Niu Dingtian mobilized his internal energy with both arms; the iron oars in his hands swung out swiftly, and the iron boat instantly went upstream. After a few breaths, the iron boat had already traveled several zhang.

But that person, not knowing what he had thought of, still ended up forcibly restraining himself; only his hands clenched so tightly that his joints cracked, and he glared at Miss Huang with a face full of anger.

Hmph~

"What feeling?" Miss Huang wondered, then turned to look at Brother Niu and said, "Is Brother Niu talking about the floral scent?"

Damn, after circulating inside my body for over ten years, I still haven't become an immortal!

Besides, absorbing a bit more probably can't hurt, right?

Thus, while continuing to paddle forward with the iron oar, he also relied on his mental focus to circulate his breathing technique, actively drawing in the mysterious fragrance that was seeping out from the water surface.

(End of chapter)