Chapter 131

Lin Shinv's cold eyes flickered slightly, clearly her heart was far from calm.

Translation: Lin Shinv's clear, cold gaze flickered slightly; obviously her heart was extremely unsettled.

We need to keep same meaning. Could be: "Lin Shinv's clear, cold eyes flickered slightly; obviously her heart was extremely unsettled." That's fine.

Washing an infant's marrow and tendons isn't impossible, but it's extremely difficult because the meridians are tiny and fragile; even her young lady would find it hard.

Translation: Washing an infant's tendons and marrow is not impossible, but doing so is extremely difficult because the meridians are tiny, narrow, and fragile; even her young lady would find it hard.

Note: "her young lady" refers to Lin Shinv's young lady; actually it likely refers to Lin Shinv's young lady (maybe the mistress). We'll keep it as "her young lady". Could be "her mistress". We'll keep "her young lady". No addition.

Moreover, sealing internal energy inside an infant's body is beyond her comprehension; besides, she didn't sense anything just now.

Translation: Moreover, sealing internal energy inside an infant's body is beyond her knowledge; furthermore, she didn't sense anything just now.

But this person before her doesn't seem like a bragging, clueless youth; for a moment she finds it hard to judge.

Translation: But the person before her didn't seem like a boastful, clueless brat; for a moment she found it hard to judge.

"Lin Shinv, you will understand later," Niu Dingtian said, pondering, "If you could break through to... your young lady's or Wang Chongyang's level, you would naturally be able to sense it."

Translation: "Lin Shinv will understand later," Niu Dingtian said, pondering, "If you could break through to…… your young lady's or Wang Chongyang's realm, you would naturally sense it."

Note: "Wang Chongyang" is a name; it should be included as a romanized proper noun.

"Young lady,"

Translation: "Miss,"

At that moment, a greeting came from outside, and footsteps drew nearer.

Translation: Just then, a greeting came from outside, footsteps drawing nearer.

Since she couldn't figure it out, she didn't dwell on it; she wasn't one to overthink, as long as her disciple was safe.

Translation: Since she couldn't figure it out, she didn't think further; she wasn't one to overthink, as long as her disciple was safe.

As soon as her words fell, the flower garland behind Huang Guniang appeared in his hand without anyone noticing.

Translation: As her words fell, the flower wreath behind Miss Huang silently appeared in his hand.

Li Mochou blinked slightly, evidently not expecting any reward; in her view, the fact that several people liked it already made her very happy.

Translation: Li Mochou blinked slightly; apparently she hadn't expected payment. In her view, as long as a few people liked it, she already felt very happy.

"How about I teach you a martial art? Your master's elder brother can speak for you there," Niu Dingtian said softly.

Translation: "How about I teach you a martial art? Your master's elder brother can speak for you there," Niu Dingtian said softly.

Even the kitchen in the ancient tomb is equipped, with a complete ventilation system—something he hadn't noticed in his previous life.

Translation: Even the kitchen in the Ancient Tomb Sect is equipped, with a perfect smoke‑ventilation system—something he hadn't noticed in his previous life.

Having seen the outside world, how many children could endure a year‑long life confined to the ancient tomb? This feeling is probably worse than that of modern left‑behind children with no playmates.

Translation: Having seen the outside world, how could any child endure a whole year cooped up in the Ancient Tomb Sect? This feeling is probably worse than that of modern left‑behind children with no playmates.

"Has Young Hero Niu already taken care of it?" Sun Grandma said, surprised.

Translation: "Young Hero Niu has already taken care of it?" Granny Sun said, quite surprised.

"If only I had a camera, that would be great," Niu Dingtian suddenly thought happily.

Translation: "If only I had a camera, that would be great," Niu Dingtian suddenly thought happily.

After making up his mind, he went straight to the ancient tomb, found Sun Grandma, and stated his purpose.

Translation: After making up his mind, he went straight to the Ancient Tomb Sect to find Granny Sun and state his purpose.

He then hurried to the stone chamber to report to Lin Shinv.

Translation: Immediately afterward he hurried to the stone chamber to report to Lin Shinv.

Rack, curing, inserting meat,

Translation: Rack, curing, inserting meat,

After saying that, he gently handed over the swaddling blanket; surprisingly, this time Little Dragon Child didn't cry or fuss.

Translation: After speaking, he gently handed over the swaddling cloth. To everyone's surprise, this time Little Dragon did not cry or fuss.

If one day a rival stole it and it became a threat, he really wouldn't have any recourse.

Translation: If one day an enemy stole it and used it as a threat, he really wouldn't have any way to deal with it.

Niu Dingtian's large flower garland had been finished; aside from a few verdant leaves, he was extremely pleased with it overall.

Translation: Niu Dingtian's large flower wreath was finished weaving; aside from a few verdant leaves, he was extremely satisfied with it overall.

He then grabbed some seasonings, also took a honey‑filled container, and quickly left the tomb.

Translation: Then he took some seasonings, also carried a jar of honey, and quickly left the Ancient Tomb Sect.

Arriving by the mountain stream, after cleaning the pelts and entrails, the sky darkened; Niu Dingtian carried the rabbit and venison back to the tomb.

Translation: Arriving by the mountain stream, after cleaning the pelts and entrails, the sky darkened; Niu Dingtian carried the rabbit and venison back to the Ancient Tomb Sect.

"No! I'll have to go find Lin Shinv later for a proper discussion," Niu Dingtian mused, "Even at its highest, the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra equals only the Nine Yin True Classic—don't wait until you see Little Dragon Child again and fail to recognize yourself!"

Translation: "No! I'll have to find Lin Shinv later to discuss the Dao properly," Niu Dingtian said, pondering: "Even at its highest, the Jade Maiden Heart Classic equals only the Nine Yin Classic—don't wait until next time you see Little Dragon and fail to recognize yourself!"

"I… may I hold him?"

Translation: "I… may I hold him?"

Niu Dingtian took the flower garland in his hand, first walked to Huang Guniang, lifted his hand and gently placed one on her, then went to Han Xiaoying and did the same.

Translation: Niu Dingtian took the flower wreath in his hand, first walked to Miss Huang's front, raised his hand and gently placed one on her, then walked to Han Xiao Ying's front, raised his hand and gently placed one on her.

Few thoughts, few desires, few deeds, few words, little laughter, little sorrow, little joy, little anger, little liking, little hatred—practicing these twelve "lesses" is the essence of health preservation.

Translation: Few thoughts, few desires, few deeds, few words, few laughs, few worries, few joys, few anger, few likes, few dislikes—practicing these twelve "lesses" is the ultimate principle of health preservation.

Niu Dingtian also remained silent, walked up and said with a smile, "Mochou sister's braiding looks lovely, and Rong'er wearing it looks even lovelier; if you don't take a few more looks, what's the point of keeping those eyes? Let me quickly see Mochou sister's handiwork."

Translation: Niu Dingtian also remained silent, walked up smiling and said: "Mochou sister's weaving is lovely; Rong'er wearing it looks even lovelier. If you don't glance a few more times, what good are those eyes? Let me quickly see Mochou sister's craftsmanship."

Note: "Rong'er" is a nickname; it should be included as a romanized name.

Seeing the three beauties—one large and two small—wearing flower garlands in the floral thicket, covering their mouths as they looked at him, he felt no embarrassment at all, only wanting to capture this lovely scene.

Translation: Seeing the three beauties—one large and two small—wearing flower wreaths in the flower thicket, covering their small mouths as they looked at him, he felt no embarrassment at all, only wanting to record this beautiful scene.

Less than a quarter of an hour,

Translation: Less than a quarter of an hour,

Then he realized it seemed the rabbit meat roasted last year in the ruined temple was the same, and he hadn't expected this flower‑garland girl to still be thinking of that flavor.

Translation: Then he reacted, as if the meat roasted last year in the ruined temple had been rabbit; he didn't expect this flower‑wreath girl still to miss that flavor.

The larger meat is old, affecting the texture; it can't compare to the tenderness of the smaller pieces.

Translation: Larger meat grows old, affecting texture; it can't compare to the tenderness of the small ones.

Since it's the young lady's initiation feast, she had decided to make it lavish, and her young lady had already consented.

Translation: Since it's the young lady's initiation feast, she has resolved to make it lavish; her young lady has already consented.

Not long after, the flower garland in his hand was finished; Niu Dingtian reached out to take it, while Li Mochou, without hesitation, immediately began braiding the next one.

Translation: Not long after, the flower wreath in his hand took shape; Niu Dingtian reached out to take it, while Li Mochou didn't hesitate, immediately starting to weave the next one.

After making up his mind, Niu Dingtian walked slowly toward the few people in the flower thicket.

Translation: After making up his mind, Niu Dingtian walked slowly toward the few people in the flower thicket.

Meanwhile, Huang Guniang hastily pulled off the garland from her head and hid it behind her, her face still somewhat embarrassed.

Translation: Meanwhile Miss Huang hastily pulled off the flower wreath on her head and hid it behind her, her face still a bit embarrassed.

"What are you looking at! Hmph~"

Translation: "What are you looking at! Humph~"

"Young lady, will… will you stay the night?" After Niu Dingtian left, Sun Grandma hesitated a moment and asked her own young lady.

Translation: "Miss, will… will you stay overnight that night?" After Niu Dingtian left, Granny Sun hesitated a moment and asked her young lady.

At that very moment, Niu Dingtian wondered if it was an illusion, but when he looked again at Little Dragon Child's eyes, they seemed to have gained much more luster than before.

Translation: And just then, Niu Dingtian didn't know if it was an illusion, but looking again at Little Dragon's eyes, they seemed to have gained much more spirit than when he first saw them.

Li Mochou blinked, then replied happily, "Big brother, wait a moment! Sister Han's will be ready soon, and I'll braid yours in a bit."

Translation: Li Mochou blinked, then upon realizing, happily said: "Big brother, wait a moment! Elder Sister Han's will be ready soon; I'll braid one for you in a bit."

Seeing the delicately carved jade‑like little face in the swaddling cloth, Sun Grandma's face almost split into smiles from laughing; she rubbed her hands and wanted to hug it.

Translation: Seeing the delicately carved pink jade face in the swaddling cloth, Granny Sun's face was about to split into smiles from laughing; she rubbed her hands and wanted to hug it.

Having just left the tomb, Niu Dingtian had taken only a few steps when he spotted several people in the flower thicket in the distance.

Translation: And Niu Dingtian, having just left the Ancient Tomb Sect, after only a few steps, spotted the few people in the flower thicket far off.

Then he also said to Lin Shinv, "Please forgive any inconvenience; I'll go out for a stroll—if you have any business, you can come find me outside."

Translation: Then he also said to Lin Shinv: "Please excuse the disturbance; I'll go out for a stroll—if you have business, you can go outside to find me."

Li Mochou, standing nearby, saw this; her hand movements paused slightly, and her eyes revealed a hard‑to‑hide envy.

Translation: Li Mochou beside him saw this, her hand motion paused slightly, and her eyes suddenly showed hard‑to‑hide envy.

Thinking of that, she glanced at her own young lady, whose face showed a hint of unease.

Translation: Thinking of this, she glanced at her young lady; her face showed a bit of embarrassment and unease.

Thereafter, all the time was handed over to Niu Dingtian; although Huang Guniang's skill was superb, she had no chance to show it.

Translation: The following time was entirely left to Niu Dingtian; although Miss Huang's skill was superb, she had not a single chance to perform.

Niu Dingtian could only lower his head and receive it.

Translation: Niu Dingtian could only lower his head to receive it.

When he appeared again, his hands were already holding five mountain rabbits and a small muntjac deer.

Translation: When he reappeared, his two hands were already holding five mountain rabbits and a small muntjac deer.

Having said that, he followed the light outward from the tomb.

Translation: Having said that, he followed the light outward from the Ancient Tomb Sect.

"I've seen Sun Grandma," Niu Dingtian smiled, "I am Niu Dingtian; from now on, please trouble Sun Grandma to look after Little Dragon Child."

Translation: "Having met Granny Sun," Niu Dingtian smiled, "I am Niu Dingtian; from now on, please trouble Granny Sun to look after Little Dragon."

She had never seen an outsider set foot in the ancient tomb, let alone a man, but upon seeing the swaddling bundle in Niu Dingtian's arms, she suddenly understood, and her face could not hide its delight.

Translation: She had never seen an outsider set foot in the Ancient Tomb Sect, let alone a man, but upon seeing the swaddling cloth in Niu Dingtian's arms she suddenly understood, her face unable to hide delight.

Of course, the ancient tomb certainly wouldn't allow a man to stay overnight; she was actually wondering about the other two ladies.

Translation: But that the Ancient Tomb Sect does not allow men to stay overnight is beyond doubt; she wanted to ask about the other two ladies.

"This is Sun Grandma," Lin Shinv said calmly.

Translation: "This is Granny Sun," Lin Shinv said lightly.

Having said that, she added no more words and entered the adjacent stone chamber with a calm expression.

Translation: Having said that, she said no more, her expression light as she entered the stone chamber beside.

"No need," Lin Shinv said lightly, "If they intend to stay, the women may, but the men may not."

Translation: "No need," Lin Shinv said lightly: "If they are willing, females may stay, males may not."

When she came out again, she saw the two outside silent, the atmosphere somewhat gloomy; Sun Grandma glanced at her young lady and then smiled at Niu Dingtian, saying:

Translation: After coming out again, seeing the two outside persons silent, the atmosphere a bit dull, Granny Sun glanced at her young lady and then smiled at Niu Dingtian:

When I just entered, I noticed two ladies outside; they must have come with Young Hero Niu. You can have dinner here in the tomb tonight—I happen to have bought plenty of fresh vegetables from town.

Translation: "When I just came in I noticed two more ladies outside; they must have come with Young Hero Niu. Tonight you can have dinner in the Ancient Tomb Sect—I just bought plenty of fresh vegetables from town."

But when Niu Dingtian said he was preparing an initiation feast for Little Dragon Child, Sun Grandma immediately decided on her own and agreed.

Translation: But when Niu Dingtian said he was preparing the initiation feast for Little Dragon, Granny Sun directly decided on her own and agreed.

Niu Dingtian extended the swaddling to hand it over, but the moment it left his embrace, the little face inside seemed about to burst into tears again.

Translation: Niu Dingtian extended the swaddling cloth to hand it over, but as soon as it left his embrace, the little face inside seemed about to burst into tears again.

At first Granny Sun was still a bit hesitant, because her young lady had always disliked lively gatherings.

Immediately looking at Li Mochou, he smiled and said, "Mochou little sister, could you also braid one for big brother? Your Huang sister and Han sister already have them, so we can't show favoritism."

Seeing Niu Dingtian not seeming to be joking, Li Mochou came over and whispered, "Big brother, Mochou wants to eat barbecued meat, rabbit meat!"

After finishing dinner, the sky was surely dark; she was a little worried about whether there was a place for several people to stay.

"It should be Granny Sun," Niu Dingtian thought, and then he saw a middle-aged woman with rather ugly features, carrying big and small bundles, walk in.

But it seemed she thought of something, and she hurriedly shrank back, quickly saying, "I'll go wash my hands first!"

Since we're already preparing to leave Zhongnan Mountain tomorrow, we had promised Huang girl barbecued meat at noon; we might as well liven things up tonight, also counting it as an initiation feast for Little Dragon Boy.

"This is..." Granny Sun looked at her own young lady, quite astonished.

Outside the Ancient Tomb,

Perhaps having received her master's permission, Li Mochou had already lit a bonfire beside the flower thicket, picking firewood from the pile on one side and cheerfully tossing in dry branches on the other.

She had an extremely good impression of Niu Dingtian, not only because he didn't despise her ugly appearance.

The Ancient Tomb did have provisions, but most of them weren't very fresh. Usually they'd exchange for some fruits and vegetables with the old farmers in the mountains, and occasionally hunt some game; it was rare to go to town to buy supplies like today.

Saying that, he quickly ran off.

While speaking, he sped up his hands even more.

The flower wreath was very exquisite, the flower stems interwoven in an orderly way; one could tell at a glance that it was the result of much practice.

Moreover, she had never seen such a fair-skinned, refined young man doing kitchen chores, let alone that he was a guest.

Niu Dingtian laughed and said, "Granny Sun, just busy yourself with your own vegetables; I'll handle the barbecue outside!"

He immediately replied cheerfully, "No problem! Tonight big brother will set up a bonfire feast—plenty of barbecued meat, plenty of rabbit meat!"

"Perhaps this little girl's pastime activity was just making flower wreaths? Or maybe only making flower wreaths?" Niu Dingtian suddenly thought.

Such a scene made Niu Dingtian suddenly feel moved; perhaps their arrival today would make that little girl feel even lonelier in the future.

Even though he hadn't done it in a long time, Niu Dingtian still handled this process very skillfully.

After thinking, he gently pinched the little one's cheeks and smiled, saying, "Be good and stay in the Ancient Tomb to study martial arts with your master; when I have time, I'll come visit Little Dragon Boy again."

Niu Dingtian didn't delay; it was already approaching evening, he picked up a few stones and quickly slipped into a secluded grove.

After a while, when Granny Sun appeared again, even her clothes had been changed to a new set.

After they fell asleep, Granny Sun carried him into a stone chamber in the inner room.

Granny Sun's smile froze slightly, her eyes darting; she thought her ugly face had frightened the young lady.

"Extinguishing human desires!" Niu Dingtian muttered to himself.

Inside the Ancient Tomb,

Granny Sun was preparing the fresh vegetables she had bought in town that afternoon.

Less than half an hour,

Last year his skill in the ruined temple didn't come from nowhere; it was honed over nearly ten years together with his sister-in-law Chen Jin'er, bit by bit, in the manor's courtyard.

"Barbecued meat?" Niu Dingtian startled; he had originally intended to teach the little girl a few martial arts moves for self-defense, but he didn't expect her to ask for barbecued meat right away, and rabbit meat at that.

What use is such martial arts even if cultivated to the highest realm? Having lost the meaning of being human, the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra is simply a failed technique.

Granny Sun was obviously an experienced nursemaid; after taking him, she held him a moment, and the little one gradually closed his eyes and fell asleep.

He immediately said, "There's no need for you to trouble yourself; just leave it here, Young Hero Niu, go rest outside first!"

But her young lady doesn't like to speak, let alone to an outsider, so for now only she can speak up to keep the meal.

But for now it's indeed unsuitable for him to keep; such a small child he couldn't possibly carry around all the time.

He suddenly felt that the Ancient Tomb Sect's lineage was exterminating humanity; his older sister Lin loved but could not attain it, yet the transmitted lineage tormented later generations in this way.

This wasn't her acting on her own initiative; upon remembering the young lady's instruction to buy some rice, flour, and fresh vegetables, she also reacted just now.

"Big brother!"

Upon seeing Granny Sun, when he discovered that the dim kitchen actually had no thick smoke, Niu Dingtian clicked his tongue.

She had thought Niu Dingtian was just going to hunt some game and bring it back, but she didn't expect him to handle it even more efficiently than she did.

He didn't think the other's face was that ugly; he was a rare good person, later apparently killed accidentally by Hao Datuo.

Under the night sky, the flickering flames on the bonfire illuminated her smile with exceptional clarity.

The master always wore a cold, stony face all day; Granny Sun, though kind, is still an adult, and I rarely get to come outside the tomb—who can I play with?

After all, they sent over a little young lady, and the relationship seems quite intimate; as long as she doesn't leave, the Ancient Tomb certainly can't just tell her to go.

Seeing Brother Niu smiling as if teasing her, Huang girl's face couldn't hold it, and she gave a fierce glare.

"This little brat is clinging to me again?" Niu Dingtian wondered.

Seeing this, Niu Dingtian laughed and thanked, "Thanks, Granny Sun; I plan to leave the Ancient Tomb early tomorrow morning, and from now on Little Dragon Boy will be in your care."

Just as he was about to reach out to receive it, Li Mochou already held the flower wreath with both hands, tiptoed, and extended it toward him.

Health preservation is health preservation, and martial arts are high, but what's the difference between living like this and being a walking corpse? What meaning is there?

Excessive thought wearies the spirit; excessive rumination scatters the essence; excessive desire damages wisdom; excessive busyness fatigues the body; excessive speech makes breath short; excessive laughter harms the liver; excessive worry frightens the heart; excessive joy overflows the mind; excessive delight leads to mistaken confusion; excessive anger makes the hundred vessels unsteady; excessive fondness leads to obsessive delusion incurable; excessive hatred burns with no peace.

Seeing Li Mochou's little girl's eyes hard to hide her joy, Niu Dingtian laughed and said, "Mochou little sister, whatever you want, after I accept your flower wreath, big brother must also show something in return."

Li Mochou, who was in the midst of weaving a flower wreath, instantly broke into a smile upon seeing Niu Dingtian approach.

If nothing unexpected happens, this little girl will likely never learn the Ancient Tomb Sect's profound martial arts, and for now these things don't really matter to him.

Flower-wreath girl Li Mochou continued to weave flower wreaths nonstop in her hands; meanwhile, Huang girl beside her had already beautifully placed one on her head, obviously the one in her hand is meant to give to her Han sister.

After skewering the rabbit meat, coating it with honey, adjusting the fire, he then placed the five pieces of rabbit meat on the bonfire, where they began to sizzle and grill.

Just as the meat aroma began to waft, what surprised Niu Dingtian was that Granny Sun actually came out smiling, holding a jug of wine.

Isn't the Ancient Tomb supposed to not drink alcohol? (End of chapter)