Royal Road
Chapter 151-160
Chapter 151-160
Ch.151: Panic Left and Right; East or West Undecided 3
“Really? How can you tell?” Xie Lian asked.
Hua Cheng was about to speak when Pei Su, whose speech was broken, extended his
trembling finger and started writing on the ground. Out of some unknown respect, the group
gathered to watch him, and crookedly, the words ‘battle formation’ were formed under his finger.
Once he was done writing, it was like he had used up the last bit of his energy, clenched his
hand into a fist, and stopped moving.
Hua Cheng raised his head, “This is it exactly. The Protection Steed of the Rain Master is a
black ox transformed from the golden beast on the knocker to the gates of the Royal Cultivation
Hall of the Kingdom of YuShi. Usually when it walked it wouldn’t leave traces, but once it enters
battle, it would change form. So, this hoof mark is different than the shapes of normal hoof
marks; it’s much bigger.”
“Lord Ghost King is shockingly well-informed.” Pei Ming commented.
Hua Cheng pointed at the marks on the ground and continued to speak to Xie Lian, “Gege, look
here.”
Xie Lian moved his head closer, “Yea, you’re right... this hoof mark appeared very suddenly, so
it must’ve also been very sudden when they ran into the enemy.”
“Yea,” Hua Cheng said, “And this hoof mark is deep, so it’s obvious the enemy wasn’t weak.
That ox fought the enemy here with its horns, and was pressed deep into the earth for more
than two inches.”
The two were simulating the fight scene that had just passed, and Pei Ming also didn’t back
down, “But in the end, both sides ended in a tie.”
“That’s right.” Xie Lian agreed.
There was no trace of blood around nor dispersing essences of evil, so it appeared, when they
ran into each other, they matched on quick and hard, but once they found each other a pain to
deal with, they both abandoned the fight.
Hua Cheng informed them that the creature in the east had changed its direction, and the group
continued on westward, but now their pace slowed. Soon, a giant, peculiar building appeared on
the side of the road. Looking from afar, it was more impressive than all the other houses around,
and even though some of its enclosures and eaves were collapsed, it still assumed a presence
of awe. Xie Lian unconsciously stopped in his step, “What is this place?”
Hua Cheng only gave it a glance and answered, “WuYong’s divine temple.”
Pei Ming had one of Pei Su’s arm hooked over his shoulders to drag him along, “And how does
Hua Chengzhu know it’s a divine temple?”
“Because it’s written on it.” Hua Cheng said.
Hearing this, the group looked up. On the surface of the stone beam before the gates of this
building, indeed there were engraved a row of giant characters. Although worn through the
ages, and there were some strange scratch marks, but they were still considerably clear.
However, after some silence, Xie Lian said, “There’s certainly writing, but...”
But he couldn’t understand this writing at all!
He had never imagined that not even something like this could trip up Hua Cheng.
He turned to Xie Lian, “The gist of the meaning to that row of words is ‘Eminent Crown Prince
Descends With Light to Shine Everlasting Unto the Land of WuYong’ and such nonsensical
praises. Gege look, the last couple of characters at the end there, don’t they resemble ‘Wu’ and
‘Yong’?”
When he heard ‘Eminent Crown Prince’, Xie Lian’s expression twitched unnoticeably, and when
he looked closer, sure enough although that row of characters looked like the drawings of
children, all circles and curves mixed with many odd symbols, but the words ‘WuYong’ were in
shapes and strokes he was familiar with, like they were just derivative writing.
“Hua Chengzhu can actually read and interpret the lost writing of an ancient kingdom, I am truly
in awe.” Pei Ming said.
Hua Cheng cocked an eyebrow and smiled fakely, “I’ve stayed in Mount TongLu for ten years.
Much can already be done in a month, if I can’t even interpret some words after ten years, then
what am I doing on this earth, am I right?”
Not even the top ten civil gods in the Upper Heavens might dare proclaim such words, and as a
martial god, what could Pei Ming do? So he could only smile fakely too, “Perhaps.”
Xie Lian puffed a breath lightly, “Thank goodness San Lang is here.”
“I can only maybe translate some rough WuYong words.” Hua Cheng said, “If we run into more
difficult ones then I’ll need to ask gege to help evaluate together.”
Xie Lian sweated, “Um... I’m sure I’m not as good as San Lang in this. But, the god worshipped
by WuYong, is it also their crown prince?”
Hua Cheng hugged his arms, “I think so, yes.”
Xie Lian frowned to think, “If my master knew of the crown prince of WuYong, then he must also
know if he ascended. So why did he tell me that that crown prince ‘died’?”
“There are three possibilities,” Hua Cheng said, “First, he didn’t actually know; second, he’s
lying; third, he didn’t lie, and the crown prince of WuYong really did die, but it wasn’t a typical
death.”
“If the Emperor was here then perhaps we could’ve asked if he knew of this kingdom, if he knew
such a person.” Pei Ming said.
However, Hua Cheng said, “Maybe not. The Kingdom of WuYong disappeared over two
thousand years ago. In comparison, Jun Wu is only a young’un. They’re of completely different
dynasties.”
Jun Wu ascended around one thousand five hundred years ago, and was a famed general of a
warring era who later proclaimed himself king and successfully became an immortal after ruling
for some time. As the number one martial god who ruled for a thousand years, his background
was already completely out in the open. As for the ‘dynasties’ Hua Cheng spoke of, he was
referring to the dynasties of the heavens.
Currently, Jun Wu was the ruler, and hundreds of heavenly officials formed the Upper Court,
making the current dynasty, and the government before them belonged to a different dynasty.
Just as how regimes change in the mortal realm, the heavenly realm would also go through
dynasty changes. Although the time it’d take would be very, very long, but fundamentally they’re
the same. New worshippers would replace the old, and new gods would replace the old ones.
Sometimes, the decline of a god wasn’t caused by any mistakes he might’ve done and was
banished as a result, but because another, more powerful god had appeared, for no other
reason than because people’s lives and beliefs gradually changed and no longer needed him.
For example, a heavenly official who controlled horses must dwell very well because people
couldn’t leave their horses and carriages alone when they were in need of transportation. Who
wouldn’t want their horses to be strong and healthy, their travels safe? Thus, his donations
would never cease.
However, if one day mortals discovered something completely new that ran faster than horses,
then when this new invention overtook horses, worshippers of this heavenly official who
controlled horses would inevitably decrease. Such heavenly officials who flash by like shooting
stars make up the majority of the heavens.
This way of decline was the cruelest, because the process could not be turned around. Unless
that heavenly official jumped down from the heavens and return to being mortal to re-cultivate a
new path, to become a brand new god and ascend, then he would be destined to watch his own
decline until he disappeared. However, not everyone possessed the courage and fortune.
The gods of the previous dynasty were said to have faded thus, and some also said it was
because they caused a great calamity, fought a chaotic battle, which was why they all fell from
grace at the same time. But, it couldn’t be proven, and it wasn’t important anymore. Since, a few
centuries later, Jun Wu was born, and created a new heavenly dynasty. Also, following right
after him, a great number of heavenly officials of the new age ascended incessantly, filling the
gaps for the worshippers, and gradually formed the stable Upper Court of today.
Which meant, unless there were heavenly officials older than the one thousand five hundred
year old Jun Wu, there was no one who could know of how the god worshipped in the Kingdom
of WuYong was silently wiped of all traces.
The group of them crossed over the mostly collapsed enclosure and entered the dark great hall.
It only took a few steps for Xie Lian to notice something amiss.
He had thought the great hall was dark on the inside because the interior hadn’t seen light for
years, the windows all shut. Yet, after looking around, the more he looked the more he found
things peculiar. He walked next to the wall, his fingers brushing lightly across, and when he
brought them before his eyes, he blurted, “This is...”
“Black.” Hua Cheng said.
It wasn’t that the light was dim, it was that the walls of this immense divine hall were all black!
“As far as I know, almost all the divine temples in Mount TongLu are like this,” Hua Cheng said.
It was a chilling sight. Why would the walls of divine temples be painted in the colour as black as
hell? Just seeing the colour makes one anxious, so how could anyone worship the divine with a
sincere heart in this state?
“All like this?” Pei Ming wondered, “Rotten away from neglect perhaps?”
“The houses we passed by earlier were black like this,” Xie Lian said, “Technically, those houses
would’ve been the same in age.”
As he spoke, he continued to feel and lightly explored the walls of this divine temple. Not only
were the walls chillingly black, they were also rugged, like the ruined face of a woman that was
covered with scars, and it was also exceedingly solid. Something clicked in Xie Lian’s mind,
“This divine temple was burnt by fire before.”
“How can you tell?” Pei Ming asked.
Xie Lian turned around, “The walls of this divine temple should’ve been covered with murals
before, painted with a special paint, a very heavy layer. After fires have burnt them, they would
turn black, and parts would melt and change shape. After solidifying, they would feel rugged and
hard like this.”
“Your Highness certainly knows a lot, I might as well be in awe of you too.” Pei Ming said.
Xie Lian rubbed his forehead and lightly cleared his throat, “This... isn’t anything to be in awe of.
I only know because in the past, after many of my crown prince palaces were burnt, they’d end
up like this,”
“...”
Hearing this, the crowd fell silent. Xie Lian suddenly remembered another thing, “And that stone
beam outside! There were many scratch marks on those engraved praises on the stone beam,
and it didn’t look like regular wears and tears, so it must’ve been people who were slashing at it
with blades.”
Pei Ming frowned, “Why would they do that?”
Hua Cheng replied coldly, “Because they don’t agree with the words.”
“That’s right.” Xie Lian said, “It’s the same as breaking an establishment plaque.”
Ban Yue was slightly taken aback, “So, this divine temple was burnt down by the people of
WuYong themselves?”
After some silence, Xie Lian was about to speak when Pei Ming suddenly said, “What’s the
meaning of this?”
Xie Lian turned his head to see, and saw Pei Ming raising his left arm, a scorpion tailed snake
biting deeply into his left hand, and its tail was swinging, trying to sting him. Ban Yue was ready
to kneel again, “I’m sorry, I’ve snakes all over my body...”
Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry and held her up, “Ban Yue, don’t get into the habit
of kneeling to apologize. General Pei, how did you get yourself bitten by her snake?”
Pei Ming raised his hand, his expression dark, “How should I know? I was only putting my arms
around her and it became like this.”
Xie Lian asked patiently, “Then, General Pei, what were you doing putting your arm around her
shoulders?”
“...” It was only then that Pei Ming seemed to notice and started to contemplate this question. A
moment later, he answered, “A habit. In a dark, creepy place like this, isn’t it normal to hold
women in your arms to comfort them and calm their fears?”
“I’m sorry, but I wasn’t scared.” Ban Yue said.
“...” Xie Lian understood. This was nothing more than a tragedy inflicted by Pei Ming himself
whose hands were itching unconsciously. Pei Ming finally yanked off that scorpion tailed snake,
and his left hand was already greatly swollen. “Give me the antidote, quick.”
“I’m sorry, all the ShanYue ferns on me are used up.” Ban Yue said.
“It’s alright.” Xie Lian said, “General Pei, you’re a heavenly official. The swelling will go down in
a jiffy.” Then he turned around and continued to examine the walls. Suddenly, his eyes swept a
blackened area, and he instantly froze.
“Everyone, come see.” He called, “There’s still a face here on this wall!”
———-
●MXTX Author Notes: I’ve... never studied the chemical components of mural paints, and
I’ve never researched what they’d be like after being burnt. Everyone, please just take
those mural paints as some sort of mysterious, unique mixture...
———-
Ch.152: Four Heavenly Kings Hidden on Darkened Walls
There really was a face. Maybe it was because the flames didn’t burn thoroughly or maybe the
paint above after having melted flowed down and covered the image prevented it from ruin, but
either way, beneath the tip of Xie Lian’s finger was certainly a small, half a human face. He
started to carefully scratch away that solidified black material, and Pei Ming commented while
holding his very swollen left hand, “Your Highness is that fascinated in some mural?”
“It’s not fascination,” Xie Lian replied, “But I have a daring idea.”
“Let’s hear it.” Pei Ming said.
“Since we’ve obtained this rare chance of coming to Mount TongLu, other than stopping the
potential Ghost King, perhaps we can also seek the source of their origin? For example, who
created them, and what kind of power is supporting this? Perhaps we may even destroy it in one
strike, rid the world of this disaster for good, and never worry for another Ghost King to be born.”
“That really is a daring thought.” Pei Ming said, “But, if Hua Chengzhu hasn’t found anything out,
then we’ll probably end up wasting even more time on it. Under the current circumstances, I
don’t recommend doing so.”
However, Hua Cheng spoke up, “I didn’t find anything out because my talents are dull, and my
abilities are limited. Besides, at the time I was too busy killing. If gege is to take lead on this
investigation then the results will be different.”
“No, no, no. I’m the one whose abilities are limited. San Lang is much more capable than me.”
Xie Lian said.
“...”
Like he couldn’t listen anymore, Pei Ming tossed Pei Su over to Ban Yue and turned to walk out,
“I think I’m gonna go out for some fresh air.”
Over on this side, it actually wasn’t difficult for Xie Lian to brush off a few pieces of those black
hardened substances and he blinked, “These can actually be...”
This layer of seemingly burnt black, hardened material could actually be peeled off in large
pieces!
Between the exchange of some words he had already peeled of a large area, revealing a
human face about the size of a baby’s fist. Although the lines were simple, but the expression
on the face was lively, like it was chasing after something, and even the passion in the eyes
were depicted. That layer of black hardened material seemed to have become a protective layer
of sorts, and the colours of the murals under wraps were still vibrant like it was only recently
completed. Xie Lian turned his head back, “San Lang, let’s do this together...”
Hua Cheng didn’t move, but in the darkness, there was a field of silver light shimmering. Soon,
hundreds of silver butterflies silently appeared, fluttering, and they paused on the blackened
walls. Along with the uniform flapping of their wings, Xie Lian heard a small chipping sound, and
like a mask shattering, innumerous small cracks crawled across the black walls.
And then, crumble.
The black, hardened material that were covering the walls at first had all fallen, revealing the
true image behind –
A giant, colourful mural!
Xie Lian raised his head to look at this wall and could only feel his mind exploding.
The entire mural was visibly divided into four levels. The highest level was shimmering gold light
blanketed with clouds, no people.
The second level, there was only one character painted, and it was a handsome, white clad
young man. Golden light was depicted surrounding his person, and the light was painted with
the same paint as the first level.
The third level, there were four characters depicted. Each of their faces, clothes, expressions,
and gestures were all different, and they were half the size as the white clad young man of the
second level.
The fourth level, which was the lowest level, had countless figures drawn, and they were again,
half the size of those in the third level. Each of their faces were exactly the same, their
expressions open, each full of passion, worship, rapture. The first face Xie Lian had peeled was
one of those faces situated at the very bottom.
The lines of the entire mural were elegant and mature, and Xie Lian was stunned for a long time
before he could speak, “San Lang, have... you ever seen this before?”
Hua Cheng said slowly, “I’ve crossed over half of Mount TongLu and have walked through
almost every single divine temple of WuYong, but I can swear I have never seen something like
this before.”
Xie Lian came to, “I don’t think this mural is from two thousand years ago.”
“There’s no way it can be.” Hua Cheng said, “Look at how well the colours and the overall
condition it’s been kept, I say at most a hundred years. Maybe, it’s even newer than that.”
Which meant, this mural was painted on afterwards!
Xie Lian pointed at the highest level, “That level should be depicting ‘the heavens’, since ‘The
Path of Heavens’ sits above all sentient beings.”
Then he pointed at the second level, “This level should be the crown prince of WuYong. Since
this divine temple was worshipping the Crown Prince of WuYong, then the main character of this
mural is naturally him, so he’s the biggest figure in this painting with the same colour light
surrounding him as the heavens. He’s also only just below the Path of Heaven.”
Then he pointed to the fourth level, “The figures at the lowest level are the smallest, their faces
the same, so they must be the people of WuYong.”
Finally, he pointed at the third level, “But, who are these four? No matter their positions or faces,
they are all situated above the people of WuYongAnd below that of the crown prince. This
means their status should be the same. Governors? Vassals? Or...”
Hua Cheng walked a few steps closer and aid, “Gege, look, they also have a sheen of spiritual
light on their bodies.”
Sure enough, they did, only, because the light from the Crown Prince of WuYong was too
strong, in comparison, the spiritual light on their persons were practically outshone. It dawned
on Xie Lian, “They’re the heavenly officials the crown prince appointed after he ascended.”
Which meant they were the same characters as Feng Xin and Mu Qing once upon a time.
Xie Lian made a round through the great hall, and confirmed it was only this wall facing the
gates that had hidden secrets; the other three walls were so burnt they couldn’t be more ashen.
Just who left this mural behind? Who was it left behind for? What kind of message was being
communicated?
With just this one painting, Xie Lian couldn’t deduce much. After humming for a moment, he
turned to Hua Cheng, “When we continue on the road, let’s pay more attention on the other
WuYong divine temples. I’ve a feeling that a mural like this... isn’t the only one.”
Hua Cheng straightened his head, “I’ve that very intention.”
The two and Ban Yue who was supporting Pei Su up left the divine temple, and only then did
Xie Lian remember the other member, “Where’s General Pei?”
Pei Ming said earlier that he was going for some fresh air and came out first, and he didn’t come
back in after they’ve dallied in the great hall for a good while. Xie Lian called out a few times but
there were no responses. “I hope he hasn’t gotten lost at a time like this?”
The four looked around the small, desolate town, and since they couldn’t use the spiritual
communication array in Mount TongLu, their search was fruitless. Just as Xie Lian was feeling a
little desperate, Hua Cheng spoke up, “Gege, don’t worry. I’ve a way.”
He extended a hand, and in his palm a tiny little silver butterfly slowly started flapping its wings,
flew around Xie Lian and circled him a few times. Although Xie Lian thought it was precious, he
didn’t know what it could do, “What...”
Just then, he suddenly heard a series of laboured breathing. Soon after, the voice of a man
came from the body of that silver butterfly.
That man said, “I never thought I’d see you here.”
Pei Ming!
Xie Lian looked to Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng snickered, “Yesterday, I placed a silver butterfly on
everyone.”
Pei Su arduously raised his head, “...So, you can use, that silver butterfly, to mon, itor, the
other’s every movement, without them notic, ing, you? As expected, of Crimson Rain, Sought
Flower.”
“Don’t speak if you don’t know how.” Hua Cheng sniped.
“...”
Xie Lian cupped that little silver butterfly in his palm and called to it, “General Pei? Where are
you? Who’s in front of you?”
“I’m sorry, gege,” Hua Cheng said, “You can only listen, not speak.”
Xie Lian gave it a thought a said, “Fair enough.” If the listener’s voice could also be passed
through, then wouldn’t it be easily noticed by the other party?
Soon after, the frigid voice of another young man said exhaustedly, “Ol’ Pei, a word of warning –
you best not say any ridiculous nonsense right now. Careful I just might smack you to death.”
Hearing that voice, Xie Lian’s eyes slightly widened.
It’s Ling Wen’s male form!
“I see!” Xie Lian exclaimed, “So the black clad man who’s been killing all the way... is Ling Wen
in his male form.”
“Is, it Senior Ling Wen, who took General Pei away?” Pei Su asked.
“I don’t know. I’m still listening.” Xie Lian replied.
On the other end, Pei Ming said, “Noble Jie, what’s with the fury.”
“Shut up.” Ling Wen said, “I told you not to speak. I’m not the furious one, it’s someone else. I’m
telling you now, I can’t control my body right now, so if I wreck you I’m not liable.”
“We’re both in this state right now, can’t even move a muscle, so who’re you scaring?” Pei Ming
said.
Xie Lian raised his head, “It’s not Ling Wen who caught General Pei. Right now they’re both
held prisoner somewhere, bound by someone.” Then he mused, “They can even suppress the
Brocade Immortal, who can it be?”
“Are you still wearing...?” Pei Ming asked.
He didn’t say it out loud, but everyone knew what he was referring to.
The Brocade Immortal!
“Yea. He really doesn’t like you, so watch what you say.” Ling Wen replied.
“How would you know what he’s thinking?” Pei Ming wondered, “Honestly, I can’t believe you.
Why would you stupidly go stir up this trouble. To so recklessly rob the Great Martial Temple,
break your own golden bowl*, and now you’ve come running to Mount TongLu. What, he told
you to do all this?”
“He didn’t make me, I’m the one who wants to come.” Ling Wen said, “Ol’ Pei, stop asking
questions! He’s getting mad. I can feel it.”
Pei Ming shut up. After a while, Ling Wen puffed a light breath, seeming like the Brocade
Immortal had finally calmed. Thus, Ling Wen asked, “And what’s with you, Ol’ Pei? What’re you
doing coming to Mount TongLu? And were you stung by a million hornets on your left arm or
what, looking wounded like that?”
Pei Ming’s voice was also aggrieved and woeful, “Bad luck, it’s complicated. Long story short,
Little Pei isn’t making things easy. Things weren’t supposed to be this pathetic, but who knew
the moment I’ve come I’d run into my unlucky star. Think I’d let anyone drag me to this hellish
place if I wasn’t injured? I didn’t even see who it was.”
‘Will you just say what hellish place it is directly?’ Xie Lian thought, ‘A cave or a house or
something so I’d at least know where to look.’
However, it wasn’t like there was no clue whatsoever. The Distance Shortening Array couldn’t
be used in Mount TongLu, so Pei Ming mustn’t have gone far. He could hear their voices were
somewhat hollow with faint echoes, so they must be somewhere that was spacious. And, Xie
Lian could faintly hear the sound of water.
They haven’t run across any rivers or lakes along the way earlier, and there wasn’t a building
more spacious than that WuYong divine temple. Therefore, there was only one place they could
be –
Underground!
But, this small town wasn’t that small, so where, underground?
Pei Ming asked, “And what about you? I hear you killed over a thousand monsters and demons,
everyone’s terrified. Congratulations. Well you can’t be the number one civil god anymore, so
why not change careers and join us martial gods? What manner of creature is this that can bind
you here?”
Ling Wen laughed bitterly, “I don’t know either. I accidentally fought with Lord Rain Master, and
was dizzy afterwards, so someone probably took the chance to ambush me from behind. No
need to ask, he’ll show himself sooner or later. Just remember not to expose your identity.”
Just then, a third voice interrupted their conversation, “Pei Ming, Nangong Jie, you fucking pair,
no need to spin your wheel of fortune. Think I don’t know what’s under your fake skins?!”
———
●Golden/Steel bowl is an expression meaning a steady job
———
Ch.153: Why Not Xu Li; Why Not Jing Wen
It was the voice of a man but one very foreign. Even though Xie Lian knew that the other end
couldn’t hear him, he still subconsciously lowered his voice, “Someone’s here. I don’t know if
he’ll do anything to General Pei, we have to find where they are as soon as possible.”
The two on the other end seemed to have been stunned by the newcomer, and it took a
moment before Pei Ming spoke, “Might I ask who My Lord is? Since you’ve reached this point,
why not show your face?”
“You should be the one to answer that question.” That voice said.
“The grudge must be with you.” Ling Wen said, “Probably another female ghost who you
ruined.”
“Keep talking shit with your eyes wide open, why don’t you... Just which part of this... thing...
looks like a female ghost? Besides, he didn’t just capture me, so maybe he’s got grudges with
you?”
“Nevermind. Let’s not push this around courteously at a time like this, and overcome this
obstacle together.” Ling Wen said, “It’s also possible he’s got grudges against the both of us. Do
you recall anyone like that?”
“No. There’s too many.” Pei Ming said.
That man seemed to have approached and his voice became louder, but the strange thing was,
there was no sound of footsteps but instead a series of odd thumping sounds. He griped, “Can
you both be less shameless and stop flirting in front of me?”
It seemed the words he used and his tone exposed something, and after some silence, Ling
Wen said, “You’re... Jing Wen Zhen Jun?”
That voice didn’t respond. Pei Ming also seemed to be a little taken aback, “Jing Wen Zhen
Jun? No way. Did Jing Wen Zhen Jun ever speak so discourteously?”
Ling Wen humphed, “He’s always been this way. Puts on a face in front of others, and another
in front of me, so of course you wouldn’t recognize him.”
On this end, Xie Lian furrowed his brows, “Jing Wen Zhen Jun?”
He seemed to have a faint impression of this title, but he couldn’t be sure. It sounded as if he
was a civil god, but there were much too many civil gods who had such words like “Literature”,
“Respect”, “Quietude” in their titles*. Just then, Pei Su said in a low voice, “Jing Wen Zhen Jun,
is, the, previous number one civil god, who had first, appointed Ling, Wen Zhen Jun to the
heavens.”
Hearing this, Xie Lian finally remembered. The first time he ascended, Ling Wen was still a
junior civil official in the Lower Court. The number one civil god of the Upper Court wasn’t her,
but another civil god, and that civil god appeared to be this Jing Wen Zhen Jun!
However, the god Jing Wen had long since declined; there was not a single Temple of Jing Wen
to be found within any eight hundred mile radius. Xie Lian couldn’t help but wonder, “So
everyone knows each other. So why can’t we just talk peacefully? Must we just fight and
constrain without talking.”
However, Hua Cheng said, “It’s because everyone knows each other that there must be
constraining first.”
Just as the words left his lips, Jing Wen on the other end spoke up again. It seemed since his
identity was revealed, he must put on a front and so he changed his tone, his voice becoming
more polite; only, his words were still embedded with needles, “Nangong, are you pleased being
the top ranking civil god in the Upper Court? Why did you break your own golden bowl to come
running here?”
Pei Ming piped up, “You see? The grudge is with you. I’ve been had because of you.”
However, Jing Wen said, “General Pei, don’t think that just because I’m seeking vengeance
against Nangong that you’re off the hook. This bitch insulted and harassed the worshippers of
my Temple of Jing Wen, secretly desecrated my temples and set them ablaze, don’t think I don’t
know who lent her all the martial officials to help her!”
“...”
Jing Wen continued, “Don’t you laugh either, Nangong. And to think I appointed you back then
out of sympathy for talent. This is how you repay me? You ungrateful, venomous wench. I’ve
waited for this day for too long, too long!”
Xie Lian covered his forehead with his palm, thinking inwardly, ‘The Three Tumours certainly live
up to their names, each nastier than the other!’
Yet unexpectedly, Ling Wen only replied flatly, “Jing Wen Zhen Jun, there’s no one here but us
right now and you’ve had your say, so why keep up the act? Did you actually appoint me as a
deputy official because you’re sympathetic of talent? Just why did you appoint me and how did
you treat me after appointing me, others might not know, but I’m sure you’re personally more
than clear.”
Xie Lian was becoming more curious the more he listened, “What happened between Jing Wen
Zhen Jun and Ling Wen? General Pei Junior, do you know the story behind this?”
Pei Su was also listening intently, “I’m, sorry. I have yet to as, cend a, t, the time, so I don’t kn,
ow much.”
Xie Lian woefully thought his broken sentences was probably never going to heal. On the side,
Hua Cheng spoke up, “Gege, no need to ask others, just ask me.”
Xie Lian was amazed, “San Lang, you know about heaven’s old past scandals too?”
Turns out, it wasn’t just his imagination. When it came to all the shady histories and hearsays of
every major heavenly official in the Upper Court, Hua Cheng certainly did his studies. He
nodded, and indeed told Xie Lian what he knew.
Turns out, Jing Wen and Ling Wen were both civil gods born of the Kingdom of XuLi. Jing Wen
was older than Ling Wen by many centuries, and had a deep foundation in the Kingdom of XuLi.
At first, the two never crossed paths.
However, there was one year the Kingdom of XuLi conducted a ceremonial festival to revere
and worship the civil gods. As a part of the festival, there was a small contest. Using the
Kingdom of XuLi as the subject, the content unrestricted, the young scholars were to write an
anonymous essay and have them hung in the largest civil god temple in the kingdom – at the
time, that temple was the Palace of Jing Wen. The essays would then be judged by the people
and finally, the best one would be selected as the winner to be commended.
It just so happened Jing Wen Zhen Jun descended at the time to dally, and on a moment’s
impulse,he thought it’d be fun to transform into the form of a scholar and join the contest. With
an easy swing, he wrote a jaunty, elegant piece, singing praises of the glory of the Kingdom of
XuLi, confident that his essay would stand out from the crowd. He imagined that once the
results of the contest was revealed and he took the top place, if he revealed his true form then
and unveil that the top placer was actually the clone of Jing Wen Zhen Jun, surely his name
would be passed down beautifully to future generations.
If things really turned out that way, it would’ve been a happy ending. Yet unexpectedly, there
happened a very awkward accident.
After the ceremony ended and the ranking board was revealed, the top player was not Jing
Wen’s “Ode to XuLi”, but a political critical discourse called “Not XuLi”.
This turn of events might have been awkward, but to bystanders, it was rather interesting. Xie
Lian inquired, “Has San Lang ever read that “Not XuLi”?”
“I’ve flipped through it.” Hua Cheng said, “If gege wants to read it, I’ll recite a summary for you
another time.”
Xie Lian hurriedly said, “No, it’s ok. But, to be able to defeat the already ascended Jing Wen
Zhen Jun, I imagine it must’ve been very well written.”
Hua Cheng commented, “It’s not bad, but it wasn’t that amazing either. It’s just the political
situation in the Kingdom of XuLi wasn’t that great at the time, the people were full of complaints,
so when they saw such a piece, it matched their taste. Plus, essays like “Ode to XuLi” were
rampant, so the people were already tired of it. When comparing the two, naturally “Not XuLi”
would win.”
Xie Lian nodded lightly, “There is no such thing as number one in literature, it’s all subjective.
Something like this isn’t really anything, especially if the content wasn’t even the same thing.”
“Correct.” Hua Cheng said, “Jing Wen thought so at first too.”
The people of XuLi sought everywhere for the author of “Not XuLi”, but of course no one
claimed it. Who would dare claim such a thing? Those who were greedy for fame and falsely
came forward were all exposed quickly. Soon, because officers had caught wind of this, the
ceremonial festival removed that top ranking essay.
As for Jing Wen Zhen Jun, although he wasn’t too pleased with the contest and sniffed at it, still
after a few months he’d forgotten the whole thing. Only, the tragedy was, after a few months, a
shocking news started spreading among the civil gods in the Upper Court – the individual who
authored “Not XuLi” and won the top rank in the Civil God Ceremonial Festival of XuLi was
found, and was apprehended and locked up in prison. And this individual was a young woman
who sold shoes on the streets!
How could this be! Unacceptable!
“...A-A shoe seller?” Xie Lian was amazed.
“Yes.” Hua Cheng replied. “That was what Nangong Jie did while mortal.”
No wonder he’s heard people call the Palace of Ling Wen “Palace of Worn Out Shoes” under
their breaths, and it wasn’t just once or twice. Since Xie Lian didn’t think it right to inquire for the
root of such things, he’s never learned where the term came from.
Originally, there was no way anyone would connect “Not XuLi” with a shoe selling maiden.
However, that young girl would sometimes help others scribe letters or sonnets to make some
extra income, and one day, one of the employers discovered her writing was similar to that of
that top ranking essay, and reported her in, which was how she was caught.
After learning of this news, Jing Wen Zhen Jun swung his brush and immediately appointed that
young girl named Nangong Jie to the heavens.
It must be known that at the time, lady heavenly officials were already few in numbers. It wasn’t
that there weren’t any, but most of them were in control of flowers and plants, crafts and
embroidery, singing or dancing or other such skills. Even when appointing deputy officials, no
one would want to appoint a woman to be their deputy official of the Lower Court. Lady civil
gods were even more rare. The women of civil god palaces were all cool beauties, and they
didn’t control anything literature related, but moreso gentle souls who grinded ink and laid
papers; they weren’t considered heavenly officials, more like objects to be appreciated.
Jing Wen Zhen Jun’s actions received the praise of bearing sympathy for talents among civil
gods, and everyone claimed this little girl had the best of luck to be able to to run into someone
like Jing Wen Zhen Jun who possessed eyes of wisdom. Not only did she escape the trial of
prison, she was able to climb above to the trees to become a phoenix, truly a beautiful tale.
However, at this very moment, the main characters of this ‘beautiful tale’ were going at each
other’s throats.
On that end, Jing Wen said, “I regarded you highly and used you heavily, but you made it sound
like I bore ill intentions.”
Ling Wen had always been someone who treated others politely, never sounding
condescending nor taunting. However, now her voice had an air of derision, “Please. There’s
really no need for you to go around telling everyone how highly you regarded me. If you really
did, you wouldn’t have made me serve tea and water to everyone in the palace for so many
years, wipe tables, walk hundreds of miles just to pick up a set of poetry scripts, and
unceasingly deliver gifts to other heavenly officials during every holiday.”
Xie Lian mused and that really did seem to have been the case. When he first ascended, every
time he saw Ling Wen, she was always running errands. It was precisely because she ran so
many errands that Xie Lian faintly remembered such a character. Jin Wen retaliated, “At the end
of the day, you’re just upset I refused to promote you. But why don’t you think about why I
wouldn’t promote you?”
“Why?” Ling Wen said, “I want to know why too. When I was a mortal I had time and leisure to
read and write, even when I was locked up in jail I could at least reflect calmly against the wall.
After being appointed, there wasn’t a day I wasn’t labouring away for you, running errands and
prostrating. If you had wanted to torment me, then it was a pretty good idea.”
“NANGONG!” Jing Wen shouted, “You still dare refuse to admit your wrongs even now?!”
Ling Wen countered, “And what wrongs have I committed?”
“Are you saying it’s all my fault?” Jing Wen demanded, “What I made you do were obviously the
best for you. If you can’t even take care of such small matters, what right do you have to do
more important things? I was giving you the opportunity to cultivate and train your mind. You’re
the one who’s incapable but you dare blame me for not promoting you? You think too highly of
yourself, but you’re a woman after all, you can’t reach that high. You have to admit this truth!”
Ling Wen laughed out loud, seeming to be enraged, and her voice dropped, “Very well! You said
I couldn’t reach that high, then, might I ask you, had the prominence of the Palace of Jing Wen
at its peak ever reached even the knees of my Palace of Ling Wen??”
Xie Lian could smell the thick brews of their past resentment and rage growing thicker, and
thought inwardly that he couldn’t have them keep talking any longer. Without any other choice,
he employed a very brutish method.
With a powerful fist he punched the ground, and along with the astounding huge boom,
instantly, a large crater was formed with him in the centre.
Hua Cheng instantly understood what he was planning and cried, “Gege!”
Xie Lian flapped his hand to disperse the dust in the air and coughed a few times, “This way is
the most direct. I’ll take care of this side! San Lang, you and General Pei Junior... go lie down
on the side!”
At first he had wanted Hua Cheng and Pei Su to try the other direction, but under their current
states they were both not as capable. As if Hua Cheng was going to listen to him and obediently
lie around. He picked the opposite direction Xie Lian had chosen, summoned E-Ming, and
plunged the blade, piercing the ground.
This strike and Xie Lian’s fist earlier created the same effect. The two took turns to produce one
large noise after the other, the two of them going further and further away from each other. After
pounding a few times, Xie Lian stopped to listen, but Pei Ming and Ling Wen didn’t seem to
have any reactions like they didn’t hear the booming noises he was creating.
As for Jing Wen, Ling Wen seemed to have stabbed him where it hurt, and he sneered as the
mask of politeness was ripped off, returning to using the bitter tones of when he was calling
them a fucking pair, “Nangong Jie, stop wagging your tail like a wretch who’d won in front of me!
If it wasn’t for me appointing you into the heavens, who knows how many you’d have bore
spawns for in jail!”
Now those words were exceedingly vulgar and Xie Lian’s hand almost slipped. Even Pei Ming
couldn’t listen anymore, “You were at least a civil god once, can you not be this classless?”
“See, Nangong,” Jing Wen accused, “See how your good lover is shielding you! Who are you,
General Pei, to accuse me of classlessness?”
“In your mind, who isn’t my lover?” Ling Wen spat, “You’re looking for retribution? Let’s talk
retribution!”
Xie Lian had leapt quite the distance by now, and he once again slammed the ground. This
time, Jing Wen on the other end of the silver butterfly was alarmed, “What’s the noise?!”
Xie Lian’s heart jumped, it’s the right direction!
Pei Ming and Ling Wen both heard too. Pei Ming hesitantly wondered, “Did someone start
fighting above?”
Going harder, Xie Lian dashed a few meters and pounded again thunderously. Pei Ming
exclaimed, “It’s closer now! What a powerful blow! It came from above!”
It’s here!
Xie Lian didn’t throw another fist; he pulled out Fang Xin and thrusted the sword downwards –
The aura of the sword erupted and the ground rumbled as it caved in. Soon after, he fell into a
chilling underground cave. Xie Lian mentally prayed that he didn’t crash over Pei Ming and Ling
Wen, and he waved away the dust in the air as he rose to his feet, turning around with the
sword in his grip, and called, “Jing...”
The moment the figure of that “Jing Wen Zhen Jun” entered his sight, Xie Lian couldn’t help but
widen his eyes.
———
●“Wen” is the word for “Literature”; “Jing” is the word for “Respect”; “Jing”, same tone but
different character is the word for “Quietude”.
——–
Ch.154: Why Not Xu Li; Why Not Jing Wen 2
Seeing there was a sudden intruder, Jing Wen was alarmed, “WHO ARE YOU?!”
However, the one was questioning Xie Lian wasn’t actually a ‘man’, but an extremely coarsely
made stone statue of a man, its body bare but wrapped full of cloths, somehow bizarre and at
the same time silly.
No wonder there was no sound of footsteps when he walked but an odd thumping sound; no
wonder when Pei Ming and Ling Wen saw him they were both stunned; and no wonder Pei Ming
said Ling Wen was talking shit with eyes wide open. Because, this thing looked nothing like a
female ghost from head to toe.
Pei Ming and Ling Wen were both wrapped all over by a scroll-like material, tightly bound in Jing
Wen’s hands, unable to move. Xie Lian finally snapped out of it, “???Me???”
However, Jing Wen said, “You’re the Crown Prince of XianLe?”
Xie Lian was taken aback, “Huh? You actually recognize me? Well that truly is...”
But, it wasn’t strange. When Xie Lian first ascended, it was an earth-shattering ordeal. He might
not know every heavenly official of the Upper Court, but every heavenly official of the Upper
Court knew him. Just like now, he completely did not remember how Jing Wen looked like, but
Jing Wen still remembered him, “Of course. Your Highness’ journey of godhood experienced
such ups and downs, it’d be difficult not to recognize you!”
Xie Lian was weirdly touched and subconsciously replied, “I’m honoured, I’m honoured... But,
how did you become...”
“How did I become this form?” Jing Wen finished for him.
Xie Lian cleared his throat softly and nodded, feeling like his question was a bit impolite.
However, Jing Wen used this chance to set off, “ISN’T IT ALL THANKS TO THAT BITCH
NANGONG JIE! After the Palace of Jing Wen declined, my spiritual powers became weaker and
weaker, and she’d add insult to injury, coming after me to try and kill me. I’ve no other choice but
to possess this stone statue in order to survive til now!”
“Compared to you I’m not that bad.” Ling Wen said, “You’d personally order me to stay in the
Palace of Jing Wen until midnight, then turn around and say I shamelessly hang around til late
to harass you. Words murder without form; I’ve been much nicer responding with blatant
violence.”
Then, he suddenly kicked out, and stomped directly on Jing Wen’s lower body. To Xie Lian, this
move really didn’t look like it’d be powerful, since a stone statue wasn’t a flesh body, and at
most maybe a couple cloths on Jing Wen’s body would rip. Yet unexpectedly, Jing Wen let out a
tragic wail like his nuts really were kicked, and he hastily covered his lower half body.
However, it was too late. That layer of white cloth wrapped around his crotch was kicked off by
Ling Wen, and Xie Lian swiftly saw. Under that white cloth, there was nothing.
Nothing meant that although this was a barenaked stone statue, down in his crotch area what
was supposed to be there wasn’t there.
This was the statue of a eunuch!
‘So it’s a eunuch slave statue!’ Xie Lian thought.
This sort of stone statues were often seen in the graves of concubines, and were burial effects
steeped in the essence of yin*; indeed a good choice for possession. However, that a male
heavenly official like Jing Wen who was so small-minded when it came to losing to a woman
would end up as a stone statue of a eunuch slave was exceedingly ironic!
Ling Wen burst out laughing, “And here I was wondering why you were so anxious and furious!
So this is why! I can’t reach that high? Look at yourself, how high can you go, I can’t wait to see!
Hahahahahaha...”
Jing Wen ripped off the rest of the cloth that covered his shame and trampled it, furious like he’d
gone mad, and grabbed at Ling Wen’s hair, yelling, “SHUT UP! AND HOW MANY HEAVENLY
OFFICIALS HAVE YOU SLEPT WITH TO GET WHERE YOU ARE?? DON’T BE SO PLEASED
WITH YOURSELF! APOLOGIZE RIGHT NOW!”
A large bundle of Ling Wen’s hair was almost pulled off of his head, but he endured the pain
without begging for mercy, nevermind apologizing. Pei Ming commented with disgust, “Are you
really a civil god? Such a lack of class and elegance, even shrews on the streets are better than
you!”
Xie Lian mentally cried grievances, scared that Jing Wen would strangle the two to death on a
whim, and cried a “Hey!” in spite of himself, raising his hand, “Calm down! Jing Wen Zhen Jun!
It really doesn’t matter if you have the thing or not! Really! It’s true!”
Jing Wen had Ling Wen in one hand, the other covering his groin, and he roared, “LIES! HOW
CAN IT NOT MATTER?! WHY DON’T YOU GET RID OF YOURS AND SEE??”
Xie Lian said earnestly, “It’s true! Believe me! Even though! I have the thing! But! It’s the same
as if I don’t have one! Because I’m that!”
He once again sacrificed himself, using his own person as proof. Hearing this, Jing Wen
seemed to have calmed a bit, “You’re what?!”
“Just, that! You understand.” Xie Lian said, “And even if I have it, I never use it! Cough, actually,
whether it be male heavenly officials or lady heavenly officials, or... other heavenly officials,
such things are all superficial, no need to be so preoccupied...”
Jing Wen cut him off, “If you don’t think it matters, why don’t you chop it off to prove it?”
Xie Lian: “???”
Jing Wen immediately added, “Didn’t you say it makes no difference? Hypocrite. You’re
obviously reluctant in losing the thing, so don’t you use that bullshit to cajole me! I’m no
young’un who’ll cry and repent just because you’ve given me two candies! It’s alright if you
won’t chop yours off, I’ll chop off his!”
He was referring to Pei Ming. Pei Ming was dumbfounded, “WHAT THE FUCK?!”
Now things were going out of control. Although there were many who wanted to cut off General
Pei’s thing, there was no way Xie Lian wanted Jing Wen to get his way here, and he said hastily,
“Jing Wen Zhen Jun! Even though it’s wrong for Ling Wen to bully you after you’ve declined, but
if you’ve bullied her too then you’re technically even. There’s no need to be so extreme!” As he
spoke to try and create distractions, he secretly released RuoYe at the same time, and it
slithered behind Jing Wen like a snake.
However, Jing Wen countered, “Even? It’s not that simple. But now you’ve reminded me, I’ve
something I need to grill that bitch! – Nangong, did you play a part in the fall of the Kingdom of
XuLi??”
Jing Wen was the civil god worshipped in the Kingdom of XuLi, which meant XuLi was his
foundation. If the foundation was ruined, naturally he would be assaulted, even suffer decline.
Thus, it was logical for Jing Wen to suspect Ling Wen. However, after he posed the question,
Ling Wen kept her lips sealed refusing to answer. Jing Wen yelled, “JUST SAY IT! WAS IT YOU
CAUSING SHIT IN THE DARK?? I JUST KNEW IT WAS YOU! IT MUST’VE BEEN YOU,
OTHERWISE THE KINGDOM WOULDN’T HAVE FALLEN SO FAST! IT’S ALL YOU
INSIDIOUS BITCH’S FAULT! THAT IDIOT GENERAL MUST’VE FALLEN IN YOUR HANDS!”
‘Ling Wen hasn’t even responded and you’re answering your own questions...’ Xie Lian thought,
‘Wait, what? What general?’
On the other side, Ling Wen suddenly started snickering under his breath. If it wasn’t because
Jing Wen possessed a unik slave’s statue and couldn’t show any expressions, he must’ve been
gritting his teeth a long time ago, “What are you laughing about?”
Ling Wen lifted his head slightly and said lightly, “Do you know what the consequences are for
calling him an idiot to his face?”
Jing Wen still hasn’t understood when the next moment, the scroll binding Ling Wen suddenly
ripped apart, and from the shreds, a hand emerged from within black sleeves and seized his
head.
Jing Wen hadn’t even had a chance to speak a word when he was subdued, and upon his
coarse face a crack appeared, then another, then another...
Within three cracking sounds, his entire body was shattered into pieces!
As for Ling Wen, he broke free of his bondage and stood where he was as streams of black
smoke permeated, a pile of crumbled stones laying at his feet.
So it turned out that the ‘ancient kingdom’ in the legends of the Brocade Immortal was the
Kingdom of XuLi, and Bai Jing was also a person of XuLi. Xie Lian was just organizing his
thoughts when he heard Pei Ming, who was still tightly bound by the scroll speak up, “Ling
Wen? Stop.”
Ling Wen turned around and was stalking towards him step by step. Remembering Ling Wen
telling Pei Ming earlier that “He really doesn’t like you”, Xie Lian thought, ‘Oh no, is he going to
kill him?’
Ling Wen soothed as he walked, “Bai Jing, he’s already dead. It’s all nonsense, don’t listen to
him.”
However, it didn’t seem to be very effective, so Ling Wen turned to Pei Ming, “Ol’ Pei, I’ve no
way to stop him. He heard Jing Wen say you’re my lover and has steeled his mind to kill you.
Your Highness, help me!”
No need to ask, Xie lian had already swung his sword and slashed through the scroll binding
Pei Ming, and Pei Ming jumped to his feet, the two leaping out of the underground cave,
returning to the ground above once more. Looking down back into the cave, they saw Ling Wen
had punched through where Pei Ming was just lying and debris flew, his strength considerable,
even harder than when Xie Lian was punching to scout for them earlier!
Xie Lian tucked RuoYe away, wrapping it on his wrist, and Pei Ming also worked out the kinks in
his arms. After having bound for so long, the swelling on his left arm had gone down somewhat,
the bulge of it now looking the size of having been stung by fifty thousand hornets instead of a
million.
“What is this fucking resentment...” He started, but before he even finished, Ling Wen had
already flashed before him!
The two exchanged a blow, and both were pushed a few meters back. Xie Lian and Pei Ming
exchanged a look, thinking things too troublesome, they both bolted at the same time. Xie Lian
turned his head back and yelled as he ran, “LING WEN! CAN YOU TRY AND CALM GENERAL
BAI DOWN AGAIN??”
Ling Wen was hot on their tail, “I TRIED! BUT HE DOESN’T BELIEVE ME ANYMORE!”
“IT MUST BE BECAUSE HE’S HURT THAT YOU LIED TO HIM!” Pei Ming shouted.
“LING WEN!” Xie Lian cried, “CAN YOU CHANGE BACK TO YOUR FEMALE FORM? THE
KILLING STRENGTH WOULD BE REDUCED IN A WOMAN’S BODY!”
“NO!” Ling Wen answered.
“WHY NOT?”
“HE WON’T LET ME CHANGE BACK!” Ling Wen replied.
“I get it!” Pei Ming said, “The bastard is afraid of pressing against a woman’s body! What a
wimp!”
RUMBLE! A roof came crashing towards them, almost crushing over Xie Lian and Pei Ming.
Ling Wen cried, “I DIDN’T THROW THAT! YOUR FAULT FOR INSULTING HIM, NOW HE’S
EVEN MORE MAD, YOU’RE BOTH IN DANGER!”
Xie Lian cried hastily, “HUH?! WHAT’S IT GOT TO DO WITH ME? I’VE SAID NOTHING! LING
WEN, CAN YOU TELL HIM TO COUNT ME OUT PLEASE??”
“BETTER TO COUNT YOU IN, EASIER WHEN THERE’S MORE PEOPLE TO SHOULDER
THE BURDEN.” Ling Wen yelled, “YOUR HIGHNESS, WHERE’S LITTLE PEI? THE GUOSHI
BAN YUE? YOUR CRIMSON RAIN SOUGHT FLOWER???”
“Don’t count on them, they’ve gone the other direction to search for you both.” Xie Lian yelled
back, “We’ve already run for over ten miles, run first talk later! He’s already absorbed over a
thousand ghosts, it won’t be wise to face him head on right now!”
Yet unexpectedly, just as the words left his lips, he feet suddenly went light, and his entire body
was hoisted up. It wasn’t just him, Pei Ming too, and when they looked closely, turns out the two
of them were captured by a large net and were now hanging in the air.
Trouble seemed to have flown over from out of nowhere, and that net seemed to have been
made of a special kind of material, and bare hands couldn’t rip it apart. Just then, from all
around in the woods at least one or two hundred fang-baring monsters and demons came
jumping out, clapping in joy, “CAUGHT THEM!!!!”
“HAHAHAHAHA HOW MANY IS THIS NOW? THIS TRAP IS SO GOOD!”
“LET’S SEE WHAT WE CAUGHT, HOW MANY HEADS!”
It appeared that in a moment of careless panic, they fell into the trap of these low level little
minions. Xie Lian reached for Fang Xin without thinking to slash through the net, but when he
found his back empty, he realized that Fang Xin had fallen from his grip earlier when the
suddenly drew up. Ling Wen had already chased them to the net, and right at his feet was Fang
Xin. The mob of little minions hadn’t yet realized just what had come, and they were all
overjoyed, “ANOTHER ONE!”
Ling Wen raised his hands and two balls of black ghost fires were ignited in his palms. He
raised his head to face Xie Lian and Pei Ming, “You two, this... really isn’t up to me.”
Xie Lian puffed a breath, “Ling Wen, can I ask what would happen if we should be hit by that
thing?”
“Last time I used ghost fires this big and hit His Highness Qi Ying, he was injured, but it wasn’t
too bad. He could still hop around and run.”
It sounded like the damage wouldn’t be that great, so even if they were hit it wouldn’t be too
bad, so Xie Lian and Pei Ming both sighed in relief. “Alright, alright...”
But just as they said the second “alright”, the two balls of ghost fires in Ling Wen’s hands
suddenly erupted to ten times the size, turning into two giant pillars of flames blazing to the
skies!
Xie Lian: “...”
Pei Ming: “...”
“...But how would things be after getting hit by flames this size I can’t say.” Ling Wen said.
Pei Ming roared, “WAIT! I’M REALLY NOT YOUR LOVER THOUGH?!?!?!?”
“I know that! But it’s useless if we’re the only ones who know!” Ling Wen exclaimed.
That band of monsters and demons were stunned by those two balls of flaming ghost fires, and
they quickly drew their weapons, indignantly circling them, shouting arrogantly, “YOU
BASTARD! HOW DARE YOU COME STEAL OUR KILL WHEN YOU’RE NOTHING! GET
HIM!!!”
However, pathetic little minion like them posed no threat to the Brocade Immortal, and were
nothing more another wave of fresh nourishment for him. Ling Wen inclined his head slightly, his
pupils reflecting the vibrant light of the ghost fires, looking like he was ready to receive the new
heads who were ready to sacrifice themselves. Right at that moment, a wild whirlwind blew by.
Amidst series of terrified wails, that mob of little minions were blown to the sky in a blink of an
eye!
Rather than say they were blown to the sky by ‘wind’, it was more like there was a formless,
peculiar giant hand that snatched them and hauled them into the sky!
The Brocade Immortal seemed to have sensed something and became alarmed, and the
blazing ghost fires in Ling Wen’s hands also dropped some as he scanned the surrounding
area. Xie Lian arduously looked up, but the dense branches of trees blocked his sight. The wails
of those ghosts also came to an abrupt stop, so he couldn’t figure out what exactly happened
above at all. Pei Ming was also alarmed, “Who’s come?”
Alert and watchful for a while, Xie Lian suddenly said, “Do you all not smell that?”
“What?” Pei Ming asked.
“The scent of flowers.” Xie Lian replied.
Pei Ming was confused, “There’re flowers?”
Xie Lian closed his eyes. A moment later, he said with conviction, “Yes. It’s the scent of flowers.”
The scent of flowers was mellow, peculiar, fresh and cool. It came from an unknown place, with
an unknown name. It was exceedingly light; exceedingly soft, faint like it wasn’t even there.
Pei Ming furrowed his brows, “I don’t smell flowers, but I definitely smell...”
Before he finished his sentence he felt something drip onto his face. He wiped with his hand
without thinking and his pupils shrank.
It was blood.
A couple drops also fell onto the ghost fires in Ling Wen’s hands, and those flames instantly
weakened a notch. His expression became even more alarmed, and whipped his head up. In
that instant –
Falling from the heavens was the blowing rain of blood!
Pei Ming was hung higher than Xie Lian, and the sudden battering of this blood deluge
drenched him into a bloody drowned rat, leaving only a pair of eyes that were black and white,
round and bulging. The ghost fires in Ling Wen’s hands were long extinguished completely, and
he disappeared under the tree to avoid the same end as the defenseless Pei Ming. As for Xie
Lian, he suddenly felt the net tear, his body drop, and he plunged downwards. He flipped in the
air as he fell, and landed steadily just as the bloody rain was about to descend upon him.
There was no time to escape, so Xie Lian raised his sleeve, ready to block as much as he can.
Yet, after the darkness, he heard a soft, low rumbling of laughter.
Suddenly, the air was filled with the mysterious, alluring fragrance of blossoms.
Xie Lian lifted his head a little and looked up. He didn’t feel any raindrops hitting his face;
instead, it was something soft and gentle brushing past.
He reached out and caught it. Looking down, what flew quietly into the heart of his palm was a
small piece of vibrantly red flower petal.
He looked up once more, his breath hitched. He couldn’t believe it.
The bloody rain that enveloped the sky had transformed into a fluttering shower of flower petals!
There was no need to even guess who had come. Xie Lian curled his fingers and clenched his
hand, clutching that flower petal as the name blurted from his lips, “San Lang!”
He turned around and saw Ling Wen had soundlessly fallen to the ground, and that softly
laughing, raven black hair, crimson robed, tall and slender young man who stood there solitarily
could be none other than Hua Cheng.
Blossoms fell like dripping blood; blood danced like petals in the wind. That face was as spirited
and handsome as the first time they met, his eyes bright and alive. He languidly sheathed that
long and slender silver scimitar back into its scabbard, and spoke with a deep voice, “Your
Highness, I’ve come back.”
———
Ch.155: Mountains High and Roads Unending; Narrow Paths Blocked
Treading across the ground strewn with crimson fragments of exquisite jade, Xie Lian walked
over slowly. When he saw Hua Cheng’s shoulders were littered with a bit of red blossoms, he
had wanted to dust them off for him but suddenly realized that gesture would be overly intimate,
so he forced down the urge and tucked his arms behind his back, smiling, “I didn’t know that not
only can you bring forth bloody rain, you can also make flowers shower. How fun!”
Hua Cheng also walked closer towards him, easily dusting off the petals on his shoulders, also
smiling, “This was just something spontaneously inspired, a trick I only just came up with today.
Originally there should’ve been the usual blood rain, but I suddenly remembered gege was also
present, and wouldn’t you blame me if you were to be drenched? So I held back at the last
second and transformed it to flowers instead. I’m glad you found it fun.”
However, while Xie Lian wasn’t drenched, Pei Ming was completely soaked. He called out while
hanging in the air, “Excuse me, you two, let me down will you?”
A few silver butterflies fluttered upwards, their wings shimmering silver as they tore the net,
allowing Pei Ming to finally break free, landing steadily on the ground. Xie Lian looked down and
saw on the centre of Ling Wen’s spine rested a silver butterfly, “San Lang, Ling Wen and the
Brocade Immortal are both alright, right?”
“They’re fine.” Hua Cheng said, “I’ve only put them to sleep temporarily.”
Xie Lian was amazed, “This Brocade Immortal was going berserk but you managed to subdue it
so fast.”
Hua Cheng raised his brows, “It was fine. For some reason it didn’t seem to want to fight me.”
Xie Lian hummed and said, “That’s true. Before when you put it on, it didn’t do anything to you
either, and even showed itself.”
Just then, Pei Ming walked over, “Save the talking for later, you two. Aren’t you going to peel
that robe off of him first?”
“Um... wouldn’t that be rather inappropriate?” Xie Lian said.
Pei Ming didn’t seem to think anything of it, “He’s in his male form right now, so what’s there to
be embarrassed about?” His hands moved as he spoke, yet just as his hands reached Ling
Wen’s collar, it was like something jabbed at him hard, and his face dropped, yanking his arms
back, his hands covered in blood, “This robe! It bites!”
Only then did Hua Cheng say lazily, “The Brocade Immortal won’t let Ling Wen go, you won’t be
able to take it off of him.”
Pei Ming looked at his bloodied hands and said, “If something like this happens again, will My
Lord Ghost King please warn me sooner?”
Xie Lian said gently, “General Pei, it’s not that he didn’t want to warn you, your hands moved too
fast.”
Hua Cheng snickered, “That’s it exactly.”
“...”
Although crippled, wills remained strong. The three moved to head back the way they came and
someone had to carry the male Ling Wen, so Pei Ming took up that responsibility without a
word.
Pei Su and Ban Yue were still in the same small town from before, the group reconvening near
the divine temple of WuYong, and when Pei Su saw them come back, he strode over to greet
them, “General, your, highness, that mural, in that, temple, had disappeared!”
Pei Ming was carrying Ling Wen in one arm while the other hand slicked back his blood soaked
hair, “What mural?”
Seeing Pei Ming was covered in wine red colour, Ban Yue’s eyes widened. Xie Lian gave Pei
Ming a brief account and went back into the temple with Pei Su to check. Sure enough, that wall
earlier had become exactly the same as the other three burnt ashen walls, like that mural had
never existed.
Hua Cheng dropped his hand from the wall, “That mural was created by magic.”
Xie Lian nodded, “Perhaps, the one who left it had concerns and didn’t dare leave it for too
long.”
On the other side, Ban Yue was hesitant for a long time but in the end still drudged up the
courage to ask Pei Ming, “Are... you ok?”
Pei Ming gave her a look and bluffed, “Why don’t you ask your snakes if I’d be ok having gotten
bitten like this?”
Pei Su opened his mouth as if to speak but wasn’t sure if he should say something for justice
sake. Ban Yue’s eyes widened even bigger, mumbling as she tried to argue, “But... a bite from
the scorpion tailed snakes wouldn’t fester to the whole body like this...”
Pei Ming raised the left hand that carried the bite mark and waved it in front of her, proving that
he was indeed bitten. ‘Iron proof’ was solid like the mountains, and Ban Yue could only
apologize, “I’m sorry...”
Pei Su couldn’t watch anymore and patted her shoulder, “Do, n’t take it to heart. This wasn’t
caused by the bite of your, snakes.”
Xie Lian couldn’t watch anymore either, speaking up exasperatedly, “General Pei, can you not
tease little girls at a time like this?”
However, this was the source of Pei Ming’s life. He used his spiritual powers to cleanse himself
of all the blood and grime, his face bright and alive as he laughed out loud, “Aren’t little girls
made for teasing? Besides, the Guoshiess of Banyue is how many centuries old now? What
little girl? Afraid she might get embarrassed?”
“...” No one wanted to talk to him anymore.
Although Pei Su’s broken sentences wasn’t healed, he could still move like normal now and
took over the task of carrying Ling Wen. The group of them crossed the small town and
continued down to the next level of Mount TongLu.
A day later, the group reached a small valley.
On either sides of the valley were steep, tall mountains with hardened rocky bluffs with a
mountain path in between them. Only when they’ve come to this point did Ling Wen finally wake
blearily.
Although awake, he still couldn’t move, because that silver butterfly was still firmly resting on his
back. When Ling Wen discovered that he was being carried on the back of someone, his
expression never changed and only asked in confusion, “...Why are there so many people? How
come you’re all here? Isn’t this Mount TongLu?”
“This is many?” Pei Ming answered, “Let me tell you, there’ll be more later, you haven’t seen
everyone yet. There’s enough of us to play a round of cards.”
Xie Lian wholeheartedly agreed with the sentiment and couldn’t help but smile. After a pause,
he spoke up, “By the way, Ling Wen, back at PuQi Shrine Qi Ying chased after you. Where is he
now?”
Ling Wen replied, “Don’t know. After entering Mount TongLu, there were too many inhuman
creatures swarming in, and His Highness Qi Ying was lost in the crowd. I have no idea where he
could be right now either.”
Pei Ming sighed at Ling Wen, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me the one who plucked the last life
line of XuLi was you. How mean.”
Only then did Xie Lian remember that Pei Ming was also from the kingdom of XuLi. However, he
didn’t seem to have any attachments left for XuLi, since he was only a general and not the king,
and was even sabotaged by the ruler before he ascended, so there was no trace of fury or
surliness in his voice, but moreso just poking fun. However, Xie Lian was still worried that talking
too much of XuLi would provoke the Brocade Immortal, so he swiftly changed the subject,
turning his head back to ask, “San Lang, I’ve always been curious of something.”
After entering the valley, Hua Cheng had been watching the two tall mountains closely. “What is
it?”
“The ‘Kiln’ of Mount TongLu, what is it exactly? Is it really just a giant stove?” Xie Lian asked.
Hua Cheng smiled faintly and brought his gaze back, “Of course not. But, it’s a good question,
gege.” He raised his hand and pointed, “It just so happens we can see it now.”
The group looked to the direction he was pointing, and all unconsciously stopped in their steps.
“...That’s... the ‘Kiln’?” Xie Lian questioned.
Hua Cheng crossed his arms, “That’s right.”
Reflected in his inky black eyes was a large mountain from an exceedingly far distance away.
Far like it sat at the edge of the world, tall like it reached the heavens, enthroned
condescendingly among all the peaks, painted in a deep, sunken blue, the summit of the
mountains were surrounded by a sea of clouds and heavenly winds. A layer of snow could
faintly be seen like a field of ice that never melted.
Hua Cheng said leisurely, “The ‘Kiln’ is a live volcano, and the heart of all of Mount TongLu.
When a new ghost king is born, that is also when it wakes.”
“A volcanic eruption?” Xie Lian asked.
“That’s right.” Hua Cheng replied, “So, all Supreme Ghost Kings are born accompanied by
blazing fires, lava, and ruinous disasters.”
Imagining that fiery scenario that made eyes glow red, Xie Lian was lost in thought. Pei Ming
spoke up, “That’s too far away. If we continue in this speed, not counting slaying all the ghosts
en route, it’s gonna take a long time.”
Xie Lian nodded, “That’s why historically every time Mount TongLu opens its gates to slaughter,
it’s like an arduous childbirth.”
Hua Cheng chuckled, “Gege’s metaphor is ingenious.” Then, he suddenly stopped. “We’re
here.”
“???” Xie Lian was dumbfounded, “So fast?”
Hua Cheng explained, “We’re here, but not at the Kiln. We’ve come to a WuYong divine temple.”
Sure enough, ahead in the centre of the valley was a leaning, large palace temple.
This was the second WuYong divine temple they had come across. Xie Lian almost wanted to
rub his eyes and was perplexed, “Is that temple real?”
It couldn’t be helped. In fact, almost everyone was doubtful whether if that temple was real since
it appeared too abruptly.
It shouldn’t have appeared here. Who had ever seen any temple or shrine be constructed on
such a narrow valley over small mountain roads? What is this shitty fengshui?
Even if it had to be built here no matter what, it should at least be constructed on the side. But,
this WuYong divine temple just had to be bluntly constructed right in the middle of the valley
road like a brainless little tyrant, brazenly blocking the mountain path!
Pei Ming lowered his voice, “Where there is abnormality there is evil, everyone be careful.”
Ling Wen who was leaning heavily on Pei Su’s shoulder, arduously lifted his head, “Everyone, if
you don’t want to go inside you can just leap and run across the cliffs.”
However, Xie Lian said, “No. We have to go in. See if there’s any murals.”
“Don’t worry, gege.” Hua Cheng said, “If you want to go in and see then do so. It’s no big deal.”
Since he said so, for some reason everyone relaxed, and the group of them slowly approached.
The entire time they walked and until they reached the entrance, nothing odd happened.
Crossing through the temple doors and entering the great hall, sure enough, the walls inside this
temple were also in the blackened colour from the aftermath of fire. With a light scratch, small
pieces of hardened fragments also fell just like in the previous temple.
Xie Lian was tense and alert at first, but since there didn’t seem to be anything hiding in the
darkness, he relaxed a bit and said, “Let’s do this.”
Soon after, the ashen ‘protection’ layer on the wall was cleaned off bit by bit, revealing the mural
behind. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng began to examine it closely.
The contents of the mural in this divine temple were completely different than the previous one.
They started studying it from the highest level, the top of the painting, and a white clad young
man sat poised upon a jaded futon, his brows quietly handsome. It was that Crown Prince of
WuYong. His eyes were tightly shut, and judging from his posture, he seemed to be in deep
reflective meditation. However, it wasn’t tranquil.
THis Highness the crown prince had brows deeply furrowed, a few drops of cold sweat
appeared to be dripping down from his forehead. Surrounding him were four characters, their
expressions deep with concern – it was the four guardian deputies under the crown prince from
the previous mural. Their accessories and attire were exactly the same as the previous painting.
Continuing to look downwards, the protection layer was still falling apart gradually, not yet fully
cleaned away, and Xie Lian saw a field of chaotic red. He frowned slightly, “That’s weird.”
He reached out and lightly touched the wall, puzzled, “Is this mural poorly kept?”
Although he couldn’t quite tell what the painting was depicting, but he could see that this spread
of lines and colours were all blurry and hazy, like it was trapped in a layer of mist, fading away.
But, this mural was created by magic, so how could it deteriorate like a normal painting?
Hua Cheng was also looking at it intently, knitting his brows, “Let’s give it another minute.”
The two exchanged looks. Once the burnt, black, hardened material was thoroughly wiped
clean, the entire painting complete, they took a few steps back and stood shoulder to shoulder
to look. As the entirety of the mural reflected in Xie Lian’s eyes, his breathing stopped, and he
felt his head go numb.
He wondered out loud, stunned, “Is this... hell?”
———-
Ch.156: Mountains High and Roads Unending; Narrow Paths Blocked 2
Hua Cheng said darkly, “No. It’s the mortal realm.”
It indeed was the mortal realm, because depicted within the painting were crammed houses,
dense forests, crowds; yet, they were all submerged in a vast, endless sea of fire and flowing
lava.
The houses and trees were ablaze, flames burned on the people’s bodies and they were
screaming. Those twisted faces were drawn so realistically Xie Lian could almost hear their
wails next to his ears.
In the centre of the painting was a vibrantly red mountain like a giant Kiln glowing from the heat,
exceedingly horrifying. The fires and lava were all spewed from this mountain.
“The meaning of this mural is... volcanic eruption, the fall of the Kingdom of WuYong?” Xie Lian
pondered.
“Yes. And no.” Hua Cheng said.
It dawned on Xie Lian, “It certainly wasn’t completely right, because this is... a dream.”
This portrayal of tragedy at the bottom of the painting should be a depiction of the Crown Prince
of WuYong’s dream.
The Crown Prince of WuYongAnd the four guardian gods were surrounded by golden light,
meaning at this time he had already ascended. He was in the middle of being tormented by a
dream, so the content of the dream state had lines and colours that were more ‘hollow’ in
contrast with the ‘real’.
Some heavenly officials possessed enormous spiritual might, their talents abnormally incredible,
and when they saw miniscule omens, they could peek into the future in their dreams. This was
what they called prophecy dreams. Had this dream state of tHis Highness the crown prince
become reality? Was this how the Kingdom of WuYong fell?
Humming for a moment, Xie Lian remarked, “There must be someone who wanted to tell us
something. The story in this mural should be the continuation from the previous one. I think, the
closer we get to the ‘Kiln’, the more our questions would be answered.”
Just then, Ling Wen was watching outside the windows and spoke up, “Everyone, there’s
something I must ask. Don’t you all think it’s strange?”
“What’s strange?” Pei Ming asked.
“Not sure if I remembered wrong, but have those two mountain bluffs ever been this close?”
Everyone looked out of the windows. Sure enough, earlier when they had entered, the mountain
bluffs outside were about three meters away, but now, it was pushing extremely close, like it was
going to press into them at any moment. Xie Lian was about to go out and check but he heard a
series of weird crackling and creaking sounds, like the disturbance of earth and trees, bricks
and stones being pressured.
Now everyone had sensed it. “What’s going on?”
The bricks under their feet were quivering, the ceiling above their heads was also shaking, one
piece, two pieces, many pieces of debris and dust were falling. “Is it an earthquake?” Pei Ming
wondered.
Just as the words left his lips, the walls were already cracked into shocking ‘wrinkles’ from the
pressure. “It’s not an earthquake!” Xie Lian exclaimed, “It’s...”
The mountain bluffs on either side were pushing into the divine temple of WuYong sitting in its
middle!
There was no time to explain. He shouted, “RUN!”
No need for him to tell them, Pei Ming had already kicked down a wall and opened an exit. The
group broke through the wall and exited, running forward. However, they were still running
within the divine temple of WuYong because this temple palace was long and deep, and other
than the great hall, there were still many side chambers, small chambers, incense rooms,
training halls, etc. Thus, the group had to keep running and keep breaking down walls, kicking
down doors. It was times like these that a martial god’s typical way of doing things really helped.
However, they only crossed through two little chambers before a giant boulder the size of half a
man crashed through the roof, falling heavily next to Xie Lian’s feet.
Giant boulders were falling from atop the two mountain bluffs on each side!
The rumbling noises were endless as more and more rocks fell from the skies. Large one were
like water barrels, small ones were the size of heads, and they dropped from high in the skies,
their powers astounding. Fortunately there was a layer of roof blocking them and everyone’s
physical abilities were considerable and was able to dodge in time. Only Hua Cheng was the
most at ease; as Xie Lian ran and dodged, he suddenly heard Hua Cheng beckon him, “Gege,
wanna come here?”
He turned his head back to look. Hua Cheng was following closely behind him, his steps steady
like he was flying, holding a red umbrella he took out from who knows where, and was smiling
brightly at him from under the umbrella. Those fallen rocks were soundly crashing onto the
surface of the umbrella, but Hua Cheng held the handle with a single hand without swaying!
Xie Lian instantly took cover under his umbrella. “Whew, that was close. Thank goodness for
San Lang.”
San Lang smiled and very considerately leaned the umbrella more to his side, “Come closer
here.”
Even though it wasn’t the right time, Xie Lian still felt his heart skip a beat in spite of himself,
“Are you tired holding this up? How about I hold the umbrella for you...”
The others were fleeing and dodging, running madly, and seeing how the two were having a
good time, they couldn’t stand it and couldn’t help but call out, “Hey! Isn’t that unfair?!”
“Hua Chengzhu, may I ask if you have any more spare umbrellas??”
“Can I hide under that umbrella too??”
Hua Cheng smiled fakely, “No. And no.”
Under the objections of the others, Xie Lian was feeling a little embarrassed, and he mumbled,
“Oh, this mountain sure is strange!” And was about to sneak away as he spoke, but Hua Cheng
stopped him unnoticeably, and leisurely explained, “Gege is right, this mountain is certainly
strange. Strange like spirits. There are three large mountains in Mount TongLu, and they are
called ‘Old Age’, ‘Sickness’, and ‘Death’. Although they’re not different than other mountains,
they could move as they will within the perimeters of Mount TongLu, so, some would take them
as Mount TongLu’s landmarks.”
Fallen rocks continued to crash down violently, but it was peace and harmony under the
umbrella. Xie Lian replied, “I see! So before, that time when Rong Guang was disguised as the
Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade Demon, the mountain that was blocking our way was one of
those three mountain spirits?”
Ling Wen was bumping up and down on Pei Su’s back but still tried arduously to converse, “No
wonder this divine temple of WuYong was so strangely built in the middle of the ‘valley’. Its
original location was probably not that curious, and it was those two mountain spirits that came
attacking on their own!”
“But ‘Birth’, ‘Old Age’, ‘Sickness’, ‘Death’ are a set*,” Xie Lian said, “Since there’s ‘Old Age’,
‘Sickness’ and ‘Death’, where’s ‘Birth’?”
“Regrettably, there’s no ‘Birth’. At least, I’ve never seen it before.” Hua Cheng replied.
“Meaning there’s no chance for life here, is it? How cruel!” Xie Lian said.
Immediately after, Ban Yue exclaimed, “The mountain bluffs are still coming closer!”
When they first entered the valley, the mountain path was about a couple kilometers wide,
growing narrower as they walked. When they approached the gates of that WuYong temple, the
road was no more than thirty meters wide. And now, the space between the two mountain bluffs
were less than ten meters, the building and the walls were all cracking and bending from the
pressure. Since the divine temple of WuYong employed stone beams and other such solid
construction materials, it wedged between the two mountains that were simultaneously pushing
closer. However, it might not last for much longer, and Pei Ming yelled, “Neither forward nor
back is passable, let’s break through the roof and go upwards! This shower of rocks is nothing,
just break them into pieces!”
However, Xie Lian exclaimed, “We can’t! Right now there’s the the temple wedged between, if
we go upwards, what if the two mountain spirits throw a smacking blow or something? We’ll be
clapped to death!”
In between their exchanges, the two sides were pushing closer even faster, rumbling and
quaking, the spaces they’re in had become less than six meters in width. Under such
circumstances, Ling Wen was still immobile, and he couldn’t help but cry, “CAN EVERYONE
PLEASE COME UP WITH SOMETHING FASTER??? I DON’T WANT TO GET SQUISHED TO
DEATH, THANK YOU???”
Fire was burning their behinds, but ideas didn’t just come so easily. As the space continued to
shrink, shrinking to only the length of a person, Pei Ming suddenly gave a loud shout and leapt
up sideways. His arms pushed against the mountain on the left and his legs pushed against on
the right, his entire person becoming a ‘spike’, wedging sideways between the two large
mountains. “EVEN IF I’M GONNA BE SQUISHED TO DEATH I DON’T WANNA BE FUCKING
SQUISHED TO DEATH BY THOSE TWO SHITS. I’LL HOLD THEM DOWN FOR NOW, YOU
GUYS HURRY AND THINK OF SOMETHING!”
“...”
Everyone was stunned by his deed, and Ling Wen arduously gave him a thumbs up, “Ol’ Pei,
what a man!”
Pei Ming gritted his teeth, “WELCOME!”
There was no need to explain a martial god’s strength; those two mountain bluffs were still trying
to press closer to the middle but they seemed to have been obtrusively stopped by Pei Ming,
and they fell into stalemate. However, this was Pei Ming exerting all the spiritual powers he
possessed, and would surely not last. As Xie Lian was rapidly spinning his wheels trying to
come up with a way to escape, the two mountain spirits were slowly gaining the upper hand,
forcing Pei Ming’s knees to bend.
Seeing the situation not going in their favour, Pei Su cried, “GEN, ERAL I, ‘LL COME ASSIST
YOU!” He tossed Ling Wen who was leaning on his shoulders to Ban Yue and also joined the
ranks of human spikes. However, he was but a mortal at the moment, so how could he use
spiritual power? The Brocade Immortal on Ling Wen could’ve been useful, but he was too much
of a risk, and releasing him might be adding oil to flames, like stepping on a venomous snake
after falling into the nest of a hoard of jackals. Thus, Ban Yue put Ling Wen down and said, “Me
too...”
However, she had the body of a little girl after all, her limbs nowhere the length of two grown
men and was too short to wedge between the walls, so she clapped her palms onto Pei Su’s
back, transferring spiritual powers to him. The powers of the two combined exploded, their faces
both red and veins popping.
As for Hua Cheng, whose powers were the strongest in the group, he was only watching them
as he twirled the red umbrella in his hand, not a bit concerned. Suddenly, Xie Lian pounded a
fist in his own palm and cried, “I’VE GOT IT! I’VE GOT IT I’VE GOT IT I’VE GOT IT!”
He’s gotten an idea! Xie lian said, “Since going forwards, back or upwards won’t work, then we’ll
go downwards! Let’s dig a hole and hide for the moment!”
Ling Wen instantly latched on, “Good idea! Will you please start on it right now!”
Pei Ming said while gritting his teeth, “THEN... PLEASE... HURRY...!!!”
“Okokok!” Xie Lian responded while already crazily slashing at the ground with Fang Xin to drill
a pit, sand and earth flying all over the place. Next to him, Hua Cheng was holding the umbrella
over him, and not only was he not helping, he was even coaxing him, “Gege, don’t dig anymore.
Sit down and rest.”
No one could take it anymore and they all cried, “HUA CHENGZHU!!!”
“Hm? Did someone call me?” Hua Cheng said.
Ling Wen laid on the ground in a heap, “Hua Chengzhu, both yourself and His Highness are
here too, if you have any tricks or ideas how about you contribute? None of us want to become
stuffings between rock planks after all.” And words no one dared say: If you don’t have anything,
can you please go and become a human spike too?
Although Xie Lian was anxious, he was still instinctively trusting of Hua Cheng, so he asked as
he continued to dig the pit, “San Lang, you have a way?”
Hua Cheng chuckled, “Gege only needs to wait, no need for you to do anything, it’ll be fine in a
moment.”
Fire was burning their behinds now, and although everyone all felt he must have an idea, they
still couldn’t help but feel the burn. Ling Wen was about to say more when Xie Lian suddenly
said, “What’s that noise?”
Amidst the loud rumbling of falling boulders came another strange noise approaching rapidly.
GRK GRK! GRK GRK GRK GRK! Rapidly fast, growing closer and closer. Xie Lian thought this
sound was familiar like he’d heard it before somewhere, and he stopped his mad digging.
“This... COULD THIS BE?!”
Just as the words left his lips, a spot next to his feet suddenly caved in, revealing a black hole
that was big enough to allow two people to drop in. Within the hole, the head of a shovel was
raised, reflecting a bright white light.
The sacred shovel of the Earth Master!
That shovel showed itself but quickly shrank back into the hole. Hua Cheng spoke up, “A little
late, but at least he made it. Let’s go.”
Without another word, Xie Lian picked up Ling Wen and threw him down, then Ban Yue and Pei
Su, then Pei Ming. With the ‘spike’ wedged in the middle gone, the two mountain spirits
increased their speed, and amidst the scratching, quaking sounds, Hua Cheng circled his arm
around Xie Lian’s waist and held him tight, “Let’s hurry!” Then with him in his arms, they jumped
into the underground path. Xie Lian only felt like he sank into darkness, and soon after, a
thundering roar came from above.
Those two large mountains finally, completely, pressed themselves together!
If they were still above ground right now they would’ve for sure been crushed into meat
pancakes. After steadying the spirit somewhat, two small balls of flames were ignited in the
darkness. Xie Lian looked around at the underground path they were situated in at the moment,
neither wide nor narrow, neat and orderly, as expected of the path dug by the sacred shovel of
the Earth Master. The others who had dropped in first were all sprawled on the ground, huffing.
Hua Cheng released his waist, and Xie Lian also dropped the arm that had unconsciously
gripped his shoulder, watching that black clad man holding the shovel.
That black clad man was also breathing harshly, leaning against the shovel and wiped at his
cold sweat. Xie Lian took a few steps closer, looking him over closely. This individual appeared
to be a neat and tidy good youth, considerably handsome but only about a seven. Only, he
didn’t seem to have much personality. No doubt he must be someone whose presence was
usually very faint.
Xie Lian approached him and that black clad man looked up, “Your Highness...”
But before he finished Xie Lian had already seized his wrist, “Where’s the Lord Wind Master?”
That black clad man was taken aback, “Huh? I... This I don’t know.”
Xie Lian exhaled and said solemnly, “My Lord Black Water, why keep up the act? Your revenge
is none of my business, but Lord Wind Master did once share a friendship with you and had
never done any crime or harm, so I hope...”
Just then, Ling Wen interrupted, “Black Water? Your Highness, why do you think he’s Black
Water? Their faces are different.”
Xie Lian looked back and replied doubtfully, “Because he’s holding the sacred shovel of the
Earth Master. Besides, don’t we all know the key to a good disguise? This face is so boringly
plain, not noticeable in a crowd at all, so it must be a fake.”
The trick to disguise was discussed before, and the face of this black clad youth before them
perfectly complied to the key component of an impeccable fake skin: boringly plain.
Even if one was to stare at his face for two hours, after a good night’s sleep, his appearance
would be completely forgotten the next day, so no doubt this was a molded fake face?
“...”
However, a moment later, that black clad youth said, “I’m sorry Your Highness, but, I... I really
do look like this.”
“...”
Hua Cheng walked over too and lightly cleared his throat, “Gege, this, really isn’t Black Water.”
“...”
??
“This really is his true appearance.” Hua Cheng said.
So, this was a real, naturally born pedestrian face!
Xie Lian slapped his forehead with his palm, and a moment later, he changed to pressing hands
together in a prayer, inclining to bow in apology, “...I’m sorry.”
He actually thought things so matter-of-factly. He actually said to this person’s face that he
looked boringly plain, not noticeable in a crowd. It couldn’t be helped, this face of his really was
too much of a model for a perfect disguise!
That black clad youth was also feeling extremely awkward and he waved his hand, “Don’t worry,
it’s nothing, I’m already used to it...”
Ling Wen then said, “Your Highness Yin Yu, thank goodness for you this time.”
———
●Birth, Aging, Sickness, Death are the four causes of suffering in Buddhism.
———
Ch.157: Mountains High and Roads Unending; Narrow Paths Blocked 3
Upon hearing that address, Xie Lian blinked, and only then did he realize that youth’s voice was
a little familiar, and he should’ve heard it a few times before, and the next moment, his eyes
moved downwards to look at that youth’s wrist. Although his wrist was covered by sleeves, but
Xie Lian was sure that under it hid a ring of black cursed shackle.
Pei Ming also rose to his feet to double check that black clad youth’s identity, “His Highness Yin
Yu? Well I’ll be. I didn’t think we’d run into you here. What are you...”
Yin Yu scratched the tip of his nose with his finger and returned the greeting, “Ling Wen Zhen
Jun, General Pei, General Pei Junior.”
Suddenly, a voice humphed, “Yin Yu? You’re that Yin Yu who was thoroughly and miserably
defeated by his own shidi?”
The faces of the heavenly officials all stiffened, and that voice continued, “I gotta say, aren’t you
a little too pathetic? Banishment aside, I can’t believe you’d turn your back just like that and
went to become a ghost errand boy. Compared to that Quan Yi Zhen, you really got on badly,
and to think you’re his shixiong...”
That voice came from Rong Guang who was shut inside the pot. Pei Su instantly stuck a
talisman on to shut him up.
Even though, whether if it was under Jun Wu or Hua Chengzhu, Yin Yu was an errand boy and
there was no difference, still, to be in the same room as the heavenly colleagues of many years
now that he had become a ghost officer was like an arresting officer turned thief who was
exposed by old comrades, and the air was filled with awkwardness. No one knew what to say,
so Yin Yu could only turn around silently, and continued digging the hole with the Earth Master
shovel.
The group continued onwards as the path was dug. Pei Ming still had the brother of his friend on
mind and asked, “Since Hua Chengzhu managed to get the Earth Master shovel, does this
mean the two lords communicate with each other? I recall when I asked His Highness at the
time, His Highness excused My Lord and said My Lord wasn’t close with that Black Water
Demon Xuan, and for sure didn’t know his whereabouts. If it’s possible, will you give that Demon
Xuan a shout and ask him to please release Qing Xuan if he hasn’t killed him yet?”
However, Hua Cheng replied, “You’re mistaken. It’s true I don’t know Black Water’s
whereabouts.”
“Then where did the shovel come from?”
“I found it on the ground.” Hua Cheng said.
“...”
So he was going to stubbornly admit to nothing. What do? No one could do anything to him, and
under the current circumstances, everyone depended on him too, so Pei Ming could only snort,
“Alright, fine. Hua Chengzhu certainly is lucky to be able to come across a spiritual device so
easily.”
Ling Wen who was being carried on Pei Su’s back said out of habit, “This sacred shovel belongs
to heavenly officials of the Upper Court, will Hua Chengzhu return...” However, before he
finished realized he was no longer actively in office in the Upper Court and there was no need
for him to collect debt on its behalf, so he shut up.
Xie Lian rubbed his forehead and was just wondering whether if he should ask after it secretly
when he heard Hua Cheng say softly using a voice only he could hear, “Black Water ditched it.
After he stopped disguising himself as the Earth Master, he tossed the shovel away in the Ghost
City and fled. Before coming to Mount TongLu, I thought it might be useful so I sent for someone
to grab it.”
“I see.” Xie Lian replied, “And here I thought I could find out Lord Wind Master’s whereabouts...
this sacred shovel is perfect for dealing with the mountain spirits, San Lang really does think of
everything.”
“It’s only because I’ve gained experience from being suffocatingly chased by those mountain
spirits the last time, that’s all.” Hua Cheng replied.
Xie Lian tried in spite of himself to imagine Hua Cheng who entered Mount TongLu for the first
time charging through obstacles like a novice. Just then, a few small balls of tiny silver light
suddenly lit up, and it was those wraith butterflies who were shimmering in the darkness,
becoming guiding lights. Xie Lian hovered a palm under a small silver butterfly and looked
upwards, “Just what is this mountain spirit? Why do they attack us?”
“It’s hard to say what it is,” Hua Cheng replied, “When I first came, they’ve already existed for a
long time. But, it’s not that they were attacking us specifically. They will try to stop anyone who
wants to enter Mount TongLu, and if they can’t stop them, they will attack.”
“Attacking indiscriminately?” Xie Lian wondered, “If you think about it, their purpose is exactly
the same as ours. Lord Rain Master and His Highness Qi Ying are both here in Mount TongLu, I
hope nothing will happen to them.”
Yin Yu had been diligently digging and opening the path, but when he heard Quan Yi Zhen’s
name, his action seemed to have faltered for a moment. Xie Lian noticed and glanced at him,
recalling before when he wore a mask, he had met Quan Yi Zhen. Only, at the time, Yin Yu had
appeared like he didn’t know Quan Yi Zhen at all. If Quan Yi Zhen had known it was his shixiong
standing before him, what would’ve happened?
Ling Wen raised his head with difficulty, “Your Highness Yin Yu, have you seen His Highness Qi
Ying? He’s come to my Palace of Ling Wen many times to have me help him look for you.”
Yin Yu stammered for a second, “R-Really?”
“Really.” Ling Wen said, “When you first descended, he came almost once a day. Later, there
was never any news, so he came once every three days, then once every month. Until just
recently, he’d come at least once a year. He’d always felt there was a misunderstanding
between you in regards to the Brocade Immortal affair and wanted to hear your side of the story,
so he could explain it to others. Yet, there was never any sign of you nor any communication.”
Yin Yu fell silent and only heaved a sigh, refocusing on digging with renewed vigour. ‘He doesn’t
want to talk about it anymore.’ Xie Lian thought.
Ling Wen was also a perceptive individual and could tell too, so he didn’t say anymore either,
leaving Yin Yu to concentrate on opening the path. An unknown amount of time had passed
before Yin Yu spoke up, “Chengzhu, Your Highness, we’ve already dug about thirty miles. Do
we continue?”
That Earth Master shovel worked its magic like the winds and progressed through the ground as
if it was cutting tofu, leaving not a single mount of shredded earth behind. Since the group of
them ran like they were fleeing, they moved faster than when they were above ground, and in
the blink of an eye they actually ran for thirty miles. Xie Lian noticed that Yin Yu also included
him in the question and was confused, replying gently, “You don’t need to ask me.”
“It’s all the same.” Hua Cheng said, “What does gege think?”
Xie Lian gave it a thought, “Since we were almost out of the valley by the time the mountain
spirits came crushing, thirty miles should be far enough. Air underground isn’t sufficient, if we
keep going down here we might get dizzy, so let’s start digging upwards.”
Yin Yu acknowledged, “Yes sir!” And instantly changed directions, digging in a slant upwards,
even erecting beautiful mud stairs as he went. ‘This man really is outstanding as an assistant;
hands fast and competent, and not a single excessive word.’ Xie Lian remarked inwardly.
Everyone followed behind Yin Yu, and after climbing over ten steps, Xie Lian suddenly felt he
stepped on something hard and protruding from the ground. It wasn’t like rocks and it wasn’t like
mud, so he looked down and crouched, using his hands to scrape at the ground. A moment
later, his brows knitted slightly. Hua Cheng noticed and exclaimed, “Gege, don’t touch!”
However, it was too late. When Xie Lian stood up again, he already had dangling in each of his
hands a skull, “Everyone, a question. Have we dug into a mass grave?”
Pei Ming also pulled out a femur, sighing, “Probably. Look at the structure of this bone. It
must’ve belonged to an exquisitely beautiful woman with long, slender legs. To have her bones
buried here, what a real shame.”
“Very unfortunate indeed.” Hua Cheng said, “The legs are long, that’s for sure, but that’s the
bone of a man.”
Once Pei Ming heard it didn’t belong to a woman, he lost interest and tossed that femur away.
Hua Cheng added, “To say more accurately, it’s the bones of a man who’s deformed after
turning into a ghost, so there must be corpse poison on it.”
Pei Ming opened his palms, and sure enough, areas where his hands touched the bone now
oozed green corpse aura.
“Can you manage to keep your hands to yourself? Can you?” Ling Wen berated.
“Corpse, poison, won’t do any, harm. Gen, eral is a heavenly official, it’ll be fi, ne after a, while.”
Pei Su said.
Truthfully, that femur wasn’t just slender, it was also rather sturdy; it was robust and light when
swung, so Pei Ming picked it back up, wrapping the end tip with a cloth to hold it, looking like he
planned on using it as a weapon. “Your Highness, how come you’re fine holding those two
heads?”
Xie Lian gently put down the two skulls and showed his hands to the others. Turns out, his
palms were also radiating green, but that green was rapidly fading.
Xie Lian explained, “Truth to be told, I’ve been poisoned by corpses many times, at least eight
hundred times if not a thousand, so I’m quite immune to it now. This level of poison is still
manageable.”
Hearing this explanation, everyone thought it was silly for some reason and wanted to laugh.
Hua Cheng however, didn’t seem to be very happy, and he walked over, stepped on the skulls
and crushed them into pieces.
Xie Lian was at ease at first, but after he heard that violent, furiously brutal even, sound of
bones being crushed, he intuitively sensed Hua Cheng’s upset emotion. He wanted to ask what
was going on, but somehow felt he himself seemed to be the cause of this upset, and didn’t
dare to ask while stunned.
A moment later, Hua Cheng demanded, his voice flat, “What’s taking so long?”
The distance from the tunnel to the surface of the ground should only be no more than six
meters, and even if the distance might be slightly longer since they were digging at a slant, it still
shouldn’t have taken this long. Yin Yu was also baffled, “I’m confused too... Wait, it’s done. It’s
been dug through!”
Right after Hua Cheng’s inquiry the Earth Master’s shovel dug through to the surface, and Yin
Yu cleared a large hole, leaping out first, “We’re... out?”
The others climbed out. However, the moment their feet stepped onto the ‘surface’ of the
ground, they were all puzzled.
“We’re back above ground? That’s not right. What is this place?” Pei Ming asked.
The place where they’ve come out was definitely not the surface of the ground since light was
extremely dim. Ling Wen commented, “Since it was still day when we were walking through the
valley, there’s no reason why the skies would turn dark so fast.”
A few wraith butterflies flew out while shimmering, and circled around the area. The group finally
saw clearly just where they were.
This was an enormously large cave. Empty and spacious, the dome extremely high up and wide
like an ink black night sky. All around were innumerous small caves, and each cave lead to
different directions. Xie Lian was amazed, “Is this place man made or naturally formed?”
Hua Cheng crossed his arms and took a glance, “Naturally formed.”
Even though he still answered Xie Lian’s every question, Xie Lian still kept in mind that little
moment of awry earlier. Hua Cheng added, “The point we picked to dig upwards to earlier
happened to right under this mountain. We’ve dug into this mountain.”
Xie Lian nodded. “I see. Then let’s hurry and find the exit.”
Pei Su spoke up, “But, wh, ich way?”
That was the question of the hour. Other than those small caverns that no person could crawl
through, there were still at least seven or eight other cavities that could allow for people to pass
through. Xie Lian hugged his arms and contemplated, and Pei Su said, “Break, up, into, groups?
It’s the fastest way.”
Xie Lian dropped his arms. “No. Breaking up is the worst thing to do in this situation. If there
should be anything hiding in the shadows, then it’d be too easy to ambush us. I’d rather take
time to find the right path than divide our powers.”
Pei Ming held that new weapon made of femur in his hand, seeming to have gotten addicted to
swinging it, and spoke as he swung it, “Then let’s move together. Let’s go this way first.”
Thus, the group picked a path and moved together. Hua Cheng and Xie Lian took the lead at
the very front. After walking silently for a while, Xie Lian tried testing the waters and whispered,
“San Lang?”
Hua Cheng seemed to have long since come around and answered, “Does gege have
questions?”
Xie Lian felt it’d be awkward to ask if he was angry earlier and replied offhandedly, “No, it’s
nothing. Just... this tunnel is all winding and twisted like intestines, I’m a little dizzy.”
Hua Cheng instantly replied, “Then do you want to take a break?”
He didn’t sound like he was joking at all. Xie Lian hurriedly said, “No need, no need.” Behind
them, Pei Ming piped up, “Did I hear that right? Your Highness, you get dizzy from a little
walking?”
“...” Xie Lian also felt his offhanded reply just now was somewhat embarrassing, like he was
forcibly making conversation, so he pretended like he didn’t hear Pei Ming’s comment and
spoke up solemnly, “Everyone, do follow closely, this tunnel has many turns and corners, so it’s
easy for things to happen...”
As he spoke, he turned his head back to look and he instantly stopped from shock, grabbing
Hua Cheng to stop him too, “San Lang!”
“What is it?” Hua Cheng asked and turned to look back too, then he also frowned.
There was no one behind them!
Right before he spoke, Pei Ming was still not far behind them teasing, yet now, in that dark cave
it was empty except for the two of them. Hua Cheng immediately gripped Xie Lian’s shoulder,
his voice dark, “Gege, stay close to me. Don’t run off anywhere.”
Xie Lian also held his breath, tense and alert, “Is there something hiding in this mountain?”
“No.” Hua Cheng said, “But it’s precisely because there’s nothing that’s it’s worrisome.”
Because this meant there’s something that could come close under their radar and kidnap
everyone away!
——–
Ch.158: Buried Together Alive; No Resting in Peace in the Earth
Xie Lian said in a low whisper, “...There’s no way it can steal behind us and do something so
major without us noticing.”
Even if Xie Lian didn’t believe in his own ability to observe, he believed in Hua Cheng’s.
Besides, to be real, when it came to gut instincts for danger, he trusted himself quite a bit. “Let’s
retrace our steps and see.” Hua Cheng said.
The two walked side by side and returned the way they came, turning and rounding corners in
the cave for a while before they came to a stop.
It wasn’t that they voluntarily stopped, but rather, there was no more path to go on and were
forced to stop. Even though that tunnel was winding and full of turns, it was still only just the one
path, yet now before they even reached the starting point, there was a cold, hard stone wall that
appeared out of nowhere!
The two never faltered. Xie Lian wondered, “Is this an illusion or is this real?”
A silver butterfly languidly flew over, and tapped lightly on that rugged stone wall. There was
nothing out of place but it was bounded back. “It’s real.” Hua Cheng said.
Xie Lian nodded, “Then this is troublesome.”
There were usually two types of demonic walls: the first type made one see an illusion, meaning
one would think there was a wall when there wasn’t, and was nothing but an illusion. This type
was easy to get rid of; just touch it or give yourself a slap, pour a bucket of cold water to wake
up then go up to touch it.
The second type muddled one’s sense of direction and memories of the path. This type was a
little more powerful. For example, at a fork in the road, when you thought you had chosen the
left, in reality, your mind was confounded and you actually went right instead. And the so-called
“The Devil’s Turn Around in Circles” was but a small trick: when people step with their left and
right feet, there was naturally a slight deviation between the steps, and inhuman creatures
would confound your mind to widen this deviation. Thus, without knowing, when you thought
you had been walking in a straight line, in reality you would’ve walked in a large circle, and once
you’ve made a round back you would be puzzled: Eh? How did I end up back here again?!
However, to the two of them, both methods were but meager tricks. As for this cold stone wall
before them, it was actually the third type: it was real.
Xie Lian was just thinking whether if he should brutishly punch through this wall to see what was
behind it when he heard Hua Cheng speak up, “Gege, give me your hand.”
Xie Lian: “?”
Although puzzled, he still obediently gave Hua Cheng his hand. Hua Cheng gently grasped his
hand and held it in his palm, his other hand hovering over like he was putting something on him.
Xie Lian held his breath for a moment, and soon after, he raised his hand, curious, “This is?”
On the third finger of his left hand was a very thin red string, and it was Hua Cheng who had
personally tied it on him. This red string also extended out, long and ceaselessly connecting
with the red string knotted around Hua Cheng’s finger.
Hua Cheng raised his own hand and showed him the tiny butterfly red knot that’s now identical
on both their fingers, smiling, “Now we’re joined together.”
Hearing this, Xie Lian could feel his face grow hot. Maybe he was a little too self-conscious, and
he hurriedly rubbed his face, scared that Hua Cheng might notice his heart was beating faster
than normal. He smiled, “Is this some sort of a spell?”
“En.” Hua Cheng straightened his expression somewhat and dropped his hand, “Even though
we won’t be separating voluntarily, but just in case. This string won’t break and won’t grow
shorter. If the string doesn’t break, then it means the person on the other end is alright. Unless
the person is no more, otherwise, this string will for sure lead to the other.”
“What do you mean ‘no more’?” Xie Lian asked.
“Dead, or dissipated.” Hua Cheng explained.
Xie Lian was about to speak when suddenly, the faint sounds of tremors came from the
distance. He listened tensely and wondered, “Is someone throwing fists?”
This power and frequency, it was as if someone was throwing punches heavily at the body of
the mountain. Xie Lian remarked, “This power definitely doesn’t belong to a mortal, it must be a
martial god. Could it be General Pei?”
“It’s coming from ahead of us.” Hua Cheng observed.
This “ahead” naturally meant the way they intended to head in, but had to turn back because
Pei Ming and the others disappeared halfway. However, Pei Ming and the others disappeared
behind them, so how could they suddenly reappear ahead? And if it wasn’t Pei Ming, then who
could it be?
The two exchanged a look and walked side by side, ready to check things out. However,
halfway down the path, that mountain punching sound suddenly disappeared, unknown whether
if it was intentional or because energy was depleted.
But since they had already come this far, why would they turn back? Thus, Xie Lian and Hua
Cheng continued to walk in the direction where the sound came from. A few silver butterflies
danced in the bluish, dark cave ahead of them, lighting their way. Suddenly, Xie Lian sharply
caught sight of something odd on the stone wall on the side, “What’s that? A red string?”
From afar, they really couldn’t tell what it was, but it was exceedingly bizarre, looking like a red
string but much thicker and it kept twisting, appearing more like a red, long worm. Xie Lian
approached easily and looked at it closely, “Isn’t this Ban Yue’s scorpion tailed snake?”
Sure enough, it was the bottom half of one of the wine red scorpion tailed snake bared on the
outside of the wall, twisting and throwing its body. Its upper half body seemed to be buried into
the stone wall. Xie Lian wondered, “Did it crawl into a hole and couldn’t get out?”
“Probably not.” Hua Cheng said.
This scorpion tailed snake’s entire body was hung in mid air, and snakes didn’t climbed walls, so
how could it have slithered to such a height before crawling into a hole? Besides, there were
many holes on this stone wall, so if it must slither, why pick such a small one? This ‘hole’ was
also strange, almost the exact same shape as the snake’s body, which was why it trapped it so
completely.
Xie Lian had wanted to grab hold of that snake and pull it out to see, but that snake was
abnormally alert, swinging its tail madly, randomly pricking, almost stinging Xie Lian. Thus, Hua
Cheng flicked it, looking like he did so very casually, but that snake seemed to have been
shocked by it and became too stunned to move. Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,
and was just about to speak when he suddenly closed his mouth, “Do you hear that?”
“I hear it.” Hua Cheng said.
The two looked ahead at the same time.
In the darkness, there was the sound of a series of low breathing, very steady, very calm.
The two wraith butterflies dallied and danced around each other, and fluttered towards that
breathing sound, flying higher and higher, the silver light also lifting higher. Gradually, a pair of
hands were illuminated.
It was the hands of a person. The hands of a man. The back of the hands were spotted with
blood, covered with gashes, drooping down like the dead. Going up further, the messy head of a
person was illuminated, and that head was also drooping like the dead.
However, there was no lower body.
That’s right. This person who was “hung” so highly upon the stone wall didn’t have a lower body.
He only bared an upper half body like he was grown straight out of the stone wall!
In the past, Xie Lian had seen some nobles and aristocrats who when they’ve successfully
hunted rare game, would cut off the game’s head, treat it with chemical solutions to prevent it
from rotting and hang it on the walls of their residence. The sight before him now reminded him
of the heads of tigers, bucks, wolves, and other such beasts that were hung on those walls
neatly in a row. However, this man was clearly still breathing, so he was still alive!
Xie Lian took a step closer, “What is this creature? The true body of the mountain spirit?”
However, there was no response coming from next to him. Xie Lian suddenly felt his heart go
cold. He whipped his head around and sure enough – Hua Cheng was gone!
“SAN LANG?!” Xie Lian exclaimed.
Naturally, no one answered, but the man hung on the wall mumbled, like he was talking in his
sleep but about to wake. Under the current circumstances however, Xie Lian had not a bit of
interest in him, and turned around in a circle twice standing where he was when suddenly, he
remembered the red string tied around his finger and raised it in cheer. Sure enough, that red
string was still there, unbroken. Thus, Xie Lian relaxed a little, and he picked up that red string,
pulling it as he walked. Walk and walk, and reached the end of the thread.
The other end of this red string was linked into a stone wall!
Xie Lian couldn’t believe it and yanked at it twice, but more red string was pulled out incessantly
from within the stone wall, making him wonder was Hua Cheng actually inside this stone wall at
this very moment?
When he thought that might be a possibility, without another word, Xie Lian raised Fang Xin and
was ready to shatter this wall. Yet unexpectedly, the tip of his sword hadn’t even touched the
stone wall when his sight suddenly went black, and as if the stone wall before him suddenly
opened a giant mouth, it howled and swallowed his entire person whole!
The blackness of his sight didn’t go away quickly, and as Xie Lian was swallowed, it grew darker
and darker. All around was sand and mud crushing at him, exceedingly suffocating. The sand
and mud was also moving endlessly, the feeling was like he was swallowed into the stomach of
a giant monster, and that monster had also eaten a bunch of other things besides him, tumbling
everything in its stomach trying to digest. It also felt like he was sunken into a quicksand, unable
to exert power thought he had the strength, and the more he tried to struggle the deeper he’d
sink. Xie Lian wanted to break the wall to escape but then thought perhaps Hua Cheng was
probably in here, so instead of backing out he moved forward, swinging his arms to break away
the earth and sand as he pulled at the red string to continue onwards. Just then, a hand
suddenly stretched out from the front, seizing his wrist without fault. Xie Lian was alarmed,
“WHO?!”
The moment he opened his mouth it was filled with a mouthful of mud, and he spat it out
miserably. As for that hand, it clutched him and pulled, pulling him into someone’s arms, a
familiar voice coming from above his head, “Gege, it’s me!”
Hearing that voice, Xie Lian’s entire person relaxed, hugging the other tightly, blurting, “...Thank
goodness, the red string didn’t break. I really did find you!”
Hua Cheng also embraced him back tightly, speaking with conviction, “It didn’t break! I’ve found
you too.”
Turns out, the weird incident that happened to the two was the same. Xie Lian was observing
that half-bodied man hung high on the wall, and Hua Cheng was keeping an eye on their
surroundings, guarding against anything that might ambush them from the shadows. Yet
unexpectedly, it only took a blink of an eye for Xie Lian who was standing next to him to
disappear, a stone wall erected out of nowhere standing in his stead. Hua Cheng pulled at the
red string, searching as he followed, and discovered the ends were linked into the wall, so he
went in directly to look for Xie Lian.
In truth, from the very beginning there was just the extra wall separating them, but both had
thought the other were within the wall, so they both went in at the same time. Xie Lian repeated
again for the umpteeth time mentally that Hua Cheng really thought of everything, “Thank
goodness we’re linked by a red string! Otherwise, who knows if we’d find each other. No wonder
General Pei and the others disappeared so abruptly, so it wasn’t anyone who ambushed, but
rather... they were swallowed by the mountain spirit.”
“That’s right.” Hua Cheng said, “We didn’t pick a good spot and ended up digging right into the
stomach of the mountain spirit.”
Xie Lian cleared his throat softly.
That’s right. They were currently no doubt in the stomach of one of the three mountain spirits. At
the time when Ying Yu asked Xie Lian whether to dig upwards, the chosen location just
happened to be the resting place of this mountain spirits, and Xie Lian cheerfully agreed. His
luck truly was completely out of this world, no lie. The sand and mud from all around were
crushing their space, squishing tighter and tighter, becoming more and more suffocating. Xie
Lian felt they really shouldn’t stay in that place any longer and asked, “How do we get out now?”
Hua Cheng replied, “It got dug through at the bottom so it’s not very happy. It’s trying to digest
us at the moment, so it’s a bit troublesome. But, rest assured gege, we’ll get out eventually.”
Then he joked, “To die buried together* probably feels like this.”
When Xie Lian heard he was slightly taken aback, but the corners of his lips actually curved
upwards. When he noticed he hastily suppressed it, “The half-bodied man outside was probably
also swallowed by the mountain spirit. The mountain punching sound we heard must be him
trying to escape, pounding at the stone walls. He and that scorpion snake are the same, they
weren’t swallowed fully, and was only half devoured.” Which was why the effect was
exceedingly creepy.
“But he’s not someone from the party that came to Mount TongLu with us.” Hua Cheng pointed
out.
Xie Lian suddenly recalled that messy hair and said, “Wait, I know who that was. It was probably
Qi Ying!”
Hua Cheng thought for a bit before he seemed to remember, “Oh, the one with the curly hair.”
“I wonder if he’s alright,” Xie Lian said, “Did he pass out? He seemed to have lost
consciousness earlier.”
“He’s fine, just asleep.” Hua Cheng said.
“...”
“How do you know?” Xie Lian asked.
“I left a few silver butterflies outside.” Hua Cheng said, “I sent one over just now. My right eye
can see the present situation outside.”
Just as the words left his lips, he “Hm?”-ed lightly, seeming to have seen something strange.
“What’s happened outside?” Xie Lian asked.
Hua Cheng didn’t say anything, only bowing his head slightly, gently lifting Xie Lian’s chin as the
two touched foreheads. Xie Lian’s eyes widened, but then he closed his eyes, then reopened
his eyes, “This is... truly magical.”
His right eye seemed to see a scene completely different than what was before him. Although
still dark, but he could still see the general silhouettes of things.
This silver butterfly that was monitoring the external world seemed to be hiding behind a bunch
of weeds, and below the scene, a black shadow was slowly approaching. Xie Lian whispered,
“Someone’s come, I wonder who it is. Where is your silver butterfly hiding? Would it be
discovered?”
“It’s in his hair,” Hua Cheng said, “The light is hidden, it won’t be discovered.”
That black shadow finally approached close enough and lifted his head, his face pale white.
“Yin Yu?” Xie Lian said.
———–
●[生同衾，死同穴] “Same quilt when alive; same cave (grave) when dead” – This is a
verse from “The Propitious Pavilion of Romance” one of the tales recorded in the book
“Mount QingPing Hall Novella Collection”, which was the oldest recorded novella
collection in Chinese history. This verse describes a married couple who are intimately in
love.
When Hua Cheng said “To die buried together”, he was quoting the second half of this
verse that basically had the same sentiment as ‘not even death shall do us part’.
———-
Ch.159: This Jade Refuses to be a Thrown Away Brick
It was indeed Yin Yu.
That Earth Master shovel was still in his hand. With the divine device still in his grip, even if he
was swallowed by a mountain spirit he could still swiftly dig out a path to escape, thus, it wasn’t
strange for him to appear here. After all, Quan Yi Zhen’s furious pounding earlier was
considerably alarming.
Since the images the left and the right eyes saw were different, it was quite uncomfortable, and
Xie Lian blinked lightly, which made him discover that even with his eyes closed his right eye
could still see the scene outside, thus he just kept his eyes closed. Just then, the field of vision
suddenly shuddered, then wildly shook, swinging from left to right. It appeared Quan Yi Zhen
finally came to and was shaking his head.
Seeing him look up, Yin Yu reacted swiftly and raised his hand to bring his ghost mask down to
cover his face. However, Quan Yi Zhen didn’t have the time to mind him at all since the moment
he woke, his entire body was violently yanked backwards and another chunk sank.
That mountain spirit had swallowed another chunk of Quan Yi Zhen’s body!
Taking advantage of the fact his arms were still out, Quan Yi Zhen continued to smash at the
wall with his fists while trying to pull himself out at the same time. However, this mountain spirit
was probably thousands of years in age, its wicked powers immense, and it opened its mouth
wide to suck again. Quan Yi Zhen was sinking deeper and deeper, until the sound of wall
pounding disappeared as both his hands seemed have been dragged into the stone wall. Right
at the same time, the mountain spirit seemed have stopped its movements. However, Quan Yi
Zhen had only a head left exposed on the outside.
It seemed only then did he realize there was someone standing below him and demanded
without thinking, “Who are you?”
Yin Yu didn’t respond, but through his mask, the sharpness of his eyes could be seen.
Those eyes made one feel chills. Xie Lian couldn’t help but think, ‘...Those don’t look like the
eyes that desired a reunion at all?’
Quan Yi Zhen continued to speak without thinking, “Is that shovel in your hand? Help dig me out
of this wall, I want to come out.”
He had always talked this way. Naive, matter of fact, fearless and unconcerned of
consequences, almost like that of a child. He didn’t even ask who the other was before making
him help, completely inconscient of whether if the peculiar shadowed figure who appeared
under such a circumstance would be there to kill him. Hearing his demand, Yin Yu’s hand that
was holding the Earth Master shovel gripped harder.
A moment later, with that snow bright shovel in his grip, he slowly approached Quan Yi Zhen.
Taking one step after the other, like he was a murderer about to commit a major crime. For
some reason, watching this play out was making Xie Lian grow anxiously unnerved, “...Wait,
why does it look like he wants to gouge out Qi Ying’s head with the shovel?”
“He just might.” Hua Cheng said.
Xie Lian: “???”
Hua Cheng added, “But, we can’t have him kill Quan Yi Zhen for the moment. Right now the
mountain spirit can only swallow whole so digestion isn’t easy, but if Quan Yi Zhen dies leaving
only a corpse, then he’d be much easier to digest. If the mountain spirit should devour a
heavenly official, its powers would grow exponentially, so it’d mean more trouble for us to get
out.”
Xie Lian quickly said, “Wait, wait, wait, wait. San Lang, easy digestion aside, Yin Yu is your
subordinate, so in your understanding of him, do you think he will kill Qi Ying? Do they have a
deep grudge between them?”
Qi Ying had been so determined in his search for Yin Yu, and since they were shixiong and shidi
under the same sect, there was no way he couldn’t have seen clearly his character, so Xie Lian
thought that Quan Yi Zhen believed Yin Yu was someone worthy for him to seek. And with Quan
Yi Zhen’s personality, he couldn’t have done anything for anyone to want to kill him.
Hua Cheng replied, “There isn’t. But, sometimes, the desire to kill someone didn’t have to come
from some deep grudge; it can very well come from small matters. Especially small matters you
yourself don’t notice.”
“What small matters?” Xie Lian asked.
Just as the words left his lips, the scene his right eye saw had changed. What he saw wasn’t
Hua Cheng’s red robes and it wasn’t the scene of one man facing one head on the stone wall
outside, but a large street. Xie Lian was just about to ask what this was when he heard a
bustling noise coming from ahead.
There was a crowd of cultivators on the road, seeming to be surrounding someone and yelling
furiously. When he looked closer, he discovered that among the crowd was a small child
crouched down, his head full of curly hair, his face covered in blood.
To be surrounded and yelled at by such a crowd, if it was any normal child they would’ve been
terrified and crying already, but this child was only about ten years of age, and not only was he
not scared, he seemed to be excited even, his eyes darting around, his little fists itching to be
tested. Just then, a young cultivator pushed through the crowd and approached, “Let it go, stop
yelling, he should know he’s wrong by now.”
Xie Lian “eh”-ed softly.
That young cultivator had bright eyes, a glowing, spirited face, his back straight standing tall, it
was Yin Yu.
However, perhaps it was because this was when Yin Yu was at the height of his youth, his air
confident and bold, and his will not yet dimmed from the wear and drain of time, appearing to be
much brighter than the faint impression he left in Xie Lian’s mind when they first met, and
anyone would call him an impressive young man. They were practically two different people. Xie
Lian remarked inwardly, ‘He wasn’t so boringly plain back then!’
Hua Cheng laughed out loud, “Who wasn’t young once?”
Only then did Xie Lian realized he accidently spoke his mind out loud, “San Lang’s right eye can
see these things too?”
“It’s not my right eye that can see it, it’s something else that did. I’m only borrowing it for
viewing, that’s all.”
“Amazing. Incredible.” Xie Lian was amazed.
“It’s easy.” Hua Cheng said, “If you are to pick a subordinate, you must do a thorough
background check. This I’m still pretty good at. If in the future gege has a need and wants to
search someone’s background, come find me anytime.”
Just then, in the scene their right eye was showing, another quietly handsome young man
around Yin Yu’s age said furiously, “Knew he’s wrong my ass! Look at him, does it look like he
knew he was in the wrong? This brat doesn’t know anything at all! We were minding our own
business doing our morning training and he ruined the session with his randomly thrown rocks
and mud, we’ve gotta teach him a lesson!”
Yin Yu stopped him, “Let it go, Jian Yu. He’s already been beaten by you like this, I’m sure he
won’t dare to do it again next time. You’ve all vented your anger, what more is there to
discipline? If you discipline him anymore he’s going to die. Look at this child dressed like this,
there mustn’t be anyone at home and no one to discipline him. Just ignore him and go back to
calm down.”
Jian Yu spat as he turned around, “I’m telling you this brat is mental, he’s not normal! Look at
him, looking so happy when people are beating him up! I think he wants to go another round!”
Yin Yu pushed them away to leave, “Sigh! You said yourself he’s mental, so why bother so much
with him?”
It was easy to tell that Yin Yu’s words had weight among those of his sect, and while the crowd
was still upset, they still went away. Yin Yu took a look at the child sitting on the ground, and he
crouched down, but before he even opened his mouth, this little child scooped a handful of mud
and threw it to his face, his expression still excited.
The mud hit Yin Yu squarely in the face and he was speechless for a moment. He wiped himself
clean and asked, “Little kid, why are you so mischievous? Why did you hit the cultivators of our
temple?”
That small child leapt up and struck an attacking stance, “Come at me!”
“...”
Yin Yu stood up, “This attacking stance is of our sect, who taught you?”
That small child only urged, “Come at me!” And jumped up and down where he was like a silly
little monkey, and he even grabbed for handfuls of mud and rocks from the ground to throw at
his ‘opponent’, incredibly accurate in his aim. Yin Yu was older than him by a few years, and
minding his own status, he couldn’t fight a child, so he ended up running around while dodging
the attacks, “This fighting stance also came from our sect, did you climb the walls and peek to
learn in secret everyday...Stop hitting me! I SAID, STOP HITTING ME! I DIDN’T EVEN HIT
YOU! DO YOU REALLY LIKE FIGHTING SO MUCH?!”
Yet unexpectedly, when those words came out, Quan Yi Zhen actually did come to a sudden
stop and nodded, rubbing his muddy, grimy little hands, “I like it.”
He actually said it so seriously, both Xie Lian and Yin Yu were stunned.
There was no need to say who this child was. Xie Lian was in awe, “Qi Ying really is a martial
fanatic. He was born to be a martial god.”
Even though at that moment, others all thought Quan Yi Zhen was a mental child, Xie Lian felt
he could relate.
Since, there must be ‘fanaticism’ towards something first before one can achieve a state of
‘godly’.
When it came to this point, those who could understand this sense of obsession meant there
was potential, that there was a possibility; and those who couldn’t and only knew how to taunt
those ‘mental’ ‘idiots’, would have no hope in this path from the very beginning.
Yin Yu blinked then laughed. But he didn’t laugh for very long before another ball of mud was
splattered on his face, and he quickly called out, “Hey! I said stop hitting me... Listen to me!
How about – do you want to enter our sect and learn how to fight?”
Hearing this, Quan Yi Zhen’s movements stopped, a ball of mud in his hand, but Xie Lian didn’t
know whether if he threw it because soon after, right at that moment the stone wall outside
came a resounding CLUNK sound, and Yin Yu had stabbed the Earth Master shovel on the wall.
He didn’t actually break Quan Yi Zhen’s neck with his shovel, but that sharp metal brushed past
Quan Yi Zhen’s face, exceedingly deadly.
That silver butterfly hidden in Quan Yi Zhen’s hair was quite steady, and while it didn’t flutter
from the sudden strike, the image Xie Lian saw in his right eye changed from the shock, and he
blurted in spite of himself, “DON’T!”
Hua Cheng however, seemed to have expected this already. “Just watch. He certainly does
have the intention, but his killing intent isn’t that strong yet.”
Quan Yi Zhen only had a head exposed on the outside, “You want to kill me?”
Yin Yu didn’t respond.
Quan Yi Zhen seemed to be confused, “Have I done something wrong?”
Xie Lian also asked, “Did he do something?”
“It’s difficult to say.” Hua Cheng said, “Gege, watch for yourself.”
Then, the vision before Xie Lian’s right eye showed a cultivation hall with long white walls and
black tiles. Yin Yu looked a few years older than earlier, and was sitting poised, pouring over a
desk writing fervently. Next to him was a large crowd of trainees crying their grievances, angry
and hungry for justice, “Yin Yu shixiong, the way Quan Yi Zhen eats is too unbearable! Every
time at meal time his rice would spray everywhere, and he eats three times as much as
everyone, like he’s a starving ghost or something, hogging the rice bucket, no one could eat
well!”
“Yin Yu shixiong, I can’t live with him anymore, I want to change rooms. He’s always so cranky
in the mornings I worry everyday that he’ll kick and break my ribs, I can’t deal with him!”
“Yin Yu shixiong, I don’t want to be in his group anymore. That bastard never cooperates with
others nor is he considerate of anyone, he only cares to throw fists randomly and show off, I’d
rather be in the same group as the weakest shidi than with him!”
Yin Yu was getting overwhelmed by all the complaints, “Alright, alright, then, how about this. I’ll
investigate first, and after I’ve investigated I’ll think of what the best course of action is. Go back
for today.”
The one who slapped the table and complained the loudest was of course Jian Yu, and he
obviously wasn’t satisfied with this response, “Yin Yu, you shouldn’t have had the Master take
that brat in in the first place, now trouble’s come through the door. Look, how long has he been
with us now? What days has he not caused chaos? What days has he not caused destruction?!”
The crowd were trying to force his hand so Yin Yu tried to pacify them, “It’s not like the things he
did were that bad...”
“NOT THAT BAD?! HE’S KILLED OUR PEACE AND QUIET, SO HOW CAN WE CULTIVATE IN
PEACE?”
“Yea, there’s never been this much trouble in the past!”
Yin Yu could only say, “Yi Zhen didn’t mean anything malicious, he’s just too ignorant of the
ways of the world and didn’t know how to get along with others.”
“Ignorance of the ways of the world isn’t a pass for pardon, if he doesn’t know can’t he learn?
Since we all live in this world full of people, then you must learn how to get along with others.
How old is he now, he can’t always be like a child? There are people who are dads now at his
age!”
“Master’s favouritism aside, this brat has only been here for how many years? The moment he
came he took over all the benefits; the best training hall was given to him, the best potion
produced every season is given to him, he can even skip morning and evening lessons, exempt
from reciting sutras, and even when the master catches him he’d only get lightly reprimanded,
no lectures at all! WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT HIM?! Ying Yu shixiong! You’re the eldest
disciple, if you act like that then we’d all let it go, we’ve nothing to say. But who the hell is he?
No education, no manners, so what if he’s talented? None of us will accept him!”
This had the veiled intent to alienate Quan Yi Zhen and the crowd all agreed in unison. When
Yin Yu heard, his expression instantly grew dim, and he gripped his brush. Xie Lian thought
things were getting discouraging.
Those with ordinary patience would easily fall for this hook, and if it was someone narrow
minded, then even without the hook he would’ve already be jumping on his feet, so when the
lure flashed, wouldn’t he just explode?
However, unexpectedly, after some contemplation, Yin Yu put down his brush and admonished
solemnly, “Shidi, I think what you are all saying isn’t right.”
The crowd was taken aback. Yin Yu continued, “I’m going to say something unpleasant. No
matter what path we cultivate, talent truly is something incredible. Besides, not only is he
talented, he’s willing to work hard. If you really think the master is playing favourites, then let’s
work harder to keep up with him, overtake him, and the training halls, the potion halls will
naturally open their doors to everyone then. If everyone has the time to be mad, then why not
use that energy to cultivate and train more, am I right?”
Hearing his reprimand, everyone’s enthusiasm dropped, but they still said, “Shixiong is being
generous, not disputing with him.”
“This patience alone threw him out for ten thousand miles.”
Jian Yu however, warned, “Yin Yu, you speak for him today, but be careful of him screwing you
over in the future!”
In any case, after this round of complaints, neither parties were pleased. After the crowd of
fellow disciples left, Yin Yu closed the door and was about the shut the windows when he
suddenly found there was someone perched on it, and he jumped in surprise, “Who’s there?!”
Quan Yi Zhen had his head bowed, perching on the window sill, and once Yin Yu saw that it was
him, he questioned, “When did you come?” He pulled at him but Quan Yi Zhen didn’t move, “Yi
Zhen, if you’re going to perch, find a different place to perch. I’m going to shut the window.”
Quan Yi Zhen suddenly asked, “Shixiong, am I annoying?”
————–
Ch.160: This Jade Refuses to be a Thrown Away Brick 2
Yin Yu puffed a dry laugh and said, “You heard?”
Quan Yi Zhen nodded, and Yin Yu’s expression grew complicated, scratching the bridge of his
nose with the joint of a finger, “...You’re... not... that bad... I guess...”
Any normal person would’ve picked up on how forced the words were, but Quan Yi Zhen
seemed to have only took them at face value. “Oh.”
Yin Yu could tell he took it for truth and smiled, before finally giving him some encouragement,
“You don’t need to mind them. You didn’t do anything wrong, really. It’s good like this too.”
Anyone with clear eyes could see that the shixiong and shidis couldn’t stand Quan Yi Zhen and
found fault everywhere not because his appetite was big, not because he’s cranky in the
mornings, and not because he’s inconsiderate of others in groups and only cared to show
himself off.
At the end of the day, what they really couldn’t stand was the last part: he entered the latest but
received the most.
Quan Yi Zhen nodded, “I think so too.”
Yin Yu patted his shoulder, “Go train! That’s the most important. Don’t think about anything
unnecessary.”
Thus Quan Yi Zhen hopped off the window. Looking at where he was headed, he indeed went to
train. As for Yin Yu, he shut the window and also picked up the books on the desk and started
studying.
After watching the two scenarios, Xie Lian praised, “San Lang, this subordinate of yours really is
a rare character. What a great personality.” But then he remembered the Yin Yu outside just now
almost gouged out Quan Yi Zhen’s head with the Earth Master shovel, and quickly asked, “Is
everything alright out there?”
Hua Cheng thus showed him the outside. Yin Yu had calmed down, pulled out the Earth Master
shovel, and seemed to be contemplating just what he should do with Quan Yi Zhen’s head. Xie
Lian relaxed a little and said, “I suppose the problems between them started after ascension?”
“Correct.” Hua Cheng replied.
Then, a sumptuous great hall appeared before Xie Lian’s eye.
Yin Yu sat poised and proper in the centre of the grand hall, and Jian Yu and Quan Yi Zhen
stood guard behind him, one on the left and one on the right. Within the hall, gods after gods
came in and about; they were all heavenly officials of the Upper Court. Xie Lian saw many
familiar faces, like the male Ling Wen, the apathetic Pei Ming, Lang Qian Qiu with his perfect
smile... they were all in formal attire with attending junior officials behind them holding large, red
gift boxes in their hands.
Obviously, this was the Heavenly Court, the Palace of Yin Yu. This day was the Palace Opening
Ceremony of the Palace of Yin Yu, the grand, propitious day his divine residence was erected.
Xie Lian was slightly amazed. It wasn’t hard for Hua Cheng to see the images of the mortal
realm. The mortal realm was his domain, and as long as he wanted to cast the net, any
pedestrian, feral spirit, birds and beasts could all become his eyes. However, the Heavenly
Court was the heaven’s boundary, so how could he see it too?
Hua Cheng seemed to have guessed what he was thinking and said, “Gege, take a look at the
corner near the hall entrance.”
Xie Lian listened to him and gazed over. The perimeters of this ‘corner’ was actually quite big,
because this grand hall was not small, and next to the corner of the hall entrance had at least
over ten figures going in and out. Hua Cheng added, “Guess which one is Black Water?”
Only then did Xie Lian remember that He Xuan had always been undercover in the Upper Court,
and it must’ve been him who had been selling all the information to Hua Cheng. Xie Lian
focused and tried to guess, and a moment later, he found one that seemed to match, “That one
in black?”
“This guess is too conservative, it’s wrong. Guess again.” Hua Cheng said.
“That one not smiling nor speaking?” Xie Lian tried again.
“Wrong again.” Hua Cheng said.
He guessed a number of people and they were all wrong. Just then, someone announced,
“PRESENTING: LORD WIND MASTER–”
Xie Lian instantly looked to the entrance of the grand hall. Shi Qing Xuan was fanning his wind
master fan, strolling swayingly as he crossed over the threshold, his face bright full of the
breeze of spring. He tossed his gift box on the side and raised his hands in courtesy,
“Congratulations to the Palace of Yin Yu for its grand opening, I’ve come late, give me wine as
punishment, hahahaha!”
Yin Yu, sitting in his throne, smiled, “Nonsense, My Lord is not late. Lord Wind Master, please
this way!”
Hua Cheng finally revealed the answer, “It’s this one.”
Xie Lian: “??? Lord Wind Master is Black Water?”
Now that was too incredible. Hua Cheng laughed, “Gege misunderstood. Not this one, the one
behind him.”
Xie Lian looked closely, and saw standing at the side of the hall entrance behind Shi Qing Xuan
was a low ranking heavenly official responsible for receiving gifts from all the guests, his
appearance undistinguished but fervent smiles covered his face. Shi Qing Xuan crossed into the
hall looking very pleased, and casually tossed him a small pearl as tips. That heavenly official’s
eyes shone, catching the pearl with both his hands, and thanked My Lord profusely, looking
every part a servant. Xie Lian couldn’t help but comment, “...That’s Black Water? A Black Water
with such a bright smile?”
“That’s him.” Hua Cheng said, “The smile is fake, that’s all. The man has at least over fifty
clones stationed throughout the Heavenly Court, each with a different identity so he could
monitor over eighty heavenly officials of the Upper Court and over three hundred heavenly
officials of the Middle Court. Otherwise, with just the Earth Master identity it’s far from
adequate.”
“...” Xie Lian couldn’t help but be in absolute awe of Black Water’s acting, his ability to plant
pawns, and inconceivably exuberant energy, “Then, where are those fifty some clones now?”
“Jun Wu is probably pulling out those nails one by one right now.” Hua Cheng replied.
Just as the words left his lips. A sudden sharp voice suddenly came from the outside, “Your
Highness YIN YU, YOU BETTER GIVE US A GOOD EXPLANATION TODAY FOR YOUR
SHIDI!”
The smiles on all the heavenly officials instantly dropped, and they all looked to the sound at the
same time. It appeared there was someone who intended to barge in but was stopped, so they
were unrelentingly yelling outside, “ARE YOU NOT GOING TO DISCIPLINE YOUR SHIDI
QUAN YI ZHEN WHO BEAT UP HEAVENLY OFFICIALS OF HIGHER RANKS?”
Yin Yu’s light smile disappeared, and he lowered his voice, questioning the two behind him,
“What’s going on? Yi Zhen, you picked another fight with someone?”
“Yea.” Quan Yi Zhen replied.
Jian Yu bulged his eyes in rage, gritting his teeth, “You again, you stinkin’ brat!”
When incidents like these happen, Shi Qing Xuan was always the first to speak, and he spoke
up after tucking his whisk in his back collar, “What’s going on? Today is the Palace Grand
Opening, so why can’t this wait?”
To cause havoc on someone’s propitious day, they’re either blind and ignorant or they were
trying to pick fights on purpose. The mob outside the palace yelled, “WELL NOW, SO IT’S My
Lord’S JOYOUS PALACE GRAND OPENING DAY, WE DIDN’T KNOW. BUT HE DIDN’T
CHOOSE HIS DAYS WHEN HE CAME LOOKING FOR FIGHTS, SO WHY DO WE NEED TO
CHOOSE DAYS WHEN WE’RE SEEKING REVENGE? QUAN YI ZHEN BELONGS TO THE
PALACE OF YIN YU, PERSONALLY APPOINTED BY HIS HIGHNESS YIN YU, SO WHO
ELSE CAN WE SEEK IF NOT HIM?”
There it was: they were here to pick fights. Ling Wen furrowed his brows slightly, “Why must this
be?”
Yin Yu rose to his feet resignedly, “I understand. However, it’s not a good time right now, can we
talk afterwards?”
The mob outside snorted, “WE CAN ONLY HOPE THE PALACE OF YIN YU WON’T COVER
THIS UP!”
The truth of things hadn’t even been cleared and the accusation of ‘covering up’ already shot
over, simply pure harassment. Shi Qing Xuan seemed to be ready to speak up again when
Quan Yi Zhen suddenly jumped down from behind Yin Yu, “ARE YOU LEAVING OR NOT?”
The troublemakers were obviously confident that he wouldn’t dare retaliate during this occasion
and they shouted fearlessly, “WHY, YOU GONNA FIGHT IF WE DON’T GO? ALL THE
FELLOW HEAVENLY COLLEAGUES ARE WATCHING...”
Yet, Quan Yi Zhen wasn’t someone who could be predicted by normal rationale, and without
another word, he raised his fists and dashed out. Terrible wails came from outside the palace
and every heavenly official inside the hall were stunned!
It was only after a while that Ling Wen spoke up, “Guards, go stop him, they’re going to die!”
Yin Yu was also dumbfounded and hurried out, “Stop this instant!” But those troublemakers only
yelled, “THINK YOUR PALACE OF YIN YU IS ALL THAT?! GOOD, VERY GOOD! SHIXIONG
AND SHIDI ARE GANGING UP TO BULLY PEOPLE!”
...
That evening, in the side chamber of the Palace of Yin Yu, Yin Yu was pacing back and forth
while Jian Yu was stomping in rage, “A PERFECTLY GOOD GRAND OPENING CEREMONY
IS COMPLETELY RUINED BY THAT STINKIN’ BRAT!!!”
Xie Lian could understand Jian Yu’s anger completely.
Xie Lian himself didn’t care much for something like the Grand Opening Ceremony of a Palace,
but many other heavenly officials thought it significant. It was a ritual that validated a heavenly
official’s formal inclusion to the Heavenly Court. Today’s incident, for lack of a proper example,
was like an emperor of the mortal realm whose enthroning ceremony was ruined, so who
wouldn’t be angry?
Yin Yu sighed, “Let it go. It must be the others who provoked him first. Besides, he didn’t cause
trouble today, and it was the others who purposely chose today to come pick fights, so what can
we do?”
“There’s so many people in the Upper Court, why don’t others pick on others and just had to
provoke him?” Jian Yu demanded.
“You know this.” Yin Yu said, “He’s never one to take a beating without fighting back. It’s not that
others don’t pick on others, it’s that everyone else knows how to endure the provocations and
he doesn’t.”
“This is the Heavenly Court,” Jian Yu ranted, “It’s not the mortal realm. Is it so hard to put your
head down and stay low profile?! If he never stirred up trouble and stayed an honest soul, then
today’s incident would’ve never had the opportunity to happen! Now look at us. We’ve lost all
faces! So many heavenly officials were watching! Once it gets out, who cares who started it?
They’d only say the Palace of Yin Yu was being unreasonable and roughed people up in broad
daylight in public, who’s gonna debate who’s right or wrong?? Do you think he has reason?? HE
DOESN’T!! The moment things go down, the moment you strike a fist, you’re the unreasonable
one! HE UNDERSTANDS SHIT! HE ONLY KNOWS HOW TO CAUSE TROUBLE FOR US!”
After his blow up, Jian Yu ragingly left the side chamber, leaving Yin Yu sitting where he was, his
heart heavy with worry.
A moment later, he looked back, and the shadow of a figure was perched on the window sill. Yin
Yu jumped in surprise once again by the familiar scene, “Why are you perching here again?
When did you come? What is this habit?”
Quan Yi Zhen didn’t answer his question, but said instead, “They cussed at me first.”
Yin Yu opened his mouth to speak but then closed it. Then he comforted, “Yi Zhen, don’t take
what Jian Yu said to heart.”
Quan Yi Zhen only continued to say what was on his mind, “They cussed at me first. I don’t
even know them. They said I was a low ranking heavenly official, and yelled at me for no
reason. They laughed at me, told me to scram, and not to block their way. I told them to
apologize and they wouldn’t, so I beat them. They only shut up when I beat them, otherwise I
wouldn’t have hit them.”
Although things were considerably peaceful now, but in the earlier days, some heavenly officials
of both the Upper Court and Lower Court would indeed throw the weight of their ranks around
and would bully the lower rank officials with the least amount of experience. It was something
that happened often. Yin Yu sighed.
“Are lower ranked heavenly officials below other people?” Quan Yi Zhen asked.
“No.” Yin Yu replied.
Were they not?
It was obvious that he himself didn’t believe in his own words, and Quan Yi Zhen also noticed. A
good while later, he said bluntly, “I don’t like it here.”
Yin Yu said nothing. Quan Yi Zhen continued, “They think I’m annoying, but I think they’re even
more annoying. Before, there’s at least sixteen hours in the day I could train, but now half of that
time is taken up by talking and listening to nonsense with people, greeting and visiting. There
are people who’d shame me, hit me, for no good reason, without apologizing, and I can’t even
fight back. This is no heaven. I don’t like it here.”
Yin Yu sighed, “I don’t like it here either.”
“Then let’s go back.” Quan Yi Zhen said.
However, Yin Yu only shook his head, “Even though I don’t like it here, I still want to stay.”
Quan Yi Zhen couldn’t understand, “If you don’t like it here, why stay?”
Yin Yu didn’t know what to say, his smile forlorn, unable to explain it to him. How to explain to
Quan Yi Zhen that the Heavenly Court was the dream end goal of how many people who sought
the cultivation path, and just how difficult it was for someone his age to achieve ascension? Yin
Yu tried, “This... is because, ascension is really hard. Since it didn’t come easily and we’ve
made it here, then I want to try and do better.”
Quan Yi Zhen however, didn’t think much of it, “What’s so great about ascension! Who cares if
one ascends?”
Yin Yu found him both exasperating and a little funny, “What do you mean what’s so great about
it?! Why don’t you give it a try then?”
Watching up to this point, Xie Lian commented, “People, really shouldn’t joke lightly.”
“Indeed.” Hua Cheng said, “Half a year later when Quan Yi Zhen actually ascends, he wouldn’t
find it so funny anymore.”
“Can we watch that part too?” Xie Lian asked.
“We can. Hold on.” Hua Cheng replied.
The scene changed, and this time, it was still the Heavenly Court; however, the occasion was a
banquet beneath the moon. Xie Lian watched for a moment and wondered, “The Mid Autumn
Banquet?”
“That’s right.” Hua Cheng said.
“Where’s Black Water hiding this time?” Xie Lian asked.
“Look at who’s eating.” Hua Cheng answered.
At the banquet, every heavenly official was busy clinking glasses, making greetings and games,
but there was only one person whose face was stuffed in the giant bowl in front of him. This
time, He Xuan wasn’t hiding, but was sitting in the corner openly in the guise of the Earth
Master, however, there was still no one who noticed him.
Yin Yu and Jian Yu were seated next to the ‘Earth Master’, the placements considered the edge
of the feast. Yin Yu wasn’t eating and wasn’t talking to anyone. Next to him, Jian Yu whispered,
“Thank god that mental, stinkin’ brat didn’t come!”
Yin Yu heard him and whispered back, “He’s ascended for a while now, it wouldn’t be good if
others heard you talk about him like that, so be more mindful.”
“The truth is thus, am I wrong?” Jian Yu said, “So what if he’s ascended? His brain won’t get any
smarter no matter how many more hundreds of heads he obtains.”
As they conversed, a new group of heavenly officials arrived and was just seating themselves.
They were mostly new faces and they greeted simply, and a heavenly official inquired
offhandedly, “And this lord is?”
Another heavenly official also offhandedly answered, “This lord is the martial god who rules the
west.”
Hearing this, that heavenly official who made the inquiry instantly became enthusiastic and
stood up to toast, “Oh! Oh oh oh! I’ve heard much about you! I’ve admired My Lord for a long
time!”
Yin Yu quickly stood up too, smiling, “Please, it hasn’t been long.”
That heavenly official replied, “Oh, don’t be so humble, My Lord! I’ve truly admired you for a
long time! I’ve long heard Your Highness Qi Ying of the west is young and capable, and after
only ascending for a few years you’re already deeply rooted in the hearts of devotees. You’ve
even made it to the top ten in this year’s Mid Autumn Battle of the Lanterns! You are truly the
hero of the west, your status immovable, your future endlessly bright, endlessly bright! To see
My Lord today, you seem a bit older than I imagined? But still fairly young, worthy of the praise
young and capable!”
Hearing this, the smile on Yin Yu’s face froze, and whether if this toast should be accepted
became extremely awkward. The other party continued to fervently trying to build a relationship,
even addressing him like they’re brothers, “An honest word, I rarely consider anyone worthy, but
brother Quan just feels so much like family! My domain is also in the west, so if brother has any
need in the future, as long as you think well of me, by all means just let me know! We should all
help each other out, eh? Hahaha...”
He laughed heartily, and those on the side who knew Yin Yu also laughed heartily. Xie Lian
could almost cross through time and feel that suffocating awkwardness brimming in the air.
Jian Yu’s face was growing blue from rage, but Yin Yu was still somewhat composed. While his
hand trembled for a second, but he still steadied himself. “Unfortunately...”
However, just as he was going to clear this misunderstanding, someone called out, “Qi Ying is
here!”
—–
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