Before he finished, Yan Hanzhou looked up. In a flash of light, a metallic clang rang out— the guard’s sword clattered to the floor, his body struck as if by a heavy blow.
He spat blood and collapsed, fainting on the spot.
Such powerful spiritual perception!
If the earlier test had only surprised the Elder, now he was shaken to his core.
This youth had crippled someone right under his nose, and he hadn’t even had time to react, let alone stop him. This person was far more terrifying than he’d seemed—truly unfathomable!
But when had such a monstrous talent appeared in Nine Provinces? Why had he never heard of him?
Yan Hanzhou poured himself a cup of tea, taking a slow sip. “You’re right, it was only a quarrel, no need for such drama. But as I recall, a thousand years ago, Lingxiao Immortal Lord suffered humiliation at the hands of a clan heir. Which family was it?”
He pondered. “I believe it was the Xiao Family of Tianji City. Back then, your Duan Family was under the Xiao Family’s thumb. If not for Lingxiao Immortal Lord wiping the Xiao Family from the earth in a rage, your Duan Family could never have risen to power. With that precedent, why not better restrain your juniors? Yesterday I only crippled him—spared his life as a warning. Why make a fuss?”
Mentioning the secret past, the Elder’s face darkened, wariness in his eyes. “Who are you! How do you know of events a thousand years past?!”
Yan Hanzhou smiled. “Just a nameless rogue cultivator. By the way, is Duan Jiuyuan still alive? If so, give him a message for me.” Yan Hanzhou’s gaze turned cold and sharp as knives. “Someday, I’ll pay a visit myself.”
At the same time, in Tianxianglou, Ning Yin was happily eating her fill from the table of dishes. Yan Hanzhou was right—the food here was superb, far better than the inn’s bland fare.
Even after finishing all the food, Yan Hanzhou still hadn’t shown up. She wondered if he’d finished his business.
Ning Yin asked the waiter to pack up two signature dishes to bring back for Yan Hanzhou, who cared nothing for food. While she waited, she suddenly heard the sound of frantic hoofbeats outside.
Curious, she opened the window of her private room.
She saw several men dressed in the Duan Family’s guard uniforms from the day before, clustered around a stern-faced Elder, galloping away at speed.
Not good!
Judging by their clothes, they must be from the Duan Family, surely here to avenge the young master Yan Hanzhou crippled yesterday!
She rushed out, racing toward the inn.
If Yan Hanzhou had acted, he would never let them leave unharmed. This could only mean something went wrong for him!
The thought that Yan Hanzhou might be grievously wounded fighting alone made Ning Yin’s heart ache with worry.
“Yan Hanzhou!” She burst through the inn doors, seeing shattered tables and chairs all over the hall. Her anxiety only worsened. She grabbed a servant. “Where’s Yan Hanzhou? Did you see him?”
The servant trembled, not daring to look at her or speak.
“Aiya!” Ning Yin lost patience, pushing him aside and grabbing the innkeeper by his collar.
“Boss, what happened here? Were those people who just left from the Duan Family? Did they do something to Yan Hanzhou? Was there a fight? Who won? Say something!”
The innkeeper, who had witnessed the whole thing, was so frightened he didn’t dare speak.
He’d never seen a cultivator bold enough to offend the Duan Family of Tianji City, let alone one who could withstand a Nascent Soul Elder’s pressure unharmed—let alone force them to leave town in disgrace.
He shakily pointed upstairs.
Ning Yin released him and strode up to their room, flinging open the door to find Yan Hanzhou standing at the window, quietly watching the road out of Xiuxia Town.
Seeing that he was safe, Ning Yin let out a long breath. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry. They’ve left town. They won’t trouble us again anytime soon.”
Ning Yin slumped into a chair, still short of breath, thinking of the scene she’d witnessed at Tianxianglou and shuddered. “You scared me! I saw those Duan Family people leaving and thought you’d suffered. Didn’t they give you any trouble?”
“They did.”
“They did?” Ning Yin looked him over—no sign of a fight. “You didn’t do anything to them, they didn’t do anything to you? Wait, since when are you so easy to talk to?”
Yan Hanzhou raised an eyebrow. “Since when am I hard to talk to?”
“At least when someone’s giving you trouble, you’re not easy to talk to. Never mind, as long as you’re all right.”
He noticed the sweat beading on her forehead and poured her a cup of water. “Don’t worry. I never do anything unless I’m at least ninety percent sure of victory.”
Ning Yin drained the cup and frowned.
“Something doesn’t make sense. They just left? For a family that raised such arrogant, bullying children, I doubt they’d give up so easily. Are you sure they won’t try anything? Also… this story about Lingxiao Immortal Lord wiping out the Xiao Family of Tianji City because of some small grievance—where did you hear that? He wasn’t some demonic fiend, would he really wipe out an entire clan over a trivial matter?”
Yan Hanzhou looked at her. “Do you think someone who would wipe out an entire clan over a trivial matter is a demonic fiend?”
“The brat had it coming for being a bully, but to destroy a whole family over it is too much. Just like with the Duan Family— you only crippled the one who caused trouble, didn’t take it out on the rest, or think about exterminating them all.” Ning Yin considered and concluded,
“It must be another rumor spread by the haters!”
“What if Lingxiao Immortal Lord really did wipe out a whole family over something like this?”
Ning Yin thought back to the bits and pieces about Lingxiao Immortal Lord in the novel—all positive, a “peerless genius, great and noble.” She spoke firmly,
“Then that family must have been rotten to the core, beyond redemption! He must have done it to save the world from their evil.”
Yan Hanzhou listened to her unshakeable certainty and, after a long silence, let out a low laugh.
“If Lingxiao Immortal Lord heard you say that, he’d be pleased. Enough—let’s leave it. The miasma in Jiuyi Mountain will be gone by tomorrow. Rest tonight; we’ll enter the mountain then.”
“You said the miasma would take three to five days to clear—will it really be gone tomorrow?”
“Trust me. If I say it will, it will.”
Yan Hanzhou’s prediction was correct. The miasma that should have taken several days to dissipate cleared completely the very next day. The waiting cultivators of Xiuxia Town rushed to Jiuyi Mountain.
By the time Ning Yin and Yan Hanzhou left their inn, the huge, noisy town was nearly empty.
“Good morning, fellow cultivators!”
As they stepped out, Ye Shangqiu greeted them as if he’d been waiting at the door all morning.
“Ye Shangqiu? What a coincidence?”
“Isn’t it? As soon as I heard the miasma had cleared, all the cultivators rushed off to Jiuyi Mountain. I figured you two would go today, so I waited here just in case. Lucky me, I ran into you!” His eyes immediately darted to the rusty sword in Yan Hanzhou’s hand, but only for a split second before looking away.
He’d originally been a bit covetous of the sword, but after witnessing Yan Hanzhou go toe-to-toe with the Duan Family Elder and drive them out of town with just a few words, he’d dropped any such thoughts.
Anyone who could stand up to a Nascent Soul Elder was not someone he could afford to offend.
“These are buns I bought for you specially at the west market’s alley— try them, the freshest, softest, hottest buns in Xiuxia Town—absolutely the best.”
Ning Yin took a bun, biting into the steaming treat. “Thanks, were you waiting for us long?”
“Of course. I said when I sold this sword to your friend yesterday it was to make friends. Now we’re friends, naturally we should travel together. May I ask your names and sects?”
Ye Shangqiu was the shameless, smooth-talking type who’d say whatever suited the person in front of him, having learned to survive in the cultivation world these many years.
Ning Yin and Yan Hanzhou exchanged a glance.
“Ning Yin, Yan Hanzhou. No sect, just rogue cultivators.”
“First time in Jiuyi Mountain, right? It’s a dangerous place— have you heard the tales? I’ve been in Xiuxia Town eight years, and apart from when the miasma’s up, I enter Jiuyi Mountain daily. I’ve gone over two thousand times, and know the place like the back of my hand. If you have any questions, just ask me—no one in this town knows the mountain better than I do.”
Who could refuse a living, breathing map?
Ning Yin and Yan Hanzhou readily agreed to travel with Ye Shangqiu.
He certainly lived up to his reputation, leading them expertly toward Jiuyi Mountain, recounting tales of the demons and monsters and dangers he’d encountered.
But when he mentioned the large number of Flower Snakes on the mountain, Ning Yin gulped and felt a strong urge to turn back.
“There are really that many snakes on Jiuyi Mountain?”
Ye Shangqiu laughed at her fear, “So you’re afraid of snakes? No problem. I have Realgar Powder—don’t underestimate it! Unlike what ordinary folks use, mine is made from dozens of spirit herbs, specially ground to deal with Flower Snakes here. Just sprinkle it on yourself, and the snakes won’t come near.”
Ning Yin was skeptical. “Is it really that effective?”
“I’ve gone into Jiuyi Mountain over two thousand times, all thanks to this special Realgar Powder.”
“Then give me some.”
“No problem.” Ye Shangqiu took out a bottle and handed it over. Ning Yin sprinkled herself liberally and finally felt a little safer.
“Fellow cultivators, when we get to Jiuyi Mountain, don’t act rashly or make enemies as easily as when you first arrived at Xiuxia Town. Stay humble. And if you’re lucky enough to find a treasure, no matter how good it is, don’t flaunt it—on Jiuyi Mountain, the biggest danger isn’t the monsters, but the other cultivators after the same treasures. Exposing them is as good as a death sentence.”
“Of course. Thanks for the warning.”
Before long, the three of them reached Jiuyi Mountain’s entrance. Less than half a day since the miasma cleared, several wounded cultivators had already stumbled out, battered and defeated.
Ye Shangqiu was unfazed. “There’s only one path up Jiuyi Mountain. For centuries, cultivators have come and gone like schools of fish, yet none have seen the mountain’s entirety. That’s because ‘Jiuyi Mountain’ isn’t a single peak—every ridge and crag you see from here on is part of it. Many have perished here, yet still they come, like moths to a flame.”
Just as they prepared to enter, a shrill, arrogant voice echoed down the mountain road.
They looked over and, amazingly, saw a sedan chair carried by four porters along the lonely path. Heavy curtains concealed the person inside, but the endless stream of abuse flowed steadily from within.
“You useless trash! I pay you spirit stones every month to carry my sedan, not to cook! Bouncing me around like this, are you trying to kill me?”
The porters seemed used to their master’s scolding, sweating as they struggled to keep the ride as smooth as possible. Step by step, they carried the sedan to the mountain’s entrance and set it down.
The curtain lifted, and a pair of white brocade boots, finely embroidered with gold thread, stepped out. One porter knelt to form a human step for his master to descend.
Out came a young man, face pale as powder, eyes full of cruelty. He stretched lazily, then suddenly kicked the human “stool” aside, cursing, “Trash!”
His gaze swept over the crowd like a venomous snake, finally locking on Ning Yin.
He narrowed his eyes, lips curling into a playful smile as a Jade Bone Folding Fan slid from his sleeve with a “swish.” He casually tapped the battered porter.
“Go, tell that… refined and unique fairy, the Young Master of Luo Shu Manor invites her to seek treasure together.”
The porter, skin dark and muscular, hands scarred, lowered his head and went to Ning Yin, bowing respectfully. “Miss Immortal, my master is the Young Master of Luo Shu Manor, and invites you to seek treasure together.”
“Please pardon me for bothering you.”
Ning Yin rolled her eyes. Dressed up like a peacock, and in the wilderness—who’s he trying to impress? She raised her voice, “Then tell your esteemed master: this refined and unique fairy is not interested in entering the mountain with a cripple.”
The young master, fanning himself, immediately turned red with anger. He snapped his folding fan shut with a “pa!” “Fine, fine! You don’t know what’s good for you. I invited you out of kindness. Let’s see how you three little Foundation Establishment rogues end up in Jiuyi Mountain!”
He pointed at the porter. “You worthless slave, get back here!”
The porter scrambled back, only to be kicked aside in a fit of rage, coughing up blood.
Yan Hanzhou frowned. “Troublesome. Better off dead.”
Ning Yin whispered, “Let it go, don’t make trouble. Getting into the mountain is what matters.”
It was just a minor incident, and they paid it no mind, heading for the mountain.
Jiuyi Mountain had stood on the Jiu Zhou Continent for centuries, covered with ancient trees so thick it would take three people with outstretched arms to encircle one.
Looking out, the dense canopy blocked the sun, the filtered light falling in dappled patterns.
The scene looked familiar, much like the forbidden grounds of the Soaring Cloud Sect.
Ye Shangqiu led the way.
As they passed through the forest, they occasionally met a few harmless spirit beasts, but nothing dangerous.
Only when they crossed a ravine did they see a group of cultivators attacking a ferocious Tiger Demon.
The beast, driven mad, knocked several out, then reverted to its original form and tore the group apart in a spray of blood and flesh, its roars shaking the sky.
Such a bloody scene was horrifying.
Ye Shangqiu whispered, “Jiuyi Mountain is rich in Zhenqi. Many spirit beasts have been born here. Their skin, meat, cores, bones, and blood are all valuable. Many come hunting them if they can’t find artifacts. Let’s not get involved.”
They quietly skirted the ravine and stopped by a clear, Zhenqi-filled stream for a break.
Gazing at the limpid water, Ye Shangqiu’s eyes flashed with both longing and fear. He lowered his voice. “Fellow cultivators, have you noticed? The closer to this stream, the richer and purer the Zhenqi. Some fearsome demon must be nearby—places like this always hide treasures!”
“You’ve never tried looking?” Yan Hanzhou’s gaze was bland but piercing.
Ye Shangqiu looked embarrassed. “I’m only at Foundation Establishment. No match for such monsters. Nearly died here once. Even Golden Core friends who tried ended up failing and empty-handed.”
Ning Yin and Yan Hanzhou saw right through Ye Shangqiu’s little schemes, but didn’t call him out.
Yan Hanzhou sat cross-legged to meditate, sending his spiritual perception throughout Jiuyi Mountain, taking in all the demons and monsters.
A brightly colored bird flew down from above, wings pausing midair before it turned green and landed on Yan Hanzhou’s shoulder.
“Hey, this bird looks familiar.” Ning Yin picked up its wing and, confirming it was a Liuli Featherfinch, laughed, “You can even change color?”
The Liuli Featherfinch chirped in protest at Yan Hanzhou, but he ignored it. Forced to, the bird flapped away from Ning Yin’s grasp, flying up along the stream.
Watching the featherfinch’s fading glow, Ye Shangqiu’s eyes filled with disbelief.
If he wasn’t mistaken, that unremarkable little bird was Yan Hanzhou’s spirit beast!
On the Jiu Zhou Continent, spirit beasts were everywhere, but they were wild and hard to tame.
To subdue one, form a contract, and make it your own, took great effort and strength—only the children of the oldest, greatest families could manage it.
And here was this no-name Yan Hanzhou with his own contracted spirit beast!
Who exactly were these two? Could they be the legendary, hidden heirs of ancient families?
If that was true, today’s trip to Jiuyi Mountain would surely be a fruitful one!
But Ye Shangqiu dared show nothing on his face, no matter the shock in his heart.
If they truly were hidden heirs of great clans, then—today’s Jiuyi Mountain expedition, for him, would be an adventure beyond all reckoning.