Chapter 10 (1/2)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“I overstepped the boundaries earlier. Senior Brother, please be magnanimous.”

Li Changshou’s expression remained somber as he was seated at the front of the wine gourd. He watched Youqin Xuanya as she cupped her hands and bowed her head. In his heart, he wanted very badly to curse her. Yet, he had no choice but to simply say that it did not matter.

Li Changshou felt that the gazes of the others were no longer filled with content and dissatisfaction. Instead, they were filled with pity and sympathy.

“Changshou,” Jiu Jiu coughed. She said in a sincere tone, “This must be a mental demon. Perhaps it’s a result of being cooped up on that mountain, cultivating with your Master.”

“Senior Brother Changshou.” Yuan Qing floated to Li Changshou’s side, holding a bottle of pills. He said in a low voice, “These are pills to clear your heart and focus your mind. Perhaps they will help Senior Brother’s condition.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

Li Changshou smiled awkwardly. Yuan Qing seemed to understand something at once. Adeptly, he changed the topic.

Li Changshou took this chance to observe everyone else’s reaction.

Yuwen Ling remained unfazed by the entire fiasco. He sat quietly in the corner with his eyes closed, fully focused on his own meditation.

Liu Yan’er was looking at Li Changshou with pity in her eyes, while w.a.n.g Qi was looking at him with sorrow.

He was probably thinking, ‘This Senior Brother (or Junior Brother) has average cultivation potential, and even has to deal with a mental demon like that. Finding a Dao companion in the future will probably be considered a luxury for him. His cultivation journey will be difficult.’

Finding a Dao companion to cultivate together with was an oft-sighted thing within the Immortal Du Sect.

After Yuan Qing finished talking about random things, he walked to the back of the wine gourd. w.a.n.g Qi then stepped up to chat with Li Changshou.

Li Changshou maintained a subtle smile the entire time, without saying much in reply.

Apart from Yuan Qing, the other disciples of his generation, who had their minds fully set on cultivating, were considered old in age, but their thinking was exceptionally naive.

That was right. These few disciples of his generation were the cream of the crop. Most of their time was spent on cultivating and training. They had few opportunities to socialize.

This little fiasco quickly came to an end.

A while later, peace was restored in the wine gourd. Everyone went back to cultivating and meditating, while Li Changshou picked up his bamboo slip and began reading it again. His mood was not affected in the least bit.

Immortal Jiu Jiu hugged her arms and sat cross-legged, right in front of the wine gourd. At that moment, she was deep in thought. She was thinking about how to help Li Changshou deal with his mental demons and resume cultivating happily.

‘Do I have to use the beauty of women? I have to cure the ill with poison?’

Immortal Jiu looked down at herself, as a sly grin spread across her face.

Li Changshou did not mind the new addition to his ‘character settings’.

Although he had only done this to avoid Aunt-Master Jiu from discovering his true cultivation level and potential, he would have to remember this little detail for the rest of the journey.

In any case, remaining cautious was not going to be difficult for Li Changshou.

“Senior Brother Changshou,” a voice called out from behind him. Li Changshou turned around to see Youqin Xuanya looking at him apologetically.

Li Changshou really wanted to say, “Please be as aloof and proud as an Ice Mountain Beauty should be.” However, he had no choice but to smile slightly and wave his hand, gesturing for her not to say anything more. Then, he turned back around and continued reading.

Youqin Xuanya pursed her lips, the apologetic look not leaving her face.

With his spiritual awareness, Li Changshou caught the slight frown on Yuan Qing’s face, even as he had his eyes closed.

…

After two days, they slowly pa.s.sed by the East Continent, which had a huge land area, few people, and many immortal sects.

For the entire journey, the huge wine gourd had been flying among the clouds. Day and night, it did not rest. Finally, they made it to the north-west region of the East Continent.

Li Changshou did not cultivate the entire journey. Instead, he focused all of his attention on the small area around him. He could even see the figures flying through the sky from time to time.

It was a good thing that they did not meet with any obstacles along the way.

Jiu Jiu stretched her body as the huge wine gourd slowed down and flew downwards, towards the towering mountains and precipitous ridges below.

Immortal Jiu yawned, and then shouted at the people behind her, “Be alert! We’re going to enter the boundaries of the continent.

“All of you, listen up!

“The North Continent is not a kind place. You are coming here to train! Do not risk your lives to obtain any treasures or herbs.

“I will bring you to an entry point to the North Continent after this. Remember this place. If you want to come to the North Continent on your own in the future, do not try to barge in blindly.”

The five disciples stood up at once, cupping their hands and bowing to Immortal Jiu. Together, they said, “Yes, Aunt-Master, we understand.”

Jiu Jiu nodded, satisfied.

Liu Yan’er asked softly, “Aunt-Master, isn’t the North Continent one of the four continents? Why are there entry points? Could the Miasma Qi here have formed a natural array?”

Jiu Jiu pursed her lips and said nonchalantly, “Who among you knows? Explain it to her.”

Yuan Qing, who was standing behind, smiled and said, “To cultivators in the Void Return realm, who already have knowledge of the Heavenly Cycle, Miasma Qi in the North Continent is not hard to fend against.

“The most troublesome things here are the poisonous insects and herbs born out of the Miasma Qi, as well as the ferocious and poisonous beasts all around. They are extremely hard to deal with.”