PID Chapter 51

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It was evident that Xiao Mo was indeed very satisfied with the night-blooming cereus he had drawn. He looked at the Moon Lord’s illusion: “Is this acceptable?”

 

The Moon Lord’s illusion was just a pre-set magical technique. He didn’t care who you formed a Dao Companion Mark with or if you were exploiting a loophole. After all, it wasn’t that intelligent. He simply said: “Conditions met. The Moon Lord Sword Manual can be imparted.”

 

Xiao Mo gently pushed Chu Jinglan forward: “Go quickly. I don’t practice swordsmanship; the sword manual is yours.”

 

The Dao Companion Mark can be hidden from others, but is always visible to the partners. This means even if Xiao Mo conceals the red lotus demon mark on his forehead, Chu Jinglan can still see the lotus he drew. Likewise, in Xiao Mo’s eyes, Chu Jinglan now permanently has a night-blooming cereus.

 

The Moon Lord’s illusion was about to touch Chu Jinglan’s forehead with his finger to directly transmit the sword manual into his sea of consciousness. Seeing this, Chu Jinglan called to Xiao Mo: “Come back first, let’s look together.”

 

Though Xiao Mo doesn’t practice swordsmanship, he’s interested in sword techniques. After all, watching Chu Jinglan wield a sword is pleasing to the eye. He can’t become an otherworldly swordsman himself, but appreciating others’ profound sword intent is good too. He didn’t refuse and returned to the inner sea.

 

As the sword manual was transmitted through the illusion’s spiritual energy, Xiao Mo thought while watching. In the original story, the person who obtained the manual must have copied and sold it. Since it didn’t spread widely, Young Master Wang probably paid a high price to buy it exclusively.

 

The seller surely kept a copy. If not for needing money, they likely wouldn’t have shared such an excellent sword technique.

 

The sword manual was indeed exquisite. Even as an outsider, he found himself immersed in it.

 

The illusion transmitted not just text, but also images of the Moon Lord himself wielding the sword, along with the contained sword intent. After the transmission was complete, Chu Jinglan immediately sat down to meditate and comprehend the mysteries of the sword intent.

 

With nothing else to do, Xiao Mo materialized his form again and watched from the side.

 

He touched the Dao Companion Mark on his forehead.

 

Even without this mark, Chu Jinglan would have shared the sword manual with him earlier, keeping nothing private. Despite Chu Jinglan’s strong sense of caution, in some matters, he still follows the path of a gentleman.

 

Since finding Qiuqiu, Chu Jinglan had been aware of the ownership issue. He had actively asked Xiao Mo about it. Because only he could form blood contracts, he was particularly considerate of Xiao Mo when dividing things.

 

An excellent partner shouldn’t be too indebted to their collaborator, Xiao Mo thought. Chu Jinglan must think the same way. So even if Chu Jinglan doesn’t say it, his actions make it obvious.

 

He lowered his hand, waiting for Chu Jinglan to comprehend. After days of travel, they could finally rest. This place was safe and the scenery wasn’t bad, so Xiao Mo began to appreciate the view.

 

So the Moon Lord had a Dao companion. The Moon Lord was confirmed to have perished, and since the Phantom Moon Core had become masterless and was left behind, its previous owner must also be gone.

 

If cultivators reach the Divided Spirit stage, they can leave behind a cave dwelling after death. These dwellings are often based on an anchor point, with the core visible at a glance upon entering, without sky, earth, sun, or moon. But the Phantom Moon Secret Realm is much larger than a cave dwelling. Some secret realms can change over time. Perhaps it once opened under a different name, the Moon Lord and his companion entered and never left, perishing here. The cave dwelling and secret realm combined and evolved, forming the new Phantom Moon Secret Realm.

 

It’s also possible that when the secret realm was born, it swallowed the Moon Lord’s cave dwelling left in the cultivation world, incorporating it into itself. Both are possible.

 

The Moon Lord held a high position in the Yingyue Sect, but few people mention him. How could such an accomplished person not leave his sword technique to those within his sect?

 

In the original story, when Chu Jinglan later revealed the Moon Lord’s sword technique, the Yingyue Sect also elevated his status, showing that the Moon Lord wasn’t expelled from the sect.

 

He hadn’t thought about it before, but now that he did, the relationship between the Moon Lord and the Yingyue Sect seemed quite intriguing.

 

As Xiao Mo was pondering this, Chu Jinglan opened his eyes.

 

Xiao Mo asked in surprise: “So quick?”

 

Given Chu Jinglan’s comprehension ability, he thought it would take at least a day or two.

 

Chu Jinglan focused his mind and said only: “We still need to go out and find more things.”

 

Xiao Mo strongly agreed with this statement: “Indeed, one can never have too many treasures.”

 

Seeing that the person comprehending the sword technique had opened his eyes, the Moon Lord’s illusion spoke again: “There’s more to pass on to you.”

 

This time even Xiao Mo was surprised: There’s more?

 

The Moon Lord’s illusion: “Follow me.”

 

He led Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan into the pavilion within the waterside structure. As soon as the door opened, Xiao Mo was dazzled by the wall full of swords!

 

All three walls of the pavilion were covered with various precious swords, diverse in type, with none below the profound grade. Moreover, in the center of the front wall was an actually heavenly-grade spirit sword!

 

It was evident that the Moon Lord had a great love for swords.

 

Although Chu Jinglan didn’t say a word, his eyes gleamed like morning mist clearing, which for him was equivalent to ripples in a still pond – a very obvious emotional response. He couldn’t take his eyes off the swords.

 

Is a swordsman without a collection unwilling? No, they just lack the money and means to collect!

 

No swordsman doesn’t love swords, and Chu Jinglan was no exception.

 

The Moon Lord’s illusion said: “You may take everything on the first floor.”

 

Even Xiao Mo was stunned by such generosity: “All of it?”

 

The illusion nodded: “All of it.”

 

Could this be the Moon Lord’s entire inheritance?

 

So why did the person who obtained the sword manual in the original story still lack money? But none of that mattered now, because all these things were theirs.

 

Chu Jinglan took down the heavenly-grade spirit sword, unsheathed it, and admired its sharp radiance, examining it inch by inch.

 

Xiao Mo looked at other items. The first floor didn’t just have swords; the Moon Lord’s illusion also brought two boxes. The first box contained two storage devices, while the second held a pale white stone, neither jade nor silver.

 

The illusion said: “Ten-thousand-year cold ice mystic stone, can be forged into a heavenly-grade divine weapon.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze shifted from the heavenly-grade sword to the mystic stone, his eyes filled with surprise. Xiao Mo directly gasped: “This is for us too?”

 

The illusion’s answer was to directly push the box into Chu Jinglan’s arms.

 

The chill of the mystic stone spread out. With Chu Jinglan’s current physique, if he touched it directly, his hand might freeze.

 

Xiao Mo couldn’t help but pick up the storage devices, wanting to see how much space they had. As he looked, he froze completely.

 

Chu Jinglan closed the box containing the mystic stone, and when he looked up, he found Xiao Mo’s expression as if he were walking on clouds, like he was in a dream.

 

Was it a storage device with a very large capacity?

 

Chu Jinglan: “Xiao—”

 

“Chu Jinglan,” Xiao Mo murmured, holding the storage device, “I think we don’t need to go out for the next few days.”

 

Before Chu Jinglan could speak, Xiao Mo directly pushed the storage device into his hands: “Look.”

 

Chu Jinglan held the storage device and explored it, then fell silent.

 

Both storage devices had a capacity of over a thousand mu, and they weren’t empty, containing many items.

 

Millions of spirit stones piled into mountains, various protective and offensive magical tools, none below the profound grade, all kinds of pills starting from grade four, spiritual herbs, and materials in heaps upon heaps. If they threw all their current possessions inside, it wouldn’t even cause a ripple.

 

After a moment of blank expression, Xiao Mo’s eyes gradually lit up. He took a soft breath, seemingly finally coming back to his senses: “Good, now we can finally call ourselves rich.”

 

With such wealth, even in the entire Middle Realm, they could indeed be considered rich.

 

It couldn’t compare to the boundless wealth of places like the Jinxiu Pavilion, but for rogue cultivators, this was absolutely an enormous fortune.

 

Neither of the two storage devices had imprints. Chu Jinglan handed one to Xiao Mo: “You keep this one.”

 

Xiao Mo didn’t stand on ceremony, happily accepting it and putting it in his pack. He stuffed all his previous belongings into the new storage device, which still had plenty of space. They no longer had to worry about not having enough room for things.

 

Chu Jinglan took his share of the storage device and collected all the swords in the room.

 

The pavilion had more than one floor, but there were other restrictions at the stairway. Moreover, the illusion had said only the items on the first floor were theirs to take, so the two had no intention of going to the second floor.

 

People can be greedy and strive for more, but they should also know contentment and understand when to stop.

 

After storing everything, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan both felt they should revise their upcoming schedule.

 

Xiao Mo: “Since we’ve already obtained so many things, we don’t need to go to other parts of the secret realm anymore. Most importantly, there are still people watching outside the waterside pavilion.”

 

Earlier, the Immortal Alliance cultivator was caught off guard, allowing Xiao Mo to enter smoothly. Now, the people outside were definitely on high alert, watching for anyone leaving the pavilion, with countless treasure hunters waiting.

 

They had just said they wanted to go out because they didn’t have enough resources and needed to collect more urgently. Now that the two storage devices directly solved that problem, there was no need to risk facing the pressure of major sects’ cultivators.

 

Chu Jinglan nodded. Xiao Mo turned his gaze and asked the Moon Lord’s illusion: “Can we cultivate here until the secret realm closes?”

 

The illusion remained indifferent: “You may. As long as you don’t go to the second floor, you can use the other areas as you please.”

 

It seemed the second floor was a place the Moon Lord didn’t want outsiders to touch. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan had no intention of trespassing. They even left the pavilion, settling in the open space outside. Chu Jinglan took out a sword; he now had more time to digest the sword manual and could practice while comprehending.

 

Xiao Mo took out the Phantom Moon Core and began unlocking more ways to use it.

 

The Moon Lord’s illusion watched them, remembering many years ago when his master and his Dao companion would often do the same – one practicing the sword, the other cultivating magic. The illusion didn’t understand, but thought it looked beautiful.

 

As for these two youngsters before him, they were still lacking something. Thinking carefully, it was probably the absence of the radiance in their eyes when they gazed at each other.

 

When his master and Dao companion’s eyes met, it was like a golden wind meeting jade dew, like conjoined lotuses exuding fragrance – beautiful. These two didn’t have that kind of autumn ripples in their eyes.

 

But, there seemed to be a faint fragrance of early spring flowers… The illusion critically evaluated. Hmm, barely passable, with room for improvement.

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan began to immerse themselves in cultivation, focusing intensely on their own practice, while outside the waterside pavilion, various major factions and rogue cultivators waited anxiously.

 

As the first day passed, they didn’t mind and could wait;

 

The second day went by, and they thought, well, that’s normal.

 

But soon, the third and fourth days flew by, and the misty barrier of the waterside pavilion remained quiet, with nothing happening.

 

People started to grow restless.

 

Rogue cultivators couldn’t afford to waste time, and many had already left. The Cloud Peak Six Sects, Immortal Alliance, and Jinxiu Pavilion had waited for four days. Young Master Wang of the Wang Lu Palace voiced everyone’s concern: “The one who went in, they’re not planning to stay inside for the remaining time, are they?”

 

If so, what were they waiting for?

 

Merchants know how to calculate. After weighing the pros and cons, the Jinxiu Pavilion people left first, no longer wasting effort.

 

After waiting another half day, the Cloud Peak Six Sects finally left with their disciples. They didn’t lack money and could seek greater treasures, but their original intention was to give their disciples a chance to gain experience. There was no need to stubbornly fixate on a tree with no visible hope.

 

Only the Immortal Alliance remained, perhaps because Xiao Mo had slipped through their leader’s fingers. Thus, he was particularly obstinate, forcing himself to wait another day. Finally, he left several tracking and sensing formations outside the waterside pavilion before reluctantly departing.

 

However disappointed the people outside were, it had nothing to do with the two cultivation maniacs inside. They were happily immersed in their practice. Xiao Mo had mastered the Phantom Moon Core in various ways, while Chu Jinglan’s sword intent grew increasingly harmonious, with only his shattered dantian holding him back.

 

The Phantom Moon Secret Realm was open for fifteen days. When the fifteenth day arrived, everyone inside sensed it. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan raised their hands, bowing deeply to the Moon Lord’s illusion.

 

The illusion, expressionless, summoned two conjoined lotuses from the water surface, having them both reach out and placing the flowers horizontally in their hands.

 

He monotonously recited: “May you progress further.”

 

This young couple was nothing like his master and Dao companion who were inseparable. They had much room for improvement, and wishing for better love was never wrong.

 

But Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan thought he meant wishing for their cultivation to advance further. Although they didn’t understand why he gave them conjoined lotuses placed horizontally in both their hands, they accepted the blessing: “We appreciate your kind words, we certainly will.”

 

The one giving the blessing and those receiving it were not on the same wavelength, but both were very satisfied.

 

Xiao Mo merged back into Chu Jinglan’s body, the golden mask once again placed on his face. As soon as they were sent out of the secret realm, Xiao Mo didn’t linger for a moment and flew away.

 

They couldn’t give anyone a chance to catch them. What did they have to do with the others? Time to leave.

 

As the Huanjian Sect people came out, Su Baimo trailed at the end, silent.

 

He could feel that since the incident in the stone cave, his relationship with Mu Jian had become awkward. In the past, Mu Jian might have only disapproved when he hindered Dai Zisheng’s cultivation. Now, although he still cared for the one who saved his life on Dai Zisheng’s behalf, he clearly reduced unnecessary interactions.

 

Su Baimo pursed his lips in anger, looking around but not seeing the masked person. He could only keep his dissatisfaction bottled up inside.

 

However, this secret realm trip wasn’t entirely fruitless for him. Although Su Baimo had been following others, they probably didn’t realize he had secretly obtained a twin-growth herb, which could further enhance his cauldron physique, allowing him to benefit more from dual cultivation.

 

This acquisition improved Su Baimo’s mood somewhat. He thought, perhaps his luck wasn’t so bad? Getting this excellent spirit herb that others hadn’t noticed meant it was his alone.

 

The secret realm journey brought joy to some and disappointment to others. The biggest winners, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, were also the most low-key, leaving no deep impression on anyone except Su Baimo and Mu Jian. Their identities could still remain hidden for a while.

 

With the Phantom Moon Secret Realm closed, Jing Lei also had to return to the Yushan Sect. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, moving quickly, returned to Lin’an City a step ahead of the Yushan Sect. Xiao Mo suggested they visit the three children at the academy.

 

And give them some pocket money while they were at it.

 

After all, they had truly struck it rich this time.

 

Chu Jinglan had no objections. They separated their spiritual senses, with Xiao Mo walking beside him in spiritual form, without wearing a mask.

 

Arriving outside the academy, they sent a message to the three children, who were stunned by the sudden surprise and ran joyfully to greet them at the academy gates.

 

The three instinctively almost blurted out “Master/ Shixiong,” but noticing some disciples at the academy entrance looking their way, they hurriedly changed their words: “Senior Brother Chu, Senior Brother Xiao!”

 

Three pairs of little eyes sparkled brightly.

 

Xiao Mo, as usual, patted their heads: “You all look very energetic, very good.”

 

Chu Jinglan just gave a slight nod, which counted as his response.

 

Xiao Mo: “We came to see you when we had time, but we’ll be leaving soon.”

 

Knowing the two were busy, the children were already happy they came to visit. But people always can’t help wanting a little more. Chu Xia gently tugged at Xiao Mo’s sleeve: “How long can you stay?”

 

Xiao Mo looked at Chu Jinglan: “An hour or two?”

 

Chu Jinglan, not indulging them: “One hour.”

 

Hearing such a short time, the three immediately showed reluctance at just meeting. Yan Chun thought for a moment and bowed to Chu Jinglan: “Mas- Would the two senior brothers like to take a look inside the academy?”

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan both looked at him.

 

Yan Chun was a bit nervous but continued: “If you register as relatives with the guard disciples, you’re allowed to tour the academy briefly.”

 

“Yes,” Chu Xia’s hairpin flower swayed, “And Chu Xia is now officially a student of the Medical Pavilion, so I can bring two people inside!”

 

She said softly: “I even attended Master Liu Shao’s class the other day, and she praised me!”

 

So quick, indeed worthy of being a future little medical fairy. Xiao Mo: “Chu Xia is impressive.”

 

Mo Zhi immediately jumped up: “Me, me, me, Master Yi praised me too!”

 

Yan Chun was much more composed than the other two, saying quietly: “I had the honor of discussing talisman techniques with the Dean, but I’m not sure if he remembers me.”

 

All three children remembered their mission, helping in their own ways.

 

Of course, their core appeal in saying all this was to keep the two longer, wanting to spend more time with them.

 

Xiao Mo poked Chu Jinglan’s arm with his flute: “Shall we go in and take a look then?”

 

He added: “I’m curious about what the academy looks like inside too.”

 

Now four pairs of eyes were fixed on Chu Jinglan. Under their gaze, Chu Jinglan finally nodded to Xiao Mo: “Alright.”

 

The three children immediately cheered: “Yay!”

 

They eagerly took the two to register with the guard disciples, then excitedly led them inside, wanting to share all the good things with them.

 

Lin’an Academy truly lived up to its reputation as a place cultivators yearned for to seek knowledge and enlightenment. Every five steps there was a building, every ten steps a pavilion. It was spacious yet exquisite, nestled against mountains and waters, rich in spiritual energy. The sect’s protective formation covered every inch of the academy’s grounds, silently safeguarding it. In case of extreme danger, it could activate to protect the entire academy.

 

Several training grounds were currently occupied by students and off-limits to outsiders. The children first showed Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan their living quarters. With some time left, Chu Xia suggested visiting the Medical Pavilion, as there were no classes there today.

 

Since Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan had come in just to look around, they had no objections.

 

Little Chu Xia was most familiar with the Medical Pavilion. Nearby were spirit fields growing some medicinal herbs.

 

“But the place with the most spirit fields is still the back mountain. This is just…” Chu Xia hadn’t finished speaking when she saw two people coming around the corner. She was startled and hurriedly bowed: “Dean, Master Liu!”

 

Yan Chun and Mo Zhi also quickly bowed.

 

They hadn’t expected to encounter the two masters here!

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan both looked up.

 

Dean Feng Qiexing, whom they had seen lecturing at the academy before, and beside him, a woman in plain clothes with light makeup, elegant and dignified – the Middle Realm’s top medical cultivator, Liu Shao.

 

Author’s note:

 

Mini-scene:

 

Illusion: “May you two progress further.” (Become more inseparable, stay together forever)

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan: “Certainly.” (Progress means cultivating well, improving every day)

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter