(3/5)
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And with this we’re halfway through the novel!
In the first round of five matches, when Chu Jinglan wasn’t on stage, Xiao Mo also paid attention to Mu Jian and Fenxiu’s turns. After observation, Xiao Mo concluded that Chu Jinglan would definitely defeat Mu Jian, but Fenxiu’s true depth was truly unfathomable.
He surely had many superior magical tools in his possession, but hadn’t been seen using them much so far.
Fenxiu even behaved very properly. Even when one opponent tried to play dirty against him, he only kicked the person off the arena, without maiming or killing them.
The more well-behaved he was, the more Xiao Mo felt uneasy.
There wasn’t much to gain from the Cloud Platform Grand Competition process, but if Fenxiu could keep winning and get into the top ten, when choosing a sect, he could completely choose a human cultivation force.
Which sect had something he coveted?
Speaking of which, Mu Jian, Dai Zisheng, and Su Baimo would go to the Immortal Alliance’s Lingxiao Sect. If Fenxiu was attracted to Su Baimo now, he might follow along. The Lingxiao Sect and Yingyue Sect were far apart in the upper realm. Unless there was secret realm training or some upper realm event, they probably wouldn’t encounter each other in daily life.
It was unknown how Fenxiu would choose. Hopefully, he’d stay as far away from Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan as possible. He was a troublesome figure they didn’t want to get involved with.
Chu Jinglan won all five matches on the first day. As soon as he finished and came off the stage, Changdaozi personally came to receive him, without any airs. Chu Jinglan first walked to Xiao Mo’s side, indicating to Changdaozi that Xiao Mo would accompany him.
Changdaozi nodded: “And this young friend is?”
Chu Jinglan: “Mo Lan, my close friend.”
Xiao Mo: “And attendant.”
Changdaozi looked at Xiao Mo’s attire and how he stood shoulder to shoulder with Chu Jinglan, along with Chu Jinglan’s introduction, and understood: “Come with me, both of you.”
The observers from the upper realm hadn’t lodged in the three nearby cities. They had stopped their celestial ships near the celestial valley, with disciples responsible for guarding the surroundings. Their resting place was still on the celestial ships.
Changdaozi brought them to a compartment on the celestial ship.
Viewing the enormous structure from the outside was completely different from entering it, but the feeling was still awe-inspiring. Xiao Mo loved seeing these things, but he didn’t look around openly, only observing casually as they walked—when visiting someone else’s territory, one must observe etiquette.
The compartment was elegantly decorated. Light smoke curled from a purple-gold incense burner, the fragrance light and clear, refreshing to the spirit.
Changdaozi: “Sit.”
If he were just an attendant, in such occasions, Xiao Mo would either withdraw or stand behind his master. But Chu Jinglan led Xiao Mo to sit first, and Xiao Mo didn’t refuse, only sitting to the side, letting Chu Jinglan sit opposite Changdaozi, the position for face-to-face conversation.
Changdaozi gained more understanding of Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo’s relationship.
Changdaozi was most concerned about the Moon Lord, but for this, Chu Jinglan could only give him a regretful answer: “The Moon Lord’s legacy didn’t leave any information related to himself, only sword manuals and other relics.”
Changdaozi’s hand paused as he poured tea. He said softly: “Not even a single word? Or any information related to the Yingyue Sect would be fine.”
Chu Jinglan: “There was none.”
Changdaozi sighed deeply.
He personally poured fine tea for the two, staring at the teacup before him: “I watched that child grow up with my own eyes, saw his cultivation surpass us old folks. I thought for a very, very long time in the future of the cultivation world, his figure would always be there.”
Changdaozi exhaled bitterly, smiling and shaking his head: “I’ve grown old. Thinking back to those years, I can’t help but feel nostalgic.”
He changed the subject: “Can you tell me in detail about receiving his legacy?”
Chu Jinglan omitted the name of the Phantom Moon Secret Realm, only saying that the Moon Lord’s cave dwelling now remained in a secret realm that might never open again. He left out the condition of needing a dao partner for the legacy, but emphasized the necessary points: for example, it was because of Xiao Mo that he could break through the trials and obtain the legacy.
Changdaozi couldn’t help but look at Xiao Mo again. He smiled: “When I first saw you two, I thought you were blood relatives.”
Xiao Mo, who had been just a listener until now, finally spoke with a smile: “Many people say that.”
Changdaozi: “Whether friends, family, or whatever, having someone by your side to support each other is very good.”
Back then, the Moon Lord’s master disliked the demon race. When he learned of the Moon Lord’s relationship, he was furious. The Moon Lord, fearing his loved one would be mistreated, didn’t dare bring them to the Yingyue Sect. The only time he brought them back was to announce in front of his master that he had already formed a dao partnership.
At that time, some tried to persuade his master, some tried to persuade him. The Moon Lord, holding his dao partner’s hand, refused to admit any wrongdoing: “I consider the Yingyue Sect my home. Although I can’t formally bring him into the sect, I should at least let him see what my home is like.”
When Changdaozi hurriedly arrived then, he only caught the Moon Lord leaving the sect with his dao partner. Seeing Changdaozi, the Moon Lord and his partner bowed to him together.
That was the first time Changdaozi saw the Moon Lord’s dao partner, a handsome but not exceptionally talented demon. The Moon Lord bid farewell to Changdaozi, even smiling at him.
Who knew it would be the last time they met?
After hearing Chu Jinglan’s account, Changdaozi was lost in the past, silent for a long time. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan didn’t interrupt, only the incense burner gently exhaling, dispersing memories like smoke.
Changdaozi closed his eyes briefly and put down his teacup.
Chu Jinglan said: “I can transcribe the Moon Lord’s sword manual and return it to the Yingyue Sect.”
Although the Moon Lord left with his dao partner, he never spoke of completely severing ties with the sect. Moreover, he could have left no legacy at all; as long as Daybreak and the sword manual appeared, the Yingyue Sect people would surely notice.
Whether he thought of the sect in his final moments, no one knows now.
“If so, I thank you on behalf of the entire sect, and can promise you that regardless of whether you achieve a top ten ranking in the competition, I can grant you an inner disciple position,” he said. “Of course, you can bring this attendant too.”
“When we reach the upper realm, the sect leader will personally thank you. You’re considered half a disciple of the Moon Lord. You can choose another master or not, and be recorded under the Moon Lord’s lineage.”
“Given your seniority and current cultivation, according to regulations, you can receive a medium-grade spirit vein, two heaven-grade magical tools, thirty earth-grade magical tools, and various other miscellaneous items. This doesn’t include the additional thank-you gifts the sect leader will give.”
A medium-grade spirit vein!
Two heaven-grade magical tools!
This was given based on his current cultivation after determining his seniority, meaning if his cultivation improves in the future, he could receive even more.
Such extravagance, even for the already wealthy Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, shocked their minds once again.
This was the treatment of a major sect in the upper realm, truly outrageously generous.
Changdaozi said in a gentle tone: “Well, are you willing to join the Yingyue Sect?”
He had watched Chu Jinglan’s five matches today and could already see this youth was extraordinary. Although he didn’t know Chu Jinglan’s exact age, judging by his cultivation and aura, he would surely continue to progress, not stagnate.
Chu Jinglan stood up and bowed: “Senior’s gracious invitation is a great honor.”
Changdaozi was satisfied: “Good, good.” He then asked, “How old are you this year? I’ll report this to the sect leader soon, giving him a detailed account of your situation.”
Chu Jinglan: “Nineteen.”
“Mm, nineteen…” Changdaozi nodded with a smile, but halfway through, his expression froze on his face.
Xiao Mo watched as Changdaozi’s kind face suddenly became a spectacle of emotions. When he spoke again, his voice almost cracked: “Nineteen!?”
Changdaozi’s voice sounded as if it had been forcibly squeezed, but clearly, he no longer cared about his gong-like voice.
Because Chu Jinglan’s bombshell news wasn’t over.
“Yes,” Chu Jinglan said, “When I was seventeen, my dantian was crippled due to circumstances. Only after successfully recovering did I start cultivating again.”
With Chu Jinglan being picked up by the Yingyue Sect today, many people outside were surely inquiring about his information. Some were just curious onlookers, others had ulterior motives. With so many people under major sects, as long as Chu Jinglan didn’t show his face, it was fine, but once he stood before the world, they would quickly uncover everything about him.
Rather than waiting for the Yingyue Sect to find out later, it was better to reveal everything upfront.
Changdaozi sprang to his feet, his eyes widening in disbelief: “Nascent Soul at nineteen, nineteen, and once crippled, unprecedented! You’re the only one in the cultivation world!”
Changdaozi had been repeatedly hit with surprises in one day, yet he could still hold up. His mindset was truly excellent. His mind raced, immediately changing his plan: “Wait, people outside must be investigating your background now. We can’t wait until the competition ends.”
He looked up at Chu Jinglan: “You two rest here today. I’ll discuss with the sect leader immediately to have you join the Yingyue Sect right away!”
After speaking, he realized his tone was too excited, even forgetting to add “What do you think?” He felt embarrassed and cleared his throat, but fortunately, Chu Jinglan had already said: “Thank you for your trouble, Senior.”
Changdaozi: “It’s no trouble at all.”
He summoned a disciple and arranged accommodations for Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo, at the standard of inner disciples. Originally, he arranged two rooms, but they only wanted one. Changdaozi thought it was because the two children were still cautious in an unfamiliar place, which he understood, without thinking much of it.
Changdaozi moved quickly. Before nightfall, he knocked on their door.
Changdaozi brought three items: an inner disciple waist token, an attendant waist token, and a protective talisman that could withstand three attacks from a peak Divided Spirit cultivator.
Now in the middle realm, if this talisman were activated, Changdaozi could use the channel opened by the talisman to quickly move to Chu Jinglan’s side and protect him. Once in the upper realm, someone with higher cultivation would replace Changdaozi. This was the Yingyue Sect’s extra protection for their genius disciples.
However, in certain restricted secret realms, people outside who can’t enter also can’t teleport through the talisman.
Changdaozi handed the items to them one by one. When Chu Jinglan wears the Yingyue Sect waist token tomorrow, it will let others know that he’s under the Yingyue Sect’s protection. Anyone thinking of moving against him would have to consider whether they can afford to be enemies with the Yingyue Sect.
Changdaozi was naturally proud of his sect. He said to Chu Jinglan: “Rest assured, with the sect behind you, you’ll be protected from all harm.”
Chu Jinglan: “Thank you.”
The Chu family and Huanjian Sect lacked strength, so they could only hide Chu Jinglan’s information. The Yingyue Sect, however, was unafraid. This was the difference between strong and weak.
As for Xiao Mo’s attendant waist token, it was equivalent to that of a minor inner sect manager. Attendants also had ranks, and Xiao Mo’s token clearly showed he was a trusted aide of an inner disciple.
After the outsider left, Xiao Mo waved the waist token: “Changdaozi has thought of everything.”
Everything was well arranged for now. Chu Jinglan nodded, and Xiao Mo put away the token: “I’ll go out to gather information later.”
He would check how Chu Jinglan’s news had spread outside, and try to find Fenxiu.
Chu Jinglan: “Alright, be careful.”
Xiao Mo: “Mm.”
He would go collect information in an invisible form. It would be inconvenient with Chu Jinglan there, so only Xiao Mo would go.
With Xiao Mo’s current cultivation, he could now move within a 500-li range from Chu Jinglan, which was quite broad.
After a while, Xiao Mo removed the spiritual energy covering his body and flew directly through the wall.
Many people were camping in the wild near the celestial valley. On this first day of the competition, many people weren’t sleeping, and it was quite lively at night. Xiao Mo flew around once and could clearly hear what they were discussing.
Some were analyzing opponents, some were talking about which cultivators were good-looking, and even more people were indeed discussing Chu Jinglan.
“I went to buy information from the Jinxiu Pavilion, but they said they didn’t have any intel on him either and were still investigating. Where did this person come from?”
“That’s Daybreak, a weapon on the Divine Weapon Ranking, the Moon Lord’s item. I bet the Yingyue Sect will directly accept him as a disciple!”
It seems the Jinxiu Pavilion chose not to immediately spread Chu Jinglan’s information. Even if by tomorrow, when all major powers have investigated clearly and Chu Jinglan is no longer a secret, it won’t be information leaked by them. They truly are reliable trading partners.
So, where to find Fenxiu next?
Among the demons camping near the celestial valley, only some were familiar with human cultivators and stayed closer to them. The rest kept their distance. Not only that, but the demons themselves had divided into factions, with those not supporting the Demon Lord staying far away.
Xiao Mo searched the area following the demonic aura but didn’t find any trace of Fenxiu.
Not in the surroundings, so he might have gone to rest in one of the three cities.
The three cities near the celestial valley weren’t large. It wouldn’t be impossible to search them all with his spiritual sense, but before searching blindly, he could choose an order.
Xiao Mo decisively chose the city they had stayed in before, which was also where Su Baimo was.
Dai Zisheng and Mu Jian were both near Su Baimo, and Chu Jinglan would occasionally encounter Su Baimo. Although the current plot didn’t completely match the original story, there seemed to be an invisible fate pushing some events to develop.
What if Fenxiu had just wandered to Su Baimo’s side?
It wasn’t impossible.
Xiao Mo was quite clever, because in the city, he really did find Fenxiu.
Fenxiu had indeed encountered Su Baimo.
But Fenxiu merely brushed past Su Baimo, not even sparing him a glance.
Such an uneventful encounter really didn’t fit the atmosphere a dramatic story should have.
But it didn’t matter, after all, Xiao Mo didn’t want to witness their romantic drama in person. He followed Fenxiu all the way to — the front of a brothel.
Xiao Mo: ?
He stood dumbfounded outside, carefully confirming three or four times that he wasn’t seeing things:
The words “Yihong Lou” were carved on the signboard, very simple and direct. The colorfully dressed people at the door waving handkerchiefs to attract customers were very characteristic of the demimonde. No matter how you looked at it, this couldn’t possibly be any respectable place.
Xiao Mo watched the prostitutes and customers already flirting at the entrance, his steps faltering.
He couldn’t help but close his eyes briefly, then told himself it was fine, no one could see him anyway, he was going in to gather information for a proper purpose.
It’s fine, it’s fine.
After repeating this mantra several times, the upright Xiao Mo psyched himself up sufficiently and was about to enter when Chu Jinglan happened to send him a mental message.
[How is it, have you found that demon?]
Xiao Mo had told Chu Jinglan the main things he was investigating before leaving, and he had been sharing interesting rumors he heard along the way. Just now he had told Chu Jinglan “I’m going to look for that demon.”
The timing was perfect, he had just found him.
Xiao Mo’s voice sounded in their sea of consciousness: “Found him.”
Chu Jinglan made an affirmative sound, then casually asked: “Where?”
Xiao Mo looked at the building in front of him, then at the colorfully dressed people.
[…In a brothel]
[…]
An awkward silence fell on the other end of the mental communication.
As Xiao Mo steeled himself to enter the brothel, he said in a relaxed tone: “It’s fine, when investigating information, it’s not strange to enter any place.”
From afar, Chu Jinglan spoke with a complex expression: “The fact that you say this proves you’re actually not as nonchalant as you claim.”
“…” Xiao Mo’s face was wooden, expressionless. “Let me teach you a new phrase: ‘Life is hard enough, don’t expose me.’ It means life is already difficult, don’t make it harder by pointing out my flaws.”
Chu Jinglan thought “but you’re a demon,” though he didn’t say it out loud.
He could tell Xiao Mo was already very uncomfortable.
The thick, pungent smell of powder and rouge inside wasn’t the worst part. The key was that everywhere were vulgar sounds and flirtatious words. No one was reserved here. Some unbearable sounds made you wish you could remove your ears, and some scenes in certain corners were even worse.
For the first time, Xiao Mo felt that cultivators’ strong perception wasn’t always a good thing. He could only quickly find Fenxiu and focus his attention on him.
Fenxiu generously tossed spirit stones to the madam: “A clean room.”
The madam smiled and caught them, fawning: “Certainly, sir. What kind of person would you like? Delicate or alluring, girls or boys, we have them all.”
But Fenxiu waved his hand: “None.”
Not only did he refuse, he looked around critically: “Common powder and rouge.”
He had paid enough that the madam kept smiling no matter how he insulted them, but the prostitutes and customers couldn’t help looking over, wanting to see how beautiful this outspoken person was.
The face Fenxiu had chosen was handsome, but only above average. Someone snorted: “Not much to look at.”
He said it quietly, but Fenxiu suddenly turned his head, staring at him coldly like a venomous snake.
That customer shuddered at his gaze, but with a beauty in his arms, he wanted to save face. He stuck out his neck and shouted back: “What are you looking at!”
Fenxiu smiled, instantly flashing over. Amidst screams, his finger stopped two inches from the customer’s eyeball.
The customer had no time to react at all.
But Fenxiu’s finger didn’t stab down. After the customer fearfully retreated, Fenxiu slowly withdrew his hand. The cold expression was gone, replaced by a grin: “Watch out for your eyeballs.”
Realizing this person was tough, the customer scrambled away. Fenxiu was in a good mood and went upstairs satisfied.
Xiao Mo, following Fenxiu, mentally communicated to Chu Jinglan: “This person’s mental state isn’t very good.”
Hurry to a quiet room! He didn’t want to stay out here a moment longer!
As Xiao Mo was feeling extremely uncomfortable, suddenly a melodious tune sounded in his sea of consciousness. It was Chu Jinglan humming the unfinished song they were working on.
He hummed very softly, but in this chaotic environment, Xiao Mo felt all the messy noises around him recede, leaving only the purest melody in his mind, captivating his heart.
Focusing his attention on Chu Jinglan’s tune, he could no longer spare any thought for the filthy things assaulting his ears. The discomfort Xiao Mo felt upon entering the brothel gradually dissipated along with the melody.
Until they entered the room and the door closed, shutting out all outside sounds.
Chu Jinglan’s tune seemed even more beautiful.
As if in sync with him, Chu Jinglan stopped humming at the right moment and asked: “Is it better now?”
“It’s better,” Xiao Mo said with a faint smile. “I can’t hear those sounds or see those people anymore.”
Chu Jinglan: “That’s good then.”
The other end of the mental communication went quiet again. Perhaps Chu Jinglan had returned to his own affairs.
Was he meditating, or quietly reading the sword manual? Xiao Mo couldn’t help but wonder, almost able to visualize Chu Jinglan doing these things. It wasn’t until the sound of Fenxiu using a jade tablet to communicate that Xiao Mo suddenly snapped back to attention.
Xiao Mo was surprised; he had been so lost in thought about Chu Jinglan that he hadn’t even noticed when Fenxiu took out the jade tablet?
Hmm, it must be because his eyes were stimulated by the scenes in the brothel, so he was thinking of other things to cleanse his vision. Yes, that must be it.
He quickly refocused his attention to listen to what Fenxiu was communicating.
Xiao Mo couldn’t hear the voice on the other end of the jade tablet, so he could only estimate the full conversation based on Fenxiu’s words.
Fenxiu: “Go investigate Chu Jinglan and that Foundation Establishment cultivator beside him.”
“Hm? You’ve found out… a Nascent Soul at nineteen?”
On the other end of the jade tablet was the feather demon who led the demons today, nervously reporting. Xiao Mo noticed that Fenxiu’s voice was different from when he spoke earlier; this one might be his real voice.
Feather demon: “Yes, the human cultivators have produced such a genius. Lord, should we kill him immediately?”
Fenxiu laughed: “Sure, he’s certainly on Yingyue Sect’s territory now. If you can break through their guards, go kill him without letting anyone discover it was done by demons, then go ahead.”
The feather demon immediately understood that Fenxiu had no intention of killing for now and promptly shut up. Fenxiu propped one arm on his cheek, sitting with legs spread, making the brothel’s bed look like the Demon Lord’s throne.
“What’s the rush? No matter how talented, he’s just a Nascent Soul. Even with Yingyue Sect’s protection, will his path be smooth in the future? There are plenty of opportunities to kill in various secret realms and trials. But for someone from the lower realm to not be suppressed and actually climb to the upper realm, he does have some ability.”
“I’m more interested in that little Foundation Establishment cultivator beside him. Mo Lan, was it? What’s his information? Tell me.”
1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter
thanks for the chapter!