Chapter 10: Xuan Ya's Apology

“I was quite rude just now, I hope Shixiong can forgive me.”

Sitting at the front of the large gourd, Li Changshou maintained a calm expression, looking at Youqin Xuanya, who was bowing with cupped hands in front of him. Although he really wanted to complain inwardly, he could only say a few words to brush it off as nothing.

Li Changshou sensed that the gazes upon him no longer held the previous disdain and dissatisfaction; instead, they were…

Full of sympathy and pity.

“Changshou,” Jiujiu Xianren coughed and said earnestly, “This should be your xin mo, perhaps resulting from you and your master being secluded in the mountains for years of cultivation.”

“Changshou Shixiong,” Yuan Qing floated over from the side, holding a bottle of dan yao, and whispered, “This is a pill for clearing the mind and concentrating the spirit; it might help with your condition.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

Li Changshou gave a slightly awkward smile, and Yuan Qing immediately understood, skillfully changing the topic.

Taking this opportunity, Li Changshou observed the reactions of the others.

Yuwen Ling paid no attention to this minor drama throughout, sitting quietly with eyes closed in meditation, appearing very composed.

Liu Yaner’s gaze toward him carried a bit more sympathy, while Wang Qi watched him with eyes full of emotion.

It was probably something like:

This Shixiong (or Shidi) has ordinary cultivation talent and has even developed such a xin mo; finding a dao companion in the future will be a luxury—how difficult the path of cultivation is.

—Forming a dao companion for cultivation was quite common in the Du Xian Men.

After a few pleasantries, Yuan Qing retreated to the back of the gourd, and Wang Qi took the initiative to come over for a chat.

Li Changshou responded with a smile throughout but didn’t say much.

He felt that, aside from Yuan Qing, these fellow disciples who were wholly dedicated to cultivation were ‘advanced in age’ yet surprisingly simple-minded…

Of course, these individuals were the ‘top students’ among their peers, spending most of their time on cultivation and having little social interaction.

This small incident quickly came to an end.

Soon, the gourd fell silent again as everyone continued their meditation and cultivation. Li Changshou picked up the scroll of bamboo slips once more, reading it with great interest, his mood completely unaffected.

Jiujiu Xianren sat cross-legged at the front with arms folded, lost in thought; she was pondering how to help Li Changshou overcome his xin mo and return to a joyful life of cultivation.

‘Maybe use a woman’s charm? Fight fire with fire?’

Jiujiu Xianren glanced down at herself, then let out a strange hee-hee laugh…

Having suddenly added this persona for himself, Li Changshou didn’t pay it much mind.

Although this was just a temporary measure to avoid Jiujiu Shishu probing his cultivation and talent, he would need to pay attention to this detail for the rest of the journey.

Maintaining constant vigilance wasn’t difficult for Li Changshou.

“Changshou Shixiong,” a call came from behind, and Li Changshou turned to see Youqin Xuanya’s face full of apology.

Although Li Changshou very much wanted to say at that moment—please maintain the poise and pride befitting an ice beauty—he could only give a slight smile, wave his hand to indicate she needn’t say more, and turn back to continue reading his scroll.

Youqin Xuanya pursed her lips, her apologetic expression lingering.

Li Changshou’s sharp spiritual awareness caught Yuan Qing, who was meditating at the back, slightly furrowing her brow…

…

Two days later.

The vast Dongsheng Shenzhou, with its sparse population and numerous immortal sects, gradually receded behind them.

Along the way, the large gourd flew through the clouds without stopping, day and night, finally reaching the northwestern border of Dongsheng Shenzhou.

Li Changshou hadn’t cultivated at all during the trip; he kept his attention focused on the space around him and often caught glimpses at the edge of his vision of figures flying through the air.

Fortunately, they encountered no obstacles on their journey.

Jiujiu stretched lazily, and the large gourd began to slow down, descending toward the towering mountains below.

This Jiujiu Xianren yawned and shouted to the people behind, “Everyone, perk up—we’re about to enter the boundary of the continent.

You all listen carefully!

Beiju Luzhou isn’t a friendly place. This time, you’re here for training, so don’t risk your lives fighting over treasures or spiritual herbs.

Next, I’ll take you to one of the entrances to Beiju Luzhou. Remember this place; if you come here on your own later, don’t foolishly wander around everywhere.”

The five disciples stood up together, cupped their hands to Jiujiu, and chorused, “We obey Shishu’s teachings.”

“Hmm,” Jiujiu nodded in satisfaction.

Liu Yaner asked softly, “Shishu… isn’t Beiju Luzhou one of the four great continents? Why is there talk of an entrance? Is it because the miasma here forms a natural great array?”

Jiujiu smirked and said casually, “Who knows? You explain it.”

Yuan Qing from the back laughed, “The miasma of Beiju Luzhou isn’t hard to resist for Qi Refiners who have reached the Hui Xu realm and can form an inner heaven cycle.

The real trouble is the poisonous insects and toxic plants bred by the miasma, as well as the ferocious beasts that roam everywhere—they’re extremely difficult to handle.”

“That’s not answering the question!”

Jiujiu rolled her eyes and scolded Yuan Qing, “She asked why there’s an entrance, and you’re talking about something else?”

Yuan Qing gave an awkward smile and could only cup her hands.

Yuwen Ling said gravely, “Because of the demon race.”

“Correct, it’s because of the demon race. You’ve got some insight, big guy,” Jiujiu said, glancing down and steering the large gourd toward a valley in the mountain range. She continued seriously,

“The human race’s destiny gathers in the Nan Zhan Bu Continent, while Beiju Luzhou is where the Wu Clan was exiled.

In ancient times, to support the collapsing sky, several Sheng Ren took action and chopped off the four legs of a primordial Xuan Gui, using them to form the Tian Zhu.

The Xuan Gui died in resentment and despair; its massive body and vast magical power transformed into the perpetual miasma of Beiju Luzhou. If you look northwest, that’s not just rain clouds.”

Everyone gazed toward the northwest; by now, they had nearly descended into the mountains and could clearly see the surging gray-black fog on the horizon.

It stretched endlessly, vast and boundless.

Jiujiu continued,

“The miasma gave birth to many poisonous insects and toxic plants, making it inaccessible to ordinary creatures and turning it into a breeding ground for all sorts of exotic flowers and fruits. Inside, there are various ferocious and poisonous beasts, even Tian Xian wouldn’t dare venture too deep.

After the Wu-Yao War, the remnants of the Wu Clan were exiled here. They went to the far north of Beiju Luzhou, a land of ice and snow with fewer insects and beasts, where they barely survived, but they’re said to be on the brink of extinction—it’s truly tragic.

Meanwhile, the demon race that harbored grudges against the Wu Clan, along with those driven out by us human Qi Refiners, all converged on the borders of Beiju Luzhou.

Over time, this narrow strip stretching hundreds of thousands of li from east to west became the demon race’s primary habitat.”

At this point, Jiujiu glanced at the expressions of the disciples and noticed that, except for Li Changshou, they all showed varying degrees of tension.

Not bad, let’s amp it up a bit.

Jiujiu chuckled and said gravely, “Look at the surrounding mountains; who knows how many great demons and old demons lurk there. Some are incredibly powerful and especially love feasting on human Qi Refiners, oh~”

The group became even more alert, while Li Changshou simply nodded calmly and continued observing below.

Jiujiu felt a bit bored and pointed downward with a straight face, continuing, “This town below is one forcibly opened by human experts as one of the entrances to Beiju Luzhou. For the past few thousand years, it’s been in a truce with the demon race side—who knows when fighting might break out again.

Once we’re in the town, I’ll take you to buy some miasma-warding talismans and detoxifying pills.

Though the sect has these, some ridiculous rule requires me to bring you here to experience the life of cultivators and teach you bartering.

Remember, don’t fly recklessly over the town; there are experts stationed here. Always hold respect for the strong. We’ll land on that southeast hillside and walk the mountain path over.”

The five disciples cupped their hands in acknowledgment, taking Jiujiu Xianren’s warnings to heart.

This town was nestled in a valley, with cliffs on both sides carved into numerous caves and connected by wooden paths and buildings.

The valley was packed with all sorts of structures, appearing quite chaotic from afar: grand and bright halls, towering pagodas, but mostly wooden and earthen buildings, with only narrow, barely passable streets.

Of course, most Qi Refiners flew in the air and didn’t need to walk.

It was clear that quite a few cultivators headed to Beiju Luzhou passed through here; the town was bustling, with many wooden roofs and houses turned into stalls selling herbs and treasures from Beiju Luzhou.

Most of these herbs and treasures were related to poison.

Jiujiu was familiar with the place and summoned a white cloud, leading the five disciples and Yuwen Ling around the town for a bit. After comparing a few stalls, she had them use spirit stones to buy some high-quality, affordable pills and talismans.

Hmm? Why isn’t this guy moving?

Jiujiu glanced at Li Changshou, who was standing behind her with hands clasped, sighed inwardly, and casually tossed a pouch over her shoulder, which landed in his arms.

This pouch was a simple storage treasure, usually used for holding a fixed amount of spirit stones.

Jiujiu grumbled, “I knew your master didn’t give you much. I don’t get why he insists on guarding that little peak…

Detoxifying pills and miasma-warding talismans are essential—hurry up and buy them. Don’t dawdle like a big man!”

“Uh,” Li Changshou paused, looking up at this plainly dressed Shishu in front of him, and gave a warm smile—the kind he only showed to his master and junior sister.

He was about to explain that he had prepared everything in advance, but before he could speak, another slender hand extended from the side, holding a stack of yellow paper talismans and two plump porcelain bottles.

It was the girl with the great sword and red skirt.

Youqin Xuanya turned her head to look elsewhere and said as calmly as possible, “Consider this as compensation to Shixiong for earlier…”

As she spoke, she flicked her fingers with a clever force, sending the pills and talismans directly into Li Changshou’s hands, then turned and walked nonchalantly to a nearby stall.

Li Changshou found it amusing, cupped his hands toward her back, and said nothing more.

This ice beauty was definitely not living up to her name.