Chapter 26: Southern Valley Marketplace (Part 1)
"The Southern Valley Marketplace is backed by the Wulong Mountain to the east, facing the Fulong River to the west, with the Qingyun Ridge of the Jiuchong Mountain Range to the north, and the Feifeng Forest of the Ancient Battlefield to the south."
In the midst of the cold winter, paper cranes soared through the sky, chirping away.
Jiang Yuebai sat beside Tao Fengnian, rubbing her hands ogether, while he provided guidance.
She knew that the Qingyun Ridge of the Jiuchong Mountain Range was the main entrance of the Tianyan Sect, and the Wulong Mountain to the east marked the border of the Yun Kingdom.
"Grandfather, do you think the Cang Kingdom is deliberate? Naming that river Fulong River just because there's a mountain called Wolong Mountain in the Yun Kingdom?"
(TL Note: "卧龙" (Wò Lóng) is commonly associated with the idea of a hidden or latent dragon
"伏龙" (Fú Lóng) symbolizes a dragon that is present and actively participating)
"飞凤" (Fēi Fèng) refers to a "flying phoenix." )
Tao Fengnian chuckled, "As two of the most powerful mortal nations in the Central Three Continents and Nine Realms, the Cang and Yun Kingdoms have a history of continuous warfare. I am also from the Yun Kingdom. The souls of heroes rest beneath the Wolong Mountain and the loyalty of heroes lies within the Feifeng Forest. If not for accidentally stepping into the world of cultivation, I would have wielded a sword on the battlefield long ago."
As they traveled, the paper cranes flew slowly and low, surrounded by either mountains or trees. Jiang Yuebai grew tired of the view and took out a glass bottle containing the Ice Beetle King.
After feeding it the Wood Essence Pearl last night, it was no longer playing dead. It now faced the bottle's wall, emitting a cold aura, seemingly attempting to escape.
Tao Fengnian cast a glance, "Your spiritual awareness is weak. Cultivating requires gradual progress. In three to five days, you will succeed."
Jiang Yuebai nodded. Tao Fengnian had examined it for her last night. Although the beetle king was strange, it was harmless and suitable for cultivation.
After successful cultivation, with just a thought, she could instantly unleash the Ice Armor defense around her or freeze enemies. It was faster than using hand gestures and casting spells.
After today's cultivation, Jiang Yuebai put away the glass bottle.
"Grandfather, have you ever used Water Spiritual Qi to perform the Grass and Wood Technique?"
Tao Fengnian was momentarily puzzled, "Why do you ask?"
Jiang Yuebai explained the peculiar incident from the other day. Tao Fengnian furrowed his brows, realizing that the girl who once knew nothing was now beyond his guidance in a short period.
"The way of transmuting the Five Elements requires you to consult Li Jiuchuan. I am ill-informed about the mysteries involved."
"Alright, then what about the Grass and Wood Technique? I was thinking last night, if it can drain the vitality of plants, can it also drain the vitality of a person?"
Just as Jiang Yuebai finished speaking, Tao Fengnian suddenly stared at her intently, his expression serious, causing her scalp to tingle.
"This is a wicked path. You may inquire about it, but never use it in front of others. Otherwise, the Sect will not spare you!"
"I was just curious~"
"The essence of the Grass and Wood Technique is to drain vitality. It can drain the vitality of plants, beasts, and even humans. If a person's vitality is drained, their lifespan is shortened. Before reaching the peak of the fifth layer, it won't be fatal, which is why the Sect passed down this technique."
"Can the drained vitality be given to others afterward?" Jiang Yuebai asked again.
Tao Fengnian shook his head, "No, it can't. The vitality drained by the Grass and Wood Technique can only be returned to plants. We're almost there, hold on tight."
The paper crane suddenly descended, and Jiang Yuebai grabbed Tao Fengnian's sleeve and looked up.
The landscape was magnificent, the misty river vast, and the endless forest stretched out with towering trees.
The paper crane landed outside the Fei Feng Forest. Tao Fengnian led Jiang Yuebai on foot through it. The trees cast mottled shadows, and the roars of tigers and the chirping of insects filled the air. Everywhere she looked, vines entwined the trees. Where was the market square?
Since stepping into the forest, Jiang Yuebai had an overwhelming sense of danger and an immediate urge to turn back.
After a series of twists and turns, ancient trees blocked their path. Tao Fengnian stopped.
"Place your hand on the tree and infuse it with spiritual energy to try."
Jiang Yuebai was half skeptical but stepped forward and placed her hand on the tree. As soon as she infused it with spiritual energy, half of her arm penetrated into the tree.
Wide-eyed in astonishment, she maintained the flow of spiritual energy and walked straight into the tree, only to find a suddenly clear view.
A gentle breeze blew, mist and rain floated, and people walked about like a woven tapestry. It was bustling and lively.
Shops lined the road with colorful banners, vendors shouted, and their voices pierced the sky. In front of the blacksmith's shop, spiritual beasts playfully breathed fire, children laughed, and apprentices swung large hammers, creating a clanging sound.
The vibrant atmosphere of the market enveloped them.
"How could there be such a large market behind the trees?"
Jiang Yuebai turned around, and there was still an ancient tree behind her, casually growing by the roadside.
Tao Fengnian walked up beside her. "Wherever there are mortals present, there naturally must be some concealment methods. It's the same elsewhere. Come this way, let's get you some new clothes first."
"Although it's safe inside the market, there are also petty criminals who target inexperienced sect disciples with wealth and arrogance. We need to be cautious, keep a low profile with our resources, and avoid attracting attention."
"Understood, Grandfather."
Jiang Yuebai tugged at Tao Fengnian's sleeve, looked around with wide eyes, and everything seemed fresh and exciting—so much to take in.
This place exuded the hustle and bustle of a mortal town and the ethereal qi of cultivators.
For instance, there were small yellow talisman swords flying around for communication, double-headed giant birds pulling carts overhead, and vendors by the roadside holding flying talismans with ignited tails.
"Come and take a look, everyone! All kinds of magical artifacts from Qiankun Square are on clearance at the end of the year, definitely better value than what you'll find at Shanhailou!"
"Shushan Square has new spell jade slips, and there are insights on Yuan Ying True Lord's cultivation methods. Limited quantity, first come, first served."
"The Immortal Herb Tower's alchemical gambling event is about to begin today..."
"Various young spiritual beast cubs for sale at a cheap price. Fellow Daoists, buy one for your child to play with. Look at this adorable Flame Tiger Cat, it's a good deal!"
"Are you two looking for accommodations?"
A Qi Refinement Stage male cultivator blocked their path. Jiang Yuebai looked up.
"Our Qiyun Pavilion offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices, equipped with gathering arrays for safety. It's only two low-grade spirit stones per night. Would you like to stay?"
Tao Fengnian waved his hand, ushering Jiang Yuebai into a tailoring shop.
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