The Transmigrator's Cultivation Arc 18: Lu Jian Peak's Affairs | Chapter 346: Meeting Shizun Again

Arc 18: Lu Jian Peak's Affairs | Chapter 346: Meeting s.h.i.+zun Again

Pa.s.sing through the Dragon Ascension Gate, with Yun Lie, who had already ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, leading the way, they easily stepped into the Qingyun Great World.

As soon as they steadied themselves, Yun Zhengrui and Yun Tianheng both gasped in surprise, feeling that their lungs were filled with spiritual energy, and their entire beings felt immensely relaxed.

Although Yun Tianheng had yet to establish his foundation, he already possessed a cultivation level equivalent to the tenth layer of Qi Refinement. He sighed, “Indeed, this is the great world. The density of spiritual energy here must far exceed that of our small world by hundreds or even thousands of times!” He felt increasingly awed by his s.h.i.+zun and cousin. He thought to himself, if he were to cultivate in the great world, how could he waste decades of time in the small world? Even if he wanted to, he would inevitably feel restless and would not be as relaxed and at ease as his s.h.i.+zun¹Idk if I had told this to you guys, but the term s.h.i.+fu will be changed to s.h.i.+zun and cousin.

Yun Zhengrui had spent many years honing his sword skills and, though he was only at the fifth layer of Qi Refinement, his foundation was remarkably solid, not inferior to Yun Lie in his earlier years. As he sensed the spiritual energy of the great world, he felt no lamentation; instead, he wore an expression of fervor, exhilarated beyond measure.

This person was tall and robust, bearing the typical features of the people from Yun Family Manor, exuding a simple-hearted aura. Yet, once he picked up a sword, he transformed into a fierce and sharp presence, akin to a beast ready to attack, br.i.m.m.i.n.g with formidable strength. In contrast, Yun Tianheng was tall and slender, with a handsome demeanor that carried a hint of n.o.bility, resembling the previous life’s Dong Lixi by about eighty percent.

Xu Ziqing glanced at the two of them, his expression gentle. At over a hundred years old, having practiced for many years, his state of mind was as calm and still as an ancient well, unwavering and easily unshakable. These two were the juniors of his s.h.i.+xiong, and to him, they felt like his own descendants. After years of interaction, he regarded them as his own children.

Once the two had expressed their admiration, Xu Ziqing took out the Beast Taming Token and released Chonghua.

Chonghua, of ancient Kunpeng bloodline, was highly n.o.ble and ancient, making its advancement quite challenging. After several decades, it remained a fifth-tier demon beast, though its aura had become more domineering, and some innate abilities had gradually awakened.

To obtain the bloodline inheritance, awakening the bloodline was essential, but achieving this awakening was far from easy.

Once released, Chonghua let out a clear, long howl. Its body grew even larger, and it flew faster than before.

At this moment, it lowered itself, inviting everyone to board.

Yun Tianheng and Yun Zhengrui were quite familiar with Chonghua and respected it greatly. Whenever they met it, they would call out, “Uncle Chonghua.”

However, they had only heard stories of Chonghua’s incredible speed and had never ridden it before. Now that they could experience it for themselves, they were very excited.

In no time, the group had all stepped onto the back of the Chonghua.

Chonghua spread its wings wide, and a whirlwind surged around its body. In the next moment, it soared into the sky like a bolt of golden lightning, disappearing into the horizon!

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The Wuling Immortal Sect had stood for untold millions of years, vast and imposing, stretching across an incalculable expanse of land.

On this day, a giant demon bird flew swiftly across the sky, its ma.s.sive body nearly blocking out the sun.

Before long, it arrived at the outer gates, pa.s.sed over numerous mountain ranges, and came to rest before a mist-shrouded peak.

Xu Ziqing performed a hand seal, lifting the protective barrier. Seeing the awe in Yun Zhengrui and Yun Tianheng’s expressions, he recalled his own first arrival at the Wuling Immortal Sect, when he had been equally shocked and amazed. This brought a sense of nostalgia to his heart.

Chonghua, however, didn’t stop and flew straight through the rippling barrier, over the peaks, heading directly towards the Xiaozhu Peak.

Along the way, Chonghua’s imposing presence attracted the attention of many.

Someone curiously remarked, “Who are they, so bold and powerful?”

Another person replied, “That demon bird is at least of the fifth rank. To control it, one must be at least a Golden Core Zhenren!”

Others added, “In the past century, we’ve seen many Golden Core Zhenren, but we’ve never seen this one.”

Amidst the chatter, Chonghua flapped its wings and soon arrived outside Xiaozhu Peak.

Though the peak was still covered in lush green trees, it carried a faint air of desolation.

Chonghua circled briefly overhead, drawing many gazes.

Suddenly, a woman’s voice called out from within Xiaozhu Peak, “Who dares act so recklessly here?”

Xu Ziqing recognized the voice—it was his junior sister, Lang Wan. Her energy was steady and strong, indicating that she had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage. He smiled and called out, “s.h.i.+jie Lang Wan, lower the barrier. It’s me and s.h.i.+xiong, back to pay our respects to the s.h.i.+zun!”

Lang Wan gasped in disbelief, “Is… is that Er s.h.i.+xiong?”

Xu Ziqing chuckled, “It’s me. Can’t you recognize Chonghua? Its feathers may have changed, but its form remains the same.”

Only then did Lang Wan believe him. There seemed to be several female voices murmuring nearby, likely their other junior sisters. She hurriedly said, “Er s.h.i.+xiong, come quickly! You’ve been gone for so many years, s.h.i.+zun has been worried sick!” With that, she quickly lowered the barrier.

Xu Ziqing patted Chonghua’s back, signaling it to descend gently. The group landed in front of Lang Wan.

Chonghua immediately shrank in size and jumped onto Xu Ziqing’s shoulder.

Beside Lang Wan were indeed three to five beautiful women—Fang Zhirou, Cen Qian’er, and others, all of whom had reached the Foundation Establishment stage and were their junior sisters.

When these junior sisters saw Xu Ziqing, they smiled warmly, their eyes br.i.m.m.i.n.g with tears. As they glanced at Yun Zhengrui and Yun Tianheng, their gazes finally rested on Yun Lie. Though they still felt a bit intimidated, the fear they once held had turned into respect.

Lang Wan, tearful, said, “If s.h.i.+zunknew that both s.h.i.+xiongs were still alive, he would be overjoyed.”

Hearing this, Xu Ziqing felt a pang of guilt. Though his actions back then had been for his s.h.i.+xiong’s sake, they had caused s.h.i.+zunsorrow, and he felt he had been unfilial. Regaining his composure, he said, “We should go see s.h.i.+zun quickly. There is some good news we must share with him.”

Lang Wan quickly agreed, “Yes, yes, please follow me.” She immediately turned and led the way.

The layout of Xiaozhu Peak hadn’t changed much from the past, though a few more mountain residences had appeared, scattered across the landscape—likely carved out by the junior sisters who had now reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Xu Ziqing didn’t linger on the sights, instead exchanging a glance with Yun Lie as they quickly walked toward the cave dwelling halfway up the mountain.

The same illusory formation from before was still in place, but now, Xu Ziqing had the ability to break it. However, instead of doing it himself, he turned and looked at Yun Lie.

Without a change in expression, Yun Lie flicked his fingers.

In an instant, the illusion parted like a river, dispersing and fading away.

There was still a wooden cabin, but the surrounding plants and trees felt different from before… It seemed they were no longer tended to by Qiu He s.h.i.+zun himself.

In front of the cabin, there was a meditation mat.

Sitting cross-legged on the mat was a young man dressed simply, with a cultivation level roughly at the Core Formation stage. His appearance was quite honest and una.s.suming, and he was in the midst of meditative training.

This was Qiu He’s third personal disciple, Qiu Ze. Sensing an extremely powerful presence, Qiu Ze suddenly opened his eyes and saw the two people before him! His pupils contracted, and a look of pure joy immediately spread across his face.

“Da s.h.i.+xiong! Er s.h.i.+xiong! You…”

Xu Ziqing smiled and said, “We’ve returned.”

Qiu Ze leaped to his feet, quickly speaking, “Come, quickly! We must pay our respects to s.h.i.+zun! s.h.i.+zun, he… he…” Without finis.h.i.+ng his sentence, he immediately opened the door.

Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie wasted no time and stepped inside.

As soon as they entered, they saw that the interior had been altered. The wooden cabin was now divided into two levels.

In the outer section was a small altar, on which incense burned and two plaques, made of gold and jade, were placed. One was inscribed with “Yun Lie,” and the other with “Xu Ziqing.” The incense curling up in front of the plaques had turned them a deep blue-black, indicating many years of use.

Qiu Ze, noticing their gazes, explained, “After the two of you disappeared, there were rumors that you… s.h.i.+zun refused to believe it. He left the mountain many times, only to return disappointed. Afterward, he set up these plaques to pray for your well-being.”

Praying was a Buddhist practice, and the techniques of Buddhism focused on reincarnation. For cultivators of the Immortal Dao, how could it be of any use? It was merely for peace of mind. For the distinguished Golden Core Qiu He s.h.i.+zun to refuse to believe the tragic news of his two disciples and, in his seclusion, make offerings year after year—wouldn’t others find it laughable? But this was clearly the heartfelt love of a s.h.i.+zun for his disciples, sincere and burning, deeply moving.

Yun Lie, having once entered the mortal world and experienced the bonds of blood relations, was now more attuned to emotions. With Xu Ziqing’s emotions guiding him, he felt more than before. Seeing this scene, even he was slightly moved.

Xu Ziqing was even more struck, and his heart was stirred with emotion.

Qiu Ze said nothing further and simply gestured toward a side door, saying, “s.h.i.+zunhasn’t left the mountain in years. Lately, he hasn’t stepped out of his room, not even once.” As he spoke, there was a faint pain in his expression, and his eyes reddened slightly.

Xu Ziqing nodded slightly. To make Qiu Ze and their junior sisters appear this way, their s.h.i.+zun must have suffered greatly. He exchanged a glance with Yun Lie, and the two of them walked together towards the side door.

Yun Zhengrui and Yun Tianheng, who had been silent the entire time, paused and did not follow them.

The two entered quickly.

Inside the side door was a small room with just a meditation mat and a wooden bed.

The mat lay lonely on the floor, and on the bed, a figure was lying on their side.

That figure was gaunt, with weak spiritual energy, as if their life force was nearing its end. Moreover, their long hair, visible under the covers, had turned completely gray.

It was… Qiu He s.h.i.+zun.

It was their benevolent teacher, who had worn himself out because of them!

Xu Ziqing trembled uncontrollably and quickly called out, “s.h.i.+zun!”

The person on the bed did not move.

Yun Lie furrowed his brows slightly and also spoke, “s.h.i.+zun.”

Still, there was no response.

Xu Ziqing’s heart filled with anxiety. He tugged at Yun Lie, and they hurried to the bedside. Xu Ziqing reached out and gently grasped their s.h.i.+zun’s arm, “…s.h.i.+zun, please turn around. Ziqing and s.h.i.+xiong have returned.”

Only then did the person on the bed seem to suddenly awaken, rising up abruptly and turning their head.

Indeed, it was Qiu He s.h.i.+zun, but his cheeks were hollow, and his eye sockets were sunken. He reached out to touch Xu Ziqing’s face and then grasped Yun Lie’s wrist, suddenly speaking, “…Ziqing, Yun’er?”

Xu Ziqing’s heart ached, and he didn’t know how to respond. Before they had left, their s.h.i.+zunhad been plump and smiling kindly. How had he become like this upon their return?

Yun Lie let him hold his wrist and knelt down, lowering himself to the floor. “It’s me, s.h.i.+zun.”

Xu Ziqing held onto Qiu He’s withered hand and followed Yun Lie’s lead, kneeling before the bed. “s.h.i.+zun, this disciple pays his respects.” His voice choked as he continued, “It’s me and s.h.i.+xiong—we’ve come back.”

Translator: Lynn

Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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• 1Idk if I had told this to you guys, but the term s.h.i.+fu will be changed to s.h.i.+zun