Chapter 185: The birth of an extraordinary path

Chapter 185: The birth of an extraordinary path

When Salt Long returned to Salt City, no one was aware.

He wore a tattered linen cloak, no longer adorned with a string of garlic around his neck, and a straw hat on his head, looking just like an ordinary old farmer.

This was a change Salt Long made after his journey to the Eastern Continent.

There was no need to flaunt his identity as an ascetic, nor to swagger through the streets. A steadfast and devout practitioner should not waste energy on external appearances.

Standing in front of the temple, Salt Long raised his head, his cloudy eyes gazing at the ancient and solemn edifice.

Great God Yao, my time is short, but I have given it my all.

Though I still cannot break through to higher limits, I believe the successors will find a way.

***

Beside him, a female adventurer carrying a large pack was also examining the temple.

Salt Long stood quietly.

A figure emerged from the temple.

It was a youth with his head covered in a black robe, who walked down the steps and approached the old man.

"Are you the Grand Elder of the Ascetics, Salt Long?"

Salt Long smiled, wrinkles piling up on his face: "It seems you are the new Oracle, even younger than the rumors suggest."

Oracle Shi Bao smiled: "You’ve come to pray to the deities, haven’t you? Please, come in."

"No need."

The old man shook his head: "With the divine in one’s heart, temples are everywhere."

"Your wisdom truly surpasses that of ordinary people."

The young Oracle exclaimed in admiration, then suddenly with a grave expression, as if realizing something, said: "You’re gravely injured, please go to the infirmary to recuperate."

"It’s beyond healing."

Salt Long said calmly: "I am a man soon to die. I have received enlightenment of the [Stigmata] through divine revelation, but in the end, I am subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death."

"I can clearly feel that my life is nearing its end."

He was neither panicked nor regretful.

Though fate had its twists and turns, he considered himself luckier than most.

"My visit here is just to give you this, some insights from my cultivation."

Shi Bao took the scroll of sheepskin handed over by the old man.

He carefully read the recorded text, his face growing more and more astonished.

"[Theology] for beginners, [Martyr] cultivation, to the advanced [Stigmata]... Gaining knowledge and self-awareness through pilgrimage, challenging Transcendent beings to push one’s limits..."

"Is this... the method for ascetics to enter the Transcendent realm?"

"Just some immature personal experiences."

Salt Long spoke calmly: "This is an outline I’ve figured out on my own, it may not suit everyone. I hope it can help others avoid some detours, that would be satisfaction enough for me."

Hunter Rain remembered her great-grandfather as told by her forebears.

The blazing flames ahead were like a dazzling and magnificent field of red barley.

***

After recounting Salt Long’s experiences in one breath, Hunter Rain felt a wave of fatigue, even a bit faint.

"Please have some barley wine, it’ll make you feel better."

The man sitting opposite ordered a drink.

"No need, I’m used to drinking my own brew."

Hunter Rain took out a sheepskin water skin from her backpack, pulled the cork, and a slightly intoxicating aroma wafted out.

Pawa sniffed: "Is this the mead you mentioned?"

"Yes, it’s still a work in progress. Would you like to try it?"

"If I may."

The taste of the mead made Pawa close his eyes, utterly enraptured: "Such fine wine, Miss Hunter Rain, you really should produce it in large quantities, many would love it."

"It’s not good enough yet, the honey ratio needs adjusting. Let’s get back to business, Mr. Pawa."

"Ah, right, sorry, sorry. The wine just carried me away."

Pawa sat up straight: "So, the last time you saw Grand Elder Salt Long was in the volcanic region, right?"

"Yes."

"Understood, missing for a year. We’ll consider Mr. Salt Long as missing for now. I’ll record his battles in the Eastern Continent and his personal experiences in the latest ’Pawa’s Marvelous Adventures: Heroes Edition.’"

"That would be great." Hunter Rain sighed in relief.

"Miss Hunter Rain, I have a small suggestion."

Pawa put away his notebook: "I have a group of dwarf friends who worship fine wine and respect master brewers. If you don’t mind, you could go to the southern [Dwarf Fortress], where the dwarf adventuring group [High Furnace Eccentrics] is resting. They’re all old friends of mine."

"You make mead, they will offer you all the help you need."

"Since you want to introduce your mead to everyone, why not use [Dwarf Fortress] as your brewing site? The environment is simple and pure, and the dwarves are straightforward. They will provide you with the necessary funds, it’s a good place to live, as long as you don’t mind the sound of forging... of course, it depends on your personal preference."

"I’m willing!"

Hunter Rain’s eyes widened, her face unable to hide her joy: "Dwarves have a good reputation, if possible, of course, that’s great."

"That’s wonderful! I’m sure the dwarves will be very happy."

Pawa smiled: "I’ll write you a formal letter of introduction right now."

"Thank you!"

Hunter Rain took the letter of introduction and left Salt City.

She looked back at the black mountains to the north.

I will brew the finest mead.

You must also strive to live, Teacher Salt Long.