Chapter 26

Chapter 26

TY Chapter 26: River Jade

The road leading out of the interior of the mountain is bumpy, but it was lucky that they were able to escape safely. If it had been a dead end, the both of them would have no idea what they could do.

Standing on the mountain, a cooling breeze sweeps past them. If one were to look up at the sky, he would find that the moon today is exceptionally bright. The two of them exchange gazes and heave a sigh of relief harmoniously.

Lu Chen smiles, Looks like our luck isnt bad.

Hong Chuan nods his head, Indeed, indeed. I didnt expect that we would be able to walk out just like that.

Lu Chen scans the surroundings and realised that the exit, looking from the outside, is just a small crevice along the rock wall that is covered by greenery. The interior of the crevice only looks slightly dim from the outside. If one doesnt walk into it, he wouldnt realise how deep into the mountains the passageway would lead. There are many such crevices on the tea mountain, so how could normal humans tell them apart from one another. It is hard to imagine that there would be a passageway behind this crevice that leads all the way into the depths of the mountain until the cave by the cliff of the chasm.

Lu Chen jots down the geography of this crevice in mind. After a short moment, he turns around and smiles towards Hong Chuan, saying, No matter what, we are finally out of danger. Shall we return?

Hong Chuan nods his head. Then, shock appears on his face as he says, Brother Lu, can I bother for you a moment more? The net that I used to capture the swallows is still on top of the mountain by the chasm. I have to go back to retrieve it.

Lu Chen nods his head and replies, Lets go.

The two of them tread up the tea mountain once more. People rarely appear in this area and dense thorns fill the entire mountain jungle, not to mention the lack of pavement and the steep slope. Thus, it is a much more difficult journey as compared to when they climbed up from the front mountain. It is fortunate that the both of them are at age where they are young and strong, allowing them to utilise both of their hands and feet efficiently to climb up.

After around an hour, the two of them reappear by the chasm. With his sharp eye, Hong Chuan immediately spots the net which he had lost by the chasm. The net wiggles slightly now and then. There are a few swallows which are still trapped within.

Lu Chen is taken aback. He retracts the smile on his face as he stares into Hong Chuans eyes with rare respect, Brother Hong, you are too strict on yourself.

Hong Chuan smiles. He looks at Lu Chen and says, Brother Lu, you have indeed done me a great favor. Also, given the accident that happened on the mountain last night, you saved my life. This gratitude that I owe you, I am truly unsure of how I could repay it to you.

Lu Chen shakes his head. Just as he is about to say something, Hong Chuan continues, Brother Lu, if I may speak of something rude, after living in Clear Stream Village for so many years, have you ever considered inspecting your roots at the Thousand Autumn Doors so as to verify whether you are capable of cultivating?

Lu Chen frowns as a glint flashes across his eyes. However, he soon reverts back to normal. After pondering for a moment, he smiles, Thats roughly about it. Look at the villagers here, who isnt working for this goal?

Hong Chuan nods. After a moment of silence, he retrieves a jade token attached to the hilt of the sword behind him and passes it to Lu Chen.

Lu Chen is surprised. He reaches out to grasp the token. The token is slightly cold to the touch. The jade token is square in shape and has a warm color. There isnt any words on it, just the picture of a river.

This is Lu Chen directs a questioning look towards Hong Chuan, confused.

Hong Chuan breaths in deeply and says, Brother Lu, this jade token is representative of me, so please keep it well. I am unsure of what you might meet with in the future, but if things arent going well, bring this token to Kunlun Mountain to look for me. While I cant say about anything else, I will definitely get you a chance to inspect your talent roots. If by chance and luck, you have the roots suitable for cultivating, you can come under our Kunlun Sect; if the chance doesnt present itself, I can ensure that you could stay there as a menial disciple. Although I cant say much about how your future would be, you should be slightly better off than normal people.

Lu Chens body trembles as a flabbergasted look appears on his face. Something seems to flash through his eyes as a thought comes to his mind. Several emotions flicker across his face. After a short moment, he nods his head solemnly and says, I didnt expect that Brother Hong would look upon gratitude so highly. I understand, I will accept your present.

Hong Chuan laughs as he cup his hands towards Lu Chen. Without any other words, he turns around and walks away with large strides. Very quickly, he reaches the bottom of the mountain. He walks on the bluestone path by the clear stream and soon, his figure disappears in the midst of green bamboos and peach blossoms.

Standing at the entrance of the straw cottage, Lu Chen looks at the sky, only to see a shade of blue in the clear sky. Somehow, a smile seems to creep onto his face.