Chapter 48 - Arc 5: Loose Cultivator Alliance | Chapter 48: Loose Cultivator Alliance

Chapter 48 - Arc 5: Loose Cultivator Alliance | Chapter 48: Loose Cultivator Alliance

Translator: Lynn

<<Start of Arc 5: Loose Cultivator Alliance>>

The boat continued its journey from the Lower Nine Continents, heading towards Upper Luzhou.

Xu Ziqing sat quietly at the rear of the boat, resting his eyes.

After a day or so, the silhouette of the distant continent became visible, indicating their imminent arrival.

Suddenly, several colorful lights appeared ahead, resembling bright flashes from magical weapons. They swiftly approached and came to a halt in front of the boat.

Su Xin exclaimed, “Oh no!”

Xu Ziqing sensed that something was amiss and stood up, joining Su Xin’s side. He asked, “Fellow Daoist, what’s happening?”

Su Xin smirked sarcastically, “They’re looking for me... It’s a tragic situation.”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback, but before he could react, he noticed a flickering shadow. Su Xin had been grabbed by the ear and someone else had taken control of the spirit boat.

In a state of shock, Xu Ziqing’s heart sank, but he didn’t dare to resist. He pleaded, “Release me!”

To his surprise, the familiar face of the captor turned out to be an acquaintance, not an enemy. When he turned his head, he saw a woman wearing a red dress, her attire adorned with fire motifs. A long red snake coiled around her waist, hissing and spitting venom.

The woman possessed a natural beauty, and her almond-shaped eyes emitted a fierce aura.

As Su Xin continued to scream, his ears were twisted even harder. He begged for mercy, “Master and mistress, I’ve just made a new friend. Please don’t let anyone mock me! Ouch! At least give me some face, Mistress!”

Xu Ziqing was astonished by Su Xin’s behavior. Since their meeting, Su Xin had always been arrogant and unpredictable, and although he had shown some respect later on, he had never displayed such a sulky and foolish look. The sudden change was both amusing and surprising.

The woman, realizing that she had taught him a lesson, released her grip on Su Xin’s ears. She smirked, raised her eyebrows, and said, “I’ll settle the score with you later.” Then, she turned her attention to Xu Ziqing, scrutinizing him from head to toe. “You have a handsome face. Why have you befriended my unworthy disciple?”

Xu Ziqing had never encountered such a straightforward woman before, and he felt a sense of fondness toward her. Despite her calling him “senior,” he modestly replied, “I am honored to meet Senior Huo Tong.”

Only then did the woman realize that this young man was relatively young, yet possessed considerable cultivation and exceptional looks. She was somewhat relieved that he wasn’t overbearing, but rather gentle and polite. A beautiful smile graced her face as she said, “My apologies for mistaking your name, Ziqing. It’s a blessing for my disciple, Xin, to have you as a friend. I hope the two of you will support and care for each other, and have a prosperous future together.”

Impressed by her perceptiveness, Xu Ziqing sighed and expressed his admiration. Her tone indicated that she had correctly guessed their intentions and plans. He replied, “Senior Huo’s kind words are greatly appreciated. My junior and fellow Daoist, Su Xin and I had an instant connection, so naturally, we should support each other.”

Huo Tong smiled with satisfaction before turning her attention back to Su Xin. “You’re audacious enough to eavesdrop and even venture alone to confront the Blood Demon. But do you know how ruthless and dangerous the Blood Demon is? If you’re not careful, you may lose your life!”

Su Xin retorted, “The Blood Demon is merely a lingering spirit, so I dared to confront...”

The first thing you need to do is get a proper understanding of what you’re doing! You were fortunate this time that nothing went wrong. Otherwise, how would you face your master and mother? It was even more irritating that this boy had eavesdropped and lied, deceiving the people of the League by claiming he would be in seclusion for a few days. If Huo Tong hadn’t sensed something amiss and asked her husband to investigate his whereabouts, she would still be clueless!

When she discovered that Su Xin had been missing for two or three days, she rushed out in a frenzy. Only when she saw him alive and well did her heart finally settle.

As Xu Ziqing witnessed Huo Tong’s fury, he didn’t realize that she was deeply concerned for Su Xin. His opinion of Huo Tong improved, and he even felt a hint of envy in his heart.

In his previous life, his elder brother and parents had showered him with love. He couldn’t help but feel the sorrow that must have enveloped them after his death. Unfortunately, now that he was in a different world, even if he aspired to achieve immortality in the future, he would never be able to reunite with his loved ones... As for his parents in this life, their bond was even more tenuous. It was hard not to sigh.

Whispering to himself, he said, “Instead of praising my apprentice, I scolded him like that... so fierce.”

Huo Tong playfully slapped him on the head and retorted, “Nonsense!” Then, as if she understood something, she eagerly asked, “You said you killed the blood demon, is that true?”

Su Xin replied, “It’s mostly true! If you don’t believe me, I can tell you!” He glanced sideways at Xu Ziqing, as if seeking confirmation.

Xu Ziqing smiled and nodded.

Only then did Su Xin proceed to tell the detailed story of the Chenghuang Kingdom, emphasizing the duel with great detail.

Xu Ziqing nodded in agreement at certain points, relieved to hear that Su Xin hadn’t mentioned Yun Ling in any way. He was glad that his friend only had his soul left, and it didn’t appear to be a ghost cultivator. If that had been revealed, it would have caused harm to Su Xin.

Huo Tong was thrilled by the story, but upon seeing Su Xin’s overly excited expression, her fury ignited. She was over ten times more knowledgeable than Su Xin, so she naturally understood the immense danger involved. If it hadn’t been for the fortunate presence of Xu Ziqing, who joined forces with him, her disciple would have perished in vain!

As she thought of this, her anger flared up.

Elder He continued, “I believe this Xu gongzi is eligible for a first-class token.”

Gongzi = master/young master/an honorific to address esteemed ones.

Su Xin nodded in satisfaction, “You’re the right person for the job, Elder He.”

Elder He smiled happily, flipped his palm, and produced a black token. He then took up a fine hard-bristle pen with a shimmering silver tip and swiftly inscribed Xu Ziqing’s name on the token. He pointed his finger and muttered a recitation.

Xu Ziqing received the token with both hands. It felt quite heavy and slightly cold to the touch.

Upon seeing the token, Su Xin also smiled and urged, “Fellow Daoist Xu, those who receive a first-class token must offer three incense sticks to the ancestors of the League. Hurry and go!”

Knowing the rule, Xu Ziqing lit the incense, paid his respects, and turned back to Elder He with a smile, saying, “Thank you, Elder.”

Elder He replied, “I dare not.”

However, Su Xin reached out and grabbed Xu Ziqing’s sleeve, urging him, “I’ll guide you elsewhere. Come on!”

Unable to resist, Xu Ziqing followed him outside. Once they were out, he asked, “Fellow Daoist, what does this token signify? I assume there’s something special about being classified as first-class or second-class.”

Su Xin replied, “The Outer Alliance tokens are divided into three classes. The first-class token is the highest ranking and offers the best treatment within the Outer Sect. With your exceptional abilities, you deserve a good token.”

Xu Ziqing smiled, “I would also like to express my gratitude to Fellow Daoist Su for your kind assistance.”

Su Xin waved his hand, saying, “There’s no need to thank me. I’m benefiting from your higher cultivation as well.”

He said it casually, but Xu Ziqing understood the implications. As a newcomer in this world, even a second-class token would have been a significant honor considering his qualifications. Receiving a first-class token meant that he must have a deeper connection with the League.

Realizing that Su Xin was putting on a front and warming up to him, Xu Ziqing acknowledged the favor without expressing gratitude.

Xu Ziqing also grasped the situation and felt pleased about it.

He then took Xu Ziqing on several walks, diligently explaining the rules and customs of the League. He accompanied him to identify various locations and provided detailed explanations. It was evident that he was devoted to his role.

Within the Alliance, there were two distinct types of cultivators. Those who possessed different tokens resided in different accommodations and received varying treatment based on their cultivation level, contributions, and years of membership.

On the other hand, the Inner Alliance served as the core of the loose cultivation alliance. Anyone wishing to be involved in matters within the alliance, regardless of their significance, became a member of the Inner Alliance. The title of the young master belonged to Su Xin for now, but the next master might not be him.

The Pavilion of the Councilors marked the boundary of the Loose Cultivator Alliance, and a long stone staircase winded up the rocks, leading to the Inner Alliance.

The left side of the pavilion was designated for the outer league. There, cultivators’ residences were situated, accommodating guest cultivators with third and second-class tokens. These individuals were attended to by varying numbers of servants. On the right side, the aura was more abundant, and it housed cultivators with first-class tokens. Known as the “High Guest House,” it resembled the Trading Hall.

Su Xin shared all this information with Xu Ziqing and emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony among cultivators. In the event of disagreements, they should avoid conflicts within the Alliance. He then warned Xu Ziqing, “Although you are gentle and kind, there are unruly guest cultivators. If you wish to avoid trouble, seek mediation from the responsible elders. If you come across someone causing trouble in the trading hall, let me know their name!”

Understanding Su Xin’s intentions, Xu Ziqing nodded and replied, “I understand.”

Afterward, Su Xin guided Xu Ziqing to the right side of the High Court.

Passing through the seven-story pagoda in the trading hall, they arrived at an inner lake adorned with a stone arch bridge. The surrounding scenery was picturesque, and the aura in the area was highly enticing.

Beyond the bridge, a small hill emerged with several eaves scattered around, not in close proximity. A few beautiful trees stood next to the houses, and the sound of flowing water and the fragrance of birds and flowers filled the air.

It was truly a place with breathtaking scenery—beautiful mountains, clear water, and a serene ambiance.

Su Xin led Xu Ziqing up the stone steps and inquired, “Only 30 people have been granted the first-class token, yet there are a hundred houses on this mountain, many of which are unoccupied. Fellow Daoist Xu, where would you prefer to reside?”

In a soft voice, Xu Ziqing replied, “Somewhere quiet and less crowded would be suitable.”

Su Xin raised an eyebrow, anticipating the same preference. After a moment of thought, he began introducing the area, saying, “This mountain is called Spiritual Trick Mountain, named after the spiritual trunk located within. Originally, it was a spirit vein that was excavated and broken, leaving only one section behind. Over time, a spirit cave formed. The spiritual energy within it permeates the entire mountain. The closer a house is to the spirit node, the stronger the spiritual energy, whereas the farther away, the weaker.”

Regardless of the distance, the spiritual energy in this place exceeded that of other locations.

Xu Ziqing had come across information about spiritual veins in a miscellaneous book. It explained that over time, the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth would gather and form a vein, which, when condensed, became a spiritual vein. These veins produced spiritual stones and pearls. If a vein was damaged and left undeveloped, it would often transform into a spirit cave. Cultivators who created their cultivation space within a spirit cave could achieve twice the result with half the effort.

The greatest benefit of a spirit cave lay in its balance of the five elements. Irrespective of a cultivator’s technique’s attributes, the absorbed spiritual energy is automatically condensed into the same type of energy, eliminating the need to expel impurities from different types.

As Xu Ziqing possessed a single spiritual root, he did not encounter the same issues as ordinary cultivators. However, cultivating in a place with dense spiritual energy allowed for faster absorption, providing significant advantages.

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