Chapter 58 - Arc 6: Pinglan County Wang Family | Chapter 58: Shangyan Ridge

Chapter 58 - Arc 6: Pinglan County Wang Family | Chapter 58: Shangyan Ridge

Translator: Lynn

Sponsored chapter (5/10)

Shangyan Ridge, located in the western direction, possesses a rich history and is adorned with hundreds, if not thousands, of ancient trees. The branches and leaves of these trees are lush and green, creating a picturesque landscape. When viewed from above, the mountain range resembles a weir due to its narrowness, hence the name.

The mountain is incredibly deep, and it is home to numerous monsters. However, the spiritual aura in the area is also strong, attracting monks who venture inside to practice, search for resources, or hunt monsters.

On this particular day, afternoon, a sudden burst of colored lights descended from the sky, landing on the ground and revealing over ten monks. Among them were Xu Ziqing and his companions.

Wang Yingwu took charge of the three concubines and respectfully stood by their side.

To protect the disciples, there were nine hired monks, while the Wang family contributed six monks, all at the sixth or seventh level of Qi Refining. Among the Wang family monks was an elderly man named Wang Xing, a trusted steward of Wang Kangde. As everyone reached the foot of the mountain, Wang Xing stepped forward and addressed the group, saying, “Fellow Taoists, as instructed by the Patriarch, we will depart once we enter the mountain. Six individuals will accompany Young Master Yingwu, and the remaining three young masters will each have three escorts to protect them.”

Two monks from the Wang family stepped forward and positioned themselves behind Wang Yingwu, while the other three stood behind the concubines. Wang Xing, having divided the Wang family, positioned himself behind Wang Yingwu and added, “Fellow Taoists, please...”

The nine hired monks exchanged glances, and as the one with the highest cultivation base, it was only natural for the monk to speak first.

Therefore, among the present monks, three were at the eighth level of Qi Refining: Nian Hongzhi, Wang Jun, and Xu Ziqing. Since Xu Ziqing had the highest cultivation base, it was appropriate for him to be protected by the other two. The numbers matched perfectly, eliminating the need for further discussion.

Nian Hongzhi smiled and said, “Friend Xu, it seems we don’t need to make any agreements. We shall be companions on this journey.” Xu Ziqing returned the smile and gestured his agreement. With two against one, their combined strength left no room for weaknesses, creating a favorable situation.

The Gui Yin-Yang sisters giggled mischievously as they approached the youngest concubine. They walked briskly, causing the terrified concubine to turn pale, unable to utter a word.

Among the remaining four individuals, three were acquainted with each other, so they quickly formed a group, leaving one person to join Ruan Yuanliang. In a matter of moments, the arrangements were confirmed.

After bidding farewell, the group split into four directions, heading towards the center of Shangyan Ridge.

Xu Ziqing walked on the left side, accompanied by the other five people who surrounded Wang Yingwu. They took the right mountain path, carefully ascending step by step, following the trail of weeds.

The road was flanked by hidden trees and jagged rocks, creating a peculiar and eerie atmosphere.

As they were still on the outskirts of Shangyan Ridge, there was no malevolent aura present. The road bore traces of hooves and wild animals, but they appeared to be ordinary creatures and posed no immediate danger.

Since it was Wang Yingwu’s expedition, the few monks accompanying him merely observed, intervening only in life-threatening situations. Otherwise, the purpose of the journey, which was for Wang Yingwu to gain experience, would be undermined.

Wang Xing, following Wang Yingwu, also served as a supervisor.

Wang Yingwu understood this well. Holding the wishful handle in his hand, he released a thin layer of spiritual power, enveloping his body’s surface. This required minimal energy consumption while allowing him to remain vigilant of his surroundings.

Xu Ziqing probed once again and quickly replied, “It’s a second-rank monster, a beast. We have no need to fear.”

A second-rank monster was equivalent to a Qi Refining cultivator at the fifth to seventh levels. However, without knowing whether the monster was at the early, middle, or late stage of the second rank, it was impossible to determine if they could handle it.

After Xu Ziqing finished speaking, Nian Hongzhi looked at Wang Xing and asked, “What’s your decision, fellow Taoist?”

Wang Xing didn’t make the decision himself but glanced at Wang Yingwu. “The elder is merely urging, and the young master should decide.” When Wang Yingwu heard that it wasn’t a fourth-order monster, he calmed down.

“Since I have come to train, there’s no reason to retreat when facing difficulties. Although second-rank monsters are powerful, they might not be able to kill me. It’s better to continue moving forward and let me experience it,” he said.

His words made sense, and no one objected. Even the monks from the Wang family showed eagerness to give it a try.

In tasks like this, as long as the protected disciple couldn’t successfully hunt and kill monsters, the guardian could step in. The monsters they obtained would belong to the person who secured the kill.

So they continued their ascent up the mountain, seeking the misfortune of encountering a monster.

Whether it was monsters preying on humans or humans hunting monsters, luck had no place in this equation.

Nian Hongzhi and Wang Jun followed the group, observing Xu Ziqing’s actions and devising their own strategies.

Speaking through a voice transmission, Wang Jun asked, “Xu Ziqing’s spells are quite remarkable. What do you think, elder brother?”

Nian Hongzhi remained cautious, saying, “He practices the wood element, so his offensive power may not be very strong. Although his spells are sharp, they can be countered. He is only at the eighth level of Qi Refining. We need to proceed with caution but not let our worries cloud our judgment.” Wang Jun nodded solemnly and replied, “In the future, if we encounter a formidable monster, let’s invite Xu Ziqing to take the lead and exhaust his spiritual power as much as possible. That way, you and I can strike when the opportunity arises.”

Nian Hongzhi agreed, saying, “Agreed.”

Unaware of their conversation, Xu Ziqing didn’t notice their plans. Since he had stopped using spells and the plant powders had dissipated, they no longer served as his scouts.

After a while, the mountain path opened up, and the rocks intertwined with trees on both sides, creating a dense canopy that made it difficult to perceive movement within.

Suddenly, a powerful monster’s aura rushed toward them, accompanied by a putrid smell. The sound of air being pierced rang out as a hairy tail, resembling a long whip, swept fiercely through the air.

The sweeping motion carried tremendous force. If it landed with full impact, it would undoubtedly shatter muscles and bones!

Wang Yingwu happened to be at the front, as he wanted to practice and had come forward.

At that critical moment, he had no time to dodge and could only resort to using Ruyi. Shouting, “Watch out!” he transformed Ruyi into a black light, emitting a howling wind as it struck the tail with all its might!

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