Chapter 100 - Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate | Chapter 100: Qingyun Great World
Translator: Lynn
Woo! 100th Chapter!! (>.<)
Zhuang Wei gazed silently at the woman he cared about. She had always been strong and assertive. Although he should have been happy for her if she could befriend the foundation-building cultivators and have the opportunity to enter the big world, he couldn’t completely hide the sadness in his heart.
It wasn’t that he didn’t know Miss Ziluo; in fact, they had a deep history together. She had shown him great kindness and care even before they formally met. The warmth from their time together back then was etched in his heart and would never be forgotten. Later, when Zhuang Wei joined Xu’s family and worked hard in his cultivation to support Miss Ziluo, he was disappointed to see her change and even forget about him. Their childhood bond remained only in his heart, yet he still continued to care for her in every possible way.
As Miss Ziluo ventured into the big world, Zhuang Wei’s abilities were limited, and he could no longer follow her. All he wanted was the chance to reunite with her in this lifetime, to do whatever he could for her.
Lost in these thoughts, Zhuang Wei was startled by a familiar voice that reached his ears.
“Brother Zhuang, do you still remember your old friend?” Neew updates at novel/bin(.)com
Zhuang Wei turned his head in shock and saw a young man dressed in green walking towards him with a gentle temperament and a smile. Overjoyed, Zhuang Wei exclaimed, “Ziqing?” Despite having many friends, Zhuang Wei felt a unique connection with Xu Ziqing, who was a few years younger than him. Xu Ziqing’s destiny had been tied to the secret realm, and Zhuang Wei was initially delighted for him, but later learned of his tragic fate in the realm, which left him heartbroken for years. Yet here, seeing Xu Ziqing, almost unchanged from their last meeting, he recognized him immediately.
Xu Ziqing was also happy to see Zhuang Wei, as he was his first friend in this other world, and reuniting after so long demonstrated the significance of their bond.
Approaching Zhuang Wei, Xu Ziqing smiled and said, “It’s me, brother Zhuang. It’s been a long time. I’m glad to see you well.”
Observing the change in Xu Ziqing’s aura, Zhuang Wei couldn’t help but feel surprised. Xu Ziqing’s aura now seemed deep and profound, like an abyss. He expressed his amazement, “My dear brother Ziqing... No, I should address you as Senior Xu now.”
Xu Ziqing quickly retorted, “Back then, we had different statuses, and you were generous enough to recognize me as a virtuous brother. Am I now, having just achieved a little success, trying to be your senior? Brother Zhuang, in your heart, I am your junior, not your senior!”
Grateful for Xu Ziqing’s humility, Zhuang Wei replied, “I’m aware that you must have faced numerous challenges to achieve such cultivation. Upon hearing the troubling news about you, I had my own thoughts, but now seeing you alive before my eyes... I...” His words trailed off without completion.
Taking a moment to reminisce about the past and compare it to the present, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotions.
However, Xu Ziqing refocused on the reason for his visit and said, “I’ve already established my foundation, and when the Ascension Dragon Gate opens, I plan to enter the big world. However, I’m unfamiliar with it, and that’s why I hope to find a good friend to accompany me. Will you help, brother?”
Considering Zhuang Wei’s feelings, Xu Ziqing gently teased, “Brother Zhuang, there’s no need to make such faces for me. You know what’s on my mind, and I appreciate your concern. Thank you.” Xu Ziqing spoke sincerely, not holding back any pretense.
He acknowledged the unknown dangers of the big world and expressed his concern for Zhuang Wei, who seemed determined to follow Miss Ziluo.
Although Xu Ziqing was worried, he couldn’t change Zhuang Wei’s feelings.
Matters of the heart are akin to drinking water; it’s only the drinker who knows its warmth. From Xu Ziqing’s perspective, Xu Ziluo may not be worthy of Zhuang Wei’s attention, but he understood that it was different in Zhuang Wei’s heart.
Looking at the situation from another perspective, Zhuang Wei knew that if he were to fall in love with someone in the future and his friend didn’t approve, he would feel rejected and uncomfortable. Even if they were still friends, he wouldn’t interfere with his friend’s choices.
Zhuang Wei smiled with innocence, acknowledging that Xu Ziluo didn’t reciprocate his feelings, and he had been stubborn about it. He understood her fiery temper and couldn’t help but worry about her safety in the big world. Xu Ziqing understood his concerns, but he couldn’t change Zhuang Wei’s mind.
Trying to be cautious in his advice, Xu Ziqing reminded Zhuang Wei that he needed to be able to let go when things were not meant to be. He also hinted at Xu Ziluo’s aggressive nature and how it might not be well-received in the big world.
Though he worried about his friend, Xu Ziqing understood that every step of the cultivation journey was fraught with difficulties. Zhuang Wei’s infatuation with Xu Ziluo could be his biggest obstacle. If he couldn’t overcome it, it might hinder his progress. However, he also recognized that as an outsider, he could only offer support and encouragement.
Zhuang Wei appreciated Xu Ziqing’s concern and they bonded once again. Xu Ziqing invited him to celebrate when he achieved Foundation Establishment, solidifying their camaraderie.
During their conversation, Xu Ziqing sensed a trace of malevolence coming from Xu Zishu, a woman in a yellow dress standing with a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Xu Zishu had always shown animosity toward Xu Ziqing for reasons unknown. She seemed to be jealous and resented him, even though she knew he was far more powerful than her.
Xu Ziqing cautioned Zhuang Wei to be careful of Xu Zishu, as she might have sinister intentions. He also made a subtle move, planting a grass seed on her heel to monitor her movements.
Suddenly, a burst of bright golden light appeared in the sky, followed by a dragon roar, signaling the opening of the Ascension Dragon Gate.
The dragon chant was mighty and long, as if it were transmitted directly into the human brain, making all the cultivators stiff and unable to move for a while. Even the foundation-building cultivators are no exception!
After a long time, the dragon chant disappeared, and all the cultivators woke up, dripping with cold sweat.
Such a loud momentum, I don’t know how it came out. At this time, the Rising Dragon Gate should appear, but could there be a real dragon on the Rising Dragon Gate?
All the cultivators couldn’t help but looked into the sky together. At this time, the golden light gradually softened, and an extremely tall portal appeared in the void.
I saw that it was hundreds of feet tall, but slightly smaller in width. As soon as it appeared, there was a huge coercion oncoming, which made people want to bend their spines to avoid its sharp edge.
Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind swept by, causing the things binding his hair to scatter, leaving his long hair unkempt and a mess.
He couldn’t help but feel embarrassed... Xu Ziqing chuckled wryly to himself but continued onward.
It was an exceedingly arduous journey, and gradually, the winds seemed to subside. The hurricane no longer flowed with the wind but continued to blast from both sides, transforming from a violent gale to a fierce wind and then gradually calming... At this moment, brightness appeared ahead.
Stimulated by the strong light, Xu Ziqing narrowed his eyes. When he reopened them, he saw a massive door wide open in front of him. It was the exit of the Dragon Gate, and also the entrance to the Qingyun Great World.
Shortly after, Su Xin and the others arrived. They put away the Chunyang shuttle, feeling a bit tense. Before they could fully relax, a strong repelling force emerged from behind, indicating that the Dragon Gate was ejecting them.
Xu Ziqing quickly brushed his long hair aside before being thrust out by the Dragon Gate. Chonghua rushed to his side, clutching his shoulders tightly. His vision blurred, and he fell to the ground.
Around him, many cultivators also fell, barely managing to remain on their feet. Su Xin and the other members of the Loose Cultivation Alliance were not far away. After steadying themselves, they approached Xu Ziqing.
Only then did the cultivators have the opportunity to look around, and their gasps filled the air.
Before them lay an immensely wide stone field, paved with closely-fitted bluestones that were smooth yet thick, exuding exceptional craftsmanship. It stretched out so far that they couldn’t fathom its boundaries.
Dozens of giant spirit boats floated on the rocky ground, about an inch above the surface, radiating precious light and an auspicious glow. The boats were colossal, with many mythical creatures and spirit beasts resting upon them. Numerous imposing cultivators stood on these vessels.
The cultivators from the small world, disheveled and embarrassed due to the fierce winds, felt even more inadequate upon witnessing the cultivators from the big world.
Each spirit boat bore a golden talisman displaying the name of a sect.
Shortly after their arrival, a cultivator gracefully descended from one of the boats, exuding an air of refined elegance that suggested an unfathomable cultivation base. Despite this, his face appeared kind, prompting him to approach the cultivators and engage them in conversation.
The small-world cultivators quickly realized that this was the time for the sects to select disciples. They cheered themselves up, striving to perform well. Many who had prepared for this opportunity directly headed toward the spirit boats, searching for their chosen sects.
Zhuang Wei bid farewell to Xu Ziqing and hurriedly pursued the slender purple figure, leaving Xu Ziqing to watch him go with heartfelt prayers, hoping that Zhuang Wei could conquer his inner demons soon.
Xu Zifeng’s sword energy enveloped his entire body, exuding a demeanor that stood out amongst the crowd. The sects had long noticed him, and many of the other cultivators also had aspirations in their hearts, either hoping to be chosen or seeking opportunities to visit different sects. In short, everyone seemed to have their own plans.
Only a few members of the Loose Cultivator Alliance, along with Diao Zimo and Luo Hou, remained together, and they hadn’t yet explored the spirit boats. However, considering their talents and ages, they were all outstanding disciples, and it was evident that they were familiar with each other. Soon, several sects were eyeing them and expressing their intentions to recruit.
As Xu Ziqing and the others were about to discuss their next steps and the journey to the Wuling Immortal Sect, a sudden shift in the atmosphere left Su Xin momentarily speechless.
Perplexed, the others asked, “Why...?” before they too fell silent.
At that very moment, an overwhelmingly powerful killing intent surged from a distance, engulfing the entire stone field in a chilling embrace. It was a merciless, icy, and indomitable intent to annihilate. The world seemed to transform into the embodiment of “death,” sending shivers down their spines, chilling not only their bodies but even their internal organs, flesh, and meridians.
Following the killing intent, a bone-chilling male voice resounded, appearing both distant and close, echoing in their ears.
“Xu Ziqing.”
Xu Ziqing’s pupils contracted abruptly, and when he turned his head, he was rendered dumbfounded.
Filled with hesitation and disbelief, he stammered, “Yun... brother?”
<<End of Arc 7: Dragon Ascension Gate>>
Translator notes
Thank you very much to my beloved readers, who have been sticking with me, and waiting for my updates, even if my translations are not very consistent. And sometimes giving me surprises, making this 100th chapter milestone is released ahead of schedule!
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