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.
Wang Xing observed this from the side, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Nian Hongzhi and Wang Jun were on the same side, allowing them to communicate privately. Wang Jun remarked, “Brother, it’s unexpectedly effortless to reach this point. It seems there is divine order at play, ensuring that I obtain what I desire.”
Nian Hongzhi smiled and replied, “I have been waiting in these mountains for two days. With you and me together, these people pose no threat. However, Xu Ziqing is in grave danger, and we must ensure Wang Yingwu’s safety. Any mishap could lead to trouble for the Wang family.”
Wang Jun nodded and replied, “Brother, don’t worry, I understand. In the future, when we establish our foundation, we will still need the two-striped grass from the Wang family. Naturally, we can’t afford to be careless this time.” The two of them discussed it for a while and decided to be flexible and adapt to the situation.
With the abundance of monsters in the mountains, provoking one of them would surely attract Xu Ziqing’s attention, and he would not face it alone. This would allow them to lead the monsters away. Whichever method they chose, it would be convenient.
After walking for less than half an hour, they reached the midpoint of the mountain. However, they had only encountered a few pheasants and hares, none of which possessed a demonic aura.
Everyone paused for a moment, and Wang Xing asked suspiciously, “Could it be that we have entered the territory of a mountain king?”
Among monsters, instinct often helps determine dominance.
High-level monsters possess great control and influence over lower-level ones. If a high-level monster claims a mountain as its territory, no other monsters can enter except for those permitted by the mountain king. The closer one gets to the mountain king’s location, the fewer other monsters will be found.
If there truly was a powerful monster occupying this mountain, it could have eliminated the other monsters.
Hearing the possibility of a monster reigning as king, Wang Yingwu’s expression immediately changed. “What should we do?” he asked. It wasn’t that he was cowardly, but as someone at the third level of Qi Refining, it would be reckless to challenge such powerful monsters. Even if he tried, he would only be serving himself as a meal to them, resulting in a meaningless death.
A monk from the Wang family couldn’t help but interject, “If a monster can occupy the peak of Shangyan Ridge…”
Another person continued, “The mountain king should have a fourth-level cultivation base.” The highest cultivation level among them was no more than the eighth level of Qi Refining. If they offended the Mountain King, none of them would be able to escape!
Xu Ziqing frowned slightly, but he wasn’t panicked. Having faced a Blood Demon with cultivation in the Huayuan period and witnessed the overwhelming aura of monsters at sea, he wasn’t easily frightened anymore.
And considering the current situation, even if he were frightened, what difference would it make? Whether they lived or died was at the mercy of the monster. It would be better to stay calm and find a way out.
Having made up his mind, Xu Ziqing took a few steps to the side, bent down, and plucked a blade of grass. He then flicked his fingers, catching a leaf. He had noticed that this type of grass and trees were abundant on the mountain, so he could utilize them to gather information.
With his hands cupped together, Xu Ziqing placed the grass and leaf between his palms and rubbed them together. Activating his spiritual power, a layer of blue light appeared in his palm. He then opened his hand, and the grass and leaf turned into powder, which he gently blew on. The powder slowly floated into the air, scattering in all directions.
Closing his eyes, Xu Ziqing sensed the silence around him. After a while, his frown eased.
He then spoke up, “Fellow Taoists, there are monsters lurking half a mile ahead.”
Since everyone didn’t possess spiritual consciousness, which would enable them to sweep their surroundings effortlessly, they relied on Xu Ziqing’s words. Immediately, all eyes turned towards him. “Are you serious, Friend Xu?” someone asked.
Another person inquired, “How did you find out?”
Xu Ziqing smiled and explained, “It was just a trick. There are many trees in these mountains, and I practice wood techniques, so I can make use of them.” He added, “If there are monsters lurking ahead, it means there should be no monster king on this mountain, right?”
Wang Xing spoke up, “If we didn’t notice any monsters earlier, perhaps it’s because there were monsters hunting and driving them away. I wonder, Xu Daoyou, do you know the rank of the monster?”
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!
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
Support me on ko-fi for faster releases ^^