Chapter 177 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 177: Restless
Translator: Lynn
Xu Ziqing settled back into his seat, the unfinished go game awaiting his senior brother’s return for its continuation.
Deep in thought about the go game, he examined the many moves. However, he found it difficult to concentrate and felt a sense of confusion, unable to focus. Go was meant to be a lively exchange with a close companion, but now he was the sole participant—where was the enjoyment in that? With this realization, he gently placed the go pieces back into the box.
After sitting for a while, a flood of thoughts overwhelmed Xu Ziqing. They swirled in his mind, tangled like threads, making it hard to pinpoint their origin. A sense of suffocation crept in, and he couldn’t quite fathom why.
Neither playing go nor attempting to meditate brought ease. Unable to force his thoughts, in alignment with the principles of the way of immortality he cultivated, which emphasized peace and nature, he decided to let go. Although his senior brother had advised against leaving, a brief stroll in the yard should be harmless. The vastness of the sky and earth often provided solace, dispelling the inexplicable heaviness he had felt earlier.
With his mind made up, Xu Ziqing opened the door and stepped into the small courtyard.
The stars adorned the night sky, casting their brilliance upon the many rare flowers and trees in the courtyard. The fragrant air filled with invigorating aura was revitalizing and refreshing.
During his walk, memories from ten years ago came flooding back.
Back then, he was just a son of a branch family in the Haotian Small World, a somewhat valuable but still marginal figure in terms of status. He believed he would lead a simple life in a mountain village, farming for the rest of his days—a far cry from the cultivation world he now lived in.
Recollection led him to that first night when he left the farm, finding shelter in a small courtyard. That time, though tranquil, the courtyard lacked the elegance and refinement of his current abode.
Reflecting on the journey from an inexperienced kid, a reborn country boy, to his present status as a direct disciple of a second-rank immortal sect in the vast world, a peak foundation establishment cultivator, he couldn’t help but marvel at the immense difference in circumstances. It was a disparity akin to comparing heaven and earth, prompting heartfelt sighs.
In less than a year, he had faced challenges and met the “Brother Yun” from back then, now his senior brother—an evolving tale of camaraderie. Reflecting on all these years, a sense of bewilderment washed over him.
Abruptly, Xu Ziqing’s heart stirred, prompting him to raise his gaze.
Beyond the courtyard gate, a man in white approached unhurriedly. Though the evening light graced him, it failed to diminish his distant aura, still exuding cold detachment.
Instinctively, Xu Ziqing glanced around, but he couldn’t spot anyone else.
The man stepped into the courtyard, noticed Xu Ziqing standing amidst the flowers and trees, and remarked, “Is go not holding your interest?”
As he spoke, a trace of softness flickered in his eyes, and his overall demeanor seemed to soften slightly.
Observing this, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but smile. “I was feeling a bit stifled thinking too hard in my room, so I ventured out to await my brother.”
Yun Lie simply acknowledged with a faint sound and resumed his path.
Smiling once more, Xu Ziqing suggested, “Now that my brother is back, shall we continue the go game?”
With that, he made way for Yun Lie to enter.
Yun Lie didn’t utter a word but returned to his previous spot.
Xu Ziqing’s countenance relaxed, and as he surveyed the go board, his go strategy suddenly crystallized.
The mysterious sense of unease that had haunted him earlier seemed to dissipate.
In this single night of engagement, Xu Ziqing’s interest was thoroughly piqued. Yun Lie didn’t broach any other topics. As the go game gradually concluded, the first light of dawn graced the sky.
Though they hadn’t slept all night, both being cultivators, they still brimmed with energy. Nevertheless, today was the owner’s birthday, prompting the two brothers to swiftly change into more formal robes, preparing for the upcoming feast.
As expected, as soon as they stepped out, servants were already waiting.
Knowing his brother’s inclination for brevity, Xu Ziqing inquired, “Is something the matter?”
The young servant was a spirited cultivator, his eyes lighting up upon seeing the two. He greeted, “Greetings to the two seniors.”
At the eighth level of Qi Refining, he was esteemed in the mortal world, but within this immortal village, he served as a boy attendant, “The envoy Rui Rou instructed this servant to serve you, and we mustn’t neglect you. I didn’t receive a summons from the senior last night, so I have been waiting here.”
It turned out Rui Rou had left.
Yesterday, after their departure, arrangements were made for several servants to attend to various small courtyards. However, Yun Lie paid no heed to them, completely ignoring their presence. This left Xu Ziqing a bit agitated, and he hadn’t realized he had been guarding the house all night.
Upon hearing the young servant’s account, Xu Ziqing nodded. “If that’s the case, you needn’t attend to anything. Report to us only if the owner calls for you.” He then remembered that his senior brother had rewarded someone at the city gate, leaving him slightly embarrassed for not making prior arrangements.
After pondering for a moment, Xu Ziqing sent a message privately: “Shixiong, I’m not sure what to give as a reward.”
Yun Lie contemplated for a while, conjured a blue light, and directed it toward the cultivator’s hand.
Observing the flying sword within the light, a high-grade magical item rather than a spiritual weapon, Xu Ziqing remarked, “Considering the effort last night, you can make use of this item.”
The young cultivator, no stranger to receiving esteemed guests, was elated to receive this exceptional magical item suitable for use. He expressed his gratitude, “Thank you both for this generous gift. I assure you I’ll serve diligently and not disappoint you.”
In his thoughts, he marveled at the gift, realizing that being a disciple of a prestigious immortal sect truly had its merits, evident in receiving such a magical item for performing routine tasks.
Seeing the cultivator’s delight, Xu Ziqing felt relieved that he hadn’t brought any discredit to the sect. He then tugged at Yun Lie’s sleeve, suggesting, “Shixiong, why don’t we take a stroll?”
Yun Lie didn’t object, and thus they ventured out.
Not wanting to intrude on their privacy, the young cultivator refrained from following and stayed put, guarding the courtyard gate.
As they ventured outside, Xu Ziqing impulsively held onto Yun Lie’s sleeve, pulling him along. When he noticed that his senior brother didn’t resist, he couldn’t help but smile, feeling a sense of closeness. The transformation from revering his senior brother at eight points to merely two points, and now to this closeness, seemed remarkable. He could now tug at his senior brother’s sleeve, perhaps a sign of their growing intimacy, allowing him to do so without reproach.
Considering this, his mood lightened further.
Outside the small courtyard, there were a few serene pathways leading directly to Kelaijuwai.
Thinking that a leisurely walk outside the courtyard might be invigorating, Xu Ziqing considered exploring the entirety of Ruyi Xianzhuang Villa.
The two of them strolled at a leisurely pace and soon found themselves outside the courtyard gate.
A secluded mountain path lay ahead, and on looking to the right, they noticed another courtyard not too far away, evidently another hospitality venue.
However, it remained unknown which sect had been placed alongside Wuling Immortal Sect in this spot.
As Xu Ziqing moved forward, thoughts began to fill his mind.
Yet, they hadn’t traversed even half a mile when voices reached their ears.
Curious, Xu Ziqing glanced in that direction, spotting a group of men surrounding a woman, all heading in the opposite direction.
Observing closely, the woman possessed charming features, a captivating figure, and a certain coquettishness in her expressions. The men accompanying her were equally robust and valiant, though curiously, they were all innate warriors, not cultivators.
Perhaps engrossed for a while, the woman quickly met his gaze.
He felt a captivating allure in her eyes, full of expression, as if she carried a myriad of sentiments and emotions. It evoked a sense of compassion.
In the midst of his slight bewilderment, Xu Ziqing suddenly felt a chill enveloping him, making him immediately alert. The source of this murderous aura was none other than his senior brother.
A shiver ran down Xu Ziqing’s spine as he swiftly regained his senses.
He realized he had unknowingly crumpled his senior brother’s sleeve, a testament to his distraction.
Feeling embarrassed, he contemplated releasing the sleeve he had manipulated, concerned about embarrassing his senior brother if he did so. Caught in this dilemma, he was uncertain how to proceed.
However, Yun Lie broke the silence, stating, “This girl practices the ‘Sunu’s Fascination Method,’ captivating people with mere expressions, luring them into fascination. You need to exercise caution.”
Xu Ziqing felt a wave of shame, acknowledging his impolite curiosity that led to this situation. He resolved, “Thank you for the guidance, Shixiong. I will certainly be more mindful in the future.”
Yun Lie nodded in agreement and imparted, “You cannot resist a golden core cultivator like her; that’s normal. But with determination and perpetual vigilance, you won’t fall so easily.”
This further deepened Xu Ziqing’s embarrassment as he affirmed, “You’re right, Shixiong. Your teachings are invaluable.”
Yet, Yun Lie’s strict adherence to discipline and his care for this junior are showcased in his guidance.
It’s rumored that the woman was a Golden Core Daoist. Xu Ziqing had only given her a brief glance—never probing with his spiritual sense and never displaying any obsession. However, the woman utilized such an enticing technique, hinting at preying on the vulnerable.
Had Xu Ziqing not maintained his integrity, showing no intent to defile the female cultivator, and if Yun Lie hadn’t awakened Xu Ziqing with his murderous aura just in time, she would have ensnared Xu Ziqing, a mere foundation-building cultivator. This act could have proved fatal. It would plant inner demons, complicating future breakthroughs. More critically, it could sow an insatiable yearning in the soul, altering one’s temperament and making them susceptible to the seven emotions and six desires—a troublesome condition to overcome.
Initially, Xu Ziqing believed he had erred and deserved reprimanding from his senior brother. Little did he know that a life-altering twist occurred at this crucial moment, nearly jeopardizing half of his foundation due to the actions of another.
It wasn’t until Yun Lie finished instructing him and detailed the repercussions that fear set in, and he became even more cautious of this highly skilled female cultivator.
Meanwhile, the female cultivator, noticing that Xu Ziqing had awakened quite effortlessly, expressed a soft “huh” and then gazed at him tenderly, adding a hint of charm to her eyes and brows.
Yet, Xu Ziqing remained vigilant. He maintained his composure, resisting her advances longer than before.
At this point, Yun Lie didn’t allow the other party to proceed in this manner. Upon lifting his gaze, an invisible force seemed to scatter.
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