Chapter 203 - Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 203: Wild Beast Plain
Translator: Lynn
Xu Ziqing reminisced about his master’s earlier mention of the Wild Beast Plain when he first arrived in this vast world. He recalled that his senior brother, after comprehending the sword intent, spent a decade in the Wild Beast Plain, relentlessly slaying creatures and perfecting his sword intent. During this time, his cultivation advanced from the early Golden Core Formation stage to the middle stage. The following decade would see him reach the peak of the late Golden Core Formation stage.
He understood that his senior brother’s most significant cultivation breakthroughs had been achieved during his ten years on the Wild Beast Plain. It was there that he laid the profound foundation that would shape his future. Xu Ziqing realized that his senior brother had always taken each step methodically, never rushing for higher realms. This diligence had led to his remarkable potential. All his achievements were the result of relentless hard work.
Now, if his senior brother was headed to the Wild Beast Plain, there had to be a valid reason. Could it be that he had reached a bottleneck in his cultivation?
Though Xu Ziqing had no personal experience with the Wild Beast Plain, he suggested, “Shixiong, I’d like to accompany you.” He knew that if his senior brother thought it would be beneficial for him, he would have already made the offer. By letting Yun Lie decide, he allowed him to weigh the pros and cons.
Undoubtedly, there would be both advantages and disadvantages to visiting the Wild Beast Plain.
Yun Lie understood this and nodded, saying, “Prepare some items like elixirs, talismans, and such. The Wild Beast Plain is in the Western Regions, so we need to be cautious.” After a pause, he added, “Now that you’ve recovered from your injuries, you should visit the master first, and then come to me to set off.”
Xu Ziqing became even more alert when he noted the careful instructions from his senior brother. He promptly replied, “Yes, Shixiong.” With that, he stood up and headed toward Xiaozhu Peak.
Xiaozhu Peak still exuded a warm and spiritual ambiance, creating an auspicious atmosphere all around. As Xu Ziqing ascended the mountainside and entered the cave of Daoist Qiu He, he noticed the same picturesque scene as before. However, he now had a better understanding of the intricacies and techniques at play, a perspective shaped by different realms and experiences.
Among the flowers that lined the path on either side, several women sat in cross-legged meditation. The energy from the earth surged into their bodies, giving their countenances an ethereal quality.
They appeared deeply immersed in some profound state of mind and remained oblivious to any approaching presence.
At this moment, a plain-looking young man emerged through the wooden door. He was Qiu Ze, the third disciple of Master Qiu He.
After the Sect’s Grand Competition, Qiu Ze, along with Luo Yao and the other three disciples, had established a cave on Xiaozhu Peak. Qiu Ze lived in this cave, while the other three disciples resided in different areas on the mountain.
Later, Luo Yao joined the Du family, aligning himself with young master Du Zihui. He found a passion for crafting talismans and formed a strong bond with the young master. They transformed their initial rivalry into a lasting friendship.
Long Xuan and Yue Jun chose to stay on Xiaozhu Peak, soaking in the knowledge they had gained from the Grand Competition. They entered seclusion for many days and hadn’t been seen for a while.
When Qiu Ze spotted Xu Ziqing, he immediately greeted him with a respectful nod, saying, “Greetings, Second Shixiong.”
Xu Ziqing smiled and responded, “I assume Master was aware of my arrival.”
Qiu Ze also smiled and affirmed, “Yes, he asked me to come and receive you.”
With Qiu Ze as his guide, Xu Ziqing followed him inside.
As they stepped through the door, Xu Ziqing could see Master Qiu He still sitting on the ground in his characteristic flower-farmer pose. A cushion lay beside him, indicating that he was currently giving his disciples instruction.
Due to the incompatibility of their attributes, neither Xu Ziqing nor Yun Lie could be directly mentored by Master Qiu He, which had left the master somewhat regretful. Qiu Ze, whose attributes aligned, had a profound respect for his teacher, and the guidance he received had brought him considerable progress. Master Qiu He had found teaching him to be quite rewarding.
Nonetheless, Master Qiu He held a special place in his heart for Xu Ziqing. When he noticed Xu Ziqing’s arrival, he welcomed him with a warm smile and gestured for him to sit down. His eyes were filled with affection as he asked, “Yun’er informed me about your severe injuries. How are you feeling now?”
Xu Ziqing replied with a gentle expression, “Thanks to Shixiong’s assistance, I’ve greatly improved.”
Master Qiu He nodded, his smile unwavering, as he retrieved a jade box and slid it over to Xu Ziqing. He said, “Take this item and give it to Yun’er from me.” As Xu Ziqing recognized the box, he realized it contained the Immortal fruit.
The elder brother had presented it as a gift to their master, although at first, the master had been unaware of its value. When the box was eventually opened and its contents were revealed, the master decided that such a precious treasure should be given to his most beloved disciple, Yun’er. Thus, he requested that Xu Ziqing, who had a close relationship with the elder brother, return it on his behalf. The gesture was heartfelt and displayed deep love and care.
However, since the elder brother had originally presented it to their master, Xu Ziqing couldn’t take it back without risking his brother’s anger. It was clear that the elder brother held the master in high regard.
Despite the severed ties, the master had raised him and cared for him for many years. Even when his elder brother had a cold and unfeeling exterior, he still possessed a sense of right and wrong. He understood and respected the master, whom he held in high regard.
The elder brother’s recent extraordinary efforts, which had been focused on Ruyi Xianzhuang, were likely driven not solely by a desire to enhance his chances of conceiving a child, but also by the intention to present the Immortal fruit to the master from the very beginning.
When considered in this light, Xu Ziqing realized the elder brother’s motives. Their master had practiced the Golden Core stage for over four centuries, and although he lacked natural aptitude and a strong prior foundation, his current age was over 800 years, with a cultivation level still at the early stage of Golden Core. With just 300 years remaining, the possibility of advancing to the late stage of Golden Core, let alone advancing to the Nascent Soul stage, appeared nearly impossible.
However, the elder brother’s respect for their master would not allow him to stand by while their master’s life force diminished. Thus, he was determined to find a solution, even if it meant exhausting all available options.
Xu Ziqing understood the elder brother’s mindset and approved of it.
With this in mind, Xu Ziqing gently pushed the box back towards his master and said, “Since Master comprehends Shixiong’s intentions, please accept it. You have your disciple’s assurance.”
Master Qiu He let out a sigh and inquired, “Ziqing, do you know what this item is?”
Xu Ziqing smiled and replied, “This disciple visited Ruyi Xianzhuang with Shixiong, so I am aware of it.”
Master Qiu He’s brow furrowed. “Since you are aware, then you should understand that using it for your master is tantamount to squandering it. However, whether you or Shixiong stays, it will always be of greater benefit than keeping it in my possession.”
Xu Ziqing shook his head, saying, “Master, your words are not accurate. Even though it may take many years for us to get to the Nascent Soul stage, I have calculated and believe that this item is more valuable in your hands. Shixiong and I consider you our closest family, and to us, it is no waste to offer it to you.”
The expression on Master Qiu He’s face became more complex.
A disciple’s filial piety was invaluable, but the old master had initially intended to dedicate his remaining years to instructing his last disciple. He hoped to find peace and close his eyes with the knowledge that he had fulfilled his duty as a teacher. He had never anticipated ascending to higher realms. The thought left him feeling a bit melancholic, and he was ashamed to see his disciples planning for him.
With a pure heart, Xu Ziqing quickly grasped his master’s thoughts and said with a warm smile, “Master, there’s no need to consider your disciples as outsiders.”
Master Qiu He’s eyes grew slightly teary, and the contentment he felt was beyond words.
Not wishing for the master to dwell on these emotions, Xu Ziqing changed the subject, “In a few days, Shixiong and I will be leaving the mountain to continue our training, so we came to bid you farewell.”
Master Qiu He swiftly dispelled his emotions and displayed a kind smile, saying, “You both have a lot to ponder, and there’s no need to trouble me with unnecessary matters. Yun’er has more experience than you. The two of you are like brothers; when you face challenges, be open to each other’s advice.”
With a straight posture, Xu Ziqing replied earnestly, “Master, please rest assured, this disciple will remember.”
After this exchange, he shared a few parting words with Master Qiu He. Following his farewell, Xu Ziqing returned to Shifang Pavilion, reclaimed all the necessary items, and stowed them in his storage ring. He also identified the other storage ring containing Sacred seeds. Now, he was no longer the novice he once was; he could place the latter deep within the former rather than displaying both on the outside.
Prepared and equipped, Xu Ziqing set off to find his elder brother.
Yun Lie maintained his usual appearance, wearing plain attire and standing with unwavering composure. It seemed that nothing could rattle him, nor could anything bend his steadfast resolve.
He did not constantly hold a sword, as he had not chosen a natal sword. Instead, he concealed a sword intent deep within his sea of consciousness. In the face of an adversary, any sword held the same significance for him as long as it could channel his strength.
Upon spotting his junior brother in cyan approaching, Yun Lie cast a glance and said, “The journey ahead is fraught with danger.”
Xu Ziqing responded solemnly, “I understand.”
Yun Lie nodded in acknowledgment. “Let’s depart.”
Xu Ziqing’s lips curled into a smile as he replied, “Yes, Shixiong.”
A resounding eagle’s cry pierced the air as Chonghua descended.
With lightning-quick movements, the two of them appeared on its back in an instant.
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The Wild Beast Plain lies on the border between the Western Regions and the Northern Regions, separated by a vast desert in between.
This plain is teeming with abundant wild creatures, periodically experiencing beast tides that wreak havoc in the region.
While the Eastern Region is characterized by a multitude of immortal sects, with the Wuling Immortal Sect at the forefront, the Western Region is dominated by a powerful empire. This empire taps into the energy of dragons to establish a kingdom of cultivators, attracting countless practitioners to its territory and amassing the natural fortunes of the world, all in pursuit of longevity.
This mighty empire, known as the Dayan Empire, serves as the central authority, with numerous smaller nations aligning themselves with it and contributing their own dragon spirits, forming a formidable collective.
In the Western Regions, both mortals and cultivators coexist. While only cultivators are permitted to hold official positions within the imperial city, the twelve counties are managed by a combination of mortals and cultivators who handle administrative affairs.
Within the empire, powerful cultivators safeguard the well-being of mortals, and in return, these mortals offer their services to the dynasty, ensuring the empire’s continued protection. This setup resembles the veneration of sects by mortals in the Eastern Region, but it enforces a stricter hierarchy.
The Wild Beast Plain is a place that strikes fear into the hearts of mortals, prompting the empire to appoint a general to oversee it from one generation to the next.
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