Chapter 536: Phantom Ravine
Long Chen did not know anything about the Martial Realms.
Though he knew that he was not far away from the Martial Realms, because he had something very important: the Emperor Flame Pearl. He did not know how long he had been unconscious for, but it was likely only one or two days. On the Day of the Nine Suns, he would be able to use the Emperor Flame Pearl to immediately progress to the Ninth Passage Stage, which would not require even Heavenly Passage Pills.
However, there was one thing he had to do first, which was to treat all the hidden damages caused by the third stage of Blood Sacrifice as soon as possible. Even if he used the Emperor Flame Pearl, these hidden problems would remain and would only cause more issues. Every hidden injury would be like a blade stuck in his body. If they were not removed, they would bring him fatal harm in the future.
Long Yue seemed to have a solution.
Long Chen would only be able to become strong once more with the help of these kind people. He had to take this opportunity seriously.
“Long Chen, I want to ask you more about the Clear Shallows King and Liu Yiyi. Just tell me what you experienced after you met them, in detail,” said Jiang Wuya, pursing his lips. He looked at Long Chen solemnly.
Long Chen did not know what to feel about this man. It was clear that he was pursuing Long Yue, and he must have liked her for a long time. He was probably the romantic type. However, why did it seem like he previously had a relationship with the Clear Shallows King, even leaving behind a daughter?
He did not look like the irresponsible type to abandon his wife and child. Long Chen did not know the complicated story between them, so he could not judge further. All he knew was that the Clear Shallows King was a decent person, and so was Jiang Wuya.
He told him about his experiences, though he chose to skip parts related to his own secrets, for example, the Black Emperor Seal. The six of them had gone to the Ancient Demon Domain because of the Black Emperor Seal; how could he tell them that it was actually with him? The ultimate treasure, which was the Emperor-tier Five Emperor Seal technique, could be retrieved by combining all five Emperor Seals. Emperor-tier techniques were precious things that people fought over in the Ten Thousand Nations Territory, and the Divine Martial Empire was no exception. It was clear that these six had been searching for the Emperor Seal in recent times.
Jiang Wuya guessed the Clear Shallows King and Liu Yiyi’s lives through Long Chen’s experiences. His eyes were wet when Long Chen finished, though he quickly wiped them and said, “Thank you so much.”
“You guys have shown me insurmountable kindness. I should be the one thanking you,” Long Chen said solemnly.
Jiang Wuya smiled, though his expression suddenly turned serious when he asked, “Long Chen, do you want to take Yiyi as your wife?”
Long Chen was a little exasperated. Jiang Wuya was Liu Yiyi’s father, so naturally he cared about his daughter’s matters. Long Chen said, “I am not in control of my fate currently, and I do not have the luck to enjoy Miss Yiyi’s good intentions in this lifetime.”
“In that case, I forbid you from returning to the Ancient Demon Domain again. Don’t even set foot in there without my permission!” said Jiang Wuya sternly.
“Mhm.” Long Chen nodded. He understood where Jiang Wuya was coming from. Since Long Chen did not love her, then he would not let Long Chen hurt her.
After their chat, Jiang Wuya did not speak again.
The Thunder Bat Dragon flew very quickly. Long Chen could see the clouds quickly flying past them while electricity flew all around them. Soon after, he sensed the beast slowing down and suddenly, the Thunder Bat Dragon stopped mid-air, let out a low roar, and disappeared. Jiang Wuya carried Long Chen and descended from the sky.
Below them was a vast patch of forest.
Thick, white mist was everywhere, clouding Long Chen’s vision. It was difficult to see what was ahead. After they descended, they immediately slipped into the forest and traveled towards the deeper parts of the mountains.
Obscured by the endless mist, the place they lived in was quite hidden too.
It was an endless patch of mountains. After several kilometers of trekking within the thick mist, the space suddenly opened up. It was a paradise in a very deep part of the mountains.
What Long Chen saw was a ravine that was tranquil and filled with trees. Beneath the trees, flowers dotted the ground like stars. Not far away was a calm lake that was not large, but it was strangely clear, so even tiny fishes and prawns could be seen within. Several Sika Deer were drinking from it. They were regular animals, not demonic beasts. After being spotted, not only did they not run, they boldly approached. Their sparkling eyes were very adorable.
Not far away from the edge of the lake stood several elegant wooden houses. Long Chen counted six of them, which was the same as the number of members.
“What do you think, Little Brother? Isn’t our home beautiful?” said Lan Ling’er smugly, leaning over to Long Chen. Color flowed within her sparkling eyes, making them look beautiful.
Long Chen took a deep breath. This place was peaceful and tranquil; it was indeed a good place to rest and heal.
“It is indeed beautiful,” said Long Chen.
“It is beautiful, and we built the houses ourselves. However, if someone starts calling me ‘Sister Lan,’ I would be so happy that I would even be willing to help that injured person build a house!” said Lan Ling’er with a chuckle.
“Alright, Ling’er. That’s enough. Everyone, help him out. I will prepare some medicine. His condition is difficult to treat.” Long Yue paused, then she looked at Long Chen. “From tomorrow onwards, I should be able to help you treat your injuries. Stay with them today and familiarize yourself with this place.”
“Thank you, everyone!” Long Chen nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Then Long Yue went off to prepare the medicine. Chi Ying left, likely to check with the Red Souls members for recent updates, while the others quickly helped Long Chen build a simple wooden house. At least Long Chen now had a quiet place to cultivate.
Long Chen felt like he was in a dream as he looked around at everything.
He could tell that the six of them had a close bond, one that was as close as true siblings.
Night soon fell. Chi Ying returned, and to celebrate Long Chen’s arrival, the few of them decided to make a bonfire. Long Chen was impressed by Jian Chen and Lei Zhen’s excellent cooking—Jian Chen was great at making sophisticated dishes, while Lei Zhen specialized in barbecuing meat …
Long Chen soon relaxed under their warm welcome.
He had always thought that the path of cultivation was filled with only bitter training and violence, but he saw something else in them. Freedom. All of them were extremely drawn towards freedom, and that was why they clashed with the Martial Alliance’s control. However, it felt good to gather with them; it was them against the world.
Very soon, Long Chen grew familiar with them. Since he was the youngest, he referred to them as brothers, though obviously, Lan Ling’er was “Sister Lan.” Being called that made Lan Ling’er especially happy, seeing as she had always been the youngest. Finally, there was someone younger.
The six of them had been sworn in, but Long Chen was considered only a temporary guest.
“Long Chen, there are many trials and tribulations in life, and there will be danger. However, having siblings by your side makes it all worth it. Don’t you guys agree?” said Jiang Wuya with a grin after drinking some wine.
Everyone agreed.
“Cultivation and killing are boring. What do we do so that we do not become boring people? We put on a show! You’re new, so we’ll go easy on you. You will perform last! If you don’t do well, I won’t let you live it down!” After drinking a little, Lan Ling’er’s face was a little red, making her extremely beautiful.
“Ling’er, don’t bother him. We’ll start first. Third Brother, to celebrate Long Chen’s arrival, shall we perform a guqin-flute duet?” said Jiang Wuya with a smile.
“Of course.” The white-haired Jian Chen gave a rare smile.
Very soon, Jiang Wuya started playing his guqin beneath the moonlight while Jian Chen stood and played his flute. Both of them were absolute masters at their instruments. Long Chen and the others enjoyed the music greatly.
The duet between the guqin and the flute started gentle, like a tune in a dream, but it went up in a crescendo in the middle of the song until it became like a war song sung by ten thousand people. Chi Ying plucked a leaf from a tree and said, “I’ll join you guys!”
To Long Chen’s astonishment, Chi Ying then started playing a beautiful tune from a leaf!
“How could we not dance when there’s such beautiful music playing?” Lan Ling’er giggled and walked up to Long Chen. She started to dance along to the music. Long Chen had spent a long time immersed in the world of prodigal sons in Baiyang Town, so he had watched many beautiful dances. However, Lan Ling’er resembled a blue butterfly swimming along with the tides. Her moves were elegant and graceful, and this was surely the most beautiful dance he had ever witnessed.
Are all of them this talented? Surely that blockhead Lei Zhen doesn’t have any skills … thought Long Chen in exasperation. Lei Zhen suddenly let out a joyous laugh, rushed into the space, and said, “With all of you performing, how could we not include the Northern Battle clan’s dance?”
He moved quickly as he spoke. His dance involved vigorous movements with large actions, but it was filled with wildness and masculinity. When paired with Lei Zhen’s muscular figure and the emotional crescendo of the music, he seemed like a wild beast when compared to Lan Ling’er, who was dancing like a butterfly!
Everything finally came to an end.
All of them stared woodenly at Long Chen. Lan Ling’er said, “Little Brother, you have watched our performance for free! It’s your turn! If I’m not satisfied, I’ll strip you naked and you’ll freeze in that lake for three days and three nights.”
Everyone grinned at him with schadenfreude.
Long Chen had finally seen their true selves. In general, the Dragon clan members were powerful in cultivation but playful children at heart.
He loved this place.
Doge & Chacha's Thoughts
This chapter got me like