Chapter Fifty-Eight: Departure
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Shi Qi pondered in silence, saying nothing.
The matters surrounding the serpent demon and Elder Lin, as described by Sun Fanbai, were intricately tied to the Yunqing Sect and had little to do with him. But what if the serpent demon was actually his own master, Master Egret?
Shi Qi began to recall every moment spent with his master. From the day Master Egret brought Shi Qi to the island, she had guided him in cultivation but never spoke of her own past. Shi Qi only knew her abilities were unfathomable, to the point that she could repulse a formidable opponent with just two slaps. Her age was a mystery; Shi Qi merely guessed she must be very old, but… could it truly be ten thousand years?
Master Egret herself had mentioned a connection with Yunqing Sect—could she have meant her role as a guest outside the sect ten thousand years ago? And then there was Master Yuanwu; according to his master, she also had significant ties to the Buddhist sect.
“Brother Shi,” Sun Fanbai interrupted Shi Qi’s thoughts.
“It is true I acted selfishly. I have never intended to investigate your master’s past, and besides, Master Egret gifted me the Dutian Blazing Banner. My investigation is already an impertinence. But I have no choice—I must start with Master Egret, for this concerns news from ten thousand years ago about Yunqing Sect. If Master Egret is the serpent demon from that era, then perhaps Elder Lin still walks the mortal world. This would be vital information for Yunqing Sect.”
Shi Qi nodded. “My master treats me as her own child. I cannot lightly investigate her past—that would be disrespectful.”
“Brother Sun, the next time I see my master, I will speak to her of this matter. If she is willing to share, I promise to relay her words to you without omission. But if she is unwilling, I ask for your understanding.”
Sun Fanbai bowed. “In that case, thank you, Brother Shi. Should you need my help, simply call for me with the Jade Ruyi. When this matter is resolved, regardless of the outcome, I will personally apologize to Master Egret.”
Shi Qi returned the bow. Sun Fanbai waved his hand to dissolve the ward, and the two returned to the inn.
…
Two days later, inside the inn.
Bai Qiu said, “Yan Yu, look at the new flame talisman I made—wind-resistant Daoist technique.”
With that, Bai Qiu held a yellow talisman between his fingers, infused it with true energy, and it immediately ignited at his fingertips.
Yan Yu glanced at it, then summoned a gust of wind from his mouth, directing a small whirlwind at Bai Qiu’s fingers.
“Whoosh…”
The fierce wind instantly extinguished the burning talisman, leaving only drifting black smoke.
“Bah!” Yan Yu looked at Bai Qiu with disdain.
Bai Qiu slapped his forehead and sighed. “Alas! Wind-resistant, but not fart-resistant!”
Yan Yu flew into a rage, charging at Bai Qiu and shouting, “Damn you!”
Bai Qiu retreated, quickly pulling out a talisman box from his spatial ring and placing it on the ground. “Don’t come any closer! If you do, I’ll hit you with a talisman!”
Yan Yu refused to back down, brandishing the Seven-Break Banner. “Come on! If you hit me with a talisman, I’ll break you!”
Shi Qi descended the stairs, looking at the two troublemakers and said helplessly, “Members of the Alliance are forbidden from fighting in the city. What’s the penalty again?”
Both put away their magical items, flashed each other a rude gesture, and finally settled down.
On the other side, Sun Fanbai emerged.
“Everyone, in the past two days, no further spatial rifts have appeared. I just divined an omen—nothing showed. It seems our seal is working.”
Everyone nodded.
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Sun Fanbai continued, “Then I won’t linger here. I must hurry to Yongzhou.”
Bai Qiu asked, “By the way, Old Sun, what are you going to Yongzhou for?”
Sun Fanbai replied, “I’m representing Yunqing Sect at the joint sect conference hosted by Tianyuan Sect.”
Bai Qiu frowned, muttering, “Why does that sound so familiar…”
He searched his pockets and finally pulled out a crumpled letter. Opening it, he read: “My son Bai Qiu, you are to represent Baixiaosheng at the joint sect conference hosted by Tianyuan Sect on the fifth of next month. Do not be late, or I’ll beat you when you return. Signed: Bai Rulie.”
Bai Qiu was speechless.
He forced a smile and said, “Old Sun, looks like we’ll be traveling together.”
Shi Qi said, “I need to go with Su Xiaomu to Dongzhou. Yan Yu, what about you?”
Yan Yu replied, “I’m free, just wandering around looking for tasks. I can’t stay out long, though—I have to return home soon to celebrate my father’s birthday…”
Shi Qi said, “Then let’s have one last…”
Just as Shi Qi was about to suggest a drink, he glanced at the inn’s entrance, suddenly said, “I have urgent business—must go now. Fate willing, we’ll meet again… Xiaomu! Let’s go!”
With that, Shi Qi hurried upstairs, barged into Su Xiaomu’s room, lifted her onto his shoulder, and jumped out the window.
“Ah… big brother, what’s going on…” Su Xiaomu rubbed her eyes, still half asleep.
Shi Qi said, “Let’s go, don’t let blood stain you.”
…
Yan Yu remarked, “Shi Qi, running so fast—no grace at all… Uh… everyone, I have urgent matters too, goodbye!”
Yan Yu glanced toward the door, then suddenly changed his tone and rushed toward the inn’s backyard.
Bai Qiu was stunned. “These two, no grace whatsoever. Panicked like that—not a hint of a cultivator’s demeanor. Old Sun, don’t you agree?”
Sun Fanbai smiled. “It’s their nature. Brother Bai, let’s set out for Yongzhou.”
Bai Qiu nodded. “Alright, let’s go…”
“Bang!”
A hand slammed heavily onto the table before Bai Qiu.
Bai Qiu was startled, and before he could react, a familiar voice rang out.
“Go? Let’s see where you go this time!”
Bai Qiu looked up to see Mo Jingjing glaring angrily at him!
Bai Qiu was shocked, just about to stand and flee, when another hand pressed firmly on his shoulder, pinning him to the table.
He turned and said helplessly, “Uncle Mo…”
The newcomers were Mo Jingjing and Mo He, who had arrived earlier in Little Dongzhou City, searching everywhere for Bai Qiu. Only this morning did they finally find him.
“Please, spare me!” Bai Qiu pleaded with Mo Jingjing.
Mo Jingjing snapped, “I’m your wife! Who’s your grandaunt? Bai Qiu, you made me search so hard!”
Bai Qiu hesitated, “So, are we really…”
Mo Jingjing interrupted, “Nonsense! How dare you run from our marriage? I don’t care—you’re marrying me tonight!”
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Bai Qiu was terrified. “Come on, grandaunt, I’ve told you—we grew up together, we’re too familiar… I can’t bring myself to do it!”
Mo Jingjing retorted, “If you can’t, I will!”
Bai Qiu was nearly in tears. He looked to Sun Fanbai for help, “Old Sun! Save me!”
Sun Fanbai stepped forward. “Greetings, both of you. I am Sun Fanbai of Yunqing Sect… May I ask what’s happening?”
Mo Jingjing glared at Sun Fanbai. “He’s my husband, I’m his wife—any questions?”
Sun Fanbai replied, “Uh… none. Brother Bai, since your lady has arrived, I’ll take my leave and not intrude. Farewell!”
And so, the supposedly dignified Sun Fanbai hastily exited the inn, all the while thinking: Brother Bai, I’d fight or divine for you without hesitation, but matters of love… I’m powerless. Farewell, farewell!
“A bunch of unreliable people!” Bai Qiu grumbled, then his eyes brightened as he hatched a plan.
Bai Qiu looked up, tearfully at Mo Jingjing. “Jingjing… listen to me…”
Mo Jingjing interrupted, “I won’t listen, I won’t listen! I don’t care, you’re not leaving tonight, and you’re marrying me!”
Bai Qiu cried out, “Damn it… who exposed my whereabouts!”
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“Achoo!”
Far away, Shi Qi sneezed, thinking Bai Qiu must be cursing him. He hurried his pace.
Not far behind Shi Qi, a small figure darted swiftly underground—it was Shi Cai!
After picking up Yuan Chengtian’s severed hand, Shi Cai had trailed Shi Qi, eager to learn his destination. He suspected Yuan Chenglu would issue a bounty to have Shi Qi killed, and by tracking Shi Qi’s movements, he could quickly find experts to defeat him, hand him over to Diansheng Manor, and claim the reward.
But even after following them to Little Dongzhou City, Shi Cai dared not reveal himself or send for experts.
Because… Shi Qi was surrounded by masters!
Not only masters, but all from noble families!
Baixiaosheng’s third young master Bai Qiu, the son of Jiuyao Master of Tiandao Temple, Wang Yan Yu, and then the second senior brother of Yunqing Sect, Sun Fanbai—all gathered. How could Shi Cai act? He dared not even approach for fear Sun Fanbai might divine his spying presence, so he hid in the city, watching Shi Qi’s movements.
Finally, today, only Shi Qi and Su Xiaomu left the city. Shi Cai dared to follow underground, awaiting his opportunity.
“Big brother, where are we going next?” Su Xiaomu blinked and asked.
Shi Qi replied, “Five hundred miles southeast of Donghai City. Master called me there—that’s our next destination.”
This exchange was overheard clearly by Shi Cai, who rejoiced—all alone, it’s the perfect opportunity! He’d send a flying sword message to summon experts and ambush them at their destination—this time, Shi Qi would surely pay for the hot water poured on his head!
Shi Qi took out a map, planning their route.
Donghai City, despite its name, was actually an island.
To the east of the Twelve Provinces lay the boundless East Sea, and where it met the mainland, there was an archipelago known as the Linyun Islands.
At the central region where Linyun Islands and Dongzhou meet, there is a large island, vast in area. This place is called Donghai City. It was discovered by East Sea residents fleeing war, now home to over a hundred thousand people. There is no emperor, only a city lord, elected by the people—usually a respected figure. With no oppressive taxes and plenty of food, Donghai City is called a paradise, attracting many from Dongzhou, some by reputation, others out of desperation. Though many perish at sea, some make it to Donghai City.
The Emperor of Dongzhou once purchased a thousand warships from Little Dongzhou to invade Donghai City, but a storm destroyed most, and the remainder were repelled by the united citizens.
Donghai City is home to two major cultivation sects. One is the Great Vehicle Buddhist sect, Faming Temple. The other is the Complete Reality sect, Wanhua Palace. Despite being called major sects, each has only two or three hundred members.