Chapter 203
Refining the Mountains and Rivers
Chapter 203
Chapter 203 – All Influences Move
The joyful celebrations continued . All the local influences from Snowfall City came to congratulate the Yun Family . Of course, they didn’t have the qualifications to enter the hall, so once they left behind their gifts they were sent away by the Yun Family cultivators . In particular, several relatively strong cultivators who normally weren’t on good terms with the Yun Family came to impishly pay their respects . This left the Yun Family cultivators all feeling refreshed, their grins spreading from ear to ear .
Yun Fan had just broken through, so he needed some time to stabilize his foundation . Qin Yu knew this, so once he obtained what he wanted, he smiled and indicated that he wanted to rest . When it came to this, everyone expressed their understanding; it must have been very tiring to swallow a tribulation cloud .
Yun Xueqing was called over to bring Qin Yu to his room . The reasoning was that since the two were old friends, it was easier to speak to each other . Of course, it was impossible that there weren’t any people in the Yun Family making some small schemes .
The man had no wife and the woman wasn’t married, so what if Senior Qin Yu held any intentions towards Yun Xueqing? At that time, not only would it be a good marriage but there would also be a powerful backer for the Yun Family .
With a Nascent Soul in Yun Fan, the Yun Family was already powerful enough . But, who wouldn’t want to be stronger?
Far away from the crowds, the surroundings quieted down . Yun Xueqing led the way, with the night wind carrying the faint fragrance of the woman with it .
Qin Yu realized that she was silent and thought that she might feel awkward because of what happened before . So, he didn’t say anything in order to avoid her being further embarrassed .
Suddenly, Yun Xueqing came to a stop . Qin Yu hesitated for a moment, about to speak, when he heard quiet sobbing . She turned around to reveal a face covered with tears . Her eyelashes were shaking, and she looked like a little bird being drowned on a rainy day .
Qin Yu quickly said, “What is this? Even though we’re good friends that haven’t seen each other for so many years, there’s no reason to be so excited . Still, I’m flattered . ”
Yun Xueqing’s heart warmed . She could tell that he was intentionally trying to comfort her . She took two steps and threw herself forwards, and in the next moment his arms were filled with her warmth .
Qin Yu froze . He could feel her fear and excitement . He reached out a hand and patted her back, “Alright . Everything has already passed, hasn’t it?”
“I was so scared . Father was just an inch from death . Never in my life have I felt such despair . ” Yun Xueqing held onto him . “Qin Yu, thank you . I really, really, thank you!”
Qin Yu smiled . “I know . However, I think it’s best if you let go of me first, or I might get beaten up . ”
Yun Xueqing loosened her grip . She turned away and looked towards the shadows, clenching her teeth at the approaching Fang Huohuo .
Yu Xueqing grit her teeth . “Fang Huohuo, just what do you want?”
The originally high and mighty and overly arrogant Fang Huohuo was now looking extremely pitiful . His legs were bound with splints and his face was wrapped in gauze . His somewhat young and handsome face was now bruised black and blue . If Qin Yu didn’t look carefully enough, it would have really been difficult to recognize him .
Hearing Yun Xueqing’s angry words, Fang Huohuo revealed a deep grievance . The pain was so deep that others could feel it just by looking at him . “Cousin, how could you treat me like this? Could it be that the words you said to me just a few days ago were all lies? I was sincere to you all this time, so how could you…sob, I don’t want to live anymore, I’m going to kill myself!”
Yun Xueqing blushed red . ”Fang Huohuo, what nonsense are you spouting? If you don’t shut up I’ll beat you again!”
Fang Huohuo shrank back, no longer daring to say anything . But, his gaze was even more dejected and sad .
Qin Yu found this quite interesting . But, it was best that he clearly explain this matter . “Miss Yun, I think you should have a discussion with him first . ” He turned around .
Yun Xueqing hesitated for a moment . Then, she walked over to Fang Huohuo, grabbed him by the ear, and walked to the side .
“Cousin, let go!”
“It’s good if it hurts . You little bastard, just what is going on in that head of yours…”
“…You jumped into his arms…”
“…Bastard…”
From afar, one could faintly hear the conversation of the two . It wasn’t because Qin Yu was deliberately listening in, but his hearing was just too sharp .
Qin Yu rubbed his nose, thinking that this fellow Fang Huohuo was indeed lucky . By relying on his willpower and earnestness, he had obtained the woman he loved .
After a moment, Fang Huohuo was somewhat unwillingly pulled over by Yun Xueqing . “What are you doing, hurry up and quickly apologize to fellow daoist Qin Yu!”
Fang Huohuo said with a sad face, “Sorry…”
Qin Yu nearly laughed out loud . If this boy was like this already, wouldn’t he be completely overwhelmed when he was married? He was doomed to be subservient for the rest of his life .
Yun Xueqing coldly snorted, as if she were somewhat dissatisfied . But for better or worse, she took his face into consideration and thrust him away .
“Qin Yu, I’m really sorry you had to watch that . ”
Qin Yu shook his head . “It’s no problem . I actually think that the two of you have a decent relationship . ”
Yun Xueqing blushed . She led the way, continuing to say, “In truth, I am very familiar with this cousin of mine and I always knew of his feelings for me . However, I never felt anything towards him so I always rejected him . This time, when my Yun Family met with disaster, many people changed the way they acted, as if they had become completely different people . Only this cousin of mine protected me the same as before . For me, he was beaten up until he looked like that . Afterwards, I suddenly realized that if I am with him, while it’s inevitable I will get angry, I can’t help but think that he will always protect me and take care of me . For a woman, perhaps this is the most important thing . ”
Qin Yu was silent for a moment . He nodded . “You’re right . I don’t like this fellow Fang Huohuo too much, but if he treats you like this, then he is worthy of you . Congratulations!”
Yun Xueqing smiled . “Enough about me . What about you, fellow daoist Qin Yu? That’s not right, I should be calling you Senior Qin Yu by now . With senior’s elegant demeanor, stealing the hearts of girls must be as easy as turning your hand . I’m sure you’ve had countless young ladies chasing you . ”
Qin Yu revealed an awkward expression . In the next moment he subconsciously recalled what occurred in the sea race capital city . If it was said that countless young ladies were chasing him, that was actually a fact . But then he thought back to Little Sea and his self-satisfied arrogance instantly vanished . He coughed and said, “Don’t joke around . ”
Yun Xueqing smiled .
She already had some understanding of Qin Yu and knew what sort of person he was . Otherwise, how would she dare to make such a casual joke with him? Walking through the familiar Yun Family dwelling and feeling the surrounding joy and tranquility, she felt even happier . To be able to be friends with Qin Yu, she was an extremely lucky person .
Otherwise, all of her current happiness might have disappeared like a dream…Qin Yu, I really must thank you!
The Yun Family had arranged the best courtyard in the back . Servants had already swept the place clean, and it was spotless beneath the warm lamp lights .
Qin Yu turned and said . “Alright, we’ve arrived . It's best that Miss Yun leave quickly, otherwise that jealous Fang Huohuo might come over and threaten to kill himself again . ”
Yun Xueqing pursed her lips . “Don’t laugh at me . Perhaps the young miss you meet in the future would be someone even more jealous?”
Watching her turn and leave, Qin Yu’s expression darkened . Ning Ling’s form appeared in his mind .
Are you the jealous type?
Unfortunately, he was destined to never find out .
…
“In the Northern Dynasty’s Snowfall City, the Patriarch of the Yun Family, Yun Fan, has broken through to Nascent Soul . In celebration of this joyous occasion, the Yun Family humbly invites all influences to join together and celebrate the wonders of cultivation…” This news quickly spread out across the land . Countless cultivator sects and families responded in abundance . They dispatched messengers with gifts to attend .
For a time, the Northern Dynasty and Southern Empire became lively .
Skyvault City –
The masters of the Zhu Family had gathered together, all of them with looks of envy on their faces . The Zhu Family had a deep background, and with three Golden Cores amongst their ranks, that was enough for them to look down upon most common cultivator sects . Unfortunately, they never had the luck for a Nascent Soul to be born in their family . Yet, Snowfall City’s Yun Family had accomplished this, so how could they not be jealous?
“I heard that a mysterious powerhouse interfered, and that was the only reason Yun Fan smoothly crossed tribulation and reached Nascent Soul . ” Between the words was a thick sense of envy .
Another person said, “I don’t care about how others accomplish it . A Nascent Soul is a Nascent Soul, it is like a fish leaping through the dragon gate, becoming extraordinary with a single move! The Yun Family will be prosperous from now on!”
A Nascent Soul had an average lifespan of 800 years . It was enough to shelter a family for a long, long time . And by carefully cultivating the juniors and also having a Nascent Soul personally commanding the scene, there was a high chance that another Nascent Soul would appear .
This was what people meant by the rich becoming richer .
This was what the Zhu Family was most jealous of .
“Enough . ” The Zhu Family Patriarch Zhu Bluesea spoke up, “Bluecloud, your cultivation has been at a bottleneck lately . Taking a trip will be advantageous for you, so I’ll leave this matter in your hands . ”
Zhu Bluecloud stood up . “Alright . I’ll bring some people and pay a visit . ”
…
Rainbow Sect .
“Snowfall City’s Yun Family doesn’t seem to be very famous . They are just a cultivator family in the Northern Dynasty, yet a Nascent Soul cultivator has appeared in their ranks . ” A pampered young girl spoke up . She blinked her eyes, her gaze vacant and envious .
“Don’t speak such nonsense from now on . With a Nascent Soul standing guard, the Yun Family can now be considered one of the formidable cultivator influences amongst the Southern Empire and Northern Dynasty . Don’t go around provoking trouble for your sect . ” A gentle woman cautioned after frowning .
“I understand, senior-apprentice sister . ” The pampered young girl suddenly lit up with excitement . “I heard that teacher is taking some people to go and congratulate them . If so, then that means we can also go along! This is too wonderful!”
The group of girls all smiled . Their sect rules were stern and strict, and it was extremely rare for them to be allowed to leave the sect for a trip .
“Ah, everyone look, Ling’er’s daydreaming!” The pampered young girl stretched out her voice in a teasing manner . “Oh – I know! Ling’er must be thinking like this . Now that the Yun Family is holding a great Nascent Soul celebration, there will definitely be countless handsome young men gathering together . Perhaps at that time she will be able to find her prince charming!”
Gu Ling’er blushed red . She quickly said, “Senior-apprentice Sister Xuanxuan, please don’t speak like that . I’m not!” She was only thinking about her teacher’s explanation of cultivation . It couldn’t be helped . Who made her have the worst talent, the lowest cultivation, and also be someone who entered through the ‘rear door’ .
Luckily, Gu Ling’er was a kind and gentle person . She didn’t argue or compete with others, and in addition to the Zhu Family intentionally looking after her and taking care of her, she had a good relationship with all of her fellow apprentice-sisters . The others saw her blushing and started to tease her too . Just as Gu Ling’er’s face was hot red, a woman wearing a crown stepped in and looked around, scolding them, “To make a mess in the sect, this is highly improper!”
The girls stuck out their tongues . They stood up and bowed, “Greetings, teacher!”
Rivermoon coldly snorted . “The Sect Master is sending myself and Senior-apprentice Sister Clearheart to the Yun Family to congratulate them . The rest of you will be following teacher along . But, remember to watch your actions outside, otherwise you will not be spared from punishment!”
“Yes, teacher!”
Hearing the rumors become reality, the girls were all excited .
Rivermoon swept her eyes around . She frowned, “Gu Ling’er, your talent is the lowest of the group and you still haven’t managed to reach Foundation Establishment . You don’t have to go this time; just stay in the sect and cultivate . ”
She turned and left .
Gu Ling’er’s eyes reddened . She lowered her head .
Her fellow apprentice-sisters all huddled around to comfort her .
“Ling’er, don’t cry, teacher is thinking about you . It is tiring to hurry over to the Northern Dynasty . ”
“That’s right, that’s right! Just stay here and cultivate well . If you manage to reach Foundation Establishment, teacher will surely praise you!”
“Don’t feel too bad . You should understand teacher’s personality by now . She’s hard on the outside but a softie on the inside . I’m sure she took everything into consideration . ”
Gu Ling’er wiped her eyes and squeezed out a smile . “It’s fine . As long as my fellow senior-apprentice sisters can go, I’m still happy . ”
“I will go and plead with teacher . We’re all going, so Ling’er won’t feel good being left behind . ” A gentle girl said in a soft voice .
Gu Ling’er shook her head . “There is no need, senior-apprentice sister . Teacher might yell at you instead!”
The senior-apprentice sister smiled . “Who cares if I am scolded? Just wait here a little . ”
She ran out . After a moment of anxious waiting, the senior-apprentice sister came back smiling . She turned to everyone looking at her with apprehension and nodded, “Teacher agreed!”
“Yeah! I knew that it would work if senior-apprentice sister put herself on the line! Now we can all go!”
“Hurry and tidy up! Bring your most beautiful clothes with you! If I go, I’m going to surprise every young man there!”
“Stop dreaming . Put on your sect robes; everyone must have a uniform appearance!”
Xuanxuan put her hands on her hips . “Even if we all must look the same, I still want to be the most beautiful one!” She grabbed onto Ling’er . “Ling’er, what do you think?”
Gu Ling’er’s eyes turned red with emotion . She smiled and nodded .