Chapter 39: The Fate of the Golden Scaled Beast
Ye Xinghe and Ye Xingliu continued their conversation through transmission, ostensibly discussing the spoils of the battle and subsequent cleanup. However, Ye Jingcheng sensed a more serious undertone, likely related to the unusual events below the lake.
Though their faces were not visible, Ye Jingcheng could feel the gravity of the situation. He felt a sense of relief—being part of a cultivation family, complete transparency and kindness are often impractical for survival. Without the blood leech, or even information about it, Ye Jingcheng could only motivate himself to practice harder. Gaining the family's trust and learning the techniques of the Beast Taming Rune had been significant achievements for him.
Ye Jingcheng glanced at Xu Xiuqing, who was struggling to hold back her tears. Her eyes, visible beneath her black robe, were completely moist. She cradled Old Xu's corpse and took out a pitch-black coffin, clearly having prepared for this eventuality.
She gently placed Old Xu into the coffin, bowed three times with heavy knocks, and without a farewell drink, poured some spiritual water—one bowl for the heavens and earth, one for Old Xu, and one for herself, tears mixing with the liquid. She then quietly sealed the coffin and stored it in her storage bag.
Meanwhile, the Ye family had cleaned up the traces in the valley, and Ye Xingliu produced a second-tier treasure boat. The boat remained small and discreet, blending into the Taihang Mountains—a low profile was never a disadvantage.
Seeing Xu Xiuqing's subdued reaction, Ye Xingliu controlled the spiritual boat to move away. The boat's occupants were unusually quiet, absorbed in the recent battle's aftermath.
Ye Jingcheng and the younger generation reflected on the blood cultivator's prowess, while the elders reviewed and refined the battle strategy. Summarizing the battle was the first lesson every Ye family cultivator learned. It was not just about learning from mistakes but also from every experience, even minor successes.
Xu Xiuqing sat next to Ye Jingcheng on the spiritual boat. He could feel her body trembling slightly. The boat did not have a protective shield, so the sound of her weeping was inaudible against the roaring wind. Yet, Ye Jingcheng understood her profound grief.
In the world of cultivation, failure and farewells were common for those with long lifespans. As a sixth-level Qi Cultivation practitioner, he had no right to offer comfort.
"Thank you," Xu Xiuqing said quietly.
"No need to thank me. I didn't do much," Ye Jingcheng replied, shaking his head.
"If only my father could have been preserved fully," Xu Xiuqing insisted.
She said no more, leaving only the howling wind as company. Ye Jingcheng, after a moment of silence, added, "Take heart. We live in a cultivation world, where such hardships are inevitable, but it's also where we can forge immortal techniques."
"One day, we will wield our swords to make evil cultivators fear to raise their heads!"
Ye Jingcheng wasn't adept at offering comfort, especially to female cultivators. After saying this, he closed his eyes in meditation. Xu Xiuqing, acknowledging his words, nodded with a faint smile.
The boat fell silent again as the wind grew stronger. After an indeterminate period, they neared the meeting point.
[Translator: sauron]
With a crunching sound, Ye Xinghe took out several spiritual pills to feed the giant lizard, which had been crucial in the battle. After consuming the pills, the lizard vanished, hidden aboard the spiritual boat.
Ye Xinghe then produced another spiritual boat. "Xu Xiuqing, let's head back to the market. I am deeply saddened by your father's fate," he said, addressing Xu Xiuqing, Ye Jingcheng, and Ye Xingyu.
Ye Jingcheng was pleased with this arrangement. In the market, he could further refine spiritual pills and had the opportunity to acquire the Golden Scaled Beast, which was highly desirable.
"Jingcheng, how do you care for your Red Flame Fox?" Ye Jingyong asked through transmission as they were about to part ways.
Ye Jingcheng was unsure how to respond. His Red Flame Fox grew rapidly and could cast large fireballs, now roughly equivalent to an eighth-level Qi cultivator, while their two flying cloud leopards hadn't even reached the sixth level.
"It's probably due to the inherent vitality of the spiritual fox. Surviving severe injuries often means greater fortune," Ye Jingcheng answered vaguely.
Ye Jingyong slapped his thigh, showing regret. "I envy you, Jingcheng. Unfortunately, I didn't have the foresight when choosing my spiritual beast," he admitted, referring to his choice being behind Ye Jingcheng's.
Ye Jingcheng didn't respond, recognizing that the lack of foresight was not limited to Ye Jingyong.
He then bade farewell to his fourth brother Ye Jingyu and the family elders, Ye Xingliu and Ye Haiyi, before boarding Ye Xinghe's spiritual boat heading to the market.
The boat was slower this time, and when they arrived at the market, a light rain had begun to fall, refreshing the green bamboo and filling the air with insects.
Xu Xiuqing's demeanor grew even more despondent. Soon, the four disembarked and returned to the shop.
Ye Xinghong and Ye Jingli, upon seeing their safe return, promptly served spiritual tea. Ye Xinghe had put away his black robe but did not retrieve Xu Xiuqing's.
He handed her the tea, which she accepted with little enthusiasm.
"Thank you," Xu Xiuqing said, taking a sip but remaining subdued.
She then took out a jade slip and handed it to Ye Xingliu. "Senior Ye, this is the location of the spirit mines. It was discovered by my father and some loose cultivator friends. I thought..."
Sighing, Xu Xiuqing's grief was palpable, and she felt words were futile.
"The spirit mines have been given to the Ye family; there's no need to dwell on it," she added.
"Please give the Golden Scaled Beast to Brother Ye Jingcheng. No need for spirit stones," Xu Xiuqing said.
Ye Jingcheng was taken aback, wanting to speak, but Xu Xiuqing left the partially full cup behind and exited the shop.
(End of Chapter)