Chapter 251
Chapter 251
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 251
Chapter Title: Xiaoniu's Fortune and Misfortune, the Two Women's Changes
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"An Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill?!"
Gao Peiyao glanced at Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan, feeling a sense of disbelief. This "small gift" was far too valuable.
Yu Qirui swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on the jade bottle in little Guangzhu's hands, his face a mask of shock.
Although he was only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, as the head of the Yu Clan, he was still knowledgeable.
He knew the effects of an Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill.
If the Yun Clan's ancestor, Yun Bufan, had possessed an Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill, he wouldn't still be in the early stage of Foundation Establishment, unable to break through to the middle stage.
This was a spirit pill that couldn't be bought with spirit stones alone.
It required an exchange of treasures of equal value.
"Fairy Jiang, Fairy Zhuang, this is too precious."
Yu Daniu repeatedly tried to refuse.
He could accept any gift from Chen Jianghe, precious or not, because that was his big brother.
He could also accept a gift from Gao Peiyao, given their many years of friendship.
But he had no real connection with Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu.
They had already bestowed many benefits upon the Yu Clan during their short stay at Qiyun Mountain, and now they were directly offering a priceless Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill.
Even if Yu Daniu was slow-witted, he understood the situation.
"It's a gift for a child. How can it be precious or not? Don't you agree, little Guangzhu?"
Zhuang Xinyan said, then continued to playfully tease the small baby in her arms with Jiang Ruxu.
Yu Daniu looked toward Chen Jianghe. It was obvious that Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan were offering the Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill because of him.
"This is from Xinyan and Ruxu for the child. Just accept it."
Chen Jianghe said with a smile.
He truly hadn't expected Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan to present an Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill as a gift.
But it didn't really matter.
He had reaped a great harvest from the secret realm this time, including three stalks of Ice Heart Grass, enough to refine three batches of Ice Heart Breakthrough Pills.
That would yield nine pills in total.
Giving one to his brother was nothing.
Seeing Chen Jianghe say so, Yu Daniu no longer refused, having Yu Qirui thank them on Yu Guangzhu's behalf.
A second-rank high-grade Azurewood Green Vine Shield Talisman, a second-rank mid-grade Gold-Breaking Spirit-Slaying Talisman, and an Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill.
Each item was incredibly valuable, far beyond what the Yu Clan could hope to obtain with their current resources.
Yu Daniu knew very well that all of this was thanks to Chen Jianghe.
An hour later.
The welcome banquet was ready.
Yu Daniu led Chen Jianghe and the others to their seats. He had intended for Chen Jianghe to take the seat of honor, but how could one usurp the host's position in his own brother's home?
Chen Jianghe had Yu Daniu take the main seat, while he and Gao Peiyao sat on either side of him.
Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan sat beside Chen Jianghe, appearing gentle, poised, and understanding.
Their main table was in the central hall, also seating Yun Siniu, Madam Zhou, Yu Qirui, and Yu Qirui's wife, along with a few other juniors.
As for the others, they were all seated outside.
The Yu Clan was large; including the branch families, there were over a hundred members, plus some from the Zhou and Yun clans.
A full seven large tables were set up outside.
During the banquet.
Chen Jianghe listened as Yu Daniu recounted the events of the past two years, feeling a mix of wistfulness and lingering fear.
Thankfully, Yu Daniu had listened to him. Otherwise, the Yu Clan might have been annihilated in the flames of war.
Upon receiving Chen Jianghe's letter, Yu Daniu had made the decision to move the entire clan to the Immortal Gate Market City.
He had also brought along a portion of the Zhou and Yun clan members.
He brought the Zhou clan members because Madam Zhou had managed the Yu Clan for many years with great effort and merit. No matter what, he had to look out for his daughter-in-law's family.
As for the Yun clan members, Yu Daniu had used his authority as a Grand Elder to forcibly bring a portion of them along.
Most of them were from Yun Huizhen's branch of the family.
Half a year after the Yu Clan's migration, the war had reached Qiyun Mountain and Mirror Moon Lake. The Zhou Clan, which had remained at Qiyun Mountain, was wiped out.
The Mirror Moon Lake Yun Clan also perished in the conflict.
Only Yun Bufan escaped with a dozen or so clan members.
Yun Bufan entrusted the clan members he brought out to Yu Daniu's care, then left the Immortal Gate Market City, saying he wanted to travel the Tiannan Region.
Chen Jianghe felt a certain sentimentality when thinking of Yun Bufan.
Back when he was still a nobody, he had grown up hearing the legends of Yun Bufan.
A genius with a three-elemental True Spirit Root, a Qilin's son, a heaven's chosen... these were all titles that belonged to Yun Bufan.
It was just a pity that after reaching Foundation Establishment, he was firmly tied to Mirror Moon Lake. Lacking resources, his cultivation stagnated.
Unfortunately, Yun Bufan had already left.
Otherwise, for Yu Daniu's sake, he would have been willing to sell Yun Bufan an Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill to help him reach the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes.
Chen Jianghe, Yu Daniu, and Gao Peiyao began reminiscing about amusing stories from their past. After ninety years of cultivation, looking back on old times brought a unique flavor.
Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu listened intently to Chen Jianghe's stories of the past, finding them very interesting.
Yun Siniu, Madam Zhou, and Yu Qirui also listened with great enthusiasm.
Another hour passed.
The banquet concluded.
Yu Daniu arranged for accommodations for Gao Peiyao, Jiang Ruxu, and Zhuang Xinyan, and had Madam Zhou show them the way.
Chen Jianghe, however, remained in the front courtyard.
He still had some things to ask Yu Daniu.
He watched as the Yu clan members left one by one, along with the Zhou and Yun clan members who were temporarily staying with them.
As each person left, they would glance toward Chen Jianghe, their eyes filled with curiosity and reverence.
Just then, an old woman with a full head of white hair looked toward Chen Jianghe. The wrinkles on her face were deep, her eyelids drooped, and her frail figure appeared stooped. Her murky eyes held a complex expression.
Chen Jianghe happened to look over.
Their eyes met.
She must be from the Zhou or Yun Clan; the Yu Clan didn't have any women this old.
Then, a faint smile touched his lips.
"He still remembers me? He still remembers me! This means I'm still in his heart..."
The old woman's steps were slow but steady as she departed, muttering to herself.
After everyone had left the front courtyard, Yu Daniu led Chen Jianghe to the back courtyard. He had Madam Zhou arrange for a pot of top-grade Immortal Spirit Wine and two plates of spirit dishes.
The two brothers talked at length under the moon.
"Daniu, why don't I see Xiaoniu? Is he still at the Many Treasures Market City?" Chen Jianghe asked.
He hadn't seen Yun Xiaoniu during the banquet and wanted to ask about him. With war breaking out everywhere, it wasn't safe for even Foundation Establishment cultivators to be out and about.
He wasn't very clear about the situation south of the Skyreach River, but to the north, as the flames of war from the Immortal Kingdoms spread, even Core Formation experts had entered the fray.
The ferocity of the war was evident.
"Big Brother...唉!"
Yu Daniu let out a heavy sigh.
"What happened?"
Chen Jianghe had a bad feeling and quickly asked.
Normally, Yun Xiaoniu should have stopped his training and returned to the Yu Clan by now, given the turmoil outside.
Even the Many Treasures Market City could be destroyed.
Only the Immortal Gate Market City and the Heaven's Gate Market City could be considered safe.
"Two years ago, Xiaoniu went to the Western Border Sea Region to explore and search for treasure. Word came back that he was taken a fancy to by a great power from overseas and was taken away."
"Hehe..."
Yu Daniu gave a bitter laugh and shook his head.
"Taken away by a great power from overseas?!"
Chen Jianghe's expression changed.
Yun Xiaoniu was the junior he valued the most, a loyal and steady person.
"Who sent the message back?"
"A friend of Xiaoniu's from his travels. They often explored together."
"Where is this person now?"
"He left right after delivering the message. He probably returned to the Western Border Sea Region."
"Daniu, don't worry about Xiaoniu. He was probably really taken away by a great power from overseas. When I was at Thousand Mountains Market City, a princess from the State of Yue was noticed by a great power from overseas while at sea and was taken away as a disciple."
Chen Jianghe offered some comfort, "This might be Xiaoniu's great opportunity."
He knew very well that Xiaoniu was likely in grave danger, most probably betrayed by his companion. But the person was already gone, and there was no way to inquire in detail.
However, it was also possible that he was indeed taken away by a great power from overseas.
"I hope Xiaoniu turns his misfortune into a blessing!"
Yu Daniu's spirits were low, his eyes clouded, and an air of dejection settled over him.
Seeing Yu Daniu's state, Chen Jianghe sighed inwardly. So many years had passed, and his brother had already become old and decrepit.
"I'll have to ask Gao Peiyao to redeem a Visage-Preserving Grass from the Tiannan Sect."
In the past, asking Gao Peiyao to redeem a Visage-Preserving Grass from the Tiannan Sect would have required careful consideration.
But now, there was no need to think so much.
It was just a single Visage-Preserving Grass.
It wasn't a significant favor.
"This Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill was originally for Xiaoniu. Now that he has been taken away by a great power from overseas, he is sure to make a name for himself in the future."
"Let's give this Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill to Siniu!"
Chen Jianghe took out a jade box containing an Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill. He had prepared it for Yun Xiaoniu a long time ago.
The Ice Heart Grass used to refine the pill had been provided by Yun Xiaoniu himself; he couldn't take advantage of his own junior.
"Big Brother, Fairy Jiang and Fairy Zhuang already gave one. I can't take this one..."
"What they give is their business, and what I give is mine. Are you still being polite with me?"
Chen Jianghe pressed the jade box into Yu Daniu's palm.
"Big Brother, I can see that both Fairy Jiang and Fairy Zhuang have feelings for you. When are you all planning to get married?"
Speaking of Chen Jianghe's major life event, a light returned to Yu Daniu's eyes, the sense of loss from mentioning Yun Xiaoniu gone. He spoke with a cheerful grin.
"Get married?"
Chen Jianghe gave Yu Daniu a speechless look. The words 'get married' were easy to say, but for him, they felt incredibly distant.
The current turmoil in the Tiannan Region made him feel the powerlessness of a Foundation Establishment cultivator even more profoundly.
To truly possess the power to protect himself in the Tiannan Region, he still needed to plan for Core Formation. When he one day succeeded in forming his core and could handle any crisis...
Perhaps then he would consider marriage!
Seeing Chen Jianghe's silence, Yu Daniu offered some words of comfort, "I've heard about what happened to sister-in-law. It's a pity that heaven is jealous of talent, and beautiful women meet untimely ends."
"Big Brother, your feelings for sister-in-law run deep, but you must also cherish the people before you now!"
Chen Jianghe's brow furrowed, his mind filled with question marks.
Sister-in-law?
Where did you get a sister-in-law!
He didn't even dare to think about marriage, so where did this talk of a sister-in-law come from?
In the next moment, Chen Jianghe recalled the two rumors: one was that Luo Xiyue was his wife.
The other was that Luo Xiyue had perished in the Wind Snow Valley secret realm.
Seeing Yu Daniu speak this way, he must have heard these two rumors and believed them without a doubt.
He and Luo Xiyue were completely innocent; it was all Ruan Tieniu spreading nonsense. Even if he did have feelings for Luo Xiyue...
She might not even have looked his way. He was self-aware enough to know that.
Furthermore, Luo Xiyue hadn't perished in the secret realm. She had used a spirit cavern to travel to the Tiannan Cultivation World.
However, Chen Jianghe didn't refute anything. These two rumors had become deeply ingrained in people's minds. Besides, if he were to say that Luo Xiyue hadn't died...
That would be very disadvantageous for him.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Yu Daniu, but the cultivation world had many mysterious arts, and the information could leak out unpredictably.
It was better to be cautious about everything.
The brothers talked late into the night.
They also settled on Chen Jianghe's living arrangements.
Yu Daniu's idea was for Chen Jianghe to live in the manor.
He knew Chen Jianghe preferred peace and quiet, and with Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan by his side, he thought of setting aside a separate courtyard.
For Chen Jianghe's family of three to live in.
But Chen Jianghe refused.
He asked Yu Daniu for the land where the five acres of high-grade spirit fields were located, south of Qingyun Town.
Those five acres of high-grade spirit fields were still planted with Immortal Crystal Rice and were a source of income for the Yu Clan.
Currently, the Yu Clan's main income came from talisman drawing and puppet making.
With war raging across the Tiannan Region, the prices of spirit talismans, puppets, and spirit pills had all skyrocketed.
Therefore, the Yu Clan's earnings were quite good.
They didn't really mind losing five acres of high-grade spirit fields.
Yu Daniu directly allocated the entire hundred-acre Clearwater Bay area to Chen Jianghe and had spirit artisans and spirit architects hired to build a manor.
Chen Jianghe had no objections to Yu Daniu's arrangements.
He only asked that the spirit artisans and architects build two separate courtyards.
After settling things with Yu Daniu, Chen Jianghe temporarily stayed at the Yu Manor. After all, building the courtyards would take time.
The next day.
Chen Jianghe had just finished a night of cultivating the "Myriad Waters True Scripture." He walked out of his room, preparing to practice the "Tidal Marrow Cleansing Art."
He wanted to stretch his body.
But he saw that Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan were already in the courtyard, and had even brewed spirit tea on the stone table.
He didn't know if Yu Daniu had done it intentionally or not, but his courtyard was connected to the two women's, forming a mother-and-child courtyard layout.
"Brother Chen."
Seeing Chen Jianghe emerge, Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu immediately gathered around him, blinking their bright eyes as they carefully studied him.
"Is there a flower on my face?" Chen Jianghe looked at the two women's expressions, touched his own face, and asked in confusion.
"Yes."
The two women said in unison.
With a thought, Chen Jianghe condensed a water mirror with his magical power and looked at his face, then rolled his eyes.
"Where's the flower?"
"Hee hee~"
"Giggle~"
The two women pursed their lips and chuckled lightly, their bodies trembling delicately like blossoming flowers.
Chen Jianghe walked to the stone table, sipping the spirit tea and admiring the two women's graceful figures and beautiful faces.
The flowers were in full bloom, and it was the perfect time for appreciation.
"Brother Chen, while you were away, Senior Sister was very worried about you."
"Weren't you worried? You asked me several times a day when Brother Chen would be back."
"Brother Chen, can you tell us about what happened in the secret realm?"
Chen Jianghe nodded.
It was a rare moment of leisure, so he chatted with the two women, recounting his experiences in the secret realm.
Of course, he skipped over any sensitive matters.
Such as the Core Formation spiritual items, slaying the Spirit-Devouring Poison Python, and Luo Xiyue entering the spirit cavern to travel to the Tiannan Cultivation World.
Just mentioning being chased by a second-rank consummate demonic beast was enough to make the two women's hearts pound with fear.
Later, when he spoke of being chased out of the secret realm by a third-rank demonic beast, they were utterly horrified, their bright, lively eyes wide and their cherry-like mouths agape.
After finishing his stories about the secret realm, Chen Jianghe asked about the two women's cultivation progress, as well as their alchemy and puppetry skills.
Two years ago, both Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu had reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
Back in Thousand Mountains Market City, Jiang Ruxu had refined pills for the Lin Clan and earned a considerable reward, enough for them to cultivate to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
As for the Ice Heart Breakthrough Pill?
Not only did they each have one, but they also had a spare to give to little Guangzhu.
Even if they didn't have a single one, it wouldn't be a problem for an Alchemist Grandmaster like Jiang Ruxu.
Furthermore, Jiang Ruxu's alchemy skills had improved tremendously; she could now refine second-rank high-grade spirit pills.
Zhuang Xinyan's puppetry skills had also advanced rapidly. She was very proficient in crafting first-rank high-grade puppets.
She just lacked the inheritance for second-rank puppets.
"Brother Chen, Senior Sister is very talented in the path of puppetry. It's just that I haven't been able to trade for a second-rank puppet inheritance in the Immortal Gate Market City these past two years. Otherwise, Senior Sister would have already become a second-rank puppet master."
Jiang Ruxu said.
Zhuang Xinyan stood to the side with a faint smile on her face, but a trace of loneliness flickered in her eyes.
"Xinyan's puppetry skills have improved that quickly?"
Chen Jianghe showed a look of surprise. He looked at the gentle and lovely Zhuang Xinyan, finding it somewhat incredible.
Zhuang Xinyan had only been learning puppetry for sixteen years, yet she was already on the verge of making second-rank puppets.
The path of puppetry was different from the paths of talismans and alchemy.
When puppetry advanced to the second rank, it was an unimaginable qualitative leap. Both one's status and the profits from making puppets would increase dramatically.
Generally, once one became a second-rank puppet master, they could be called a Puppet Grandmaster.
A second-rank puppet possessed combat strength comparable to a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Of course, an ordinary second-rank puppet couldn't defeat a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but it could hold one off for some time.
"Mm."
Zhuang Xinyan nodded, saying with some disappointment, "It's just that I can't become a second-rank puppet master and won't be able to help Brother Chen."
"Nonsense. Not only will you become a second-rank puppet master, but you will also become a Puppet Grandmaster."
As Chen Jianghe spoke, an inheritance jade slip appeared in his hand.
"This is a second-rank puppet inheritance. Believe in yourself, you will definitely become a Puppet Grandmaster."
"A second-rank puppet inheritance?"
Jiang Ruxu's small mouth fell open in surprise.
She could already refine second-rank high-grade spirit pills, yet she still couldn't trade for a second-rank puppet inheritance.
Yet Chen Jianghe had casually produced one.
This was a powerful inheritance capable of making a clan prosper.
"Brother Chen, I will definitely become a Puppet Grandmaster, so I can help you just like Junior Sister does."
A happy smile bloomed on Zhuang Xinyan's face as she spoke with determination.
"Brother Chen, that second-rank puppet inheritance in your hand... so the rumors are true, you killed..."
Jiang Ruxu didn't continue.
Because the matter was obvious.
Lu Qingming was a direct descendant of the Puppet Immortal Lu Clan; he would certainly have a second-rank puppet inheritance on him.
Only by killing him...
Could Chen Jianghe have obtained a second-rank puppet inheritance.
"Brother Chen~"
Zhuang Xinyan gently bit her lip, her phoenix eyes, as gentle as water, gazing at Chen Jianghe, her heart filled with emotion.
In her eyes, Chen Jianghe had offended the behemoth that was the Lu Clan just for her sake.
"They're all just rumors. Don't believe them so easily."
Chen Jianghe said calmly.
He would definitely investigate this rumor thoroughly in the future. It was clearly an attempt to harm him.
Although the Lu Clan hadn't made their stance clear yet, he had learned from Yu Daniu that the Two Clans of Qinghe had already issued a kill order on him.
Therefore, he needed to be careful when traveling outside from now on.
He had to be wary of the Two Clans of Qinghe.
"According to Daniu, the Two Clans of Qinghe have three late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, eight early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and a second-rank late-stage spirit beast."
"I can't face them head-on. I'll remember this for now. Once Xiao Hei and I reach Core Formation, er... and Maoqiu and Latiao also reach Core Formation, then even if the Two Clans of Qinghe have the State of Qing backing them, I won't be afraid!"
But for now, it was best not to leave the territory of the Immortal Gate Market City.
Although Qingyun Town was not within the Immortal Gate Market City itself, it was within its jurisdiction.
Just like Thousand Mountains Market City.
As long as one was within the Thousand Mountains territory, fighting was prohibited.
However, if you trespassed into someone else's dao field and got killed, that was your own fault.
"Ruxu, if you have time, I need you to help me refine a few batches of spirit pills."
"Of course! What spirit pills does Brother Chen need me to refine?"
Hearing that she could help Chen Jianghe, Jiang Ruxu's face immediately lit up with joy.
Chen Jianghe took out three stalks of Ice Heart Grass, two Purple Cloud Vermilion Fruits, two pieces of Profound Ice Jade Marrow, and one stalk of Illusory Heart Grass.
"So many stalks of Ice Heart Grass! Did Brother Chen get all of these in the secret realm?"
Jiang Ruxu exclaimed in surprise.
"You could say that," Chen Jianghe said.
Neither Jiang Ruxu nor Zhuang Xinyan showed any signs of joy. Instead, they looked at Chen Jianghe with worry in their eyes.
The secret realm was fraught with danger. Obtaining these treasures must have been very perilous!
"To refine two batches of Foundation Establishment Pills, we're still missing one stalk of Illusory Heart Grass. We'll refine one batch first, and when we find another Illusory Heart Grass in the future, we can refine the second."
Chen Jianghe said.
He was a bit confused. How did the conversation lead to the two women looking at him with such worried eyes?
They were already in the Immortal Gate Market City, what was there to worry about?
There was no need to worry about the flames of war spreading here.
"Don't worry, Brother Chen. I can find an Illusory Heart Grass."
Jiang Ruxu said with a lovely smile.
Only then did Chen Jianghe remember that Jiang Ruxu was an Alchemist Grandmaster, capable of refining second-rank high-grade spirit pills.
He could no longer treat her like a little girl.
With Jiang Ruxu's alchemy skills, in times of peace, she would be treated as a guest of honor in any market city.
She could gather connections in a short amount of time.
"Haha... I was so focused on asking you to refine pills that I forgot you're the famous Alchemist Grandmaster, Fairy Jiang."
Chen Jianghe laughed.
"Hee hee... It won't be long before Brother Chen has a Puppet Grandmaster, Fairy Zhuang, by his side too. Isn't that right, Senior Sister?"
"Mm."
Zhuang Xinyan nodded solemnly.
A smile spread across Chen Jianghe's face. He felt a sense of contentment. His small group had everything except for a formation expert.
It was just a pity that Luo Xiyue, the Artificer Grandmaster, had left.
"Right, I have some medicinal herbs..."
Chen Jianghe was about to hand over the spiritual materials that could be used for alchemy to Jiang Ruxu, and the materials for puppet making to Zhuang Xinyan, but before he could finish his sentence...
A knock sounded at the courtyard gate.
Chen Jianghe stood up, walked over, and opened the gate, only to find Gao Peiyao.
"Brother Jianghe, can we talk alone?"
Gao Peiyao's expression was grave as she spoke to Chen Jianghe.
Chen Jianghe nodded.
He had some matters to discuss with Gao Peiyao anyway. It was perfect that she had come on her own.