Chapter 294
Chapter 294
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 294
Chapter Title: Jianghe's Inquiry, Tieniu's Loyalty
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“Your sister-in-law… Yun Huixiang?”
Chen Jianghe's memories, sealed for a century, were stirred, and his mind returned to a hundred years ago.
On New Year's Eve, he had visited Yu Daniu's home to return the *Yun Clan Journal* jade slip. Yu Daniu and his wife had intended to introduce him to her younger sister, Yun Huixiang.
But he was single-mindedly focused on seeking the Dao, hoping for longevity.
Coincidentally, Yun Huixiang also looked down on him, a mere fish farmer.
So, Yu Daniu and his wife's attempt at matchmaking had failed.
In the blink of an eye, a century had passed. Time truly flew. The once-proud sister-in-law had already died of old age.
“Big Brother, you really remember her?!”
Yu Daniu was stunned. He had thought Yun Huixiang was lying, but it turned out she was telling the truth.
Just before she closed her eyes for the last time, Yun Huixiang had insisted on seeing Yu Daniu. Out of affection for his late wife,
Yu Daniu still went to see Yun Huixiang one last time.
But she had started raving again.
Saying that Chen Jianghe had never forgotten her, and had even smiled at her back in Qingyun Town.
“Isn't she your sister-in-law? Of course I remember her!”
Chen Jianghe said.
When it came to memory, Chen Jianghe was quite gifted. Even if he had only met someone once, he would remember them clearly.
This was a fundamental principle of forming good connections.
Even if they had only exchanged a single sentence, he would remember them, as they might be useful in the future.
“No wonder she said you hadn't forgotten her.”
“What do you mean, 'hadn't forgotten her'?”
Chen Jianghe felt something was off about Yu Daniu's words; the implication was strange. In his view, he only remembered Yun Huixiang because she was Yu Daniu's sister-in-law.
That's why his memory of her was a bit sharper.
“I get it, I get it. Big Brother, when are you going to marry those two sisters-in-law? Will I still be around to attend your wedding feast?”
Yu Daniu asked with a chuckle.
His snow-white beard trembled, and a sharp glint appeared in his cloudy eyes. He seemed even more enthusiastic about the marriage than Chen Jianghe himself.
“Sigh… In another five or six years, I'll have to enter an unknown mystic realm. My fate is uncertain. How could I dare hold them back?”
Chen Jianghe shook his head and spoke with a sense of helplessness.
Although he tried to form good connections and be kind to everyone, there were inevitably times when he fell short, leading some to bear grudges.
Like the two clans of Qinghe.
The Talisman Cen Clan.
And the Puppet Immortal Lu Clan, a hidden enemy.
He had already done his best, even making peace with Lu Qingming, intending to spare him. But the other party still wanted him dead.
How could he just sit and wait for death?
He could only reluctantly eliminate him, conveniently taking a few treasures from his storage pouch along the way.
Hearing Chen Jianghe mention entering an unknown mystic realm, Yu Daniu's heart trembled, and a look of worry appeared on his face.
He stopped mentioning the marriage.
“Big Brother, you've already reached Foundation Establishment and are a Talisman Grandmaster. You might even have a chance at Core Formation in the future. I'm just a Qi Refining cultivator with no advice to offer. I only hope you can protect yourself and return safely from the mystic realm.”
Yu Daniu sincerely hoped that Chen Jianghe could go further on the path of cultivation.
“Mm, wait for me to come out of the mystic realm. I'll visit you in Donghai Prefecture then.”
“Alright, I'll be waiting for you in Donghai Prefecture, Big Brother.”
…
Ten days later.
Yun Bufan escorted Yu Daniu and Yu Guangzhu back to Donghai Prefecture. After that, he would go to Muyun Mountain to find Chen Jianghe.
He would ask Chen Jianghe to help refine a batch or two of Dustfall Pills.
Among the three quasi-third-tier spiritual items Yun Bufan had obtained, two could be used to refine Dustfall Pills, while the third was a material for crafting puppets.
Originally, Yun Bufan had planned to trade with the Puppet Immortal Lu Clan for some spiritual items, but Chen Jianghe had intercepted the deal.
A quasi-third-tier puppet spiritual material. Zhuang Xinyan might not need it now, but that didn't mean she wouldn't in the future. It was a material for crafting top-tier second-tier puppets.
How could he let it slip away from under his nose?
In exchange.
Chen Jianghe promised Yun Bufan five top-grade second-tier spiritual pills to enhance his physical cultivation, and he would also help refine two batches of Dustfall Pills.
Of course, Yun Bufan was getting the better end of the deal.
If Yun Bufan took the quasi-third-tier puppet spiritual material to the Lu Clan, he would most likely receive a quasi-third-tier artifact-refining spiritual material in return.
Or perhaps two top-tier second-tier absorbable spiritual items.
But turning those into finished products would require hiring an artifact refiner or an alchemist, which would be another significant expense.
Chen Jianghe not only offered equivalent spiritual materials but also provided the finished spiritual pills directly.
When it came to Yun Bufan, Chen Jianghe didn't mind this small loss of profit. After all, that Azurewater Golden Lotus had been a massive opportunity for him.
Furthermore, Yun Bufan had given the second-tier talisman legacy that he had gifted him to Yu Daniu.
The Yu family already had the three low-grade second-tier talisman legacies from Chen Jianghe.
But those three mid-grade second-tier talisman legacies were also quite valuable, more than enough to trade for a quasi-third-tier spiritual item.
If Yun Bufan didn't care about it, neither would he.
Chen Jianghe bid farewell to Ruan Tieniu.
Then, he, along with Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan, boarded the flying vessel back to Muyun Market City.
After he left, Ruan Tieniu began to spread the news that he possessed a quasi-third-tier soul-type spiritual item.
He also let it be known that he was interested in making a trade with Lady Jinghong.
Having accepted Chen Jianghe's favor, he naturally had to do his part. Ruan Tieniu was at least that trustworthy.
Of course, the most important thing was that he needed a friend like Chen Jianghe.
Upon returning to Muyun Market City, as they approached the valley where the Smoky Glow Cave Abode was located, they saw a curvaceous, beautiful woman standing at the entrance from a distance.
Who else could it be but Lady Jinghong?!
“Big Brother Chen, it's Lady Jinghong!” Zhuang Xinyan exclaimed in surprise.
Jiang Ruxu looked puzzled. “Why would she come to Muyun Market City looking for Big Brother Chen?”
Towards Lady Jinghong, neither Zhuang Xinyan nor Jiang Ruxu felt any hostility, only admiration and respect.
They even saw Lady Jinghong as a role model, aspiring to be devoted women just like her.
“Let's go over and see.”
Chen Jianghe naturally knew why Lady Jinghong was here.
Arriving before the cave abode, before Chen Jianghe could even speak.
Lady Jinghong looked at Chen Jianghe, her eyes filled with surprise and longing, and said directly, “Fellow Daoist Chen, I wish to ask for the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma in your possession. I'll agree to any condition.”
“Big Brother Chen, you have a quasi-third-tier soul-type spiritual item?!”
Jiang Ruxu cried out in surprise.
Then, she sent a spiritual message, “Big Brother Chen, Lady Jinghong is in such a pitiful situation. Can we help her?”
“The Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma is with Ruan Tieniu.”
Chen Jianghe replied via spiritual message.
Then he looked at Lady Jinghong. Her expression of longing and surprise made his heart tremble.
He knew Lady Jinghong would definitely hear the news about the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma.
Zhou Xiaoxuan certainly wouldn't be able to keep it a secret.
He just hadn't expected Lady Jinghong to find out so quickly and even come to block the entrance of his Smoky Glow Cave Abode.
This was not at all something an Artifact Refining Grandmaster would do.
One must remember, she was also a False Core Loose Cultivator.
She was completely disregarding her own reputation to seek a spiritual item to save her husband.
“Madam, there is no need for this.”
Chen Jianghe clasped his hands in a respectful bow and said solemnly, “It is true that I obtained the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma from Zhou Xiaoxuan, but it was intercepted by Ruan Tieniu, the Right Prime Minister of the Feng Kingdom, in Duobao Market City.”
“Ruan Tieniu?”
Lady Jinghong's expression shifted. She glanced at Chen Jianghe, seemingly guessing the reason behind it.
“Since that is the case, I shall not disturb you any longer, Fellow Daoist Chen.”
Lady Jinghong had arrived quickly, and she left even more quickly.
The three of them returned to the Smoky Glow Cave Abode, where Zhuang Xinyan eagerly asked, “Big Brother Chen, is the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma really in Fellow Daoist Ruan's hands?”
“Mm.”
Chen Jianghe nodded.
“That's good too. Letting Ruan Tieniu trade with Lady Jinghong saves us from getting involved in any trouble.” Zhuang Xinyan breathed a sigh of relief.
“What trouble could come from helping Lady Jinghong save her husband?” Jiang Ruxu asked, confused.
Zhuang Xinyan whispered a few words in Jiang Ruxu's ear, causing her to blush crimson.
“Big Brother Chen and Senior Sister are really overthinking things.”
“Bah, you're the one who's overthinking!” Betrayed by Jiang Ruxu in front of Chen Jianghe, Zhuang Xinyan's pretty face also turned red, and she lightly tapped Jiang Ruxu on the head.
“Stop fooling around. Both of you, go and cultivate.”
Chen Jianghe said with a stern face.
Discussing such things right in front of him… they were truly getting more and more audacious.
He returned to his isolation formation, his mind filled with images of Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu's playful antics.
It took him a full hour to calm his mind.
“Two-legged beast, your mind is in turmoil. It seems you've reached mating season.”
After emerging from the second-tier spirit beast pouch, Xiao Hei looked at Chen Jianghe and sent a spiritual message to his mind: “Aren't those two females always with you?”
Chen Jianghe leaped up and smacked Xiao Hei on his smooth, bare turtle head.
“What nonsense are you spouting? Hurry up and cultivate. Raising your cultivation level is what matters. Our safety isn't even guaranteed, and you're thinking about such random things.”
Chen Jianghe scolded Xiao Hei away.
But his mind began to race.
Cultivation also required the balance of yin and yang. As the saying goes, 'solitary yang cannot be born, and lone yin cannot grow.' Chen Jianghe had cultivated to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, yet he still possessed his virgin yang.
During cultivation, it was inevitable that distracting thoughts would arise.
If he encountered any bewitching arts, he would find it even harder to resist.
“If I forcefully suppress these thoughts, it will be detrimental to my Dao heart. I must make a choice before Core Formation. I cannot let this damage my pursuit of the great Dao of longevity.”
With this thought, Chen Jianghe made his decision.
He pulled a spirit turtle to his side, used a soul-extraction technique to draw out its mystic turtle soul armor, and began circulating the *Soul Sea Firming Origin Scripture* to absorb and refine it.
He condensed the barriers of his soul sea, cultivating the fifth level of the *Soul Sea Firming Origin Scripture*.
…
Duobao Market City, Prime Minister's Residence.
Ruan Tieniu instructed his people to arrange a high-class spiritual banquet to receive the long-traveled Lady Jinghong.
The standards were so high that many of the delicacies were made from the parts of late-stage second-tier demonic beasts.
The immortal brew served was the finest Jade Dew Wine.
“I have long heard of your name, Madam, and have been filled with admiration. I have wished to meet you for a long time, but alas, I never had the fortune.”
“Seeing you today, I am struck by your celestial beauty.”
“But it is your character, Madam, that I admire even more.”
“I have prepared a humble banquet today. I hope you will not refuse and will grace us with your presence.”
Ruan Tieniu bowed with clasped hands.
“Prime Minister Ruan, you praise me too highly. I am unworthy.”
Lady Jinghong gracefully returned the bow.
To avoid any impropriety, Ruan Tieniu had invited two prefects and a female Spirit Brewing Grandmaster from Xichuan Prefecture to accompany them.
Lady Jinghong was the most famous chaste lady in the Tiannan Domain. Although his eyes lit up upon seeing her, he did not dare to tarnish her reputation.
After all, this meeting was to trade for the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma.
Lady Jinghong would do anything to save her husband. If malicious people were to start rumors, it would be a grave offense.
This was why Ruan Tieniu had invited a highly reputable female Spirit Brewing Grandmaster to be present.
After everyone exchanged greetings, they took their seats as host and guests.
“Lady Jinghong is a renowned Artifact Refining Grandmaster in the Tiannan Domain. I wonder if you would be willing to come to the Feng Kingdom? I would be willing to yield the position of Immortal Emissary of Xichuan Prefecture to you, Madam.”
Ruan Tieniu said sincerely.
He held the title of Right Prime Minister, so even without the position of Immortal Emissary of Xichuan Prefecture, he could return to the capital and manage the affairs of the court.
“I am but a woman. How could I possibly serve as the Feng Kingdom's Immortal Emissary? Prime Minister Ruan, you flatter me.”
Lady Jinghong smiled gently and politely declined Ruan Tieniu's offer.
She possessed a Core Formation spiritual item, and her ability to survive in the Tiannan Domain in the early days was all thanks to the help of an old friend from the Tiannan Sect.
She was, of course, aware of that old friend's feelings for her.
But she was a married woman. Even if her husband were buried underground, let alone comatose in bed, she would not accept that old friend's advances.
However, she owed him a debt of gratitude and would not do anything to harm him.
The Feng Kingdom and the Tiannan Sect did not get along.
If she were to become the Immortal Emissary of the Feng Kingdom, what would become of her old friend's position?
Moreover, the Tiannan Sect was currently embroiled in fierce internal strife. Any unfavorable rumor could cause that old friend to lose his position as a branch peak master.
“What a pity. Not being able to invite Lady Jinghong is truly a great loss for our Feng Kingdom.”
Ruan Tieniu said with regret.
“However, please rest assured, Madam. In the future, should you visit the Feng Kingdom, all prefectures will treat you with the utmost courtesy and place no restrictions on you.”
“I thank you, Prime Minister Ruan.”
“It is I who should be thanking you, Madam. If an Artifact Refining Grandmaster such as yourself could visit Xichuan Prefecture more often, it would be our greatest honor.”
From beginning to end, Ruan Tieniu treated her with courtesy, his words filled with respect.
After some pleasantries.
Lady Jinghong did not beat around the bush and directly proposed trading for the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma with Ruan Tieniu.
“I have heard that you possess a Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma, Prime Minister Ruan. I wonder if you would be willing to trade it with me? I am willing to offer a Core Formation spiritual item in exchange.”
Lady Jinghong stated her offer directly.
Ruan Tieniu appeared thoughtful.
The two prefects and the female Spirit Brewing Grandmaster all showed looks of astonishment. They only knew that a person of high status was visiting and that they were to accompany the host.
That the visitor was Lady Jinghong was already surprising enough.
But she was here to trade for a Core Formation spiritual item!
A Core Formation spiritual item!
Such a precious treasure.
If it were them, they would have agreed to the trade immediately.
But Ruan Tieniu had been entrusted with a task and intended to see it through. Chen Jianghe's primary target was the sword art that Lady Jinghong cultivated.
Only if he failed to obtain the sword art would he settle for the second-best option: the Core Formation spiritual item.
“It's not that I am unwilling, but I have already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, and my spirit art has also reached the peak of the sixth level. This is precisely when I need the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma to attempt a breakthrough to Core Formation.”
Ruan Tieniu said with some difficulty.
However, his words sounded strange to the two prefects. In their understanding, cultivating a spirit art to the peak of the sixth level was considered the peak of spiritual power for the Foundation Establishment stage.
Why would he still need a quasi-third-tier soul-type spiritual item like the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma?
But it was not a convenient time to ask, so they could only suppress their doubts and wait until after Lady Jinghong had left.
Lady Jinghong knew the importance of a quasi-third-tier soul-type spiritual item to a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, but this was the only way to awaken her husband.
She had to fight for it.
“One Core Formation spiritual item, plus two opportunities to have a Spirit-Infused magical artifact refined. Would that be acceptable?”
Lady Jinghong raised her offer.
This made the two prefects under Ruan Tieniu's command's eyes gleam with golden light. They both hoped Ruan Tieniu would agree.
Ruan Tieniu already had both an offensive and a defensive Spirit-Infused magical artifact.
But the two of them only had offensive ones.
With two opportunities to have Spirit-Infused magical artifacts refined, they could obtain them from Ruan Tieniu by paying a certain price.
What a perfect trade!
“Boss, just agree. A devoted woman like Lady Jinghong is rare in the entire Tiannan Domain. If we can help her, it's also a way of accumulating good fortune.”
“That's right, Boss. Helping Lady Jinghong would be a great act of virtue.”
The two prefects sent spiritual messages in secret.
Ruan Tieniu glanced at his two subordinates, who were also his sworn brothers, and cursed the two bastards inwardly.
What virtue?
They were only thinking of their own interests.
They were truly after those two opportunities to have Spirit-Infused magical artifacts refined.
“I'll make my own decision. You two just sit there quietly and eat,” Ruan Tieniu reprimanded them via spiritual message.
Then, Ruan Tieniu looked at Lady Jinghong.
This time, he did not speak aloud but used a spiritual message.
“Madam, you have shown me a great kindness. The Geng Gold Treasure Armor I possess was crafted by your hands. I remember this favor.”
“Prime Minister Ruan, there's no need for that. Refining the Geng Gold Treasure Armor was merely a transaction between myself and Fellow Daoist Chen.”
“Regardless, the Geng Gold Treasure Armor I wear was made by you. It has saved my life on multiple occasions. Logically, even giving you this Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma would not be too much. Sigh…”
Ruan Tieniu sighed.
“Even if I were to give up my hope of Core Formation, I would still give this Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma to you. However, as you know, if I cannot reach Core Formation soon, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep my position as Right Prime Minister… unless I have the strength to fight a False Core Loose Cultivator.”
“But I am just a loose cultivator. What resources could I possibly have to fight a False Core Loose Cultivator?!”
Ruan Tieniu continued his secret spiritual message.
However, he took out the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma, appearing as if he was about to give it to Lady Jinghong directly.
This made his two subordinate prefects overjoyed.
They thought Ruan Tieniu had agreed to Lady Jinghong's terms of exchange.
Two opportunities to have Spirit-Infused magical artifacts refined!
They, the brothers, would no longer have to worry about defensive Spirit-Infused magical artifacts.
Lady Jinghong was slightly taken aback.
She understood Ruan Tieniu's meaning.
He didn't want the Core Formation spiritual item, nor the opportunities to have magical artifacts refined.
This Ruan Tieniu wanted her cultivation sword art.
“Very well. I am willing to trade my sword art for the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma, Prime Minister Ruan.”
To outsiders, a sword art was incomparably precious.
But to Lady Jinghong, it was the least valuable thing of all, far less precious than a Core Formation spiritual item, let alone her husband's life.
“Ah?!”
Ruan Tieniu was stunned.
He had not expected Lady Jinghong to agree so directly.
So readily.
Without even a moment's hesitation.
Wait, was this sword art really so worthless?
Forget one Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma; even ten or twenty of them couldn't be traded for a superior offensive sword art!
A common offensive sword art or attack art, maybe.
But the sword art in Lady Jinghong's possession was clearly a superior offensive art.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to slay thirteen Foundation Establishment cultivators with a single sword strike in the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, earning her the name 'Jinghong of a Single Sword.'
“Brother Chen really got a bargain!”
Worried that Lady Jinghong might go back on her word, Ruan Tieniu immediately circulated his spiritual power and sent the Spirit Nurturing Ganoderma over to her.
Sharing Ruan Tieniu's thoughts.
Lady Jinghong was also worried Ruan Tieniu might change his mind. She took out a storage pouch and sent it over to him with her spiritual power.
Seeing this.
The happiest person was not Lady Jinghong, who was about to awaken her husband, nor was it Ruan Tieniu, who had helped Chen Jianghe get a great deal.
It was the two prefects of Xichuan Prefecture.
“Third Brother, haha… The Boss is truly a man of his word! What did I tell you? I wasn't wrong, was I? Following the Boss definitely brings opportunities. Our defensive Spirit-Infused magical artifacts are here! Haha…”
“Second Brother, you have a keen eye. You saw the Boss's true nature at a glance. We'll have a better chance of survival in the unknown mystic realm this time.”
“Let's not get too excited yet. We still need to prepare the spiritual materials to refine the defensive Spirit-Infused magical artifacts. Oh, and we can't forget that big gift for the Boss.”
“Indeed, indeed.”
The trade was complete.
Ruan Tieniu felt that the way his second and third brothers were looking at him was strange. He then recalled the public terms of his trade with Lady Jinghong.
“I still need to ask for two opportunities to have Spirit-Infused magical artifacts refined for them.”
When they entered the mystic realm, he would need to rely on his brothers. At a time like this, he had to consider their feelings.
Ruan Tieniu sent a spiritual message to stop Lady Jinghong, who was about to leave.
“Madam, I have a request. Would it be possible to ask you to help refine two defensive Spirit-Infused magical artifacts?”
“Rest assured, Madam, business is business. I will pay the compensation for these two defensive Spirit-Infused magical artifacts.”
Lady Jinghong paused slightly, looked at Ruan Tieniu, and sent a spiritual message: “My apologies, Prime Minister Ruan. If it weren't for my husband's situation, I wouldn't even have refined your Geng Gold Treasure Armor.”
“However, I can introduce you to another Artifact Refining Grandmaster. You can write to him and invite him to the Feng Kingdom to refine artifacts, but his prices are very high.”
“Excellent. Thank you, Madam.”
Ruan Tieniu didn't care how high the price was; it wasn't him who needed the items anyway.
He was only responsible for finding a channel for his two subordinates. The rest had nothing to do with him.
Lady Jinghong gave Ruan Tieniu the contact address of the Artifact Refining Grandmaster and then departed swiftly.
She was desperate to save her husband. After searching for a spiritual item for nearly a century, she could finally awaken him. How could she not be anxious?
…
Yun Bufan escorted Yu Daniu and Yu Guangzhu back to Donghai Prefecture and, without delay, immediately came to Muyun Market City.
He found Chen Jianghe and asked for his help in refining two batches of Dustfall Pills.
This would take half a year.
So, Yun Bufan became a spirit thief in Muyun Market City. On one hand, he could obtain some resources, and on the other, he could search for news of Yun Xiaoniu.
Chen Jianghe, in turn, gave the two quasi-third-tier medicinal herbs to Jiang Ruxu, asking her to help with the alchemy.
He also gave the quasi-third-tier puppet spiritual material to Zhuang Xinyan.
Although Zhuang Xinyan couldn't craft top-tier second-tier puppets yet, she certainly would be able to in the future.
As for the five top-grade second-tier spiritual pills he had promised Yun Bufan to enhance physical cultivation,
Chen Jianghe would have to try his luck at the Treasure Pavilion's barter exchange.
Only after he managed to trade for the medicinal herbs to refine Blood Essence Pills or Spirit Essence Pills could he ask Jiang Ruxu to refine them.
Besides the barter exchange, his only other option was to find a way within the unknown mystic realm.
“A letter from Ruan Tieniu. It seems the trade with Lady Jinghong is making progress?”