The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 40: I Really Have Seen a Ghost

The weapon concealed within the Longing for Longevity was none other than Tianwen, or rather, a bundle of golden willow vines identical to Tianwen in every respect, from their patterns to their design.

No command needed for Longing for Longevity; it broke off a willow branch.

Chu Wanning's expression wavered as he passed the bundle of vines to Mo Ran. Then, he condensed light in his palm and summoned Tianwen. Upon comparison, they were like mirror images of each other, without the slightest difference.

None of them had expected such a turn of events, and even Mo Ran found it hard to believe his eyes. As someone who had been struck by Tianwen over a thousand times in his previous life, he would never have imagined that Jin Chengchi would give him an identical weapon.

What was going on here?

All eyes turned to Gouchen Palace Master standing nearby.

Gouchen Palace Master also appeared surprised. "There are now two Wood Spirit Essences in the mortal realm?"

Xue Meng asked, "What does Wood Spirit Essence mean?"

"Well," Gouchen Palace Master replied, "There are five elements in this world, as you all know. Each person cultivating a spirit core possesses one or two attributes. The mortal with the most outstanding talent in a particular attribute is known as that attribute's essence. For example, the former Goddess of Mount Wu was the Earth Spirit Essence. Typically, there can only be one essence per generation for a given attribute. However, there is already a Wood Spirit Essence in the mortal realm now. Many years ago, I bestowed upon him the finest Wood Spirit weapon."

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Chu Wanning.

"I originally intended to create only one top-tier divine weapon for each elemental attribute when forging them. There were no mishaps during the crafting of the other four, but the Wood Spirit Divine Weapon broke into two pieces in the furnace."

"I took it as fate and decided to turn those two halves of the willow branch into separate weapons. Still, I believed that these two weapons would never find their respective owners at the same time. So, I gave one to Ji Baihua and asked him to encase it in a brocaded box to protect it from unscrupulous individuals. Little did I expect..."

Gouchen Palace Lord shook his head, about to continue his reflection when suddenly, a string of red, shimmering fireworks burst forth from the willow vine in Mo Ran's hand. The golden luster flowing through it gradually transformed, eventually becoming a fiery crimson. Amidst the chaos of thoughts in Mo Ran's mind, he blurted out without thinking, "Damn it! Ghosts!"

Chu Wanning attempted to stop him, but it was already too late.

Thus, Gouchen Palace Lord and Chu Wanning looked at Mo Ran with great sympathy. Mo Ran soon realized why they had such expressions. He had actually recalled it himself:

When a divine weapon emits a different hue of light for the first time, it signifies its submission to its owner and its desire for its master to bestow a name upon it...

Unfortunately, it was too late. Slowly, three bold and elegant characters, inked in black and resembling plumes, appeared on the silver handle of the willow vine — Damn it.

The divine weapon named "Damn it."

Mo Ran: "AAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Despite Xue Meng and Shi Mo's lack of knowledge about divine weapon naming conventions, they quickly grasped the situation upon witnessing the spectacle. Bursting into laughter, Xue Meng clutched his belly, tears streaming down his face. "Only you could come up with such a name, hahaha! What a hilarious name, good job, good job. Master has Heavenly Inquiry, while you have 'Ah! Devil!' Hahahahaha!"

Since Mo Ran had obtained his divine weapon, Xue Meng and Shi Mo also chose weapons that appealed to them—a long sword for Xue Meng and a short flute for Shi Mo. However, neither weapon emitted a distinctive glow, indicating that they had yet to be tamed and were unwilling to submit to their new owners.

Nonetheless, it was not a major issue; they would find a way to overcome it.

In high spirits, they spent the evening at a grand feast on a spring night atop a pavilion. Never before had Lord Gouchen brought mortals to Jin Chengchi, but he warmly invited them to stay for the night. As this was his first time hosting humans, he spared no effort in ensuring their comfort. The banquet table was filled with toasts and sweet and sour drinks, accompanied by joyful music and a pleasant buzz of intoxication between the guests.

After the banquet dispersed, the God of Hook and Chariot's Palace commanded attendants to escort the guests to chambers for rest and respite overnight.

The visitors' quarters were situated beside the Divine Armory. Upon seeing the colossal sky-reaching tree, Mo Ran couldn't help but summon the Willow Vine, examining it closely, as thoughts of the "Ghost Vision" he had obtained earlier returned to his mind.

No command needed for longing thoughts, a willow branch snapped in two.

What exactly did the fox spirit named Ji Baihua perceive, prompting him to utter such a phrase? And what was the true meaning behind those words?

In the evening, after imbibing too much wine, his thoughts became somewhat muddled. He found it truly perplexing. If Longing Without Sight hadn't malfunctioned, then how could Chu Wanning have unlocked the box's lock?

He certainly didn't like Chu Wanning; the notion that Chu Wanning deeply loved him was an outrageous joke.

As he pondered this, he turned his gaze back to his Master.

To his surprise, Chu Wanning was also looking at him from behind. Their eyes met, and Mo Ran felt his heart flutter, as if pricked by something sharp and delicate, stirring a subtle bittersweet sensation. Before he could think it through, he found himself grinning at Chu Wanning. But this emotional stir was fleeting, and he soon regretted his reaction.

Why did he feel so calm and comfortable at times, despite hating Chu Wanning so much?

Chu Wanning seemed indifferent, but upon seeing Mo Ran summoning Ghost-seer, he too called forth Heaven's Inquiry after a moment's contemplation.

He walked toward Mo Ran.

Ghost-seer appeared to be in a foul mood, its crimson flame flickering wildly as it sensed the proximity of another powerful Wood Spirit body. Sparks occasionally burst and landed on Xue Meng, revealing a competitive spirit.

On the other side, Heaven's Inquiry in Chu Wanning's hand seemed to have detected a similar aura. However, having spent every day with its master, it had long since harmonized with Chu Wanning. Though brimming with battle intent, its golden glow didn't radiate restlessness like Ghost-seer's. Instead, it gradually intensified, becoming dazzlingly brilliant only when it was clear that its owner didn't intend to hold back. It seemed determined to show "Ghost-seer" how a superior weapon should confront its opponent with composure.

These two divine weapons were once inseparable.

Now, one was freshly polished, while the other had been battle-hardened through countless encounters.

One saber glows with crimson radiance, resembling an impetuous young punk, full of fiery energy and bouncing about; the other shimmeres with golden hues, like a grandmaster atop a towering peak, exuding reserve and arrogance.

Chu Wanning cast a glance at the willow vine in his hand, pondering for a moment. Through the long lashes of the secret chamber, his gaze landed on the ghost before him. He said, "Mo Ran."

"Masters?"

"Grasp your... " Damn, the word seemed too embarrassing for Chu Wanning, so he paused and said, "Take up your willow vine and let's compare our skills."

Mo Ran's mind was a muddled mess, churning with countless tumultuous thoughts, leaving him utterly at a loss. He pinched the bridge of his nose and chuckled ruefully, "Master, please don't jest with me. Spare me this time."

"I'll give you three moves."

"I've never utilized the Willow Vine technique before..."

"Ten moves."

"But—"

Chu Wanning didn't waste any more time. With a swish of his hand, a blinding golden light slashed through the air! Mo Ran was utterly terrified; his fear of Heavenly Questions ran deep in his bones. He promptly raised his branch and countered with "Ghostly Encounter," causing two willow vines to tear through the heavens-defying snowstorm, soaring into the sky like two battling dragons, their clash igniting a trail of golden and crimson sparks!

Despite having no prior experience with such a unique weapon, perhaps due to observing Chu Wanning's techniques for too long, Mo Ran, with his exceptional talent, managed to barely fend off Chu Wanning's attacks.

The two clashed in the icy pool for dozens of rounds. Though Chu Wanning held back, Mo Ran's remarkable response surpassed his expectations.

Amidst the cascading water, the golden glow of Tianwen and the crimson flames of Jiegu danced like a fierce storm. Their moves were dazzling, their shadows shimmering, tearing apart the lake with their brutal vines. Eventually, gold intertwined with red, evenly matched and inseparable!

Chu Wanning's eyes showed approval, but Mo Ran, exhausted and gasping for breath, couldn't discern the expression in his opponent's eyes.

Chu Wanning called out, "Tianwen, return."

The once fierce golden willow vine suddenly softened, transforming from icy rigidity to spring-like tenderness, dissolving into specks of light and obediently returning to the warmth of Chu Wanning's palm.

Mo Ran, still wielding the blazing Jiegu, panted for a moment before collapsing onto the snowy ground, a look of grievance etched on his face. "No more, no more! Master, you're bullying me!"

Chu Wanning replied, "...I already let you have ten moves."

Mo Ran complained shamelessly, "Ten moves aren't enough! You should've let me have a hundred! Ouch, my hand, my arm, they feel broken! Shi Mo, Shi Mo, hurry and massage them." He rambled on like a clown, accompanied by Xue Meng's ridicule and Shi Mo's attempts to mediate.

Chu Wanning didn't say anything further, simply watching them in silence.

It might have been an illusion, but Chu Wanning's lips seemed to curve slightly in the icy-cold pool, as if a gentle smile had graced his face. However, it was only a fleeting moment. He turned his head, standing with his hands behind his back, gazing at the towering tree with its countless vines hanging down. No one knew what thoughts were swirling in his mind.

That night, Mo Ran sat in his own guest room. The floor was covered in fine, clean white sand, and the walls were painted blue, enchanted to shimmer like the surface of the sea. Half-opened, the window allowed a gentle breeze to sway the pearl curtains. On the table sat a lamp made from a night pearl, casting a warm and soothing light.

In the center of the room was a large seashell, its interior lined with soft, silky satin. The fabric was exquisitely smooth, and Mo Ran lay down on the bed comfortably, summoning See Ghosts and holding it in his hand for closer inspection. Perhaps he was too exhausted, for he soon fell into a deep sleep without playing with it for long.

See Ghosts lay on his chest, emitting a faint red glow, as if it too had slumbered alongside its master...

He slept for an unknown duration. When he woke up again, the first thing Mo Ran felt was a chill, followed swiftly by a sharp pain in his wrist.

He gasped, clutching his head and slowly sitting up. As his consciousness returned, the unfamiliar pain in his wrist became more pronounced. To his shock, he discovered a cut on his wrist that he hadn't noticed before; the blood had already dried, forming a grotesque scab.

What happened?

—Where am I?!!!

Mo Ran's eyes widened.

As he gradually regained clarity, he realized that he was in a completely unfamiliar, dimly lit stone chamber. A small opening in the ceiling allowed a cold lake breeze to creep in, barely illuminating the narrow space. The damp, grayish-green stone walls glistened faintly under the weak light.

Author's Note:

Here's your daily dose of drama, served with a chatterbox twist:

Meat Bun: One day, the practitioners of the cultivation world obtained a mysterious artifact named "Guguo Fanyi." Upon inscribing their names on it, they were said to be able to perceive whispers from the distant western heavens.

Deity: Speak in plain human language!

Pork Bun: Google inputs character name, double-click to view English translation 666

Thus, I conducted the following playful experiment:

Chu Wanning: Serene Night's End (Well, that's quite ridiculous, hahaha)

Xue Meng: Ardent Snow (Congratulations, Young Hero, for dodging a bullet)

Shi Mo: Concealed Wisdom (...Sorry, I'm laughing so hard I'm about to vomit, hahaha. Ignorant Teacher, oh ho ho)

Mo Ran: Ink Igniting (Surprisingly, it has an intriguing vibe)

Xue Zhengyong: (Alright, it seems the Xues have paid Google.)

Let's attempt Shi Mo's original name. Do you recall that it was Xue Ya?

Xue Ya: (Sure, seems like the Xues have had quite an intimacy with Google.)

Now, let's try the two supporting characters whose names have been revealed but still remain in the character list.

Mei Hanxue: Snow Contained (What a misleading translation! Contains nothing but confusion!)

Ye Wangxi: Forgotten Past (....I'm splitting into atoms from admiration here.)

Finally, I thought translating Xue Meng's mother, Madame Wang, should be straightforward, right?

Madame Wang: Mrs. Wang

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong, but for some reason, it brings back memories of Li Lei and Han Meimei from English textbooks... (Sighing, rubbing my forehead...)