Zanxing (Retranslated)

Chapter 174 - Treasure Map (2)

After the incident in Li’er Country, a secret realm was opened, and disciples from various sects entered together. Zanxing and her companions accidentally disturbed a Jinhua Tiger and were trapped in Mount Wudong, where they inadvertently encountered a trace of consciousness left by Fairy Qinghua in a painting. When Gu Baiying and the others rescued Zanxing and emerged from the secret realm, they saw scattered weapons and bloodstains near the teleportation array. It was speculated that these disciples might have been ambushed by demonic forces. They intended to quickly return to the Taiyan Sect to inform Shaoyang Zhenren, but the tampered teleportation array sent them to Wufan City, causing some delays.

“Master mentioned that during our time in Wufan City, disciples from the Xiang Ling Sect transmitted a message to the sect leader, informing him that we were trapped in Mount Wudong,” Tian Fangfang said. “The disciples of Xiang Ling Sect are indeed more righteous compared to those from the Chihua Sect.”

Zanxing asked curiously, “So why have they come to the Taiyan Sect this time?”

“You might not know, Junior Sister, but on the night we were trapped in Mount Wudong, they did encounter an ambush from the demonic forces. Several disciples from the Chihua Sect were killed, and the Yin Feng Sect and Xiang Ling Sect also suffered heavy casualties. This time, the sect leader of Xiang Ling has personally brought disciples here, likely to discuss this matter.”

“Demonic forces?” Zanxing paused in her steps.

“Exactly,” Tian Fangfang said, lowering his voice as he leaned closer to Zanxing. “Back in Li’er Country, the shark demon mentioned that someone was searching for a painting that contained Fairy Qinghua’s inheritance. Additionally, after the war between humans and demons twenty years ago, the Xiao Yuan Pearl disappeared. It’s likely that the demons who obtained the Xiao Yuan Pearl are planning a comeback. It’s better to be prepared.”

The Xiao Yuan Pearl… Zanxing clenched her palm.

As they spoke, the three of them arrived at the door of the Jinhua Hall.

Usually, Jinhua Hall was quiet, with only Daoist Yueguang frequently visiting for tea. But today, it was bustling with activity, with voices already audible from within.

“Those demons are truly despicable. They dare to be so rampant now; what will become of us in the future? We should have eradicated them completely back then. Who knows if another Gui Diaotang will emerge?”

“Enough, Putao.”

Zanxing entered the hall alongside Gu Baiying, who greeted, “Master.”

Everyone turned to look at them.

Inside the Jinhua Hall stood several people, some of whom were familiar faces from the Xiang Ling Sect they had met in Li’er Country. Beside Putao stood a woman in yellow. She was a beautiful woman with an air of arrogance, holding a long sword, her robes fluttering elegantly. Despite her graceful appearance, her demeanor was somewhat haughty.

“This is Xiang Ling Sect’s leader, Lady Rongshuang,” Tian Fangfang whispered.

Li Danshu was conversing with Shaoyang Zhenren. Seeing Zanxing arrive, he smiled broadly, “Niece Zanxing, you look vibrant and well.”

Aunt Rongshuang turned her head at his words, casting a scrutinizing gaze over Zanxing before speaking, “Is she the one who received Qinghua’s inheritance?” After a pause, she added, “Only at the Golden Core stage, nothing special. When did Qinghua’s judgment become so poor?”

“My mother’s choice needs no commentary from others,” Gu Baiying scoffed. “Since when did matters of the Taiyan Sect become the business of other sects?”

Putao was indignant, “Gu Baiying, how can you speak to the sect leader like that?”

Gu Baiying replied disdainfully, “You’re aware it’s your sect leader, and what does that have to do with me?”

Rongshuang looked at Shaoyang Zhenren, “Shaoyang, is this how you teach your disciples?”

Shaoyang Zhenren maintained a calm expression, seemingly unaffected by the dispute in the hall. He simply said, “Rongshuang, there’s no need to argue with the juniors. Regarding the demonic forces, I will assign someone to accompany you to Li’er Country to investigate those behind it.”

Rongshuang replied coldly, “That’s for the best.”

Zhao Mayi, ever the smooth talker due to his many years spent outside, stepped out from a corner. Smiling, he said, “Fellow cultivators, Lady Rongshuang, let me escort you to rest for now. Once the sect leaders decide who will go to Li’er Country, we’ll set off immediately. With the demons watching us closely, it’s crucial for our sects to unite and thwart their schemes.”

Rongshuang gave him a brief glance, accepting his offer of hospitality, and led her disciples out of the hall with Zhao Mayi.

Li Danshu patted his chest, relieved, “Finally, they’re gone.” Shaking his head, he muttered to himself, “She’s clearly a beauty, so why am I so afraid of her?”

Cui Yufu walked in from outside and teased, “Look at you, so spineless.”

“Oh, you think you’re brave?” Li Danshu shot back. “If you’re so capable, don’t hide outside then.”

“Enough bickering,” Yue Qin interrupted their squabble. “Let’s hear what the sect leader has to say.”

Gu Baiying looked at Shaoyang Zhenren and asked, “Master, what did you mean earlier about re-entering the secret realm in Li’er Country?”

Yue Qin sighed, “Several sects’ disciples were ambushed by demonic forces in the secret realm of Li’er Country, with heavy casualties. We suspect the demons are planning a resurgence. The shark demon mentioned encountering someone behind this in Li’er Country. The elders of Chihua Sect are determined to send people back to explore Li’er Country and see if they can find any clues.”

Gu Baiying immediately volunteered, “I’ll go too.”

Li Danshu shook his head vigorously, “Junior Brother, don’t get involved. Your spiritual veins aren’t fully healed. Right now, you’re only suppressing the surging power with my pills. It’s too dangerous.”

Zanxing glanced at Gu Baiying and said, “You didn’t tell the uncles about the treasure map?”

Shaoyang Zhenren’s expression shifted slightly.

“What treasure map?” Cui Yufu was confused.

Zanxing raised her hand, and a map floated out from her Qiankun Bag. She said, “In Wufan City, the Snake Shaman gave me a treasure map. It indicates a place with a sacred tree whose fruits can be made into pills that can restore Seventh Uncle’s spiritual veins to their original state.” She had assumed Gu Baiying had already informed them, but it turned out he hadn’t.

The map hovered in midair before Gu Baiying quickly snatched it and stuffed it back into Zanxing’s Qiankun Bag, scolding, “Put it away, why are you showing it around!”

Li Danshu wasn’t pleased, “Junior Brother, what’s with that reaction? Do you think we’d covet the niece’s treasure map?” Then he cheekily added, “Niece Zanxing, good girl, can I borrow your treasure map for a bit?”

Gu Baiying smacked his hand away, sneering, “Senior Brother, have some dignity.”

“Seventh Brother, I was asking Zanxing, why are you so angry?” Li Danshu huffed, “Why are you so protective? What’s your relationship with her?”

Zanxing: “…”

Shaoyang Zhenren turned to Zanxing, “Zanxing.”

“Yes, Master?”

“What are your plans?”

“My plans?” Zanxing replied, “This treasure map is of no use to me, so I’m giving it to Seventh Uncle.”

“Yang Zanxing,” Gu Baiying looked at her in disbelief, “This is a treasure map!”

Zanxing nodded, “I know, it was meant for you.”

He was at a loss for words and finally managed, “…You fool.”

“Baiying’s spiritual veins do need to be repaired, and the treasure map given by the Snake Shaman is indeed an opportunity for you. Therefore, you will accompany Baiying to the treasure site to find the sacred tree,” Shaoyang Zhenren decided.

Gu Baiying was stunned, “Master…”

“Get ready,” Shaoyang Zhenren rose from his seat, “You will depart in a few days.”

He left the hall, leaving the others behind. Cui Yufu and Li Danshu crowded around Zanxing, all talking at once.

“Niece Zanxing, let me borrow that treasure map for a bit, just half an hour, or even the time it takes to drink a cup of tea? I’ll give you ten top-quality pills as compensation.”

“Forget it! Don’t listen to this profiteer. He wants to make a copy. Your Fourth Uncle doesn’t mess around with those things. When you go to the treasure site, see if there are any talisman manuals and bring them back for me. I’ll trade them with you.”

“Talisman manuals? Pills are better! You should find more alchemy materials. The apprentice of my sixth brother is like my own. Don’t be polite with me, Niece… Niece?”

Zanxing had already been pulled away by Gu Baiying.

Once they were outside the Jinhua Hall, Gu Baiying let go of her hand and scolded, “Yang Zanxing, are you out of your mind?”

Zanxing was puzzled, “What’s wrong?”

“That’s a treasure map, and you just showed it to everyone in the hall. Are you brainless?” He looked exasperated, poking her forehead angrily, “Do you know that sometimes, people in the cultivation world kill for a single treasure?”

“But aren’t the uncles our own people?” Zanxing interrupted, “I’m not stupid, I know not to flaunt wealth. But the issue with your spiritual veins is now known throughout Taiyan Sect. You’re arrogant and have many enemies. By showing the treasure map, at least I can quell some rumors.”

“You…”

“Besides, the treasure map was meant for you. Am I supposed to hide it and not bring it out?”

Zanxing now understood why Gu Baiying hadn’t told Shaoyang Zhenren and the others about the treasure map. He must have feared drawing unwanted attention, even from people like Xuan Lingzi.

“The treasure map doesn’t just have the sacred tree, it might have other spiritual treasures and techniques.” After a long pause, he finally spoke, “You’re the first person I’ve seen who treats something so valuable so lightly.”

Zanxing smiled at him, “Is that a compliment?”

Her smile seemed to dazzle him, and Gu Baiying turned his head away, avoiding her gaze, and asked quietly, “Yang Zanxing, in Wufan City, the Snake Shaman granted you one question. Why did you use it on me? Do you know how precious that opportunity was? You could have asked anything…”

“If there was no way to fix your spiritual veins, wouldn’t you die?”

Gu Baiying was stunned.

Zanxing stepped closer, looking into his eyes, “I said I want to change my destiny, and I want to change yours too.”