Zanxing (Retranslated)

Chapter 72 - Wand (2)

Zanxing weighed the staff and found it indeed much lighter than her previous iron staff.

“This is a mid-grade magical weapon. If you don’t like this one, the rest of the staffs in the pavilion are all low-grade magical weapons,” Jin Feicui said. “So…”

“I’ll take this one,” Zanxing said, holding the staff in her hand. Unless it’s a high-grade magical weapon that could be hidden within the body and summoned when needed, mid- and low-grade magical weapons had to be carried around. This staff was slender, and compared to the previous one, it wouldn’t look like she was herding sheep when strapped to her waist. She turned to Gu Baiying, “Senior Uncle…” Since the sect was reimbursing the cost, she didn’t plan on spending her own money.

Gu Baiying lazily sat up straight and asked the manager, “How many spirit stones?”

“Not expensive,” Jin Feicui said, caressing the emerald bracelet on her wrist, smiling warmly. “Since Xiao Bai brought you here, I’ll give you a discount. Let’s make it an even five thousand spirit stones.”

“Thanks.” Gu Baiying tossed a Qiankun bag on the table. “Take it yourself.”

Zanxing felt quite indignant. They were both disciples of the sect, yet Gu Baiying could casually take out five thousand spirit stones, while she struggled to save even a few dozen each month. It was clear that when it came to savings, just cutting expenses wasn’t enough.

Seeing Zanxing staring at him, Gu Baiying raised an eyebrow. “What are you looking at? Do you have any complaints?”

“Nothing,” Zanxing smiled. “I just find it particularly charming when Senior Uncle flaunts his wealth.”

Gu Baiying snorted lightly, not denying Zanxing’s flattery. He stood up and said, “Take your staff and let’s go.”

*

After Zanxing returned to the Taiyan Sect, Xuan Lingzi examined the flower-patterned staff they had chosen from the Hua Jin Pavilion. While he wasn’t particularly surprised, he was reasonably satisfied.

Following this, he briefed them on matters related to their upcoming journey to the secret realm in Li’er Country.

All three direct disciples were present in the hall, bowing their heads as they listened to their master’s instructions. Xuan Lingzi spoke earnestly, “Children, this is your first time leaving the Taiyan Sect on your own to venture into a secret realm. The secret realm in Li’er Country has existed for nearly a hundred years. Every ten years, major sects send their newly selected talents there. It is called training, but in reality, it’s a show of strength.”

Tian Fangfang, being straightforward, said, “Showing off?” However, with just a few of them going, it seemed a bit difficult to really “show strength.”

“That’s more or less the idea,” Xuan Lingzi sighed. “Our Taiyan Sect has a three-hundred-year history, but ever since the war between humans and demons, we’ve suffered countless losses and are not as strong as we once were. Over the years, new sects in the cultivation world, such as the Yin Feng Sect, and old rivals like the Chihua Sect, as well as the Xiang Ling Sect, which we’ve had disputes with… they are all eyeing our sect covetously.”

Zanxing commented, “It sounds like our sect doesn’t have many friends.”

Master Xuan Lingzi hesitated for a moment. “The founding master, Sage Yushan, was indeed a bit reckless in his youth before his ascension… but our sect is much better now!” He continued, “What I mean is that I am not too worried about the trials in the secret realm of Li’er Country. What concerns me is the potential trouble you might face from disciples of other sects.”

“If anyone dares to cause trouble, we’ll confront them head-on,” Mu Cengxiao said. “After all, in this world, the strong are respected.”

Xuan Lingzi smiled with relief. “I’m reassured by your confidence and courage. Alright, I won’t say much more. Go back and rest well tonight. Early tomorrow morning, the teleportation array on Gufeng Mountain will send you to Li’er Country. Remember, you represent the honor of the Miaokong Hall and carry the pride of the entire Taiyan Sect. Behave properly, and while we don’t seek trouble, we don’t fear it either. If you encounter any problems you can’t solve, seek out your Seventh Senior Uncle and Senior Sister Meng. They are both experienced and know how to handle such situations.”

The three disciples agreed and were about to return to their respective courtyards when Xuan Lingzi called out to Zanxing, “Zanxing, wait a moment.”

“Yes, Master?” Zanxing asked.

Xuan Lingzi looked at her. “Since you have a spirit beast, you should take it with you to Li’er Country. Spirit beasts grow alongside their masters. Just as you might gain opportunities during the trials, your spirit beast can benefit as well. However…” He hesitated before continuing, “Mimi has shown no special abilities so far. It seems no different from an ordinary pig… uh, cat. Bringing it along might just be an extra burden. I leave the decision to you, but I wanted to inform you of this.”

Zanxing only thought for a moment before answering, “I understand, Master. I will still take Mimi with me. Since it has the bloodline of the Silver Moon Lion, no matter how thin the chance, I need to give it a try.” More importantly, if she left Mimi at the Taiyan Sect, with Hongsu’s way of feeding it, Zanxing feared Mimi would develop obesity and die prematurely. For Mimi’s physical and mental health, it was better to take it along.

“Alright,” Xuan Lingzi said. “It’s good that you’ve decided. Go back and pack your things, and get some rest early.”

Zanxing nodded in agreement.

That night, Zanxing didn’t sleep well. Perhaps it was because she had something on her mind. She felt a subtle excitement even in the middle of the night. It was only near dawn that she finally fell into a light sleep, and she hadn’t slept long when the crowing of the morning rooster signaled the start of a new day.

She got up, dressed, washed, ate a few bites of pastry, and, since Hongsu wasn’t around, she packed her Qiankun bag, strapped the staff to her waist, and took Mimi to the Miaokong Hall.

In Miaokong Hall, Meng Ying stood in the center, the hem of her snow-white dress fluttering in the wind. Her raven-black hair made her face appear almost luminous, a cold and beautiful young woman who was a sight to behold wherever she stood.

When Meng Ying saw Zanxing enter, her gaze fell on her. Her eyes were cool, with a touch of aloofness. Zanxing smiled at her, and Meng Ying gave a slight nod before looking away.

Just as in the original story, she indeed was a proud, aloof, and very distinctive goddess.

Next, Men Dong and Gu Baiying walked in.

The child was still dressed in a pink gauze robe, his hair styled into two lotus buns, making him look even more like a Guanyin Tongzi from a painting, following beside the young man. The young man, as usual, wore a pearl satin robe, with crimson cuffs and hairband, exuding elegance and a refined charm. However, his expression remained as arrogantly unrestrained as ever.

Zanxing looked at the three of them. Honestly, seeing them stand together was truly pleasing to the eye. The beautiful young man and woman, along with a finely crafted little child, made the spring day on Gufeng Mountain even more enchanting and delightful.

“Why are you the only one here?” Men Dong asked, noticing no one else in the hall except Zanxing. “Where are the others?”

Zanxing shrugged and was about to speak when Hongsu’s voice came from behind the hall, “Young Mistress!”

Turning around, she saw that the others had indeed arrived.

Hongsu darted over to Zanxing, shoving a box into her hands. “Young Mistress, I made these personally in the kitchen this morning. They’re all the pastries you love. Keep them in your Qiankun bag, and if you get hungry on the way, just have some.” As she spoke, the young girl’s head lowered, and her voice took on a tearful tone. “I don’t know if the secret realm will be dangerous… Young Mistress, you must protect yourself… Don’t let yourself suffer… I wanted to go with you, but they wouldn’t let me. You’ve never traveled so far alone before…”

Meanwhile, Liu Yunxin handed a cloth bundle to Mu Cengxiao, softly reminding him, “Brother Mu, in the secret realm, we don’t know if it will be cold or warm. It’s early spring now, and I’m worried about the sudden chill causing a cold. I’ve made some new clothes and shoes recently. Your Qiankun bag can hold a lot, so take them with you…” The girl then shyly lowered her head. “I made them to fit you perfectly.”

Mu Cengxiao held her hands, his heart aching. “The sect provides everything. You didn’t need to go through all this trouble.”

Liu Yunxin gently shook her head, her expression sweet and tender. “It’s no trouble. As long as Brother Mu can use them, Yunxin is very happy. Please take care of yourself, Brother Mu. I’ll be waiting here for your return.”

“Alright.” Mu Cengxiao accepted the bundle with a smile. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

On the other side, Meng Ying and the other two stood there, looking somewhat out of place. Meng Ying frowned slightly, seemingly uncomfortable with such sentimental moments. Men Dong watched the scene unfold and spoke disdainfully, “It’s like they’re parting forever. It’s disgusting.”

Gu Baiying, watching coldly, interrupted the tearful farewell. “Are you done? If you don’t want to go, then don’t.”

“We’re coming, we’re coming.” Xuan Lingzi and Tian Fangfang walked over, calling Zanxing and Mu Cengxiao to join them. Xuan Lingzi, like a concerned father, entrusted the three of them to Gu Baiying. “Junior Brother, I’m leaving the kids in your care. Please look out for them on the journey and try to avoid conflicts with other sects… including yourself.”

“I know,” the young man replied impatiently. “If you keep talking, it’ll be dark before we leave.”

The teleportation array was on Gufeng Mountain, near the cliff by the Chu Hong Terrace. Because Li’er Country was too far away for sword flight, and only Gu Baiying and Meng Ying among them could use sword flight, the Taiyan Sect’s only spirit boat had to stay to guard the sect. Compared to the spirit boat, the teleportation array required fewer spirit stones, making it the most cost-effective means of transportation, though it was a bit uncomfortable.

In the center of five osmanthus trees before the Chu Hong Terrace, a circle of teleportation stones emitted a silver-white glow.

“Let’s go,” Gu Baiying said, stepping in first.

The group followed closely. Zanxing hugged Mimi tightly and walked in with the others.

*

At the end of the group of peaks, there was a sudden and long cry from the Qinghe Crane.

Before the Chu Hong Terrace on Gufeng Mountain, the sound of water flowed gently, creating a serene scene.

The white-haired man sitting at the chessboard in the hall stopped his movements.

Xuan Lingzi walked in, and Shaoyang Zhenren asked, “They’ve left?”

“They’ve left,” Xuan Lingzi patted his chest, feeling somewhat lost. “Master, it’s the first time the disciples have gone on such a distant journey. I’m a bit worried.”

Shaoyang Zhenren didn’t speak, just looked at the scattered chess pieces on the board, his expression neither sad nor happy.

“Play a game of chess with me,” he said after a while.

END OF ARC: QUEST FOR IMMORTALITY

T/n: Hold on tight, people. The actual ride begins now!