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The snow-white little beast landed on the soft pillow, fluffily chasing its tail in a circle before turning to look at itself.
Where’s the fat!
Obviously not there!
Chen Moqing extended his palm.
Cang Shun jumped onto his hand, causing his palm to sink slightly under the weight.
It never felt heavy before.
Cang Shun: “......”
The snow-white little beast, with its soft animal ears perked up, nestled in the palm of the human cultivator, looking around innocently as if nothing were amiss.
It quietly curled up, looking just like a fluffy little glutinous rice ball, not big at all.
Chen Moqing stared for a couple of seconds.
Perhaps it wasn’t fat. Maybe it was just growing.
After all, it was a three-hundred-year-old Mimi.
His fingers brushed through the snow-white fur, “At most, one little dried fish.”
The snow-white little beast immediately perked up, raising its small head high: [Benzun doesn’t even like them!]
A moment later.
Beside the basket of little dried fish on the table, a fluffy little glutinous rice ball appeared, quietly lowering its small head to snatch away three crispy dried fish.
Stealing a glance back.
Before the bed, plain gauze hung lightly as the young cultivator with dark hair and fair skin sat with eyes closed, deep in cultivation.
So Cang Shun, holding a little dried fish high and mighty in its mouth, sauntered back to the bedside, choosing a comfortable spot nestled against the person’s knees.
Morning light pierced through the mountain peaks, thin mist brushed through the forest leaves, and nearly a hundred cultivators had already gathered near the valley.
“Manager Bai, good morning.” The Second Elder of the Tingyu Sect cheerfully cupped his hands toward Bai Yue, “Quite the commotion last night. Thought it was heavenly thunder descending, never expected it to be a secret realm manifesting.”
Bai Yue returned the gesture. Beside her, Ning Lili curiously looked toward a spot in the valley—there, a bronze ancient gate had risen out of thin air, nearly reaching the mountaintop, its doors cracked open a sliver, emitting a profound and mysterious aura from within.
“Fellow Daoist Jiang, you’re here.”
At those words, quite a few gazes immediately turned.
Through the morning mist of the valley, a figure parted the fog, walking through the forest.
It was a man in black, much younger than most had imagined, his dark hair tied in a neat high ponytail. The deep black robes accentuated his narrow waist and long legs, and the ink-dark hue of his eyes was clear and calm. Simply standing there, he was like a breeze gently brushing through the woods.
In his slender fingers, he cradled an adorable and lively snow-white little beast, resembling both a cat and a leopard, soft and fluffy, with a pair of cold, crimson demon eyes peeking through.
Bai Yue overheard Ning Lili mutter softly, “This aura is only just a tiny bit inferior to Master’s.”
Bai Yue tapped her on the head.
Ning Lili covered her head, then looked up again. Above the valley, a sword cultivator in blue-white robes hovered in the air, letting the morning valley winds whip his clothes about.
He wore a sword at his waist, but the sword tassel was actually a torn, blood-stained sleeve fragment, fluttering in the wind and occasionally brushing against his robes.
Truly a master, even his sword tassel is unconventional. Could it be some beloved one’s keepsake?
Ning Lili glanced over before withdrawing her gaze, noticing that the young demon beast in Jiang Yu’s arms was also staring in that direction, its eyes icy cold, as if... filled with disgust?
[So it really is your good junior brother, flaunting your things proudly.]
A cold, utterly toneless male voice echoed in Chen Moqing’s ear.
[Benzun will kill him for you.]
Chen Moqing: Why so extreme?
His fingers gently rubbed the fluffy head of the snow-white little beast, and he said lightly, “No need.”
He would come himself.
Standing at such heights, all beings below seemed like mere ants.
“An outsider?”
Hearing Murong Zhou’s indifferent voice, the Grand Elder of the Tingyu Sect quickly bowed his head, “Yes, named Jiang Yu. He is a talisman cultivator who recently arrived in Qingzhu City, with extremely high talent.”
Murong Zhou casually tossed out an object.
An intricately carved ancient mirror landed accurately in front of Chen Moqing. Held before him, it still reflected the face of 'Jiang Yu'.
Murong Zhou withdrew the mirror, not sparing Chen Moqing another glance, and dropped a line, “Only Foundation Establishment.”
His next words also fell upon everyone’s ears, “I will not help you, nor will I seize your opportunities. Once inside, opportunities lie within yourselves. Life and death are decided by heaven.”
After speaking, he shot through the ancient bronze gate like a sword’s rainbow.
…Foundation Establishment?
Not Golden Core, just Foundation Establishment?
Liu Ao, who arrived belatedly, happened to hear these words. His gaze toward Chen Moqing immediately changed, carrying a cold, scrutinizing edge—though he quickly concealed it again, as if recalling the presence that had forced him back at the inn that night.
The hand of the Second Elder of the Tingyu Sect, stroking his beard, trembled slightly. To be able to refine third-grade talismans at the Foundation Establishment stage! Such an utterly inconceivable talent!
He immediately smiled, his eyes crinkling, “Young Friend Jiang, why not travel with us? It’ll be good to have someone to watch out for each other along the way.”
Chen Moqing, “I appreciate the kindness, but I have already promised Patriarch Liu.”
The Second Elder still looked somewhat regretful, but said nothing more, leading his group of disciples into the secret realm.
Bai Yue, “Lili, stick close to your master.”
Ning Lili loudly acknowledged, tightly hugging Bai Yue’s arm like an octopus, impossible to peel off.
Bai Yue’s mouth twitched slightly. She smiled and nodded toward Chen Moqing, “Fellow Daoist Jiang, see you inside.”
“Until later.”
“Young Friend Jiang,” Liu Ao suddenly spoke up, “Once we enter the secret realm, let’s each explore on our own.”
Behind him, Liu Piao made no attempt to hide it—she rolled her eyes at his back, then shrugged at Chen Moqing.
Chen Moqing stroked the soft fur of the snow-white little beast in his arms, his expression unchanged, “Alright.”
He entered the secret realm alongside the Liu family members. A flash of light passed before his eyes, and he found himself standing beneath a steep valley.
All around were gray mountains, with only him alone.
It was common to be randomly transported to different locations upon entering a secret realm. That sword intent was on Liu Piao; he could faintly sense from afar that she was unharmed.
[Heh, this place truly is out of the ordinary.]
Cang Shun lay on his shoulder, its tail leisurely brushing past the side of his face as it let out a light laugh.
[If you can obtain the secret realm’s inheritance, you’ll make a huge gain.]
The fluffy tail brushed against his cheek, slightly ticklish. Listening to the 'meow-meow murmur' by his ear, Chen Moqing calmly pressed down the lively tail and tucked it under the snow-white little beast’s belly.
Cang Shun: “......”
The snow-white little beast on his shoulder began wordlessly butting against him. With a flick of his wrist, Chen Moqing sent a bright yellow talisman paper spinning into the air, where it spontaneously ignited. Countless runes scattered and gathered, forming a winding curve that stretched forward.
In Jiugai Prefecture, the Shenlu Sect had a famous tracking and tracing talisman renowned throughout the world which could explore all treasure locations within secret realms rich in spiritual energy. He had seen it several times before and had recently browsed numerous talisman formulas at the Qianxuan Pavilion. Drawing on this related knowledge, he had finally researched and created this low-grade imitation.
He scooped up the squirming Demon Emperor from his shoulder and held it in his arms, following the runes all the way.
The secret realm was vast and boundless, its landscape filled with undulating gray mountains, solemn and somber.
It was unclear how much time had passed when Chen Moqing landed in a narrow valley, where only sparse wild grass grew. Three cultivators were just about to leave.
They wore the attire of Tingyu Sect inner disciples; two men and one woman. The slightly taller male cultivator cupped his hands and spoke, "Fellow Daoist, we have already searched this place. There's nothing here."
Chen Moqing gave a slight nod, "Thank you for the reminder."
Yet he remained where he was, showing no intention of leaving.
The three Tingyu Sect disciples exchanged glances before heading off into the distance.
Chen Moqing closed his eyes slightly, his divine sense sweeping outward like a vast sea, engulfing the entire valley.
Every stone, every blade of grass contained faint traces of talisman-path essence. After scanning back and forth several times, he finally detected an extremely hidden, minute spot.
The talisman-path essence there was three times more concentrated than anywhere else.
Without hesitation, Chen Moqing used his finger as a brush, completing a rune in an instant, then pointed with his slender finger from a distance.
Spiritual power collided. The original valley tore open a crack, revealing a deep, dark space, and his figure vanished into it.
A moment later, three figures reappeared on the previously empty ground—the same Tingyu Sect disciples who had just left, now returned.
"Could there truly be a spiritual land? How on earth did he find it?"
"Follow him!"
Beyond the crack was a separate world—a winding, boundless cave as vast as the stomach of a Kunpeng*, with jagged rocks emitting an eerie green glow.
*t/n; a mythical creature from Chinese mythology that transforms from a giant fish (Kun) into a gigantic bird (Peng).
Shortly after Chen Moqing arrived, the Cang Shun on his shoulder leisurely spoke: [Be careful.]
As soon as the words fell, a second-grade Flame Talisman was already flicked out without thought. The rising, blazing firelight illuminated the cavern ahead, instantly incinerating a figure that had closed in abruptly.
A dark wind swept through the dim cave, and countless figures emerged from behind the rocks, crawling on all fours. Their bodies seemed pieced together from countless twisted lines, each with a single eye on their head, carved with faintly glowing runes.
Chen Moqing brought two fingers together and touched his brow. A wisp of golden light flowed from his ink-black eyes as he floated in the air, the edges of his robes fluttering, standing opposite the vast dark tide.
Talisman Demons.
Drawing talismans to create demons—thus they are called Talisman Demons.
To create spirits through talismans—such divine abilities are extremely rare.
A faint smile lifted at the corner of Chen Moqing's lips. His fluttering hair lifted the hem of his robe as he shot forward like an arrow from a bowstring, plunging into the tide of demons.
In the blink of an eye, the young cultivator's figure was about to be swallowed by the dark tide.
Cang Shun's pupils abruptly darkened, watching as countless pitch-black sharp claws surged from all directions—the nearest already brushing against that man's robes. In just a few breaths, they could tear this slender human to shreds and devour him.
The next second, a silver-white waterfall of thunder surged and roared, like a river of stars pouring down, flooding the cave and crushing the dark tide.
The runes reflected in Chen Moqing's deep, calm eyes, transforming into brilliant silver-white electric light.
He took a step forward, his eyes blazing with brilliance, thunderlight swirling around him, coating his hair with a pure silver frost—like a deity who commanded thunder and lightning in ancient times.
The dazzling radiance was also mirrored in those crimson demon eyes.
The surging thunderlight boiled for several breaths, devouring large swathes of Talisman Demons, then vanished abruptly. The cave, bright as day just moments before, returned to dimness, with only intermittent runes glimmering sporadically.
A swift wind swept past Chen Moqing's side as he sped through the depths of the cave. More Talisman Demons surged from all directions, shrieking as they pursued.
Chen Moqing remained composed, using his finger as a blade, drawing runes to fend off the enemy.
A talisman cultivator fights by using runes as conduits, channeling spiritual power to unleash tremendous force. Earlier, he had absorbed the runes into his body, turning himself into a weapon of slaughter—a combat style he had created himself after transitioning to the path of talismans.
A second-grade Thunderbolt Talisman, borne by his physique, had unleashed the power of a third-grade talisman.
The effect was excellent, but it greatly drained spiritual power and physical strength. However, if he encountered a powerful enemy later, it could reverse the battle at a critical moment.
On Chen Moqing's shoulder, a small, snow-white fluffy ball clung tightly to his collar and leaned close to his ear, letting out a loud 'meow-awoos'.
[You're a talisman cultivator! Do you have to fight in close combat!]
[Do you know how dangerous that was just now?!]
Chen Moqing: Meowing and awooing, what is it saying?
Not listening.
Cang Shun: "....."
The snow-white little beast was so angry its ears stood straight up. This person—this person always disregards his own safety!
Compared to sword cultivators and body cultivators, talisman cultivators have relatively weaker physiques. Ordinary talisman cultivators can hardly withstand overly powerful forces themselves, so they use runes as conduits to unleash power through them.
But this person is different. He possesses a formidable Golden Core physique, no less robust than a body cultivator's. Even so, the combat method he used earlier was extremely dangerous, akin to summoning lightning into himself.
The snow-white little beast lifted its furry paw and huffily patted him—or rather, patted the clothes on his shoulder—again and again.
Countless Talisman Demons pursued relentlessly, like locusts sweeping through. Their sharp claws scraped against the stone walls, producing a grating, rustling sound.
Chen Moqing did not avoid them at all. His movement path seemed to zigzag left and right without any pattern, yet he always headed toward the areas with the most Talisman Demons, quickly plunging deep into the cave's interior.
After who knows how long, he suddenly flicked his wrist. His knuckles, distinct and bony, moved slightly, and a runes was instantly drawn.
The flowing runes leaped and quickly stretched into countless twisted curves, piecing together a beast-like body. The moment it landed, it began to fiercely battle with the nearest Talisman Demon.
That was a Talisman Demon he had created.
Cang Shun raised an eyebrow.
To actually observe and study those runes while fighting. After just a few exchanges, he could decipher their principles and replicate them.
His talent is truly beyond comprehension.
A Talisman Demon suddenly leaped forward, its sharp claws swiping toward the seemingly distracted snow-white little beast.
Cang Shun glanced casually, but a long, pale hand had already descended before him, gently shielding him.
Blazing flames surged, incinerating that Talisman Demon into nothingness.
"Stay closer to me," Chen Moqing pressed two fingers against the soft back of the snow-white little beast, nudging it closer toward himself.
Cang Shun stared at him without blinking.
...He actually cares about me.
The snow-white little beast opened its round, luminous demon eyes and remained silent for a few seconds before slowly crawling onto Chen Moqing's head, curling into a small ball without hindering his movements.
"No offense," Chen Moqing's voice was calm and steady, "But Your Majesty the Demon Emperor should be able to fly, right?"
Cang Shun wrapped both paws around his hair crown and turned his head away.
What's he saying? Not listening.
—And so, by the end of the battle, Chen Moqing hadn't suffered any serious injuries, but his originally neatly tied black hair was thoroughly disheveled.
All because a certain idle and bored Demon Emperor had been messing with it.
Deep within the cave, a faint bright light suddenly appeared. The remaining Talisman Demons seemed to fear that light intensely and quickly scurried away.
Chen Moqing landed without a word. The dark pool in the cave reflected the cultivator's upright figure, with only a few strands of long hair disheveled and hanging before his forehead.
A small, white head leaned down in front of him, "Meow."
[Angry?]
Chen Moqing's expression remained unchanged, "Of course not."
Suddenly, he struck, swiftly grabbing a certain Demon Emperor by the scruff of the neck, lifting it up, and vigorously rubbing against the grain of the snow-white fur on its head.
The originally sleek fur of the snow-white little beast instantly puffed up like a dandelion.
Now both of their hair was messy.
Cang Shun: "......"
Chen Moqing: "......"
Chen Moqing silently turned his face away.
Cang Shun: "???"
"Meow!!!"
He's still laughing! And laughing so loudly!!
Chen Moqing held the howling, flailing Demon Emperor in one hand and snapped his fingers.
On the ground, countless lines swiftly gathered and took shape, transforming into crouching Talisman Demons.
The Talisman Demon he had created had devoured the talisman power of its fellow kind, unexpectedly gaining a trace of spiritual intelligence—thanks in part to this place being a talisman-path secret realm, inherently rich with the aura of talisman arts. Such a thing would be utterly impossible in the outside world.
The Talisman Demon had slender limbs, its entire body composed of pitch-black lines, with only a single white runes glowing brightly in the eye on its head.
Chen Moqing had always been quick at naming things, "I'll call you 'Gun Gun' then."
The Talisman Demon lifted its slender, line-like arms, swinging them back and forth as it circled around Chen Moqing, kicking up its noodle-like legs high into the air one after another, its posture exceedingly joyful.
Cang Shun: "......"
The snow-white little beast twisted its head, pricked up its ears, and muttered quietly.
Still chirping softly.
Chen Moqing carried the small fluffy ball that was chirping and took a few steps forward.
Deep within the cave, above a dark pool, floated a magic treasure—a crystalline, translucent nine-petal lotus flower.
Chen Moqing heard a leisurely, elderly voice: "Since you have reached this place, you have passed the trial. I bestow this item upon you."
Chen Moqing bowed with hands clasped: "Thank you, Senior."
He raised his hand, and the lotus rose into the air, hovering above his palm like a beautiful piece of colored glass.
A fifth-grade magic treasure, the Snowdust Glass Lotus, capable of blocking a full-force strike from an early stage Soul Formation cultivator.
Cang Shun reached out a paw to fiddle with the sparkling lotus petals, so Chen Moqing placed the beautiful little lotus atop the snow-white little beast's head.
The snow-white little beast mewled softly, stretching its paws to reach for it, while Chen Moqing swept his gaze around the area.
A talisman-path secret realm, just this much?
Just as he was about to release his spiritual sense once more, a cold and familiar voice sounded behind them.
"Hand over the treasure, and I'll spare your life."
As the words fell, the sound of a sword rang out!
Thanks for the chapters! <3
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