Chapter 33

Inside the Cold Pool on Parasol Tree Mountain.

With his aura sealed off by an array, a thin, unfamiliar white-haired old man was currently sitting cross-legged, floating atop the Cold Pool, his expression serious.

In front of the old man was a furnace top, and a ghostly blue flame was burning silently between the furnace and the Cold Pool. If Liuli were to enter now, she would be extremely surprised: this was clearly the Cold Pool—how could the temperature be so high?

Beside the old man lay a pile of Spiritual Ore and Spirit Stones, most of which had now turned ash-white—a sign that their spiritual energy had been completely extracted.

Finally, just as the old man’s withered arms began to tremble, Feng Xiwu entered.

Like the old man, Feng Xiwu sat cross-legged opposite the furnace and reached out, joining in the process.

The old man let out a breath of relief, freeing a hand to wipe the sweat beading on his forehead, “I’m getting old; my stamina can’t keep up.”

Feng Xiwu said nothing, merely taking out a few more materials and handing them to the old man, “The things you wanted.”

The old man took them and examined them. The quality was top-notch, matching his requirements down to the finest detail. Among them, even a widely knowledgeable master refiner like himself rarely managed to procure some of those materials.

The old man chuckled, “You truly are a person of vast and divine abilities.”

Feng Xiwu ignored him.

The old man was originally an unremarkable prisoner locked in the Back Mountain Forbidden Area for stealing precious treasures. Some time ago, Feng Xiwu—he didn’t know how she learned his true identity—actually brought him out and asked him to help refine something.

The old man was carefree, unreliable, and eccentric by nature, hating most of all to be ordered around. Thus, he simply rolled over to lounge and sunbathe, looking as if he hadn’t heard a thing.

Feng Xiwu, however, said, “That item you want—I can procure it.”

The old man immediately sat upright, “Tell me what you want refined.”

Feng Xiwu smiled, “As expected of Master Yanchen, so confident.”

Master Yanchen was a renowned refining master who became famous a thousand years ago for his exquisite craftsmanship and superior quality. He was obsessed with refining his whole life, eccentric in temperament with few friends and relatives, but every piece he produced was sure to be highly sought after.

Unfortunately, in recent centuries, Master Yanchen had grown tired of the life of refining for others day and night. He hid his identity and went into seclusion, and asking him to refine an item became as difficult as scaling the heavens.

Yanchen thought he had hidden extremely well. He’d been freeloading in the Heavenly Martial Sect’s prison for several years, eating and sleeping, occasionally fighting crickets or playing Gomoku against himself—no one had discovered his identity. So how had Feng Xiwu found out?

The true reason, Feng Xiwu naturally wouldn’t say. She only stated, “When the item is refined, I will tell you.”

After listening to Feng Xiwu describe what she wanted, Yanchen clicked his tongue in wonder, “For whom are you requesting this?”

Feng Xiwu merely smiled, not telling him.

The spiritual fire and materials required for the refining had all been slowly gathered by Feng Xiwu over several months. This item required an extremely high degree of finesse in materials, spiritual energy, and flame temperature. Even though Yanchen was a master refiner, he dared not slacken in the slightest. He even requested Feng Xiwu to participate.

“With your assistance, this old man can devote more mental focus to the crafting, and our certainty of success will be higher.”

Master Yanchen would go all out for every item he refined, striving to make its quality even finer. Thus, Feng Xiwu joined in.

Now, the refining was at its most critical juncture. Master Yanchen guarded the furnace day and night, fearing even the slightest accident.

Feng Xiwu asked, “Approximately how much longer?”

“Soon, soon. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, half a month will be sufficient.”

…

The box of Little Cloth Dolls that Liuli had carefully prepared was sternly rejected by Feng Xiwu.

“You’ve already grown up. You can’t be this dependent on your master anymore.”

Liuli was out of options. Unable to say the real reason—that she was afraid Feng Xiwu would hook up with Long Jingxing—she could only put the Little Cloth Dolls away, all the while begging Feng Xiwu to promise to come down the mountain and accompany her as soon as possible.

Before leaving, Liuli visited the two of them—Senior Sister Little Feng and Junior Sister Little Feng: “Remember, absolutely do not let that guy named Long come up the mountain!”

“Why?” Junior Sister Little Feng was puzzled.

Liuli angrily pounded the table, “Because Parasol Tree Mountain is my home, and I’ve already severed all ties with that guy Long, never to interact again.”

Junior Sister Little Feng: “…Alright.”

And the most crucial task was assigned to Liang Tiantian at Liuli Residence. With Liuli gone, Liang Tiantian was the person living closest to Feng Xiwu.

“Remember, absolutely do not let Shizun forget that she still has a good disciple wandering abroad. You must remind her every day that her dear, beloved good disciple is, today once more, sleeping rough and eating in the wind!”

Liang Tiantian blinked her big eyes and suddenly lifted up a Food Box, “Senior Sister, don’t be afraid. I made a meal to give you.”

“Thanks, but I don’t want plain rice.”

“I added something else too.”

“What?”

“Sugar.”

Liuli carried the Food Box to the Merit Hall.

Ye Zhenzhen and Lin Mengxian had both already arrived. On the surface, the two seemed to be getting along rather harmoniously, at least politely addressing each other as “Senior Sister Ye” and “Junior Sister Lin.”

Since they had agreed to go down the mountain for training, the three planned to take a mission farther from the sect, specifically toward the southwest. Lin Mengxian mentioned that the special local products in that area happened to include something she needed. After combining their comprehensive strengths, they finally settled on the training mission.

This first mission was three thousand miles away.

This was already outside the Heavenly Martial Sect’s sphere of influence. The report was submitted purely because an Inner Sect Disciple, while visiting family in his hometown, had sensed something amiss. Unable to handle it himself, he reported it.

After taking the mission, they exited the mountain gate, and the three journeyed westward.

In days past, Liuli had only ever visited the small towns at the foot of the mountain. Never had she experienced the broader world of the True Martial Continent like now. Ye Zhenzhen was also just a young girl, her bright eyes taking in the unfamiliar, bustling, colorful world outside. Lin Mengxian was even less so, already frail as she was. Thus, the three traveled while playing, having a marvelous time.

After traveling roughly a thousand miles, the three arrived at the largest city in the region—Mulberry City.

The moment she reached the city gates, Liuli was stunned by the grand, towering walls and the endless stream of people. Once inside the city, she was even more captivated by the lively street scenes.

Ye Zhenzhen crossed her arms, the corner of her lips slightly raised, “Inside Mulberry City, cultivators from all directions gather. It has everything; you can buy anything here.”

“So impressive?” Liuli looked around curiously.

Lin Mengxian joined the conversation too, “Indeed, the main headquarters of the Flying Swallow Treasure Pavilion is right here. They say that for goods out in the open, the Flying Swallow Treasure Pavilion sells the most. But for those underground, the Ghost Market is the most formidable.”

“Ghost Market? That sounds very interesting.”

Ye Zhenzhen gave a “Tch” and said, “It’s just some shady dealings. What’s so interesting?”

Lin Mengxian smiled, “If it were only ordinary transactions, it truly wouldn’t be very interesting. But there are often rare and strange items, and you can use low prices to get things that would normally cost a fortune. The most interesting part is the Ghost Market Auction. All sorts of curious things show up at the auction. I’ve heard that Devil Cultivators from evil paths get involved, but since they’ve chosen to trade in the shadows, that’s not considered a big deal.”

“A crooked road,” Ye Zhenzhen said with utter disdain.

Liuli, however, was very interested, “Then where is this Ghost Market held?”

Lin Mengxian replied, “That, I wouldn’t know. Anyway, you won’t see it out on the main streets.”

They had to go complete their training mission, so they naturally couldn’t stay in one place for too long. Liuli said with great enthusiasm, “Then let’s hang around here for a few days on our return trip!”

“Alright.”

There were simply too many beautiful, delicious, and fun things on the streets. It wasn’t long before the three were each drawn away by something different. They were all cultivators, after all; staying nearby, they weren’t afraid of losing each other, nor did they need to stick together constantly.

Ye Zhenzhen entered a blacksmith’s shop, while Liuli queued up in front of a pastry shop.

But as Lin Mengxian walked on, suddenly, something soft bumped against her leg. She looked down, and it was actually a little girl of about twelve or thirteen, dressed in clean but old clothes.

The little girl was thin and small, her hair tied up in two little goat-horn braids. With an “Ouch!”, she plopped down onto the ground. Her cute little face scrunched up, and tears instantly streamed down like two little rivers.

“Ouch! Ouch! It hurts so much!”

The little girl cried and rolled on the ground.

For a moment, Lin Mengxian was at a loss. She could clearly sense that the force of their collision had been very weak—why would this little girl be in such pain?

The commotion on the street drew the gazes of passersby. Loving to watch a spectacle was a universal trait, transcending era or region. Within moments, a circle of people had formed around them on the roadside.

The little girl stretched out a hand, thin as firewood, and grabbed a corner of Lin Mengxian’s skirt, leaving behind a small, dirty handprint. “Big sister, it hurts so much! Wuwuwu… I think I’m hurt, wuwuwu… poor me, my dear father is lying at home on his last breath, waiting for me to buy him medicine! And now look, I’m hurt too. Me and my dad can only wait to die, wuwuwu… Big sister, you have to pay my medical fees!”

Lin Mengxian instantly understood: this child was deliberately trying to extort her. Even though she knew this, Lin Mengxian didn’t want to blow things up. They had just arrived in a strange place; it was better to keep a low profile.

So Lin Mengxian chuckled lightly, “How much do you want?”

The little girl extended a palm, “Five pieces of low-grade Spirit Stones!”

“Alright.” Five low-grade Spirit Stones to send this little trouble away wasn’t expensive. Lin Mengxian began to take out her storage pouch.

Just as Lin Mengxian took out the five Spirit Stones, a girl dressed in light purple robes, lively and pretty, pushed through the crowd and rushed in front of Lin Mengxian and the little girl.

“Great, you little brat! You don’t do chores at home yet you ran out here to scam money for candy! Mom and Dad are about to die of shame!”

Righteously indignant, Liuli scooped the little girl up in one motion and clamped her under her armpit. Pap! Pap! Two slaps landed on her bottom. As she spanked, she choked with emotion:

“Does our family not provide you with food and drink? Why don’t you learn proper things, insisting on learning these deceiving, extorting schemes?! Eating too much pine nut candy gives you cavities—why won’t you ever listen?!”

The little girl screeched, “?! Who are you! Let me go!!!”

She struggled violently, screaming.

Liuli screamed even louder than her, fake-crying while continuing to spank her, “How did our old Wang family give birth to such an unfilial daughter! For a few pine nut candies, you even throw away your face!”

The spectating crowd: “Wow, so there’s this hidden backstory?”

“This young girl, how did she learn to stray so early!”

“Tsk tsk, and I even pitied her just now.”

“…”

Lin Mengxian held back a smile, stuffed the Spirit Stones back into her storage pouch, stepped forward, and advised: “This… older sister from the Wang family, your little sister just took a wrong turn for a moment. Still… let’s not use force, let’s talk reason.”

Liuli thrust a thumb up toward Lin Mengxian, “Wow, this beautiful young lady, you are truly too kind. As her older sister, I must apologize to you. Miss, I see you’re from out of town. Come, be a guest at my home, let me properly make amends to you!”

“No need, no need.”

Liuli raised an eyebrow, and another slap landed on the little girl’s bottom, “If you don’t accept my apology, I’ll beat this shameless little brat to death!”

Lin Mengxian lowered her head to hide the face holding back laughter, pretending to be helpless, “Fine then, I shall respectfully obey.”

The little girl screamed, “You bastard, you’re not my sister at all, let me go!!!”

She suddenly ducked her head and bit at Liuli’s arm—nope, didn’t bite! Liuli had covered her arm with a thin, flexible water membrane.

Holding the little girl, Liuli nodded apologetically around her, “Sorry, everyone. My little sister is young and rebellious. She’s made a spectacle for everyone. I’ll take her back right now and give her a good lesson!”

And so, amidst the little girl’s struggles and shrieks, Liuli and Lin Mengxian took her to a secluded, unoccupied spot.

Liuli immediately released the little extortionist child. The girl fell to the ground and glared at her hatefully, “You’re shameless!”

“Takes one to know one.” Liuli stood with her arms akimbo and sneered, “Quite bold, aren’t you? You actually dared to try extortion on someone who’s with me!”

The little girl’s eyes were teary. She sniffled, “It was her who bumped into me anyway. What do you want?!”

“Didn’t I say?” Liuli replied, “I want to take you home and give you a good education. Although it might not count as home, let’s just say this: if you go around blindly extorting again, sooner or later, you won’t even know how you died!”

The little girl naturally refused. Watching for a chance, she tried to run, but alas, she was merely a weak, ordinary person, utterly unable to escape Liuli’s demonic clutches.

Humming a tune, Liuli grabbed the little girl by the back collar and dragged her to the designated inn.

They had agreed with Ye Zhenzhen to spend the night here.

Seeing the innkeeper looking her way, the little girl immediately began struggling violently. She was about to shout, “Save me, she’s a kidnapper!” when a water ball firmly sealed her mouth shut.

Two trails of clear tears meandered down her face.

After booking a room, Liuli hauled the little girl inside, released her, and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Hmph!”

“Won’t say, huh? Fine. Looking at how red your hair-ties are, I’ll just call you Little Red.”

“My name is Qingmei, not Little Red!”

“Oh, Little Qing.”

“…”

Liuli grinned, crouched down before her, took out a handkerchief, moistened it, and tossed it to her, “Here, wipe your hands and face. You’re way too dirty.”

Little Qing reluctantly grabbed the handkerchief and wiped her face.

Liuli said, “Back in my home, I also have a little sister about your age. But she’s much more obedient than you.”

“Who cares about your opinion! Shameless, bastard, lying scoundrel!”

Liuli huffed and lightly pinched her cheek, “Who are you talking about? Talking about yourself? You little extorting, shameless, bastard, lying scoundrel!”

Little Qing opened her mouth, about to bite her.

Liuli once again employed the mouth-blocking technique.

“You really don’t know what’s good for you. You only bumped into me this time. Had you bumped into anyone even slightly ruthless, you’d have lost your life, believe it or not! Even daring to extort a cultivator… truly… tsk tsk.”

Little Qing’s eyes suddenly reddened. She turned her face away, unwilling to pay her any attention.

Liuli’s tolerance for children was quite high. She stood up and said, “What? You’re allowed to extort, but others aren’t allowed to speak the truth?”

Little Qing roared at her, “It was her who bumped into me! And you hit me, you still… wuwuwu… hit me so many times! I’m definitely hurt, wuwuwu!”

Liuli cast a healing technique. A cool, gentle water wrapped around Little Qing, “Alright, stop howling. I didn’t even use any strength.”

Liuli couldn’t help but add, “And, practice your acting skills a bit more before going out to extort again. Too fake, seriously.”