novelraw Chapter 236 : Nascent Soul Old Monster — Situ Feng
Chapter 236 : Nascent Soul Old Monster — Situ Feng
Chapter 236: Nascent Soul Old Monster — Situ Feng
The island-guarding grand formation on Fox Moon Island had been arranged by Ji Yuan himself, so even if Dong Qian didn’t open the door for him, he still knew how to sneak in unnoticed.
It was just that this sort of thing wasn’t something a moral gentleman would do.
So Ji Yuan still returned to Forgotten Worry Island first. After inspecting the island and confirming there were no issues, he sent a message to Dong Qian.
He simply said that he had returned but was still on Forgotten Worry Island, and asked if Dong Qian could come over to help tidy up the house.
Ji Yuan also conveniently told Dong Qian the incantation to pass through the island’s protective formation. In a sense, this was a form of trust… although the incantation could be changed at any time.
Once the message was sent, Ji Yuan activated the 【Cave Dwelling】 effect, and the room was instantly spotless.
Now that it was clean, what would Dong Qian need to tidy?
Naturally—it was Ji Yuan himself that needed tidying.
So after sending the message, Ji Yuan waited at the entrance of the island, just waiting for Dong Qian to arrive and surprise her.
But after the message was sent, Ji Yuan waited and waited—there was no reply.
That didn’t make sense. Could it be Dong Qian wasn’t on the island?
Ji Yuan sent another message, asking whether Dong Qian was still on Fox Moon Island, but again received no reply.
That basically confirmed it—Dong Qian wasn’t on the island. But where could she have gone?
Not receiving any response from the messaging talisman meant she wasn’t within Water Dragon Sect, and had left the sect altogether. Yet it wasn’t even her rotation time, and with her cautious nature… she normally wouldn’t leave the sect without a significant reason.
Could it be that with the Six-Tailed Fox by her side, she now felt invincible?
That did make some sense. The Six-Tailed Fox was a mid-tier third-rank beast, equivalent to a mid-stage Golden Core human cultivator. With such a spirit beast accompanying her, she could indeed go many places.
Since the other party wasn’t around, Ji Yuan could do nothing but turn to the next matter at hand.
He went to look for Wen Ling’er, asking her to take him to visit Wen Lin and his wife.
It had been more than ten years since they last met, and now that he had learned of their whereabouts, it was certainly worth taking a day or two to visit them.
But Ji Yuan didn’t even know how to go to Clear Wind Island to find Wen Ling’er, so in the end, he had no choice but to send a message to Hua Yaoyue.
“Clear Wind Island is just west of the Ancestral Hall. If you go there, Kong Xifeng will naturally meet with you.”
Hua Yaoyue’s tone was lazy, and calling out the Supreme Elder’s full name seemed to mean nothing to her at all.
Ji Yuan sent back a message of thanks, then summoned his flying boat and hurriedly headed north.
One day later.
He arrived at the location Hua Yaoyue had described, and hadn’t even waited for a few breaths when a figure appeared before him out of thin air.
“Brother Ji, what took you so long? Ling’er’s been waiting forever.”
Wen Ling’er was still riding that swallow-shaped flying artifact beneath her feet.
“Well, I just came back from fleeing outside the sect, and there were lots of things to handle here too. I just finished and came straight to find you.”
Looking at Wen Ling’er before him, Ji Yuan felt a bit emotional.
Who would’ve thought that the little girl who used to follow him around asking for candy had now grown into such a young lady?
And such a beautiful one at that... what a sin, what a sin.
“Hmph, fine then. Since it wasn’t on purpose, I’ll reluctantly forgive you.”
After speaking, Wen Ling’er activated her flying artifact beneath her feet.
“Let’s go. I already sent word to my father that you were coming. Then my mother said he went fishing for three days straight and insisted you have a taste of his cooking.”
“Oh? Brother Wen has that kind of skill? He must’ve caught quite a few fish, then.”
Ji Yuan said in surprise.
“Hehe, my mother said on the third day, he jumped into the lake and used spells to catch a fish for you. But don’t tell my dad that—he’s got his pride.”
Wen Ling’er chattered animatedly.
A member of the Air Force, huh? Ji Yuan was used to it by now… He simply nodded in agreement.
Then the two of them continued heading west, until they reached a somewhat empty stretch of water. It was only then that Wen Ling’er spoke.
Once again, it was a water region hidden by formation magic. Ji Yuan swept it repeatedly with his divine sense but found nothing. It likely required a Nascent Soul cultivator to detect it.
Once there, Wen Ling’er made several hand seals in succession, and the void before them began to ripple.
“Brother Ji, did you remember the way to open the gate? If not, I can teach you again.”
“I remember, I remember.”
Ji Yuan nodded quickly. The two passed through the ripples, and Ji Yuan immediately felt as if he had entered a new world—or rather… a hidden paradise.
Ahead was a large island, though not many people lived there.
It resembled the layout of Li Family Island, where most residents lived on the flat land near the shore. Farther inland was a dense forest, and even a mountain range one could climb.
“Those who live here are relatives of some Golden Core cultivators in the sect who are still at the Qi Refining stage. Of course, some Foundation Establishment cultivators live here too. My master said I’d eventually form a core, so I brought my parents to live here too.”
Wen Ling’er introduced as she led Ji Yuan from the eastern side of Mist-Hidden Island, eventually arriving at a courtyard near the shore.
Along the street nearby, four or five people were chatting happily, all smiling with no concerns about cultivation or demonic invasions.
“Well, if it isn’t Ling’er! It’s not a holiday, what brings you home?”
“And bringing such a handsome young cultivator with you too—could he be your Dao companion?”
“Indeed, indeed. A talented man and a beautiful woman—truly a match made in heaven.”
“……”
Before Ji Yuan could say anything, Wen Ling’er’s face flushed bright red.
“What are you all talking about? He’s my Brother Ji!”
“Oh ho, already calling him ‘brother.’ ‘Husband’ won’t be far behind, eh?”
A shameless middle-aged woman teased cheerfully.
Perhaps hearing the commotion outside, a couple stepped out of the house at just the right moment. Although it had been more than a decade, for the Wen couple—now at peak Qi Refining and living in ease—nothing had changed.
If anything, Zhao Yuechan had become even more charming, while Wen Lin had gained a bit of weight.
“Brother Ji, it’s been more than ten years since we last parted.”
Reuniting with an old friend was something to be happy about for Wen Lin, so he was already smiling and calling out before he even stepped outside.
As for the onlookers, hearing Wen Ling’er call him “Brother Ji,” and Wen Lin call him “Brother Ji” as well, their expressions all turned a bit amused.
“Brother Wen, Madam Wen.”
Ji Yuan also stepped forward with a smile to greet them.
The four of them entered the house one after another, leaving no more excitement for the onlookers.
“Brother Ji, you’ve reached Foundation Establishment by now, haven’t you? I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you yet. Back then everything happened so suddenly, I didn’t even get to say goodbye—my apologies.”
“Brother Wen, don’t say such things. Ling’er’s situation was naturally more important.”
“Hmph, that’s right! Brother Ji is the best to me.”
Wen Ling’er came over to chime in.
Zhao Yuechan tugged lightly at her sleeve.
“Ling’er, you’re not a little girl anymore. Mind your manners. This is your Uncle Ji.”
“I don’t care. I’m calling him Brother Ji.”
Ji Yuan looked at the two of them, imagining Wen Ling’er calling him ‘uncle’—no matter how he pictured it, it felt too strange.
“We each call as we see fit—it’s all just a title, no harm in it.”
Ji Yuan said with a smile.
Walking ahead, Wen Lin turned back with a chuckle.
“Brother Ji, you really spoil her. Nowadays, she’s been utterly pampered by Senior Kong.”
Wen Ling’er gave a light snort and turned her head away, as if she hadn’t heard a thing—or maybe she had, but didn’t care.
Ji Yuan looked at her figure. There were some things he couldn’t say out loud, but he truly felt… Wen Ling’er had been spoiled by Kong Xifeng far too well.
She was like a flower grown in a greenhouse.
Or rather, treated like a beloved granddaughter.
If a Nascent Soul True Lord doted on someone like a cherished granddaughter, Ji Yuan guessed that her tricks and hidden cards were probably more than even Jiang Hong’s.
But was that really a good thing?
Yes—and no.
Having Kong Xifeng’s protection was certainly good. But what if Kong Xifeng was no longer around?
With Wen Ling’er’s temperament, even without encountering the cunning and ruthless demonic path, just facing the righteous path alone—she might still end up being toyed with.
But these things were not his place to say.
If even her parents and master hadn’t said anything, what right did he—an outsider—have to speak?
After Ji Yuan entered the house, he saw that Wen Lin and his wife had already prepared a banquet, with warming restrictions cast via spells… Cultivation really was great.
“Come, Brother Ji, please take the seat of honor. Back in Zengtou Market, we never properly thanked you.”
“……”
After a round of polite refusals, Ji Yuan was still escorted to the main seat.
The four of them then began eating, drinking, and reminiscing—most of their conversation revolving around the old days in Zengtou Market. Events that had once seemed like hardships were now just idle chatter over wine, or even material for jokes.
But most of the stories revolved around Wen Ling’er, since most of the interactions between the two families had involved her as the go-between.
For example, Ji Yuan had once gone to the market to sell fish and brought back a sugar figurine for Wen Ling’er.
But just as he stepped into the courtyard, the sugar figurine fell to the ground.
Noticing that no one had seen her, Wen Ling’er quickly picked it up and continued eating it.
But in fact, Wen Lin and his wife had seen everything clearly from outside the door.
Now, Wen Lin finally shared the story—especially in front of Ji Yuan. Naturally, Wen Ling’er wasn’t pleased. She dropped her head onto the table, arms wrapped around it, refusing to lift her face no matter what.
“By the way, Brother Ji, have you returned to Zengtou Market since those days? I wonder how Lin Hu and his family are doing.”
Hearing this, Wen Ling’er lifted her head, listening curiously.
“I went back once a few years ago, just after I reached Foundation Establishment. He’s doing well—he’s become a Talisman Master and doesn’t need to go out on the boat anymore. He’s even known as ‘Master Lin’ in Zengtou Market now.”
Ji Yuan knew that after Lin Hu had gone through that gambling incident, he had completely turned over a new leaf.
When Ji Yuan returned, he had even helped establish his status.
With Lin Hu’s wits, he could naturally benefit from that support. As long as he didn’t throw his life away, his current life was likely growing more and more fulfilling.
“That’s good, that’s good.”
Hearing such good news about an old friend, Wen Lin was relieved.
After more rounds of reminiscing, Wen Lin insisted on taking Ji Yuan fishing.
Unable to refuse, Ji Yuan went along. The two came to the banks of the Yunyu Marshlands, baited their hooks, and cast their lines.
At first, Ji Yuan held to the principle of fairness and didn’t use his Divine Sense. But after waiting half an hour without a single bite, he couldn’t help it anymore.
A sweep with Divine Sense revealed that there were fish in the waters—many of them even Semi-Spiritual Fish.
But these fish had gotten clever—they simply wouldn’t bite.
Helpless, Ji Yuan had to use his Divine Sense, which was on par with a Golden Core cultivator’s, to coax the fish into biting.
And so, one hour later, Ji Yuan’s fish basket was bursting, while Wen Lin’s remained completely empty. He hadn’t caught a single fish—he hadn’t even seen a single fish scale.
From that day on, Wen Lin never mentioned fishing again in Ji Yuan’s presence.
The meal had been eaten, the visit paid, and Ji Yuan naturally brought up his departure.
Wen Lin offered a token attempt to persuade him to stay but ultimately let him go.
After all, the couple could live peacefully here thanks to Wen Ling’er’s status, but Ji Yuan didn’t have such backing. Whatever he needed, he had to earn on his own.
Watching Ji Yuan and Wen Ling’er depart, Wen Lin and his wife returned inside.
Each held a cup of tea as they sat.
After some hesitation, Zhao Yuechan finally spoke.
“Husband, don’t you think Ling’er’s feelings for Ji Yuan… seem a bit much?”
“I noticed. Of course I noticed.”
Wen Lin let out a sigh.
Zhao Yuechan furrowed her brow slightly. “Not to mention the difference in seniority…”
“Seniority? They’re both Foundation Establishment cultivators. Their lifespans will be far longer than ours. A mere ten or so years’ age difference—does that even count as seniority?”
Wen Lin countered, then shook his head.
Zhao Yuechan was about to speak again, but Wen Lin interrupted.
“Ling’er’s marriage isn’t something we can concern ourselves with anymore—not with Senior Kong around. If you have the time, you’d do better to focus on your embroidery.”
“……”
On the other side, after leaving Mist-Hidden Island, Ji Yuan first sent Wen Ling’er back to Clear Wind Island.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to take her out to explore, but just as the two had exited Mist-Hidden Island, they received a transmission from Kong Xifeng, telling Wen Ling’er to return early.
Watching her reluctantly head back, Ji Yuan couldn’t help but think… Kong Xifeng really was overprotective.
After parting from Wen Ling’er, Ji Yuan originally planned to head to Everything Island to sell off the immortal materials he had stored up. But he had barely gotten halfway there when he received a message from Dong Qian.
Her voice was quite excited.
“Junior Brother, you’re back?!”
“Where are you? I went to your Forgotten Worry Island, but you weren’t there.”
“I had to go out for something… it was urgent. You’re back now—come find me, I need to talk to you.”
“I’m waiting for you on Fox Moon Island. I… I’ve already bathed.”
…Seriously, Senior Sister, that last part was completely unnecessary.
Ji Yuan didn’t hesitate for a moment. He felt that even a 0.01-second delay would be disrespectful to his cultivation. So he turned his boat around and made a beeline for Fox Moon Island.
Halfway there, he even slapped a Divine-Walk Talisman onto his Wind Locust Flying Boat.
If it weren’t already fairly close, Ji Yuan would’ve used his Supreme-Grade Spiritual Artifact: the Sky-Splitter Boat.
What would’ve been a day’s journey took him only half a day this time. And just as he arrived at Fox Moon Island—before he could even call out—the formation automatically opened a gap.
Ji Yuan’s flying boat flew straight in.
Dong Qian’s cultivation cave dwelling was located midway up a broken cliff, perched high on the edge of a precipice.
Ji Yuan had been there several times before and was quite familiar with it. But this time… things felt different. The place had clearly been renovated.
One of the houses was obviously newly built and had a restriction placed on it to block Divine Sense, leaving the interior somewhat dim.
“Junior Brother, come in.”
Dong Qian’s soft voice drifted out from inside that room.
Ji Yuan looked up at the mountaintop.
The third-tier spirit beast, the Six-Tailed Demon Fox, had already been placed atop the peak by Dong Qian. With that settled, what more was there to say?
Ji Yuan quietly approached and pushed the door open.
The room was dim, lit only by a treasure pearl that emitted a faint pink glow.
Inside was a large bed and little else. A few items hung on the wall—offensive Spiritual Artifacts for combat.
—The Five-Colored Alchemical Rope!
And a pair of Spiritual Shackles for restraining spirit beasts.
Where was the spirit beast?
In the dim light, Ji Yuan could only see a snow-white fox tail raised high.
‘This beast is far too audacious. She must be harshly disciplined!’
“……”
With that single thought, Ji Yuan’s consciousness faded—and when it returned, five days had passed.
A man and a fox emerged from their dual cultivation, and after such an unrestrained round of “training,” Ji Yuan was quite content.
As for Dong Qian, she seemed somewhat over-exerted. She probably needed to take some pills and rest properly.
After a while—
The Senior Sister and Junior Brother now sat outside the room, prim and proper, admiring the view.
“When you called me back a few days ago, you said there was something urgent, didn’t you?”
Ji Yuan hadn’t forgotten—he’d just been too busy cultivating.
Dong Qian hadn’t brought it up again, and he hadn’t asked. After all, cultivation came first.
“Oh right! Junior Brother, if you hadn’t reminded me, I’d have forgotten.”
Dong Qian slapped her forehead like she’d just remembered, then spoke through voice transmission.
“Do you still remember Han Feiyu?”
“Of course. Isn’t he the one the sect sent out to eliminate demonic cultivators?”
Ji Yuan deliberately phrased it more tactfully and responded with voice transmission as well.
“I went out this time to meet with him.”
“It was because of you.”
“Because of me?”
Ji Yuan was puzzled. “How is this related to me?”
“Because the one he wanted to meet was actually you.”
As she spoke, Dong Qian took a sound-recording talisman sealed with restrictions from her storage pouch.
“He asked me to deliver this to you. And this matter… must not be leaked. He said if word got out, his life would be in danger.”
Dong Qian spoke with such gravity that Ji Yuan almost didn’t dare to listen to the message.
“Alright.”
Under Dong Qian’s curious gaze, Ji Yuan finally used spiritual energy to unlock the restriction on the sound-recording talisman.
Han Feiyu’s voice then echoed in Ji Yuan’s mind.
“Brother Ji, it’s been a long time. How have you been?
This message is sent via Senior Sister Dong because I have several things I must tell you. But remember—keep this strictly confidential. If this leaks out… I will surely die.
Given your cautious nature, you’re probably already regretting listening to this talisman’s message. But there’s no helping it. Right now, you’re the only one I can trust.
And frankly, among those around me, you’re the only one capable of handling this.”
“Enough preamble. I’ll get straight to it.”
“Feng Yichen is already dead. The one wearing his face now… is an old monster from Shang Court named Situ Feng.”