CH 17

Infinite [Translator]25-31 minutes

In the early mornings, the Kunlun mountains were shrouded in a thin layer of haze.

A flying ship burst through the haze and with one leap, flew thousands of miles over the mountain peaks, carrying with it the first rays of sunlight and white rolling steam as it flew off into the distance. UulYn1

Standing on the deck of the flying ship, Feng Ci poked his head out and looked downwards with novelty.

This flying ship was actually just an enchanted ferry. The interior of the hull was hollow and divided into three levels. There was also a platform deck on top, which had a panoramic view of the surroundings. Outside, a thin layer of transparent glass covered the entire ship, effectively blocking the wind.

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

This thing definitely couldn’t have been created from the simple Art of Mechanics that Feng Ci passed down back then.

The truth of the matter was that back then, before Feng Ci was chosen by the Heavenly Principles to save the world, he was just an ordinary cultivation disciple. At that time, the world didn’t even have this many cultivators. Facing the invasion of the demonic(魔) clan, mortals were basically powerless to resist. 5EQOsd

In order to prevent the destruction of the world, the Heavenly Principle chose Feng Ci and transferred to him the knowledge of supreme Dao, bestowed him with an immortal body, and instilled in him countless wisdom that surpassed this time period.

For example, a shaman's Parasitic Arts. For example, various talisman, curse, and magic array techniques. And for example…. the Art of Armor Enchantment and Craft Mechanics.

Suddenly infusing this many skills inside him was no different than pulling shoots to help them grow. Feng Ci actually didn’t assimilate them very thoroughly. However, war was imminent at that time so he have time to explore and experiment slowly.

For example, the greatest application of the Art of Armor Enchantment and Craft Mechanics for Feng Ci was to create traps and trinkets that couldn’t be detected by spiritual powers, as well as building the first prototype of the messenger bird for communication purposes.

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As for creating products that made daily life more convenient, Feng Ci never even imagined using it like this back then.

Actually, it’s not only WanFa Pavilion. The other Six Sects, as well as the entire cultivation world, have long since transformed from the past.

Every time he thought about this, Feng Ci felt overwhelmed with emotions.

—Sure enough, the creativity and ingenuity of mortals cannot be underestimated. g8KuI1

Suddenly there was the sound of footsteps behind him. Feng Ci turned his head. A young boy that’s only half of his height walked in front of him.

The young boy looked pretty and delicate, with big eyes. Wearing a tan-colored short sleeve, he was currently looking up at Feng Ci.

Feng Ci blinked:  “You……”

Why would there be a little kid on this flying ship? oA YQD

Before he could ask, the young boy raised both hands and held it in front of his chest. Then, he directly pulled out a slim long magic sword from his chest.

Feng Ci: “…….”

Feng Ci: “???”

The young boy handed the magic sword to Feng Ci. mVQ5gh

After a careful examination, Feng Ci finally discovered that this young boy did not have the presence of a living being. Although his eyes were pretty, they were also somewhat lifeless.

Not a real live person.

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A pair of hands reached out from the side and took the magic sword from the young boy’s hands.

The new arrival wasn’t too old, probably around 20 years old. He picked up the sword, patted the young boy on the head, and then said with a smile: “You can go.” dDX67S

The young boy nodded, turned around and left. Regardless of the way he walked or the way he behaved, they were no different from ordinary people.

As Feng Ci observed at the retreating back view of that boy, the young man spoke: “It’s an enchanted golem. Pavilion Master YuChi delivered it over here not long ago. It looks extremely like a real person right? Unfortunately, its functions are still imperfect. It can only be used to store and transport items.”

As soon as the young man appeared, he started saying a bunch of stuff spontaneously to Feng Ci, as if they were very familiar with each other. When he spoke, his eyes were bright, which made him appear very lively and energetic.

But Feng Ci didn’t know him at all. RmAOdv

Feng Ci asked: “You are…?”

“My name is Lin ChangAn. We saw each other before on LinWu Mountain.” The youth winked at him and said with a smile: “At that time, it was me who carried you onto the flying ship, but at that time, you were already unconscious. Most likely, you don’t remember me.”

It’s true that Feng Ci didn’t remember.

At that time, it was too late at night. His physical body had also lost too much blood. After Pei QianYue left, he fell unconscious. When he woke up, he was already in LangFeng City. Lrz9hx

Feng Ci said: “Sorry.”

“No problem.” Lin ChangAn was a straightforward and candid person. He waved his hands in an unconcerned manner: “At that time, you were so heavily injured, it’d actually be strange if you do remember me. Oh right, this is for you.” He handed the magic sword that he had taken from the golem over to Feng Ci.

“LangFeng City always forges a unique sword for each inner disciple, but you were just promoted from the outer sects. There wasn’t enough time to create one for you. This is a spare sword on the flying ship. You can use it first. Once we return to the sect, Shixiong will help you forge another one.”

Speaking here, he then felt it sounded wrong and hastily said: “Don’t misunderstand! My Shizun, Elder Qing Xu, is the master swordsmith of the sect. When inner disciples need their swords forged, I’m the one responsible. I have no other intentions!” hKODcm

Feng Ci: “Pfft.”

Now this child was quite different from the other disciples he’s met from LangFeng City, much more adorable.

“I didn’t misunderstand.” Feng Ci accepted the sword: “Many thanks, Lin-Shixiong.”

Even the roots of Ling ChangAn’s ears turned red. He scratched his hair and smiled in embarrassment. FqY0XZ

However, Feng Ci remembered something else now and asked him: “Lin-Shixiong has been investigating the disaster of the cultivation sects with Xie-Shixiong this entire time?”

Lin ChangAn: “That’s right. What’s the matter?”

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Feng Ci: “That night when Xie-Shixiong led disciples to assist Endless Valley, were you also present at the scene?”

“Of course I was.” Bringing up this matter, Lin ChangAn suddenly made a bitter expression: “Actually I didn’t want to go at all. I just wanted to remain in the Sect and learn how to forge swords from Shizun. However, what can I do? Last time during the inner sect tournament, I accidentally won too many matches and ranked too high. Therefore, I was forcibly dragged over to assist Xie-Shixiong in the investigation. If I knew ahead of time, I would have pretended to lose a lot earlier.” SQMl g

Feng Ci: “…….”

For LangFeng City, a place with such a rigorous and studious atmosphere, to actually produce such an unambitious salted fish. What a rarity.

Feng Ci gave a soft cough and then asked: “Just what exactly happened last night? How come you guys are all fine, but Xie-Shixiong got injured?”

“Isn’t it all because of the Great Mountain Seal that the Endless Valley activated.” Lin ChangAn sighed: “I really don’t know if the Endless Valley were trying to ask for assistance from us or trying to kill us. After that Great Mountain Seal activated, the dense fog within the mountains increased greatly. As soon as we walked inside, we got separated. Xie-Shixiong was probably the most unlucky. Everyone was all dashing around randomly inside the mountains. Only he managed to bump into the murderer.” RdaPqE

“……when we found him, he was already heavily injured.”

Mfcu Jl ibkfgfv tlr fsfr.

For the sake of self-defense, the Endless Valley activated the Disorientation array. This seemed like a passable explanation.

Dea kts kjr Wlf Qetjc atf bcis qfgrbc ab fcmbecafg atf fcfws? dsbp68

“Yt gluta, lc j yla, ktfc kf gfjmt atf Scvifrr Njiifs, sbe jirb cffv ab yf nfgs mjgfoei.” Olc JtjcuCc kjgcfv: “Df regf ab obiibk er mibrfis. Po sbe jmmlvfcajiis kjcvfg boo, sbe wluta cba yf jyif ab ufa bea.”

Feng Ci was curious: “Is that Great Mountain Seal really that powerful?”

“Of course.” Lin ChangAn said: “After the Great Mountain Seal activates, the entire valley becomes a maze. There are also countless teleportation arrays that appear inside it as well. One touch and you’ll be transported to who knows where. Yesterday, this was how we got separated.”

Feng Ci was just about to say that this array sounded a bit familiar when he heard Lin ChangAn say: “I heard that the founder of the Endless Valley originally studied under LingXiao Gate. This Great Mountain Seal was learned from LingXiao Gate. This is a technique passed down by the Grandmaster QianQiu himself. How can it not be powerful?” 2ZmHJ3

Feng Ci: “……”

He remembered now. This was the disorientation array that he had created previously to fight against the demonic(魔) clan. No wonder it sounded so familiar.

Lin ChangAn sighed: “I really don’t know why the City Master insisted on bringing you. The Endless Valley right now is an unpredictable risk. A child like you following over here, how dangerous.”

Child. FZUhq6

The corner of Feng Ci’s eye twitched.

“However, since you were able to gain the attention of the City Master, you must have some extraordinary skill.” Lin ChangAn didn’t notice his abnormality and continued to say: “Our City Master has been in charge of LangFeng City for almost a hundred years. Who knows how many people have wanted to study under him, yet he has never accepted any disciples. You just entered the sect recently and have already been promoted by him from the outer sect. When I first heard this, I practically couldn’t believe it.”

Chrysanthemum Garden.

Feng Ci remained silent.

If this were told to others, who would believe it? Even he himself couldn’t believe it. npRo7e

The once illustrious Grandmaster QianQiu, after returning to his homeland after a 3000 years departure, was not only being beckoned and bossed around, bullied by his own family’s little pet, everyday; he has even been reduced to becoming the other’s little disciple.

Who’d dare believe this?

His family’s Xiao Hei really knew how to play.

Feng Ci was temporarily speechless. Lin ChangAn looked at him and also didn’t speak. OiRIse

The youthful body that Feng Ci possessed was born looking cute and clever. His slender figure very easily evoked a desire to protect from others. At this moment, he was holding the sword in both hands with his head slightly lowered, appearing innocent and well-behaved.

Inexplicably, Lin ChangAn’s heartbeat sped up somewhat. He leaned over and was just about to say something when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him.

He turned his head and saw a black robed figure.

“Greetings, City Master!” Lin ChangAn hastily knelt down and bowed. VA2X6s

Pei QianYue walked over, voice ice-cold: “Almost there and still not making preparations?”

Lin ChangAn replied with a ‘right away’ and instantly tossed all thoughts to the back of his head. He ran off in a hurry.

Feng Ci gazed at his retreating back: “……”

Although Lin ChangAn’s personality was very lively and he did things like a salted fish, all LangFeng disciples were completely identical in terms of being afraid of Pei QianYue. OP rm3

Furthermore……

Deliberately walking around loudly to scare others… Feng Ci really didn’t know if he should call Pei QianYue childish or bored.

Feng Ci didn’t say anything in the end. He only obediently hugged the sword and greeted Pei QianYue respectfully when he walked closer: “Greetings, City Master.”

Pei QianYue: “What did you call me?” omYiLs

Feng Ci grinded his teeth: “…… Shizun.”

When saying this word out loud, even Feng Ci felt a tingle to his scalp. However Pei QianYue seemed to like it a lot and even nodded his head in satisfaction.

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Feng Ci can swear that he saw a smile flash across Pei QianYue’s face.

That hint of a smile disappeared very quickly. Pei QianYue took one step forward to walk next to Feng Ci and stand beside him, shoulder to shoulder. u5MyfI

The flying ship has already traversed through the thick layers of clouds and was flying above it right now. Above their heads was a sky that seemed washed with blue. Below their feet were endless snow white clouds. The first rays of the morning sun were rising in the distance, spilling a light gold over everything.

Feng Ci turned his head to look at the man beside him.

This person, Pei QianYue, seemed completely unrelated to anything to do with the sun. He has always lived in the darkness, alone and ice-cold, as if he were enveloped in an impenetrable, firm shell that prevented even the slightest bit of light from passing through.

But right now, he stood there quietly, welcoming the rising sun. The sunlight shone on his face and made his entire person look soft and gentle. hWALx3

Gentle, and also much more alive.

Pei QianYue: “What are you looking at?”

Feng Ci, with conviction: “Looking at you.”

Pei QianYue: “Why me?” RuDe3N

Feng Ci: “City Master sir, you have such good looks, so people already desire you to no avail. Am I not even allowed to look?”

“You think I’m good looking?”

“Naturally.” Feng Ci said: “City Master is the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

These were sincere words from Feng Ci’s heart. 2Txweq

Truly worthy of the hatchling he raised. Even when transforming into human form, he’s better looking than other monsters and demons.

Pei QianYue stopped talking again.

Feng Ci didn’t mind. He considered briefly, but still advised in the end: “This trip to the Endless Valley is very treacherous. You need to be careful.”

Pei QianYue: “Why say it like this?” LXdbc3

“Just a feeling.” Feng Ci said: “We’ve seen the strength of that murderer. He has the ability to kill people within the secret realm under the roots of the Banyan tree, and without leaving any clues or traces. How could he be trapped by a mere Mountain Seal? Not to mention, allowing Xie WuHan to see him and escape alive.”

Pei QianYue: “Didn’t TianXuan Sect also escape from his hands?”

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“But as far as I know, none of the TianXuan Sect disciples has seen that murderer. Physical appearance or body shape… they don’t even know if the murderer is a man or woman.” Feng Ci paused and then said: “In any case, these are only my assumptions. It’s fine if you don’t believe me.”

“You just woke up. Actually, you shouldn’t need to take the risk to come here. If you don’t feel assured sending those inner sect disciples over, I could have……” oJiy2k

Reaching here, Feng Ci’s voice stopped to a halt.

Actually, Feng Ci really wasn’t very good at lying and concealing himself. Although Pie QianYue has seen and experienced his strength under the roots of the Banyan tree, he was still holding back at that time. To say these words now, he was revealing quite a bit of information again.

Recall that before Pei QianYue fell into the coma, the longest period of interaction between Feng Ci and Pei QianYue was that one day and night he had followed Pei QianYue off the mountain. Yet that short one day and night was enough for Pei QianYue to test out that he wasn’t Lu JingMing, and that his cultivation level wasn’t low.

If he continued to stay with Pei QianYue like this for two more days, Xiao Que might not even be needed; he might end up coming clean to his identity all on his own. hPJDmO

Feng Ci felt a bit exasperated.

However, Pei QianYue didn’t seem concerned with this. Instead, he asked: “Are you worried about me?”

Feng Ci: “…..”

He was talking serious business. What random nonsense was this person thinking now? 4cz6OB

Sure enough, Pei QianYue’s next words were: “Speak, my good disciple. Are you worried about this master?”

Feng Ci turned completely numb.

For some inexplicable reason, Feng Ci keeps feeling that ever since Pei QianYue woke up, his mood has been pretty good. Even while tormenting Feng Ci, he didn’t seem unhappy. Instead……he seemed rather exuberant.

For example, making Feng Ci read the books all night long. For example, forcing Feng Ci to call him Shizun. Qab9oU

Of course, Feng Ci wasn’t happy about this.

But he just didn’t want to bother arguing with Pei QianYue about it right now, that’s all.

Feng Ci smiled with gritted teeth: “Yes, this disciple is very worried about Shizun.”

Pei QianYue became satisfied. ojEtSI

“No need to worry.”

The flying ship started to descend slowly, passing through the clouds. The endless mountains and forests below became visible. Pei QianYue lowered his head slightly. The corner of his lips curved upward in a very shallow degree, but there was no smile on his face: “The Endless Valley. I must come here. After all……”

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“Someone wants me to come.”

The location of the Endless Valley was within a boundless stretch of mountains. There were very few human inhabitants; the terrain was arduous. Now that the Great Mountain Seal has been activated, the mountains were enveloped in a thick layer of fog that even the sunlight couldn’t penetrate. UDsi0l

Feng Ci followed Pei QianYue and landed on the ground first. Behind them, numerous sword lights flashed one after another; Lin ChangAn walked out leading a crowd of LangFeng City disciples.

Lin ChangAn said: “City Master, this is the outer perimeter of the Great Mountain Seal. From here on out, we must travel on foot.”

Pei QianYue raised his hand. The fallen leaves next to his feet were lifted upwards by spirit energy.

Those fallen leaves transformed into four small snakes in the air. Enveloped in a faint spiritual glow, they floated forward. 6mO0 Z

“Split into four groups and follow them. They will bring you to the exits of the Great Mountain Seal.” Pei QianYue instructed coolly: “Set up sword arrays at the exits. I want that murderer detained.”

Lin ChangAn acknowledged with a ‘yes’ and then asked: “And you……”

Pei QianYue: “My beloved disciple, come with this venerable one into the valley to save people.”

Feng Ci: “……” FmhbBC

Changing to a new nickname?

Pei QianYue didn’t actually plan to ask Feng Ci for his opinion. He lifted his leg and started walking.

Angry, but nowhere to vent, Feng Ci had no choice but to follow him.

The key aspect of this Great Mountain Seal was that it used misleading fog and mist to cut off the connecting mountain paths. In addition, there were also 81 teleportation gates placed inside the mountains at different locations. The gates were randomly connected and would also change from time to time in an unorganized pattern. Within the seal, it was hard to tell where you’re going. sp0Fio

Back then, Feng Ci used this array to trap the demonic(魔) army for an entire three days.

Walking nonstop, Pei QianYue led Feng Ci into the forest. Very quickly, they encountered the first gate.

Seeing Pei QianYue about to walk inside, Feng Ci raised his hand and stopped him with a smile: “Shizun, if we take a wrong step in this magic array, we’ll be transported arbitrarily. Then the entire arrangement of the array will change. Are you certain it’s this gate?”

Pei QianYue said calmly: “There’s no mistake.” alh0OM

After saying this, he entered directly.

A moment later, the two people walked out of another gate.

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The method of solving the Great Mountain Seal was this: Inside the 81 teleportation gates, there were only 9 gates that were living gates. Passing through these 9 gates can deactivate the magic array.

Pei QianYue halted in his steps and turned his head slightly towards Feng Ci. N6d5Rn

He was clearly expressionless, yet Feng Ci still managed to read a hint of smugness from this slight movement.

……Xiao Hei. Sometimes, you’re really very childish.

Feng Ci naturally knew how to solve this maze, but he purposely didn’t get involved. He wanted to see just how much Pei QianYue learned from the mystic texts he left behind.

Now it looks like… he seemed to have learned plenty. Nz36wM

Since they knew the solution, the Great Mountain Seal was naturally insignificant before them. Soon, the two people arrived at the last teleportation gate.

Feng Ci suddenly grabbed Pei QianYue: “Wait……”

Pei QianYue asked: “What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing, but……” Feng Ci looked around with a frown: “Don’t you think it’s a bit strange? Like it’s too…… quiet.” Cui7DM

This forest was so quiet that there was no noise at all, as if even the wind had stagnated.

Not only this.

If that murderer was truly still trapped within this Great Mountain Seal, how come they haven’t heard the slightest activity despite entering the mountains for so long.

“You’re really very worried about me?” Pei QianYue suddenly asked him again. Mzvou2

Feng Ci thought he was wasting his breath: “If I’m not worried, why would I follow you around continuously?”

Pei QianYue: “Why are you?”

Feng Ci, however, didn’t answer.

Naturally, it’s because Pei QianYue was his little black snake, the only old friend remaining in this world after his 3000 years of departure. Although it can be said that he held some vigilance towards Pei QianYue at first, after spending those days with this little black snake while its consciousness was muddled, Feng Ci has already unconsciously drawn the other person into his personal circle, as someone he can trust. 3CZvMO

As long as Pei QianYue didn’t stand against him, he was willing to protect the other until the very end.

However, right now, Feng Ci had no way of explaining all of this to Pei QianYue.

Chrysanthemum Garden.

Pei QianYue gave a soft chuckle.

A deep chuckle. fdAlcW

Immediately afterwards, he turned around and stepped into that gate of light.

“Hey, you—” Feng Ci was just about to call out to him when his expression suddenly froze.

The gate of light, which was just serene like water, started to shake and vibrate violently after Pei QianYue stepped into it. A dark purple glow suddenly swelled inside the gate and radiated outward. The flow of spiritual energy swirled like a turbulent whirlpool, until in the very end, the gate disappeared into the void.

This was not a living gate. SjerGq

Feng Ci traveled through the dark forest swiftly.

The last gate that Pei QianYue passed through just now was not a living gate. However, before he entered, even Feng Ci wasn’t able to sense any irregularity. There was only one explanation for this. The living gate had been altered by someone.

Only one person was capable of doing this, the person who activated the magic array.

His hunch was correct. NRDco8

Sure enough, there was something wrong with the Endless Valley.

The gleam of a sword flashed inside the forest. A dark purple gate shattered in a response. Feng Ci placed his sword back into its sheath. His face was heavy like water.

After the gate that Pei QianYue passed through vanished, all of the teleportation gates within this entire valley reset again. If he wanted to get through the maze, he needed to figure out a way to return to the outer perimeter of the magic array and start going through the nine living gates all over again.

But right now, Feng Ci wasn’t quite as patient. DQBdzw

After the gate shattered, the heavy fog and mist in the surrounding vicinity of the forest where he stood also dissipated.

There was another method to get through the Great Mountain Seal. This was to destroy it completely.

Boom—

The last of the gates shattered in front of Feng Ci. The heavy fog and mist within the mountains dispersed completely. MB59jF

It was rare for him to act so anxiously. However, the opponent had placed this magic array, and even gone through such great trouble to alter one of its major aspects… clearly they were purposely targeting Pei QianYue.

And unfortunately for Pei QianYue, he had just woken up from the coma; his Sea of Awareness hasn’t stabilized completely yet.

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

Just who exactly was plotting against him, and what exactly did they want to do?

After the fog dispersed, the surrounding view suddenly became clear all at once. Ia0vfC

Not far from the mountain path where Feng Ci stood, there was a huge ancient and solemn looking stone gate. Three big words were written on it.

— The Endless Valley.

Under the stone gate, however, a few shriveled bodies laid right beneath it. Wearing the same identical disciple’s uniform, they should be the Endless Valley disciples.

Feng Ci’s eyebrow twitched. An ominous feeling rose instinctively within the depth of his heart. He quickly walked forward. YkGWvR

Entering the stone gate, he continued to walk inside. Very quickly, he arrived in the deep parts of the valley.

Inside the valley, there was a babbling brook. Houses were built along the mountains. At the center, there was actually a meadow. The Endless Valley had shunned the world and cultivated in solitude for many years. This originally should have been a peaceful and harmonious place. However right now, the bodies of disciples could be seen everywhere on the grass. It was a complete mess.

Feng Ci looked past the dead bodies without a second glance. Under the huge Banyan tree in the middle, he saw the familiar figure.

Pei QianYue sat under the tree, leaning against the trunk. His complexion was somewhat pale, but there were no signs of injury or potential qi deviation. dysNxR

Feng Ci let out a breath of relief and walked over: “How are you?”

“So slow with your arrival.” Pei QianYue actually had the energy to speak sarcastically to him: “Looks like you’re still not worried enough about this master’s safety.”

Thanks to him, Feng Ci didn’t even have the strength to lose his temper.

He put away his sword and went to help Pei QianYue stand up. However, as soon as he touched Pei QianYue’s arm, he sensed something was wrong. pSlYXg

Pei QianYue was a black snake, who cultivated into human form. His body was always ice-cold. However, right now, he felt very hot.

Despite the thick layer of robes, that scalding temperature still transmitted accurately into Feng Ci’s palms, without a doubt.

After being helped up, Pei QianYue’s body tilted sideways, and he fell right on top of Feng Ci.

He blew out a scalding hot breath of turbid air next to Feng Ci’s ear. 8m0bw9

Feng Ci frowned: “You’ve been poisoned?”