Chapter 37: A Dream Come True

  He walked all the way to Qin Luo's side, and only then did Du Mu Changqing stop in his tracks, gazing fixedly at her lovely face. Originally, he had many things he wanted to say to her, but seeing the thick defensive color in her dark phoenix eyes, he could only silently sigh and give up.

  "Take this jade tablet, and if you ever encounter anyone who dares to launch a sneak attack on you again, just crush the jade tablet and I'll be able to quickly lock onto your location and rush over." He took out a crystal-clear jade tablet and placed it in Qin Luo's hand.

  Qin's eyes flashed with a hint of unusual color as he gazed at his face, and for some reason, perhaps due to the moonlight, he felt that his cold expression seemed unusually gentle tonight, and the look in his eyes could even be described as warm.

  Blinked, the corners of his mouth hooked up a faint self-deprecating smile, a man who was ready to take his own life at any time, she actually felt tenderness, damn it!

  "You recklessly rushed into my house just to take this jade slip for me?" Qin Luo Yi glanced at the jade slip in her hand, slightly raised her chin, and her expression turned sarcastic.

  He stayed here for quite a while this afternoon, neither early nor late, and he just happened to take it out at this time. His motive couldn't help but make her suspicious.

  Du Mu's eyes twitched, his gaze swept across her, clearly visible on the delicate collarbone of her neck, before lifting his head again, hooking up the corner of his lips, a charming smile spreading across his face, his eyes fixed intently on hers: "How did I hear this, and feel that my little sister is very dissatisfied... Could it be that brother doesn't understand romance, disappointing my little sister?"

  While speaking, he stretched out his hand to touch her face, and the three words "little junior sister" came from his mouth, accompanied by his extremely evil eyes and low, muffled voice, which made people feel extremely ambiguous.

  Qin Luoyi's heart skipped a beat, and she silently cursed the scoundrel. She quickly took a step back, slapped away his hand that was clearly trying to take liberties, and coldly said: "The thing has been delivered, you can leave now!"

  "Hehe, little sister don't be angry, I'm leaving!" Du Mu Changqing put his hands behind his back, chuckled lightly without a care, and took a deep look at her before disappearing into thin air in the blink of an eye.

  Qin Luo didn't think he would be so easily dismissed today, and she was slightly stunned, furrowing her brow as she gazed in the direction he had disappeared. After a moment's pause, she went forward to heavily close the door, sat down on the edge of the bed, and examined the jade slip in her hand under the moonlight.

  The jade slip was not large, only the size of a thumb, but when held in hand, it had a warm and gentle feeling. The texture of the jade was fine and crystal clear, one glance told that it was no ordinary item... She pursed her red lips, and a sharp light flashed across her phoenix-like eyes. She put the jade slip together with the one Ouyang Feng gave her last time, and hummed softly.

  Du Mu Changqing is already a Jade Mansion cultivator, no matter what his purpose was in giving her the jade slip. With this jade slip, in the Piaomiao Sect, she also counts as having a protective trump card. As long as someone wants to secretly plot against her and make a move, without needing her to say a word, Du Mu Changqing will definitely be more proactive in dealing with him or her!

  After all, her life was at stake, and it was related to his future happiness... A smile spread from the corner of her pink lips, although it was not very moral, but she couldn't help feeling triumphant, and secretly rejoiced that fortunately after being rescued from the predicament earlier, Duanmu Changqing had come up with such a plan, otherwise where would she find someone who thought so much for her, regarding her life as more important than his own?

  Took off outerwear and lay on the bed, feeling good, soon fell asleep.

  The next morning, as soon as she opened the door, she saw Du Mu Chang Qing's handsome and slender figure standing outside, and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, laughing crisply: "Second Shixiong, good morning!"

  Yesterday evening, when he burst into her room, Qin Luo's face was full of vigilance. Du Mu Changqing had already prepared himself to see her cold face this morning, but unexpectedly, he saw her smiling face early in the morning, and he couldn't help but feel a little surprised and delighted, his mood suddenly soaring.

  The corners of his mouth curled up with a smile, making his originally handsome face even more stunning: "Early... Yī'er, I found a few secret books in the library, take a look when you have time, maybe it will be helpful for you to break through the Martial Saint's peak and cultivate the mysterious mansion."

  He handed her a few books with yellowed pages, which were obviously very old.

  Qin's smile grew thicker on her face, she reached out to take it while laughing: "Thank you Second Brother, I'll go back and carefully examine the rare books that Second Brother has meticulously selected."

  Haha, it's exactly the same as what I dreamed of last night, it's unbelievable!

  In her dream, Du Mu Chang Qing, in order to make her cultivation progress as soon as possible, not only found many cultivation secrets for her, but also found many heavenly treasures and earthly gems. Even in order to prevent her from being secretly plotted against, no matter where she went, he would follow her there, looking like a free bodyguard!

  Looking at the radiant smile on her face, Du Mu's heart began to beat faster, and he secretly took two deep breaths before suppressing the unusual impulse to hold her tightly in his arms. Maintaining a calm demeanor, he smiled faintly and said: "You shouldn't be too anxious either, cultivation emphasizes gradual progress. You've only just reached the peak of Wu Sheng not long ago, so take your time, and you'll definitely be able to cultivate the Xuanfu. If there's anything you don't understand about those secret techniques, just ask me."

  His voice was as warm as the spring breeze in March, where was the slightest bit of his usual coldness and iciness? Qin Luo's heart was filled with surprise, but not a hint of it showed on his face.

  "In that case, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble Second Brother from now on. At that time, Second Brother must not think that I, his sister, am foolish and troublesome." Qin Luo Yi said with a smile.

  "It won't happen naturally." Du Mu's gaze became somewhat scorching: "We two are not far apart, if there's anything, you can come find me anytime."

  He just couldn't stay in the Piaoyou Sect forever, wanting to open his mouth and ask her to leave with him again, but thinking that their relationship had just eased a bit, he was afraid that as soon as he spoke up, the two of them would fall into an awkward situation once more.

  Anyway, he won't leave for the time being, and it will be the same after a while. At that time, Yier understood his intentions, and everything went smoothly.

  Jian Yu Yan came down from the mountain and saw them standing at the door, smiling and talking to each other. She couldn't help but feel a pang of darkness in her eyes.

  "Good."

  "Second Master."

  Qin Luoyi's eyes lit up as she looked at the white-clad figure, who appeared carefree and elegant, like a jade tree swaying in the wind. Jian Yuyan smiled and walked towards her, saying "You're here."

  Du Mu Changqing was very displeased in his heart and felt that the voice of Yī'ér was particularly jarring.

  He glanced at him and nodded slightly, saying: "Younger brother, there is a order to enter the door, although you are familiar with your younger sister, some rules cannot be abolished."

  The implication is that Jian Yu Yan should call Qin Luo Yi "Shi Jie" (older sister) instead of the more intimate "Yī Er", which he feels should be reserved for him alone, even if it's just in private. Unlike Jian Yu Yan, who makes sure everyone knows about his special relationship with Qin Luo Yi by constantly calling her "Yī Er".

  The relationship between Shifu and Wu Shibo has been unusual since childhood. Wu Shibo has always liked to travel outside, and the time spent guiding his disciples is limited. Jian Yuyan, although he was apprenticed under Wu Shibo, actually also apprenticed under the sect leader. Except for not living on Yuqing Peak, the sect leader treats Wu Shibo's disciples equally, so among them, they are all ranked together as siblings. Since his junior sister entered the sect before him, he should be calling her "Shifu Jie" instead.

  Jian Yu Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of unusual color, and he glanced at Duanmu Changqing before looking towards Qin Luoyi. He clearly understood what Duanmu Changqing meant, but the words "Shi Jie" (older martial sister) really couldn't be spoken out loud. He felt that using this title would widen the distance between him and Qin Luoyi again, a distance they had only recently managed to narrow.

  Qin's eyes flashed with a hint of expectation, actually wanting to hear Jian Yuyan call her "Shi Jie" to listen, but seeing the embarrassment and awkwardness in his eyes, she couldn't help but soften again.

  "It's just a title, I'm not used to the sudden change. We entered around the same time, no need to mind it too much." He paused for a moment, then said: "It's so early, do you have something to discuss with me?"

  Her words made Jian Yu Yan's eyes light up, and his gaze became exceptionally warm: "It wasn't me who wanted to find you for something, it was my master who wanted to find you for something. He wants you to go to Xu Ri Peak."

  "Master Wu is looking for you?" Qin Luoyi was slightly surprised: "Ah, why didn't you say so earlier? I'll go with you right away. It's not good to keep Master Wu waiting."

  "It's nothing serious, Master just wants to ask you some questions, it's okay if you go a bit slower." Jian Yu Yan smiled and comforted her.

  Qin Luo's eyes flickered, and her heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Master Wu wanted to ask about the ambush at Yuzang Mountain? Was Master Wu also like her master, able to tell that she wasn't telling the truth?

  "What's the point of that?" She shook her head: "Let's go, I'll follow you now." Turning back to face Du Mu Changqing with a smile: "Second Brother, I'm going to see Master Wu, thanks for finding me this book!"

  Du Mu's face had been somewhat unpleasant since she agreed to let Jian Yu Yan continue calling her Yi Er, but at this moment when she was about to leave, she still remembered to bid farewell to herself, which improved his mood a lot. He felt that this matter couldn't be blamed on her; if anyone was to blame, it should be Jian Yu Yan. If he hadn't looked at Yi Er in that way, Yi Er wouldn't have softened and agreed.

  Jian Yu Yan also nodded slightly towards Duan Mu Chang Qing, then walked shoulder to shoulder with Qin Luo Yi, chatting and laughing as they swept down the mountain.

  Duanmu Changqing pursed his thin lips tightly, gazing at the backs of those leaving with a profound and unfathomable gaze. After a while, he finally turned to leave with a flick of his sleeve.

  Qin Luoyi and Duanmu Changqing soon arrived at the Xuanyang Peak, and after walking for a short distance, they ran into Liu Qingcheng, who was dressed in purple clothes and looked noble and charming.

  Seeing them, Liu Qingcheng walked up with a smile, exchanged a few pleasantries, and learned that they were going to the top of the mountain. With a flash of her eyes, she smiled and said she happened to be going up the mountain to pay respects to her master.

  Qin Luo's clothes fell off without a care, but Jian Yu's dark eyes were cold, his expression was light and indifferent.

  Three people rushed towards the mountain top. With Liu Qingcheng's cultivation, she could originally ride on a rainbow and walk. However, in order to follow Qin Luoyi and Jian Yuyan, she did not take out her divine rainbow.

  The top of the Rising Sun Peak is not as icy and snowy as the top of Jade Green Peak, but it's still very cold. Although the temperature is slightly lower than at the foot of the mountain, it's lush with grass and trees, making it a pleasant place to be.

  Wu Shifu's cave mansion stands at the top of the mountain peak, a very ancient building, covering an area of only a few hundred square meters, although not wide, it looks majestic and magnificent, like an eagle about to spread its wings.

  Jian Yu Yan took her deep into the palace, where she saw Wu Shifu, a man in green clothes with an extraordinary appearance. Not only was Wu Shifu there, but Ge Zhang Men was also present.

  "Master."

  "Uncle Wu."

  "Master Shibo."

  Three people came forward and paid their respects.

  Ge Zhangmen nodded slightly, while Wu Shishu burst out laughing, his dark and piercing gaze falling on Qin Luoyi's body.

  "Qin Yatou, in two months' time, it will be the hundred-yearly Alchemist Gathering on Penglai Fairy Island. Are you interested in attending?"

  Qin Luo Yi is going to win, definitely taking first place!

  Jian Yu Yan's eyes lit up when she heard the words, and she gazed at her with a warm and gentle smile.

  Liu Qingcheng was startled, and looked at Qin Luoyi with a suspicious gaze, then turned to her own master and the sect leader, before covering her mouth and giggling: "So little junior sister can refine pills... Hehe, little junior sister, you're really good at keeping secrets."

  Ji Xuan and Rong Yunhe happened to be entering from the doorway, and upon hearing this, they also looked at Qin Luoyi with a face full of surprise.

  To know that alchemists on Penglai Island are extremely respected, with talented disciples who have a natural gift for alchemy, and are the focus of cultivation in each sect.

  Although Lingzhi can be taken directly, the effect is greatly discounted and cannot be fully absorbed. Moreover, many rare Lingzhi plants are prone to violent spiritual outbursts when taken directly, posing a risk of sudden death to the person taking them.

  Refining into a dan medicine is different, several spiritual plants combined together can not only dissolve the violent nature inside, making the spiritual power gentle and easy to absorb, but also maximize the stimulation of the spiritual power in the spiritual plants.

  There was an elder Jiang in the Piaoyou Sect who had extremely high alchemy skills and could refine ninth-grade elixirs. In the Piaoyou Sect, his status was extremely high, not only were all the disciples respectful of him, even the sect master would treat him with courtesy.

  Every year, numerous monks come to their doors with various rare and precious spiritual plants and bearing silver notes.

  Participating in the Alchemy Master Competition requires a qualification of being able to refine at least 6th-grade medicinal pellets!

  Master actually let little sister go participate in the hundred-year-old alchemy master competition, could it be that little sister at such a young age can already refine sixth-grade elixirs?

  No wonder the master would make an exception and take her as his closed-door disciple!

  Qin Luo Yi had never heard of the Alchemy Master Competition before, and it was held only once every hundred years. Many alchemy experts would surely attend, but... wasn't she being arrogant to think she could participate in that competition?

  As far as she knew, there wasn't even a single alchemist on the entire Penglai Immortal Island who could refine 11th-grade elixirs!

  Looking at her being speechless, a hint of disdain flashed across Liu Qingcheng's eyes, and the smile on the corner of her mouth also became somewhat sarcastic. However, before anyone noticed, it was quickly retracted. No wonder she didn't dare say that she could refine elixirs herself, it seemed that her elixir-refining skills weren't that great either!

  Wu Shan smiled slightly, seemingly knowing what Qin Luoyi was thinking, and continued: "This Alchemy Master Conference is held once every hundred years, and only those under the age of 200 are eligible to participate. The ultimate winner of each conference can enter the famous restricted area of Penglai Fairy Island - the Ice Domain, to obtain a treasure. Legend has it that the Ice Domain was built by a legendary figure who could refine 15th-grade divine elixirs tens of thousands of years ago. Inside, there are various cultivation secrets, rare spiritual plants, and all sorts of magical instruments and treasures. If one is lucky enough, they can obtain one of these treasures; however, some people may not be so lucky and return empty-handed."

  The Ice Domain, a place many cultivators would give their right arm to enter. Unfortunately, it is protected by a powerful seal set up by an ancient eccentric, which only opens once every hundred years and can only be entered by alchemists under the age of 200. Furthermore, each time it opens, only one person can enter. As there are many monks but little porridge, the Alchemist Association on Penglai Island holds a grand alchemy competition every hundred years to demonstrate fairness. Only six-grade or higher alchemists under the age of 200 can participate, and the winner will have the opportunity to enter the Ice Domain.

  Fifteenth-Rank Alchemist!

  Qin's heart skipped a beat as she had never heard of a 15th-level alchemist emerging from the legendary Penglai Island, and she thought it was just a name to be boasted about, but unexpectedly, she could actually enter the forbidden land of a 15th-level Dan medicine master.

  "Little sister, this is a rare opportunity! The thing in the ancient ice domain, even the top masters of the Purple Mansion would be moved by it. He lived for nearly ten thousand years, his cultivation was extremely high, and it's said that he didn't die in the end, but rather achieved enlightenment and ascended to heaven. Unfortunately... the defenses of the ice domain are extremely strong, we won't be able to refine elixirs, and in our lifetime, we won't have the good fortune to go in and take a look." Liu Qingcheng's eyes flashed, and she pulled Qin Luo'er over, telling her about the various benefits within the ice domain.

  That piece of treasure land, countless years have passed, it's not that there haven't been powerful cultivators who tried to force their way in, but they all returned without success, and were injured by the seal, coming back not long after would sit in meditation until death, without exception. Gradually, no one dared to try forcing their way in again.

  "Well, I'll just give it a try then." Qin Luo Yi heard this and smiled slightly.

  "Then you get ready, in half a month, you'll set off with your Shifu's brother. This time, apart from you, our Piaoyou Sect has two more disciples participating, both of whom are Jiang Lao's favorite disciples." Ge Zongmen said to her with a smile.

  Wu Shan laughed with his eyes narrowed, looking somewhat complacent, as if he had already seen Qin Luoyi successfully entering the Ice Domain.

  Liu Qingcheng's expression darkened. She had advised Qin Luoyi to go, but she didn't think Qin Luoyi would dare to really go. Unexpectedly, she agreed in one breath.

  Each sect has three quotas for the competition, and those two are over a hundred years old, nearly two hundred years old. Both of them have some confidence in refining seventh-grade elixirs... If they perform well, it is possible to refine eighth-grade elixirs. In recent years, the Piaomiao Sect has spent countless high-grade spiritual plants to cultivate them. Qin Luoyi, can she also refine seventh- and eighth-grade elixirs? Otherwise, why would Master and Master's brother let her go?

  The more I think about it, the more uncertain and suspicious I become.

  Want to ask again, Qin Luoyi has already gone out with the master's uncle, and the master has also changed the subject, saying that after the alchemy competition, he will not come back for a short time, and will take Jian Yuyan out to travel, let them Cultivate well, and can find Master Uncle for advice when something happens.

  Ji Xuan and Rong Yun looked at Jian Yuyan with envy, respectfully responded, while Liu Qingcheng was extremely jealous.

  Master is always a lone cloud and wild crane, every time he goes out alone, when did he ever bring an apprentice? Unexpectedly this time he actually wants to take Jian Yuyan away... But just a martial saint middle-tier cultivator, what makes Master favor him so much?

  The more I think about it, the angrier I get. If only I had known earlier, when he was secretly fighting, I shouldn't have let him off so easily. After falling from Lion Tiger Cliff, his corpse would have been gone long ago, and he wouldn't be able to bother her like this now.

  Of course, she was angry not only because her master wanted to take Jian Yuyan out, but also because in the past year or so, after her master accepted him as a disciple, she became his senior sister. She had shown him kindness several times, but this person actually treated her with indifference, just like Duanmu Changqing. He would smile at Qin Luoyi, that woman, but to her, he was always lukewarm, making her grit her teeth in hatred.

  Digression

  Dear everyone, I'm back! From today on, I'll resume updates. I've kept you waiting for a week, and I apologize for that. Unless there's something special, I won't stop updating again. Thank you all for your votes, diamonds, flowers, and rewards! I appreciate it, and I'm grateful to have you all!