Chapter Twenty: Farewell

Three days ago, atop Mount Mingzhi.

“So you wish to journey to the Southern Wilds?”

Master Su Kongyu sat serenely in the bamboo pavilion, her voice calm and measured.

Yun Qi affirmed.

“The Southern Wilds are far from tranquil. Are you certain of your decision?”

Yun Qi nodded. Where the earth stirs with murderous intent and dragons and serpents emerge, it is the place for true exploration. To wander in Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Jinling would be mere leisure, not a journey.

“In the Southern Wilds, demons run rampant. Their leaders are fierce and lack virtue; at the slightest disagreement, it becomes a battle to the death. Souls are shattered, bodies destroyed with little warning. Be cautious in all things, and do not forge deep ties with anyone.”

Yun Qi knew his master was offering guidance and respectfully bowed in acknowledgment.

“Your spiritual strength is among the best of your peers. You should have little trouble with the lesser demons. Continue to meditate upon the Star Lord of the Alcor constellation. The Southern Wilds are plagued with mists and venomous creatures; the Star Lord is well-suited to counter those shadowy, chilling beings.

“Moreover, on the border between the Southern Wilds and the Miao territories stands Tianming Mountain, home of the Golden Rooster Clan. They have a heart for the Dao and practice the Pure Yang path. You should pay them a visit—they may aid you in grasping the divine essence of the Star Lord.

“One more thing: the Southern Wilds lie southwest of Yuzhang. You may pass through Sanxiang, and I recommend visiting western Xiangxi. It is an excellent place for nurturing corpses—go see it for yourself.”

With that, Master Su Kongyu turned the conversation, her gaze earnest as she reminded Yun Qi, “Corpse-raising is a path of yin and yang, a legitimate tradition of the Dao, and one of the foundations of Mingzhi Mountain. It leads directly to celestial immortality—you must not take it lightly.”

Yun Qi agreed wholeheartedly, insisting he dared not neglect it.

Yet Master Su Kongyu seemed still uneasy, patiently explaining further, “When longevity techniques and underworld arts appeared between heaven and earth, so too did corpse-raising. The practitioner and the deceased embody yang and yin, their energies cycling and balancing each other. Perfected corpse-raising endows the dead with intelligence, allowing them to become corpse immortals. Once awakened to their innate wisdom, they transcend, attaining the grand Dao of creation.”

With that, Master Su Kongyu produced a jade slip. “Within is recorded the arts of discerning, raising, and commanding corpses. Keep it with you and study it well.”

Yun Qi accepted the jade slip, nodding respectfully, though he wondered why his master was so urgent about learning corpse-raising—almost afraid he would refuse.

Seeing Yun Qi put the jade slip away, Master Su Kongyu seemed relieved. She flipped her palm, and a small bamboo basket appeared, no larger than a fist, woven from purple bamboo and exquisitely crafted.

With a gentle gesture, the basket floated through the air and settled before Yun Qi.

He took it in both hands. It was cool to the touch, the bamboo glossy and smooth, resembling a cricket cage with mesh and a lid. He noticed it was heavier than expected—clearly something was inside. Through the mesh, he glimpsed black and gold markings.

“Pour it out and look.”

Yun Qi opened the lid and tipped the contents into his palm, curious—could it really be a cricket? Perhaps his master had given him a companion for the road?

What landed in his hand made him gasp in awe.

What a beautiful beetle!

The beetle was two inches long, its body gleaming like black jade, flawless and lustrous. Only its wings shone with gold, their veins etched in black, creating a striking contrast between gold and darkness.

Its most remarkable feature was its horn—longer than its body, curving upward, with a fork at the tip forming a T-shape.

“What is this?” Yun Qi asked.

“This is the One-Horned Rhinoceros Gold Beetle. Aligned with the element of gold, it feeds on iron and devours metal, possessing immense strength. Gold is the essence of earth; this beetle can fly and burrow, and is adept at corpse-commanding—a notorious fierce insect, ranking high on the Miao Spirit Insect list. Two centuries ago, one such beetle ascended, calling itself the One-Horned Immortal, and was said to ride a dragon corpse across the heavens.”

Master Su Kongyu spoke steadily.

Yun Qi cradled the beetle, incredulous at its reputed abilities.

“The one you hold is a larva, a dead specimen. I dug it from the earth years ago.”

Master Su Kongyu added.

Yun Qi felt relieved. That made more sense. After hearing his master’s explanation, he realized the beetle was motionless and cold as iron—a dead thing.

“Yet even in death, its aura remains. Carry it with you and the venomous insects of the southern territories will not dare approach. You may also use it to practice your corpse-raising. If you ever awaken its intelligence, perhaps it will help you find a dragon corpse of your own.”

Master Su Kongyu teased.

Yun Qi chuckled and placed the beetle back in the purple bamboo basket.

“You need not worry about carrying it. Your meditation upon the Alcor star—the fire subdues metal, and the rooster devours insects—will keep any residual yin energy from affecting you.”

“I understand, Master.”

“In all things, be cautious when traveling. Preserve your life above all.”

“I shall remember, Master.”

——

After bidding farewell to Master Su Kongyu, Yun Qi made his way to the External Affairs Office.

While the Administrative, Teaching, and Kitchen Offices managed affairs within the mountain, only the External Affairs Office handled matters beyond: diplomacy, sect alliances, journeys, and external missions.

Yun Qi approached the counter to register his departure.

“Where are you headed, young friend?”

The registrar was a middle-aged Daoist, scholarly in appearance.

“I wish to travel to the Southern Wilds.”

The Daoist glanced at Yun Qi, thinking to himself that the Southern Wilds were the stronghold of the southern demon sect, rival to the northern sect’s headquarters at Xisai—both banes of the righteous path. This young cultivator was ambitious, seeking fame within the demon’s lair.

“Could you be more specific?”

“May I ask, where did Feng Jihu from Cuckoo Valley go?”

Yun Qi replied with a question.

The Daoist regarded Yun Qi, then answered, “I recall someone else asked about him not long ago.”

Yun Qi guessed it was Daoist Jixuan and explained, “We are friends. Since Brother Jihu left the sect, he’s sent few letters. We are concerned for him, so as I journey out, I hope to cross paths.”

The Daoist nodded and consulted the registry. “He registered to travel north upon leaving, heading along the northern borders of Sanxiang and Miao territories, then west to Dianwen, visiting Erhai, Dianchi, and Fuxian Lake, before heading south to the Southern Wilds, following the rivers—Lijiang, Peach Blossom River. He seems to be journeying along the waterways.”

Yun Qi considered this and declared his own destination, “I intend to train along the border between the Southern Wilds and Miao territories, heading westward out of the sect, traversing Sanxiang, practicing at Tianming Mountain, Phoenix Perch Mountain, Rotten Peach Mountain, Hundred Barbarians Mountain, and Peach Blossom River.”

The Daoist nodded, noted the locations, and warned, “That border is tumultuous, especially recently with the leaders of the Red Wood Ridge and Hundred Barbarians Mountain clashing—countless disciples from both sides have gathered there. Be careful.”

Yun Qi thanked him.

“The Golden Rooster Clan on Tianming Mountain are Dao-seeking demon cultivators and may offer lodging. Also, a hundred miles southeast of Tianming Mountain is Madong Market, home of White Stone Cave Heaven. Its host, White Stone Temple, though reclusive, follows the Three Pure Ones and has long been friendly with our sect. If you face difficulty, seek their aid.”

Yun Qi nodded repeatedly. Such are the advantages of a great sect—wherever you go, there is support. His master had mentioned the Golden Rooster Clan, confirming their reputation. He had not heard of White Stone Cave Heaven before.

“When heading there, beware most of poisonous insects and miasma, and second, soul-shattering spells. I advise you to stock up on antidotes and soul-protecting talismans or pills before you depart.”

Yun Qi took note. “Thank you, Master.”

The Daoist shook his head, “No need for thanks. Though you likely know the tenets, I must remind you: First, do not kill indiscriminately; second, do not act arrogantly; third, do not divulge secrets; fourth, avoid unnecessary danger; fifth, do not ignore those in peril. Remember these?”

Yun Qi bowed deeply. “I shall remember, Master.”

Disciples call these the Three Prohibitions and Two Cautions, and Yun Qi was well aware.

“Take these two items.”

The Daoist produced a jade token of peace and a jade bell.

He handed Yun Qi the peace token. “This token is a talisman of our Three Pure Ones Mountain. All notable immortal sects know of it. Should you face grave danger, take the token to the nearest immortal mountain for help—most will assist.”

Yun Qi received the token, its jade cool and smooth.

The Daoist passed him the jade bell. “This is a tool for calling fellow disciples. If ever the bell rings, it means a nearby disciple is calling for aid. You must go to their aid. If you are ever in peril, ring the bell first.”

Yun Qi took the bell and shook it—no sound came.

“You must channel pure spiritual power into the bell for it to ring.”

The Daoist advised.

Yun Qi understood, infused the bell with his power, shook it again, and heard a clear, ethereal chime, like the clash of jade ornaments.

——

“Take care in your travels and return to the sect soon.”

The Daoist smiled.

Yun Qi bowed in thanks and departed.

——

Leaving the External Affairs Office, Yun Qi returned to his dwelling. He took out a pile of items: a jade slip, a purple bamboo insect basket, a peace token, and a jade bell. He bundled them all into the pack he’d prepared earlier.

Gazing at the bulging pack, Yun Qi couldn’t help but smile wryly, his longing for the Void Stone Chamber growing stronger. But there was nothing to be done just now. He tightened the pack, turned to the two magical conches beside it—one colored, one white—and took the white conch, pressing it to his abdomen, mouth facing outward, making sure it was as close to the ancient zither as possible.

Today, he had agreed to listen to music with the green dragon.

——

He Bin Kun pulled Yun Qi’s hand away. “You’re leaving today?”

The man’s eyes were wide.

Yun Qi smiled and nodded. “I leave now. With your Water Mansion opened, I have no further concerns.”

He turned toward his room. He Bin Kun hurried after him.

He slung Yun Qi’s long-idle pack over his shoulder, his smile radiant.

He Bin Kun stomped his foot. “Wait a moment, little brother! I’ll go inform the master and register with the External Affairs Office. I’ll leave the sect with you—I’ve long wanted to venture out again.”

Yun Qi laughed, “Only those who stagnate and make no progress seek fortune outside. You’ve just opened the Water Mansion; this is the time to consolidate your power and comprehend your new realm, not to wander. Besides, a solitary swordsman truly travels the world. Two together are often called the Black and White Twin Fiends! Ha ha!”

He Bin Kun laughed as well. “Solitary swordsman, but where is your sword? Cheng Nandou’s name is famous throughout Little Wanshan, but your reputation rests on your spells and talismans—no one knows your sword’s prowess!”

Yun Qi blushed deeply. Ever since he made the Southern Star list, everyone called him Cheng Nandou—a bit embarrassing, especially since he was only fifth, and only on the minor Qi Consumption list. More mortifying, he admired Master Lü and aspired to master both alchemy and swordsmanship, but lacked funds for either art, and ironically became known for his spells and charms.

Young Daoists are shy; Yun Qi tied his pack and rushed out, performing a simple water-parting spell. The dragon embroidered on his robe transformed into a red cloud, which he leapt onto and soared away.

“Brother, cultivate well. See you when I return!”

His shout echoed in the courtyard as the red cloud vanished into the rain.

——

Passing by Lord Kui Mountain, Yun Qi no longer felt afraid. He was used to the mountain lord; he’d visited countless times that year, and the lord had never moved an inch. Yun Qi had even meditated atop his head!

The rain fell in sheets, but Yun Qi sped ever faster, soon reaching the mountain gate, hovering above Zhongling Mountain.

Normally, he would simply fly forward to leave the sect, but Yun Qi chose a different path—descending until he spotted a patch of cloud that remained undispersed, even in the rain.

Without hesitation, he plunged into the mist. Strangely, inside there was no rain—only endless whiteness, nothing else. Sometimes, when he looked down, it felt as if the ground below was also sky, making it impossible to tell direction.

Recalling his first arrival, riding on Brother Jihu’s cloud, anxious and feigning calm, now revisiting the place on his own cloud, he felt nothing but joy.

Estimating his distance, Yun Qi stopped his “dragon cart,” stood upon the cloud, and formed a hand seal—not a spell, but a key.

Soon, light shimmered before him. He waved his sleeve, dispersing some mist, and saw below, before the dragon cart, a mirror suspended in midair—a round mirror three feet across, framed in silver, its surface seemingly layered with water.

Yun Qi leaned over; his features were reflected in perfect detail.

He took a deep breath and stepped forward, entering the mirror.

His left foot seemed to find nothing solid; his body tilted, and he began to fall into the mirror. At the last moment, he summoned his dragon cart, which transformed into a red line and wrapped itself around his robe. Once secured, Yun Qi fell completely into the mirror and vanished.

At the instant Yun Qi disappeared, the water mirror condensed into a single point of light and then dissolved.

End of chapter.