Section 9: Tengxun Tree
February 9, 2013 Author: Gu Zhenren
“Xiao Xiaoxian, haven’t you always wanted to be in charge of the Divine Thief Gate? I’m giving you this ring today. Reach out.” Seeing Xiao Xiaoxian’s stunned expression, Chu Yun said with a smile.
“But Sect Leader…” Xiao Xiaoxian stared blankly at Chu Yun, numbly extending his hand.
Chu Yun placed the Sect Leader Ring into his palm.
“Xiao Xian,” he said, “From today on, you are the Sect Leader of the Divine Thief Gate. Accept it and wear it on your thumb. This is my command.”
As he spoke, Chu Yun’s lips curved into a gentle smile, but his tone was undeniably domineering.
The small ring felt as heavy as a mountain in Xiao Xiaoxian’s hand.
His body trembled slightly, his eyes reddened, filled with surprise and joy. For a moment, his mouth opened and closed, but he didn’t know what to say.
Just then, a group of maids carrying breakfast walked in with light, swift steps. They moved like flowing water, placing exquisite morning delicacies on the dining table.
Chu Yun and Jin Bihan exchanged a smile and sat down.
Xiao Xiaoxian, however, remained frozen, standing in place.
“Xiao Xiaoxian,” Chu Yun called.
“Ah, yes, Sect Leader.”
“Make the Divine Thief Gate flourish.”
“…” Xiao Xiaoxian opened his mouth as if to speak, but ultimately said nothing. At this moment, his tears replaced words, fully expressing his deep gratitude and excitement.
Instantly, he was in tears.
Tears filled his eyes, blurring his vision.
At this moment, the morning sun streamed through the window, illuminating the dining hall brightly.
At the dining table, Chu Yun was bathed in sunlight, radiant and brilliant, like the sun itself, emitting a warm glow. This light penetrated the deepest part of Xiao Xiaoxian’s heart.
Due to his tears, Jin Bihan and the maids moving around became indistinct, blurry figures.
Yet, strangely, only Chu Yun’s figure remained clear and radiant, like a crystal sculpture, awe-inspiring.
Many years later, whenever Xiao Xiaoxian recalled this scene, it felt as vivid as if it happened yesterday, its impression so profound it was carved into his heart, unforgettable.
A burning passion seemed to boil his blood at that moment. He bowed, knelt on one knee, facing Chu Yun, his right fist clenched over his heart.
In the most sincere and solemn tone he could muster, a tone he rarely used, Xiao Xiaoxian vowed, “Young Lord! Xiao Xiaoxian will follow you.”
His voice choked with emotion, shedding his usual frivolous demeanor. His expression was now solemn, and he exuded a powerful charm, looking exceptionally handsome and extraordinary.
Even Jin Bihan cast a surprised glance.
She could read the determination, sincerity, gratitude, reverence, and the urge to lay down his life for a true friend in Xiao Xiaoxian’s eyes.
Handing over the leadership of the Divine Thief Gate to Xiao Xiaoxian was something Chu Yun had carefully considered.
He knew that becoming the Sect Leader of the Divine Thief Gate was Xiao Xiaoxian’s dream. It was only because of his own appearance that this dream had to be tempered into simply making the Divine Thief Gate flourish.
Chu Yun, however, had no interest in this himself.
Initially, he had held onto the Sect Leader Ring to control Xiao Xiaoxian and use him. This was a desperate measure at the time. Chu Yun also understood that winning hearts was far more reliable than relying on external objects to maintain rule.
Their time together had allowed him to understand Xiao Xiaoxian’s character better, which led him to this decision.
In fact, the outcome after handing the ring to Xiao Xiaoxian had also pleased him greatly.
He hadn’t misjudged Xiao Xiaoxian.
After breakfast, Chu Yun would leave the Young Lord’s Estate and meander through Huode City.
This was not aimless wandering but an activity Chu Yun found helpful in understanding the Dao of Humans.
Sometimes, he would go alone; other times, he would walk side-by-side with Jin Bihan. Naturally, they were always in disguise.
This outing was no exception.
Huode City was no longer what it used to be.
Built against the mountains, its scale was vast and imposing. From the mountain peak down to its base, the city walls of red brick and bronze, reminiscent of ancient architectural styles, were simple yet noble, grand and magnificent, like a coppery dragon coiled around the mountains.
Huode City was divided into the Outer City, Inner City, and Underground City.
From the foot to the mid-slope of the mountain was the Outer City, the most prosperous area, filled with continuous shops and houses, bustling with activity.
From the mid-slope to the summit was the Inner City, sparsely populated and serene, with strict defenses. Chu Yun’s Young Lord’s Estate was located within it.
The Underground City was a subterranean world discovered during the exploration of King Huode’s hidden treasures. A city had now been built there. It had abundant geothermal heat, and lava rivers were diverted, forming the best weapon forging sacred land in the Archipelago.
Solely on the basis of this Underground City, the Shu Family had attracted hundreds of weapon forging masters who resided there year-round, enjoying the Shu Family’s resources while serving them.
“Come and see! Come and see! Armor forged by Master Shui Jian! Genuine article!” vendors at roadside stalls hawked their wares.
“Honest merchants, clearing stock at a loss! Gone when missed.” The shop signs displayed similar messages. “Fresh fruits and vegetables. This season’s new city, the sweetest Copper Bell Coconuts! We don’t charge if they’re not sweet!”
“Young masters, young ladies, would you like a copy of the latest Teng News?” a boy with clear features, carrying a stack of leaves on his arm, approached Chu Yun and Jin Bihan.
Chu Yun glanced and knew these were leaves from a Tengxun Tree. These leaves, white as Xuan paper, were as large as millstones and as smooth as silk.
The Tengxun Tree was a Demonic Plant in Xingzhou known for its copying abilities. Monster Tamers who cultivated these trees could use the tree’s innate cultivation method to transform thoughts into text displayed on its leaves.
People called these leaves “Teng News,” and selling them had become a trade.
“One copy,” Chu Yun said, casually taking a Disha Stone Coin from his pocket and handing it to the boy. He received a copy of Teng News.
“Erlang Tian Jun has been promoted to Marquis, becoming the second-youngest of the younger generation!” the headline of the Teng News read.
Chu Yun and Jin Bihan exchanged glances, both knowing that Erlang Tian Jun had inherited Chu Bawang’s legacy. He was already at the peak of the Jun level when he was in Great Desolation Country. It wasn’t surprising that he was promoted to Marquis level a month later after obtaining the Scarlet Flame Golden Ginseng Tree.
However, outsiders were unaware of these circumstances. Erlang Tian Jun’s promotion to Marquis level had naturally caused an uproar, attracting widespread attention throughout Xingzhou.
With Erlang Tian Jun’s promotion to Marquis level, Chu Yun was naturally mentioned as well.
“Speaking of Erlang Tian Jun, one cannot fail to mention Drunken Snow Fox Lord Chu Yun. Rumors have it that this Young Lord of the Shu Family was already promoted to Marquis level over a month ago and robbed the Barren Dragon Association of a large amount of their hoard in Stone Hammer City. Regarding this matter, both parties involved have maintained a consistent silence, making it difficult to ascertain the truth…”
At the end, the message also mentioned many other geniuses. Sun Yan of the Molten Gang, Huang Wu of the Barren Dragon Association, the Little Prince of Mongol Yuan Nation, Meng Fei, Jin Bihan of Dunhuang Country, and so on, were all considered potential candidates to become the third person to be promoted to Marquis level among their generation.
Pulling his gaze back, Chu Yun looked at Jin Bihan and smiled, “The others don’t stand a chance. The third person will definitely be you, Bihan.”
“Yes, if nothing unexpected happens, it should be me,” Jin Bihan replied, her voice filled with confidence.
A week prior, the King’s bloodline within her had begun to awaken, ushering in a rapid growth phase. Every day, her physical fitness, the condensation of her soul, and the size of her Spirit saw significant augmentations.
This growth rate, upon first witnessing it, made Chu Yun gasp in astonishment.
He even felt a strong sense of envy.
The extent of this accelerated growth was terrifying! In just seven days, Jin Bihan had completely consolidated her Jun level cultivation, her foundation now as deep as some middle-aged Jun level cultivators.
At this pace, Jin Bihan had a high probability of becoming the third person among her peers to reach the Marquis level.
As they walked, they reached the most prosperous part of the Outer City market.
Pawnshops, restaurants, casinos, and various shops continuously processed streams of people.
People of all sorts passed by Chu Yun and Jin Bihan. Occasionally, some would cast glances their way.
It was an interesting scene.
No one could tell that, disguised as an ordinary-looking couple, one of them was the Young Lord of the Shu Family, and the other was the current Country Lord of Dunhuang.
“Adding a layer of disguise allows one to hide their true selves. In fact, in this bustling city, who isn’t living life behind a mask? People use masks to create different images, hiding their truest thoughts and emotions. In struggles and compromises, they play various roles. Humans are multifaceted; concepts like good and evil, beauty and ugliness cannot define a person…”
The Spirit within him vibrated slightly. This realization allowed Chu Yun to take another small step on the path to the Marquis level.
His Dao was different from the vast majority of Marquis level cultivators.
He needed to experience the myriad aspects of human life in such a bustling city to benefit his cultivation.
After browsing the market for a while, Chu Yun and Jin Bihan returned to the Inner City.
“Young Island Lord, you’ve finally returned,” Master Yu Ya greeted them immediately.
“Uncle, what brings you to my estate as a guest?” Chu Yun was surprised by this busy man’s visit.
“According to that scoundrel Xiao Xiaoxian, the Young Lord possesses the control monument of Night Emperor City. I’ve come to borrow it for reference,” Yu Ya stated directly.
“Here you go.” Without a word, Chu Yun handed the monument to Yu Ya. He trusted Yu Ya implicitly.
Yu Ya took the monument, his face filled with an entranced expression, murmuring “tsk tsk” sounds. Clearly, the monument had brought him significant inspiration.
Chu Yun called out three times before Yu Ya reacted, responding vaguely, “What did you say?”
“I asked if the Hurricane Lure had been repaired,” Chu Yun said, shaking his head helplessly.
“Of course! I came for that very reason. Here you go.” Yu Ya slapped his forehead and handed the fully repaired Hurricane Lure back to Chu Yun.
Chu Yun took it and ran his fingers over it a couple of times, nodding in satisfaction.
(To be continued. [This text is provided by “Yan Yan”] If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets at [First Release]. Your support is my greatest motivation. Support the author, support genuine reading.)
