Living steadily in the world of gods and mystery
Chapter 196 - 168: Another Year

Chapter 196: Chapter 168: Another Year

The situation indeed unfolded as Xiao Yuan had predicted.

In the territories of the Tianxing Sect, the Returning True Sect only took two adjacent market towns, and the rest, including a mountain gate with a Third Order Spirit Land, a Cultivation City, and four other market towns, were divided and annexed by the Hongshan Sect and several neighboring sects.

Of course, that was only what was apparent and visible.

As for whether the Returning True Sect got more behind the scenes, Chen Li had no idea.

At the very least, the number of Cultivation Techniques in the scripture library had suddenly increased a lot, and even the annual salary for Foundation Establishment had gone from fifty mid-grade Spirit Stones to one top-grade Spirit Stone, doubling it. At the same time, a one-time war reward of ten top-grade Spirit Stones per person was issued, which was truly a generous move.

Since it was still winter and just after the war, it was time for recuperation, and the whole sect was relatively leisurely, but as spring approached the next year, they would probably be busy again.

...

The cold wind howled and wailed like the cries of ghosts and the howls of wolves. The distant mountains were covered with thick layers of snow, a vision of pure white, as if blanketed by a thick quilt or the towering waves of a great sea.

However, in these frigid mountains, there was a rare geothermal hot spring, with steam curling up into the air.

Taking advantage of the post-war tranquility and thinking that his wives and concubines might feel cooped up at the mountain gate, Chen Li brought the two women to this hot spring that he had stumbled upon occasionally to relax and have fun.

Outside, the cold wind was piercing and snowflakes danced about, while the spring was warm and comfortable.

The contrast of ice and fire provided a unique enjoyment.

"Husband...husband, stop, wait, someone...someone will see us!"

Zhang Shuniang weakly leaned against the rock wall, biting her red lips, her upper body immersed in the water, her skin creamy and faced flushed with steam, covered in beads of sweat.

"Don’t worry, we are in the middle of nowhere, with no one around. No one will come here!" Chen Li reassured.

The sound of water splashing as the pool of hot spring water was stirred created ripples that were never-ending.

Zhou Hong watched from the side, her face blushing, her charming eyes moist, as she playfully kicked Chen Li’s behind with a spit and swam over.

Zhang Shuniang couldn’t help but let out a startled cry, her body trembling.

"Hee hee!"

Zhou Hong had a mischievous smile on her face. She was about to retreat when Chen Li caught her with one hand and pulled her in front of him, "Since you’re here, you’re not leaving!"

...

Staying in the hot springs too long could actually leave one feeling more exhausted instead of refreshed.

Chen Li was still fine, though.

After all, he was a practitioner of Body Refinement, strong as an ox.

But the two women were soaked to the bone, their bodies limp and tender.

Chen Li simply decided not to rush back. He set up a Formation near the hot spring, dug out a cave, and prepared to stay a few more days.

The night was serene.

Inside the Yin Yang Five Elements Gathering Spirit Array, it was warm as spring.

No hint of the harsh cold outside could be felt.

Lying on animal hides, the three of them lay together on a large boulder by the spring, watching the grey clouds overhead while chatting about private matters.

"Thinking back to our days in Green River District, it seems like such a long time ago," Zhou Hong suddenly said.

"Yeah!" Chen Li also felt sentimental. Those difficult days of struggling to survive didn’t seem as tough now upon reflection.

"Ah, it’s already been eleven years... By the way, why were you attracted to me back then?" Zhou Hong asked curiously.

"Ah!" Chen Li felt helpless in his heart.

Why this question all of a sudden?

What reason could there be?

At that time, he had just transmigrated and was of low cultivation, living in constant fear, hardly ever leaving his house. Among the women he was acquainted with, wasn’t she the only one?

And she was young and quite attractive, too.

What more could he have asked for?

"That... Perhaps it was just destiny!"

"Hmph, I knew there was something weird about the way you looked at me, putting on such a decent appearance. Old lecher!" Zhou Hong said coyly with a light snort.

Zhang Shuniang, who had been listening all this time, couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Chen Li choked up inside.

She must be talking about the original body’s owner!

After all, he was definitely not that kind of person.

"Shu, you speak something fair!" Chen Li said.

"Husband, I think sister is right! Hee hee!" Zhang Shuniang said playfully.

"Blind lies!"

...

The scenery in this world was mostly pristine and untainted by pollution. The snowy mountains, the misty hot springs, the readily available variety of game, along with the lovely wives and concubines at his side—even in such cold winters, outdoor excursions had their charm.

Of course, if it was a group of ordinary people, it would be a different story.

Not to mention the severe cold of winter, and even though demon beasts were rare in this area, there were still many hungry ferocious animals. One careless move could mean being devoured, dying a gruesome death.

The three of them played for six days, getting their fill of the hot springs, before returning home fully satisfied.

...

In the days that followed, Chen Li’s life returned to normal.

He resumed his busy routine.

Fortunately, he had grown accustomed to this kind of life.

Frankly speaking, after having a few days of fun earlier, he did feel a bit guilty although he was happy and relaxed.

As time passed day by day.

Entering November, Chen Li had maxed out his Earth-Shocking Skill.

The max-level Earth-Shocking Skill was incredibly powerful, similar to a small-scale earthquake of magnitude eight or nine. With one stomp, the earth would crack open, and the underground layers would be compressed and deformed.

If released at the summit of a mountain, its power would be even greater.

A single use of the Earth-Shocking Skill could cause a mountaintop to collapse and the mountain to shake, easily triggering a landslide.

This technique was the most powerful attack technique Chen Li currently possessed.

He felt it could be used not only against enemies from below the ground but also to great effect on enemies on the surface.

Unfortunately, the Earth-Shocking Skill required both hands to form seals, which severely limited its range of use. Otherwise, in a fight to the death, if he suddenly employed the Earth-Shocking Skill and took advantage of the opponent’s instability, he could easily secure victory.

Another month passed, and Chen Li also maxed out his Earth Escape Skill.

Compared to the initial Earth Escape Skill, the max-level Earth Escape Skill was not only faster, even exceeding the speed of a running person; it also lasted much longer, up to half an hour.

Moreover, even rocks were no longer an obstacle to escaping underground, allowing for easy passage through them.

In just about ten seconds, he could escape to a depth of a hundred meters. At such depths, the ordinary Earth-Shocking Skill would be of no use against him.

In the entire Returning True Sect, below the Golden Core,

perhaps his strength was not the strongest.

But when it came to survival ability, if he claimed to be second best, no one would dare claim to be first.

The Fortune Seeking and Disaster Avoiding Skill, the Invisibility Technique, and the Earth Escape Skill were all prepared for escaping danger when needed.

He believed that even if one day he faced pursuit from a Golden Core, he would still have a chance to escape.

...

With both skills reaching max level,

Chen Li finally had the energy to study the Phantom Skill, which consumed a great deal of spiritual power.

Night.

After reading the content of the jade slip, Chen Li thought to himself,

"This technique is just like creating a clone."

The created phantom was like another body of his, with sight, hearing, touch, and smell, capable of performing various actions. Except for only being able to last for the duration of an incense stick’s burning (about half an hour) and being unable to fight, it was virtually no different from having a clone.

"Who knows what changes it will undergo once I level it up?" Chen Li couldn’t help feeling a bit of anticipation.

...

In the mountains, time flew without notice.

In the blink of an eye, the snow melted, spring blossomed, and all things revived.

Another new year had arrived.

Chen Li was fifty-two years old.

Too much had happened last year, too many people had died. Fortunately, time is the best healer. The Returning True Sect finally recovered from its grief. With the addition of a new batch of disciples, the sect regained some of its past liveliness.

"Every time I come here, I can smell a strong scent of herbs!" Xiao Yuan said with a smile.

Since that battle,

their relationship had become close, with frequent visits and interactions.

"Body Refinement is just like this! I now need to take a herbal bath every other day." Chen Li spoke somewhat helplessly.

He felt he was almost marinated in the herbs.

Even after each herbal bath, he would wash again with clean water,

but there was still an enduring scent of herbs on his body.

"Feng Qi used to do the same... Alas, what a pity." Xiao Yuan sighed as he thought of Feng Qi. He used to have a decent relationship with Feng Qi but did not expect him to die tragically on the battlefield, "These herbal baths must cost you a lot, right?"

"Twelve mid-grade spirit stones per batch."

Xiao Yuan gasped in shock upon hearing this, "Every other day? That would cost you nearly 20 top-grade spirit stones a year. Geez, this Body Refinement truly isn’t something anyone can afford to practice."

Actually, it was far more.

Including the cost of Body Tempering Elixir, Second Order demon beast meat, and the Spirit Gathering Elixir, his annual expenses were almost thirty top-grade spirit stones. It was only because he earned a substantial income from making talismans that he could cover most of it.

Otherwise, his savings would not last more than a few years.

After a brief chat,

Xiao Yuan brought up the main topic, "I’ve got some information about the Fire Cloud Sect that you asked me to inquire about last time. Fortunately, I’m acquainted with a Foundation Establishment member of the Artefact Sect, so I was able to find out."

He said this and passed over a map.

Chen Li took it and quickly expressed his thanks.

He hadn’t expected that a casual mention from him would prompt the other party to handle the matter, apparently even making a special trip to the Artefact Sect.

"Ah, you’re too formal. It was just a small effort! However, I still have to advise you, the Fire Cloud Sect is very far from here. Even with your speed, and flying day and night, it would still take about ten days. You really should think it over carefully!"

...

After seeing Xiao Yuan off,

Chen Li returned to his talisman room to study the map carefully.

This map was quite rough, obviously drawn from memory, but it should be more or less accurate.

"The Fire Cloud Sect is said to be in the central territory, but I didn’t expect it to be so central!"

From Returning True Sect to Fire Cloud Sect, Chen Li counted. He would have to pass through sixteen small and large sects along the way, with an estimated journey of ten to twenty thousand li.

"This world must be far larger than I imagined!" he thought to himself.

He had once flown up ten thousand meters into the sky, but still, he could not see even the slightest curvature of the horizon.

Chen Li looked at the map and hesitated for a long time, but finally made up his mind, "Once I have mastered the Phantom Skill, and practiced it well, I’ll make the trip."

A journey of ten to twenty thousand li was not as distant as imagined.

With the cultivation of Foundation Establishment third layer, using a Second Order mid-grade flying sword for Sword Flight, it naturally would take about ten days. But with the Max Level Rainbow Transformation Skill, there was no need for so long. Flying for a day and night, or at most two days, would suffice to reach the destination.