Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Chapter 1753 – Candied Haw

Number 327 had a complicated expression on her face. She did not know why she was hesitating.

She found out that a True King had descended on Swallow Mountain and was about to report it back to her leader when she felt these emotions.

It was not just talk when she was asked to monitor Qin Yu. As the saying went, to do good work, one must first sharpen their tools. The clan leader had given Number 327 a treasure as something to count on.

Its use was very simple. It could sense any immense aura that appears in the boundary.

Now, there were three in Swallow Mountain.

Taking a deep breath, Number 327 suppressed the emotions that she should not have as she sent a message to her clan.

After she did that, she put the sensing treasure away. She returned to her room in a daze.

During this period when she had been in the Opening Heavens Sword Sect, she had hardly interacted with Qin Yu.

But somehow, in this unfamiliar place, she felt a sense of comfort that she had never felt before.

It was as if this was her home.

Was this the influence of the Great Dao?

Number 327 did not know. But she started to think that things were not so simple.

On the other hand.

That clan’s leader was isolating when he received Number 327’s message. His eyes glimmered.

Two mysterious True Kings had descended on Swallow Mountain to visit Qin Yu from the Opening Heavens Sword Sect.

Truthfully speaking, this was not unexpected. After all, he was the only Half-King swordsman and his attacking prowess was equivalent to that of a True King.

It was easy for him to enter the circle of the True Kings. But for not one, but two True Kings to take the initiative to come up to him, it was slightly strange.

Qin Yu was ultimately still not a True King!

The clan leader could not help but frown. At this moment, he had a surprised look as he took out a communication device.

He felt it and after a while, he muttered to himself – it was Qin Yu.

The contents were as such: the national advisor of the Great Qin Empire and Bull Dingtian had come to visit the Opening Heavens Sword Sect.

It was simple without much explanation. But the message itself demonstrated an attitude.

Qin Yu did not intend to hide this from that clan.

The first thought the clan leader had was that Number 327’s purpose had been discovered. But very soon, he discarded this thought because what he gave to Number 327 was no ordinary treasure.

Even those of the True King realm would not be able to sense its presence. Unless Number 327 showed it, it was unlikely that it would be discovered.

Very soon, the clan leader stood up and stopped frowning. Rather than guessing, it was better to just have a look.

Woosh –

In a single step, he disappeared.

Opening Heavens Sword Sect.

Qin Yu looked at the national advisor and Bull Dingtian and gestured.

“National Advisor, I understand your good intentions. Although the Opening Heavens Sword Sect has become the leader of the Sword Alliance, I do not intend to make any changes to the current structure. Please help me to explain this to His Majesty.

“As for Old Ancestor Bull...I have already said that Miss Bull Bean is not here. I understand that you may have done this out of anxiousness and I can let it be. However, please do not pressure me.”

The national advisor did not talk whereas Bull Dingtian sneered, “Qin Yu! Let’s tell the truth and stop hiding! I don’t know what you are trying to do but Bull Bean is our Bull Family’s future. If you dare to do anything to her, I will not let you be!” action

He spoke so sincerely that his acting was out of this world. Qin Yu looked at Old Ancestor Bull. I bet this is what you truly think right? You are just taking the chance to remind me.

Woosh –

That clan’s leader appeared in midair and looked expressionless, “I would like to know, Bull Dingtian, what do you intend to do with my clan’s Exalted One?”

He put his hands together, “National Advisor, long time no see.”

The national adviser smiled and greeted back, “I had other things to tend to during Sky Falling Mountain and was not able to join. Leader, your organization is as exciting as always.”

He glanced at Qin Yu and smiled.

Qin Yu stiffened as he stood up to put his hands together, “Clan Leader, why have you come?”

The clan leader spoke, “I suddenly remembered something that I would like to talk to you about and did not think I would join such a bustling discussion.”

He smiled and spoke, “Sorry if I have interrupted.”

Qin Yu shook his head, “There is no issue. Today, the Opening Heavens Sword Sect has three True Kings – your presence is honoring our place. If you three do not mind, I have instructed for a banquet to be prepared. Please stay and enjoy.”

Bull Dingtian snorted, “Forget it, I cannot drink your sect’s wine! Qin Yu, let me warn you. Stay far away from Bull Bean or you will get it from me!”

Shoosh –

He left immediately. With a punch, he broke through the Opening Heavens Sword Sect’s formation and a sword sound rang through the entirety of Swallow Mountain.

Numerous swordsmen watched.

In the celebratory moment of the leader of the Sword Alliance, what Bull Dingtian did was putting the Opening Heavens Sword Sect down.

The national advisor smiled and stood up, “Bull Dingtian has always been so rash. Sect Master Qin, do not mind him. I will also take my leave.”

He nodded towards the clan leader as he turned and left through the gap Bull Dingtian broke in the formation.

“Hmph!”

Qin Yu’s face fell and a chilly look appeared in his eyes, “That was embarrassing. Though I am the only King realm swordsman, I am still not highly regarded in the eyes of True Kings.”

The clan leader smiled softly, “Sect Master, you are thinking too much. If they did not think highly of the Opening Heavens Sword Sect, National Advisor and Bull Dingtian would not have come.”

He thought about it, “Did National Advisor come because of the army’s swordsmen?”

Qin Yu nodded, “Recently, because of my breakthrough, the swordsmen are all feeling unstable. The national advisor came to remind me that Emperor Qin wants me to stabilize the swordsmen so that they will not need to activate the army.”

The clan leader replied, “You should still listen to His Majesty’s opinion.”

Qin Yu nodded, “Clan Leader, do not worry. I don’t have any intentions to use the swordsmen…at least for now.”

The clan leader replied, “As long as you understand. What about Bull Dingtian?”

Qin Yu’s face darkened, “Bull Bean has run away again. He could not find her and came to me to ask for her. He is too much!”

He smacked down hard on the armrest, filled with anger.

The clan leader replied, “Sect Master, do you really not know where Bull Bean is?”

Qin Yu shook his head, “Of course not, otherwise why do you think Bull Dingtian would go so easily?”

The clan leader nodded, “I don’t have any other intentions. I just want to remind you to be careful not to leave any tails.”

Qin Yu looked over, “Thank you for your warning.”

The clan leader retrieved a jade, “A portion of heaven and earth fate is sealed in this jade. I came to pass this to you. With this, though it will not be able to change all bad luck into good luck, it can help some things to go smoother.”

Qin Yu took the jade and smiled, “Thank you Leader.”

“Mmhm, if there is nothing else, then I will not bother you. Goodbye.” The clan leader stood up and left.

Qin Yu played with the jade and carefully examined it. He confirmed that there was nothing wrong with it.

This was a ‘blessed’ jade. The leader of that clan was not bluffing. As the ‘heaven and earth’s spirit of fate’, the jades given by that clan could really help one change their luck.

Of course, the higher one’s cultivation was, the bigger the relation they would have with the world and the more intertwined their karma. The result would not be as pronounced.

If this jade were to be handed to someone weaker, it would really turn their fate around and they would be lucky.

But now, Qin Yu was not bothered by this jade but by the slight motion he felt when he held it.

It was like a starving predator finally finding a prey he was satisfied with and not being able to wait to take action.

But now was not the time.

Suppressing the urge he felt, Qin Yu stored the jade. He then took a step and appeared outside Number 327’s room.

He knocked on her door.

Very soon, Number 327 opened it and walked out respectfully, “Greetings, Sect Master Qin.”

“Mmhm, Number 327, I want to walk around Swallow Mountain. Follow me.”

Number 327 had been feeling uneasy and now she could not help but look at him strangely.

Qin Yu looked at her, “Is there a problem?”

Number 327 shook her head, “No.”

Qin Yu replied, “Then let’s go.”

He waved his sleeve and they both left the Opening Heavens Sword Sect and appeared at a mountain peak.

The wind blew at their long sleeves and caused their hair to fly behind them.

Number 327 suddenly felt nervous. Her first thought was that this place was secluded and good to do anything.

Qin Yu held his hands together and did not look back, “Don’t be worried, I just wanted to tell you that this is the highest mountain peak in Swallow Mountain. However, no sword sects have taken this place and set up their sect here. Do you know why?”

Number 327 was clearly lost in Qin Yu’s line of thought as she abruptly shook her head.

Qin Yu looked at her, “Actually, I also don’t know why.”

Number 327 was speechless, “...”

She suddenly felt that Qin Yu was unreal.

The only King realm swordsman, who was comparable to a True King. Was he like this privately?

And even if this was how he behaved privately, why would he show it to her?

She was from that clan and that clan had sent her over. Though Qin Yu had been the one to request for her, he must surely have guessed that she was here to monitor him.

Even today, the leader had suddenly come!

Number 327 was slightly confused.

Qin Yu pointed, “Swallow Mountain is made of sword sects. However, it is not completely filled with sword cultivation. There are many flat lands and cities with people living in them.

“In that direction, there is a city called East Sword City. It is huge and a very popular place in Swallow Mountain. Let’s go there.”

Number 327 could not help but ask, “Sect Master Qin, haven’t you always been isolating?”

Qin Yu smiled, “I am sure you don’t need me to explain relaxing cultivation right? Moreover, occasionally taking a break can help your cultivation sometimes.”

Without giving Number 327 a chance to ask further, Qin Yu stepped out and a sword shadow appeared.

But this time, he was clearly controlling his aura and did not show the impressive sword aura that a King realm swordsman should have.

Number 327 could only follow behind. She looked confused as she stared at his back.

One hour later, East Sword City was in sight. Qin Yu descended and turned around, “Let’s walk over.”

Number 327 nodded.

She had thought it through. She just needed to monitor his movements and not care about anything else.

The word ‘Sword’ in East Sword City was a status symbol.

“It is rumored that hundreds of thousands of years ago, an incredibly strong sword cultivator once appeared here. He was called East Sword Master. He had incredible swordsmanship and died here. He left his Sword Dao here and whoever could obtain it would be incredibly lucky and have an unlimited future!”

At the city gate, an old man was dancing and talking, his saliva splashing everywhere.

The way he was moving was as if he had seen the inheritance left behind by the East Sword Master and it was definitely in East Sword City.

Around him, a few young people were laughing as they teased him.

“Old Supervisor, are you bragging again? East Sword Master had descendants, so wouldn’t he have left his inheritance to them?”

“That’s right, old man. Back then, you tricked us and made me search blindly in this city for many days.”

“Yeah! Old Supervisor, you still owe me a bottle of wine. I was foolish and got tricked by him to settle his bill.”

Having been seen through, the Old Supervisor flushed, “Go away! Bunch of young brats, you don’t know what is good for you! The opportunity is right in front of you and you don’t know how to cherish it. It is your problem.”

There was another wave of teasing.

“Old Supervisor, you are getting angry because you are embarrassed!”

“Hahaha, let’s go before we waste more time arguing with him!”

“The city gate is open, let’s go to the Sword Store at the East Gate. I heard the one speaking today is a Ruler realm swordsman.”

“Don’t bluff. How can we believe things said in the Sword Store at the East Gate? Ruler realm swordsman? A Saint realm would be good enough!”

Qin Yu stood in the crowd as he watched the annoyed-looking Old Supervisor.

“Let’s go.”

He brought Number 327 away and followed the crowd into the city.

At this moment, Qin Yu frowned slightly.

Bam –

Near Number 327, several young men bumped into each other and fell. “Ouch,” they became a pile of radishes on the floor.

The most unlucky one was one that had smashed his face onto the ground and broke his two front teeth. He was holding his mouth and groaning.

Number 327’s gaze landed on Qin Yu’s back. Her mouth shifted but she did not say anything.

Upon entering the city, they headed east. A garden of vegetables forms the essence…this was not just a common saying. The East Street of East Sword City really sold all sorts of spiritual plants.

Swordsmen practicing sword cultivation had high demands on their physical state. If they were not careful, they could suffer the backlash of their own sword aura. The more powerful the sword technique was, the higher the demands on their physical state.

So spiritual plants that could replenish and strengthen their physical state had always been a popular item in Swallow Mountain. Several major spiritual plant sects had very good impressions of the swordsmen from Swallow Mountain.

All of them were suitable and premium customers; they had a big appetite and bought numerous items. Every year, they would earn a lot.

Rather than essence, it was more spiritual. Qin Yu even saw a white radish struggling to escape from a basket.

It was a pity that the basket had been sealed. As soon as the radish reached the opening, it would fall back down.

It was obvious that this was the first time Number 327 was seeing something like this. Her eyes were wide as she was completely absorbed in it.

Qin Yu walked over and pointed, “How much is the radish?”

Very soon, he walked back. Number 327 was flustered as he threw the radish to her, “For you. It is to thank you for agreeing to accompany me today.”

It was obvious that the radish was not enough. Later on, there were oranges, beans and melons.

But what Number 327 liked to eat most was candied haw made by immortals. Their candied haw was made extremely well and very delicious. In a single bite, there was a good mix of sourness and sweetness.

Even Qin Yu nodded as he ate.

Number 327 ate three sticks in one go. She blushed as she waved and indicated that she was full.

Qin Yu smiled as he nodded. He bought a few more and held onto them.

The stall owner selling the candied haw was smiling, “You treat your sister very well. Since you bought so much, I will give you another stick for free. Come again once you are done.”

Qin Yu paused as he looked at Number 327, “Do we look alike?”

The stall owner said, “Not really, but your temperament is similar and you seemed close. Aren’t you siblings? I spoke too much, please do not get offended.”

Qin Yu smiled as he turned to leave.

Number 327 heard what the stall owner said as well. She frowned. Though this person’s candied haw was nice, he had bad judgement.

She was from that clan. The number of people from that clan had been fixed since a long long time ago. They could not have more or fewer people.

Siblings? How dare he say that!