下載應用程式
4.65% Whispering Realms: Apprentice of the Ethereal / Chapter 4: Ink-Tinged Earth Python

章節 4: Ink-Tinged Earth Python

After Yun Qingyi left, silence enveloped the study of Mirror Cloud Residence.

Sitting by the bookshelf, Li Luoning silently perused the pages while Mie Xingzhe stood in the center, uncertain of what to say.

After what seemed like hours, Mie Xingzhe felt his legs stiffening from standing too long.

"I can't just stand here forever. I have to say something," he thought to himself.

However, the oppressive silence emanating from Li Luoning made Mie Xingzhe hesitant. After a mental pep talk, he took a deep breath and was about to speak when his gaze fell upon Li Luoning's injured arm.

"This wound... from our scuffle just now," he realized, feeling guilty.

"Sorry," Mie Xingzhe muttered, his eyes filled with remorse.

Hearing him speak, Li Luoning finally put down the ancient tome and looked at him intently.

"Do you really not want to stay here?" Li Luoning asked calmly, puzzled by Mie Xingzhe's persistent attempts to leave.

"No, it's not that... I..." Mie Xingzhe struggled to find the words, hesitant to reveal his true nature as a spirit.

Li Luoning sighed inwardly, realizing this conversation would be more complicated than he thought.

This child, though a spirit, is somewhat unique. However, his rash nature may cause trouble in the future.

Although the senior's instructions were clear, and he himself shared the sentiment, he still didn't fully understand Mie Xingzhe's character. Bringing it up now might seem abrupt.

Uncertain how to handle the situation, Li Luoning closed his eyes, gently rubbing his temples.

Mie Xingzhe, head lowered, dared not speak. He couldn't shake off the fear of Li Luoning's imposing aura.

After waiting for a while without any response from Li Luoning, Mie Xingzhe cautiously stole a glance at him, feeling guilty seeing the blood-stained robe.

"Sorry, I... caused you harm," Mie Xingzhe muttered, feeling indebted and at a loss for words.

"Do you know, if we had arrived even a moment later today, you would've been beyond saving?" Li Luoning raised his brows lightly, tapping the table sternly.

"I... know... thank you... for saving me again," Mie Xingzhe stuttered, involuntarily stepping back upon seeing the wooden ruler beside Li Luoning.

Li Luoning, knowing Mie Xingzhe's intentions, still wanted to hear it from him.

"I-I just... went out... for a walk," Mie Xingzhe answered softly, unable to come up with a better excuse.

"But, but I promise not to run away again... no, I mean, I won't just wander outside. I can stay and work as a handyman to repay your kindness for saving me twice," Mie Xingzhe hastily corrected himself.

Li Luoning closed his eyes, feeling a bit annoyed. He absentmindedly rubbed his temples, then noticed the ruler beside him.

He pondered how to handle the situation with Mie Xingzhe. Although Mie Xingzhe seemed inherently good, his past experiences made him wary.

Seeing Mie Xingzhe's injured leg, Li Luoning felt a pang of concern. He suspected Mie Xingzhe's reluctance to stay in Liangyin Immortal Realm might stem from more than mere wanderlust.

Glancing at his arm wound, Li Luoning asked softly, "Just a walk, did it help you feel better?"

Mie Xingzhe, feeling guilty, muttered about wanting to stroll outside. Li Luoning suggested Qingyi accompany him.

However, Mie Xingzhe declined, feeling safer indoors after his recent encounter. He reflected on the danger he narrowly avoided.

Li Luoning gently waved his fingers, and a golden light softly wrapped around Mi Xingzhe's wrist twice before disappearing. Mi Xingzhe wondered where the golden light had gone and checked his sleeve.

"This is called 'Guiding Peace.' If you get lost or encounter danger next time, it will help guide you back to Mirror Cloud Residence," explained Li Luoning.

"Oh, I see. Thank you," Mi Xingzhe responded, lowering his head and glancing at the faint golden thread on his hand, curious as he toyed with it.

"Liayun Immortal Realm is complex, and since you're not familiar with the surroundings, venturing out alone can easily lead to getting lost. If you feel bored staying at Mirror Cloud Residence, you can always ask Qingyi to accompany you outside. It will also help you learn more about people and things," Li Luoning said, jotting something down on paper.

Listening to Li Luoning's words, Mi Xingzhe seemed to suddenly think of something.

"Uh... Can I ask a question?" Mi Xingzhe raised his hand somewhat timidly and asked.

"Go ahead," Li Luoning was somewhat surprised, with a slight smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. He responded in a friendly tone.

"I heard that those who can enter the immortal sect for cultivation, although not everyone can ascend to immortality, mostly possess magical abilities. And I've heard that most of the immortals in Liayun Immortal Realm are clad in white with golden light all around. Even their magic has their own colors and symbols. So, shouldn't the color of that divine beast be golden? But how come the one I encountered in the forest today had such eerie dark eyes, looked so strange and terrifying, and had such a bizarre and aggressive temperament?" Mi Xingzhe asked earnestly.

Li Luoning's lips gently curled up. He didn't expect this youngster to know so much, but people's ability to spread rumors was also impressive. Listening to his words, it seemed like the cultivators of Liayun Immortal Realm were regarded as gods by ordinary people.

"In recent years, the nobles of Vanri Valley have often indulged in hunting ferocious beasts in the vicinity of Jiuling, making the area quite restless. Moreover, the area around Peach Blossom Forest and Jiuling often encounters ferocious beasts that have escaped from the Kunlun Hills. This earth lizard probably escaped from the Kunlun Hills and accidentally wandered into the vicinity of Peach Blossom Forest," Li Luoning explained.

"They hunt not only ferocious beasts but also..." Mi Xingzhe muttered softly. As someone who was taken from a hunting ground, he knew very well how depraved those demons from Vanri Valley could be.

Li Luoning didn't hear clearly what Mi Xingzhe said, but he seemed to sense something from Mi Xingzhe's earlier question and asked again:

"You said the earth lizard you encountered today had black eyes? Are you sure it was black eyes you saw?"

"It's absolutely true. It was so close to me at that time that I could even see the sweat on its face clearly. It even sprayed saliva all over me. How could I not see clearly?" Mi Xingzhe explained excitedly, gesturing as he spoke.

"Although earth lizards prey on humans, their appearance usually consists of four-horned camel hair, claws, and snow eyes. I've never heard of any unusual colors. How could there be inexplicable dark eyes?" Li Luoning was puzzled, trying to recall seeing the dark aura during his fight with the earth lizard. He initially thought it was just burnt black smoke. If Mi Xingzhe also saw it, then it wasn't as simple as he had previously speculated.

"Eating... eating people? That sheep-like creature, uh, no, that earth lizard, shouldn't it be eating grass? How come it's eating people?" Mi Xingzhe widened his eyes, stuttering as he repeated Li Luoning's words. He had thought the earth lizard was just angry because he disturbed its sleep. After all, he was the lamb who narrowly escaped the tiger's mouth. Now thinking about it, he felt quite frightened.

"Otherwise, why do you think it was chasing you relentlessly? If you sneak out like that again next time without a word, you might not be so lucky," Li Luoning glanced at Mi Xingzhe, warning him in a low voice.

"I understand," Mi Xingzhe acknowledged his fault, awkwardly pursing his lips and smiling bitterly.

After a slight pause, Li Luoning seemed to think of something and looked up, staring seriously at Mi Xingzhe.

Mi Xingzhe felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny, inspecting himself all over but finding nothing wrong. He didn't know what Li Luoning was up to.

"In the future, stay here with Qingyi and learn some medicinal skills. How about that?" Li Luoning suddenly curved his lips into a perfect arc, making Mi Xingzhe think he was hallucinating. Just a moment ago, Li Luoning had a stern and aloof demeanor, but now he suddenly hung such a friendly and gentle smile on his face.

"Why?" Mi Xingzhe asked nervously, unable to understand what Li Luoning was planning.

"Counting today, I've already saved you twice. Shouldn't you stay to repay the kindness?" Li Luoning asked.

"How should I repay the kindness?" Mi Xingzhe asked softly.

"As for specific repayment, I haven't figured it out yet. So, for now, just stay here, and I'll figure it out later," Li Luoning said, pretending to ponder the matter.

"I... I can do anything, laundry, cooking, cleaning—I'm good at everything, but pharmacology and medical skills, that's..." Mi Xingzhe hastily said, showing his competence in physical tasks, but he truly didn't understand pharmacology and medical skills.

"So, that means you're willing to stay?" Li Luoning didn't look up at him, just kept her eyes on the book in her hand, replying casually.

Mi Xingzhe was choked up and didn't know how to respond. He just kept his head down, thinking and thinking. Nowhere else to go, staying here might not allow him to practice immortal techniques, but at least he would have food to eat. It was better than going back to his previous life of scavenging.

Moreover, Li Luoning and Yun Qingyi seemed easy to get along with. If he stayed here, it would probably be much better than becoming a servant in a wealthy household.

"Well then, I'll stay. Will there be food?" Mi Xingzhe's voice became even smaller as he lowered his head further.

Satisfied to hear this, Li Luoning lifted her head with a content smile and asked, "What would you like to eat? I'll have Qingyi prepare it."


章節 5: Snow at the Cheng Gate

On the day of "Snow at the Cheng Gate," the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm was enveloped in pristine white clouds, with a serene atmosphere and misty veils. Immortal friends from all realms strolled leisurely, engaged in lively discussions about the day's main event, "Snow at the Cheng Gate."

Legend had it that the Immortal Master Liaoying, after empathizing with the suffering of the mortal world and balancing the forces of the Three Realms, sacrificed a part of himself to create the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm. He hoped that future practitioners would revere the heavens, cherish the people, and safeguard all living beings.

"Snow at the Cheng Gate" marked the opening of the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm's barrier, the only day it welcomed visitors from the Three Realms. Hence, individuals from various corners of the realm came together to witness the assessments. Presently, besides the immortals, the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm comprised Immortal Lords/Masters, War Gods, Warlords, Immortal Scholars, and Immortal Servants/Soldiers.

"This 'Snow at the Cheng Gate' aims to select virtuous immortal friends from diverse realms who are ready to serve in the celestial court. I hope all participants will display their talents and shine in the competition. Ever since the enlightenment of the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm, it has embraced selfless love and compassion for the world, striving to maintain peace and protect all beings. Thus, I urge all immortal friends partaking in 'Snow at the Cheng Gate' to fulfill their roles and contribute their utmost efforts, paving the way for peace in the Three Realms." This dignified and refined voice belonged to Xuanming Star Lord, who oversaw various literary affairs and held significant prestige in the realm.

"'Snow at the Cheng Gate' is about to commence, and the theme for this assessment is..." A celestial servant on the elevated platform raised their hand, unfurling a scroll, sparking murmurs among the crowd.

"What's this? 'Yellow Emperor's Chariot'!" Various immortals couldn't help but express their surprise.

"'Snow at the Cheng Gate,' the assessment topic is 'Yellow Emperor's Chariot' at Jiuling." The celestial servant glanced at the assessment topic in the scroll and announced loudly.

"The Yellow Emperor's Chariot possesses inherent fairness and discernment, capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. It's said that those with personal desires and ulterior motives cannot approach it. Hence, the victor of this assessment not only requires exceptional martial prowess but also a heart dedicated to righteousness and the common good. Otherwise, the Yellow Emperor's Chariot may remain elusive, preventing anyone from reaching it, let alone bringing it back." Xuanming Star Lord whispered to another Star Lord beside him.

With the command given, all immortal servants, scholars, and participants from the Three Realms set off, heading towards Jiuling.

Jiuling, located east of the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm and bordering the Wuming Demon Mountain to the northwest, was not merely separated from the mortal world by flat lands but also connected to every corner of the Three Realms.

Although Jiuling lay adjacent to the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm, its terrain primarily comprised steep mountains, cascading springs, and rugged cliffs. It was no easy feat for ordinary folk to traverse it. Nevertheless, it served as an excellent training ground for cultivation.

On the grand hall, numerous immortals, both civil and martial, were seated. Li Luoning and Senior Mu Han were arranged to sit on the left side of the hall, slightly elevated.

Unlike most of the immortals engaged in lively conversations, Li Luoning appeared nonchalant, occasionally closing his eyes to rest while leisurely sipping his wine. He seemed detached from the proceedings, as if he were there just to enjoy the wine.

Meanwhile, Yun Qingyi and Mi Xingzhe stood aside in their immortal attire.

"Brother Qingyi, when will this 'Snow at the Cheng Gate' end? Do I have to socialize with these completely unfamiliar people?" Mi Xingzhe asked impatiently, feeling uncomfortable in the bustling environment, as it wasn't his intention to be there.

"Hey, look, isn't that the little immortal servant that Senior Xiao Yi brought back earlier? Doesn't seem extraordinary at all," whispered a young immortal servant nearby, pointing at Mi Xingzhe.

"Yeah, that's him, as skinny as a monkey. It's strange though, Senior Xiao Yi, who's known for being obsessed with medicine, rarely interacts with others. How come he voluntarily brought back this little immortal servant? I heard he has been living in the Mirror Cloud Residence for quite some time now," another young immortal servant responded.

Mi Xingzhe naturally heard the discussion between the two and couldn't help but feel a bit inferior, lowering his head.

Beside him, Yun Qingyi comfortingly patted Mi Xingzhe's head, gesturing for him not to mind the others' words.

Although Li Luoning was a casual immortal in the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm, renowned for his medical skills and outstanding cultivation, his handsome appearance concealed a lonely and reserved demeanor due to his reputation. Moreover, his cold and handsome face had captivated many immortal servants in the realm.

Countless aspiring immortals sought to become his disciples, but Li Luoning didn't even spare them a glance. Now, not only had Mi Xingzhe been brought back to stay for many days, but he was also openly brought out to meet others, inevitably arousing jealousy among others.

Though Li Luoning had already taken in Yun Qingyi as his disciple, Yun Qingyi's gentle and polite demeanor made him a topic of discussion among many immortal servants in the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm.

However, the position of Senior Xiao Yi's closed-door disciple was often coveted.

Compared to these two, Mi Xingzhe's unfamiliar face and ordinary aptitude seemed out of place.

"Brother Qingyi, is your master particularly popular in the Lingering Tranquility Immortal Realm?" Mi Xingzhe whispered softly into Yun Qingyi's ear.

Upon hearing Mi Xingzhe's words, Yun Qingyi smiled at him, gently pursing his lips as a sign for him to lower his voice.

"Well, those immortal servants are mostly fascinated by Master's appearance. Plus, with Master usually keeping to himself, he does exude an air of mystery to them. You'll get to see for yourself gradually," Yun Qingyi whispered softly.

Noticing the two behind him murmuring, Li Luoning, who had been resting with closed eyes, slightly opened his eyes and glanced in their direction.

Seeing Li Luoning's gaze drifting towards them, Mi Xingzhe gently tugged on Yun Qingyi's sleeve, and the two immediately quieted down, pretending as if nothing had happened.

"Xingzhe," Li Luoning softly called out, then motioned for Mi Xingzhe to come over.

"Don't pay attention to what others are saying. If you really don't enjoy being here, let Qingyi take you back," Li Luoning said calmly, as if he didn't care much about the Snow at the Cheng Gate event. To him, it was just a social obligation he had to fulfill.

"No... no need, I'm... I'm fine like this," Mi Xingzhe declined, stepping back.

"Just endure a little longer. It'll probably end soon," Yun Qingyi reassured him softly, glancing at the departing figure of a woman, then nodded understandingly.

Mi Xingzhe nodded obediently.

Meanwhile, at the Ju Ling Peak...

A graceful and handsome female warrior stood on high ground, observing the terrain. Her black attire fluttered lightly in the wind, her long hair tied up, accentuating her slender figure and heroic demeanor.

With a sharp gaze, the female warrior surveyed her surroundings from above, pondering for a moment before seeming to come to a decision.

"As a young creature, the Charioteer Yellow prefers to reside near water, especially during this season. The best place for it should be by a stream with tall trees, a cool and restful spot," she muttered to herself.

With her direction set, the female warrior dashed off swiftly, her agile figure leaping between the cliffs. Her footsteps were so light that even someone nearby wouldn't notice her movements.

The female warrior watched as the crowd below searched aimlessly, and with a playful demeanor, she suddenly stopped and pointed in the opposite direction, loudly exclaiming, "The Charioteer Yellow is over there, I've spotted it!"

Hearing her voice, the crowd immediately rushed towards the direction indicated by the female warrior's finger.

Meanwhile, among the group of immortals and young disciples, one person suddenly stopped in their tracks and looked around.

Seeing no one nearby, they summoned a wisp of black smoke from their bag and directed it towards the direction of the Ju Ling Peak's grand hall, then cast a fierce glance before disappearing into the crowd.

"Sure enough, it's here."

As expected by the female warrior, she found the young Charioteer Yellow napping under the sparse shade of a few trees by the stream in the Ju Ling Peak.

The young Charioteer Yellow was still in its infancy, its goose-yellow fur looking soft and fluffy as it gently waved in the breeze. Occasionally, a few milky-white hairs shone brightly under the sunlight, resembling a sleeping lamb.

As the Charioteer Yellow was still young, it looked innocent and had a low level of vigilance. The female warrior approached quietly and slowly, then gradually moved closer to the young Charioteer Yellow.

Hearing the sound, the Charioteer Yellow simply raised its head, giving her a sleepy glance before turning its head and tucking its pink nose under its belly, ignoring her presence.

The female warrior understood that she had gained the Charioteer Yellow's approval, so she casually waved her immortal technique and effortlessly picked up the young Charioteer Yellow in her hands.

"Little one, come with me," she said, carrying the Charioteer Yellow as they flew back to the Ju Ling Peak.

In the grand hall, many immortals were drinking, chatting, and enjoying music and dance when a young disciple hurriedly ran in.

"Reporting to the Immortal Master, Yue Ru Ling has brought back the young Charioteer Yellow," the disciple announced.

Upon hearing this, the immortals were delighted, and one immortal said, "I heard that Yue Ru Ling was just an ordinary mortal before, but she obtained a chance encounter and accidentally consumed an immortal herb, transforming from a mortal into a powerful woman with formidable magic. Unexpectedly, she captured the auspicious beast with such ease. Truly remarkable."

"It is said that when she first entered the Ju Ling Peak, although she was young, she could spar with Qing Yuan for dozens of rounds. Did you hear about this?"

Qing Yuan, who was nearby, simply smiled and shook his head without replying.

Before the conversation could continue, Yue Ru Ling returned with the young Charioteer Yellow in her arms.

"After you, Immortal Master. Yue Ru Ling has brought back the Charioteer Yellow, please review it," the young disciple announced.

Then, she gently placed the Charioteer Yellow on the ground. The little creature shook its head, just awakened from its nap, and stretched lazily before slowly standing up, looking around somewhat dazed.

"Please rise, Yue Ru Ling. Your reputation is well deserved. To locate the young Charioteer Yellow in such a short time and bring it back safely is truly remarkable," praised the Immortal Master.

"You flatter me, Immortal Master. I was merely fortunate to find the Charioteer Yellow," Yue Ru Ling replied modestly with a smile.

"You are too modest. I hereby announce that the winner of this year's Chengmen Li Xue is Yue Ru Ling. She shall be rewarded with an elixir for cultivation, promoted to Immortal Warrior, and granted the Flowing Light Battle Armor," declared the Immortal Master with a pleased expression.

"Thank you, Immortal Master." Yue Ru Ling smiled and accepted graciously, then glanced in the direction of Li Luo Ning with a childish pride on her face.

Li Luo Ning sat there, leisurely swaying the wine glass between his fingers, completely oblivious to Yue Ru Ling's gaze.

However, Mi Xingzhe noticed the glance Yue Ru Ling casted, tugging at Li Luo Ning's sleeve to wake him up.

Feeling the tug, Li Luo Ning glanced at Mi Xingzhe. Mi Xingzhe gestured towards Yue Ru Ling, prompting Li Luo Ning to follow his gaze to Yue Ru Ling, who was staring at him.

"It seems like she's looking at you," Mi Xingzhe murmured softly to Li Luo Ning.

Just as Li Luo Ning's eyes were about to meet Yue Ru Ling's, the Charioteer Yellow beside Yue Ru Ling suddenly became agitated, roaring loudly and tensing up as if something had frightened him behind Yue Ru Ling, making him full of hostility.

The fur behind the Charioteer Yellow slowly stood up, emitting a faint blue light, glaring fiercely in Yue Ru Ling's direction as if it would attack at any moment.

Before Yue Ru Ling could react, a deafening roar came from behind her, followed by a powerful magic crashing down, hitting the center of the Immortal Master's hall, flipping over the tables of many immortals present, and knocking down many immortal masters and disciples who couldn't dodge in time.

Seeing this, Li Luo Ning quickly grabbed a folding fan and threw it in the direction where the Charioteer Yellow was roaring. Although he couldn't see what the Charioteer Yellow was roaring at, it was certain that there was something in that direction.

The folding fan seemed to touch something in the air before bouncing back, followed by a roar and the emergence of a gigantic earthworm from the black smoke.

Seeing such a large earthworm, chaos erupted in the hall instantaneously. Many young immortals and servants panicked and fled in all directions. Some immortals were injured and couldn't move on the ground.

The Charioteer Yellow was thrown several meters away by the force and crashed heavily into a pillar not far from Mi Xingzhe. It struggled to get up but failed several times. It seemed to be seriously injured, panting heavily before collapsing to the ground.

"Little Charioteer Yellow!" Mi Xingzhe saw the injured little creature not far away.

Then he looked at Li Luo Ning, who had flown out to confront the enemy, and struggled to get up and run towards the injured Charioteer Yellow.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt? Don't move, you'll be fine," Mi Xingzhe comforted the little Charioteer Yellow as he picked it up.

"It's you again!" Mi Xingzhe turned his head and saw the earthworm shrouded in black smoke. He recognized it as the monster that had chased him in the woods that day, his voice full of anger.

Hearing Mi Xingzhe's words, Li Luo Ning also looked closely at the earthworm in front of him. Seeing the blood stains on its claws, he realized that this earthworm was the same one he had encountered in the forest.

What puzzled Li Luo Ning was how the earthworm had grown so large in just a few days.

Without much time to think, the giant earthworm lunged forward. Li Luo Ning threw the folding fan in his hand, hitting the earthworm's right eye. The creature recoiled in pain, closing its eyes.

"May the dark flames of heaven burn, and the soul be silent~"

Seizing the opportunity, Li Luo Ning summoned his long sword and flew towards the earthworm, thrusting it forward.


Load failed, please RETRY

每周推薦票狀態

Rank -- 推薦票 榜單
Stone -- 推薦票

批量訂閱

目錄

顯示選項

背景

EoMt的

大小

章評

寫檢討 閱讀狀態: C4
無法發佈。請再試一次
  • 寫作品質
  • 更新的穩定性
  • 故事發展
  • 人物形象設計
  • 世界背景

總分 0.0

評論發佈成功! 閱讀更多評論
用推薦票投票
Rank NO.-- 推薦票榜
Stone -- 推薦票
舉報不當內容
錯誤提示

舉報暴力內容

段落註釋

登錄

tip 段落評論

段落註釋功能現已上線!將滑鼠移到任何段落上,然後按下圖示以添加您的評論。

此外,您可以隨時在「設置」 中將其關閉/ 打開。

明白了