“Uncle?”
The girl with chubby cheeks looked puzzled and then shook her head, “You’re lying! I don’t have any uncles…”
“Haha!”
Fang Xi couldn’t resist gently pinching her cheek again, smiling, “Your name is ‘Wei Yixi’, isn’t it? If I didn’t know you, how would I know your name?”
Wei Yixi furrowed her lovely small eyebrows, seemingly troubled as she nibbled on her finger. She appeared to be genuinely pondering how this stranger knew her name; could he really be her uncle?
“Good girl, Yixi…” Fang Xi’s expression softened. “Uncle accidentally took the wrong path. Can you open the formation and let me out, please? Uncle will bring you some yummy treats later…”
“Yes!”
Wei Yixi nodded, reaching into her tiny bag for a token.
In the next moment, with a sly smile, she suddenly jumped back, far away from him, and waved the token.
Instantly, a dense fog emerged, separating them.“You lied!”
Wei Yixi feigned surprise and scratched her cheek. “If you were my uncle, how could you not know the secret to entering the formation? Mama! Mama, come quick, there’s a bad person!”
Her crisp voice echoed far and wide throughout the valley.
“Who dares trespass on West Peak? Show yourself, vermin!” A stern shout accompanied by a flash of magical artifact’s light descended swiftly from mid-air, revealing a middle-aged woman.
Upon seeing Fang Xi, she hesitated momentarily. “Fellow Daoist Hua, it has been ten years…”
Fang Xi solemnly bowed with mixed emotions.
Hua Chanjuan no longer resembled the graceful figure she had been a decade ago. Instead, wrinkles lined her eyes, her back was slightly hunched, and her hair showed streaks of gray amidst the black, making her appear akin to a forty-year-old woman in the mortal realm.
Cultivators typically do not age so rapidly, but over these past ten years, Hua Chanjuan had relentlessly worked, accumulated spirit stones, and purchased formations… leading to signs of exhaustion and strain taking their toll.
“Is that… Fellow Daoist Fang Xi?!” Hua Chanjuan seemed almost disbelief.
Although her face remained unchanged, Hua Chanjuan’s demeanor had shifted dramatically from the cautious and reserved spirit farmer she once was.
Now, Fang Xi exuded an aura of elegance and vitality, standing tall like a vibrant evergreen pine, brimming with energy that made even Hua Chanjuan feel rejuvenated.
“Mother…who is this?”
Wei Yixi tugged at Hua Chanjuan’s sleeve, whispering softly. It was the first time she had seen her mother treat an outsider cultivator so warmly, piquing her curiosity immensely.
“This is Uncle Fang Xi, whom I’ve told you about before. He can be considered a good friend of your father and me…” Hua Chanjuan’s expression was complex as she turned to Fang Xi. “It has been ten years since we last met. Please come inside, Daoist friend, for a cup of honey water…”
“Many thanks!”
Fang Xi bowed slightly and followed Hua Chanjuan into the house.
Wei Yixi continued to observe Fang Xi curiously, seemingly intent on memorizing every detail of this uncle’s appearance and mannerisms.
“Yixi, shouldn’t you greet your uncle?” Fang Xi took a sip of honey water and began teasing the child again.
“Uncle!” Wei Yixi promptly responded obediently, suddenly recalling something and clapping her fair hands excitedly. “I remember now, you’re the uncle who stays hidden just like my mom!”
This time, Wei Yixi obediently called out, but then suddenly remembering something, she clapped her fair little hands excitedly. “I know now! You’re that uncle who, just like my mom, hides away at Jade Cliff and never comes out!”
“Cough…cough…”
Fang Xi choked slightly, while Hua Chanjuan gently scolded her daughter, “How is that polite? Always be courteous to outsiders…”
“But didn’t Mother say there are many bad people down the mountain?” Wei Yixi questioned with confusion.
Hua Chanjuan fell silent for a moment before turning to Fang Xi and offering an apologetic bow. “Please excuse her; children often speak without thinking.”
“Not at all, Yi Xi’s innocence and charm are delightful,” Fang Xi replied with a hearty laugh. He then proceeded to inquire about the girl’s spiritual roots.
To his observation, Hua Chanjuan’s fortune seemed quite good - Wei Yixi possessed mid-grade water elemental spiritual roots. The offspring of two cultivators typically had a higher likelihood of inheriting exceptional spiritual roots compared to those born from a cultivator and a mortal.
Fang Xi was not surprised by this outcome.
“Daoist friend, you rarely venture out. What brings you here today?” Hua Chanjuan asked, her expression becoming serious as she held her daughter close.
“Sigh… It’s because the Island Lord has challenged Old Monster Goldtooth today, and I’m feeling somewhat uneasy…”
Fang Xi explained his situation, “I came here seeking advice from Daoist friend, but unexpectedly found this place already protected by an array. My inadvertent intrusion caused me to trigger it; please forgive me!”
He rose and offered a sincere apology.
Regardless of circumstances,擅自闯入别人的阵法总是不当的行为。trespassing into someone’s protective formation is always inappropriate.
“So that’s what it’s about!” Hua Chanjuan’s face was cold as ice. “Others have visited before with similar intentions, and my response remains unchanged… Anyone daring to claim West Peak will meet their end at my hands! This peak is all that connects me to my late husband and our daughter, Yi Xi! As for who wins between the Island Lord and Ruan Xingling, it matters not to me!”
Fang Xi keenly sensed a hint of resentment towards Ruan Xingling in Hua Chanjuan’s demeanor.
Perhaps deep down, she still suspected that during Wei Yixin’s unfortunate incident, Ruan Xingling might have played a role or at least tacitly approved!
“Having devoted myself to arduous cultivation, I’m uncertain when we may meet again after today. Take care, Daoist friend!”
Finally, Fang Xi bowed respectfully, preparing to take his leave.
“Uncle!”
Just as he was about to exit the formation, Wei Yixi rushed out, raising her small fists and calling loudly, “Don’t forget, you promised to bring me some yummy treats…”
The child, likely seldom encountering outsiders, showed little caution.
Fang Xi nodded, deciding to arrange for some snacks and delicacies to be delivered to her later. Humoring children could indeed be quite enjoyable.
At Jade Cliff.
As the sun set in the west, casting golden hues across the lake’s surface,
“Master, we’re back.”
Widow Wang returned to Jade Cliff with Lu Guo and two others, her face beaming with joy.
“It seems the Island Lord emerged victorious in today’s bet,” Fang Xi observed, a smile forming on his face.
Ruan Xingling’s win aligned perfectly with his interests.
“That’s right! Master, it was truly unfortunate you couldn’t attend…” Widow Wang began recounting enthusiastically, “Today, our Island Lord, clad in red, displayed immense divine might… She held her own against Old Monster Goldtooth, who is at Peak Qi Refinement. For nearly half an incense time, they fought fiercely before gracefully conceding… In my opinion, that Old Monster Goldtooth couldn’t overpower our Island Lord!”
“Yes, indeed… Whenever the Island Lord made a move, bell chimes echoed incessantly, causing anyone nearby to feel disoriented, unable to budge…” Lu Guo chimed in from the side.
‘It appears Ruan Xingling has indeed reached the pinnacle of the ninth layer of Qi Refinement, possibly even the great perfection of the tenth layer…’ Fang Xi thought to himself, smiling. “From now on, the name ‘Peach Bell Goddess’ will surely resound throughout Wan Island Lake.”
Meanwhile, with Old Monster Goldtooth’s losses both financially and reputationally, his progress towards Foundation Establishment would undoubtedly be hindered - a significant advantage for Fang Xi.
“After this battle, our Peach Blossom Island will now be recognized among the Thirty Six Islands. No one foolish enough to challenge us will dare scheme against our market shops again.” Widow Wang’s face glowed with pride, but then as if recalling something else, she scoffed, “I bet the happiest person here is that Mu Wen. I heard the Island Lord was quite impressed during the recent performance review and has allowed him to continue as Great Shopkeeper!”
“I see,” Fang Xi responded indifferently.
Only when Mu Wen breaks through to Late Stage Qi Refinement will he earn Fang Xi’s respect.
“As for Mu Wen, I’ve also heard some news about him,” Lu Guo suddenly interjected.
“Oh? Do share…” Fang Xi smiled slightly, adding, “If it’s valuable, Master might teach you an additional magic spell today…”
“Many thanks, Master.” Lu Guo hastily expressed gratitude before sharing his insights: “While mingling with the Mu Clan youngsters, I overheard them saying there’s turmoil within their clan recently… Apparently, the patriarch not only plans to pledge all their spirit fields but also intends to mortgage their ancestral spiritual land. This is to borrow a substantial amount of spirit stones for purchasing a shop at the Spirit Hollow Market… Some elders strongly disagree, even threatening to split the clan!”
“This sounds like addiction to risky speculation…” Fang Xi murmured, involuntarily recalling the wealthy second-generation heirs from his previous life.
As long as they didn’t venture into entrepreneurship or gambling, even if they squandered extravagantly, it could take several decades before truly depleting their family fortune…
However, once they embarked on major ventures or significant investments, the risks skyrocketed!
While a few might succeed, failure was far more common.
Mu Wen, having tasted success from past speculations, likely aimed for a big move this time! If successful, the Mu Clan would firmly establish themselves within the Spirit Hollow Market, anchored by its tier-2 spiritual vein!
As for potential failure?
This individual probably believed he would never falter.
“I actually think it’s feasible. Owning a shop in a tier-2 spiritual vein market can sustain multiple generations easily,” Widow Wang said with evident envy. “Especially now, who would dare target cultivators from Peach Blossom Island?”
“Lu Guo, what’s your opinion?” Fang Xi turned towards Lu Guo.
“Master, I believe sticking to farming is most reliable!” Despite harboring thoughts of venturing out, Lu Guo remained steadfast and composed.
“Excellent. Tomorrow, I’ll teach you some magic spells…” Fang Xi nodded, visibly satisfied.
The fate of the Mu Clan did not significantly concern him. He merely felt a sense of melancholy when remembering Mu Xiu from years past.
The next day, Fang Xi taught Lu Guo the intricacies of the Spring Breeze and Timely Rain Technique and the Golden Seventh Metal Grass-Sweeping Sword. Afterwards, he sent him to deliver some refreshments to Twin Peak West.
Fang Xi was a man of his word, after all.
Autumn arrived, bearing abundant harvests.
Once again, the spirit fields yielded a bountiful crop. During this busy period of gathering spirit rice, even Widow Wang enlisted Wang Xiaohu’s help alongside herself, collecting any overlooked grains from the fields.
Though laborious, the sight of full granaries filled them with a deep sense of accomplishment.
However, Fang Xi discreetly assessed the fertility of the spirit fields, planning to reserve one or two acres for planting spirit herb seeds the following year. His pill concocting required large quantities of materials for practice, and his current stock was dwindling, necessitating replenishment from external sources. Cultivating these himself would undoubtedly be the most cost-effective solution.
This meant more hard work for Lu Guo next year, as he would need to learn additional methods for growing various spirit herbs… But by teaching him these skills, Fang Xi was essentially imparting the knowledge of a spirit planter, something other spirit farmers would eagerly welcome!
Winter approached, bringing heavy snowfall outside.
Fang Xi activated the Little Cloudrain Array, maintaining spring-like warmth within its perimeter, causing peach blossoms to bloom profusely in the courtyard.
Underneath the peach tree stood a lacquered black table, adorned with a bamboo wine bottle and two cups. Silently, Fang Xi poured himself a glass, savoring the familiar bitter taste upon drinking it.
This year, Ruan Xingling did not visit…
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