Three days ago, at Meiji Mountain.
"So, you’ve decided to head to the Southern Wastelands?" Su Kongyu, the master, sat calmly in the bamboo pavilion, her tone light as she asked.
Yun Qi nodded in confirmation.
"The Southern Wastelands are no peaceful place. Are you sure about this?"
Yun Qi nodded again.
The Southern Wastelands were known for their chaos and danger, but that was precisely why he wanted to go there.
If he were to travel to the tranquil regions like Suzhou or Jinling, it wouldn’t be a true journey of cultivation—it would just be a leisurely trip.
"The Southern Wastelands are filled with demons and malevolent spirits. They are ruthless and care little for virtue. A single disagreement could lead to a fight to the death, with souls scattered and bodies destroyed. Be cautious and avoid forming deep connections with anyone there."
Yun Qi understood that his master was giving him advice and bowed respectfully in acknowledgment.
"Your mental strength is among the best for someone at your level. You should be fine against lesser demons. Continue your daily meditations on the Star Lord of the Pleiades. The Southern Wastelands are a land of miasma and venomous creatures, and the Star Lord’s energy is particularly effective against such dark and sinister forces."
Additionally, near the border between the Southern Wastelands and Miaojiang lies a mountain called Tianming Mountain.
It is home to the Golden Rooster Clan, a group of demon cultivators who follow the path of righteousness and practice pure yang techniques.
You should visit them.
It might help you better grasp the essence of the Star Lord.
"By the way, the Southern Wastelands are located southwest of Yuzhang. You can pass through the Three Xiang regions. It would be best to visit western Xiang, as it’s an excellent place for raising corpses. Go and take a look."
At this point, Su Kong’s tone shifted, and she looked at Yun Qi with a serious expression.
"The art of raising corpses is a profound path within the Dao, a legitimate branch of our sect, and one of the core teachings of Meiji Mountain. It is a method that can lead one to the realm of celestial immortals. Do not underestimate it."
Yun Qi would never dare to underestimate it and quickly assured her that he wouldn’t.
Su Kong still seemed uneasy and patiently explained further, "When the arts of longevity and the underworld emerged in the world, so did the art of raising corpses. The living and the dead represent the duality of yin and yang. When their energies interact, they complement each other. At its peak, the art of raising corpses can awaken intelligence in the dead, creating a corpse immortal. When such an immortal awakens its past wisdom, it achieves transcendence, embodying the great Dao of creation."
As she spoke, Su Kong handed Yun Qi a jade slip.
"This contains methods for identifying, raising, and controlling corpses. Keep it with you and study it carefully."
Yun Qi accepted the jade slip and nodded, though he couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled.
His master seemed unusually eager for him to learn the art of raising corpses, as if she feared he might refuse.
Seeing that Yun Qi had accepted the jade slip, Su Kong seemed to relax.
She then produced a small bamboo basket, about the size of a fist, woven from purple bamboo.
It was exquisitely crafted.
With a gentle wave of her hand, the basket floated through the air and landed softly in front of Yun Qi.
Yun Qi caught it with both hands.
The basket felt cool to the touch, its bamboo strips smooth and glossy.
It resembled a cricket cage used by mortals, with mesh openings and a lid.
The basket was heavier than expected, suggesting there was something inside.
Through the mesh, Yun Qi could see something with a mottled black and gold color.
"Pour it out onto your palm and see," Su Kong instructed.
Yun Qi opened the lid and tipped the contents into his hand.
He couldn’t help but gasp in surprise.
What a beautiful beetle!
The beetle was about two inches long, its body like polished black jade, glossy and flawless.
Its wings, however, were a brilliant gold, with black veins running through them.
The contrast between the black and gold was strikingly beautiful.
The most unusual feature of the beetle was its horn, which was longer than its body and slightly curved, with a forked tip resembling the letter "T."
"What is this?" Yun Qi asked, intrigued.
"This is the Unicorn Rhinoceros Beetle, a metal-attributed creature that feeds on iron and gold. It possesses immense strength. Metal is the essence of earth, and this beetle can both fly and burrow through the ground. It’s also an expert in controlling corpses, making it a fearsome insect. It ranks highly on the Miaojiang Spirit Insect List. Two hundred years ago, one of these beetles ascended to immortality, calling itself the Unicorn Immortal. It rode a dragon corpse into the heavens."
Su Kong spoke with a calm, storytelling tone.
Yun Qi held the beetle in his hand, still in disbelief.
Could such a small creature really possess such power?
"The one you’re holding is a larva, a dead one. I dug it out of the ground many years ago," Su Kong added.
Yun Qi breathed a sigh of relief.
That made more sense.
He then realized that the beetle was completely still and cold as iron—clearly a lifeless object.
"Even a dead tiger retains its majesty. Though this beetle is dead, carrying it with you will keep the poisonous insects of the Southern Wastelands at bay. You can also use it to practice your corpse-raising techniques. If you manage to awaken its intelligence, it might even help you find a dragon corpse."
Su Kong’s tone turned playful, teasing Yun Qi.
Yun Qi chuckled and placed the beetle back into the purple bamboo basket.
"You can carry it with you without worry. Your meditation on the Pleiades Star Lord means that fire overcomes metal, and the rooster consumes insects. The faint yin energy from this beetle won’t affect you."
"I understand, Master."
"Remember, when you’re out in the world, your safety comes first."
"I will keep that in mind."
After bidding farewell to Su Kong, Yun Qi headed to the External Affairs Hall.
The Internal Affairs, Teaching, and Kitchen Departments handled matters within the mountain, but the External Affairs Hall dealt with everything outside—diplomatic relations, sect alliances, travel, and external missions.
Yun Qi approached a counter to register his departure.
"Where are you planning to go, young friend?" asked the middle-aged Daoist in charge of registration.
He had a refined and scholarly demeanor.
"I’m heading to the Southern Wastelands," Yun Qi replied.
The Daoist glanced at Yun Qi, thinking to himself that the Southern Wastelands were the stronghold of the Southern Demon Sect, a major threat to the righteous sects.
This young cultivator seemed too inexperienced to venture into such a dangerous place.
"Any specific destinations?"
"May I ask, where did Feng Jihu from the Cuckoo Valley go?" Yun Qi inquired.
The Daoist looked at Yun Qi again and said, "Someone else asked about him not long ago."
Yun Qi knew it must have been Daoist Jixuan.
He explained, "We’re close friends. Brother Jihu hasn’t sent many letters since he left the sect, and we’re a bit worried. Since I’m heading out for training anyway, I thought I might try to find him."
The Daoist nodded and flipped through the records.
"Before he left, he registered that he was heading north, traveling through the Three Xiang regions and the northern border of Miaojiang, then westward to Dianwen. He planned to visit Erhai Lake, Dianchi Lake, and Fuxian Lake before heading south to the Southern Wastelands to see the Li River and Peach Blossom River. It seems he was following the waterways."
Yun Qi thought for a moment and said, "I plan to train near the border between the Southern Wastelands and Miaojiang. I’ll head west through the Three Xiang regions, passing through Tianming Mountain, Phoenix Roost Mountain, Rotten Peach Mountain, Hundred Barbarians Mountain, and Peach Blossom River."
The Daoist noted down the locations and added, "The border between the Southern Wastelands and Miaojiang is chaotic, especially recently. The Redwood Ridge, a prominent sect in Miaojiang, and the Southern Demon Sect’s sacred ground, Hundred Barbarians Mountain, are currently in conflict. Many disciples from both sides have gathered there. Be careful."
Yun Qi thanked the Daoist for the warning.
"The Golden Rooster Clan on Tianming Mountain are righteous demon cultivators. You can seek shelter there. Also, about a hundred miles southeast of Tianming Mountain is a place called Matongxu, home to the White Stone Grotto-Heaven. The White Stone Temple there is a reclusive sect, but they are followers of the Three Pure Ones and have long-standing ties with our sect. If you encounter any serious trouble, you can seek their help."
Yun Qi nodded repeatedly.
This was one of the advantages of belonging to a major sect—there was always someone to rely on wherever you went.
His master had also mentioned the Golden Rooster Clan, so they must indeed be well-known.
However, he hadn’t heard of the White Stone Grotto-Heaven before.
"In that region, be especially wary of venomous insects and miasma. Also, watch out for soul-scattering spells. I recommend stocking up on antidotes and soul-protecting talismans before you go."
Yun Qi took the advice seriously.
"Thank you, Daoist."
The middle-aged Daoist shook his head.
"No need for thanks. Although you’ve likely memorized the sect’s rules, I must remind you of a few things. When you’re out in the world, first, do not kill indiscriminately. Second, do not act arrogantly. Third, do not reveal secrets. Fourth, avoid unnecessary risks. Fifth, do not ignore those in need. Do you understand?"
Yun Qi bowed.
"I will remember."
Disciples often referred to these as the "Three Forbiddens and Two Avoidances," and Yun Qi was well aware of them.
"Take these two items with you."
The Daoist handed Yun Qi two objects: a jade peace talisman and a jade bell.
He first gave Yun Qi the peace talisman.
"This talisman is a token of our Three Pure Mountain. Any reputable sect will recognize it. If you ever find yourself in danger, show this talisman to a nearby sect, and they will likely assist you."
Yun Qi took the talisman.
It was translucent and warm to the touch.
Next, the Daoist handed Yun Qi the jade bell.
"This is a communication tool for fellow disciples. If this bell ever rings, it means a fellow disciple nearby is calling for help. You must go and investigate. If you ever find yourself in danger, the first thing you should do is ring this bell."
Yun Qi took the bell and shook it, but no sound came out.
"You need to channel pure spiritual energy into it to make it ring," the Daoist explained.
Yun Qi understood and infused the bell with his spiritual energy.
When he shook it again, a clear, melodious chime rang out, like the sound of jade pendants clinking together.
"Be careful out there, and return safely."
The Daoist smiled as he spoke.
Yun Qi bowed in thanks and left.
After leaving the External Affairs Hall, Yun Qi returned to his room.
He pulled out a few items from his robes: the jade slip, the purple bamboo basket, the peace talisman, and the jade bell.
He stuffed them all into a pre-prepared travel bag.
Looking at the bulging bag, Yun Qi couldn’t help but smile wryly.
His desire for the Void Stone grew even stronger.
But there was nothing he could do about it now.
He tightened the bag and set it aside, then turned his attention to two conch shells—one colorful and one white—lying next to the bag.
He picked up the white conch and tucked it into his robes, pressing it against his stomach with the opening facing outward.
This was the closest spot to his guqin.
Today, he had promised to play the guqin for the green dragon.
He Bingkun grabbed Yun Qi’s hand.
"You’re leaving today?"
The burly man’s eyes widened in surprise.
Yun Qi smiled and nodded.
"I’m leaving now. With your water palace established, I have no more worries."
The young man turned and headed back to his room, with He Bingkun following closely.
He picked up the large travel bag that had been sitting on the table for a long time and slung it over his back, his smile radiant.
He Bingkun stomped his foot.
"Wait for me, little brother. I’ll go ask my master for permission and register at the External Affairs Hall. I’ll leave the sect with you. I’ve been wanting to go out again for a while."
Yun Qi chuckled.
"Only those who’ve been stuck without progress want to go out and seek opportunities. You’ve just opened your water palace and should be consolidating your cultivation and exploring your new realm. Why would you want to leave now? Besides, traveling alone is the true way to experience the world. Traveling with someone else just makes you the ‘Black and White Duo.’ Haha!"
He Bingkun laughed along.
"Traveling alone, huh? But where’s your sword? The name Cheng Nandou is famous in the Lesser Myriad Mountains, but it’s your spells and talismans that people talk about. No one’s heard of your sword skills!"
Yun Qi’s face turned red.
Ever since he made it onto the Nandou Ranking, people had started calling him Cheng Nandou, which was embarrassing.
There were still four people above him, and it was only a minor ranking.
What made it worse was that he admired Lü Dongbin and aspired to master both alchemy and swordsmanship.
But due to his lack of resources, he couldn’t afford to pursue those expensive paths.
Instead, he had gained fame for his spells and talismans.
The young Daoist, feeling self-conscious, quickly tied up his bag and rushed out of the room.
He made a hand seal and cast a simple water-repelling spell.
At the same time, the embroidered dragon on his robe transformed into a red cloud.
Yun Qi leaped onto it and flew away.
"Brother, focus on your cultivation. I’ll see you when I return!"
Yun Qi’s voice echoed in the courtyard, but the red cloud had already disappeared into the rain.
As Yun Qi passed by Kui Mountain, he no longer felt afraid.
He had grown accustomed to the mountain lord.
Over the past year, he had visited countless times, and the mountain lord had never moved an inch.
He had even meditated and absorbed spiritual energy on the mountain lord’s head!
The rain fell heavily, but Yun Qi flew faster and faster.
In no time, he had reached the sect’s main gate, high above Zhongling Mountain.
If he were leaving the sect normally, he would simply continue forward.
But Yun Qi chose a different path.
He descended and easily spotted a patch of mist that remained undisturbed even in the rain.
Without hesitation, Yun Qi plunged into the mist.
Strangely, there was no rain inside the mist—just a vast expanse of white, with nothing in sight.
Sometimes, when he looked down, it felt as if the ground below was also the sky, making it hard to tell which way was up.
He remembered the first time he entered the mountain, riding on Daoist Jihu’s cloud.
He had been nervous but tried to appear calm.
Now, returning to this place with his own cloud, he felt a sense of freedom and joy.
Yun Qi estimated that he was nearing his destination and stopped his "dragon chariot."
Standing on the cloud, he formed a hand seal—not a spell, but a key.
Soon, a brilliant light flashed before him.
He waved his sleeve to disperse some of the mist and looked down.
In front of the dragon chariot, a mirror had appeared.
It was a round mirror, about three feet in diameter, suspended horizontally in the air.
The frame was silver, and the surface seemed to hold a layer of water.
Yun Qi peered into the mirror and saw his reflection clearly, every hair and feature distinct.
He took a deep breath and stepped forward, placing his left foot into the mirror.
His foot seemed to find no solid ground, and Yun Qi’s body tilted, about to fall into the mirror.
At the last moment, he waved his hand, and the dragon chariot transformed into a red thread that attached itself to his robe.
As soon as he secured the chariot, Yun Qi completely disappeared into the mirror.
The moment Yun Qi vanished, the water mirror condensed into a speck of light and then disappeared.
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(End of Chapter)