Chapter 636

Chapter 636: The Cold Mist Jade

After they had their fill, the two left the place and walked through the mountain area.

Yu Bairen still carried a large piece of fresh, blood-red beef on his arm, with distinct marbling; even raw, it looked appetizing.

This beef was taken from the tiger-striped beast. Yu Bairen didn’t know what kind of monster it was before, but he recalled when the young lady asked him about it.

“That must be the Língniú. Such a monster usually indicates a flood, an ill omen,” he remembered.

“According to the elders in the hall, after such monsters appear, local shamans are often invited to communicate or subdue them.”

“Some powerful shamans can even control these monsters to alter the local weather and climate, regulating rain and wind.”

“But even those who cultivate the Great Way have limited abilities. How could they influence such a vast area?” The young lady wondered, though she hadn’t cultivated, she felt this was somewhat unreasonable.

“Haha, Miss Luo, despite not remembering past events, you remain so wise. Indeed, for a mortal to change the weather is akin to reaching for the sky.”

“But beneath our feet lies the land transformed by the Dragon Deity. Its primordial energy still flows through mountains and rivers, influencing the feng shui of a place and determining the prosperity of a nation.”

“The dragon veins?” The young lady blinked, trying hard to understand this unique worldview.

“Yes, it’s said that this phenomenon only exists here. Among the Subduing Dragons, there is a lineage that excels in communicating with dragon veins and regulating the primordial energy, mainly in sacrifices, or dragon worship.”

“There are other lineages like Transforming Dragons, Servant Dragons, and Rearing Dragons, each with numerous branches. I can’t explain all the subtle differences.”

As they talked about the outside world, Yu Bairen then explained why he came here.

“This year, my cultivation hit a bottleneck. I wanted to ascend another step on the ladder of heaven, but my heart was unsettled, and I couldn’t progress. So, I sought external help, but I was short on money and couldn’t buy any spirit medicines or treasures. I had to seek guidance from an old teacher I know.”

“He told me to come to the remote depths of Min Ze and take my chances. Perhaps I might find a secluded utopia and gain some benefits.”

“According to the old man, this place used to belong to the ancient Xin Country, one of the Seven Thunderlands. In the poisonous swamps, there is Cold Mist Mountain, where there is clear flowing jade. Obtaining it can clarify the mind and increase wisdom, which should greatly benefit my advancement.”

“So I came here. Unfortunately, I’ve circled around for nearly a month and haven’t found that utopia. It seems this is my fate, sigh.”

“What is a utopia?” The young lady suddenly recalled the bamboo forest and stream she woke up to.

“It’s a hidden realm of immortals, occasionally connected to the outside world, where the essence of heaven and earth converges, and there are many treasures and rare items.”

“In other words, a utopia is like a small world, like a house, opening its door only occasionally?”

“Yes, indeed. To put it simply, it’s in another space, like a hidden layer, invisible to ordinary people, and one might accidentally stumble upon it.”

Yu Bairen realized his explanation was a bit hard to grasp, so he tried another approach, inspired by what he heard from Western mages. He had seen Western guests before, with distinctive attire and golden, red, or chestnut hair. They were common in Luo Capital; he had seen a large group during the Autumn Moon Lantern Festival, reportedly students at the Jixia Academy.

“Such immortal realms are called utopias if small, blessed lands if larger, and the most precious and rare ones are called grottos. Some major sects reside within these grottos.”

“I see.” Hearing this, the young lady wasn’t as intrigued as when she heard about the dragon veins. She felt she had seen similar places before, like a room filled with bookshelves, where a petite figure sat motionless.

Listening to Uncle Yu’s explanation, the young lady gradually remembered the stone she picked up from the stream. It seemed to be what Uncle Yu was looking for. She had kept a small piece for lighting at night.

“Uncle, is this what you’re looking for?” The young lady took out a small green jade from her sleeve, round and translucent, with faint light shimmering on its surface.

“This…” Yu Bairen was surprised, examining the jade for a while, almost reaching out to take it, but hesitated, fearing to offend the young lady. After all, he knew the rules in some noble families.

Seeing Uncle Yu’s reaction, the young lady handed him the stone and asked him to examine it closely.

“It does feel cool and serene, doesn’t it?” Yu Bairen hadn’t seen anything like it before, but this feeling was pleasant.

“Then let me give it to Uncle. I don’t need it right now.” The young lady nodded happily.

After hearing her description, she wasn’t sure if she could return to the bamboo forest and stream, but helping others made her happy.

“Thank you, Miss Luo.” Initially hesitant, Yu Bairen finally accepted it.

Given his status, obtaining such a treasure would be difficult, but for this young lady, it was just a casual item, not very valuable. Besides, he needed it for his advancement. If he refused out of pride, he might miss the next opportunity.

“Huh,” he looked at the green jade and sighed slightly.

“Truly, seeking something in vain only to find it without effort, the ancients weren’t lying.”

“Actually, Uncle, good deeds lead to good outcomes. After all, you saved me and patiently told me about the outside world.” The young lady shook her head slightly, attributing her luck to being in the right place at the right time.

“Hahaha, these are trivial matters, nothing special.” Yu Bairen was generous, feeling much better after his momentary reflection.

“Now, let me escort Miss Luo down the mountain. This is repayment for your kindness. If you need any help, just say so.”

“Well, I’m not sure where to go for now, so I’ll head down the mountain first. Perhaps I’ll find a quiet place to practice and recover my memories.” The young lady leaped gracefully, like a mountain elf, lightly passing through the woods, easily following behind Uncle Yu.

“I feel like someone is waiting for me.”

(End of Chapter)