Translator: Cinder Translations
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Ji Yin Island!
The flying ship stopped above the spiritual fields on the island.
Shan Yue felt the dense spiritual energy and the vibrant vitality on the island, a pleasant smile appeared on her face.
"This island is truly a cultivation paradise. What's its name?"
"Ji Yin Island," Song Wen replied.
"Why name such a beautiful island something so dark and ominous? Why don't we rename it?" Shan Yue asked.
Song Wen's voice was cold as he said, "Shan Yue, you are just staying here temporarily. You are not the owner of this island."
Shan Yue's lips twitched, but in the end, she didn't speak further.
A figure flew in on a sword, descending from a cliff below.
"Greetings, Senior Ji Yin," An Yin respectfully greeted Song Wen.
Song Wen nodded and pointed at Shan Yue, introducing her.
"This is Shan Yue. She will be staying on the island for a while. Please look after her."
Then, he turned to Shan Yue and said, "This is An Yin, the one I mentioned to you. If you need anything, you can go to her."
Shan Yue said, "So, Ji Yin is your Dao title, and 'Wei Ding' is just a false name, right?"
Song Wen didn't answer her and flew away directly.
An Yin looked up at Shan Yue, her eyes unintentionally showing admiration.
Shan Yue's beauty seemed to make everything around her fade into obscurity.
Even though An Yin was a woman herself and her appearance was quite outstanding, standing before Shan Yue, she inexplicably felt a sense of inferiority.
Shan Yue noticed An Yin's reaction and couldn't help but smile.
"Little sister An Yin, I'll rely on you to take care of me in the future."
An Yin bent in greeting, "An Yin greets the Mistress!"
Shan Yue, with her overwhelming beauty, subconsciously made An Yin think of her as Song Wen's Dao companion.
"Mistress?"
Shan Yue's brows slightly furrowed but then relaxed, a smile appearing on her face.
"I quite like the title of 'Mistress.' Take me to my cave dwelling."
An Yin replied, "Yes, Mistress, please follow me."
...
With less than a year remaining before the Valley of Rebirth opened, it was impossible for Song Wen to significantly improve his strength in such a short period.
Therefore, he decided to spend this time making several death substitutes to prepare for the dangers inside the Valley of Rebirth.
Time flew by, and the day he had agreed upon with Ji Qing and the others arrived.
Song Wen left behind a Shadow Gu to monitor the three women on the island and set off for Wu Ji Island.
The Shadow Gu was left primarily to watch over Shan Yue, as she carried the Soul Concealment Jade. In case she tried to secretly leave while Song Wen wasn't paying attention, it would be a significant loss for him.
Song Wen didn't go to Shadow City, but instead, traveled to the western coast of Wu Ji Island.
Ji Qing and Zhu Yin seemed not to want others to know about the Valley of Rebirth expedition, so they deliberately chose a remote location to meet in order to avoid prying eyes.
When Song Wen arrived, Ji Qing and Zhu Yin had already been waiting.
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Ji Qing. Fellow Daoists Zhu Yin and Si Xi have not arrived yet?"
Ji Qing replied, "There are still two hours left before the agreed time. They should be here soon."
Song Wen nodded slightly and walked toward a large tree, intending to sit against it and meditate. Just then, Ji Qing spoke.
"Fellow Daoist, what are your plans for this journey to the Valley of Rebirth?"
"Of course, I will cooperate fully with you and Fellow Daoist Zhu Yin," Song Wen said as if it were a matter of course.
Ji Qing raised his hand and cast a sound barrier, enveloping himself and Song Wen before continuing.
"Fellow Daoist, the Valley of Rebirth is filled with many spiritual materials. Don't you have anything you need?"
Song Wen's mind raced as he heard Ji Qing's words.
Ji Qing wouldn't show favor to him without reason; the other party must have a hidden motive.
Thinking back to a year ago when Zhu Yin had approached him to scheme, Song Wen suddenly realized: Zhu Yin was plotting against Ji Qing, and Ji Qing likely had plans of his own for Zhu Yin.
'Perhaps, this is a good opportunity to obtain the Earth Burial Lotus,' Song Wen thought, formulating his own plan.
Song Wen's expression seemed to hesitate, as though his thoughts were shifting back and forth.
Finally, he shook his head and sighed.
"My strength is weak, and I can only ensure my safety by staying near you and Zhu Yin. How could I ask for too much?"
A smile appeared at the corner of Ji Qing's mouth.
"Friend, the Valley of Rebirth is full of dangers, and entering it will not be easy. If you need something, why not speak openly? Perhaps I can lend you a helping hand."
Song Wen said, "Ji Qing, to be honest, I know almost nothing about the Valley of Rebirth. I don't even know what treasures are inside. The reason I'm willing to take the risk to enter is simply to earn a little more spirit stones."
Ji Qing seemed somewhat surprised. "You really aren't interested in the spiritual items in the Valley of Rebirth?"
"Truly," Song Wen said sincerely.
"Friend, you're a third-tier alchemist. Why would you be so eager for spirit stones and risk entering the Valley of Rebirth?" Ji Qing asked.
Song Wen replied, "I need to gather some spirit stones to purchase the Yellow Springs Corrupt Flame."
Upon hearing the words "Yellow Springs Corrupt Flame," a flash of sharpness appeared in Ji Qing's eyes.
"Why do you need the Yellow Springs Corrupt Flame, Friend?"
Song Wen explained, "The Mission Hall has a task to purchase the Yellow Springs Corrupt Flame, and the reward is an Earth Burial Lotus. I want to complete this task and obtain the lotus."
Ji Qing said, "The Yellow Springs Corrupt Flame are extremely rare. If you're planning to buy them with spirit stones, it might be impossible. But..."
"But what?" Song Wen asked, surprised.
Ji Qing answered, "The task you mentioned was posted by me."
"The Earth Burial Lotus is in your hands!" Song Wen said, his face showing shock.
"Would you be willing to part with it and give it to me? This item is extremely important to me. I can exchange it for spirit stones or other treasures," Song Wen asked.
Ji Qing smiled teasingly. "Friend, do you really think you have anything valuable enough to move me, a direct disciple of the Demon Lord?"
"Well..."
Song Wen's expression became awkward. He hesitated for a long time before sighing with a hint of dejection.
"Alas! I truly have nothing on me that would be of interest to you."
Ji Qing replied, "The task to acquire the Yellow Springs Corrupt Flame was posted over ten years ago, and no one has taken it up. The Earth Burial Lotus probably isn't worth enough to exchange for a Yellow Springs Corrupt Flame. The Earth Burial Lotus isn't particularly useful to me, so if you want it, it's not impossible. You just need to do one thing for me."
"What is it?" Song Wen asked urgently.
"When we enter the Valley of Rebirth, you will work with Si Xi and use a formation to trap Zhu Yin," Ji Qing said.
Song Wen's face immediately changed drastically. "You want to kill Zhu Yin?"
Ji Qing replied, "You're overthinking it. I only said to trap Zhu Yin, not kill her. Zhu Yin is the Demon Lord's direct disciple. If I killed her, I wouldn't be able to explain it to the Demon Lord."
Song Wen didn't believe Ji Qing's words at all.
Once someone decides to act, they don't stop halfway.
Ji Qing clearly had murderous intentions toward Zhu Yin.
Song Wen shook his head. "This is absolutely impossible. Based on what you've said, wouldn't that mean I'd be offending Zhu Yin? How could I still have a place on Wu Ji Island?"
Ji Qing said, "Wu Ji Island isn't only Zhu Yin's. With my backing, do you still need to worry about not being able to stand there? And, Friend, are you not afraid of offending me?"
By the end of his sentence, Ji Qing's tone grew increasingly cold.
"This..."
Song Wen's expression shifted, showing indecision as he struggled to make a choice.
"Think carefully before you answer," Ji Qing said coldly.
Song Wen gritted his teeth and finally said, "Fine, I agree. But the Earth Burial Lotus must be given to me first."
(End of the Chapter)
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