58 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

"Can this little thing survive in the Black River?" Gu Ji gently picked up a tiny creature, barely the length of a finger. It was neither fish nor any other animal, with a translucent, scaleless body where its pinkish innards were visible. Its long limbs were connected to its trunk by webbing, and except for a snout that slightly resembled a pig's, it bore no relation to any swine species. It looked as if it was only a few days old; its eyes were still shut and it emitted small squeaks when it moved. "Don't be fooled by its small size. As long as it has the roots of the Blackhearted Lotus to feed on, it will thrive regardless of the harsh environment. However, this little creature only eats and sleeps, making it easy prey for carnivorous birds and beasts. Luckily, the Black River is naturally shielded; not only can it sustain the Blackhearted Lotus, but the Smoky Cattail Pigfish's predators can't penetrate the black fog. You only need to watch over them carefully during the winter when the fog recedes." The Zhao Family Cultivator dispatched for this task was unfamiliar yet amiable, always smiling and patient in his explanations—perhaps the impending matrimony between the Zhao and Qin families played a part in his demeanor. He lifted baskets of pigfish hatchlings from the Silver-backed Ray’s back and distributed them to the Chu Qin members. "Planting them is a bit labor-intensive; you must manually place each pigfish hatchling onto the lotus blossoms' anthers. Initially, they will feed on nectar and then, after two or three days, swim to the marshes to seek the lotus roots." This was a critical task for the sect. Except for Shen Chang who was minding the shop at Black River Market, and Qin Weiyu who was left to guard Black River Peak, the other nine members were present. Each took a basket, maneuvered their spirit boats, and busied themselves across various breeding sites. It was the peak of summer, with the black fog at its most potent, drenching everything in a malodorous stench. Clad in gray robes with protective hoods, the Chu Qin members kept a piece of Fragrant Coix Ball in their mouths and covered their noses and mouths with damp cloths, although these measures were largely ineffective. The stench permeated through intermittently, requiring them to fly up for fresh air after planting just ten pigfish, turning the endeavor into an arduous task. "Gah..." Qi Xiu ascended into the sky again, noticing that Gu Ji was vomiting on his boat. He approached, offering Gu Ji the opportunity to rest on the ray's back, but Gu Ji stubbornly shook his head and returned to the black fog. "Ah, poor child... what hard times you endure." Qi Xiu rubbed his waist. While trying to embed the pigfish precisely into each lotus's anther from the boat, his back began to ache from the prolonged awkward posture. He lamented internally, "I'm only thirty. Am I already aging? The plight of Yu Denong today might be my fate tomorrow?" The arduous labor was reminiscent of the previous year's early days at Black River Peak. Fortunately, this level of work only occurred once annually during summer. Next winter would mark the harvest season for the planted pigfish, and without the black fog, it would likely be much easier. They were too busy to exchange words, and the overwhelming stench curbed any appetite. Fortunately, cultivators, though not fully abstaining from food, could withstand going without for days. They worked tirelessly, planting from dawn until dusk, filling empty baskets in the ray until the sun set. Exhausted, the Chu Qin members sprawled across the ray's back, tongues lolling. Qi Xiu forced himself to stand and distributed the detoxification pills he had prepared. Although the black fog's toxicity posed no immediate threat unless heavily inhaled, any accumulated toxins would gradually harm the body if not promptly addressed. The amiable Zhao Family Cultivator praised the Chu Qin members' efficiency. What he estimated as a three-day task was finished in one, allowing him some leisure. He joyfully escorted the Chu Qin members back to Black River Peak before heading off to report. "Whew, the hardship today—if we were the old Chu Qin Sect, none of us could endure it," Zhang Shishi sighed, feeling a lingering foul taste in his mouth from extended exposure to the black fog. He exhaled deeply, as if it would disperse the stench. Though Yu Denong held an esteemed position, today he worked hard to avoid criticism, tired to the bone. He half-jested, "If we had to do this every day, I don't think I could stick with Chu Qin Sect." "Heh," Qi Xiu chuckled, shaking his head, "It's a necessary evil. The whole Black River yields no resources, making survival incredibly tough. But Qin Ji will assign people to reside near the breeding site within the Yellow Sand Illusion Array to oversee it. Besides, with the Blackhearted Lotus improving the soil, the fog there is expected to thin more each year." Zhan Yuan suddenly proposed, "Since the Blackhearted Lotus can improve the soil, why not plant it extensively along the Black River? With some income from Black River Market, we can allocate funds annually to expand the planting area." "Great idea!" Yu Denong, who was close to him, agreed. "And if Smoky Cattail Pigfish proves profitable, expanding the farm won’t require waiting a year for the lotus to mature." Qi Xiu pondered and found it reasonable. Seeing no opposition from Zhang Shishi, he agreed as well. "I wonder if, in my lifetime, I will witness a Black River filled with lotus blooms, green once more..." "It will happen, definitely." They all responded in unison, bringing a smile to Qi Xiu’s face. With the pigfish matter settled, the Chu Qin members turned their attention to the bustling preparations for Qin Ji’s grand wedding. Though Qi Xiu had little desire to attend, he couldn't ignore the pivotal event uniting with the Zhao family. He remained involved in organizing the ceremony and gifts to ensure it wasn't a lackluster affair. On the decided wedding day, Zhang Shishi led Yu Denong, Qin Weiyu, Gu Ji, and others in delivering gifts and fetching the bride. Qi Xiu stayed behind at Black River Peak, having sent all the disciples to demonstrate the sect's respect while also allowing them to gain experience. Late at night, while Qi Xiu was meditating alone, he felt the sect leader's token vibrate. Investigating, he found Yu Denong drunkenly wobbling on his flying sword, having collided with the array barrier, unable to enter and wandering aimlessly. "How did you get this drunk?" Qi Xiu was mildly annoyed as he let him in, supporting him to his room at Black River Peak. "The event was grand; there were no less than a hundred cultivators attending with gifts," Yu Denong mumbled, his eyes closed. "They even gifted a pair of Tier-1 Flying Geese to the newlyweds, such a... wonderful thing." "Yu brother? Yu brother?" Qi Xiu called softly near his ear, but Yu Denong was unresponsive, muttering dreamily as if oblivious to the world around him. "If I could arrange such a wedding for my own children, it... it wouldn't be in vain," Yu Denong's voice trailed into snores as he fell asleep in Qi Xiu's arms. "Sigh..." Understanding that he was melancholic, likely impacted by Zhao Liande's impressive wedding arrangements, Qi Xiu mused. "Zhao Liande truly devotes himself to his children. Ah, the boundless love of parents..." With a gentle sigh, Qi Xiu covered him with a blanket and quietly exited, softly closing the door behind him.