436 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 436: A Journey to Star-Picking City To ensure utmost safety, Qin Changfeng and Nangong Yanran boarded a Nangong family passenger flying shuttle at Heihe Workshop. Their first stop was Lianshui City, which was relatively safe, before heading to Star-Picking City. Qi Xiu had initially wanted to see them off, but during the chaotic times in Baishan, he had no freedom to wander freely. Another assassin like Long Yueyun could strike from the shadows at any moment. Nowadays, it was unlikely for the Spirit Wood Alliance to attack him, risking another two-front battle. Additionally, the two sword sects and the Pill Alliance, who wished to drag the Chu-Qin Alliance into the conflict, were unlikely to resort to assassination. The reason was simple: if Qi Xiu died, the Chu-Qin Alliance might lean towards the Five Elements Alliance even more because of the Jindan cultivator Gu Tiesheng, who was close to the Li Fire Alliance. Despite this, caution was the better part of valor. Qi Xiu's uncanny ability to predict danger was no secret in Baishan. Anyone planning an attack would prepare in advance, and his ability wasn't foolproof. Over their century of collaboration, the Black Hand had reportedly turned down over twenty assassination attempts on him. Making a name in Baishan truly meant risking one's neck. "Brother Gu, we'll part ways here." Outside Lianshui City, Qin Changfeng and Nangong Yanran boarded the southbound shuttle, waving goodbye to Gu Tiesheng. During their childhood, Qin was ostracized and Nangong was a newcomer, which led Qi Xiu to pair them together. Their characters meshed well, making them lifelong friends from a young age. Since Qi Xiu couldn't see them off, Gu Tiesheng naturally volunteered to accompany them partway. Lianshui Alliance strictly controlled the number of cultivators heading south, requiring thorough inspections, and the flying shuttles ran infrequently, leading to long waits. Due to the war, the Five Elements Alliance enforced a blockade against the Pill Alliance and the two sword sects. Meanwhile, Hehuan Sect severed north-south transportation links. Only the northern line of Instrument Talisman City, Si Guo Workshop, and Lianshui City managed to maintain any sort of trade. The rest of Baishan was desolate. Robbing and killing for treasures was nothing new in Baishan, and it had become even more rampant. Concerned for Nangong Yanran's safety during the flight, Qin Changfeng decided to wait in Lianshui City rather than make the journey alone. Waving goodbye to Gu Tiesheng on the ground, Nangong Yanran clung to Qin Changfeng's arm as they followed a Lianshui Alliance cultivator to their accommodations. "They insisted on searching people’s storage bags! Never in my life have I been treated this way!" Nangong Yanran fumed. Despite being the head of affairs for the Chu-Qin, she held some standing in Baishan and hailed from the prominent Nangong family of Qin South City. She argued with the Lianshui Alliance cultivators over the searches. "You've been secretly directing supplies to the south. They're not fools. They might not have caught on before, but they certainly have now. From their attitude, it seems they no longer wish to show us any leniency. And with many freelancers risking their lives to smuggle goods south, tighter checks are to be expected," Qin Changfeng said, on the brink of a breakthrough to Jindan. He decided to keep things smooth and persuaded Nangong Yanran to endure. "This isn't just the old man's doing. Profiting from both sides of a war can eventually lead to trouble." Nangong Yanran vented her frustration. "This Lianshui Alliance, hiding in the back and only checking passersby, really thinks no one is astute, eh?" As they arrived at Star-Picking City, Nangong Yanran finally calmed her temper. The closest cultivation city to Baishan, Star-Picking seemed completely overshadowed by the enormous and imposing mountain. Local cultivators held a certain reverence for this giant natural entity. They were known for being honest and devout—a rarity among Baishan cultivators. Though termed a city, it's smaller than Heihe Workshop, clinging to a steep mountain peak. Its architecture is charmingly quaint, with an intricate layout of tiny but complete structures. At the mountain's summit stands a solitary pavilion, Star-Picking Pavilion, built with high-grade starstones bathed in dense spiritual energy year-round. Occasionally, when the energy disperses, the pavilion's hazy outline emerges, with silvery starlight trickling out, exuding a unique, veiled beauty. Topping the pavilion was a high platform called the 'Star-Picking Platform,' likely used for stargazing and contemplation by its cultivators. "Uncle Qin! Sect Leader Nangong!" The couple had just stepped off the shuttle when the person in charge of the Chu-Qin shop in the city warmly greeted them with flattery. Often of outer sect background, these shopkeeper disciples excel at reading people's moods, successfully dispelling all of Nangong Yanran's grievances. "You've worked hard." Qin Changfeng briefly thanked the young Chu-Qin disciple before proceeding to inquire about business. "With the north-south route severed, freelancers are hard to fully control. Many southern rogue cultivators opt to linger in Star-Picking City to observe before moving north, making this place lively. Yet, beyond Star-Picking Pavilion's jurisdiction, it's chaotic..." The manager's words were merely common knowledge, given his limited exposure. "Shouldn't be too bad..." Nangong Yanran, having scouted the town and assessed the situation, concluded it was safe enough. She agreed that Qin Changfeng should stay in Star-Picking Pavilion, occupying a fourth-tier spiritual chamber prepared by the Chu-Qin sect for his Jindan breakthrough. The sect had acquired a windfall from the last war, sparing no expense for his preparations. With an abundance of spirit stones, even Star-Picking Pavilion's authorities were slightly stunned and guaranteed a warm welcome, granting access to the Star-Picking Platform for Qin Changfeng. The isolation required for a breakthrough meant Nangong Yanran had to stay at their family's establishment in the city. Their separation could be for the last time in this lifetime. While it wasn't apparent at first, the reluctance rose abruptly, leading to days of intense closeness before reluctantly parting ways at Star-Picking Pavilion. ... "Sigh!" On the Star-Picking Platform, observing his wife’s tear-swollen eyes glancing back at him while leaving, Qin Changfeng sighed deeply and waved. "Young friend, might you be the Qin Changfeng known as 'Walking Among Stars' from Baishan?" The title’s first part was 'Elegant as a Woman,' yet caught off guard by being addressed from behind, Qin Changfeng, already emotionally stirred, turned to see a withered old man. Hunched and white-bearded, with eyes bright like stars, he seemed an astute elder. "I am, greetings, Senior." Sensing the presence of a Jindan master, Qin Changfeng restrained his irritation, offering respect. The platform wasn't solely his, and others coming and going was normal. "I am Sikong Ji, master of Star-Picking Pavilion. I've heard of how you independently comprehended the Star Escape technique, a natural genius indeed. Regarding the path of the stars, I have some insights. Would you spare some time for a discussion?" Surprised to learn the old man was the pavilion master of one of Baishan's top ten sects, Qin Changfeng felt obliged to comply. Only those with a celestial destiny can enter Star-Picking Pavilion. Their understanding of star-related cultivation was undoubtedly beyond Qin Changfeng’s solo insights. In the designated chamber, discussing with Sikong Ji, he gained much. Yet, as their conversation deepened, Sikong Ji subtly hinted at recruiting him. "I am of the Qin surname, a descendant of Chu-Qin's founding ancestor, hence…” Qin Changfeng, not one for much outside interaction and relatively straightforward, declined outright upon sensing the intentions. "Oh, haha, come and go voluntarily..." Though caught off guard by the direct rejection, Sikong Ji managed a faint, embarrassed smile. Failing to recruit Qin Changfeng, his enthusiasm waned. They exchanged some trivial stories before Sikong Ji departed. Although he meant no ill-will, Sikong Ji's approach added another layer of unease to Qin Changfeng's already anxious mind. With Baishan embroiled in conflict, despite his wife's objections, Qin Changfeng stubbornly chose to attempt his breakthrough at Star-Picking Pavilion, aware it entailed greater risks. Unexpectedly, Sikong Ji tried to recruit him at their first meeting. Worried about potential repercussions after his refusal, he struggled with his thoughts. As night fell, he walked out of his chamber, ascending to the Star-Picking Platform. Under the night sky, the platform proved an optimal stargazing paradise, with mid-fourth-tier spiritual energy levels. The skies seemed closer, stars shining brightly as if within reach. Spotting his natal constellation at once felt different, as if stars spoke to him directly. "It truly is a great place! I'm glad I came!" Suddenly inspired, Qin Changfeng seemed to gain an understanding. This sort of spontaneous enlightenment is highly prized among cultivators. Casting aside his worries, he focused his spiritual energy and found a quiet spot to savor this precious state of mind. ... Within his sea of consciousness, the stars of his constellation shone brightly, illuminating the sparse, drifting white snowflakes of "Rootless Snow," much like leaves complementing the main star—completely different from the real night sky. As Qin Changfeng meditated, the insights he had prepared for the formation of his Jindan grew increasingly clear. "Heaven is heaven, man is man; the interaction between heaven and man, yet heaven is not man, and man is not heaven." "Star is star, snow is snow; the reflection of stars and snow, yet star is not snow, and snow is not star." "Thus it is said: The natural use of stars and snow, entirely at my disposal, the cyclical interaction of heaven and man, all—" "Woo woo woo..." Just as he reached a critical juncture, the sound of a child crying nearby abruptly shattered his precious state of realization. "Damn! What's going on?" This truly infuriated him. Looking up, Qin Changfeng saw a three- or four-year-old boy, with a chubby face, who had somehow wandered into the isolation barrier Qin Changfeng had set up. The boy was huddled in a corner, crying his heart out. Years ago, when Qin Changfeng received the "Star Reflection Snow-Cutting Sword" from the sect master, his peers ostracized him, making him deeply insecure and closed-off. One day, after being bullied, he hid behind a tree, crying, when the sect master discovered him. With deliberate care and encouragement from the sect master, he gradually became more open and confident, leading to his accomplishments today. "They...they all bully me..." Today, seeing this child crying and pouring out his heart touched the softest part of Qin Changfeng’s heart. Adopting a kinder tone, he began to soothe the child, much like Qi Xiu had done for him long ago. "Thank you, sister." After much effort, he finally managed to stop the child from crying. The little one wiped his tear-streaked face with his hands, resembling a kitten. But then he uttered a crisp "thank you, sister," which nearly made Qin Changfeng fall over in exasperation. (To be continued)