Chapter Forty-Three: Mount Yandang

Within the vast expanse of the Hundred Thousand Mountains, the one thing in abundance was spirit beasts. Among the countless ranges, the Yandang Mountains were the most renowned—a veritable paradise for these creatures. Even experts of the Innate Realm dared not venture alone into the depths of Yandang Mountain.

It was rumored that deep within Yandang dwelled a peerless beast, one that had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, its cultivation so formidable as to defy comprehension. Yandang was also known as the Forest of Beasts. Disciples from the great sects of the Central Province, upon reaching the Bone Transformation stage, would often enter these mountains in search of a suitable spirit beast companion.

Long Yun had set his sights on this very place. Late at night, he quietly bid farewell to Xue Renqi and told no one else of his plans. Taking advantage of the darkness, he slipped away from the Jade Sword Sect.

Though he was extremely cautious, at the moment he departed the sect, a pair of cold, piercing eyes watched his retreating figure for a long while.

Long Yun, oblivious to this, knew that the journey to Yandang Mountain was not a short one. Even at full speed, it would take him seven or eight days to reach it on foot.

There were less than three months left until the Qingzong Hunting Tournament, and in another month, the Jade Sword Sect would hold its internal selection to choose outstanding disciples for the contest. Thus, Long Yun had to return within a month. That left him only half a month to search for a spirit bone in Yandang.

Half a month might seem ample, but in reality, the time was tight. Subtracting the seven or eight days needed to absorb and replace the spirit bone, he would only have another seven or eight days to find and slay a suitable spirit beast.

To find a satisfactory spirit beast in such a short time was truly difficult.

Long Yun wasted not a moment, traveling day and night without rest. At last, by dusk on the fifth day, he arrived at a small town at the foot of Yandang Mountain.

Because many from various sects came to Yandang to seek spirit beasts, the town below the mountain was bustling with activity, filled with taverns and inns run by locals.

Long Yun found lodging at one such inn. After washing up and eating, he rested briefly. By then, night had fallen.

Ordinarily, night was the worst time to enter the mountains. Owing to their nature, spirit beasts were often even more active and adapted to the darkness than humans, making attacks by beasts far more likely.

If not for his pressing schedule, Long Yun would not have chosen to venture out at such an hour.

Just as he was about to leave the inn, however, he was stopped by the young attendant.

“Sir, are you heading into the forest to catch a spirit beast?” The attendant, not much older than Long Yun himself, spoke with cautious politeness.

Long Yun nodded, though a trace of displeasure rose within him. Most who entered the mountains to hunt spirit beasts were cultivators, and they typically went alone to avoid conflict with others. Some, it was true, banded together for safety when facing beast packs.

Yet for an inn attendant to ask him such a question was a bit out of place. Still, Long Yun did not take offense.

The attendant seemed nervous—cultivators were not known for their patience—and had only spoken up out of concern. Once the words left his mouth, he regretted it.

Fortunately, Long Yun did not take it amiss, so the attendant continued, “Sir, forgive me for meddling, but entering the forest at night is extremely dangerous. Many herd beasts come out to hunt after dark. If you run into them, it could mean serious trouble!”

Long Yun smiled faintly. “Thank you for the warning, brother. But I’m pressed for time and must leave early to return early.”

Seeing Long Yun’s resolve, the attendant thought for a moment and said, “If you’re determined to take the risk, it might be wise to hire a woodcutter. Pay him some coin and let him guide you; it will save you much trouble.”

As Long Yun remained silent, the attendant added, “Those woodcutters aren’t as skilled as you, but they’ve spent years in the mountains and know many safe paths. Going with them is much safer.”

This suggestion brightened Long Yun’s eyes. Indeed, though woodcutters would not venture deep into the range, they knew many shortcuts and could help avoid much difficulty.

He reached to his waist, pulled out a small ingot of silver, and handed it to the attendant. “You make a good point. Do you know any reliable woodcutter who could guide me?”

The attendant beamed, accepting the silver, and pointed to a tile-roofed house at the easternmost end of the inn. “The man living there is the most experienced woodcutter in our town. Lately, his wife has fallen seriously ill and their money is nearly gone. Otherwise, even with pay, few would go into the mountains at night.”

With that, Long Yun followed the attendant to the woodcutter’s home.

It was late; most households had long since retired. Only from the cracks in this house’s door shone a dim, yellow lamplight, giving no hint of what was happening inside.

“Old Chu, you’ve got business! Open up!” The attendant knocked several times and called out.

Soon, a man in his forties opened the courtyard gate. Seeing the attendant with a young man at his side, he understood at once and said, “Xiao Li, is this gentleman looking to enter the mountains?”

The attendant nodded. “That’s right, Old Chu. This guest needs a guide, and you’re the first person I’ve recommended. Don’t let me down!”

A simple, honest smile appeared on Old Chu’s face—though tinged with bitterness, it was mostly genuine. Long Yun trusted the mountain folk; after all, Daimo and Huang Yun had once shown him much kindness.

He had later learned that the woman in white had brought them to a town, set them up in a shop, and they were doing well, so he had not disturbed their new life.

Now, this Old Chu clearly bore the weight of his wife’s illness. Going into the mountains at night was no less dangerous, but his need for money was obvious.

“Discuss your price with the customer,” the attendant instructed. “Be reasonable—don’t make things hard for me. I have matters at the inn, so I’ll be off.”

With that, the attendant departed.

“Sir, entering the mountains at night is very dangerous. My wife is gravely ill, so about the fee...” Old Chu seemed ready to name a price, but recalling the attendant’s advice, he fell silent.

Long Yun smiled and drew out a gold ingot worth at least twenty taels, holding it out to Old Chu. “As long as you guide me into the mountains, all this gold is yours.”

Old Chu was taken aback. Twenty taels of gold was worth several hundred of silver—enough for years of medical treatment for his wife.

“Sir!” Old Chu took a deep breath. “You must be new here. I may need money, but I can’t take advantage of you like this. My wife and son would never forgive me. If you trust me, three taels of silver will suffice. I can’t accept so much gold!”

This moved Long Yun, who burst out laughing. “Old Chu, don’t refuse. This money is for your wife’s treatment. When you have more, you can pay me back. There’s no need to stand on ceremony. I am in a hurry—let’s set out at once if you can.”

Without further ado, he stuffed the gold into Old Chu’s pocket.

Old Chu hesitated, then gave in. Glancing back into the house, he sighed. “Young master, we can leave now.”

Long Yun nodded and was just about to follow when a young voice called from inside, “Father, come quickly! Mother’s not doing well!”

Old Chu’s face changed dramatically. Forgetting all else, he rushed inside.

At the same time, Long Yun’s brow furrowed. He sensed a wave of icy cold emanating from the house—a most eerie presence.

Without hesitation, he followed Old Chu into the modest, shabby cottage.

Inside, the air was thick with the pungent scent of herbs. The home was plainly furnished—likely, all valuables had been pawned for medical expenses.

On a broken bed lay an old woman with snow-white hair, her face as pale as her hair—ghastly to behold. Beside her sat a boy of eight or nine, weeping loudly.

At the sight of the boy, Long Yun’s expression changed abruptly. He blurted out, “A body of Profound Spirit?”