Chapter 12: Little Green Mountain (Please keep reading)

“Xiaoqingshan?” Song Changsheng was even more surprised.

Xiaoqingshan was the name of a spirit mountain, considered an exclave of the clan. It was over a thousand miles away from Cangmang Peak, and its geographical location was somewhat remote.

However, the conditions there were not bad at all. Deep underground lay a second-tier spirit vein, providing abundant spiritual energy—more than enough for a Qi Refining cultivator to practice.

The clan’s primary business there involved raising spirit fish and a few spirit beasts. It was all free-range, requiring little effort or worry, making it a rare and leisurely place.

Aside from being a bit remote, it had almost no drawbacks.

However, that place was usually reserved for the clan’s elderly elders. Why would they assign it to him this time?

Seeming to see through his confusion, Song Xianming smiled helplessly and said, “You gave your mother quite a scare this time. When you returned last time, she specifically asked me to find you a task with more security.

Your mother has never asked anyone for a favor in her life. In terms of both reason and sentiment, I must fulfill her wishes. It just so happens that your Fifty-third Granduncle is getting on in years, so you shall go and replace him so he can return to enjoy his twilight years.”

“Understood.”

Song Changsheng quickly agreed. This task was exactly what he wanted. Although it was a bit remote, it didn't require much worry, allowing him to cultivate in peace.

“Mm, go pack your things. Your Twelfth Uncle will take you there in three days.” Song Xianming nodded, signaling that Song Changsheng could leave.

Song Changsheng hadn't walked far when he heard a violent coughing fit from behind him. His mood instantly turned gloomy.

After walking out of the main hall, Song Changsheng sighed in a low voice: “The price Grandfather paid back then was truly too great. These years of seclusion haven't shown any effect. Where on earth can one find treasures to replenish one’s vital energy…”

He couldn't help but worry. Song Xianming was already two hundred years old this year, and Foundation Establishment cultivators generally only had a lifespan of about two hundred and fifty years.

Because he had been forced to terminate his breakthrough, Song Xianming had damaged his life essence, significantly shortening his lifespan. If he could not seek a breakthrough soon, his life would soon come to an end.

He was the pillar of the Song clan, the beam that held up the sky. Once he passed away, it would be a devastating blow to the family.

“I must become stronger as soon as possible…”

Three days later, Song Changsheng, having packed everything, stood at the edge of the cliff, waiting quietly.

Before long, a long rainbow streaked across the sky from afar at high speed.

Flying on a sword was one of the hallmarks of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“This nephew greets Twelfth Uncle. I have troubled you this time.” Song Changsheng looked at the figure in front of him and said respectfully.

Song Luhai laughed heartily and said, “We are family; what talk of trouble is there? Actually, if you ask me, you should have stayed in the clan to cultivate properly. Achieving Foundation Establishment early would be better so you could help us share the burden.”

Song Changsheng said with a serious expression, “A bowl of water must be held level. This nephew is no different from anyone else; how can there be a reason to only enjoy the benefits without contributing?”

“Good child, truly a good child.” Song Luhai patted Song Changsheng’s shoulder with deep emotion. If everyone thought this way, why would the clan not flourish?

“It’s getting late, let’s be on our way.”

“Understood.”

Song Changsheng stepped onto the flying sword. He felt a slight sway, and the scenery around him began to recede rapidly. In the blink of an eye, they were already among the clouds.

The feeling of flying on a sword was completely different from flying on a paper kite. Song Changsheng felt as if he had transformed into a bird, soaring freely beneath the firmament…

It was a very novel experience, but the speed of the flying sword was too fast. In less than half an hour, they had covered a distance of over a thousand miles.

As their altitude slowly descended, a somewhat short spirit mountain appeared before Song Changsheng. This was their destination—Xiaoqingshan.

“So this is Xiaoqingshan, which the Great Elder conquered after slaying a second-tier high-grade demon beast. I’ve long heard that the scenery here is unique, and seeing it now, it truly is.”

Song Changsheng was very satisfied with his future workplace. Although it was a bit remote, it was indeed a good place for quiet cultivation.

“Hahaha, let’s go down.” Song Luhai maneuvered the flying sword to descend, landing on a bluestone square halfway up the mountain.

Five people were already waiting there, all white-haired old men with a heavy aura of twilight about them.

Song Luhai put away his sword and led Song Changsheng to bow to the group. “This nephew greets the clan uncles. This is Changsheng, here to replace Fifty-third Uncle.”

“This grandson greets the granduncles.” Song Changsheng quickly bowed. The people before him were all elders of the “Xian” generation who had rendered great service to the clan; even a Foundation Establishment cultivator had to show them some respect.

“Good, good. Our place finally has a young person,” the thin, elderly man at the head said with a smile, stroking his beard.

“Fifty-third Uncle, if you are ready, please return with this nephew now. The Great Elder has been thinking of you.” Song Luhai was busy with daily affairs and naturally could not linger here for too long.

“Leaving now, leaving now. Little Changsheng, I’ll leave that thatched cottage to you. Everything inside is in good condition, so you won’t have to worry about it,” the old man said, looking at Song Changsheng kindly.

“This grandson thanks Granduncle for the gift.” Song Changsheng thanked him quickly; this indeed saved him a lot of trouble.

“Changsheng, I’m leaving now. If you need anything, just send a message via flying sword.”

“Farewell, Twelfth Uncle, Fifty-third Granduncle.” Song Changsheng watched them leave until they were out of sight, then finally looked around and asked, “Granduncles, may I ask what my duties are?”

The elders exchanged glances. One of them stepped forward and pointed to a large lake not far away. “That lake is called Mingjing Lake. Several schools of first-tier silver-thread fish are raised inside.

All you need to do is feed them when you aren't cultivating, and ensure they aren't threatened by other demon beasts. Recently, a first-tier peak-grade bird has been coming to Xiaoqingshan, so you need to be extra vigilant.

Every year, the clan sends people to harvest the spirit fish. You must hand over the full quota. If the quantity is insufficient, you will have to make up for it with your own spirit stones. However, as long as you keep a good watch, such a situation is almost zero.”

“I see. This grandson understands.”

————

After some pleasantries, Song Changsheng bid farewell to the elders and arrived at the edge of Mingjing Lake.

The lake was quite large, its clear surface reflecting the azure sky. If not for the breeze occasionally ruffling the water, it would truly be like a mirror.

Many fruit trees were planted along the shore. They were all common varieties without any grade, having only changed their life level due to long-term absorption of the spiritual energy emitted by the spirit vein.

However, this change was very slight, resulting in fruit that contained only a trace of spiritual energy. Aside from satisfying one’s appetite, it was useless for a cultivator’s practice.

Therefore, the clan didn't pay much attention to these trees, treating them entirely as a perk for the stationed cultivator.

In the middle of the lake was a small island with a thatched cottage, a small plot of spirit fields, and a few green plum trees. This was the residence the elder had left for him.

“How should I get over there?” Song Changsheng looked around and eventually found a few small boats on the shore.

He stepped onto a boat, slowly rowed the oars, and headed toward the island in the center of the lake…

Wishing all fellow Daoists a happy Qixi Festival!

(End of chapter)