Chapter 366 - 196: You Jin’Er

Li Changfeng and Jin'Er flew swiftly, and soon they noticed the air grow thick with spiritual energy. A dew-like immortal essence brushed against their faces; they had arrived in Yunmeng Marsh.

Jin'Er's spirits lifted. "It truly is an Immortal Grotto Heaven, an ancient Blessed Land," she said. "Compared to..."

She seemed to recall something and fell silent. Li Changfeng misunderstood her and said apologetically, "The places where we've been braving the wind and sleeping under the stars can't compare to Yunmeng Marsh, of course."

He thought for a moment, then said, "I've been selfish. I've already reached completion in my cultivation arts and am only focused on the difficult task of forming a Top-grade Golden Core. I just need to maintain my current level, so I don't require much spiritual energy. But Jin'Er, you still need to advance your cultivation. If I can get my master's permission when we return..."

Jin'Er gently cut him off. "It's no trouble," she said softly.

Li Changfeng smiled and said no more, but in his heart, he resolved to stay and cultivate in Yunmeng Marsh with Jin'Er. This way, she could advance her cultivation, and perhaps even break through to the Nascent Soul realm.

As for himself...

'A Top-grade Golden Core... where is the path to it?' Li Changfeng gazed at the horizon where water and sky merged as one. The flicker of emotion in his eyes vanished in an instant.

He had traveled for decades, bitterly seeking that supreme grade to no avail. Such doubt and melancholy had arisen countless times, but now he could sever those feelings in an instant. 'Perhaps this, too, is a form of progress in my state of mind.'

Li Changfeng gave a bitter laugh, and the two continued flying on their cloud deeper into the marsh. Before long, a voice called out from the distant sky, "Senior Brother, please wait a moment."

Li Changfeng paused, and he and Jin'Er compliantly slowed their cloud.

Moments later, a young Tai Su Disciple and a powerfully built Warrior with a yellow kerchief tied around his arm pursued them from the clouds behind. Halting their flight before the pair, the disciple clasped his hands in a salute and asked, "May I ask for your name, Senior Brother, and where you cultivate?"

Li Changfeng calmly returned the salute. "I am Li Changfeng," he replied. "I cultivate on Chongyun Peak."

"Li Changfeng?" The name sounded familiar to the disciple. Upon hearing "Chongyun Peak," his eyes widened in surprise. "So you're Senior Brother Li! I am Nangong Ji from Su Zhen Peak. I've heard so much about you."

He glanced at Jin'Er, and seeing the way the two stood together, his expression showed immediate understanding. He smiled. "Just so you know, Senior Brother, Yunmeng Marsh has had many visitors lately, so our patrols have been stricter than usual."

Li Changfeng nodded slightly to show he understood. The disciple continued, "I don't sense the aura of a Sect Token from your esteemed wife..."

Li Changfeng quickly clarified, "We are not yet bonded as cultivation partners."

Jin'Er, who was already feeling a little shy, blushed at Li Changfeng's words and playfully patted him on the back.

The corner of Nangong Ji's mouth twitched, but he pretended not to notice. "Even with Senior Brother Li here, the rules are the rules. I'll have to trouble your lady to register with me."

"Of course," Li Changfeng replied. "That's perfectly reasonable."

Nangong Ji wasted no more words, taking out a brush and a register. "And what is your name, my lady?" he asked.

"I am You Jin'Er," she replied.

"And your cultivation level?"

"I only recently formed my Golden Core."

Nangong Ji shot the pair a surprised glance, then asked, "And where do you cultivate, my lady?"

You Jin'Er hesitated for a moment before answering, "The West Su Continent."

'Oh?' Nangong Ji's brow twitched. 'The Taixuan Profound True Monarch has been developing the West Su Continent for some time now, raising vast tracts of Earth Land Spirit Mountains. The Western Continent is no longer exclusively the domain of the Supreme Profound and Yinji Sects. More and more Loose Cultivators are going there to build retreats and cultivate. Of course, they must first pay their respects at the Taixuan Sect's gates.'

'Still, just "the West Su Continent" is a bit vague. But given Li Changfeng's status...' A few thoughts ran through his mind, but he wrote down her answer nonetheless. "Very well. Thank you for your cooperation, my lady."

You Jin'Er thanked him. Nangong Ji then clasped his hands in a salute toward Li Changfeng. "With you by her side, Senior Brother, I'm sure there's no need for me to drone on about the sect's rules. I have other duties to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

Once Li Changfeng returned the salute, Nangong Ji departed with the Warrior without further delay. The couple continued on their way, and before long, the Tai Su Continent finally emerged from within the watery mists.

"We're here!" Li Changfeng's spirits soared. He led You Jin'Er straight toward Chongyun Peak.

Arriving at the summit, Li Changfeng glanced down and his face lit up with joy. "Junior Martial Uncle Lieyun!" he called out.

"Hmm?" In response to Li Changfeng's call, the surface of the Peak Celestial Pool suddenly rippled. You Jin'Er's Spiritual Sense jolted as a majestic, green-scaled flood dragon emerged halfway from the water, bellowing, "I was wondering who was disturbing this venerable one's peaceful slumber. Turns out it's you, Xiaolizi!"

Lieyun's gaze shifted, landing on You Jin'Er. A flicker of suspicion appeared in its eyes. "Where'd this young lady come from? Her aura feels... somewhat familiar..."

However, upon seeing You Jin'Er standing so close to Li Changfeng, its train of thought immediately veered off course. It let out a gravelly cackle. "Attaboy! You've done well for yourself."

Li Changfeng wasn't overly embarrassed. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Lieyun, he asked, "Junior Martial Uncle Lieyun, is Master in his residence?"

"The Master isn't here," Lieyun answered. Before Li Changfeng could express his disappointment, it added, "The Master is busy managing sect affairs these days, so he mostly cultivates within the Three Halls. Lady Xue has been taking care of the residence for the past few years."

"I see." Li Changfeng mused for a moment, then produced a talisman at his fingertips. He waved it in the air, and it ignited with a bright flame, quickly burning to nothing.

After sending the message, Li Changfeng gave a slight nod, then turned to You Jin'Er. "Jin'Er," he said, "if Master summons me, I'll probably have to go alone. How about I take you to my place to rest first?"

The Three Halls were a restricted area within the sect. As Xuzhuang's personal disciple, he himself could be summoned inside, but bringing an outsider was absolutely out of the question. Even if You Jin'Er were to become his cultivation partner and formally join the Tai Su Sect, she still would not be allowed to enter such a vital location.

They had only just arrived back at the sect, and he already had to leave You Jin'Er on her own before she was even settled in. Li Changfeng couldn't help but feel apologetic. You Jin'Er, however, was quite thoughtful. "Li Lang has important business," she said. "I understand what matters most."