Longevity Candle

Chapter 101 The Mountain and Sea Spirits Being Tricked
The Peach Blossom Inn was packed to capacity.

Delicious mushrooms, grilled meat, conch, and sea fish, paired perfectly with peach blossom wine.

Since the Chihe River was dredged, large fishing boats have been selling various river and seafood products at the dock every day.

A young man, carrying a rusty ancient sword, arrived at the tavern.

He ordered a jar of peach blossom wine, a pound of roasted mutton, and a steamed white carp: "Kid, hurry up and bring it out."

"Please wait a moment, sir."

Xiao Qingchen hurriedly returned to the kitchen, brought out peach blossom wine, and glanced at the ancient sword behind him, which in his eyes became a brand new sharp sword.

The young man took a sip of peach blossom wine, smacked his lips, and looked quite disgusted. He took one sip and then refused to drink any more.

When the roast meat and steamed fish were served, he ate a piece of roast meat but was still very dissatisfied.

The white carp, however, was eaten clean, leaving only bare bones and not a single bit of meat.

The inn is doing very well, and Xiao Qingchen is also very busy.

After noon, things gradually quieted down. The young man glanced at Xiao Qingchen, who was resting to the side, and said, "Little girl, come and talk to me."

Xiao Qingchen paused for a moment, then walked over: "Sir, is the wine and food not to your liking?"

He glanced at the mutton that had gone cold, and the peach blossom wine was barely touched.

In this Star Moon City, everyone praises the authenticity of their peach blossom wine, its rich peach blossom aroma, and their roasted mutton, which is also exceptional. Yet, the customer in front of him barely touched it.

"It's pretty bad." The young man made no attempt to hide his disdain: "Only white carp is considered fresh and tender."

“If you like fish, then you can just order fish from now on. But what’s wrong with the peach blossom wine and roasted mutton? Please tell me.” Xiao Qingchen wasn’t angry and bowed respectfully.

His father often taught him that if customers are not satisfied, they should humbly improve so that they can do better and strive to satisfy the customers.

"This peach blossom wine is bland and tasteless, too vulgar," the young man said bluntly.

Xiao Qingchen frowned slightly: "Please tell me in detail, so that I can help my father improve."

"It's too common, no matter how you improve it, it's useless." The young man shook his head and said, "It should be brewed with the flowers of a magical peach tree, or a magical peach, then it would be barely palatable."

Xiao Qingchen was a little confused. Ning Qinghan came out and smiled, "Sir, you may have come to the wrong place. The things you mentioned can only be drunk at the government office or the Taiping Dao."

Wine brewed from divine materials is something even the wealthiest families cannot afford.

Those mystical objects were long ago taken away by the government and the Taiping Dao (Taiping Dao) and used as cultivation resources; ordinary people cannot access them.

“This child eats such mundane things every day; it’s really a waste of his time,” the young man said, glancing at Xiao Qingchen.

Ning Qinghan's heart tightened: "Who is this gentleman?"

The young man raised his head slightly: "Taiping Dao, Gu Qingxu."

"So it's Mr. Gu." Ning Qinghan felt a pang of panic, but she kept a straight face and bowed, saying, "My child is still young and cannot be separated from his parents. I'm sorry to disappoint you, sir."

A hint of wariness appeared on Xiao Qingchen's face: "I just like staying with my father, mother, and aunt, and I like eating these things. What's inconvenient about that?"

"It is precisely because you are young that you need to lay a solid foundation. Worldly things will only hinder your talent," the young man said.

"I just like mundane things," Xiao Qingchen said, pouting.

"Sir, you flatter me. I am young and ignorant, please forgive me. Qingchen, go help your mother wash the dishes." Ning Qinghan patted little Qingchen's head.

"Okay." Xiao Qingchen turned and left, quickly running towards the kitchen.

The young man did not stop him, but looked at Ning Qinghan and said, "Think about it carefully. He has extraordinary talent. Don't let it go to waste."

“Sir, I will consider it.” Ning Qinghan forced a smile. “Please enjoy your meal.”

Upon hearing this, the young man smiled and said, "I'll come again tomorrow. You should think it over carefully."

Watching him leave, Ning Qinghan's face darkened.

She was originally a member of the Taiping Dao. This person could see Xiao Qingchen's talent and was surnamed Gu, so she was very likely a core Qi Refiner of the Taiping Dao.

It is even related to the royal family.

Night fell.

Ning Qinghan shared her guesses with a worried expression. She knew that once the Taiping Dao found out her identity, they would definitely not tolerate her.

Of all the ships that searched for peaches of immortality in the South China Sea back then, she was the only one who survived the waves.

If it weren't for the rain and mist that saved him, he would have perished in the fish's mouth.

"Are we relocating?" Li Taoshan asked in a low voice.

Wang Yun'er shook her head slightly: "Where can we move to? Taiping Dao is all over Yunmeng. As long as we are still in Yunmeng, we will be found."

“Ningguo?” Li Taoshan said in a low voice.

"The Taiping Dao has discovered a talent for immortality, and they absolutely cannot allow him to leave," Ning Qinghan said.

How could we possibly send someone with such a talent for immortality to Ningguo?

"Then we have no choice?" Li Taoshan's face was grim.

Wang Yun'er pondered, "You've cultivated in the Taiping Dao, what will his next move be?"

“No one would normally refuse the Way of Peace, so I really don’t know what to do,” Ning Qinghan said with a wry smile.

For most people, this would be an incredible opportunity, and they would have agreed immediately.

However, Taiping Dao is now under the control of the Yunmeng imperial power, and sending Xiao Qingchen there may not guarantee her freedom in the future.

"Let's ask Tao Ling tomorrow? Maybe she has a solution," Wang Yun'er said.

"This is the only way," Ning Qinghan said in a low voice.

They spent the entire night without sleeping, burdened by their worries.

The next morning, as soon as the inn opened, Gu Qingxu arrived.

This time he ordered fish, including steamed, braised, and grilled fish, all kinds of flavors.

Gu Qingxu ate heartily, while Ning Qinghan frowned. This Taiping Dao Qi cultivator was too impatient, not even giving her time to take Xiao Qingchen to Peach Blossom Spring.

Gu Qingxu ate his fish, occasionally glancing at Xiao Qingchen who was busy at work, but ignoring everyone else, as if they didn't catch his eye.

Xiao Qingchen felt uncomfortable under his gaze and cautiously glanced at the young man.

His chopsticks moved with a blur, seemingly possessing a unique power, separating the fish meat from the bones.

The fish bones were as clean as they were yesterday, cleaner than a dog could lick clean.

He frowned, about to say something, when the chopsticks changed in his eyes, as if they had transformed into a sharp sword. Gu Qingxu's every move seemed to exude a mysterious aura of swordsmanship.

As if sensing something, Gu Qingxu turned around, grinned at him, and said, "Kid, how about cultivating with me?"

Xiao Qingchen suddenly woke up and quickly retreated behind Ning Qinghan.

“He can’t leave his parents,” Ning Qinghan said again.

“Then don’t leave. I’ll teach him here,” Gu Qingxu said.

"No...what?" Ning Qinghan was taken aback: "You're not taking him with you?"

Xiao Qingchen also poked her head out in surprise, looking at Gu Qingxu with suspicion.

“Yes, I come to teach him swordsmanship every day, and I don’t force him to leave,” Gu Qingxu said.

Ning Qinghan was silent for a moment: "Please allow us to discuss this."

She took Xiao Qingchen back to the kitchen to discuss the matter with the couple.

Upon hearing this, both husband and wife were somewhat tempted, but neither could make up their minds: "Although it would be a blessing for my son to follow a Qi Refiner in his cultivation, the current state of the Taiping Dao..."

Ning Qinghan understood that the current emperor of Sheng Kingdom was seeking the peaches of immortality, hoping to obtain a thousand years of lifespan.

What if Li Qingchen becomes successful in the future and the emperor asks him to find the peaches of immortality?
The Peach Blossom Spring lineage would never help the emperor seek that elusive path to immortality, not even the elixir of life.

“Let’s make things clear to him. Little Qingchen, remember this: you must not seek immortality.” Ning Qinghan looked at Little Qingchen seriously. “If he doesn’t agree, fine. But if he keeps pestering us, even a Qi cultivator can’t defy the fate of the nation. So let’s leave.”

"Mmm." Little Qingchen nodded her head vigorously.

Ning Qinghan came out with Xiao Qingchen. Gu Qingxu had already put down his chopsticks and spoke first, "I agree."

Xiao Qingchen was stunned, while Ning Qinghan's face darkened: "You were eavesdropping on our conversation? Are Qi cultivators really so ignorant of etiquette?"

Gu Qingxu didn't care about her attitude at all, and looked at Xiao Qingchen: "From now on, I will come to teach you swordsmanship every night."

After saying that, he got up and left.

“Let’s go to Peach Blossom Spring,” Ning Qinghan said in a low voice.

Xiao Qingchen nodded and left Xingyue City with her.

Gu Qingxu followed them at a leisurely pace in the distance, his figure concealed in the void, unnoticed by either of them.

Upon entering Peach Blossom Spring again, Peach Spirit, still recovering from her injuries, did not reveal her physical form, only her ethereal voice asked: "Have you encountered trouble?"

“A Qi Refiner named Gu Qingxu from the Taiping Dao recognized Qingchen’s talent and wanted to teach him cultivation,” Ning Qinghan said frankly.

"This is a good thing, why don't you agree?" Tao Ling asked, puzzled.

“Now that the Taiping Dao is under the control of the Emperor of Sheng Guo, the Emperor sends a fleet overseas every year to search for the Peaches of Immortality. I am worried that the Emperor will send Qingchen in the future.”

Ning Qinghan said, "He was eavesdropping on our conversation, which was really rude. I'm worried he might have ulterior motives."

Tao Ling's voice rang out: "Teach what he teaches you, and remember that the green lamp is your protector. With peace and tranquility, you will be safe and sound."

As Ning Qinghan and Xiao Qingchen said this, Tao Lin's voice echoed in their minds: "According to what you're saying, he should have come along too. I'm injured, so I might not be able to find him. You two should try him first. Immortal talent is not something that can be found easily."

"Yes," Ning Qinghan replied, having already made up her mind.

"Little Qingchen, don't be afraid, walk boldly forward, the green lamp will light your way," Tao Ling said softly.

"I understand," Xiao Qingchen replied obediently. The two returned to Star Moon City. In the void, Gu Qingxu's expression turned somewhat grim. His gaze was fixed on the cloth bag on Xiao Qingchen's back, yet he dared not do anything rash.

He didn't know if the green lamp in the cloth bag was the same one that Li Qingxuan had held back then.

If that's the case, given his current state, if he truly angers that green lamp, and considering that he can command the fate of the nation, I really wouldn't be able to defeat him.

If Qingdeng were to use him to prolong his life, that would be the most terrifying thing.

But then I thought, since the green lamp hasn't reacted for so long, doesn't that mean it agrees to let him teach Li Qingchen?
Back in Star Moon City, Ning Qinghan felt at ease.

As night fell, Gu Qingxu arrived silently and began teaching Xiao Qingchen the sword technique.

Xiao Qingchen, holding the wooden sword, stood obediently beside him: "How should I practice?"

"You must first become my disciple." Gu Qingxu proudly raised his head: "Kowtowing three times and calling me Master."

"You're not going to teach me to sleep anymore." Xiao Qingchen casually tossed aside the wooden sword and turned to walk into the house.

Gu Qingxu: "..."

Didn't you agree?
His chest heaved with anger, and he really wanted to grab Xiao Qingchen and beat him up, but he was also afraid that Xiao Qingchen would directly summon the fate of the nation.

"It's fine if I don't have to kowtow," he said through gritted teeth.

Xiao Qingchen reluctantly picked up the wooden sword: "Then teach me."

Gu Qingxu's face turned ashen. He wanted to storm off, but he held back: "Listen carefully, my Fish-Eating Sword Technique..."

"What sword technique?"

"Fish-eating sword technique".

"I'm not learning anymore." Xiao Qingchen turned around and went back into the house again.

"What do you mean? Are you toying with me?" Gu Qingxu could no longer suppress his anger.

"The name is terrible, it can't be any good." Xiao Qingchen said disdainfully, just like he had said before that Peach Blossom Wine was bad.

Gu Qingxu almost couldn't catch his breath, and said through gritted teeth, "Swordsmanship cannot be measured by its name."

"Peach blossom wine is not something you can measure," Xiao Qingchen said, pursing her lips.

Gu Qingxu understood; this kid was just being stubborn with him. He sneered, "Only vulgar people like you would think ordinary wine is good."

“We are just ordinary people. You are so noble, so go teach others,” Xiao Qingchen said.

Gu Qingxu fell silent. In that brief moment, he had the urge to strangle the boy several times.

I never imagined that I would be so disliked for teaching people how to practice swordsmanship.

The three people inside the house were watching outside. They had been quite worried, but seeing this scene, they seemed to have nothing to worry about anymore.

It's Gu Qingxu who's been shamelessly insisting on teaching, not Xiao Qingchen who's desperately wanting to learn, so why are they in such a hurry?
"Qinghan, isn't this a bit inappropriate?" Wang Yun'er whispered.

"Teach or not, it's up to you. How many years does it take for someone with Xiao Qingchen's talent to appear? Do you think he's a fish in the river that you can catch one at a time?" Ning Qinghan said.

Li Taoshan sighed, "How about we call it a night and teach Xiao Qingchen for a few days to make him more obedient?"

As he spoke, he strode out and hurriedly said, "Mr. Gu, please calm down, please calm down. We've spoiled this child. How about we start tomorrow night?"

"Very well." Gu Qingxu suppressed his anger and disappeared from the spot in an instant. He was afraid that if he stayed, he would really not be able to resist making a move.

Several people breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Qingchen patted her chest, still shaken, and said, "Thank goodness, thank goodness."

"Go back and rest. I was really on edge," Li Taoshan said with a laugh.

“There’s no need to worry for now; his attitude is quite clear.” Ning Qinghan smiled. “Go to sleep. Tomorrow, things will proceed as usual.”

"Well, Xiao Qingchen, don't be in such a hurry," Wang Yun'er said.

She didn't say the rest.

It would be troublesome if the sword technique passed down by Gu Qingxu had any hidden dangers, since Gu Qingxu's true purpose was unknown.

Some things are better left unsaid; who knows if Gu Qingxu was eavesdropping?

Xiao Qingchen nodded, indicating that she understood.

The next day, Peach Blossom Inn remained the same, but Gu Qingxu did not come again, and Xiao Qingchen played all day.

When night fell, Gu Qingxu arrived again.

Xiao Qingchen ignored him completely, and Li Taoshan frowned, "Mr. Gu, how about we just give up? My child is spoiled and I can only coax her."

Gu Qingxu's face turned ugly. What did he mean by "we can only coax them"?

Do I have to coax him?
Xiao Qingchen glanced at him sideways, without saying a word.

"Why don't you go back first and think of a nice-sounding name for your sword technique?" Li Taoshan said cautiously.

Gu Qingxu remained silent for a moment, then snorted and turned to leave.

A month later.

"I've come up with a new name, let's call it Shuntian Sword Technique. Isn't that a powerful name?"

"Too bad, I won't practice."

Three months later.

"Heavenly Mandate Sword Technique, you are the darling favored by heaven and earth."

"Still terrible, I'm not practicing."

"..."

Time passed by as Xiao Qingchen played around, while a green lamp in the distance swayed with its unique light.

Jiang Zhu slowly woke up and saw a scene that was beyond comprehension.

A tabby cat, holding a rusty ancient sword, is meticulously teaching a child how to practice swordsmanship.

The child was very perfunctory, slowly handing over a sword, then said disdainfully, "What lousy swordsmanship, it's not pretty at all, I'm not practicing anymore."

The tabby cat bared its teeth in anger, but still managed a smile and coaxed softly, "Don't be fooled by how ugly this sword technique looks. It's the number one sword technique in the world. If you learn it, you can slay spirits above and immortal masters below, and be invincible throughout the world."

"Can't you create a sword technique that's both beautiful and invincible? This sword technique is so ugly, Erniu next door will laugh at me," Xiao Qingchen muttered.

"This is already the eleventh version, and it's already very good," the tabby cat said through gritted teeth.

"Then you're really terrible," Xiao Qingchen said bluntly.

"Ha." Jiang Zhu couldn't help but laugh out loud. He was currently in a wandering state, so Xiao Qingchen couldn't see him.

"Who?"

The tabby cat suddenly bristled, its gaze turning cold as it stared at Jiang Zhu: "A wandering soul?"

"A wandering spirit?" Xiao Qingchen was also startled and looked in that direction, but couldn't see anything.

Nowadays, there are very few wandering spirits in Sheng Kingdom. Xiao Qingchen has never seen one, but has only heard of them.

Jiang Zhu calmly looked at the tabby cat, his body gradually solidifying: "A spirit of mountains and seas?"

"You've got some knowledge, and you're even a wandering soul in cultivation." The tabby cat looked arrogantly at Xiao Qingchen, gripping the ancient sword: "Watch closely, your master will show you just how beautiful this sword strike is."

Before Xiao Qingchen could react, a brilliant sword light shone forth, like the blazing sun rising in the night, carrying a majestic heavenly might. If it were an ordinary wandering soul, it would probably not even be able to withstand the heavenly might.

In order to impress Xiao Qingchen, he deliberately controlled his sword power, worried that Jiang Zhu would dissipate directly.

But then, Jiang Zhu reached out with his palm, bypassing the ancient sword and grabbing the tabby cat by the throat.

The power of the Yin and Yang circulated, and an even more immense heavenly might spread out, directly annihilating the divine might of the tabby cat.

Taiyin Youmingtian!
"This is impossible..." the tabby cat cried out in terror, trying to struggle, but found itself unable to move, its magical power completely suppressed.

Xiao Qingchen stared wide-eyed at the scene in disbelief.

Although we don't know Gu Qingxu's true identity, a Qi Refiner is a celestial being, yet he was grabbed by the neck and held in the hand by a so-called wandering soul.

"In this prosperous age, instead of keeping a low profile, why are you getting involved in worldly affairs?" Jiang Zhu looked at him indifferently: "That cat who follows the way of Heaven."

"You, you are that green lamp?" The tabby cat's fur stood on end, and its eyes were filled with panic.

Hearing the commotion, Ning Qinghan and the other two came out and were startled by what they saw.

The next moment, Gu Qingxu's figure disappeared, revealing a chubby tabby cat.

"It's you, the spirit of the mountains and seas!" Ning Qinghan exclaimed in shock and anger, "So that's why you were so persistent in teaching Qingchen swordsmanship. It was you."

"You lied to me!" Xiao Qingchen said angrily, running quickly towards the blue lamps, grabbing the two lamps, and about to summon the nation's destiny.

"I...I meant no harm, Green Lantern Spirit. Don't you love worldly peace? If you use the nation's destiny to kill me, Shengguo will fall into chaos," the tabby cat hurriedly said.

"The Blue Lantern Spirit?" Ning Qinghan and the other two were all shocked.

Looking at the green lamp in her hand, Xiao Qingchen quickly said, "Are you the Green Lamp Spirit, the Green Lamp Spirit beside Ancestor Qingxuan?"

Jiang Zhu smiled, casually released the tabby cat, and came to Xiao Qingchen: "In the blink of an eye, you've grown up so much."

"You know me?" Xiao Qingchen looked up at him.

"I've watched you all grow up," Jiang Zhu said with a faint smile. "What's wrong with this cat?"

"I... I just think he has the talent for immortality and I want to take him as my disciple," the tabby cat quickly said.

"Is that so?" Jiang Zhu glanced at Taiyin Qingdeng: "You want to borrow the nation's fortune, don't you? Your injuries are quite serious."

He knew what these mountain and sea spirits wanted the moment they opened their mouths.

(End of this chapter)