Longevity Candle

Chapter 111 A Gift to Yao Yidao
The Taiping Dao people came up empty-handed, but soon found Li Qingchen's whereabouts again.

Li Qingchen made no attempt to conceal his tracks along the way, continuing to deal with the harmful supernatural objects.

He also encountered mythical beasts, which were indeed fierce, but they were no match for a martial artist like him.

Qin Yuqing also followed him and began cultivating new immortal techniques.

After Li Qingchen called out "Master" several times, the tabby cat quickly revised a suitable magic manual for Qin Yuqing.

The tabby cat also helped improve Yunting's method of attaining rebirth.

For a great elf like him, improving such a rudimentary method was a trivial matter.

Although Jiang Zhu possessed the Netherworld Heaven and cultivated the Candle Illumination and Shadow, his understanding of the Dao of Immortality and the rules of the power of heaven and earth was far inferior to that of the tabby cat.

After all, his time was too short.

The two traveled with their swords, and news of Li Qingchen gradually spread.

Three months later, the Qi cultivators of the Taiping Dao finally stopped them.

But before they could announce the imperial edict, under the dim light of the lamp, the fate of the nation turned against them.

The two showed no mercy and slaughtered all the Taiping Dao members who came.

This battle caused a sensation throughout the entire Sheng Kingdom, and the name of Li Qingchen from Taoyuan spread throughout the Sheng Kingdom.

The Taiping Dao is the largest power in the Sheng Kingdom besides the imperial court, with Qi cultivators and countless martial artists.

Despite his immense power, he was still utterly defeated by Li Qingchen's sword.

Li Qingchen also received an invitation, hoping that he could join the anti-Shengguo organization.

Such forces are never lacking in any era, especially since Ningguo is behind these forces.

Ningguo has never given up on the land of Shengguo. The Taiping Dao has been influencing and infiltrating the people of Shengguo through various means of propaganda and enticement.

They don't need military force; the strength of their nation is their greatest weapon.

Li Qingchen refused them, and they didn't make things difficult for him.

In the eyes of these people, Li Qingchen's killing of the Taiping Dao of Sheng Kingdom was causing trouble for Sheng Kingdom, and he was a friend, not an enemy.

Six months later, Li Qingchen and his companion arrived at the outskirts of Yunmengze.

Just as they were about to enter Yunmeng Marsh, a Qi Refiner arrived from afar, riding on a cloud.

He wore a long blue robe with the words "Peace and Prosperity" embroidered on his chest.

Li Qingchen frowned: "A Qi Refiner from Ning Kingdom?"

In the prosperous country, the Taiping Dao (a type of Taoist priest) would have the four characters "Taiping Shengshi" (meaning "peaceful and prosperous world") embroidered on their chests, while in the Ning country, only the two characters "Taiping" (meaning "peace") would be embroidered.

"Yang Zhi from Ningguo greets the successor of Peach Blossom Spring." The Qi Refiner bowed in greeting: "The Dao Master asked me to invite you to visit Ningguo when you have time."

"You still remember Peach Blossom Spring?" Li Qingchen asked in surprise, then replied, "I will go there after Yunmeng Marsh."

"Back then, Daoist Qingxuan bestowed the Taiping Scripture upon us. We have always remembered it. The matter concerning Li Wanyun has been sealed away, and His Majesty will not pursue it."

Yang Zhi said, "The Daoist Master is waiting for you at his former residence in Peach Blossom Spring."

"Taoyuan Residence?" Li Qingchen's expression changed. "Is he there? Or is he not in the capital?"

"To guard against imperial power, the leader of the Way of Peace moved the Way of Peace to its former residence in Taoyuan and established a new Taoyuan."

Every ten years, the Taiping Dao Society sends a Qi Refiner to the capital for rotation.

Yang Zhi explained.

The leadership changes every ten years, and even if they are corrupted by power, it will not affect the Taiping Dao.

Moreover, the surrounding area is inhabited by people from the Taiping Dao, so if the imperial power wanted to take action against them, they would relocate immediately.

Over the years, the Ningguo royal family had considered subduing the Taiping Dao, but the Dao leader was too well hidden and his methods were not bad either.

“I will go see it,” Li Qingchen said.

Yang Zhi bowed and rode away on a cloud.

"Ningguo is so nice," Qin Yuqing said.

"Yes, let's go and see that demon first." Li Qingchen was very much looking forward to seeing what a prosperous and peaceful country would look like.

The two entered Yunmengze and passed through the miasma.

With the magic blocking their way, the miasma dissipated, and the beasts in the distance fled in panic upon seeing them.

The vast swamp harbors poisonous insects and ferocious beasts.

"Master, can you find that demon?" Li Qingchen asked.

The tabby cat frowned: "Let's see first. That old woman is watching us. We can only see her if she tells us to."

The Nine-Colored Deer is very powerful. If she doesn't want to, even a tabby cat wouldn't be able to find the demon's trace.

Hearing this, Li Qingchen stopped thinking about it and began to stroll around Yunmengze with Qin Yuqing.

They revealed a trace of immortal aura, and the nearby ferocious beasts dared not approach.

Although Yunmengze is a swamp, the scenery is beautiful.

In that swamp, lotus flowers bloomed in abundance, and miasma drifted everywhere, creating a colorful scene that resembled a fairyland.

Highly poisonous, yet beautiful.

under night.

The two lay on a tree, gazing up at the starry sky.

“When I was a child, my grandfather often lied to me, saying that my father and mother had turned into stars in the sky and were watching over me.”

Qin Yuqing gazed at the stars, recalling her grandfather's words.

Before Li Qingchen could speak, the tabby cat curled its lip and said, "You mortals really have a vivid imagination."

"Yes, I loved to fantasize when I was little. I thought about my parents and wanted to become a Qi cultivator, saving lives and becoming famous throughout the world," she said.

"When you grow up, you'll find yourself wanted by the police, hiding everywhere, and infamous," the tabby cat said.

Qin Yuqing fell silent, really wanting to stab him.

Li Qingchen glared at the tabby cat with annoyance: "Master, can't you say something nice?"

"I only tell the truth," the tabby cat grinned.

“When I was a child, my parents would tell me stories about our ancestors. At first, I didn’t understand, but as I grew older, I felt more and more pressure.”

Li Qingchen sighed, "I often wonder if my ancestors will blame me if I fail to do it, and if my father, mother, and aunt will be disappointed."

“They can’t blame you. You died a complete death; not even your soul was left behind,” the tabby cat said.

Li Qingchen was also rendered speechless by him. This elf did not understand the joys and sorrows of humans.

After a long pause, he changed the subject: "Do you think the Nine-Colored Deer might lead us to see a demon?"

"Probably." Qin Yuqing thought for a moment and said, "That demon is so pitiful. If I can be friends with her, I will definitely take her to drink all the peach blossom wine and eat all the delicacies of Sheng Kingdom."

"I just remembered the mushroom soup my father used to cook, as well as the peaches from Taoling, the fish from the Chihe River, and the shrimp from the South China Sea," Li Qingchen murmured.

"You're living such a good life, young master," Qin Yuqing said enviously.

She followed Qin Yu in hiding and didn't eat much.

The two chatted, reminiscing about their childhood.

In the darkness in the distance, a woman with red marks on her face, wearing an animal skin coat, and with disheveled hair was watching them.

The tabby cat merely glanced at her and then paid her no further attention.

The two continued to wander around Yunmeng Marsh, and arrived at the place where they had taken the Taiyin Immortal Stone years ago. The place was still desolate.

Standing on a mountain, gazing at Yunmeng Marsh, one can see miasma rising, birds circling, and beasts fighting.

Here, all things live in peace and harmony, and under the frosty sky, they roam freely.

“Master, I think I understand now. The power of heaven and earth you spoke of has rules,” Li Qingchen suddenly said.

"Huh?" The tabby cat looked at him in surprise.

But then, Li Qingchen sat down cross-legged, his mind and spirit merging with heaven and earth, feeling every blade of grass and every tree in Yunmeng Marsh.

The power of heaven and earth converged, attempting to penetrate Li Qingchen's body, but he stopped it.

The power of heaven and earth gathered around him, transforming into multicolored streams of energy, much like the miasma from before.

The tabby cat stared in disbelief, utterly shocked.

Li Qingchen remained at the martial arts realm, but he was comprehending the rules of immortality.

The Cloud Dream Sword within his body was now emanating a gentle moonlight, like a tender sword aura, nourishing his entire body.

The tabby cat sensed it and its expression turned to ecstasy.

This kid wasn't lying to him; he really did activate the Cloud Dream Sword!

As the sun rose and set, Li Qingchen sat there for half a year.

He opened his eyes, still not having entered the path of immortality, yet his body was filled with a mysterious and ethereal aura.

He drew his peach wood sword and thrust it through the air. The power of heaven and earth followed closely, its brilliance like colorful clouds, or like this dreamlike world.

"Qingchen, you're amazing." Qin Yuqing looked at him with admiration.

She felt that even if she mobilized all her magical power, this sword strike would be no match for it.

The tabby cat was very happy: "Good, good, good. You are indeed my disciple. I thought you would have to enter the path of immortality to study the power of heaven and earth."

"It's all thanks to Master's excellent teaching," Li Qingchen said with a smile.

"Qingchen, the sunset at Yunmengze is also very beautiful," Qin Yuqing said with a smile.

“Let’s watch the sunset together,” Li Qingchen said with a smile. The two of them stood together on the mountaintop, watching the sun set in the distance, while the tabby cat lay beside them, occasionally pawing at the wild grass.

Golden light shone on the two of them, adding a touch of holiness and warmth.

As night fell, the two lit a fire and discussed leaving.

"We will set off for Ningguo tomorrow," Li Qingchen said.

"Okay, I can't wait!" Qin Yuqing said with a smile.

In the darkness, a beautiful woman in green, barefoot, walked towards the two on the green grass.

The tabby cat sat up straight. Li Qingchen and Qin Yuqing exchanged a glance, then bowed and said, "May I ask if you are an elf or a celestial master?"

Yunmeng Marsh is a remote place, and they live deep within it. Even the Qi cultivators of the Taiping Dao would not come here unless there was a reason.

At this moment, the only ones who appeared and made the tabby cat take their orders seriously were the elf and the fairy master.

The beautiful woman glanced at the tabby cat, then her gaze fell on Li Qingchen: "You owe this place a favor for comprehending the power of heaven and earth here."

"What does Your Excellency wish me to do?" Li Qingchen asked.

The beautiful woman did not answer, but asked instead, "Are you searching for a demon?"

“Yes, I heard about her situation, so I came to see her,” Li Qingchen said.

"mercy?"

“There is pity, and there is also regret.” Li Qingchen said frankly, “However, I no longer have these feelings now. Thank you for the elf’s gaze upon her.”

“You are not related to her at all, so why are you thanking her on her behalf?” the beautiful woman said.

“Your kindness deserves my gratitude,” Li Qingchen said solemnly.

"Kindness?" The beautiful woman shook her head and chuckled. "Little kitten, how come you're mixing with the people of Peach Blossom Spring?"

"Peach Blossom Spring is actually quite nice," the tabby cat said in a low voice.

Kitten?
Li Qingchen and Qin Yuqing were shocked to learn her identity: Yunmengze – Nine-Colored Deer!

Only this person dares to call a tabby cat that.

"Do you have peaches of immortality in the South China Sea?" the Nine-Colored Deer asked.

"There are peach trees, but they take 100,000 years to grow, which we can't wait for," the tabby cat said bitterly.

The nine-colored deer sighed, "Still seeking the heavens?"

The tabby cat remained silent.

“The Path to Immortality.” The Nine-Colored Deer came to his side, gazing at the Yunmeng Marsh under the night sky, its heart filled with countless emotions.

Li Qingchen and the other person remained silent, not interrupting their conversation.

“She’s waiting for you downstairs. I’m going to chat with the kitten,” said the Nine-Colored Deer.

The tabby cat nodded: "Go ahead."

When Li Qingchen and his companion arrived at the foot of the mountain, they saw the legendary demon.

She had a bright red birthmark on one side of her face, while the other half was exceptionally fair.

She might be very beautiful if it weren't for that birthmark.

"My name is Li Qingchen, a martial artist of the Taiping Dao. This is Qin Yuqing, a Qi cultivator of the Taiping Dao," Li Qingchen introduced.

"I... I don't have a name, everyone... everyone calls me Demon," Demon responded softly.

"How about I give you a name?" Li Qingchen said gently, "The same surname as mine, Jiang."

"Jiang?" Yao looked at them timidly, then quickly lowered her head.

In his eyes, Li Qingchen was a handsome young man she had never seen before, as dazzling as the bright moon in the sky.

Qin Yuqing was like a fairy under the moon, beautiful and otherworldly.

As for himself, he was an ugly savage whom everyone hated, like the silt in a swamp.

The past events have long since tarnished her reputation.

"He is a great elf who brings light to the world and peace to the land. He can radiate light that dispels darkness."

Li Qingchen said, "I hope your life can also be filled with light."

"Light?" the demon murmured.

“Jiang Chenxi, what do you think of this name? It’s like the first rays of dawn, illuminating all darkness.” A ray of golden light appeared in Li Qingchen’s palm, dazzlingly bright: “Just like this light, it’s warm, dispels the cold, and illuminates the darkness.”

“Jiang Chenxi.” She looked at the brilliant light and felt a warmth she had never felt before.

"I'm giving you this light." Li Qingchen reached out and handed over the light.

The demon was so frightened that it quickly retreated, saying, "I... I'm poisoned."

She didn't want to hurt Li Qingchen, nor did she want to bring him disaster.

“We’re not afraid of drugs.” Qin Yuqing walked over with a smile and took her hand: “Look, I’m fine.”

She carefully took the light, then, as if remembering something, quickly withdrew her hand and covered the birthmark on her face.

"This is an innate supernatural ability you were born with, and it can be eliminated," Qin Yuqing comforted her softly.

She remained silent, her head bowed.

Li Qingchen looked up at the mountain peak: "Master, can you help Chenxi remove the birthmark on her face?"

"Dawn?" The tabby cat glanced down at her, then looked at the nine-colored deer: "Why didn't you help her?"

"Why should I help her? Saving her life is already an act of kindness," the Nine-Colored Deer said calmly, before still casting a beam of light.

The light fell on Jiang Chenxi's face, and the red birthmark quickly faded, transforming into a wisp of pure flame that hid within her body.

“You’re so kind to mortals these days,” said the Nine-Colored Deer.

“He calls me Master,” the tabby cat said.

"Master?" The Nine-Colored Deer scoffed. "Just because you said 'Master,' you're siding with mortals?"

“I’m just on his side,” the tabby cat corrected. “This kid is pretty good, especially when he knelt down and called me master.”

"So many mortals kneel before you, yet you never even glance at them. Does their kneeling make you happy?" the Nine-Colored Deer sneered.

“It feels different. He is the successor of Peach Blossom Spring and the one who lowers his gaze to the green lamp,” said the tabby cat.

The Nine-Colored Deer looked at the tabby cat, which had transformed into the appearance of the Green Lantern: "Instead of seeking revenge on the Green Lantern Spirit, you're siding with him."

"I can't beat him. In this land of Sheng Kingdom, he is invincible," the tabby cat said with a sneer.

This is a fact; it can command the nation's destiny and dragon energy at any time, and even the old spirit would have to retreat.

"Even if you can't beat them, you're still thinking of helping them walk the path from mortal to immortal. Aren't you worried that in the future, mortal cultivators will surpass elves and immortal masters?" the Nine-Colored Deer said.

"They can't overpower the immortal masters, let alone the elves?" the tabby cat said nonchalantly. "Besides, we don't need the national fortune to kill elves to prolong our lives, nor do we often enter the mortal world. How we develop has little impact on us."

The Nine-Colored Deer chuckled softly, gazing up at the starry sky: "Very well, I have no desire to interfere in mortal affairs. When will the Green Lantern Spirit appear?"

“He returns once every nine years, let’s wait another eight years,” said the tabby cat.

“I’m not worried, the successor of Peach Blossom Spring has been killed.” The Nine-Colored Deer frowned.

"He won't die. The Dragon Blood Serpent is watching him," the tabby cat said calmly, without directly mentioning the fate of the nation.

The three people below get along very well.

After the birthmark faded, Yao transformed into a stunning beauty, even more beautiful than Qin Yuqing. Li Qingchen was immediately stunned.

Fortunately, he quickly came to his senses, called Yunting out, and they introduced themselves.

Li Qingchen stayed for another month, which was the happiest time for Jiang Chenxi. She wanted to leave with him, but in the end, she did not leave Yunmengze.

She feared the outside world; this was her sanctuary, and the beasts were her playmates.

Li Qingchen promised to come see her again, and left Yunmengze with Qin Yuqing and the tabby cat, heading to Ningguo.

When they reached the north, they saw a continuous walled city blocking the way between the two countries.

The city walls were already filled with martial artists, Qi cultivators, and soldiers.

They stared coldly at the two men, and without the slightest hesitation, a hail of arrows rained down: "Since you are unwilling to pledge allegiance to the Sheng Kingdom, then stay on this land forever!"

What Emperor Sheng cannot have, Ningguo must not have either!
Li Qingchen drew his peach wood sword, and the brilliant sword light flashed, engulfing the arrows in front of him.

She led Qin Yuqing to storm the city wall, and the newly formed national destiny betrayed them once again.

Amidst the horrified gazes of the Qi cultivators, a sword light cleaved through the city wall.

In the void, the nation's destiny shone with a humanistic light, but after hesitating for a long time, it ultimately did not dare to intervene.

"The opportunity to command the nation's destiny has not disappeared. Indeed, reuniting the nation's destiny is also helping the prosperous nation."

The Dragon Blood Serpent had figured it out.

Back then, he and Xu Wenhe were both wrong. They thought that by using up that one opportunity to command the fate of the nation, Jiang Zhu would never be able to control the fate of the nation again.

Jiang Zhu's abilities did not disappear; instead, he left with Li Qingxuan, simply because he did not want to interfere with the change of imperial power.

Li Qingchen and his companion left the Sheng Kingdom. High in the distance, Yang Zhi stood on a cloud, a smile on his face: "Qingchen, welcome back."

He glanced at the soldiers and warriors on the city wall, and his smile deepened.

By personally sending the successor of Taoyuan back to Ningguo, Shengguo truly did a good deed.

The warriors from Sheng Kingdom looked grim; they dared not enter Ning Kingdom's territory.

If the national fortune of Shengguo is used there, it will trigger the national fortune of Ningguo, thus causing a war between the two countries.

(End of this chapter)