Chapter 276 – Your Son Is Unfilial
…Inside the peak of Tianfeng Mountain…
Qin Nan sat atop the huge Qi Dragon with his eyes shut. Following his constant breathing, streams of white gas were emitted from his pores, which entered the body of the huge Qi Dragon below him, causing the glow of the huge Qi Dragon to turn more solid.
The Fruit of Good Fortune that Peak Leader Zhang had given him was nothing ordinary. Although Qin Nan was not sure of the exact quality, he could sense the tremendous force being encapsulated within the Fruit of Good Fortune. Therefore, he chose to go into seclusion on top of the huge Qi Dragon. Not only did he recover from his severe injury, but he could also help the huge Qi Dragon with its cultivation, and repay the debt from before.
BANG!
WIthin Qin Nan’s body, a flame was ignited that spread throughout his body like a furnace.
ROAR!
Within his mind, a series of beastly cries took place, as his Divine Sense returned to its calm state.
After a few days of seclusion, with the aid of the Fruit of Good Fortune, Qin Nan had now fully recovered from the previous injuries. Furthermore, his two techniques showed signs of improving, resulting in a greater strength.
“Most importantly, my Inner Core…”
Qin Nan mumbled in his heart. For the past few days, he had controlled the force of the Fruit of Good Fortune to cleanse his Core, allowing it to rapidly recover, but it still lacked its previous power, which still required multiple days for it to regain its previous strength.
“Six days have passed, it’s time for me to head out.”
Qin Nan slowly opened his eyes. He brought his fists together toward the huge Qi Dragon, before leaving the place with a flicker.
……
……
The Inner Domain Peak was still the same, with no obvious changes.
When Qin Nan arrived at the third residence, he could faintly hear voices coming out from inside. He was startled after he entered the place.
Before him were Princess Miao Miao, the Longhu Ancestor Beast, Old Shan, Xiao Leng, Chu Yun, Huang Long, Xu You, Mo Zishan, Yang Yiming, Cao Fan, Li Qingyu, and even Bai Heng, whom he had not seen in a long time.
The group of people were gathered around a huge round table, which was filled with various dishes and jars of Icy Blue Mountain.
As soon as Qin Nan arrived, Princess Miao Miao uttered an excited cry, “Xiao Nanzi, you are finally back. It seems like the Princess has predicted it right! Come, take your seat, let us drink!”
Following this, she grabbed a jar of Icy Blue Mountain and finished it in one go, causing her to let out a burp, and her face be slightly reddened.
Xiao Leng and the others burst out laughing.
After the previous incident, they were no longer intimidated by Princess Miao Miao. Apart from her interest of robbing people, she was quite a lovely person.
“Guys…”
Qin Nan was stunned on the spot.
Huang Long took a sip of Icy Blue Mountain and said in a grateful tone, “Qin Nan, I have always wanted to challenge you before, but I never thought that you would be heading to the two Sacred Areas in just half a year’s time. Today, the Princess told us that you might be coming out of seclusion, hence we all decided to hold a feast as a farewell party!”
Xiao Leng and the others glanced at Qin Nan.
Qin Nan could feel a string deep within his heart being pulled, as he picked up a jar of Icy Blue Mountain and finished it in one go, “I’m extremely grateful to have you all as my friends. Let us enjoy the rest of today together!”
“Hooray!”
The atmosphere of the third residence turned lively.
Everyone began to chat with one another, boast with one another, and enjoy a merry time together.
At that instant, there was no difference between identities, no difference between cultivations, no difference between talents; all that remained was true friendship.
After a while, Qin Nan had already finished over ten jars of Icy Blue Mountain. His emotions were incredibly raised at that instant, as he took out his seven ancient sabers and placed them on the table.
The crowd was startled. What is Qin Nan trying to do, taking out his sabers all of a sudden?
“My fellow brothers, this world is a very cruel one due to the limitations of the ranks of Martial Spirits! I have no idea if I will have the chance to come back in the future, thus, since everyone is here today, I hope that you all will leave a drop of blood on my sabers!”
“Why is that?”
“I will be bringing these seven sabers with me while I wage wars in the lower district. Even though you are not physically nearby, your presences will always be with me with the blood on my saber!”
Qin Nan spoke at a steady pace.
Xiao Leng, Chu Yun, and the others could feel their nose tingling.
The reason why friendship was rarely emphasized in the Martial World was because of the limitations of the ranks of Martial Spirits. As one’s cultivation continued to improve—resulting in there being a bigger world to be explored—the difference between two people became bigger, thus the two would have less chances to contact each other, resulting in a distant relationship.
This was the cruel yet unchangeable rule of the Canglan Continent, one that no one could break. It was impossible for everyone to improve their cultivation at the same pace!
“Sure!”
Xiao Leng waved his hand, producing seven drops of blood.
Chu Yun and the others rose from their seats and produced their blood respectively too.
The seven ancient sabers emitted a continuous icy glow as if they were aware of the significance of the blood, a permanent sign of the friendship between the people here.
They continued to drink and chat, having an enjoyable time together. The voices of the chattering gradually weakened as the dusk approached, and at last, the place fell silent.
Qin Nan quietly exited the third residence and patted his head. He had to admit that this Icy Blue Mountain was truly powerful, that even he was slightly drunk, not to mention Xiao Leng and the others who were lying on the ground snoring.
“Qin Nan, I can still drink…”
Princess Miao Miao, who was fast asleep while lying on Qin Nan’s shoulder, curled her lips and twisted her head, trying to find a more comfortable posture.
Qin Nan glanced at her and then at the familiar third residence. After a while, he carried Princess Miao Miao on his back and left the place.
……
……
The Qin Clan had now been relocated inside the Mystic Spirit Sect. Old Shan specifically built a palace for them, where the members of the Qin Clan resided.
Qin Nan’s figure entered the majestic palace. With a flicker, his figure transformed into mist as he arrived at the third-floor of the palace.
On the third-floor, there was a huge room specifically prepared for Qin Nan.
Qin Nan placed Princess Miao Miao down and entered the room. Before he could react, a gentle voice could be heard, “Done drinking?”
Qin Nan was shocked, as he turned his head around and saw Qin Tian sitting on the bed with a smile on his face.
“Father, were you purposely waiting for me?” Qin Nan was slightly startled.
“I was told that you would be having a party with your friends at the third residence.” Qin Tian stared at his son whose reputation had trembled the entire Luohe Kingdom, and smilingly said, “Therefore, I guessed you would be coming here. It seems like my hunch was right. You indeed came.”
“Father…”
Qin Nan could feel something blocking his chest.
Qin Tian waved his hand and exclaimed, “Your mother died at a young age. Since you were a child, I’ve been harsh toward you. As a result, compared to the other children, you did not live a happy life during your childhood. I’ve always worried that it would have a negative influence on you, but it seems like you are doing well, very well. Your father is proud of you.
“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t you feel guilty, don’t you feel sad. This is how the Martial World is.”
Qin Tian gazed at Qin Nan with a serious look and said, “Go and have an adventure in the lower district. Remember to have an outstanding performance, so the news regarding your achievements will be spread to the Luohe Kingdom. That way, I’ll be able to hear your news.”
“Father…”
Qin Nan stared at the sideburns of Qin Tian that had begun to whiten, and knelt down with a thump as he said in a hoarse voice, “Father, I have no idea when I will be back after heading to the lower district. Your son is unfilial; he is unable to take good care of you.”
Heading to the lower district was only the beginning. He would eventually head to the upper district to battle against more heroes.
One’s lifespan was limited; Qin Tian, who only possessed a sixth-grade Huang ranked Martial Spirit, was destined to only reach the first-layer Martial Emperor Realm at most even with unlimited resources, giving him a lifespan of a hundred years.
A hundred years was too short of a period in the Martial World.
While Qin Nan was busy battling against the Heavens and Earth, and returned after a hundred years, he would find Qin Tian aged to his death.
Qin Tian wore a gentle expression as he reached out his hand and patted Qin Nan on his head, “Nan’er, I’m already satisfied as you have never complained about my weak talent. Don’t worry about me, since I’m now at the Mystic Spirit Sect. Spread your wings wide and soar, and remember that I will be forever proud of you.”
Qin Nan’s journey would not stop here.
Qin Tian knew that he could not do anything about it. Although he would miss him, and worry about him, he understood that this was the way it should be. He was not willing to be a burden to Qin Nan.
His son should try his best to soar higher into the sky.
Translator: XephiZ
Editor: DOCuinn
TL Note: Xiao Nanzi here is a nickname for Qin Nan that the Princess came up with. Xiao here is ‘小’, which means small or little. It’s a different word comparing to Xiao(萧) Leng etc. Fun fact: I actually have the same surname ‘萧’ in real life =D
Chapter 277 – The Rare Occurrence at Jianghuang City
The following day, Qin Nan, Princess Miao Miao, and the Longhu Ancestor Beast left the Mystic Spirit Sect and headed toward the lower district.
Before that, Qin Nan tried looking for Xiao Qingxue, but he was told by some disciples that Xiao Qingxue had already left the Mystic Spirit Sect, and that there was a letter addressed to him.
“……I’m really regretful that I asked you to surrender in the first place… I hope that one day I will be strong enough to be your helper…”
Qin Nan read the words written in the letter and let out a sigh. He never blamed Xiao Qingxue, as she only did so as she was concerned of his safety.
“Forget it, we might still see each other in the future if it’s our fate. Let’s take a look at the map Peak Leader Duanmu gave me.”
Qin Nan shook his head and took out the scroll.
The scroll was a type of Divine Sense Scroll. On top of it existed various rays of light, which combined into a mysterious formation.
As soon as Qin Nan inserted his Divine Sense into the scroll, it immediately fired a ray of light into Qin Nan’s brain, which resulted in a map.
The map glowed brightly, and on it was included over hundreds of countries, sects, and several forbidden areas noted with detailed markings, allowing one to be well informed.
“Hmm?”
Qin Nan’s sense immediately arrived at a golden glow on the map. Besides the glow was written a tiny line of words, which seemed to have been left there by Peak Leader Duanmu.
“The Feiyang Sacred Area and the Qinglong Sacred Area recruit their disciples every year at Jianghuang City, the place where the first trial will take place. Qin Nan, only two months are left until the trial begins, hence you should head straight to Jianghuang City after you leave the Mystic Spirit Sect.”
Qin Nan immediately opened his eyes and asked, “Longhu, have you heard of Jianghuang City?”
“Jianghuang City?” The Longhu Ancestor Beast wore a prideful smile, “You have asked the right person. This Jianghuang City is known as one of the Three Great Ancient Cities within the lower district, which possesses a formidable background. Even the two Sacred Areas would not try to attack it. This Jianghuang City is also known as the Treasure City, as countless of cultivators—even the Peak Leaders—would head to Jianghuang City to sell their treasures, or trade them for rare materials…”
“Treasure City? Nice, very nice, let’s go there now.” Princess Miao Miao’s eyes flickered brightly, and she made the decision for the crew.
“How about the other two cities?”
Qin Nan was unfamiliar with the lower district as he only knew of the existence of the Two Sacred Areas, thus he was eager to learn more information about it.
“The other two cities are known as the ‘Gambling City’ and the Slaughter City. The Gambling City is a place built specifically for cultivators to gamble. As for the Slaughter City, I don’t think it needs any explanation.” The Longhu Ancestor Beast said.
Qin Nan nodded his head while listening to the words. As expected of the lower district, it sounded far more interesting than the Luohe Kingdom. These three ancient cities alone sounded exciting just from their names.
“Let’s go—our first stop will be Jianghuang City!”
Qin Nan said as his eyes were engulfed in flames. How many geniuses would he meet in two months’ time?
……
……
For the rest of the journey, the Longhu Ancestor Beast transformed into his primary form and carried Qin Nan and Princess Miao Miao as they headed straight to Jianghuang City. Although the Longhu Ancestor Beast tried to resist, and insisted that he would never allow himself to be a mount, he ended up subduing to the imperiousness of Princess Miao Miao.
Along the journey, Qin Nan utilized his multitasking ability, expanding his knowledge while observing the culture of people as he continued to refine his Inner Core.
After half a month of refining, the surface of Qin Nan’s Inner Core was now incredibly smooth, surrounded by waves of energy of various techniques and wills, but it still was a distance away from fully recovering.
“We’ve arrived at Jianghuang City!”
The Longhu Ancestor Beast uttered an excited roar, as tears almost rolled down from his eyes. He could finally get rid of his role as a mount.
Qin Nan raised his head hearing the roar, and in his sight, on the valley a distance away firmly stood a huge city, covering an area of thousands of miles, like a giant beast from the ancient era creeping on the ground. Under the sunlight, the walls of the city—which were made of blue rocks—reflected various mysterious lights.
“These are…”
Qin Nan executed his Eyes of the Divine Battle Spirit, and immediately discovered that each of the giant blue rocks was an extremely valuable ‘Mystical Blue Arcane Rock’. In addition to that, at least hundreds of terrifying formations were active underneath the city.
Even Qin Nan himself could only peek a little at the formations, and that alone was enough to make his heart beat rapidly.
“Come, let’s enter the city!”
Princess Miao Miao was extraordinarily excited, waving her tiny hand. The three then entered Jianghuang City with a dominant aura.
When they arrived at the entrance, four silver-plated Martial Emperor Realm knights drew out their spears at the same time, blocking the path, and said, “Every person needs to pay three Arcane Realm Stones before entering the city.”
“Three Arcane Realm Stones?!”
Qin Nan was shocked. Three Arcane Realm Stones were equivalent to more than a few hundred thousand Martial Emperor Pills.
Princess Miao Miao and the Longhu Ancestor Beast became instantly enraged. How daring of these guards, to have the balls to rob them.
“Here are twelve Arcane Realm Stones.” Qin Nan frowned slightly and immediately took out twelve Arcane Realm Stones.
The silver-plated knights withdrew their spears and said with expressionless faces, “Within Jianghuang City, you are not allowed to unleash your aura, not allowed to use any violence, and not allowed to fly. Those who break the rules will be expelled.”
Qin Nan nodded his head, and dragged the furious Princess Miao Miao and Longhu Ancestor Beast, who were on the verge of exploding, into Jianghuang City.
As soon as they entered Jianghuang City, they were immediately immersed in a lively atmosphere, as their ears were bombarded by various voices.
“Ay ay ay, young man over there, take a look at this newly acquired Tian-ranked Secret Technique, now selling at a cheap price!”
“Heroes, I’ve got a brand new atavistic magical weapon here, come and check it out!”
“LOWEST PRICE EVER! Now trading Martial Ancestor Pills; one thousand pills for each Arcane Realm Stone!”
“……”
The main streets of Jianghuang City were surrounded by merchants and traders. Each stall was unique in its own way, but they all had a common similarity; they all gazed at Qin Nan and his crew with fiery eyes, as if they could not wait any longer to devour them.
“F**k me…”
The Longhu Ancestor Beast was so frightened that he almost burst out screaming.
At that instant, a figure suddenly appeared with a toady expression, “Three seniors, I believe it’s your first time here at Jianghuang City, right? You can address me as ‘Houzi‘. For a mere price of one Arcane Realm Stone, I’ll be your guide for the rest of the day, and answer any questions you have.”
A few other figures wore twisted expressions after seeing ‘Houzi’ was one step ahead of securing their ‘prey’.
Qin Nan glanced at Houzi and discovered his cultivation to be at the tenth-layer Xiantian Realm, before he nodded his head.
Houzi wore a joyful expression as he swiftly said, “May I know the reason why you guys are here at Jianghuang City? Are you here to trade your treasures, to participate in the selection of the two Sacred Areas, or are you guys here for the Ancient Dragon Auction?”
“Ancient Dragon Auction?” Princess Miao Miao asked in a curious tone.
“It seems like it’s the first time you three have heard of this term.” Houzi explained, “The reason why Jianghuang City is called the Treasure City—apart from the fact that the Two Sacred Areas recruit their disciples here—every year, the Trading Alliance holds a grand auction. You will find countless epic treasures at the auction which will occur in ten days. More than ten thousand people will be there. Each year, the geniuses from other kingdoms and disciples of the two Sacred Areas come here for the auction.”
“Come! Let’s go to the auction!” Princess Miao Miao said without hesitation. That being said, her intention was not to participate in the auction. She was going to rob the place.
“Trading Alliance? The Ancient Dragon Auction?”
Qin Nan eyes rolled.
Previously at the Martial Serendipity Pavilion, the mysterious girl from the Trading Alliance did mention that if Qin Nan were to enter any auction, he would be hunted down by the Trading Alliance.
That being said, Qin Nan had no intention of caring about being hunted by the Trading Alliance. Instead, he was even more interested in going after the Trading Alliance had told him not to.
However, at that instant, a rare phenomenon took place. At the center of Jianghuang City, a rune was fired into the air, which transformed into a beam of light that was fired at a terrifying speed and penetrated Qin Nan’s body. Following this, three lines of black marks appeared on Qin Nan’s forehead, emitting a bright glow!
Translator: XephiZ
Editor: DOCuinn
TL Note: Houzi(猴子) means ‘monkey’ in Chinese.
Chapter 278 – Bullied to the Extreme
“Shit!”
Qin Nan’s expression turned dull. The rune was too quick for him to react to. Even Princess Miao Miao and the Longhu Ancestor Beast could not react in time.
He immediately executed the Blazing Sun Golden Armor Body Technique, resulting in his body being engulfed in flames. Despite that, the three black lines on his forehead were completely unaffected.
Seeing this, he immediately executed the Eyes of the Divine Battle Spirit and targeted his forehead. Surprisingly, he discovered that the three black lines had no harmful effect; it only contained a mysterious force, which was unwilling to dissipate.
“This is… three black lines!” Houzi blurted out after seeing this, “Why are you marked with three black lines, I’m not doing your business anymore!”
Without hesitation, his figure flickered as he prepared to leave immediately.
“Hold it!”
Qin Nan unleashed his Divine Sense and penetrated Houzi’s mind, causing his figure to shudder violently and stand still on the spot. His face filled with a hint of terror as he said, “Three seniors, I’ve never offended you guys, please don’t hurt me. Plus, you are not allowed to use violence in Jianghuang City…”
Qin Nan replied with an expressionless face, “Tell me, what are these three black lines?”
“You don’t know them?” Houzi stared with his eyes open wide, but after seeing the confused looks on the faces of Princess Miao Miao and the Longhu Ancestor Beast, he spoke after a slight hesitation, “The Trading Alliance specifically made these black marks for the cultivators who possess bad reputations. It is impossible to be erased once it has penetrated your forehead. The black marks are classified into one line, two lines, or three lines. If someone has three black lines, it means that the person has been involved in robbing, cheating, and disguising.”
Houzi paused for a while before continuing, “Since the Trading Alliance is known as a just faction, those who are marked with three black lines are cast aside by all cultivators. No one would be willing to trade with you. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the people around you…”
Qin Nan and his crew instinctively glanced at the main road of Jianghuang City.
The merchants and traders who were previously welcoming them with warm attitudes had their faces turned dull after seeing the three black lines on Qin Nan’s forehead. The warmth in their eyes completely vanished, replaced by coldness.
In the eyes of these sellers, those with three black lines were the most hated by them!
Qin Nan’s face turned utterly cold.
The Trading Alliance is fair and just?
The mysterious white-shirted lady had gone this far just because he didn’t trade her the Secrets of the Martial Serendipity Pavilion.
Was she trying to force him to hand over the secrets?
Qin Nan took a deep breath and calmly said, “I’ll give you two Arcane Real Stones.”
After saying this, he immediately flicked two Arcane Realm Stones into Houzi’s hand.
“This…” Houzi’s expression turned blank. He had initially planned to escape, but these two Arcane Realm Stones were equivalent to a few days’ income, which would aid him to break through the limit he was currently experiencing. He clenched his teeth and said, “If that’s the case, I’ll stay. However, three seniors, I must say that since you are marked with three black lines, you won’t be permitted to take part in the Ancient Dragon Auction, and you won’t be able to participate in the selection of the two Sacred Areas!”
“What?”
Qin Nan almost doubted if his ears had heard it wrongly.
Houzi said with a stern look, “This is because only those who have committed serious crimes would be marked with three black lines by the Trading Alliance. When dealing with such people, the two Sacred Areas would not be willing to recruit them. Besides, with these three black lines, you would have a hard time staying in Jianghuang City too…If senior has now regretted this, I can return the two Arcane Realm Stones to you.”
“There’s no need for that!”
Qin Nan’s expression changed, as his eyes flickered coldly.
How nice of the mysterious white-shirted lady, how nice of the Trading Alliance, doing such a thing to him in order to obtain his secrets. Did they really think he was one to be bullied easily?
Princess Miao Miao was there at the Martial Serendipity Pavilion; her face turned icy after hearing the words; “The Trading Alliance has gone too far this time. You, bring us to the Ancient Dragon Auction now, we’ll rob everything from them!”
“Right, let’s rob them all!”
The Longhu Ancestor Beast followed.
They currently had the Imperial Exterminator and three Peak Leaders as their support. There was nothing to be afraid of even if they robbed the Trading Alliance.
Houzi’s face was thoroughly filled with terror as he waved his hand and said, “Two seniors, please don’t say that. Every year, the Ancient Dragon Auction is guarded by a Martial Highness Realm expert. Besides, no one is allowed to use violence within Jianghuang City. Not even Peak Leaders are allowed to do that…”
“Martial Highness?”
The Longhu Ancestor Beast immediately turned timid.
“Humph!”
Princess Miao Miao wore an unpleasant expression.
The influence of the Trading Alliance had surpassed their expectations. Even with the support of the Imperial Exterminator and the three Peak Leaders, they could not act recklessly.
Qin Nan withheld the anger in his chest and said, “So in other words, I have no choice but to leave Jianghuang City since I’m marked with three black lines?”
“Common-sense wise, there is nothing you can do if you continue to stay in Jianghuang City…” Houzi clenched his teeth and continued, “If three seniors are not fussy, you can stay at my place, but you will have to pay me two Arcane Realm Stones each day!”
Usually, Houzi would also offer his customers to live at his place, but the price was only one Arcane Realm Stone every ten days.
“Sure!”
Qin Nan nodded his head while his face remained expressionless. Although he was not willing to waste his Arcane Realm Stones, since he was still unfamiliar with the situation of Jianghuang City, it was unwise for him to act on his own before learning the rules and relationships between the Trading Alliance and Jianghuang City. Until then, since the mysterious white-shirted lady and the Trading Alliance had gone too far with their bullying act, Qin Nan would not easily let it go!
“Three seniors, please follow me!”
With Houzi leading the way, they swiftly left the place and arrived at an ordinary-looking residence at a remote part of Jianghuang City.
As soon as they arrived at the residence, Qin Nan immediately spoke, “Princess Miao Miao, Longhu Ancestor Beast, the Ancient Dragon Auction of the Trading Alliance will be taking place in ten days’ time. Even though I’m not allowed to participate, you two should see what useful information you guys can find.”
“Sure!”
Princess Miao Miao and the Longhu Ancestor Beast nodded their heads. The Trading Alliance was being too shameless; they would not be satisfied if they were to leave the city straight away.
Houzi stared at them with a blank expression.
Didn’t I mention that the Trading Alliance was supported by Martial Highness Realm expert?
Are these three seriously thinking of avenging themselves?
Houzi took a deep breath, as his heart suddenly felt a tiny bit regretful.
At that instant, a stream of Divine Sense came from a distance far away and entered Qin Nan’s mind, resulting in a pleasant voice, “My friend Qin Nan, I never expected you to come to Jianghuang City in just a few months’ time. I believe you should have learned the information regarding the three black lines by now. Let’s have a chat at room number one of the Qingxin Inn, sound good?”
“Hmm?”
Qin Nan raised his eyebrows.
He was absolutely familiar with the voice, which belonged to none other than the mysterious white-shirted lady whom he had met at the Martial Serendipity Pavilion.
Now that the Trading Alliance had marked him with three black lines, before he even paid them a visit to demand an explanation, they dared to contact him first?
“Fine, I shall see what tricks you are trying to hide up your sleeves!”
Qin Nan mumbled to himself. Following this, he said to Houzi, “Bring me to the Qingxin Inn!”
Translator: XephiZ
Editor: DOCuinn