Vol. 1 - Ch. 93 - Run!

Under the shade of the ancient trees, invisible spirits whispered among themselves.

“Tianshun, this child has a temperament much like yours,” Chen Changming murmured.

Chen Tianshun responded with a helpless smile, showing no opposition but rather a hint of support. He knew breaking through to the Innate Realm was no simple feat.

To get there, one first had to reach the peak of the Blood Coagulation Realm, a state where one’s Qi and Blood flowed like mercury.

Chen Qingyu was close, but not quite at that level yet. He wanted to use life-and-death battles to temper himself, hoping to break through to the peak. Although the method could work, it was undeniably dangerous. As a father, Tianshun was worried, but he understood his son’s fierce determination. Such resolve, the heart of a true martial artist, couldn’t be stifled.

And in any case, stopping him wasn’t Tianshun’s decision—it lay with Chen Xingzhen, the clan leader. At that moment, unaware of the spirits watching him, Chen Xingzhen himself wrestled with hesitation. He wasn’t comfortable with the idea of Chen Qingyu venturing into the mountains alone. Was there any way to prevent it?

After a moment’s thought, his gaze fell upon the Divine Tree, sparking an idea.

“Here’s what we’ll do,” he announced. “You will pray to the Divine Tree. If it responds, I’ll permit you to enter the mountains.”

“Huh? What does this have to do with me?” Ji Yang, silently observing, felt taken aback. Yet he understood Chen Xingzhen’s logic; the Innate-level beasts were indeed perilous. For the clan’s well-being, Chen Qingyu couldn’t be allowed to go alone.

Chen Qingyu appeared to have anticipated this, stepping forward earnestly. 

“My trip to the mountains is not just for a breakthrough. There aren’t many beasts left in the clan’s grounds. I plan to hunt a few as an offering to the Divine Tree.”

No sooner had he spoken than a ray of light glimmered from the branches, and a fresh, green leaf slowly drifted down.

Ji Yang sighed inwardly at the sight of the determined youth. 

No dream should be hindered by the challenges ahead. When the heart of martial arts is resolute, it deserves support.

Chen Qingyu, holding the leaf in both hands, bowed deeply in gratitude. Chen Xingzhen and even the spirit of Chen Tianshun followed suit, inclining their heads in respect.

“Well,” Chen Xingzhen said, a smile breaking over his face, “if the Divine Tree grants its support, I have no further objections.”

Ji Yang watched him, momentarily surprised. Did this old man plan it all along? It seemed Chen Xingzhen wanted to shield him in some way, though without making it obvious. Amused yet impressed, Ji Yang sensed that recent events had brought a positive change in the clan leader.

“Though the Divine Tree grants you protection,” Chen Xingzhen continued, “remember: do not provoke the innate green wolves.”

“Qingyu will remember,” he replied firmly.

…

With the Divine Tree’s blessing in hand, Chen Qingyu set out, and the clan shifted its focus from the recent Blood Rice harvest to delivering grain to nearby villages. While two catties per household didn’t amount to much, it was a symbol of the Chen clan’s generosity.

Delivering such quantities required a massive effort. The villages scattered around Chaotic Burial Mountain were far apart, and even two catties per family added up quickly. To ensure safety, each group comprised at least two people.

As the clansmen spread out across the villages, they found their task well received. Many villagers, surprised by the sudden gift, felt a touch of gratitude. For some, those two catties of grain meant a ray of hope in surviving the bitter winter.

Meanwhile, Chen Xingzhen instructed clan members to take note of the number of households in each village, aiming for better control over the region. He had also chosen many unmarried clansmen for the task, envisioning potential matches among the villagers. If mutual affection arose, it could form the basis for future alliances.

…

Back at the clan, two young figures were quietly huddled behind a house, observing their surroundings.

“Qinghe,” whispered Chen Qingmeng, “do we really have to do this? What if the clan leader or your mother finds out?”

Chen Qinghe blinked, slightly thrown by the familiar yet nerve-wracking sentiment. But then he remembered: his father was away from the clan for now.

“What’s there to be afraid of? The clan leader is in the Ancestral Hall, and my mother’s busy making clothes,” he whispered back. “I heard she’s stitching the clan totem onto new robes. She won’t even notice! Just come along!”

He turned to Qingmeng. “Did you pack everything?”

“Yes, I brought the medicine, a water bottle, and… this!” Qingmeng twisted around to reveal the Mountain Opening Blade strapped to his back. Although the blade was worn and dull, it was carefully wrapped in thick cloth.

“Perfect,” Qinghe whispered. “And I picked a leaf from the Divine Tree last night. It should come in handy!”

With a nod, the two fully armed young men made their way toward the clan gate.

…

Just as they were about to slip through, a figure materialized before them, casting a looming shadow that chilled them both.

“Qinghe, where do you think you’re going?”

The woman speaking was in her thirties, her delicate features belying a robust strength. Years in the unforgiving snows of Chaotic Burial Mountain had added faint lines to her eyes, but her beauty remained undeniable. She smiled gently, but a frost lay hidden in her gaze.

Hearing the familiar voice, both boys tensed.

Chen Qinghe swallowed, glancing up at his mother’s stern expression. He stammered, “M-Mother, we… the clan leader… asked us to deliver food.”

“Yes, food delivery!” Qingmeng echoed quickly.

Shao Zhenfang raised an eyebrow, her smile unwavering. “Oh? Then where is this food?”

“Ah… I forgot! I’ll go get it now!” Chen Qinghe turned, trying to dart away, but his mother seized him by the collar. Her voice rose, both exasperated and amused.

“Chen Qinghe, today you’re getting a good scolding!” she scolded.

“Qingmeng, run! Go get the clan leader to save me!” Qinghe shouted.

As Qingmeng fled, a sigh of exasperation escaped the woman’s lips. These two little rascals! They had nearly slipped past her to head into Chaotic Burial Mountain for some grand hunting adventure. If not for the clan spirit who had tipped her off in a dream, she might never have caught them!

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