Northern Yan Chapter Eight: A Visit from an Old Friend

After Mo Hao left, Li An looked at Feng Xing with displeasure and asked, “Why bring in such a green youth? I heard he’s only just entered mid-stage of the Digu state; I doubt he’s skilled enough to handle flying devices.”

Feng Xing nodded. “That’s true, but do you have a better candidate for this journey? Your friends are far up north, and even if you went to them, they might not join. Those drinking buddies I know at the outer gate won’t risk such a dangerous expedition. Ever since I was eliminated in the last competition and assigned to outer affairs, I’ve been restless. It wasn’t a clean defeat; the opponent wouldn’t face me directly but attacked from afar with countless hidden weapon talismans—so annoying. This trip is my chance to break into the late stage and reenter the inner gate.”

Li An replied, “How can you be sure the opponent will show up? This youth doesn’t conflict with me anyway, but Feng brother, you should at least give him half the awakening herbs and flowers.”

Feng Xing’s chubby face quivered as he laughed heartily, transmitting his voice to Li An, “You know me too well. Do you think I’d share that many awakening flowers and herbs with him? If it comes to it, I’ll just cut him down. But this person was recommended to outer affairs by Elder Zhao, the master alchemist’s disciple, which complicates things.”

Li An scoffed, “What’s so complicated? If he’s a disciple favored by Elder Zhao, would he be recommended only to outer affairs? You’re overthinking it.”

Feng Xing nodded, considering this. “Enough talk. Prepare well when you return. Resentful Beast Mountain is notorious for good reason. I still have some spirit stones here. You can go to the ghost market auction to buy some talismans for emergencies.”

Li An nodded. The two raised their cups again and drained them in one go.

***

Back in his room, Mo Hao pondered Feng Xing’s words. Breaking into the mid-stage Digu realm had drained him immensely. To quickly advance to the late stage, he would need the aid of alchemical pills. Glancing at the jade token in his storage pouch, his hundred contribution points were spent. He had to venture to the outer gate to take on missions to earn more, or else with his current five spiritual veins, breaking through would be a distant dream.

As he looked into the pouch, he suddenly recalled a Hundred Treasures Map he had exchanged for ten contribution points. He hastily took it out and browsed. Soon, he found the bold characters “Resentful Beast Mountain.” The book described the mountain as located five hundred li south of the Virtual Sword Sect, in the southern barbarian lands, home to many resentful beasts, hence the name.

The resentful beast resembled a wild wolf, with four pointed ears standing erect, possessing exceptional hearing and a keen sense of smell like a wolf. The mountain was filled with lingering poisonous miasma, so the beasts had poor eyesight. Locals believed these beasts were born from the grievances of the heavenly wolf god, thus called resentful beasts.

Though spiritual beasts, their cultivation was low; even the resentful beast king was only mid-stage Digu. However, they were highly social and united, so even late-stage Digu cultivators feared them somewhat.

As Mo Hao prepared to study further, a knock on the door snapped him from his reading. Could it be Feng Xing with more to discuss? He opened the door to find a young man in green robes and a young girl beside him. Mo Hao laughed heartily and embraced the youth, who was equally excited. The girl stepped back, not wanting to intrude.

The young man was Han Qing, who had arrived at the Virtual Sword Sect about a month ago. Han Qing noticed a change in Mo Hao’s aura and smiled, “Hehe, Mo Hao, how are you doing in outer affairs? Judging by your aura, you’ve already broken into mid-stage—congratulations! The grand competition is near; you must consolidate your realm quickly. If you can break into late-stage, we’ll see each other daily at the outer gate.”

Mo Hao examined Han Qing’s aura and was startled, exclaiming, “Brother Han, you’re almost at late-stage! Congratulations.”

Han Qing glanced around cautiously, then secretly took out a jade vial, a book, and ten low-grade spirit stones from his storage pouch. Mo Hao repeatedly declined, but Han Qing feigned anger, “What kind of brothers are we if I don’t give you this? If others asked, I wouldn’t hesitate. Here, take it. Though this vial of Summoning Miao Pill was meant to help you break into mid-stage, you’re already there. The pill still helps a lot. Inside is also a Dust-Resisting Pill, useful against poison—just don’t swallow it. It’s meant to be held in the mouth to allow you to hold your breath for hours, preventing poison gas inhalation. Swallowing it, though, turns it into poison.”

“I know your contribution points are low, but points can’t be traded. If they could, I’d share mine with you. This book records alchemy and artifact forging techniques. I can’t visit often in outer affairs; I was only able to get leave because of New Year’s Eve. Outer affairs have limited resources—you should spend more time in the outer gate, taking missions to earn contribution points. But don’t be greedy when accepting tasks; greed leads to disaster. You can use points to exchange for herbs and practice alchemy and forging yourself. It’s more cost-effective than buying finished pills. But it depends on your talent and luck. Give it a try.”

Mo Hao looked at Han Qing. Since leaving his village, Han Qing was the first friend so kind to him. Though talkative, he understood it was all for his own good. Accepting the gifts, he nodded heavily and then asked about the girl.

“Thanks, Brother Han. Why is little Xue’er here at the Virtual Sword Sect? Shouldn’t she be in Han Zhong City?”

Han Qing chuckled, “Outer gate disciples aren’t usually allowed to bring family into the sect, but Elder Zhao saw my rapid progress and, after my constant begging, agreed to let me bring Xue’er here. She’s never seen the world; I brought her out to play. Training alone is so lonely, Mo Hao, you must win a spot in the next grand competition. Otherwise, I’ll be miserable training alone.”

“Oh? There are so many outer gate cultivators, haven’t you made some friends?”

Mo Hao rolled his eyes skeptically.

Han Qing sighed, “Those people know I was brought in by Elder Zhao and either flatter me endlessly or talk behind my back. Some even say I’m Elder Zhao’s illegitimate son. When Elder Zhao heard this, he was furious and immediately stripped those troublemakers of their cultivation and sent them home. But you know, Brother Han is just that outstanding. I’ve slapped their faces with my cultivation, hehe.”

Mo Hao was speechless; this was the first time he saw this side of Han Qing. Changing the subject, Han Qing led him and little Xue’er to a spacious area to demonstrate his flying device. Mo Hao also asked Han Qing several questions about cultivation.

By evening, they went to a tavern run by mortal disciples. Xue’er ordered a pot of flower tea grown exclusively by outer gate disciples. Han Qing recounted the events of the past month. Mo Hao asked if there were any outer gate missions he could take to earn contribution points. Han Qing didn’t know; tasks appeared daily but had to be checked personally at the outer gate. He didn’t know much since Elder Zhao supplemented his contribution points monthly, making him rather affluent and exempt from missions. Mo Hao sighed deeply.

Han Qing patted Mo Hao on the shoulder while Xue’er served tea. Han Qing planned to return to Han Zhong City the next day to visit Han Dahu. Mo Hao asked him to send his regards. After finishing their food and drink, the three parted ways to rest.

Having learned much about the outer gate, Mo Hao decided to explore it for a while. Since his appointment with Feng Xing was still some time off, he would see if there were suitable missions to accept, hoping to exchange for contribution points to advance his cultivation.