Volume One: The Dragon Rises from the Wilderness Chapter Sixty-Two: Kindred Spirits

Deep within the dense forest.

On a grassy clearing, seven people had gathered. Yu Ye, together with six Daoist companions he had newly met. He was regarded as a disciple of Xuanhuang Mountain, while the others were Tao Feng from Xiyun Mountain, Yu Xin and Meng Qingqing from Tiandan Peak, Luo Chen and He Qingnian from Zixia Mountain, and An Yunsheng from Chiwu Peak.

The middle-aged man who had met his end earlier was called Mo Jun, a Daoist disciple from Dragon Scale Peak. When the formation collapsed, he was slain in a single stroke by a cultivator from Qizhou. Regardless of his cultivation, it could only be said that his luck had run out. Fortune is fate as well; since life and death are determined, let us speak of fortune.

By rights, the trap designed to ambush the Qizhou cultivators was rather ingenious, yet the outcome was a bitter victory. Ultimately, it came down to the disparity in cultivation between the two sides. As the saying goes, sheer strength trumps skill; that was the truth here. If not for Yu Ye’s timely sword strike, the final outcome would have remained uncertain.

Having slain a Qizhou cultivator, the group, fearful of exposure, cleaned up the battlefield and fled under cover of night to this forest a hundred miles away. They could not avoid weighing the gains and losses, plotting their next bold move. Naturally, they also wished to become acquainted with the young brother from Xuanhuang Mountain, Yu Ye.

Only now did Yu Ye realize, belatedly, what had transpired.

The four’s introductions upon arrival—“Heavenly net descends to mortal dust, sweeping away three thousand grievances; where is Supreme Purity, a thought transforms the nine heavens; dragon’s roar stirs earth and sky, sitting calmly as clouds arise; the dream of worldly dust yet unbroken, unknown traveler unrecognized”—each contained the names of Luo Chen, He Qingnian, An Yunsheng, and Mo Jun. Tao Feng’s response, “Azure phoenix heralds new feathers, dead wood dreams of spring’s arrival, slaying demons and evil, realizing the Dao this year,” similarly delivered the names Yu Xin and Meng Qingqing.

Proper Daoist disciples were indeed different: learned, talented, free-spirited and enviable! Even Yan Chi and Zhong Jian had a bold, carefree manner. Bai Zhi and Chen Qi, also Daoist disciples, behaved quite differently. It was evident that flowers bloom in myriad hues; people differ from one another.

“Though last night’s battle brought losses, it was not without gain.”

Of the six disciples from various Daoist sects, Tao Feng was the eldest and strongest in cultivation, and thus assumed leadership. He produced a short sword, laying it on the ground. “This fine flying sword, I dare not claim alone. Let us distribute it according to merit—what say you all?”

Luo Chen, in his twenties, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, his demeanor somewhat cold, also brought forth a flying sword, smiling faintly. “This was won last night.”

He Qingnian, about thirty, handsome and clad in moon-white robes, took out a storage ring and placed it on the ground, indicating, “As Brother Tao suggested, let us share the spoils according to merit!”

An Yunsheng, twenty-seven or so, dressed in dark robes and steady in manner, set a longsword and a beast-hide pouch before him, saying, “These are Mo Jun’s belongings, let Brother Tao decide their fate!”

Yu Xin and Meng Qingqing were examining several battered flags, said to be formation flags—the very ones used in last night’s formation, now destroyed, which caused them much regret.

At this time, dawn had not yet broken.

In the dim night, each took out their spoils, but all eyes turned toward the young man.

Yu Ye silently watched the morning star on the horizon, his thoughts elsewhere. He admired the passionate valor of these Daoist disciples, yet had no desire to become involved in their so-called great affairs.

According to all available news, Bu Yi was attempting to seize control of the entire Great Marsh Daoist sects. Thus it was easy to deduce that the man’s ambitions extended beyond Yu Ye’s Jiao Dan; he had greater designs. Qiu Bo, also from overseas, perhaps knew the truth.

“Brother Yu, do you have any objections?”

“Ah…”

Yu Ye returned to himself.

Oh, so last night’s loot was to be handed over for distribution. The phrase was "share according to merit"—but wasn’t this simply dividing spoils on the spot?

“No, none at all!” Yu Ye hastily echoed, but Tao Feng and the others still looked at him. After a moment’s thought, he rolled his eyes and took out a ring from his robe, tossing it out.

When the tide of battle turned last night, he hid behind a tree, and as the Qizhou cultivator fled into the woods, he ambushed him with sword energy for a lethal strike, then finished him off with another sword, tossing the corpse out of the forest. While covering up his actions, he had not forgotten to take the other’s storage ring. He thought he’d done so unnoticed, but these astute Daoist disciples saw through him.

To have slain a cultivator at the eighth stage of Qi Refining was almost unimaginable. Yet, as mentioned, without the formation’s backlash and everyone’s combined efforts, even with his Seven-Kill Sword Energy, he could hardly have succeeded in ambush.

---

“Ha ha!”

Tao Feng laughed, “Though young, Brother Yu is no selfish man!”

Clatter—

All items from the two rings were poured onto the grass: spirit stones, pills, talismans, jade slips—everything one could wish for.

Everyone rose, their eyes shining with anticipation.

Yu Ye remained seated, quietly calculating.

He had killed a man himself—a considerable feat. How many spirit stones would he receive?

“There are two flying swords from overseas immortal sects, one magical longsword from Dragon Scale Peak, seven spirit stones, five bottles of pills, over twenty talismans, two cultivation manuals, a variety of magical tools, gold, silver, and personal items.”

Tao Feng took stock and continued: “Brother Luo Chen performed the greatest deed, so he receives a flying sword, a spirit stone, and three talismans; Brothers He Qingnian, An Yunsheng, Yu Xin, and Sister Meng Qingqing all contributed greatly, each shall have a spirit stone and three talismans. To compensate Sister Meng for her ruined formation, she receives an extra spirit stone. The manuals are to be shared among all…”

Luo Chen applauded, “Brother Tao’s words are wise!”

Yu Xin added, “To slay such a formidable foe, Brother Tao planned the victory and deserves the highest merit. The remaining flying sword and spirit stone should go to him!”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Only Yu Ye wore a sullen face, silent.

Tao Feng waved his hand, “Brothers and sisters, do not forget Brother Yu. Though fortune favored him, he slew a powerful enemy and spared us future worries; he deserves a reward!”

Cultivators with cultivation were called brothers and sisters; those without were addressed as “brother”—an intimate term, yet the distinction in closeness and status was clear.

Each took what they needed, everyone was pleased, voicing their agreement.

Yu Ye’s expression remained unchanged.

The spirit stones he wanted had all been claimed; the rest held no interest for him.

“Brother Yu, I’ll decide—these gold and miscellaneous items are yours. Oh, and a bottle of fasting pills, take those as well!”

Tao Feng pointed to the gold and objects on the ground, and noticing Yu Ye’s displeasure, laughed, “Don’t mind, Brother Yu. Spirit stones, manuals, talismans, and flying swords are fine things, but not suitable for you yet. You lack cultivation for now—don’t neglect your practice, the journey ahead is long!”

Yu Ye was not petty; otherwise, he would not have given the flying sword to Tao Feng. Once, Zhong Jian had argued with him face-to-face over treasure, but Yu Ye had not minded, rather admiring Zhong Jian’s straightforwardness.

Yes, as the saying goes: deceive not the heart!

Playing the fool and losing out is no bother, but you mustn’t truly take me for a fool!

“Thanks.”

Yu Ye, out of patience, rose to his feet and raised his hand, “I have matters to attend to, I’ll take my leave!”

Tao Feng exclaimed, “Brother Yu, why leave? We have weighty matters to discuss…”

“Heh!”

Yu Ye smiled, “I am young and ignorant, lacking ability—I wouldn’t dare jeopardize your important affairs!”

---

He turned, walked into the woods to fetch his horse, mounted it, squeezed its sides, and called out, “Fellow Daoists, farewell!”

Tao Feng was helpless, “Eh, he’s really gone?”

The others were unconcerned, raising their hands in farewell.

Suddenly, Tao Feng remembered something and called after him, “Brother Yu, we don’t know your name—leave it for us, so we may meet again!”

“Yu Ye—”

Man and horse vanished into the woods.

“Ha ha, after a few hours with the young brother, we never learned his name—Yu Ye…”

Tao Feng shook his head and laughed at himself, but before the laughter faded, his smile froze as he turned to his companions, incredulous, “What did he say…Yu Ye?”

All exchanged glances.

“Fifteen or sixteen years old?”

“A Daoist disciple?”

“Notorious for countless crimes?”

“Slayer of numerous Qizhou Qi Refining experts, feared as the Deathbringer Boy. Could it really be him? He clearly has no cultivation!”

“It’s not that we’re blind, but he knows how to conceal his cultivation. Tales abound of his infamy, yet we failed to recognize him in person!”

“Rumors are often false. Our Daoist misfortune has nothing to do with him; perhaps he offended Qizhou cultivators and was framed as a threat. If we could recruit him for our cause, many would follow. Pity we angered him over a few treasures, and now he looks down on us…”

Yu Ye had no time to concern himself with Tao Feng and the others’ thoughts.

He had already burst out of the woods.

Delayed for no reason, he had slain a Qi Refining expert and gained nothing. He had wanted to leave long ago. It was rather unfair, yet he had no way to voice his grievance. Still, he admired Tao Feng and the others’ courage in opposing Qizhou cultivators, proof that the Great Marsh Daoists had not completely fallen; a group of like-minded cultivators dared to resist, and the Daoist sects might yet be revived. Though their ambitions were lofty, Yu Ye had no intention of joining. He was already caught in the turbulent whirlpool, barely able to look after himself.

He sensed that the Jiao Dan, which had brought him so much danger, was only one among many mysteries.

The Jiao Dan was indeed linked to overseas cultivators. Yet these were not limited to Bu Yi and his ilk. If Qiu Bo was from overseas, he was not allied with Bu Yi. The remains found earlier in Spirit Jiao Valley had also come from overseas. It seemed that one group of overseas cultivators had arrived in the Great Marsh first, with Bu Yi and others pursuing them. Perhaps Bu Yi’s true aim in swallowing up the Daoist sects was to deal with these overseas cultivators.

As for the identity of those who arrived first, perhaps only Qiu Bo could answer.

The dawn was breaking.

A broad road appeared ahead.

Yu Ye spurred his horse onto the avenue and raced northward…