Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 30

Chapter 30: We’re Not Taking Her

Qin Yuan, filled with longing for the immortal mountain, chattered excitedly with Mu Tao after learning she could go there.

Although Mu Tao was just an unnoticed, often ostracized disciple on Mount Chao Yao, having grown up there, she knew quite a bit about the mountain.

At least, far more than a certain “outsider” who had been there for less than six months and hadn’t even bothered to read the source material carefully.

This certain outsider, due to her special status, couldn’t just ask anyone for information.

Now, presented with a rare opportunity to learn, she pushed aside her loneliness, seemingly resting with her eyes closed, but secretly eavesdropping on the little protagonist’s impromptu lesson for the little princess.

Some of what Mu Tao said was vaguely familiar, while some was completely new to her.

For instance, the difference between inner and outer disciples, the status and treatment of unregistered spirits on the mountain, how outsider spirits could join the outer sect, and how to ascend to the inner sect or become a disciple of the Three Revered Ones.

Also, the number of teachers on the mountain and the different cultivation techniques.

Just listening to this made Li Yu’s head spin; she couldn’t remember any of it.

She wondered if Mu Tao’s knowledge came from an exceptional memory or simply from spending too long on the mountain, absorbing information by osmosis.

Mu Tao spoke earnestly, Qin Yuan listened attentively, and Li Yu became increasingly drowsy.

Maybe she should just give up.

She was no longer a student, almost thirty years old; her learning ability couldn’t compare to that of youngsters in their early twenties. There was no need to force herself.

If she kept listening with her eyes closed, she would start nodding off “attentively” during the lesson.

So, she opened her eyes, pulled back the curtain, and enjoyed the breeze.

The little teacher’s soft and sweet voice, carried by the wind, became a hazy murmur in her now-empty mind, present yet intangible.

Qin Yuan, wanting to avoid attention, hadn’t brought many people with her, fearing a large entourage would attract scrutiny at the city gates.

But even with their small group, the guards stopped Zhao Xianchen, who was riding at the front.

Zhao Xianchen, unaware that Qin Yuan had disguised herself, tried to help her by chatting with the general guarding the gate and even attempting to bribe him with a silver ingot.

The general refused without hesitation.

“Just following orders, Lord Zhao, please understand.” He then walked past Zhao Xianchen and approached the carriage.

Zhao Xianchen frowned and subtly signaled to Mo Yichu.

Fortunately, they had already discussed this. If the guards insisted on detaining them, the coachman would force their way through, and they would clear the path and cover their escape.

Zhao Xianchen lowered his voice and reiterated, “Remember, Immortal, injure but don’t kill!”

Mo Yichu: “Mm.”

Behind them, the general lifted the carriage curtain.

Judging by Zhao Xianchen’s nervousness, he was almost certain the Third Princess was inside.

But when he looked inside, he only saw three unfamiliar women.

Just as he was surprised, a bright, icy blue light erupted behind him.

Li Yu, seeing the light, instantly understood what her two clueless teammates were about to do.

Damn it! The two girls had been chatting so happily they forgot to inform their teammates outside!

Within seconds, the light formed an unfamiliar formation on the ground, which then expanded rapidly, silently enveloping the entire gate tower.

Sunlight refracted through the floating ice shards, casting strange patterns of light.

Li Yu couldn’t help but cough loudly.

The general, sensing something was wrong, turned around and froze.

Qin Yuan, startled by the commotion, also emerged from the carriage, looking at Zhao Xianchen in shock.

A single glance was all it took for Zhao Xianchen to understand.

Although the formation felt slightly cold, he broke out in a sweat.

“I, I, Immortal Mo!” Zhao Xianchen grabbed Mo Yichu’s hand, gesturing towards the carriage with his eyes.

Mo Yichu was stunned.

Zhao Xianchen: “Can you…undo it?”

Mo Yichu: “I can…not release it yet…”

Zhao Xianchen: “How long will it last? Will it hurt anyone?”

Mo Yichu: “Half an hour? It won’t hurt anyone.”

Zhao Xianchen gasped, gritted his teeth, and looked at the general, whose hand was now on the hilt of his sword.

“What is the meaning of this, Lord Zhao?”

“Don’t be alarmed, General, this is just…”

“Just what?” The general’s question put all the guards on high alert.

Qin Yuan, anxious, was about to speak when Li Yu patted her shoulder.

She looked back to see Li Yu raising her voice calmly, “General, the summer heat is intense. This formation is to cool everyone down.”

Such a serious tone, such a ridiculous explanation!

Confusion filled the general’s eyes, unsure whether to draw his sword.

Zhao Xianchen quickly chimed in with a forced laugh, “Yes, it is quite hot today!”

“General, you’ve checked the carriage, there’s nothing wrong with it, right?” he said, wiping the sweat from his forehead, and asked casually, “Can we leave now? Or does the General intend to keep the Third Princess’s guests in the city for a few more days?”

“N, no, of course not…” The confused general stepped aside.

The coachman, his hands trembling slightly, drove the carriage through the city gates.

As the carriage moved further away, the formation remained at the gate tower.

The guards stared at the formation, bewildered. The general pondered for a moment, then patted a subordinate on the shoulder. “Quickly, go to the palace and invite a cultivator to examine this formation.”

He then muttered, “It is quite refreshing.”

But the refreshing coolness didn’t last long.

Before the cultivator from the palace arrived, the formation dissipated without a trace.

If it weren’t for the nearby residents as witnesses, the general would have been accused of mocking a Seventh-rank cultivator.

Inside the carriage, Qin Yuan had already removed the bracelet and returned it to Li Yu.

Relieved to have escaped the city, the little princess chattered excitedly, first with Mu Tao, then humming a tune to herself by the window.

Li Yu hadn’t seen someone so energetic in a long time.

Energy, like emotions, was sometimes contagious.

Although she couldn’t be as lively and active herself, a flicker of motivation, however fleeting, arose within her.

Earlier, she had been resistant to the main storyline, but now she felt a sense of anticipation.

Li Yu: System, System, the City of the Undying is a major arc, right?

【Yes!】

Li Yu: Then after I complete it, can I unlock more advanced skills?

【That’s right!】

Li Yu: Besides new skills, are there any other rewards?

【Yes, there are!】

Excellent, so she could become stronger after finishing this mission!

Having a top-tier account but being unable to utilize its full potential was frustrating!

Main storyline, City of the Undying, here she comes!

Now, the question was…

Li Yu: “How long will it take to reach the City of the Undying?”

Qin Yuan: “Normally, half a month.”

Li Yu: “Half a month?”

Ancient transportation was so inconvenient, spending half a month bouncing around in a carriage!

Seeing Li Yu’s frown, Qin Yuan quickly asked, “Is that too slow, Exalted God? If we travel day and night, we can arrive in eight or nine days!”

Travel day and night? That meant camping in the wilderness.

No matter how eager she was to complete the mission, there was no need to make things so difficult for herself.

Li Yu shook her head. “No need. Being exhausted wouldn’t be conducive to dealing with such strong resentment.”

Qin Yuan: “You’re right, Exalted God!”

Li Yu suddenly realized that the Third Princess’ way of addressing her had changed.

Thanks to her little disciple’s enthusiastic praise, she, a freeloader who only knew how to eat, sleep, and do nothing, couldn’t maintain a low profile.

Fine, since she was incompetent, she’d use her greatest strength—killing time.

Thinking this, Li Yu leaned her head against the side of the carriage and closed her eyes, taking a nap.

Seeing Li Yu asleep, Qin Yuan remained quiet, looking out the window.

Despite the bumpy ride, Li Yu slept soundly.

A few times, she half-opened her eyes, feeling a gentle support under her neck, but didn’t bother to investigate.

Suddenly, the carriage jolted as it went over a large rock, startling her awake.

Mu Tao, who had been sitting with Qin Yuan, was now beside her, not only supporting her but also gently cradling her head.

What a strange position. It was more comfortable for Li Yu, but wouldn’t Mu Tao’s hand get tired?

Li Yu looked down at Mu Tao.

Those bright eyes seemed to have been watching her all along. Now, meeting her gaze, they didn’t flinch, just blinked once, like a loyal puppy.

“You’re awake, Master.”

“Mm.”

As Li Yu sat up straight, Mu Tao withdrew her hands.

The sun outside was blazing. The usually talkative princess was also asleep, curled up in her seat.

Her mouth slightly open, her arms wrapped around her sword, her yellow dress crumpled on the floor, she looked nothing like a princess.

Li Yu suddenly remembered some gossip she had overheard.

The Third Princess is already twenty-one. With her unruly behavior, always hanging around cultivators, who would dare marry her?

Even an outsider like her could hear such unkind words; how could Qin Yuan be oblivious?

But judging by her carefree demeanor, she didn’t seem to be affected.

This was good, Li Yu thought.

Many stories depicted princesses as demure and obedient.

Qin Yuan, having grown up in an immortal sect, wasn’t constrained by such expectations. She could be herself, even if it seemed unconventional to others.

It was a kind of blessing.

Another princess of the Huai Kingdom, the one sent for a political marriage three hundred years ago, had suffered a completely different fate.

The journey to the City of the Undying was long, and Li Yu once again entered that semi-conscious travel state.

One day, they passed through a village plagued by a demon, delaying their journey. They couldn’t reach the next town before nightfall.

After a brief discussion, they decided to make camp and rest.

As Qin Yuan took out their rations, Mu Tao jumped off the carriage with her large bundle, found a clearing, and happily set up her portable kitchen.

Seeing this, Qin Yuan, Zhao Xianchen, and even the coachman looked at her in disbelief.

Qin Yuan had brought plenty of rations; they wouldn’t go hungry even without an inn.

But Mu Tao firmly believed that while simple rations were acceptable during travel, since they were stopping for the night, they should have a proper meal!

She insisted on cooking a good meal for her master!

“But in this wilderness, even if you have cooking utensils, there are no ingredi…”

Before Zhao Xianchen could finish, Mu Tao took out a bag of rice and various jars of seasonings from her bundle.

Qin Yuan: “What about vegetables?”

Mu Tao: “I have some!”

Qin Yuan tilted her head in confusion, then saw Mu Tao sniff the air, as if she had smelled something, and then dash off, using a speed-enhancing spell.

Soon, she returned.

In her left hand was a colorful, barely alive pheasant; in her right, a handful of unfamiliar-looking, but seemingly edible wild vegetables.

She stopped, thought for a moment, and then handed the pheasant to Zhao Xianchen.

Mu Tao: “Can you…kill this for me?”

Zhao Xianchen froze, a flash of spiritual light in his hand, and the pheasant went completely still.

Mu Tao, seeing him hand the pheasant back, shook her head awkwardly.

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but remind him, “Lord Zhao, she’s asking you to…prepare it.”

Zhao Xianchen: “Ah, that…I’m not very good at that…”

As soon as he finished, Mo Yichu took the pheasant.

“I’ll do it,” Mo Yichu said, turning and walking towards the river.

“Thank you, Senior Brother!” Mu Tao called cheerfully and hurried towards the river with the wild vegetables.

Zhao Xianchen stood there, feeling the amused gazes of the other three.

A wave of embarrassment washed over him, and he decided to escape. “I’ll go and gather some firewood…”

Qin Yuan, seeing that everyone seemed to have something to do, scooped out a bowl of rice from the bag and hurried after Mu Tao, her skirts fluttering. “Sister Mu Tao, wait for me!”

Under the setting sun, the two young women ran towards the river, their steps light.

Li Yu instinctively wanted to follow, but then stayed behind with the coachman.

Youth, ah, youth, so beautiful, yet so distant.

If only she didn’t have that character compatibility to worry about!

That night, Mu Tao prepared a simple, but far more delicious meal than their rations.

Qin Yuan ate happily, sitting beside Mu Tao, showering her with compliments.

The sincere and generous praise soon made Mu Tao blush.

The flickering firelight illuminated the girl’s flushed cheeks.

Li Yu, seeing her joy, felt happy for her.

But seeing her own unchanging blackening value, she was reminded that sometimes, joy couldn’t be shared.

They spent the night within a hastily erected protective barrier.

It wasn’t a comfortable sleep, so everyone woke up early, just as dawn broke, and continued their journey to the City of the Undying.

After a few more days of bumpy travel, they finally arrived at their initial destination.

To be precise, the place where the carriage stopped wasn’t their true destination.

This was Songxiang Town, the closest town to the City of the Undying.

Perhaps influenced by the haunted city, the town seemed deserted.

Almost every house had talismans, peach wood charms, and everyone wore colorful strings on their wrists.

“This place seems even more deserted than a few years ago,” Qin Yuan said softly. “It’s too close to the City of the Undying, inevitably attracting evil spirits… Six years ago, when I first came here, people told me that almost everyone who could leave had already left. Those who remained were either unwilling to abandon their ancestral homes or simply had nowhere else to go.”

“I’ve hired some rogue cultivators to protect them. Those talismans, the peach wood charms, and the colorful strings are all imbued with spiritual power, offering protection against low-level evil spirits…”

“But how could there be only low-level spirits in this place? Even with the cultivators guarding it, people still disappear without a trace, not even leaving behind a body.”

Qin Yuan sighed. “Those who disappear…probably wandered into the City of the Undying.”

Mu Tao: “The City of the Undying is so dangerous, why would anyone go there?”

Zhao Xianchen: “They’re not going there voluntarily.”

Qin Yuan nodded. “There’s a spirit summoning formation within the City of the Undying. Although it’s missing its core component, with the immense resentment there, it still has a strong pull on souls.”

“Every living being possesses a three-hun and seven-po. Living people aren’t affected by the formation because they’re healthy and full of yang energy, preventing their souls from resonating with the formation.” [T/N: 三魂七魄 (sān hún qī pò-three-hun and seven-po) refers to the three spiritual and seven physical souls in Chinese tradition.]

“Actually, a long time ago, the formation was powerful enough to affect even the living. The reason the people in the surrounding towns weren’t affected was because they were far enough away. As long as they didn’t approach the city, they were safe.”

Qin Yuan’s voice was filled with helplessness.

She said that initially, the people living nearby were safe, but as the formation grew stronger, the once safe distance was no longer safe.

“When people are sick and weak, their yang energy weakens, and their souls become more vulnerable. This is why evil spirits often target the weak.” Qin Yuan frowned. “These weakened individuals can easily be drawn in by the formation. They lose their sense of self and wander towards the City of the Undying at night. If no one notices in time, they’ll enter the city unconsciously…”

Mu Tao was horrified. “Then…can’t anyone save them?”

Zhao Xianchen: “If they haven’t entered the city yet, maybe. But once they’re inside, there’s no hope.”

“Indeed,” Qin Yuan explained seriously, “The resentment in that place is as vast as the ocean. Even cultivators might struggle to escape unscathed. Ordinary people, without any cultivation, will be instantly consumed by the resentment, with no chance of survival.”

She said that the seal outside the city had worsened the situation within.

For years, to prevent the resentment from spreading, cultivators could only reinforce the weakening seal, finding no other solution.

But the seal was becoming increasingly damaged, beyond repair.

If they couldn’t cleanse the resentment, when it finally broke free, it would consume all the surrounding towns.

Qin Yuan looked at Li Yu. “No coachman is willing to travel to the City of the Undying from here. Even horses become unruly when they get close. We’ll have to go on foot.”

Li Yu: “…”

Walking? That sounded terrible.

“Exalted God, when shall we depart?” Qin Yuan asked expectantly.

It was still early, and Li Yu, under her expectant gaze, couldn’t bring herself to suggest resting.

She hesitated, then asked, “Are you going too?”

Qin Yuan: “Of course!”

Zhao Xianchen was startled and quickly tried to dissuade her. “Princess, please don’t take such a risk! Let the immortals handle this!”

Qin Yuan looked up and asked, “What’s there to be afraid of?”

Zhao Xianchen: “That spirit summoning formation is incredibly powerful, and the resentment within the city is so deep that even Eighth-rank cultivators might struggle to maintain their sanity! I’m responsible for bringing you out of Yanyang, Princess. If anything happens to you, I won’t be able to answer to the Emperor!”

“Don’t worry, Lord Zhao!” Qin Yuan waved her hand dismissively and smiled. “The Exalted God said that she will take me to Mount Chao Yao after this is over. I’ll be a disciple there, and the Exalted God will surely protect me, so don’t worry!”

Li Yu’s heart clenched.

She couldn’t protect anyone!

If it weren’t for the protagonist’s mandatory participation in the main storyline and her concern about the male and female protagonists developing feelings for each other amidst danger, she would have loved to just find a safe place and sleep.

She herself going was one thing, but Qin Yuan absolutely couldn’t!

Having the male protagonist lead three burdens into a high-level dungeon was absurd.

Thinking this, Li Yu subtly tugged at Mu Tao’s sleeve.

Mu Tao looked up at her.

They exchanged glances, communicating silently.

Li Yu glanced at Qin Yuan and subtly shook her head.

We’re not taking her. You two get along, find a way to dissuade her.

Mu Tao frowned slightly, then her expression became determined.

Leave it to me, Master!

Li Yu was relieved.

She and her little disciple were truly in sync, able to communicate with just a look.

As Li Yu was feeling touched, Mu Tao quietly moved behind Qin Yuan.

“Sister Mu Tao, what are you…”

Qin Yuan, busy assuring Zhao Xianchen of her safety, turned around curiously as Mu Tao approached.

Before she could finish her sentence, a swift chop to the neck made her eyes roll back, and she collapsed into Mu Tao’s arms.

Zhao Xianchen: “Ah?!?”

Mo Yichu: “…”

Mu Tao looked at Li Yu triumphantly, tilting her head and smiling. “Master, she’s unconscious. Should I put her back in the carriage?”

Li Yu: “…”

Well, that worked.

—Although the method was a bit…more violent than expected, the result was what she wanted.

Comments

One response to “Devilish Disciple [Transmigration] 30”

  1. ZacionX Avatar
    ZacionX

    Lol

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