"Her Destiny, Her Sword"

陷入网络

The journey was peaceful and uneventful. When the spirit boat docked at Jinxiu Fang's pier, Su Hanjin was stopped by a cultivator at the early stage of Condensation. Her heart immediately tightened in caution. Unexpectedly, the man, looking rather nervous, bowed his hands respectfully and said, "May I ask for the fairy's name?"Su Hanjin wasn't sure how female cultivators in this world typically responded to such approaches. She didn't reply, instead furrowing her brows slightly and glancing sideways at Qiu Qianlin. His expression remained as indifferent as ever, but Su Hanjin noticed his fingers twitch slightly. She smiled faintly, realizing that the poker-faced man was displeased, likely considering violence.Perhaps dazzled by Su Hanjin's smile, the man was momentarily stunned before his face lit up with joy. "My name is Cheng Anyong, an inner disciple of the Hua Qing Sect, under the tutelage of Daoist Wang Xu." After introducing himself, he bowed again, revealing a gold-embroidered "Qing" character on his sleeve, which emanated spiritual energy — a mark unique to his sect.The Hua Qing Sect was one of the prominent cultivation sects in the Qing Mang Mountains, known to have a Golden Core stage cultivator among its ranks. In front of common rogue cultivators, the sect was undoubtedly a giant, and its disciples naturally commanded respect. Su Hanjin was currently disguised as a sword cultivator and returned the gesture with a simple nod but didn't reveal her name. She then turned to leave the boat with Qiu Qianlin.As soon as they stepped off the dock, Qiu Qianlin grabbed her wrist and led her directly to a nearby shop.This shop sold magical artifacts. A glance around revealed mostly low-level items, such as flying swords and armor, which were not particularly noteworthy. However, the shop's prime location meant it was filled with lower-level cultivators, many of whom were eagerly browsing. A shop assistant, dressed in a blue robe and clearly in the Qi Refining stage, was enthusiastically promoting a flying sword to a novice cultivator.Su Hanjin, puzzled, lowered her voice and asked, "Why are we here?"Qiu Qianlin shot her a brief glance but didn't answer. Instead, he placed his hand on her back, applying a slight pressure. Su Hanjin immediately sensed something was off. As her spiritual energy circulated through her body, she discovered a hidden mark on her back. It was a demonic tracking technique — she had been marked by Wanchou. But when had Wanchou managed to place it on her without her noticing? Fortunately, such marks were merely for tracking, and removing them wasn't difficult. Just as she was about to erase it, Qiu Qianlin shook his head, signaling her to wait.He remained silent, dragging her through the store aimlessly, pausing now and then to inspect low-level magical artifacts. Su Hanjin, unfamiliar with this world, was confused by his actions but refrained from asking further, choosing instead to observe the items in the shop.In the cultivation world, high-level alchemists and artifact refiners were powerful figures. Su Hanjin wondered if she might have the chance to learn the art of refining. Lost in thought, she was brought back by a voice, "The two of you have a keen eye. This flying sword, named Ningguang, is our store's prized item on this floor, crafted by the renowned artifact master Pang Yuan. It is a top-tier low-level artifact." The shop assistant paused for effect before continuing, "This sword would make an excellent gift for a Qi Refining disciple.""How much?" Qiu Qianlin asked coldly.The assistant trembled slightly and stammered, "Fifty low-grade spirit stones."Qiu Qianlin said nothing further, handing over the payment and purchasing the sword. They then lingered in the shop for a full hour before he finally signaled Su Hanjin to leave."Wanchou must have important business, which is why he left a mark on you and didn't chase you immediately. If you had removed the mark earlier, while he was still nearby, he might have caught up to us. Now, after an hour, he should be far away, and even if he realizes the mark is gone, he won't find us so quickly." As Qiu Qianlin spoke, he placed his large hand on Su Hanjin's back again. His expression was as cold as ever, and his normally pale face seemed even paler in that moment. Yet his hand felt like a hot iron brand pressed against her skin. As he moved his hand, a wave of tingling spread across her back, causing her entire body to tense, and a flush of red crept across her face.This body of Meiniang's was indeed like water. Just as her mind began to wander, a dull pain shot through her back. When she turned around, she saw a flash of ruthlessness in Qiu Qianlin's eyes, his pupils dark and stormy."Done," he said coolly after a pause. "The mark is removed. Let's go to the medicine hall."They walked a few more steps before Qiu Qianlin suddenly stopped and handed her the Ningguang sword he had just purchased. "It's better than that shoddy sword you're using now."As Su Hanjin took the sword, she recalled the assistant's earlier words and couldn't help but laugh. "Does this mean you're treating me like a junior?"Qiu Qianlin froze for a moment before turning abruptly and striding away. Su Hanjin's smile faltered as she watched his retreating figure, puzzled. Did he have something on his mind? Or had she acted too out of character, making him suspicious again? After all, the real Meiniang wouldn't have allowed herself to be marked without noticing, nor would she have lacked basic worldly experience. These weren't skills she was born with; she only had Meiniang's memories, but it would take time to adjust to the survival rules of this world. Back in her original life, she had barely any social experience as a shut-in. Sighing to herself, Su Hanjin realized the longer they spent together, the more likely she was to slip up. In this cultivation world, possession wasn't unheard of, and Qiu Qianlin might eventually suspect something and kill her to avenge Meiniang.As these thoughts crowded her mind, her steps slowed, and she kept her head down until she bumped into someone. Looking up, she saw Qiu Qianlin standing in front of her. Even through the thin human-skin mask he wore, his gloomy expression was chilling, making his otherwise handsome face appear especially eerie.Her heart skipped a beat. In the next moment, Qiu Qianlin grabbed her hand again, nearly dragging her along as they hurried through the streets until they stopped at a medicine shop.The shop was called Baicao Hall.Qiu Qianlin had already prepared a list of the herbs they needed. The shop's staff, respectful of alchemists, treated them courteously. The Foundation Establishment stage cultivator in charge of the shop personally received them, sending an assistant to gather the herbs and pouring tea for Qiu Qianlin and Su Hanjin.Sitting beside Qiu Qianlin, the shopkeeper commented, "You're remarkably young to be able to refine Qi Condensation and Spirit Gathering pills. Truly impressive." The shopkeeper was in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, a higher rank than both Qiu Qianlin and Su Hanjin, so addressing them as juniors was natural. Little did he know that both of them had fallen from the late Foundation Establishment stage, and his words were hardly welcome. Su Hanjin said nothing, but Qiu Qianlin, already in a foul mood, shot the man a cold, sharp look that made him shudder slightly.The shopkeeper frowned briefly before continuing, "Though I'm not an alchemist myself, I was fortunate to glimpse a recipe for Foundation Establishment pills in my younger days. Looking at your list, might you be planning to refine such pills?"As soon as he finished speaking, Su Hanjin felt the air grow tense. Qiu Qianlin remained motionless, but a chilling aura radiated from him.The shopkeeper's face darkened, but he didn't confront them directly. Instead, he tapped the armrest of his chair idly, saying, "This is Jinxiu Fang; we don't start trouble without reason. If I hadn't seen a Foundation Establishment pill recipe by chance, I would've missed such a rare opportunity. You needn't worry. My name is Feng Da, and I am the owner of Baicao Hall. I mean no harm; no one wants to offend a promising alchemist. I simply wish to propose a business deal." Seeing no response from Qiu Qianlin, Feng Da continued, "Half a year from now, there will be a major sect competition. Many sects are seeking Foundation Establishment pills to strengthen their disciples, offering high prices. If you can refine Foundation Establishment pills, it would be a golden opportunity for both of us. Together, we could make a significant profit." He glanced briefly at Su Hanjin before adding, "Then your partner here wouldn't have to wield a mere low-grade flying sword."Earlier, Qiu Qianlin had handed Su Hanjin the Ningguang sword, and she had worn it on her hip, just as she'd seen sword cultivators do along the way, instead of storing it in her storage bag. Being looked down upon stung, but Su Hanjin remained silent. This was, after all, the first gift Qiu Qianlin had given her, and to have it so casually dismissed must have stung for him as well."This herb purchase is on my master's orders. I will convey your good intentions when I return. Whether we can collaborate depends on my master's decision," Qiu Qianlin replied politely, though his expressionless face made it seem like he was lying. Feng Da, unfazed, handed him a jade token. "If you're interested, use this token to contact me." With that, he returned to his seat, occasionally glancing their way, but Qiu Qianlin pretended not to notice, and Su Hanjin followed suit. Once they had paid for the herbs and received their supplies, the two left the shop.They had come to Jinxiu Fang to purchase herbs, and with that task complete, they intended to leave as soon as possible. There were several docks in Jinxiu Fang, and they chose not to return to the Cuiyun, instead opting for a different route to another dock. However, as they walked, Su Hanjin spotted the demonic cultivator Wanchou.Wanchou was acting suspiciously, trailing a group of female cultivators. The strongest among them was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage, and in this small place, they would typically face no danger. Yet now, unaware of Wanchou's sinister intent, their lives were likely at risk.Truthfully, Su Hanjin didn't feel much attachment to the characters in this world, aside from herself. She wasn't the type to recklessly play the savior, either. So she tugged on Qiu Qianlin's sleeve and whispered, "Wanchou is over there. Let's take the other dock."But Qiu Qianlin remained still, staring intently at the group of female cultivators. Su Hanjin tugged again, but he didn't seem to notice."Qiu Qianlin?"His eyes suddenly sharpened, and he began walking toward the group. Confused, Su Hanjin had no choice but to follow, boarding the Xiangyun with the others. As they boarded, Su Hanjin distinctly felt Wanchou's eerie gaze. Was this a trap they were walking into?