Chapter 861
The Tightly Closed Stone Gate
After Su Ruolan left, Zheng Yi sat down on the bed and began to think about what to do next.
Shen Qingyun said he needed to observe his character, which indicates that Shen Qingyun wasn't completely refusing to help, but simply needed time to get to know him. He needed to demonstrate his sincerity and integrity to Shen Qingyun in the next few days, hoping to win her over.
But what should we do?
He couldn't deliberately put on an act; that would only make Shen Qingyun think he was hypocritical. He needed to show his true self and let Shen Qingyun see his true nature.
“Let nature take its course,” he murmured.
At dinner time, Su Ruolan came to call Zheng Yi to eat.
Dinner was simple, consisting of only a few dishes of vegetables and a bowl of rice. But the taste was excellent, light and delicious, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
Shen Qingyun and Zheng Yi sat facing each other, eating their meal in silence. Su Ruolan sat beside them, occasionally adding food and pouring tea for them.
After finishing his meal, Shen Qingyun put down his chopsticks and looked at Zheng Yi.
"Mr. Dark Night, I have a question for you."
"Please speak, Senior Shen."
"Why are you opposing the Lu and Li families?" Shen Qingyun asked. "As far as I know, you were originally just an unknown nobody who suddenly rose to prominence in the Tianyuan Domain. With your strength and intelligence, you could easily have pledged allegiance to a powerful force and enjoyed wealth and status. Why did you choose to oppose them?"
Zheng Yi was silent for a moment, then said, "Because I'm unwilling to bow my head."
"Unwilling to back down?"
“Yes,” Zheng Yi said. “The Lu and Li families are both powerful and bullying forces. They want to seize the Guo family's assets and plunder the spiritual veins of Hongyun City, which is unjust. If I bow down to them, it would be tantamount to admitting that their actions are justified.”
"I'd rather oppose them than submit to them."
Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in Shen Qingyun's eyes.
“Well said.” He nodded. “But have you considered the consequences of going against two powerful families?”
“I’ve thought about it,” Zheng Yi said. “I might fail, I might die. But even so, I won’t regret it.”
"Why?"
"Because I believe that a person should always have something to hold onto in life." Zheng Yi looked at Shen Qingyun with a firm gaze. "What's the point of living a long life if you just blindly bow to power?"
Shen Qingyun fell silent.
He looked at Zheng Yi, seemingly deep in thought.
After a long silence, he finally spoke, "Mr. Dark Night, I have another question for you."
"Please speak, Senior Shen."
"If I help you defeat the Lu and Li families, what will you do?" Shen Qingyun asked. "Will you, like them, bully others and seize their property?"
“No,” Zheng Yi shook his head. “I only want to protect my allies and my businesses. I won’t proactively infringe on others.”
Can you guarantee that?
“I can guarantee that,” Zheng Yi said, looking at Shen Qingyun. “Senior Shen, I know why you are unwilling to help. You are worried that I am also a person with ulterior motives, and that if you help me, I will become the second Lu family or Li family.”
"But I can assure you, I would never do such a thing. I only wish to establish myself in Tianyuan Domain and protect my friends and businesses. I have never considered dominating Tianyuan Domain, nor have I ever thought of infringing upon others."
Shen Qingyun listened and fell into deep thought.
Looking at Zheng Yi, and at the young man's determined eyes, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
This young man is very similar to his younger self.
Back then, he was the same way, refusing to bow down to power and preferring to oppose a strong enemy rather than submit.
“Mr. Dark Night,” Shen Qingyun said, “I need a few more days to consider this. Please stay here until I make a decision.”
“Alright, this junior awaits news from Senior Shen,” Zheng Yi said, cupping his hands in greeting.
For the next few days, Zheng Yi stayed on Qingfeng Mountain.
He would get up early every day to practice, and then drink tea and chat with Shen Qingyun. The two talked about swordsmanship, cultivation, and life, and gradually became acquainted.
Shen Qingyun discovered that this young man was not only powerful but also knowledgeable and humble. He lacked the impetuousness and eagerness for quick success typical of young people; instead, he possessed a calm and reserved demeanor.
He was growing to admire this young man more and more.
On the fifth day, Shen Qingyun finally made a decision.
“Mr. Dark Night,” he said to Zheng Yi, “I have decided to help you.”
"Really?" A hint of surprise flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes.
"Indeed," Shen Qingyun nodded. "I've observed you these past few days and I believe you are indeed someone worth helping. Your integrity and fearlessness in the face of power are qualities I greatly admire."
"Thank you so much, Senior Shen!" Zheng Yi stood up excitedly and bowed deeply to Shen Qingyun.
“No need to be so polite,” Shen Qingyun waved his hand, “but I have one condition.”
"Please speak, Senior Shen."
"I'll accept the permanent lease of that top-tier cave dwelling," Shen Qingyun said. "But I won't take it for nothing. Once I've resolved the issues with the Lu and Li families for you, this favor will be settled."
"Senior Shen"
"As I said, there's no need to be so polite," Shen Qingyun smiled. "Let's go, let's go down the mountain."
A warm feeling welled up in Zheng Yi's heart.
He knew that Shen Qingyun accepted the gift not because he coveted its value, but because he wanted to settle their score. This senior figure genuinely didn't want to owe anyone a favor.
"Senior Shen, please!" He gestured for him to enter.
The two walked down Qingfeng Mountain together and headed towards Hongyun City.
When Shen Qingyun arrived in Hongyun City with Zheng Yi, it was already evening of the second day.
The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the city walls of Hongyun City, gilding this bustling city with a warm golden hue. People came and went at the city gate; the shouts of vendors, the creaking of carriages, and the laughter of pedestrians mingled together, creating a lively symphony of everyday life.
Shen Qingyun stood at the city gate, looking around at the city he hadn't visited in over a decade.
"Hongyun City has changed a lot," he remarked. "I remember when I came here more than ten years ago, it wasn't this prosperous."
"The Guo family has managed things well over the years, and Hongyun City has developed rapidly," Zheng Yi said. "Especially the north side of the city, which is currently undergoing vigorous construction and will become even more prosperous in a few years."
"North of the city? That's where the spiritual vein is located?"
“Yes.” Zheng Yi nodded. “Senior Shen, I’ll first take you to the City Lord’s Mansion to meet Young Master Guo, and then I’ll take you to see the cave.”
“Alright.” The two entered the city and walked along the wide main street toward the city lord’s mansion.
The shops lining the street had already lit their lanterns, the dim yellow light appearing especially warm in the twilight. Pedestrians strolled along the street in twos and threes, some hurrying home for dinner, others heading to restaurants and teahouses for leisure.
As Shen Qingyun walked, he observed his surroundings.
He noticed that most pedestrians on the street looked relaxed, with smiles on their faces. Shop assistants greeted customers warmly, and vendors called out enthusiastically. The whole city was filled with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
"This city is well-governed," he said. "The people live in peace and contentment, and there are no signs of war or chaos."
“Young Master Guo is a good city lord,” Zheng Yi said. “After he succeeded as head of the family, he reduced some of the exorbitant taxes and levies, and also built irrigation systems and roads. The people are very grateful to him.”
"Yes, the fact that he has the support of the people shows that he is indeed a good person."
Upon arriving at the city lord's mansion, Guo Tianyou was already waiting at the entrance.
He had already received word that Zheng Yi had invited the sword immortal Shen Qingyun. When he saw Shen Qingyun, he immediately went to greet him respectfully.
"Senior Shen, I've long admired your name!" He bowed deeply. "This junior, Guo Tianyou, respectfully welcomes your esteemed presence!"
“Young Master Guo, there’s no need for such formalities,” Shen Qingyun waved his hand. “I’m here to help Mr. Dark Night, and also to borrow your cave for cultivation.”
“It is an honor for Hongyun City that you have graced us with your presence, senior,” Guo Tianyou said. “Please come in, senior. I have prepared a banquet to welcome you and celebrate your arrival.”
“There’s no need for such formalities,” Shen Qingyun said. “I’m just an old man who lives in seclusion in the mountains; I don’t like these kinds of formalities. A quiet room will suffice.”
"This..." Guo Tianyou looked at Zheng Yi, somewhat at a loss.
“Senior Shen is of a tranquil nature and dislikes crowds,” Zheng Yi said. “Young Master Guo, let’s do as he says. Forgo the banquet and arrange for him to stay.”
"Alright, I'll make the arrangements right away."
Guo Tianyou led Shen Qingyun and Zheng Yi to a quiet courtyard in the backyard of the city lord's mansion.
This courtyard was originally where Guo Chongshan practiced his spiritual cultivation. It was a quiet and secluded place, far from the hustle and bustle. Several ancient ginkgo trees stood in the courtyard, their lush foliage casting a verdant shade over the space. In a corner of the courtyard was a small pond with a few lotus plants growing in it. Although it was autumn, the lotus leaves were still a vibrant green.
"Senior Shen, are you satisfied with this place?" Guo Tianyou asked.
Shen Qingyun looked around and nodded.
"Very good, it's very quiet here, I like it very much."
“Then please stay here, senior,” Guo Tianyou said. “If you need anything, please let me know.”
"Alright, thank you very much, Young Master Guo."
After settling Shen Qingyun in, Zheng Yi and Guo Tianyou left the courtyard.
"Sir, is Senior Shen really willing to help us?" Guo Tianyou asked incredulously. "Rumor has it that Senior Shen has been living in seclusion for many years, detached from worldly affairs. How did you manage to persuade him?"
"It's a long story," Zheng Yi briefly recounted what had happened on Qingfeng Mountain.
After listening, Guo Tianyou's face showed admiration.
"Sir, you truly have a way with things," he said. "With Senior Shen's help, even if the Lu and Li families join forces, they are nothing to fear."
"We can't let our guard down," Zheng Yi said. "Although Senior Shen is powerful, he's only one person. If the Lu and Li families really join forces, their strength shouldn't be underestimated. We still need to be fully prepared."
“Sir, you are right,” Guo Tianyou nodded. “By the way, while you were away, quite a few people came to inquire about the cave dwelling. As instructed, I haven’t rented it out yet.”
“Well done,” Zheng Yi said. “I’ll consider the cave dwelling matter after Senior Shen is settled.”
The next morning, Zheng Yi arrived at Shen Qingyun's courtyard, intending to take him to visit the cave dwelling.
Shen Qingyun had already gotten up and was practicing his sword in the courtyard.
His swordsmanship remained as elegant and graceful as ever, each thrust carrying a faint trace of sword energy. The morning sunlight filtered through the ginkgo tree branches, casting dappled shadows on him, making him appear like a banished immortal.
Zheng Yi stood aside, watching quietly, not daring to disturb him.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Shen Qingyun finally sheathed his sword.
“Mr. Dark Night, you’ve arrived?” He turned around and looked at Zheng Yi.
"Senior Shen," Zheng Yi bowed respectfully, "this junior has come to show you the cave dwelling."
"Very well, this old man also wishes to see that spiritual vein."
The two left the city lord's mansion and headed north of the city.
The streets were sparsely populated in the early morning, and the air was fresh and cool. Most of the shops along the street were not yet open, with only a few breakfast stalls busy at work, steam rising from their steamers and swirling in the air.
“The mornings in Hongyun City are very peaceful,” Shen Qingyun said.
“Yes,” Zheng Yi said. “Although Hongyun City is prosperous, it has excellent public security. The people live and work in peace and contentment, and no petty thieves dare to cause trouble.”
"This is a good thing," Shen Qingyun nodded. "The most important thing for a city is the peace and tranquility of its people. No matter how prosperous a city is, it's all for naught if its people cannot live and work in peace."
The two arrived at the north of the city and entered the cave.
Shen Qingyun followed Zheng Yi down the long stone steps and arrived at the main underground passage.
The moment he stepped into the passage, he immediately felt a rich spiritual energy rushing towards him. That spiritual energy, like a gentle stream, surged in from all directions, making every pore of his body relax.
"Such abundant spiritual energy!" he exclaimed. "The quality of this spiritual vein is indeed very high."
“Senior Shen, this is only the main passage,” Zheng Yi said. “The spiritual energy inside the cave is much denser. Please follow me.”
Zheng Yi led Shen Qingyun along the passage deeper into the area.
The ever-burning lamps on both sides of the passage emitted a soft glow, illuminating the path ahead. The walls were engraved with patterns of spirit-gathering and guiding arrays, faintly gleaming with a soft sheen.
The deeper they went, the denser the spiritual energy became. When they arrived at the top-tier cave area, the spiritual energy was so dense that it was intoxicating.
"This is it." Zheng Yi pointed to a tightly closed stone door. "This is Cave Number One, the closest location to the core of the spiritual vein. It's currently rented by the rogue cultivator Sun Wuji."
“Sun Wuji? Is that the person who broke through to the peak of the Mahayana realm?” Shen Qingyun asked.
“Yes,” Zheng Yi nodded. “He cultivated here for more than three months and successfully broke through to the peak of the Mahayana realm.”
Shen Qingyun closed his eyes and sensed the spiritual energy around him.
He could sense that the spiritual energy here was not only abundant but also pure. The level of purity was almost comparable to that of some immortal grottoes.
"This is indeed a good place for cultivation." He opened his eyes and exclaimed, "No wonder Sun Wuji was able to break through in such a short time."
"I'm glad Senior Shen is satisfied," Zheng Yi said. "Your cave dwelling is number two, right next to number one. You can move in at any time." (End of Chapter)