Chapter 1227
Free from attachment, generous and modest
Upon hearing Huang Siyuan's question, Song Siqing snapped out of her daze and immediately turned to Song Qingming, bowing respectfully.
“Ancestor, we have found out who the person you asked us to investigate was. He was a rogue cultivator who came from Lei Yuanhai two months ago, and we did not find anything wrong with him.”
I've already invited her over; she's right outside the door!
"Oh! Let her in."
Upon receiving Song Qingming's instruction, Song Siqing immediately turned around and went to the door, inviting the woman in yellow to come in.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Huang Siyuan, who initially looked curious, was immediately filled with surprise as she looked at the other person.
"Tao Yu, it's you?"
"Sister Siyuan!"
How did you end up with him?
Like Huang Siyuan, the woman in yellow was also surprised when she saw the other party, and their eyes quickly fell on Song Qingming beside them.
"Do you know?"
".
Seeing that Huang Siyuan and the woman in yellow in front of him were obviously very familiar with each other, Song Qingming immediately realized why the other party had the mutated "Seven-Colored Illusion Butterfly".
It turns out that the person she was talking about who actually cultivated the spirit insects was Huang Siyuan, who was standing right in front of her.
Under Song Qingming's guidance, Huang Siyuan also learned how to cultivate spirit insect memories, and she had many more "Golden Illusion Butterflies" on her body than Song Qingyu and the others.
However, the spirit insects on her body did not mutate before she left.
Therefore, when Song Qingming saw those "seven-colored illusion butterflies" before, he did not immediately think in this direction.
Unexpectedly, this woman turned out to be Huang Siyuan's friend, which really surprised Song Qingming, who didn't know how to explain it for a moment.
Song Siqing, who was standing to the side, was also somewhat embarrassed, just like Song Qingming.
When she was in charge of inviting Tao Yu, she thought that the other party had offended her ancestor in some way, which was why she was asked to investigate.
While they said they were "inviting" someone over, their words were naturally not very polite and carried a hint of coercion.
Now that Song Siqing saw that this woman was acquainted with Huang Siyuan, she realized that she had done something wrong and felt extremely remorseful.
He quickly lowered his head and stepped aside.
".
Fifteen minutes later, in a larger attic next door.
Song Siqing and Fang Baixuan carefully carried a cup of spiritual tea and approached Tao Yu, who was sitting not far away. They spoke with a slight apology:
"Fellow Daoist Tao, we were unaware of the situation and spoke inappropriately, offending you. This cup of spiritual tea is our apology."
I hope Fellow Daoist Tao will forgive my rashness and not misunderstand.
Despite Song Siqing and the other person's apology, Tao Yu still looked somewhat displeased.
"I've been cultivating diligently in my cave for the past few months, and I haven't bothered anyone."
You came up here asking all sorts of questions, and even said I wasn't cooperating, so you wanted to take me to the Hall of Law Enforcement for questioning.
Although Qingyun Mountain doesn't look very big, its rules and regulations are much stricter than those outside.
"If I hadn't cooperated with you just now, you probably would have already arrested me and sent me to work in a mine!"
"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Tao is joking. We were just asking casually. How could we dare to punish a Golden Core cultivator so casually? It's all a misunderstanding."
. "
"Siqing and the others didn't know your identity, which is why they had this misunderstanding."
Since they've apologized so sincerely, sister, don't hold it against them. It won't sound good if word gets out."
"Siyuan has already said so, what else can I do? If I don't forgive you, I might offend one of the old ancestors here again."
Hearing Huang Siyuan's words of advice, Tao Yu slowly picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and thus took the initiative to let the matter drop.
Seeing that the other person glanced in their direction as they put down their teacup, Song Qingming pretended not to notice and turned to Song Siqing and the other person, saying:
"I have reminded you long ago that you should be humble and modest in your dealings with others, and have more knowledge. Don't be like a frog in a well and look down on others."
"Considering this is your first offense, I will not punish you too severely this time. Go back and reflect on your actions in seclusion. Each of you will have three months' salary confiscated."
Although he knew that Song Siqing and the other person were somewhat wronged, Song Qingming still pretended to be serious and criticized them in front of Tao Yu.
After all, it was their side that had done something wrong, and Song Qingming, the Nascent Soul Ancestor, couldn't bring himself to apologize to a Golden Core junior in public.
There's nothing we can do but make do with Song Siqing and Fang Baixuan for now.
"Since young friend Tao has forgiven you, and there's nothing else, you may leave now!"
"We will always remember our ancestor's teachings!"
Seeing Song Qingming wave to the two of them, Song Siqing and Fang Baixuan breathed a sigh of relief and quickly thanked him before retreating.
After seeing the two off, Song Qingming turned around and stood in front of Tao Yu.
"Young friend, you are new to Qingyun Mountain, and the servants below are so ill-mannered. It is because I, as an elder, have not disciplined them properly."
This token is specially issued to special VIPs of our sect when they participate in the upcoming trade fair. It grants them a 10% discount on the purchase of spiritual items in any shop.
This item is offered as an apology to Fellow Daoist Tao, and also a token of our appreciation from Qingyun Mountain.
Tao Yu, who had just looked slightly displeased, suddenly had a glint in her eyes when she saw the silver token that Song Qingming took out.
Before long, a hint of joy appeared on her face, and she immediately accepted the compensation from Song Qingming.
"It is a rare honor to receive such kindness from you, senior. How could Tao Yu dare to hold this matter against you?"
After finally calming Tao Yu down, Song Qingming turned around and went to Huang Siyuan's side, picking up the spiritual tea that she had just brewed and taking a sip.
"Although Tao Yu is always straightforward, she is not a petty person. I will talk to her about it later and there will be no problem."
My master specifically instructed that she be sent out to gain experience, and you shouldn't give her any special treatment because of me.
"Since he is your fellow disciple, he is naturally a distinguished guest of Qingyun Mountain. However, it is just a token and is not a valuable item."
Let's go for a walk together, and I'll show you Qingyun Mountain while I'm at it.
"Okay! I'll listen to you."
Faced with Song Qingming's invitation, Huang Siyuan nodded slightly and immediately agreed.
Tao Yu, who was standing to the side, already knew about the relationship between the two. After exchanging a knowing look with Huang Siyuan, she took the initiative to leave the restaurant.
".
On a mountain path, two figures walked side by side.
A century has passed, and the sacred mountain beneath our feet has changed beyond recognition.
But Song Qingming and Huang Siyuan remained the same as before, chatting and laughing all the way, each telling each other about the many things that had happened to them over the years.
Back then, under Xia Mo's "divine art" of deduction, Huang Siyuan followed Song Qingming to the "Demon-Slaying Palace" of Donghuang Kingdom.
In order to help Huang Siyuan get the chance to enter the "Heart Refining Tower" trial, Song Qingming risked going to the Qiyun Immortal Cultivation World to help clean up the demonic disaster.
After experiencing life-and-death struggles, he was trapped in the "Ziyang Heavenly Palace" outside the Nine Heavens for nearly ten years.
While Song Qingming was trapped in the "Ziyang Heavenly Palace", Huang Siyuan, who was unaware of this, happened to meet "Granny Jinyue" who was traveling in the town at the foot of the "Xuankong Temple".
It turns out that this "Granny Jin Yue" was not only a rogue cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage, but also had known Song Qingming's master, "Ling Xuzi," and had given him a porcelain bowl that she had personally made.
It was because of this "porcelain bowl" that Huang Siyuan was able to form a bond with the other party and eventually stay by "Granny Jinyue's" side to cultivate.
Later, with the other party's help, Huang Siyuan became a disciple of "Granny Jin Yue" and specialized in the Canghai Xuanyue Technique created by her.
He successfully condensed his Nascent Soul decades ago and has now cultivated to the third level of the Nascent Soul realm.
Huang Siyuan left in a very hurry back then. Song Qingming searched for her for decades before finally hearing the news that she had achieved Nascent Soul in Lei Yuanhai.
Even today, he still has some questions in his mind.
What exactly happened to Huang Siyuan back then? How did she form her nascent soul? And why hasn't she sent any messages back all these years?
Only now, after hearing Huang Siyuan's explanation, has Song Qingming finally been free of the doubts that have lingered in his heart for many years.
When Huang Siyuan left with "Grandma Jinyue" back then, although the other party agreed to take her in as a disciple, she also made a deal with Huang Siyuan.
After achieving Nascent Soul, Huang Siyuan will have to stay by her side and cultivate for at least three hundred years.
During this period, they are not allowed to leave freely, nor can they take the initiative to contact old friends.
Although she was also very concerned about Song Qingming and the others, Huang Siyuan suppressed her longing in order to fulfill the promise she made to "Grandma Jin Yue".
Not long ago, seeing that Huang Siyuan's cultivation technique was progressing well, "Granny Jinyue" finally felt at ease and allowed Huang Siyuan to return to the Floating Cloud Mountain Range, ending their agreement ahead of schedule.
Coincidentally, Tao Yu was facing the critical juncture of Nascent Soul formation and wanted to travel alone.
With "Grandma Jin Yue's" permission, she followed Huang Siyuan out to broaden her horizons and gain some experience.
They arrived at Qingyun Mountain two months ago.
Song Qingyu and Li Xuanyi already knew about Huang Siyuan's return.
At that time, Song Qingming was still in the crucial stage of his closed-door cultivation of his martial arts techniques.
Upon learning of this, Huang Siyuan did not disturb Tao Yu's cultivation and continued to live at the foot of the mountain with him.
Only after Song Qingming emerged from seclusion did Huang Siyuan personally cook a delicious spiritual meal for him, making up for the regrets of their century-long separation.
“My husband, the reason my mother-in-law won’t let me contact you is because the Canghai Xuanyue Technique I cultivate requires a mind free of hindrances and an intention free of attachments in order to achieve a clear understanding of the Dao and a broad-minded approach to cultivation.”
She was also worried that if I came back too early, my Daoist heart would be tainted by worldly affairs and my cultivation would be hindered.
"Making this promise with Siyuan is actually for my own good, so please don't misunderstand."
"A mind free from hindrances and an intention free from attachments—this is completely different from our Taixu Sect's method of worldly cultivation!"
"You've suffered a lot over the years."
In the world of cultivation, there are countless techniques, each with its own unique path of cultivation.
When Song Qingming went to the "Tai Xu Sect", in order to help the disciples of the sect understand the world, the sect specially arranged for them to enter the world for cultivation at regular intervals.
Huang Siyuan's cultivation method, "Canghai Xuanyue Jue," requires cultivators to actively let go of worldly attachments and focus on cultivation, taking a completely different path.
Upon hearing what Song Qingming said, Huang Siyuan appeared quite open-minded.
"I couldn't bear to part with you all back then, and my several attempts to cultivate my inner core all ended in failure."
It wasn't until I went to Golden Moon Island and followed my grandmother in her cultivation that I gradually let go of this attachment and obsession, and was able to successfully switch to cultivating the Azure Sea Mystic Moon Technique.
Even so, without my mother-in-law's sincere support, I doubt my Nascent Soul formation would have been so smooth. "The kindness of your guidance in achieving enlightenment is unforgettable."
"Siyuan, Senior Jinyue's help wasn't just for you, it also benefited me."
When I have time another day, I will personally visit the elder on the island to express my gratitude in person.
Looking at Song Qingming's serious expression, Huang Siyuan couldn't help but smile, nod slightly, and continue forward through a sea of clouds.
We entered a stone pavilion located at the foot of the mountain.
As the former mountain gate of the Huashen Immortal Sect, "Qingyun Mountain" is surrounded by a sea of clouds, and its scenery is far superior to that of "Chiyun Mountain" where they used to live.
A gentle breeze stirred the surrounding clouds and mist, slowly passing in front of the two of them, making them seem as if they were in a fairyland suspended in mid-air.
Faced with such a beautiful view, Huang Siyuan couldn't help but stop and reach out to brush away the clouds passing by.
Not far away, Song Qingming sat to the side, quietly watching the other person with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
"My husband, this place is so beautiful!"
"Yes! It's beautiful."
".
Night falls at the entrance to the summit of Qingyun Mountain.
Two figures passed through the magic array at the entrance.
Seeing the bright lights in the distant pavilion, Song Qingyu turned to Li Xuanyi beside her and said with a smile:
"Senior Sister Xuanyi, shouldn't Seventh Brother and the others be waiting for us at Huixian Pavilion?"
"The trade fair is coming up in a few days, and I have so many things to do. I need to prepare properly, so I'll skip the event for now."
If your husband asks, just say I'm still down the mountain and can't get away, and tell them not to wait for me.
".
After saying that, without waiting for Song Qingyu to reply, Li Xuanyi quickly walked towards the location of her cave.
Seeing this, Song Qingyu, who was standing behind him, couldn't help but shake her head slightly, and then turned and went in another direction.
As soon as I stepped onto the attic, I saw a figure sitting upright in front of me, holding a teacup in his hand.
After glancing around the hall, Song Qingyu quickly stepped forward and stood in front of Huang Siyuan.
"Hey! Sister-in-law, where's Seventh Brother?"
Only after the person in front of her sat down did Huang Siyuan pour a cup of spiritual tea that had already been brewed, and she shook her head slightly at him.
"What, he's not here? Can't you keep me company while I enjoy some tea?"
"Hehe, it's a rare treat to have such a delicious meal, I'm truly honored."
".
On the north side of the mountaintop, Li Xuanyi walked forward alone.
Stars are scattered across the sky.
Amidst the starry sky, Li Xuanyi's gaze caught sight of a familiar figure standing on a boulder in front of her cave, causing her to pause slightly in surprise.
"Husband!"
Seeing Li Xuanyi's surprised expression, Song Qingming's feet flashed, and he disappeared from the boulder in the next moment, appearing in front of her.
"Why are you so busy so late? It's not like Qingyu and the others are deliberately bothering you again!"
Looking at the familiar figure she hadn't seen in so long, Li Xuanyi couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
But just as she was about to step forward and speak, she quickly stopped, forcing a calm smile onto her face.
"You and Sister Siyuan have been separated for so many years. Now that she has finally returned, why are you waiting for me here instead of going to be with her!"
Hearing Li Xuanyi's questioning words, Song Qingming smiled slightly and stepped forward to reply calmly:
"I've already met Siyuan after I came out of the pass. She asked me to come find you."
"You've been in seclusion for so long, didn't you want to see me?"
Faced with Song Qingming's serious gaze, Li Xuanyi couldn't help but fall silent.
Just as Song Qingming was about to lead her into the cave ahead, Li Xuanyi suddenly stopped and withdrew her hand, which was already being held by him.
"Junior Brother Song, Sister Siyuan sent you to find me, probably because she was afraid I would be unhappy."
You two have just reunited; you should be with her now, don't worry about me.
"Don't worry, I'm really fine, I won't hold a grudge against you."
"Xuanyi, wait!"
Having said that, Li Xuanyi pushed Song Qingming away, ignoring his attempts to stop her, and turned back to her cave.
A short while later, as a protective barrier rose at the entrance of the cave, Li Xuanyi's figure quickly disappeared in front of her.
Song Qingming remained where he was, looking somewhat bewildered.
"Strange, why are they all so generous!"
After glancing at the still brightly lit "Huixian Pavilion" in the distance, Song Qingming shook his head helplessly and turned to walk towards his own cave.
".
Several days later, at "Qingyunfang" at the foot of the mountain.
Upon learning that the "Trade Conference" was about to begin, countless cultivators rushed towards the western square of the market early in the morning.
Located in the very center of the square, a tall, circular building, covering an area of over a thousand feet and measuring forty or fifty feet in height, stands there.
All four entrances were guarded by members of the market's "enforcement team" dressed in uniform, with over a hundred people at each entrance.
In order to successfully host the first trade fair of "Qingyun Mountain".
The "Free and Unfettered Sect" spent three years preparing for this event, and the construction of the venue alone cost nearly 200,000 spirit stones.
Compared to the venue of the "Red Cloud Mountain" conference, the venue of "Azure Cloud Mountain" is more than twice the size and can easily accommodate tens of thousands of cultivators at the same time.
As dozens of fireworks soared into the sky, the previously closed doors of the "Trade Conference" slowly opened.
The cultivators who had been queuing at the entrance for a long time rushed into the venue upon seeing this.
Meanwhile, hundreds of shops and stores located in the conference venue began to display their spiritual items to welcome the many cultivators participating in the conference.
In a pavilion on the top floor of the conference building, Song Qingming sat at the head of the table, with Huang Siyuan, Li Xuanyi, and Song Qingyu sitting on his left and right.
Looking through the window in front of them, the group could easily scan most of the venue below.
Looking at the bustling crowd, Song Qingming and his companions all showed a hint of satisfaction.
"Seventh Brother, quite a few people have come to this conference. It's probably at least twice as many as the last one at Chiyun Mountain."
"Our cultivation world in the Floating Cloud Mountains hasn't seen such a bustling trade fair in at least several thousand years."
"With so many people, the spiritual items we prepared beforehand might not be enough. We need to make preparations sooner."
Qingyu, have them compile the data and submit it immediately.
"If anything is missing, immediately send a message to Junior Sister Xu, and we will allocate it from the sect's treasury."
"Don't worry, Seventh Brother, I've already reminded Siqing about this."
"By the way, Senior Sister Bai and the others should be arriving soon. I wonder if Junior Brother Zhou has picked them up yet. I'll go check on them."
As soon as Song Qingyu finished speaking, before she could even get up, she saw several figures appear in the distance at the doorway.
The person in the lead was Bai Yuxian, who had come from her sect to attend the conference.
Besides Bai Yuxian, Xu Ziyan and Zhou Ziyang also came to Qingyun Mountain, followed by more than a dozen figures, all of whom were their personal disciples.
"Senior Sister Bai, Junior Sister Xu, Junior Brother Zhou!"
Upon seeing Bai Yuxian and the others appear, Song Qingming quickly led everyone forward to pay their respects and invited them to sit down together.
Previously, when Song Qingming returned from "Zhongyuan Immortal Continent", he had already told Bai Yuxian about Huang Siyuan's formation of her infant.
Upon seeing the other party appear here, Bai Yuxian showed surprise but not excessive astonishment. She immediately smiled and stepped forward, saying:
"Just now, I heard that Junior Sister Huang is back. At first, I couldn't believe it, but I didn't expect it to be true."
"My junior sister not only returned safely, but also attained the Nascent Soul stage abroad. She is truly a person of great fortune, and a blessing to our sect."
"Siyuan is of dull talent and dares not accept such praise."
“I am very grateful to my senior sister and brother for taking care of my husband during the years I have been away.”
"If it weren't for Junior Brother Song's care all these years, I probably wouldn't be alive today."
"Junior Sister Huang's words are quite ridiculous; they've embarrassed me."
The key to Bai Yuxian's ability to reach the late Nascent Soul stage after so many years of cultivation was the cultivation technique and the fourth-grade high-quality demon core given to her by Song Qingming.
Faced with Huang Siyuan's heartfelt thanks, she felt somewhat ashamed and quickly stepped forward to wave her hand and explain.
As the Nascent Soul elders of the "Free and Unfettered Sect" took their seats, several more figures entered from outside, with Chen Yunxiao and Yang Fengyu leading the way, who had come as agreed.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, Fellow Daoist Yang!"
"Greetings, fellow Daoists!"
After exchanging greetings, Song Qingming gestured for the other party to sit down before turning to Yang Fengyu and asking:
"When I came out of seclusion before, I heard that your sect's Fellow Daoist Wei had successfully formed his Nascent Soul and was about to hold a grand ceremony. Why didn't Fellow Daoist Yang bring him along this time?"
"Hehe! Originally, I planned to have Dongcheng come over so that he could greet you fellow Daoists first."
Unfortunately, he just happened to have a minor problem with his cultivation technique and needed to go into seclusion to recuperate, so it was up to this old man like me to make the trip.
When the Japanese sect holds its celebration, I would like to invite Fellow Daoist Song to attend if he has the time.
"At that time, you can also give us some pointers."
"There's no need for pointers. If I have the time, I will certainly pay a visit to meet your esteemed clan, this rising star."
The rising star that Song Qingming mentioned was Wei Dongcheng, a Supreme Elder of the "Tianji Sect" who had just formed his Nascent Soul a few years ago.
When Wei Dongcheng had recently reached the Core Formation stage, he was transferred by Yang Fengyu to guard "Chiyun Mountain". Song Qingming also had some impression of him.
Although this person has good talent for cultivation, his personality is rather rigid, and he doesn't like to interact with people much.
A few days ago, when Song Qingming came out of seclusion, he happened to hear from Song Qingyu that the other party had formed a Nascent Soul, which surprised him quite a bit.
Only then did he ask the question directly. (End of Chapter)