The Oldest Disciple: Farming Intimacy to Become Immortal

Chapter 226: The Baleful Qi of Lin’an City

“Little Junior Sister, why are you sighing?”

Li Meng walked over to his Junior Sister, leaning against the windowsill to admire the moon with her.

Qi Wei shot a sideways glance at her Senior Brother. She pouted and turned her head away, radiating a clear “I’m ignoring you” aura.

Li Meng looked down at her, a faint smile touching his lips, and reached out to rub her small head.

Qi Wei rolled her eyes. “Senior Brother, if you keep patting my head, I won’t grow taller!”

Li Meng smilingly withdrew his hand. Given his Junior Sister’s constitution, growing taller was going to be somewhat difficult.

He looked up at the full moon hanging in the night sky. “Junior Sister, what do you think of Lin’an City?”

Qi Wei followed his gaze into the distance. A trace of doubt appeared on her delicate face. “Senior Brother… something feels off, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Li Meng narrowed his eyes and stroked his beard. It was already quite rare for her to sense that something was amiss.

“Junior Sister, summon the Black Sword!”

“Oh!”

Qi Wei formed a one-handed seal and tapped her forehead. A streak of black light shot out from between her eyebrows, transforming into a sleek, obsidian sword that hovered before her.

The blade shimmered with a dark, spectral glow. “Senior Brother, this… is this Baleful Qi?”

Wisps of black mist converged from all directions. The invisible Baleful Qi was made manifest by the sword’s dark glow.

“Senior Brother, Lin’an City is where the nation’s Luck converges. How can there be Baleful Qi?”

Although the Baleful Qi was faint and hard to detect, the Black Sword was highly sensitive to sinister entities. It could react to even the slightest trace.

Li Meng looked toward the direction of the Imperial Astronomy Bureau. “Indeed, why is that?”

The Imperial Astronomy Bureau was responsible for canonizing the nation’s deities and managing the dynasty’s Luck. Furthermore, Lin’an City enjoyed the protection of these canonized gods. It should be nearly impossible for any evil being to survive here.

“Senior Brother, let’s go over there and take a look!” Qi Wei looked toward the Imperial Palace. The Baleful Qi was thickest there.

“No rush. Tomorrow, we will visit the Imperial Astronomy Bureau first.”

If there had been an incident within the royal family, the Bureau couldn’t possibly be ignorant of it. Visiting the Bureau upon arriving in Lin’an City was the Ancestor’s reminder. Naturally, Li Meng wouldn’t pass up this channel to gather intel on the royal family.

“Oh.” A flash of disappointment crossed Qi Wei’s eyes. Breaking into the Imperial Palace tonight would definitely have been fun.

Li Meng reached out and ruffled her small head. “It’s getting late. Go back to your room and rest.”

Qi Wei stood up on the windowsill. Giving her Senior Brother a sweet smile, she stretched out her two small hands. “Senior Brother, let’s cultivate the Shocking God Art together!”

During their time on the spirit boat, Li Meng had done one specific thing: he had taught his Junior Sister the Shocking God Art. Although her Affection hadn’t quite reached the maximum value, it was only a tiny bit away. Li Meng had tried dual cultivating with her just to see what would happen. Surprisingly, they were in perfect sync. They easily entered a state of Soul Connection—a deep, meditative trance where self and other blurred.

“Junior Sister, a brief night of dual cultivation will yield little progress.”

Qi Wei pouted, her hands still reaching out. “I don’t care! I want to dual cultivate with Senior Brother!”

Li Meng smiled helplessly. He had no choice but to reach out and pull his little Junior Sister into his embrace. “Alright, alright. Then tonight, we will cultivate together.”

Even if the time was short, it wasn’t entirely useless. Qi Wei’s eyes curved into happy crescents. She loved the feeling of their minds connecting. That sensation was too marvelous. Afterward, it left one with a lingering sense of loss, an addictive urge to recapture that wondrous state.

Night deepened.

The next morning.

“Where might the Immortal Masters be heading? Lin’an City is quite large. Shall this humble one arrange a carriage for your travel?”

Early in the morning, Li Meng and his Junior Sister left Prince Qi’s Manor. Before they even stepped out of the main gates, the butler, Tang Shun, hurriedly caught up with them in the corridor. His face was plastered with a fawning smile. The Prince had explicitly instructed him to entertain the two Immortal Masters well. Tang Shun didn’t dare be negligent.

“No need. My Junior Sister and I are just going for a stroll. Please don’t trouble yourself.”

“I see! As you wish, Immortal Master.”

Since the Immortal Master had spoken, Tang Shun naturally couldn’t press the issue. He stopped in his tracks, watching the tall and small figures gradually walk away.

After leaving Prince Qi’s Manor, the two headed in the direction of the Imperial Astronomy Bureau. The streets were bustling and filled with a cacophony of voices. Being immersed in the mortal dust had its own unique charm. A mortal’s life was short, but it could be lived with just as much flavor and zest.

“Senior Brother, it’s a City God Temple. Let’s go take a look!”

As they walked, the area ahead grew lively. A City God Temple had abruptly appeared beside the street. The temple was quite grand. The incense burned vigorously, and a faint purple aura swirled around it. A steady stream of worshippers moved in and out. Qi Wei tugged at her Senior Brother’s sleeve.

Li Meng glanced at the temple. “Alright. Since we’re passing by, let’s go in and offer some incense.”

Qi Wei’s eyes curved into happy crescents. She pulled her Senior Brother toward the temple. “Senior Brother, walk faster!”

“Junior Sister, there’s no rush!”

Li Meng let himself be dragged into the temple’s main hall. It was somewhat quiet inside. A statue stood tall upon the altar. It wore a bright red robe, an official’s hat, and held a sword. It exuded the refined scholarly air of a Confucian, paired with an imposing, martial dignity. Worshippers quietly offered incense and prayed for blessings.

The moment the two stepped through the door, everything in the hall vanished.

The worshippers disappeared. The alchemists from the Bureau selling incense vanished. The entire hall was suddenly empty, leaving only Li Meng, his Junior Sister, and the statue on the altar.

A flash of golden light erupted out of thin air. A man dressed in a bright red robe materialized before them. He bowed respectfully to the two cultivators.

“I am the City God of this place. Greetings, Immortal Masters!”

Li Meng looked the red-robed man up and down. Qi Wei stared at him with even greater curiosity.

Li Meng cupped his hands in return. “I have a few doubts in my heart. Could the City God help clarify a thing or two?”

“Immortal Master, please speak freely!”

A glint of confusion flashed through Qi Wei’s eyes. Why is this City God being so respectful to Senior Brother? Lin’an City was the capital of the State of Zhao, the nexus of the nation’s Luck. The City God here should possess strength rivaling at least a Golden Core cultivator. There was no reason for him to be this deferential to her Senior Brother, who was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

“The incident regarding the Zhao royal family—is it a man-made disaster or a natural calamity?”

“Man-made!” The City God answered without a shred of hesitation.

“Is the Imperial Astronomy Bureau involved?”

A flicker of hesitation passed through the City God’s eyes. Although the Bureau only had the power to canonize deities, and the true authority over the gods of mountains and rivers lay with the Five Sacred Mountain Deities of the Martial God Temple, the Bureau still held supervisory rights over local gods. When speaking of the Bureau, one naturally had to tread carefully.

“Sorry to bother you. Farewell.”

The City God’s hesitation had already given Li Meng his answer. Some things didn’t need to be stated explicitly. Li Meng took his Junior Sister’s hand and walked toward the exit.

The City God bowed to his retreating back. “Farewell, Immortal Master!”

The very instant Li Meng and Qi Wei stepped out the door, the sounds of the main hall returned behind them. The vanished worshippers and alchemists reappeared. It was as if nothing had happened at all.

Inside the temple, the City God looked up at his own statue. The worshippers moving around him seemed unable to see him; one even walked right through his ethereal body.

Could that Immortal Master be the reincarnation of an Ancient God? He had sensed the aura of a High God radiating from the young man. Even a mere wisp of that presence had shaken his very soul.

这里是下半部分章节的英文翻译。我继续保持了原汁原味的修仙网文（Xianxia）风格，并统一了专有名词的翻译，同时也将角色的内心独白用斜体（Italics）标注了出来，以提升阅读体验：

State of Zhao. Lin’an City. Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was the most famous restaurant in Lin’an City. It had nine floors and stood roughly thirty zhang tall. Situated beside a small river flowing through the city, the Pavilion was a spectacular sight.

On the upper-level observation deck, a man and a woman sat at a wine table.

The man wore crisp, black martial attire. His face was cold and stern, his temperament extraordinary. The woman was dressed in red and white robes, her beautiful face carrying a hint of enchanting allure.

“Senior Brother, it has been a long time since you last visited Lin’an City, hasn’t it?”

Finding the wine cups too small and uninteresting, Wen Huanhuan held an entire jug of wine in her hand.

Han Li narrowed his eyes and took a sip from his cup. Though it was mortal wine, it still had a decent flavor.

“The last time I was here was seventy years ago. Back then, purple qi came from the east, and the Human Emperor’s Luck faintly showed signs of transforming into a true dragon. But today’s Lin’an City… what a pity.”

Han Li let out a sigh and shook his head with a look of regret.

Wen Huanhuan lifted her jug and took several large gulps. The mortal wine was quite spicy, but she loved that burning sensation in her throat.

“That guy is such a troublemaker. He loves stirring up problems. So annoying,” Wen Huanhuan said, setting the jug down with a look of disdain.

A faint smile touched Han Li’s lips. Junior Sister’s words don’t match her heart, as usual.

Han Li’s gaze cooled, and he chuckled coldly. “The Human Emperor and the Imperial Astronomy Bureau are protected by the nation’s Luck. If Martial Nephew Li attempts to defy the heavens, he will definitely be suppressed by that Luck. Sins will entangle him, and calamity will descend. Don’t be upset, Junior Sister. Such a calamity and massive karma are not something a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like Martial Nephew Li can bear.”

Wen Huanhuan furrowed her delicate brows. That old fool is really overestimating himself. Why is a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator wading into these muddy waters? Seriously, what a troublemaker!

Wen Huanhuan took another large gulp of wine. “Senior Brother, could demonic cultivators from the State of Yue be involved in the royal family’s incident?”

Meeting his Junior Sister’s gaze, Han Li narrowed his eyes. He turned to look at the bustling streets outside the window. His handsome face grew solemn, his gaze profound.

“That’s unlikely. The mortals in Lin’an City haven’t been affected. That isn’t the style of the demonic cultivators from the State of Yue.”

The State of Yue had no deities of mountains and rivers. They had no Martial God Temple and no Imperial Astronomy Bureau. The mortals there were merely livestock raised as resources by demonic sects. The demonic cultivators of the State of Yue never showed mercy to mortals.

While they wouldn’t openly blood-sacrifice an entire city, they would manufacture natural disasters to harvest a batch of mortal resources along the way.

Why did a place like the State of Yue—a gathering ground for demonic cultivators—exist in the Tianlan Continent? Why did they dare to publicly treat mortals as cultivation resources? Such a thing had never happened in any of the territories of the Eastern Victory Divine Continent.

Han Li had once heard his Master say a phrase: The State of Yue is an experimental ground. That was the reason it existed. If not for the backing of a colossal entity, the demonic sects of the State of Yue would have been eradicated by the orthodox sects of the Tianlan Continent long ago.

Han Li turned back to his Junior Sister. “If you are afraid of trouble, Junior Sister, we can just grab Martial Nephew Li and take him back.”

Wen Huanhuan’s expression shifted. That’s actually a good idea. That way, we can stop him from getting involved in this mess. But… would that really be okay?

Wen Huanhuan shot a glance at her Senior Brother. “Hmph, what does his life or death have to do with me? I just want to see how long he can keep jumping around.”

A barely perceptible smile touched Han Li’s lips. Just keep being stubborn, Junior Sister. If Martial Nephew Li’s life and death really have nothing to do with you, why are you following him so closely?

Joyous Union Sect. Inner Sect Territory. Main Peak.

On a stone platform halfway up the mountain, a man and a woman sat facing each other on two futons.

“J-Junior Sister, I’m sorry. Something came up suddenly, so I have to go. Please find someone else to cultivate with.”

The man’s face was deathly pale. He stood up, bowed to his Junior Sister with a mix of struggle and terror, and then fled on the wind as if running for his life.

Although the effects of dual cultivation and Dao exchange with this Junior Sister were astonishing, the convergence of Yin and Yang energies was completely unbalanced. In less than half a month, he had lost more than half of his Yang energy. If he continued, his Dao Foundation would suffer irreversible damage.

As the man fled in panic, Xia Qian was left sitting alone in the wind. She watched his retreating back with her beautiful eyes, a hint of melancholy flashing through them.

“Honestly, and he calls himself a Core Disciple. Completely useless.”

If her Master hadn’t arranged it, she would never have dual cultivated with other men, even if it was just a pure exchange of Dao arts.

But her Master’s reasoning had been far too tempting. She possessed the Innate Charm Body, a special constitution. A man’s Yang energy was the greatest tonic for her. If she wanted to rapidly increase her cultivation, dual cultivating with men was the fastest method.

She also wanted to become strong—stronger than Senior Brother Li. If she formed her Golden Core before he did, he would have to rely on her. Then, she could rightfully say a certain sentence to him:

“Martial Nephew, come into your Martial Aunt’s embrace.”

At the thought of her Senior Brother being forced into her embrace under her despotic power, a seductive glint flashed in Xia Qian’s eyes. A smile crept onto her lips—though it was a rather lecherous one.

“Forget it. I’ll just let Master arrange the next one.”

Xia Qian formed a one-handed seal. A flying message sword shot out of her storage bag, turning into a streak of light heading toward Moon Concealing Peak.

There were quite a few inner disciples on the Main Peak. Many of them in the sect’s main plaza were looking in her direction, wanting to invite Xia Qian to cultivate.

Xia Qian’s immortal beauty had always been outstanding. After taking the Face Retaining Pill, her beauty surpassed its previous peak. Coupled with the passive effects of her Innate Charm Body, she was incredibly seductive and captivating. Every movement she made was a feast for the eyes.

But Xia Qian’s posture of waiting for someone made the inner disciples hesitate to approach. With so many people watching, getting rejected would be incredibly embarrassing.

However, even with the risk of embarrassment, there was no shortage of bold individuals.

An inner disciple rode the wind toward Xia Qian’s stone platform. He descended, his robes fluttering, and landed quite dashingly. With a slight smile, he cupped his hands to Xia Qian.

“Junior Sister, would you care to cultivate together with me?”

Xia Qian barely glanced at him. “Apologies, I already have an appointment.”

The inner disciple’s expression froze for a moment before he let out a casual laugh. “Sorry to disturb you, Junior Sister!”

As he turned and flew away on the wind, a flash of awkwardness crossed his eyes. He had prepared for rejection, but there were too many onlookers. Seeing his failure, the other inner disciples harboring similar intentions gave up.

Joyous Union Sect. Inner Sect Territory. Moon Concealing Peak.

The largest pavilion at the summit. On the upper observation deck.

A streak of sword light shot over from outside the peak and circled above the pavilion. Ruoshui, sitting by the tea table, shifted her expression slightly as she placed a white Go piece onto the board.

“Master, I heard that the Purple Cloud Sect in the State of Yan has a body cultivator with the Dragon’s Roar Physique. Why not pay the price to recruit him into the Joyous Union Sect? He would be the most suitable dual cultivation partner for Junior Sister Xia, and it would greatly benefit her cultivation of charm arts.”

Nangong Wan waved her slender jade-like hand. The message sword circling above the pavilion shot back out, disappearing into the mist in the blink of an eye.

Nangong Wan placed a black piece on the board, her beautiful eyes looking toward the Main Peak.

“If your eldest disciple didn’t exist, Xia Qian could naturally treat men as cultivation resources. Unfortunately, she has fallen in love. Women with the Innate Charm Body are the most deeply affectionate. If we recruited that body cultivator with the Dragon’s Roar Physique, he would eventually die by Xia Qian’s hands.”

Ruoshui furrowed her delicate brows, the hand holding her Go piece trembling slightly.

Her eldest disciple was perfect in every way, except that he was too good to women. For any other cultivator, this was a massive taboo.

After all, cultivation resources were opportunities that cultivators fought tooth and nail for. If one could monopolize them, why share them? But her disciple? He wished he could rip his own heart out to give to the women around him.

A hint of melancholy flashed in Ruoshui’s eyes. If her eldest disciple’s Dao Heart were ever ruined because of a woman, the blow to him would be unimaginable.

Turning her head slightly, Nangong Wan looked toward the pavilion by the lake. In the courtyard, there was a desk. A woman in white sat before it, her hair tied in a Daoist crown. Her full, curvaceous figure was faintly discernible beneath her robes. She held a Talisman Treasure but couldn’t bring herself to draw.

“I can’t do it?” Zhang Tianhua sighed. That seemingly ordinary talisman was too profound. She simply couldn’t sense that trace of Dao resonance. Even merely tracing it was incredibly difficult.

Zhang Tianhua turned to look out over the peaks. Where is Senior Brother now?

She didn’t know when he would return. He had only been gone for half a month, yet every night during her meditation, she found herself uncontrollably thinking of Senior Brother Li.

Zhang Tianhua knew this was detrimental to her state of mind, but the yearning was unstoppable.

A flicker of confusion passed through her eyes. No man had ever made her worry and care this much. She didn’t want to change anything. Letting nature take its course was enough. She could accept any outcome. In the worst-case scenario, Senior Brother Li would still be her Senior Brother.

Joyous Union Sect. Inner Sect Territory.

A streak of sword light swept through the peaks. Yuan Baobao was flying on her sword, a faint smile on her face.

These past few days, she had been cultivating with Senior Brother Xuan at the Main Peak. Originally, she had planned to go to the Main Peak and find a random person to cultivate with, but unexpectedly, she ran into Senior Brother Xuan. They already knew each other, so cultivating together felt like a natural progression.

Senior Brother Xuan didn’t seem to let her affect his state of mind. This brought Yuan Baobao a lot of comfort, and it was the reason she didn’t mind cultivating with him.

“Junior Sister!”

Just then, a streak of sword light shot over from behind. The voice arrived before the person. The shout made Yuan Baobao stop.

An inner disciple approached on his flying sword and cupped his hands to her. “Su Zheng, a registered disciple of the Broken Cliff Peak lineage, greets Junior Sister!”

Yuan Baobao frowned. She did not like the people from the Broken Cliff Peak lineage. Although Senior Brother Xuan had also joined Broken Cliff Peak, she had known him before he joined.

The smile vanished from Yuan Baobao’s face. She returned the greeting coldly. “Why have you stopped me, Senior Brother?”

Su Zheng scrutinized her with a heated gaze. “I have noticed you for a long time, Junior Sister, and have admired you for just as long. I wonder if I might have the opportunity to walk the Great Dao together with you?”

A flash of disgust crossed Yuan Baobao’s eyes. Wasn’t this person Senior Brother Xuan’s senior? He should know she was close to Xuan Hao and had that kind of relationship with him. Yet, this Senior Brother was still making a move on her. The people from Broken Cliff Peak were truly detestable.

Yuan Baobao looked at Su Zheng expressionlessly. “Do you know Senior Brother Xuan Hao?”

Su Zheng narrowed his eyes and nodded. “Naturally, I know him!”

If it hadn’t been for Junior Brother Xuan, he wouldn’t have known that Xuan had such an exceptionally beautiful dual cultivation partner. Junior Sister Yuan’s beauty easily ranked in the top five of the Inner Sect. What right did a piece of trash like Xuan Hao have to possess such a gorgeous partner?

Yuan Baobao continued to stare at him blankly. “Then you should know that Senior Brother Xuan and I are dual cultivation partners.”

Su Zheng waved his sleeve, putting on a free and easy smile. “As the saying goes, a fair maiden is sought by gentlemen. You and Junior Brother Xuan are merely dual cultivation partners, not formally bound Dao Companions. Why can’t I pursue you?”

His gaze turned somewhat frivolous. “If you follow me, I guarantee I will treat you ten million times better than Junior Brother Xuan does. I am a direct descendant of the Su Family; I have all the cultivation resources you could ever need. Even though you only have a three-element spiritual root aptitude, I am confident I can help you form a Golden Core.”

A flash of impatience crossed Yuan Baobao’s eyes. His sweet words were nothing more than a ploy for her body. She was no longer the naive girl she had been when she first entered the sect—and even back then, she hadn’t been that easy to fool.

Yuan Baobao cupped her hands to him. “I appreciate your kind intentions, Senior Brother, but Senior Brother Xuan treats me well. I currently have no intention of choosing another dual cultivation partner. Farewell.”

Without giving him another glance, Yuan Baobao flew away on her sword.

Su Zheng’s expression turned ugly. She’s just a piece of trash with a three-element spiritual root. If it weren’t for her pretty skin, did she really think I would waste my time? A mere three-element disciple dares to reject me. Then don’t blame me for being ruthless.

“Junior Sister, do you dare to accept a Gambling Battle? If I win, you must become my dual cultivation partner! If I lose, I will drop the matter. How about it?”

Su Zheng formed a one-handed seal. The token at his waist flew into the sky. Shooting straight up, it emitted a golden spiritual light that formed the two words: “Gambling Battle.”

The voice from behind made Yuan Baobao frown. This person is truly shameless. What fairness is there in such a wager?

Yuan Baobao looked back. Just as she was about to speak, a highly authoritative and resounding voice echoed through the sky.