Chapter 440: Missing |
Seven days later, the snow stopped.
Red Leaf Valley was blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, exuding a quiet, untouched purity.
Occasionally, a gentle breeze swept past, swaying the bare branches and scattering fine, crystalline flakes.
In the distance, the Spirit Farms, the dark earth, and the rolling mountains were draped in a melting coat of white, with tender green sprouts slowly pushing their way through the frost.
As Jiang Chen watched in silence, he breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
As long as the snow stopped, it meant they had survived the disaster brought by the Cold Abyss Snow.
In truth, it mattered little to him. He planted nothing in winter, and with the Mirror Flower Water Moon Array shielding his land, there was no need to worry about ruined crops.
The real concern lay with the other spirit farmers, especially those like Miao Huayu and Xu Linshan who had just become official tenants. Such a calamity would undoubtedly crush them with pressure, perhaps even leaving lasting psychological scars.
“Old Jiang, we’re here!”
He was not alone; beside him stood Mo Yu, whom they had not seen in a long time.
Jiang Chen’s figure blurred, folding through space as if by Teleportation. When he reappeared at the valley entrance, he offered a light laugh. “You finally made it.”
Jin Fugui had now reached Foundation Establishment.
Mo Yu had secured a powerful backer.
Furthermore, the disaster had just passed.
These were three joyous occasions, well worth celebrating.
Jin Fugui remained his old self, hauling along a massive pile of gifts.
The old Mo Yu would have arrived empty-handed, but things were truly different now.
Since finding a backer, his status and position had soared. No longer lacking in wealth, he too had purchased a mountain of goods.
Jiang Chen smiled, his gaze sweeping over Mo Yu.
In terms of cultivation, the man was undoubtedly still at the Foundation Establishment stage.
After all, if he had broken through to the Golden Core stage, tribulation clouds and turbid thunder would have surely manifested.
Yet for some reason, Jiang Chen could not gauge his depths at first glance. There was a strange, lingering sense of familiarity about his aura, which was incredibly odd.
Mo Yu spoke up, “I’ve caused you both to worry during this time.”
Jiang Chen nodded lightly. “As long as you know.”
Once inside the warm house, Mo Yu continued, “I still have one Dragon Carp left. I plan to use it so Old Jin can also take a master.”
Jin Fugui was dumbfounded. He frantically waved his hands. “This is a rare Dragon Carp, containing a trace of true dragon bloodline! How can you just give it to me?”
Mo Yu’s voice grew solemn. “Given the current climate, having a backer offers true security. Old Jiang should understand what I mean.”
Jiang Chen paused for a moment before giving a slight nod. “Old Mo is right.”
No matter where one went, having a patron and lacking one were two entirely different worlds.
Those with backing walked with confidence, holding countless hidden cards.
Those without were forced to tread on thin ice, their hands forever tied.
To put it bluntly, this was the fundamental divide between a sect disciple and a Loose Cultivator.
Judging by the situation, Old Mo had clearly held back some of his harvest.
Out of five Dragon Carp, he had used one for himself, meaning four should logically remain.
But his willingness to offer another Dragon Carp to change Jin Fugui’s fate proved that he still held his two friends in his heart.
Some people revealed their true, ugly nature the moment their status, realm, or power shifted.
For now, Old Mo was still the same Old Mo. At least that much hadn’t changed.
Jin Fugui wrestled with the thought before finally taking a deep breath. “Even if what you say is true, I possess a Metal-Fire Spirit Root. Even if I take that senior as my master, what could I possibly learn?”
That Golden Core stage fishing enthusiast possessed a Water Spirit Root.
Mo Yu also had a Water Spirit Root, making them a perfect match.
But with his Metal-Fire Spirit Root, Jin Fugui wouldn’t learn a single technique even if he bowed in apprenticeship.
Jiang Chen patted his shoulder. “Old Mo’s intention is crystal clear. Even if you learn nothing, the mere title of ‘disciple’ grants you a shield. More importantly, it opens the door to a wider web of connections.”
Mo Yu nodded firmly. “Exactly. That is my intent.”
Realization finally dawned on Jin Fugui. “So that’s what you two were thinking.”
Jiang Chen stood up. “I’ll go cook. You two catch up.”
Once he left the room, Mo Yu spoke with absolute sincerity. “As your friend, I would never lead you astray.”
Jin Fugui stared at him blankly. After a long silence, he finally nodded. “Alright.”
Half an hour later, the meal was ready.
A plate of Ice Soul Grass sprouts drizzled with golden honey.
A massive slab of fire-roasted Spirit Deer meat.
A bubbling clay pot of fresh river carp stew.
A large basin of Three Harmony Flavor Soup.
The rice was, as always, Top-quality Spirit Rice.
The wine was, as always, Top-quality Spirit Wine.
This feast was more than enough for the three of them to devour.
After all, every single dish brimmed with rich Spirit Qi.
“Old Jiang, your culinary skills are getting sharper by the day!”
“Are you already capable of brewing true spirit cuisine?”
“Not quite. I’m still lacking a bit of heat!”
The three men chatted merrily as they ate.
As the wine flowed, their conversation naturally drifted toward the current state of the world.
Jiang Chen found it peculiar.
In the past, Old Mo had been a man who cared little for the outside world, his mind solely consumed by the art of fishing.
Yet, ever since returning from the Canglan Sea, his entire demeanor and mindset had shifted. He now exuded an inexplicable sense of urgency.
Between the lines of his casual chatter, he constantly urged Jiang Chen and Jin Fugui to make preparations as early as possible.
Jiang Chen was actually in a safe position. As the sole Spirit Cultivator of the Spirit Farms, he was highly regarded by Elder Mu and the Valley Master. His backing was as solid as a mountain.
The real issue was Jin Fugui. Although he had rubbed shoulders with many cultivators while selling spirit manure, those were merely transactional relationships. If true danger struck, they would not lift a finger to help.
…
…
Once they had eaten and drank their fill, the celebration drew to a close.
Mo Yu stated he had other matters to attend to and took his leave first.
Jin Fugui stood holding the massive Dragon Carp, his gaze heavy with complex emotions.
There was a time when he had to drag and pull this man just to get him to socialize. Now, Mo Yu was becoming increasingly unfathomable.
Jiang Chen deeply empathized with the sentiment. He immediately offered comfort, “Old Mo is doing this for your own good. Hand over the Dragon Carp and secure your master as soon as possible.”
Jin Fugui was about to reply when a streak of cyan light suddenly rippled out from the void.
In the next breath, it coalesced into the Phantom silhouette of a stalk of Spirit Rice.
Seeing this, both men in Red Leaf Valley froze in astonishment.
Soon, a familiar voice echoed from the light. “It is me.”
Jiang Chen hurriedly cupped his hands and bowed deeply. “Valley Master!”
Jin Fugui snapped out of his daze and hastily mirrored the gesture.
Zhu Fuxian’s voice sounded once more. “Little Jiang, come see me.”
Jiang Chen quickly responded, “Yes.”
As soon as the words fell, the cyan light retracted, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
This sudden event was too much for Jin Fugui’s nerves. Feeling as though ten thousand ants were crawling in his chest, he hugged the Dragon Carp and marched outward. “I… I’m going to take a master.”
Watching his friend’s retreating back, Jiang Chen pondered inwardly, ‘Usually, it’s Elder Mu who contacts me through the Spirit Cultivator’s token. For the Valley Master to appear personally… something massive must have happened.’
At this thought, he immediately summoned Shattered Moon Flowing Frost and soared toward Zhu Fuxian’s Spirit Farm.
This time, the moment his boots touched the earth, the bamboo fence gate swung open on its own before he could even announce his presence.
Heart heavy with doubt, Jiang Chen stepped into the bamboo house. His eyes immediately landed on Zhu Fuxian, who sat waiting with a cup of wine in hand.
Seeing him arrive, the older man waved a hand, gesturing for him to sit.
Before his knees even bent, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but ask, “What happened?”
Zhu Fuxian set down his wine cup, his expression grim. “Qin Hao is missing!”
