Chapter 23 – UFO
Gu Wenzhu indeed had lunch ready, steaming on the table. When he saw Xia Yi return alone, he looked behind him and asked, “Where’s Fourth Uncle?”
“He’s in the field guarding the radishes and won’t leave,” Xia Yi said, holding a bowl of rice as he ate.
“After you eat, take some food to Fourth Uncle. He must be worn out and can’t go hungry,” Gu Wenzhu reminded Xia Yi.
Haha, he has attendants to serve him. There are those who don’t want to eat, but none who can’t. Though Xia Yi thought this, he obediently replied, “Alright, I’ll take him some food after I finish.”
After finishing his meal, Xia Yi grabbed a food box and strolled back to his field. As he approached, he noticed Uncle Wang sitting on the edge of his field, smoking a pipe and gazing up at the sky, occasionally glancing over toward Cheng Ming.
I knew he was spying again.
“Xia Yi, come over here,” Uncle Wang waved when he saw him.
Xia Yi walked over. “Uncle Wang, what’s up?”
“Is that your Fourth Uncle?”
Xia Yi nodded.
“Did he come here to escape a disaster?”
Xia Yi nodded again.
“I got a bit closer earlier to ask about his background. You haven’t seen the look in his eyes; he looked like he was ready to pounce and bite if I got too close,” Uncle Wang said seriously. “Based on my observation—”
“He’s just a bit off in the head, naturally,” Xia Yi quickly interrupted. “You can stop your observations now.”
Ever since Cheng Ming saw that row of radishes, he hasn’t gone back to the house. He eats in the field, drinks in the field, and even set up a small shelter by the field to sleep in.
Every evening, the villagers would squat by the fields with bowls in hand, watching Cheng Ming guard the land.
“How pitiful, really pitiful.”
“Even more pitiful than when Xia Yi was guarding the potatoes.”
“Of course, both uncle and nephew came here fleeing from hunger, taking care of the land as if it were more important than their lives.”
“Not to mention, I’ve heard he has some issues with his mind…”
That afternoon, Xia Yi went to bring Cheng Ming his meal. He just called out “Xiaoming” when suddenly the sound of firecrackers and drums filled his mind, and 179’s cheerful voice rang out:
[Congratulations, player, you have completed the third task.]
[Task Description: Obtain the movements of the sect leader.]
[Completion: 1/1]
[Reward: One rare gift package.]
[Would you like to claim your reward now or later?]
“Just put it in my space for now; I’ll ask for it when I want it.”
What’s the point of this reward? Taking it out is a hassle.
Cheng Ming was crouched in the field examining radishes when he heard Xia Yi call him. He looked up and asked, “Is the food here?”
As soon as Xia Yi opened his mouth, he felt a blur before his eyes, the surroundings began to twist and warp, and slowly started to spin.
This familiar scene made his heart skip a beat. “Oh no! I’m about to travel again!”
The spinning accelerated, and he could faintly hear Cheng Ming panicking, calling his name. Xia Yi wanted to respond but couldn’t make a sound. The rotation grew faster, transforming the scenery into lines and points of light. He felt dizzy and quickly closed his eyes, silently counting the seconds.
After a moment, the dizziness stopped, replaced by the sound of rushing wind and distant crane calls. Xia Yi slowly opened his eyes and was stunned.
Around him was a swirling mist, white cranes flying overhead, calling as they soared into the clouds. Not far away was an island floating in the air, a massive waterfall cascading from its edge, with several grand buildings nestled among the green trees. Further out were scattered smaller islands, each with unique shapes.
The whole scene was breathtakingly surreal.
Xia Yi gazed at the magnificent view, enchanted and involuntarily wanting to step forward, but as he glanced down, he nearly lost his mind.
He was standing on a narrow wooden bridge connecting two floating islands. Mist swirled around his feet, disappearing into a bottomless abyss, and a few cranes were flitting about in the clouds.
His legs turned to jelly, and he quickly crouched down on the bridge, clinging tightly without moving. Once his racing heart calmed a bit, he slowly crawled to the other side, holding his breath the entire time.
Finally reaching the opposite shore, he lay on the ground, soaked in sweat. After a brief rest, he followed a stone path toward the grand buildings.
After just a few steps, a reflection caught his eye beside the stone steps. Curious, he walked over and picked up a piece of jade from the grass.
This jade was about the size of his palm, smooth and glossy, intricately carved with patterns that clearly indicated it was quite valuable.
Who lost this here? I’ll keep it for now and ask around when I meet someone.
“179, 179, are you there? I think I’ve traveled into a cultivation world again.”
“179, if you can hear me, please respond.” Xia Yi felt a bit anxious; even if the system was useless, it was better than being alone in this strange place.
He received no response.
Isn’t this a cultivation system? And now it goes missing when I’m in a cultivation world?
Just as he was feeling flustered, a voice called from above, “Who are you to come uninvited?”
Xia Yi startled and looked up, only to see a silver, circular object floating above him. That voice was coming from there.
UFO!
What the heck, even aliens are here?
Am I in some sort of interstellar story this time?
Seeing Xia Yi staring blankly at his treasure without responding, the Qishan disciple couldn’t help but think to himself, “So it’s just someone who hasn’t seen much of the world.”
The UFO slowly drifted away from above, descending gently. Xia Yi finally saw that someone was standing on it. With long hair flowing and wearing a loose, wide-sleeved green robe adorned with golden patterns, the figure floated down gracefully.
Xia Yi exhaled slowly; he was still in the cultivation world, wearing the uniform of the Qishan sect.
The person landed and raised a hand, and the UFO instantly shrank into a jade plate, flying into his hand.
This is amazing…
He tilted his head up, sizing Xia Yi up from head to toe. “What is your name? What brings you to my Qishan sect?”
“My name is Xia Yi.” Xia Yi only answered the first question, unsure how to explain his purpose.
Brother, I don’t have a purpose; I just came over from a farming world. I’m just wandering around, and who knows, I might be sent back soon.
“Xia Yi? Xia Yi…” The man repeated slowly, seeming a bit familiar with the name.
Suddenly, he slapped his forehead, looking surprised. “Are you not the youngest son of Governor Xia, who was taken in by the sect leader but has yet to arrive at the sect?”
“That’s me,” Xia Yi replied, recognizing that he was likely being referred to.
Wasn’t the first task about that? To join the Qishan sect and become a disciple under its leader? Since I completed that task, I’m now indeed a disciple of Qishan.
“Junior Brother, why did you only arrive now?” The man’s expression relaxed, replaced by a warm smile. “The sect leader has long instructed us to keep an eye out for his new disciple arriving soon.”
“What else did he say?” Xia Yi asked.
“He mentioned that while traveling outside the mountain, he encountered you, saw your extraordinary talent and rare potential, and decided to take you into the sect,” he said, patting Xia Yi’s shoulder warmly. “From now on, you’ll be my junior brother.”
“I am your senior brother, Qinghui, a disciple under the head of Tian Shu. Among our generation, I rank seventh, so just call me Senior Brother Qinghui.” Qinghui said.
“Senior Brother Qinghui.” Xia Yi readily responded.
“It’s a pity you arrived at the wrong time; the sect leader is away on business and hasn’t returned yet. But I’ll take you to get familiar with the sect first. When the master comes back in a few days, you can go meet him,” Qinghui said warmly.
“Thank you, Senior Brother Qinghui.” Xia Yi quickly expressed his gratitude.
Qinghui waved his hand. “No need for politeness between brothers; we’re family from now on. You must be exhausted after your journey from Huangzhong Prefecture. I’ll take you to rest for a bit. After dinner, we’ll go meet Elder Tianji.”
“Thank you again, Senior Brother Qinghui.” Xia Yi thanked him once more, suddenly recalling what Liu Zhiqian had told him about being the third elder at the Qishan sect. He couldn’t help but ask, “Senior Brother, is the third elder Liu… Liu Zhiqian?”
“Elder Tianji’s name is not to be called lightly.” Qinghui stopped, his expression serious as he patiently instructed, “You must remember, never address him by name; always call him Elder Tianji.”
“Yes, yes, yes.” Xia Yi hurriedly acknowledged.
“However, Elder Tianji’s common name is indeed this,” Qinghui added, then began to lead the way toward the mountain gate.
So it’s an old acquaintance; that makes things easier. Xia Yi felt much more relaxed.
