Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Chapter 1728 – Another Reason

Bull Bean’s eyes lit up and she turned her head to glare at Sun Changqing, “He said that he did not take it, so you must’ve gotten it wrong. Leave at once!”

Sun Changqing was so mad that he almost went crazy. He said he did not take it and you believed him, what about what I said then? Do you think I am just spouting nonsense?

He had personally delivered the wooden staff to Qin Yu’s room before. Suddenly, his connection with it was gone. There was no way that this had nothing to do with Qin Yu.

Taking a deep breath, his face was ashen as he said, “Lady Bull, on your behalf, I have already given in again and again. However, the wooden staff was gifted to me by my Peak Master. I absolutely cannot lose it.”

He gritted his teeth and raised three fingers, “Today, I, Sun Changqing, swear on my life that the treasure I have lost is with Zhou Huan…”

Qin Yu interrupted him, “Fellow daoist Sun, you’re from Sweeping Clouds Peak, right?”

Sun Changqing replied with a cold voice, “That’s right. If fellow daoist Zhou wishes to admit your crimes now, it’s not too late!”

Qin Yu shook his head, “Fellow daoist Sun is mistaken. I just think that the promise of a Sweeping Clouds Peak disciple is worthless.”

Even though everyone knew that Sweeping Clouds Peak always had a bad reputation, no one dared to say it out loud, much less in front of their disciples.

It was akin to a slap in the face.

Instantly, Sun Changqing’s face reddened with embarrassment and he exploded with anger, “Zhou Huan, you dare to humiliate my Sweeping Clouds Peak. You are seeking death!”

However, his bravado lasted only a second before he was forced to retract it.

Uncle Bull walked forward reluctantly. He did not dare to disobey the young lady’s orders, so he felt extremely conflicted inside.

He scolded internally, ‘The bastards from Sweeping Clouds Peak are getting worse with each generation. What’s the point of talking big when they’re so timid?’

Just take action directly!

My reaction was ‘a bit slower’ so that you could get the upper hand and kill Zhou Huan. Then, I would have been the one to kill you, and this would have made everyone happy and satisfied.

Sun Changqing detected the expression in Uncle Bull’s eyes that showed he was resentful that he did not meet his expectations. This made Sun Changqing feel extremely annoyed.

He thought to himself, ‘You old fart, you are a really bad person; you actually want me to seek death? Where’s your aloofness and arrogance?!’

Bear with it, you have to bear with it. You must not be rash today. This old fart in front of you is waiting for you to kill Zhou Huan!

When his momentum was lost, his heart trembled for a bit and he took one step back. Gritting his teeth, he shouted, “I will not back down today until I’ve gotten back the wooden staff!”

When Sun Changqing set up this plan to use his wooden staff to bait Qin Yu, he did not think that he would lose the staff in the process.

If he really lost his wooden staff, it would be equivalent to losing his advantage in Sky Falling Mountain. If he failed to carry out what he was supposed to do and even lost a treasure along the way, the Peak Master would definitely punish him!

Uncle Bull frowned and looked at Qin Yu, then said in a low voice, “Zhou Huan, let me remind you again that it is not wise to take advantage of Sweeping Clouds Peak. You should think twice about this.”

It was quite clear to him that Sun Changqing’s treasure was truly in Qin Yu’s hands, even if he did not know how Sun Changqing lost it.

And Uncle Bull was not happy because he felt that Qin Yu was using him and Bull Bean as a form of assistance to help him get the upper hand in this situation and eventually take the treasure for himself.

With such poor character, you still dare to get close to our young lady? Hmph, in your dreams!

In Uncle Bull’s heart, he had given Qin Yu the death sentence.

Of course, he had forgotten something important – it was Bull Bean who was not letting this matter go.

“Uncle Bull!” Bull Bean pouted and looked unhappy, “What is with your tone? Zhou Huan already said that he did not take it!”

The corner of Uncle Bull’s lips twitched a bit. “Young Lady, I was just giving him a reminder, I do not mean anything by it.” Smirking, he continued, “I think that he must have thought it through by now.”

Uncle Bull, what do you mean by that? Are you so sure that I’m ready to lower my head?

Qin Yu laughed to himself internally and the thoughts started to turn in his mind. Rourou’s voice suddenly rang out in his brain, “Let him search you.”

He frowned. Of course he did not doubt Rourou’s concealment methods, but if Sun Changqing searched him, what if…eh? That’s not right, perhaps this was Rourou’s plan from the very beginning; who knew what she had in mind?

Coughing lightly, Qin Yu said, “Sun Changqing, I do not trust the promises made by your Sweeping Clouds Peak.” He waved his hand and without giving Sun Changqing any chance to retort, he continued, “Let’s make a deal. You said that the treasure is with me, right? Sure. I will let you search my body personally, however, you must first give me some form of compensation.”

Bull Bean immediately nodded her head, “That makes sense! You said that Zhou Huan was a thief – if you are mistaken, you would have ruined an innocent man’s reputation. Yes, you must compensate him with a high price!”

Sun Changqing scoffed, “Deal!” He cupped his hands and added, “Regarding this matter, I would like to invite Uncle Bull and everyone here to be witnesses. If I am unable to find the treasure on Zhou Huan, I am willing to give this bag of Golden Jade Rice to him as compensation!”

Flipping his palm around, he retrieved a cloth sack that was the size of his hand. When it was opened, it revealed the golden and translucent grains of rice that were inside.

Under the sun rays, every grain shone with a bright and dazzling halo.

Golden Jade Rice…

Bull Bean stared straight at it and swallowed her saliva subconsciously.

The corner of Uncle Bull’s lips twitched and he wanted to cover his face. Young Lady, mind your reputation…would our family’s young lady lack something like that?

Coughing lightly, he reached out to take the cloth sack. He weighed it in his hands, looked at the grains of rice, and concluded, “Yes, this is good quality Golden Jade Rice. Only that thousand-year-old ancient Black Locust Tree at Sweeping Clouds Peak would be able to produce this. It’s an excellent food supplement.”

Looking at Qin Yu, he continued, “Zhou Huan, getting this in exchange for conducting a thorough search on your body is worth it.”

Qin Yu nodded, “Since Uncle Bull says that it is worth it, I trust you. Let’s get on with it then.” He looked over and asked, “Fellow daoist Zhou, how do you want to search me? Surely you’re not asking me to take out everything that I have right?”𝗳𝙧𝘦𝒆𝑤𝙚𝘣𝙣𝘰𝘃ℯ𝑙. 𝐜𝐨𝑚

Sun Changqing scoffed, “No, that’s too troublesome. I just need to shake your hand to know if you have the treasure I am looking for!”

He walked one step forward and grabbed Qin Yu’s hand. After a few moments, the expression on his face changed and his whole body started to tremble.

“No!

“That’s impossible!

“Its aura was clearly coming from you?”

Sun Changqing’s eyes widened, full of disbelief.

Qin Yu retracted his hand and took one step back. He then said blandly, “Fellow daoist Sun, if you still do not believe me, you can search my room. I do not mind.”

Sun Changqing clenched his jaw and charged into the room. ‘Bam-bom-bam!’ After he created a huge mess searching it, he walked out looking dispirited.

There was an uproar!

Not much needed to be said because Sun Changqing’s expression conveyed everything.

Uncle Bull frowned slightly and he looked quite taken aback. He stared at Qin Yu with a deep expression, suddenly realizing that he had somehow underestimated this little brat.

If that was the case…then, he would have to think twice about the judgment he made earlier on.

Bull Bean clapped her hands in delight and said, “The treasure is not here, Zhou Huan was really innocent! I knew it, my eye for people has always been good; I did not misjudge him!”

Qin Yu felt slightly helpless. To be honest, this was not his initial plan. Originally, he wanted to just secretly warn Sun Changqing to not provoke him.

Now, even though it seemed as if he had emerged victorious in this situation, he had exposed himself.

Just from the way that old bull was looking at him now, something felt really off, and evidently, his suspicions were raised.

And another thing was…Li Ruhua was here too!

The only consolation was that she chose to stand behind the crowd to watch the show and did not do anything else. Otherwise, he was really going to have a headache.

With Li Ruhua’s status, how was it possible that she would come here personally to watch the commotion? Of course it was impossible. Therefore, it seemed that like Bull Bean, she was having second thoughts in her heart.

This made Qin Yu feel even less confident about his so-called ‘flawless’ identity that ‘even True Kings are unable to detect any irregularities in’.

“Impossible! The wooden staff is in your hands, I…” His screaming stopped abruptly and he suddenly looked conflicted. He could not admit that he was the one who sent the wooden staff to Qin Yu’s room so that he could come and frame him in the first place.

One could be shameless, but one couldn’t let it show outrightly.

Qin Yu said, “Since the truth has been uncovered, I advise fellow daoist Sun to leave as soon as possible to find that treasure you lost. If you delay this matter any further, it might really be gone for good.”

Within those sentences, there were three words that were the truth – ‘gone for good’. If you can really find the wooden staff, I will walk with a lowered head for the rest of my life!

Uncle Bull said expressionlessly, “Sun Changqing, you can leave now.”

Internally, he was feeling extremely disappointed and he had already cursed at how anticlimactic all this was.

What was Sun Changqing doing?!

“Zhou Huan, return the wooden staff to me and I will let go of everything that happened in the past. I will also give the Golden Jade Rice to you!” Sun Changqing gritted his teeth and tried his best to remain calm. “Otherwise, I promise that you will become Sweeping Clouds Peak’s enemy!”

Qin Yu stretched his arm out and said, “Thank you, Mister Bull.”

The corners of Uncle Bull’s lips twitched a bit as he threw the sack of Golden Jade Rice to him. This little brat surnamed Zhou is truly full of guts.

Sun Changqing’s face twisted and one could tell that he was struggling internally to decide what to do. He could choose to act out, but without his wooden staff, he did not have the confidence that he would win a battle.

Furthermore, if Bull Bean decided to intervene, he would only end up suffering losses.

If he just walked away today, it did not mean that he would be at the losing end yet.

Zhou Huan…regarding this matter, we’re not finished!

He had to get that wooden staff back. Not only that, he also needed to kill this little brat.

Li Ruhua turned and walked away while Chen Sanglue followed behind her with his head down. He did not turn back but he had already remembered that face.

Zhou Huan!

It was an unfamiliar name, and an even more unfamiliar face. He was sure that this person had never appeared in Li Ruhua’s world before.

But why was Li Ruhua so hung up on this person? This made Chen Sanglue feel slightly uneasy in his heart.

Ever since he entered the Thirteenth Floor, he realized how lucky he was to be able to follow Li Ruhua and be her servant.

His cultivation level improved by leaps and bounds and he had also gained a lot of knowledge about the world. Chen Sanglue made up his mind that he would hold tightly onto Li Ruhua.

He had even gone further to think about marrying her, but that would need more time for him to make arrangements bit by bit.

Chen Sanglue believed that as long as he was patient enough, that day would eventually come. However, today, the future that he envisioned was suddenly challenged.

Zhou Huan!

He needed to investigate who this person was exactly.

Uncle Bull’s gaze swept over Li Ruhua’s silhouette and he frowned slightly before he cupped his hands and said, “Young Lady, we should leave too.”

Bull Bean nodded her head and turned around. However, she suddenly turned back and walked up to Qin Yu. Then, she said, “Zhou Huan, are you sure we’ve never met in the past?”

Without any hesitation, Qin Yu shook his head and said, “I’m sure.”

Bull Bean’s gaze dimmed a little, “Really? I can’t help but feel that you look really familiar, as if you are a long lost friend.” She smiled and then waved her hand, “My name is Bull Bean, goodbye!”

Qin Yu thought for a while before calling out to her, “I shall give this sack of Golden Jade Rice to Lady Bull. Thank you for your help today.”

Bull Bean did not reject it and took it with a smile, “I’ve been starving for a long time, thank you, Zhou Huan!”

Taking the sack of rice, she turned to leave.

Uncle Bull’s gaze was indifferent. He looked at Qin Yu, studying him, judging him, and also warning him.

With a calm expression, Qin Yu cupped his hands to bid him farewell.

Bull Bean…you must be kidding. People could try to provoke her if they wanted to, but Qin Yu knew that he would not.

There was her Old Ancestor Bull Dingtian, and her father Bull Dingshan. There were also other strong men from her family protecting her. Whoever was going to marry her was an unlucky person.

Hmm, maybe calling it ‘unlucky’ is exaggerating it a bit. However, her future husband could forget about ever being able to stand up straight in front of her.

Shi Liang rushed over to apologize to Qin Yu and said many nice words to appease him. He also said that he could give Qin Yu an upgrade to a room in Area A for free.

Of course, Qin Yu rejected the offer without any hesitation. All he wanted to do now was hide – why would he go to Area A? It would be forcing that old bull to take action against him!

After he repeated a few times that he did not mind staying in Area D, he dismissed Shi Liang and the others. He turned to return to his room and finally, it was calm.

He rubbed his temples and said, “I still think that I didn’t execute this matter well enough today.”

After a few moments, there was still no reply. Qin Yu laughed bitterly, knowing that she did not want to give an explanation.

Forget it. As the saying went, ‘When you’re covered with lice, you don’t itch’. It was not like Sweeping Clouds Peak was stronger than that clan.

Readjusting his mentality, Qin Yu went back to cultivating.

……

In a guestroom in Area A, Sun Changqing paced back and forth angrily. There was violence in his eyes.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became!

At the beginning, he never would have thought that things would come to this point. He threw the bait out, but it did not return!

The wooden staff…

Thinking about this, his heart started to ache and he felt more hatred towards Qin Yu.

Little brat, you’re dead, you’re dead!

He poured some tea for himself and finished it in two big gulps. Then, he furiously threw the tea cup, shattering it while panting heavily.

Sun Changqing made a silent vow to himself that when he reached Sky Falling Mountain, he would find an opportunity to take action and slice Qin Yu to pieces.

Suddenly, his face changed and he hurriedly knelt on the floor. His face contorted in pain. A cluster of distorted green light shot out from between his eyebrows and it spread to form a blurry figure.

“Greetings, Peak Master!”

Sun Changqing kowtowed.

“After you enter Sky Falling Mountain, my projection will descend and I will help you to kill Zhou Huan,” The illusion said.

Sun Changqing was shocked, but the shock quickly turned into delight as he said, “Thank you, Peak Master!”

Whoosh –

The figure dissipated to form a cluster of green light and it returned back to Sun Changqing’s forehead.

He gasped for breath for a few moments before crawling up from the ground. His face was pale and his eyes looked a little lifeless.

The descent of the Peak Master’s consciousness had exhausted a massive amount of his energy and placed a huge suppression on him. Thankfully, it did not last very long.

At this moment, Sun Changqing frowned in bewilderment.

He was entering Sky Falling Mountain to help complete his Peak Master’s Great Dao and not a single mistake could be made. But now, the Peak Master wanted to project himself here and kill Zhou Huan? This would obviously create complications…there must be another reason for this.

What could it be?