Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Chapter 438

Chapter 438A - Give Up

Qin Yu frowned and bitterly smiled inside . Who knew that he would stir up such an accident just by coming to the Dao Arena? He looked up at the giant tablet phantom . Although he wasn't too sure what this so-called Ancient Perishment Decree was, he faintly realized that it was caused by the name he left behind in the Dao Arena last time .

With such great momentum, it was hard for no one to not know about it . This completely defeated his purpose for changing his appearance to come here and secretly collect the 36 soul treasures .

Moreover, what Qin Yu worried about the most was that his identity being exposed today would draw the Immortal Sect's attention . It had to be known that when he was first here, he left behind his real name!

Thinking of this, Qin Yu no longer felt any satisfaction in 'sharing this revered glory' . But with things having come to this point, there was no way he could turn back . Regardless of whether he wanted to or not, he could only face this sudden situation .

Hu -

Hu -

Figures teleported into the skies above the Dao Arena's great square . As they appeared, the first thing they looked at was Qin Yu . In the dark night, the stone tablet phantom formed by light and the light that enveloped the figure below was a truly eye-catching sight!

Cultivator of the Ancient Perishment Decree…this title in itself was able to shock all sides! Among the arriving cultivators, whether their auras were strong or weak, envy and awe filled their eyes .

The first great figure who appeared was a silver-haired old man . His wide purple robes and deep aura were like an invisible mountain pressing against everyone's minds .

"Master of the Annan Trade Association!"

"Such a great figure actually appeared here!"

"This is the Ancient Perishment Decree . Even throughout the entire Land of Divinity and Demons, there are only ten people on it . This is enough for President Annan to take this matter seriously!"

With a turn of his purple robes and a flash of his eyes, the silver-haired old man landed on the ground . He laughed and said, "Fellow daoist Ning Qin, I am Annan Taiyue . I didn't know of fellow daoist's status before, so if there was any place in which I was disrespectful, I ask you to excuse me . " He flipped his hand and a purple card appeared in his palm . "This is the most honored status membership card of my Annan Trade Association . I hope that fellow daoist Ning Qin can accept this and consider it an apology from me . "

This was a truly heavy hand . Many people sighed inwardly . Indeed, old ginger was hotter than young ginger; experience still counted for something . This old man could draw their relation close with a single move, moreover, this membership card would give him more opportunities to associate with Qin Yu .

"Humph!" A light cough sounded out, echoing through the world . Although it was only one person, it made one feel as if 10,000 soldiers were rushing towards them, making their heart tremble . An armored military official appeared . "President Annan, even I don't have such a membership card . Don't you think your move here is too generous?"

Annan Taiyue laughed . "There are too many factors involved in the garrison . I don't dare to shoulder the charge of trying to bribe the military . If General Sha isn't worried about accountability from military headquarters, then I will immediately order people to send you a card with both hands . "

Sha Chenghe sneered . "Don't worry about headquarters trying to suppress me . With a top membership card from the Annan Trade Association, I will be able to save a massive amount of resources on military supplies . Those old fogies from headquarters wouldn't even have time to be overjoyed! President Annan, I hope you remember your words and don't go back on them . "

Annan Taiyue shook his head . "I can give you a membership card but I will have to issue an order to only allow you to purchase supplies for your own troop . Otherwise, my losses will be too great!"

"Then it's settled . A promise is a promise!" Sha Chenghe grinned, but even as he did he gave off a sense of ferocity . He swept his eyes around, his gaze containing his spiritual will . When a common cultivator met his eyes, they felt as if their will would collapse at any moment . But, the figure beneath the light in the center of the square didn't seem affected at all . He remained calm and peaceful .

A look of appreciation filled his eyes . Sha Chenghe loudly said, "I am a rough and humble man . Since this is my first time seeing someone from the Ancient Perishment Decree, I was itching to test you a little . I ask fellow daoist Ning Qin to not mind my actions . If you were unhappy in any way, then I apologize to you!" He cupped his hands together and bowed .

Annan Taiyue smiled . "General Sha, don't worry . Fellow daoist Ning Qin is an open-minded person, so he wouldn't care about such minor matters . However, your apology seems to lack sincerity . "

Sha Chenghe thought for a moment and then took out a jade box . "I heard that fellow daoist Ning Qin excels at alchemy . Inside this is a spirit plant seed that some of my subordinate soldiers accidentally obtained . I heard the quality is quite good, but since it fell into the hands of someone as rough as me it was just wasted . Today, allow me to gift this to fellow daoist Ning Qin . "

Qin Yu's eyes flashed . He cupped his hands together and said, "If so, then I must respectfully accept President Annan and General Sha's gifts . "

Annan Taiyue and Sha Chenghe both passed over their gifts, their smiles wide and bright . Although these two seemed to be trying to undermine each other, the truth was that their private relationship was extremely good . This so-called undermining was not only to reflect on the value of the membership card but also to give General Sha a reason to give a gift, pulling their relations with Qin Yu closer .

All sides benefited!

The third great figure appeared . It was a genial middle-aged man in blue robes . His waist was subconsciously bent over, as if he were a person accustomed to serving .

"The City Lord is in seclusion . When he learned that Lord Ning Qin arrived, he ordered this old servant to come in his place and offer an explanation . If there is any area of disrespect, I ask for your forgiveness . " Sun San's words were extremely polite . He took out a jade book with both hands . "This is a gift that the City Lord would like to give you . Please accept it . "

A giant transport speedcar came to a stop at the edge of the square . Although the speedcar was covered with a thick cloth, one could see at a glance that there were many rich gifts contained inside . Everyone sighed . This person was truly worthy of being the City Lord's right-hand man . In such a short period of time he had prepared a large speedcar full of gifts . This was pure efficiency!

Qin Yu hesitated for a moment and cupped his hands together . "I ask fellow daoist Sun to thank the City Lord on my behalf . "

He already realized that since his status would be exposed no matter what, it didn't matter whether he received these gifts or not .

And why should he decline?

It just seemed that the importance of this Ancient Perishment Decree was far higher than he expected!

Sun San smiled . "This old servant will remember and will surely convey the message truthfully . " He turned and said, "President Annan, General Sha, this old servant greets fellow daoists . "

Annan Taiyue smiled and cupped his hands, "Fellow daoist Sun is too polite . "

Sha Chenghe was even more respectful . "Greetings, Steward Sun . "

This person who substituted for the City Lord was a servant called Sun San . Although he had an ordinary name, there wasn't anything ordinary about him at all .

Chu Taidou had already arrived . But at this time he would have preferred not to appear instead . Ning Qin…he had heard this name many times in the past two days but he never imagined they would meet under such circumstances . Turning around and leaving was also an option, but it clearly wasn't a smart one . When it came to cultivators on the Ancient Perishment Decree, as long as they didn't perish midway on their road, they would become terrifying, extremely terrifying existences in the future .

Concerning this, history was already the best proof!

Chu Taidou took a deep breath and plastered a smile on his face . He was like a good friend of many years, someone that a person had been close to for a long time, with no awkwardness at all . He took several steps forward and said, "Steward Sun, General Sha, President Annan, it's been a long time since I've last seen you three . " He greeted them and then continued to say, "Fellow daoist Ning Qin, I didn't know of your status before so if I offended you anywhere I ask for your forgiveness . Tomorrow, I will arrange a banquet and ask fellow daoist to pay a visit . I will personally apologize again . "

One could only say that Chu Taidou was a truly fierce and ambitious person . If he could pick something up, he could afford to set it down . For someone to accomplish this at his level was already extremely rare . This was because he knew that no matter how unwilling he was, now that Qin Yu had revealed his status, all the plans he had put in place were worth nothing .

That's right, the Ning Family's treasure indeed caused his heart to blaze . If he could obtain it, it was extremely likely he would obtain a great harvest . But, to thoroughly offend a cultivator from the Ancient Perishment Decree because of this, the gains simply weren't worth the losses .

Because if he didn't draw back today, even if he managed to obtain some great return, it was likely that he would be directly erased from existence some day in the future!

Since he had to draw back, he would do so simply and thoroughly, with no room for misinterpretation…as for honor, Chu Taidou didn't believe that lowering his head in front of a cultivator on the Ancient Perishment Decree was disgraceful . Taking a step back, what did it matter if he lost face? Could he eat this face as food? Could this face save his life?

In essence, this sophisticated Grand Authority Chu was an extremely practical person .

Chapter 438B - Spread Throughout the World

In essence, this sophisticated Grand Authority Chu was an extremely practical person .

Sun San, Annan Taiyue, Sha Chenghe, the three of them had light expressions . They weren't surprised by Chu Taidou's choice . If he couldn't control his emotions, then he didn't deserve to have such a massive influence in Four Seasons City .

Chu Taidou admitted defeat, so Qin Yu had no intention of bothering with him further . He just wanted to have this matter subside as soon as possible . Otherwise, if the Immortal Sect learned that he was still alive, there would be no end of trouble in his future . In order to prevent Ning Ling from learning the truth and causing fractures in the Immortal Sect, Qin Yu was positive that they would use some unconventional means to make him disappear forever .

"Grand Authority Chu speaks too seriously . Since everything is a misunderstanding, then let us consider everything that happened before as water beneath the bridge . "

Chu Taidou's heart relaxed and his smile brightened . "Fellow daoist Ning Qin is a truly broadminded individual; I feel nothing but deep admiration . Since I was the one in the wrong first, I must express myself . " He turned his hand and took out a jade box . "There is a root cutting in here . Long ago, I accidentally obtained a cutting of a spirit root . It contained a boundless spiritual strength within, so I was positive it must be some great treasure of the heavens and earth! Unfortunately, this thing suffered some disastrous tribulation and its vitality was weakened to the extreme . I used many methods but I failed to successfully replant it . Today, allow me to gift this to fellow daoist Ning Qin . With fellow daoist's skills, you might be able to give it a new life . "

A spirit root cutting that couldn't be cultivated . If Chu Taidou was gifting this to him, it had to be uncommon in some way . Qin Yu received the jade box and opened it . A rush of boundless spiritual strength immediately erupted .

Annan Taiyu's eyes brightened . "What a great treasure . If it can survive the planting process, it will definitely become an unsurpassed precious object!"

Sun San nodded . "It is indeed not mediocre . Grand Authority Chu put thought into this . "

Qin Yu's flashed with a bit of happiness . He calmly put the lid back on the jade box . "Grand Authority Chu's gift is too precious . I would be too ashamed to accept it . "

Chi Taidou smiled . "It's useless if I keep it . All treasures have their own fate . Since it has been slumbering for so many years, perhaps it was waiting for fellow daoist Ning Qin to appear . "

These were beautifully spoken words .

Qin Yu smiled and put the jade box away . "Then I will be disrespectful!" With the little blue lamp in hand, there was probably no spirit plant in this world that he couldn't cultivate . Thus, the final words of this old fellow Chu Taidou were actually correct . This spirit root cutting was destined to belong to him .

Kang Mingqiao had been peacefully waiting up until now . He walked forward and smiled, saying, "I am the Dao Arena's Four Seasons City Branch Division Arena Steward, Kang Mingqiao . I am extremely honored by fellow daoist Ning Qin's presence . Is there anything I can do for fellow daoist?"

His attitude was warm and intimate . He needed to repair the impression that Ning Qin had of him as soon as possible . This was the highest priority to him at the moment .

Qin Yu had already noticed this silently waiting cultivator from the Dao Arena . He never expected that this person had such an honored status . The master of this Dao Arena branch had a status that might not be any lower than the Four Seasons City Lord's . It was possibly even a little bit higher . He seemed a bit too polite, even respectful .

He didn't know whether this was his own misunderstanding but he cupped his hands together and bowed, "Greetings, Arena Steward Kang . I came today to rent some Dao Arena training rooms, so I must ask Arena Steward Kang to make the arrangements for me . "

Kang Mingqiao discovered that Ning Qin seemed to not have many negative emotions towards him and his smile warmed, becoming even gentler . "Fellow daoist Ning Qin is listed on the Ancient Perishment Decree, thus you are one of the most important visitors of my Dao Arena . You have the qualifications to freely use our Dao Arena's top training room at any moment . " He glanced at the Ning Family people waiting at the edge of the square and continued to say, "Fellow daoist Ning Qin can also bring no more than ten followers with you to use our services . "

Qin Yu was startled . He immediately said, "Then I will have to trouble Arena Steward Kang . "

"This is my duty; there is no need to be so polite . " Kang Mingqiao smiled . "Our top training room has been prepared . After fellow daoist Ning Qin chooses your followers, you may freely use it . "

This was clearly preferential treatment .

Ning Yuntao learned of the situation from the Dao Arena . As he looked at these Dao Arena cultivators who had been looking at him with cold disdain only moments before, he sighed inwardly . This was the Ancient Perishment Decree . Even a force as powerful as the Dao Arena had to give those listed on it their due respect .

Soon, he chose the people . There was Ning Liang, her three maids, the attendant, and some youths from the Ning Family .

"Greetings, Arena Steward Kang, Grand Authority Ning . " Ning Yuntao respectfully bowed .

Qin Yu said, "I will bring ten people in . For the remaining five people we can rent two training rooms . If there aren't enough spirit stones I will pay the rest . "

Ning Yuntao hurriedly said, "I dare not bother Grand Authority Ning . The crisis has already been resolved so I will lead some juniors to wait for you in Four Seasons City . Ning Liang, the three maids, the attendant, and another youth can enter the Dao Arena with you . "

He thought about how the troubled Ning Family who had been pushed into a dead end suddenly had their situation reversed . Even a formidable figure like Chu Taidou had been forced to lower his head in defeat . He couldn't help but feel a burst of awe towards Qin Yu's great strength . As he obtained a greater understanding of it, he felt increasingly grateful in his heart .

Although the Dao Arena had given them ten spots, this was all due to their respect towards Qin Yu . Since the crisis had been solved, the Ning Family couldn't continue to try and lick up profits .

As for allowing the attendant and the other junior to enter, that came from consideration of their reputations . Ning Yuntao had been very thoughtful in his decisions .

Qin Yu nodded . "That's also fine . "

Kang Mingqiao smiled . "You can lead Miss Ning and the others in first . I will personally deliver fellow daoist Ning Qin in a bit . "

The Dao Arena sent people who respectfully brought Ning Liang and the others inside .

Why would someone listed on the Ancient Perishment Decree help the trivial Ning Family? It was rumored that the unparalleled young beauty from the Ning Family was the key .

At this moment, many cultivators revealed looks of envy . The Ning Family was actually extremely lucky . If someone could climb up using Ning Qin, their future prospects would be endless .

After declining the cordial invitations of Annan Taiyue and Chu Taidou, then chatting with Sun San and the others for a moment, all of these shrewd old fellows bid their farewells and left .

As Chu Taidou left, he had a warm and congenial smile and his eyes were full of a close friendliness . If one didn't know how this person often acted, they might have been deceived by his expression .

He was absolutely a movie star level actor!

Of course, once he returned to his residence, whether or not Grand Authority Chu was so saddened that he vomited blood was unknown . . .

Kang Mingqiao introduced several important figures of the Dao Arena to Qin Yu . After everyone left to deal with their own business, he brought Qin Yu to the training room .

As they walked, this person began a charming conversation and often made many wonderfully witty remarks . He was like a spring breeze, his communication methods beyond top class .

Qin Yu couldn't help but feel a good impression towards this Arena Steward Kang . At the same time, he decided he needed to ascertain just what the Ancient Perishment Decree was . This level of treatment seemed a bit too high .

"Fellow daoist Ning Qin, your room is right ahead . Your aura has already been marked . After approaching, the entrance will open . " Kang Mingqiao hesitated for a moment and then said, "Although the Ancient Perishment Decree only has ten people, the test to join is extremely severe . Throughout history, anyone that joins the decree will attract attention from all sides, thus this list isn't a secret . "

As he finished speaking he smiled and cupped his hands . "If fellow daoist Ning Qin has need of anything, feel free to tell me . Then, I will bid my goodbyes here first . "

Qin Yu cupped his hands together . He watched Kang Mingqiao leave, a heavy look flashing in his eyes . With Kang Mingqiao's status he naturally wouldn't speak nonsense about this . It was clear he was giving him a reminder about how important the Ancient Perishment Decree was .

The Ancient Perishment Decree wasn't a secret . In other words, anyone paying attention to this would find out Ning Qin was just an alias . Then, following the clues, they would likely discover his real identity .

The Immortal Sect was one of the two largest super influences in the Land of Divinity and Demons . They had countless information networks . Once they found out about this…

Qin Yu's complexion turned even cloudier . He originally just wanted to help Ning Ling's family, but who would have thought that things would keep developing all the way until this point . If one were to mention regrets, he would have some . But if he had the chance to make the choice again, he would still have chosen the same path .

If he could watch Ning Ling's family be insulted, bullied, and even killed off right in front of him and not care, he simply didn't deserve to win Ning Ling's heart .

Whatever . Different situations called for different actions . If he took one step forward at a time, then maybe this matter would soon subside and the Immortal Sect wouldn't notice anything .

Unfortunately, Qin Yu didn't know how great a stir he had caused today . Each cultivator on the Ancient Perishment Decree was doomed to have an illustrious reputation and arouse attention from all directions .

"The Ancient Perishment Decree doesn't have anyone named Ning Qin . Unless he used an alias to enter the decree to begin with, this name Ning Qin is a fake . "

"Just what kind of honor is it to join the Ancient Perishment Decree? I don't think anyone would use a fake name to join . This name of Ning Qin must be fake . "

"On the decree, there is no one surnamed Ning, but there is someone surnamed Qin . He appeared several years ago and is ranked ninth . "

"When Qin Yu joined the decree in the past, he shocked all of the various large sects . They each dispatched cultivators to look for him but in the end they didn't find anything . It's said this person has a mysterious origin . "

"Only the first time entering the Dao Arena after joining the decree would this sort of phenomenon occur . Combined with all the other clues, I have a deep suspicion that this Ning Qin is the decree's ninth-ranked Qin Yu!"

In an extremely short period of time, news that the suspected ninth-placed Qin Yu from the Ancient Perishment Decree had appeared at Four Seasons City began to spread throughout the world at an astonishing speed .