Chapter 38: Fifth World: Lanruo Temple

“Causing such a commotion.” Duan Wenxuan had remained holed up in his hotel room, too afraid to venture out. In the afternoon, Sakagawa特意带着礼物 came to visit him, expressing his apologies for the incident.

Previously, Duan Wenxuan mentioned that after concluding their business talks, he heard about the cherry blossoms blooming out of season at the orchard, sparking great interest and intending to visit. However, those plans were now dashed. Although it wasn’t Sakagawa’s company fault, Sakagawa still felt compelled to apologize.

After dealing with Sakagawa, Duan Wenxuan continued staying put in his hotel.

Two more days passed, and for reasons unknown, the Li Kingdom surprisingly announced in broad daylight that a grand mountain deity sacrifice would take place on Mount Xiangping half a month later. During this period, the cherry blossom garden on Mount Xiangping would remain closed to visitors.

On that very afternoon, large numbers of tourists were forcibly escorted away from Geshan City, including Hanming nationals. Uncharacteristically, the Li Kingdom displayed firm resolve. Clearly, they aimed to execute this event flawlessly in honor of the mountain deity.

Reality is not like a TV drama; the Li Kingdom could not afford any disruptions to this important ceremony. Especially since this Mountain God was likely benevolent, successfully establishing peaceful communication would position the Li Kingdom ahead in navigating the ongoing changes affecting the world.

Moreover, compared to other countries, the Li Kingdom’s desperation for any potential ‘savior’ was greater.

Firstly, their territory is small, meaning if disaster struck, they might have nowhere to flee. Secondly, half of their land borders directly on the sea, which has recently become increasingly turbulent. However, apart from imposing blockades, the Li Kingdom government had no effective means to address the situation. Due to these blockades, fishermen who rely heavily on the sea for livelihood have already caused numerous disturbances. The authorities could only attempt to pacify them with kind words, resorting to forceful suppression as a last resort.

Under such circumstances, although Duan Wenxuan was currently not in Geshan City, he knew that the Li Kingdom would soon be unwelcoming towards foreigners and impose strict surveillance on them. Consequently, he decided to go with the flow and boarded a flight back home that very night.

The sacrifice ceremony would take place in half a month, giving ample time for now. Of course, there was another reason: the fifth world was about to open, and Duan Wenxuan planned to prepare accordingly before entering it.

Upon landing at the airport that night, he took a taxi home and enjoyed a peaceful sleep.

The next day, after breakfast, Duan Wenxuan stepped into the Fifth World with his paper figurine companion. The Terror Slime and vines were too distinctive, making the easily concealable paper figurine the most useful choice.

Feeling slightly disoriented initially, Duan Wenxuan steadied himself before quickly surveying his surroundings. He found himself in a desolate rural area, devoid of any signs of human habitation nearby.

After pondering for a moment, Duan Wenxuan decided to first find a place to settle down.

During the initial 24 hours, Duan Wenxuan never rushed into exploration. Safety and stability remained his top priorities; there was no need to risk his life unnecessarily.

At present, he cautiously followed some small paths, walking intermittently. Around afternoon, Duan Wenxuan retrieved bread and water from his backpack to eat and drink.

Another half-hour passed when unexpectedly, Duan Wenxuan discovered traces of human activity. In an open area ahead, the land seemed cultivated, with numerous crop plants growing abundantly in that region.

This suggested that there might have been nearby villages or towns at one point. However, it was evident that this cultivated area had been abandoned for several years. The crops in the fields grew sparse and scattered, while rampant wild grasses and flowers dominated the surroundings, clearly indicating no one maintained them anymore.

The question arose: Why would the nearby villages or towns have migrated?

Generally, unless faced with significant issues, a village would not relocate. For instance, Master Tang’s family from Liyang City only left due to the famine, with most people intending to return once the hardship passed. Yet here, it seemed none of the villagers had come back.

Sensing danger, Duan Wenxuan immediately turned around and walked away. Continuing further ahead might lead him to those deserted settlements, and only reckless individuals would venture into such places. Duan Wenxuan did not wish to court unnecessary risk.

As he retraced his steps, by evening, Duan Wenxuan began worrying about where to spend the night. Fortunately, just as luck would have it, he spotted faintly amidst the barren mountains what appeared to be an old, dilapidated temple, with wisps of smoke subtly rising from within.

Duan Wenxuan momentarily hesitated whether to approach.

After some thought, he cautiously moved closer and noticed a scholar-like figure dressed in long gray robes tending to a fire. A small pot hung over the flames, emitting steam as something cooked inside.

Seeming like a normal person, Duan Wenxuan retreated slightly and sent his little paper talisman to investigate. Soon, the talisman returned with information about the scholar’s secrets.

It turned out that the scholar’s family had fallen on hard times, now living in poverty. As a result, the father of his childhood sweetheart, whom he was betrothed to since youth, wanted to break off the engagement. This led to numerous humiliations against him, even secretly orchestrating harassment and vandalism towards his family. Consequently, the scholar made a pact: if he failed to pass the imperial examination within three years while away studying for it, the engagement would be annulled. With resentment fueling him, he left home determinedly.

However, deep down, he harbored thoughts that should he succeed, regardless of marriage, he would fiercely humiliate that ‘old prospective father-in-law’. Aside from this situation, the scholar didn’t have any other significant secrets; one could barely consider him tainted by scandal.

In essence, he appeared to be a relatively honest individual.

Of course, that’s not the main point; what matters is, based on the little paper talisman’s description, this scholar seemed genuinely ordinary and posed no threat.

If so, if the dilapidated temple was safe enough for the scholar to reside in, then it should be equally suitable for Duan Wenxuan as well.

Putting away the paper figurine, Duan Wenxuan first opened his backpack to change clothes. He had prepared meticulously, bringing simple attire covering various scenarios, just to avoid standing out as an outsider.

After donning a long robe similar to the scholar’s, he managed to blend in somewhat without appearing too conspicuous. With this, Duan Wenxuan leisurely approached the fire. As soon as he emerged, the scholar jumped with fright.

“Who are you?!” The scholar raised a wooden stick, his voice harsh but trembling inside.

“Don’t misunderstand, my friend. I’m just a merchant. My family pooled some money for me to purchase goods, but halfway through, I fell victim to bandits who stole everything. Thankfully, they spared my life, leaving me stranded here. Now, I plan to walk back home.”

The scholar observed Duan Wenxuan under the flickering firelight, noticing his shadow—indicating he wasn’t likely a ghost. Moreover, his appearance didn’t seem menacing at all, which finally eased the scholar’s tension.

Soon after, Duan Wenxuan gradually became acquainted with the scholar.

The scholar’s name was Ning Caichen, and he was traveling to the capital for the imperial examination. Due to limited funds, he had left his home a year early, journeying with stops along the way. However, this time he took the wrong path and somehow ended up here. Fortunately, he spotted Lanruo Temple before nightfall, providing him with a place to rest.

”…Is that your dinner tonight?” Duan Wenxuan asked after chatting with Ning Caichen for a while. The scholar seemed genuinely innocent, quickly sharing his background and circumstances without hesitation. Looking down, Duan Wenxuan noticed that Ning Caichen had been cooking some coarse grains soaked overnight, mixed with crushed flour and wild vegetables. It appeared thin and unappetizing.

“My family is poor; I didn’t have much money for travel expenses,” Ning Caichen said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Duan Wenxuan sighed, retrieved two packets of instant noodles, sausages, and braised eggs from his bag, then promptly emptied Ning Caichen’s pot. After cooking the instant noodles, the enticing aroma made Ning Caichen salivate uncontrollably.

“What kind of food is this? I’ve never seen anything like it.” Ning Caichen held onto the plastic packaging of the instant noodles, looking utterly intrigued.

Duan Wenxuan claimed it was a specialty from his hometown. Considering that discussing personal matters too deeply with acquaintances is often taboo, Ning Caichen, being a gentleman, held back his curiosity and did not inquire further.

Once the instant noodles were cooked, Duan Wenxuan prepared a small bowl for himself and gave the rest to Ning Caichen.

Ning Caichen expressed his embarrassment but promptly sat down to eat. After taking one bite, he suddenly smacked his head and exclaimed, “I forgot, I forgot! Great Hero Yan went out hunting for game; we need to save some for him.”

“Great Hero Yan?” Duan Wenxuan asked curiously.

Quickly responding, Ning Caichen said, “His name is Yan Chixia, a renowned martial expert trained by the orthodox mystic sects. A few days ago, I encountered bandits, and it was he who saved me. Since our paths coincided for a stretch, we decided to travel together these past few days.”

Upon hearing “orthodox mystic sects,” Duan Wenxuan fell silent, realizing this world was not ordinary. Additionally, the presence of rampant bandits even on Ning Caichen’s journey indicated how unsafe this world must be.

Suppressing his thoughts, Duan Wenxuan decided to wait until after the twenty-four-hour mark before taking any action.

However, hearing about Yan Chixia’s deeds from Ning Caichen, Duan Wenxuan felt that this great hero likely had commendable character. After considering briefly, he smiled and said, “Cooked noodles don’t keep well; they become unappetizing if left too long. Why don’t you finish these? I have more here, and when Great Hero Yan returns, we can cook some for him.”

“But…this seems inappropriate…” Ning Caichen hesitated, suspecting such items might not be cheap.

Additionally, observing Duan Wenxuan’s demeanor and conduct, Ning Caichen guessed that Duan Wenxuan must come from a wealthy family. Despite this, he couldn’t take advantage by carelessly wasting something without understanding its value.

“It’s no trouble at all,” Duan Wenxuan reassured with a smile, promptly taking out two more packets and tossing them to Ning Caichen. “Sharing is better than enjoying alone.”

Ning Caichen grew even more fond of Duan Wenxuan, appreciating his straightforwardness.

After finishing their meal, it wasn’t long before Yan Chixia arrived as expected.

Yan Chixia was a burly man with a thick beard, carrying a sword at his waist. Strangely, the hilt of the sword appeared wrapped densely with copper coins, giving it a fragile look. However, beneath the surface, it emanated a fierce and menacing aura.

Yan Chixia arrived carrying a neatly cleaned wild rabbit and grinned upon seeing Ning Caichen. “Scholar, I’ve caught a rabbit. You shouldn’t stick to those bland greens anymore; they’re quite tasteless… Huh? Who are you?”

Mid-sentence, his gaze suddenly locked onto Duan Wenxuan.

Duan Wenxuan repeated what he had just told Ning Caichen. Yan Chixia frowned, then abruptly unsheathed his copper coin sword from his waist and hurled it towards Duan Wenxuan. Caught off guard, Duan Wenxuan instinctively took a swift step back. His mastery of qinggong, particularly Bai Zhan Tang’s exceptional technique, inadvertently revealed his martial abilities.

With a clatter, the copper coin sword landed on the ground.

“Duan brother, you can actually practice martial arts?” Ning Caichen exclaimed, surprised.

However, instead of questioning Yan Chixia about his actions, Ning Caichen turned to him understandingly. After all, Yan Chixia had saved him before, and over these few days, he had come to know that Yan Chixia wouldn’t attack someone without reason.

Yan Chixia casually stepped forward, retrieved the copper coin sword, and dismissed any lingering doubts.

When he first saw Duan Wenxuan, Yan Chixia sensed a fleeting and indescribable gloomy aura around him, prompting him to toss the copper sword as a test. However, the sword showed no reaction, merely falling to the ground normally, indicating it was likely his overactive imagination.

“My apologies, brother. In these desolate mountains, I feared encountering a ghost disguised as a human intending harm. Please forgive me,” Yan Chixia quickly apologized and even offered Duan Wenxuan a yellow triangular talisman as compensation.

After further conversation, Yan Chixia joined them for instant noodles. It was his first time trying them, and he eagerly consumed every drop of broth, thoroughly enjoying it, losing interest even in the roasted rabbit. He then inquired about Duan Wenxuan’s martial arts training. Observing the ‘Qi’ circulating within Duan Wenxuan, which appeared balanced and serene, he felt more at ease.

Duan Wenxuan also gained some insight; in this world, his internal martial arts were perceived as cultivated ‘Qi.’

Having eaten from Duan Wenxuan’s provisions and realizing his initial misjudgment, Yan Chixia, being straightforward, readily agreed when Duan Wenxuan subtly hinted at learning from each other. Thus, Yan Chixia taught Duan Wenxuan a blade technique called Five Elements Blade Art.

“This blade technique consists of five forms, easy to learn and highly effective for attacks. Not only can it handle ordinary adversaries but also engage mountain spirits and ghosts. Brother Duan’s qi is overly tranquil, excellent for health cultivation, but lacks combat versatility. The Five Elements Blade technique suits you perfectly.”

Despite its fierce offensive nature, the Five Elements Blade originated from the orthodox Daoist tradition, emphasizing broad, sweeping movements with an upright demeanor.

Duan Wenxuan had no objections and began practicing that very night. With his physical condition steadily improving, he quickly picked up new skills.

After half a day of training, he had largely mastered the basics. Seeing his disciple progress so well brought great satisfaction to mentor Yan Chixia.

They enjoyed a restful sleep.

The next morning, upon waking, Duan Wenxuan felt some stiffness in his limbs due to the intense practice the previous night. However, as he attended to his morning routine, he discovered that Ning Caichen seemed unwell. Strangely, despite appearing sickly, there was a hint of vitality in his expression, lacking any signs of typical illness-related distress.

Due to Ning Caichen’s ailment, they couldn’t leave Lanruo Temple that day.

Duan Wenxuan decided to prepare some water for Ning Caichen, but as soon as he stepped outside, Yan Chixia remarked, “Something’s not right. It seems Ning Caichen may have encountered a ghostly entity. His yang energy appears depleted, allowing evil spirits to invade his body.”

After a moment of silence, Duan Wenxuan softly responded, “I slept well and didn’t notice anything unusual last night.”

Was it because Ning Caichen was the weakest or simply considered the most handsome that the ghost targeted him? The former seemed plausible, but Duan Wenxuan refused to accept the latter.

Yan Chixia picked up on the teasing tone in Duan Wenxuan’s words and couldn’t help but glare at him, “Alright, tonight we’ll hide and observe. I want to see exactly what dare harms people under my watch.”

Naturally, Duan Wenxuan agreed. However, he thought to himself that with only a few hours left until the 24-hour mark, there wasn’t much cause for concern. He planned to keep a cautious eye out, ready to flee if any danger arose. If the threat proved too formidable even for Yan Chixia, Duan Wenxuan certainly wouldn’t risk his life to save a scholar he had just met. With this plan set, the second night in this world swiftly approached.