Chapter 332: Passing Through Ten Thousand Mountain Peaks by Boat

Dark green moss carpeted the stones encircling the pond. The ancient voice of the spiritual turtle sent ripples across the water, reaching Ning Changjiu and Siming’s feet.

“A Sea-Stabilizing Spiritual Object?” Ning Changjiu asked, puzzled. “What kind of object is it?”

The Sea-Stabilizing Spiritual Turtle lay on the duckweed, a beam of light falling upon its back. The dense, intricate patterns on its shell resembled ancient fossils. The old, scaly skin on its neck wrinkled as it raised its head, and the turbid pupils on either side of its conical head gradually cleared as the nictitating membrane swept over them.

The Sea-Stabilizing Spiritual Turtle looked at them, its gaze falling on Siming. “You are very powerful.”

Siming nodded proudly. “Indeed, your aura is not weak either.”

The Sea-Stabilizing Spiritual Turtle glanced at Ning Changjiu and said, “This young man must be your servant, I presume?”

Siming was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly. “Yes, he is my page.”

Ning Changjiu endured the slight and said nothing.

The Sea-Stabilizing Spiritual Turtle stared at Siming, asking, “Where exactly do you come from?”

Siming replied, “You have just awakened and haven’t learned to restrain yourself. Your demonic aura here is almost sky-high; it would be hard not to notice.”

The Sea-Stabilizing Spiritual Turtle extended its neck a little, observing its reflection in the pond water. After a moment of silence, it retracted its overwhelming demonic aura.

“Will they sense it?” the spiritual turtle asked.

“They?” Siming inquired. “Do you mean the Divine Kingdom?”

The spiritual turtle nodded, its voice somewhat stiff. “Yes, they are our enemies.”

Siming thought for a moment, then said, “I’m afraid it’s already been sensed. But if a demon commits no evil, the Divine Kingdom will not arbitrarily punish it.”

The spiritual turtle fell silent for a while, then raised its head again, looking at the dense canopy of leaves above. “It seems the rules of the Heavenly Dao have been re-established…”

Siming interjected, “Since the death of the Six Primordial Gods, the rules set by the Heavenly Dao have never truly changed. What re-establishment are you talking about?”

“Hmm…” The spiritual turtle did not refute. It said, “The Saint is about to pass on, and it will be difficult for another savior to appear in this world. It seems that from now on, no one will be able to change the world’s predetermined outcome.”

Siming asked, “What predetermined outcome?”

“Extinction,” the spiritual turtle said slowly. “This world is accelerating towards its end. It’s like a person gradually growing old and heading towards death; it’s a known outcome, but few will fight against death during their lifetime.”

“Because it’s meaningless,” Siming stated. Death is inevitable, a truth known to all. Emperors who sought immortality never came to a good end.

The spiritual turtle said, “Perhaps this is also the inevitable fate of this world.”

Ning Changjiu caught the underlying meaning in its words and asked, “Are you saying this world is accelerating towards destruction?”

The spiritual turtle thought, *A servant is indeed a servant; they don’t even know something so common.* It slowly continued, “The deities who protected this world have long since died. Those foreign gods are devils attempting to usurp the world’s spiritual essence. The Six Primordial Gods were like that, and now…”

“Silence!” Siming sharply cut it off.

If it were to speak any further, heavenly lightning would descend and split its shell. What good was being a Five-Realm Great Demon? Under the majestic might of Heaven, it would still end up completely annihilated, its soul barely surviving.

The spiritual turtle was already indifferent to death, but since the other party meant well, it said no more.

Ning Changjiu nudged Siming lightly with his elbow.

Siming asked, “What exactly was that spiritual object you mentioned earlier?”

The spiritual turtle replied, “The Sea-Stabilizing Pearl.”

“The Sea-Stabilizing Pearl?” Siming had never heard of it.

The spiritual turtle explained, “That was once the pearl from the crown of the North Sea Dragon King. When the Saint entered the North Sea, he turned rivers and seas upside down, shattered the Dragon Palace, reduced coral reefs to ash, and sent ten thousand dragons fleeing to the other four oceans. The Kun clan even transformed their wings and escaped the Abyssal Sea. The North Sea Dragon King was nailed to death in the Abyssal Sea, his bones stretching for miles, encircling the old peaks of the seabed, which transformed into mountain ranges. The sea monster prison that had held them captive for a thousand years was also broken, and the great demons who had been imprisoned and oppressed by the dragon race for a millennium poured out. The Saint, tirelessly, enlightened them one by one and led them in his campaign against the Immortal Court.”

The spiritual turtle recounted ancient history as if it were a living chronicle.

Ning Changjiu asked, “Were you one of the demons from that sea prison?”

The spiritual turtle replied, “No, I… I was actually just a money turtle living in a seaside temple, trying to make a living.”

Ning Changjiu was silent for a moment, then said, “Life is difficult for all.”

Siming did not rush to ask about the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl, allowing the spiritual turtle to continue its story.

The spiritual turtle, fresh from a long slumber, was happy to reminisce. “When the shackles were broken and the dragon race imprisoned, the Saint stood on the sea cliff, his white robes billowing, enlightening thousands of sea soldiers. That image is still vivid in my memory… After that came decades of catastrophe. Ancient gods had oppressed the human world for a thousand years, and demon gods were everywhere. Humans and demons finally united and raised their blades against those formerly invincible, colossal divine beings.”

“It’s a pity the Divine Kingdom was too powerful,” Siming sighed, offering comfort.

The spiritual turtle sighed again, glancing around its small pond. “Yes, in the blink of an eye, five hundred years have passed… The great sea is gone. What use is the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl now? What use am I?”

Siming glanced at Ning Changjiu, about to speak but then hesitating.

The spiritual turtle asked, “Do you intend to kill me for my treasure?”

Siming shook her head. “Fighting you would take at least a day and a night. I don’t have that kind of time.”

“A day and a night? You are powerful, but you overstate yourself.” The spiritual turtle slowly asked, “Where are you headed?”

Siming answered directly, “Myriad Demon City.”

“Myriad Demon City?” The spiritual turtle’s tone changed. It asked, “What is that place?”

Ning Changjiu said, “It’s where demons gather now, protected by the Saint’s legacy.”

Siming looked at Ning Changjiu and said coolly, “I’m speaking with this great demon. What place do you, a mere servant, have to interrupt?”

Ning Changjiu exhaled, suppressing his emotions, and smiled. “My apologies for overstepping.”

Siming smiled slightly, a hint of triumph in her expression.

“How far is Myriad Demon City from here?” the spiritual turtle asked.

“Still a million li,” Siming replied.

The spiritual turtle then asked, “Are all the surviving demons from that time gathered there?”

Siming said, “It should be so. There might even be some of your old acquaintances.”

“If there are old acquaintances…” After a slow thought, the spiritual turtle said, “If you go to Myriad Demon City and happen to see a nine-headed azure lion, could you deliver something for me?”

“A nine-headed azure lion?” Siming had a vague impression.

The spiritual turtle said, “That was my dear friend. We once cultivated the Myriad Demon Art together. My cultivation was ‘Devouring the Sea,’ and his was ‘Devouring Demons’.”

Siming asked, “Why can’t you go yourself?”

The spiritual turtle explained, “Because I cultivated the Myriad Demon Art… While the Myriad Demon Art is powerful, it forces demons to adhere strictly to their true nature, without deviation. For example, I cannot ride the clouds or mist; I can only travel by land or sea. The journey to Myriad Demon City is millions of miles; I fear I wouldn’t make it.”

Ning Changjiu was somewhat interested in this Myriad Demon Art. A magic art with such severe side effects must have astonishing power.

Siming asked, “What do you want to deliver?”

The spiritual turtle extended a claw and retrieved a faded copper bell from its shell. “This object.”

Siming looked at Ning Changjiu and commanded, “Little servant, go fetch it.”

Ning Changjiu took a deep breath, mentally adding to his ledger, and went to retrieve the bell. He was very careful as he took it, and Siming also intentionally focused a portion of her attention to protect him.

However, the spiritual turtle showed no desire to attack. After handing over the bell, it closed its eyes, as if weary.

Ning Changjiu took the bell and examined it. He noticed that the bell had been ‘tongue-less,’ meaning it couldn’t be rung.

The spiritual turtle explained, “When the azure lion was trapped, a bell was tied around his neck. I spent several days grinding off the bell’s clapper so that he wouldn’t make a sound when he escaped… Ah, well, those are all old stories now.”

Siming looked at Ning Changjiu and said, “This is far more clever than your ‘burying your ears to steal a bell’.”

Ning Changjiu gave an awkward laugh, wondering what exactly Jiajia had told her.

Ning Changjiu held the bell, looking at the old turtle, and asked directly, “What is the reward for delivering this object for you?”

Siming had wanted to ask the same thing. After all, a Five-Realm Great Demon must have many astonishing magical artifacts hidden on it. But due to her status, she found it inconvenient to ask. However, after Ning Changjiu ‘did the honors,’ she still said coldly, “How vulgar.”

The spiritual turtle thought for a moment. “Besides the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl, I have nothing else. After I die, you may have the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl.”

Ning Changjiu looked at the old turtle, distrustfully. “You are a Five-Realm Great Demon, and a turtle at that. I find it hard to believe we won’t die before you.”

The spiritual turtle replied, “Even divine turtles, though long-lived, have their end. My time… is not much longer. The day my spirit returns to heaven, I will come back here. You can then come and find me.”

“Return here?” Ning Changjiu asked. “Where are you going?”

The spiritual turtle said, “I’ll find a temple to live in and resume my old occupation.”

Siming glanced at Ning Changjiu and nodded lightly, signaling that it was time to leave.

The demonic aura here was immense, and staying too long would draw the attention of divine beings. She did not wish to expose herself too much to the gaze of the gods.

Ning Changjiu, however, was clearly unsatisfied.

Encountering a Five-Realm Great Demon awakening should have been a great opportunity. Yet, not only had he gotten nothing, but he was also being used as a messenger…

Siming saw through his thoughts and sneered, “What? Do you want to catch it and make soup?”

“My Lady jests,” Ning Changjiu said helplessly.

He then waved goodbye to the old turtle behind them.

Siming and Ning Changjiu departed.

The old turtle remained motionless, basking in the sun.

Ning Changjiu toyed with the bell in his hand, saying, “I wonder if this bell will have some special use.”

Siming said coolly, “Easily gained opportunities are not necessarily good. You must understand that our lives likely follow some unseen trajectory; there are no idle chess pieces, and every step could be a foreshadowing.”

“That is true,” Ning Changjiu said, putting away the bell. “By the way, my Lady God Official was quite imperious earlier, seemed rather imposing, didn’t she?”

Siming’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. “That was merely an act just now. Why are you so narrow-minded… Hmm, what do you want to do?”

Ning Changjiu pulled her by the wrist, leading her into a small patch of woods.

Birds fluttered away in alarm.

When the two emerged from the woods, Siming was much more docile, though a wild, untamed spirit still flickered in her icy eyes.

“Let’s travel by sword,” Ning Changjiu said.

Siming’s clear, cold voice carried a hint of grievance, her tone drawn out. “Yes… Master.”

Siming stepped onto the ethereal sword, carrying them forward.

In the blink of an eye, dusk was approaching again, the twilight sinking in the west.

Ning Changjiu and she descended from the sword.

They stood atop a solitary peak.

As twilight gathered, the peak stones glowed in the slanting sun, and their skin was tinged with a faint golden hue.

Siming stood on the lone peak, hands clasped behind her back, gazing at the rivers in the distance, an air of dignity about her.

The endlessly surging river wound through the peaks, flowing northward.

“Where shall we rest tonight?” Siming asked.

They had ridden the sword for a long time, seeing only desolate, straight mountains, no sign of towns or people.

Ning Changjiu said, “These mountains stretch on for tens or hundreds of thousands of miles. Finding a tiny town here would be as hard as ascending to the heavens.”

Siming said, “Drinking the moon and eating the wind, sleeping under the dew, is not impossible. Don’t worry, I’m not that delicate, and you shouldn’t pretend to be a gentleman either.”

Ning Changjiu asked curiously, “I’ve heard that some women find pleasure in punishment. You… you wouldn’t be one of them, would you?”

Siming’s heart tightened, her pretty face flushed slightly, and she snapped furiously, “What nonsense are you talking about! I am a God Official!”

Ning Changjiu said, “You are clearly not my match, yet why do you always provoke me with your words these past few days? It makes me wonder.”

“It’s because you are so hateful!” Siming said coldly, turning slightly to face the setting sun, avoiding his gaze.

“So that’s it,” Ning Changjiu said, not angered.

He leaned down, looking at the continuously flowing river between the peaks, and said, “You’ve worked hard all day. I’ll take care of things tonight.”

“What are you planning now?!” Siming immediately turned back, on guard.

“Don’t overthink it,” Ning Changjiu said, then leapt down the peak, passing through a sea of clouds to a bamboo forest shrouded in cold mist. Using his finger as a sword, he quickly cut down several bamboo stalks and bound them tightly with flexible vines.

Siming slowly descended behind him and asked, “What are you doing?”

Ning Changjiu replied, “The river flows north, and we are also heading north. We’re on the same path.”

Siming snorted coldly. “You certainly have a lot of leisure time.”

“Even hateful people have their commendable points,” Ning Changjiu said with a smile.

Siming said, “It’s a waste of time.”

Ning Changjiu countered, “The river flows rapidly, not much slower than us riding the sword.”

As he spoke, Ning Changjiu had already expertly fashioned a bamboo raft. The raft was wide enough for Siming to lie comfortably.

“Get on,” Ning Changjiu said.

Siming hesitated briefly, then lightly stepped onto the bamboo raft.

It was her first time on a bamboo raft.

The river water steadily supported the raft. The water was within reach, and the splashing waves gently lapped against them, bringing a cool sensation that was expected. Ning Changjiu sat at the front, using his spiritual energy to adjust the raft’s direction, preventing it from overturning or hitting submerged rocks. Siming sat cross-legged at the back, extending her fingers into the water. Her thin, mother-of-pearl-like fingernails lightly touched the surface, and the high-speed current rushing between her fingers brought a pleasant sensation of tightness.

The river carried them through the winding waterways between the peaks, sweeping them towards the distance.

The peaks rushed past on either side.

Siming looked up; the precipitous peaks towered, stretching endlessly, yet the night sky was clear as crystal, the stars distinct, seeming somehow closer to her.

“The raging waves are disturbing my peace. How can I sleep like this?” Siming expressed her dissatisfaction in a flat tone.

Ning Changjiu said, “Discarding distractions and losing oneself in the moment should not be difficult for you, should it?” Siming replied, “That is merely a false calm. To sit within the embrace of heaven and earth, silently forgetting oneself, that is true inner peace.”

Ning Changjiu was accustomed to her demanding nature and did not bother to dissect her words, simply saying, “As you wish.”

Siming smiled faintly and did not pursue the matter.

The moon rose from the east, and the water shimmered like silver, flowing into the winding depths of the mountains. Siming sat cross-legged, her silver hair fluttering, her divine robes billowing in the wind. The weariness in her brows transformed into a lazy smile in the cool breeze. Suddenly, she raised her sleeve, cut a slender bamboo stalk from a nearby cliff, and held it between her fingers. With powerful precision, she pressed her fingers against it, creating orderly holes for a flute.

Siming held the bamboo flute to her lips. Her fingers moved gracefully, and the flute’s melody drifted out, blending with the rustling pines and the sound of the water. It was like a celestial maiden riding a crane serenely through the clouds, or a secluded lady walking alone in an empty tower, a blend of ethereal beauty and lingering sorrow.

Listening to the flute music, Ning Changjiu felt his mind calm, and he couldn’t help but recall when he and Lu Jiajia had boated on Lotus Field Town’s waters.

Yet, Siming’s flute music carried a subtle, almost imperceptible, power of suggestion. Ning Changjiu suddenly realized that Lu Jiajia’s face in his memory had been replaced by Siming’s pure, beautiful silver hair and icy eyes.

He stirred slightly, smiling as he banished these thoughts.

The flute’s melody soared across myriad waters, and the clouds in the sky slowly parted, showering starlight upon their clothes.

The bamboo raft entered the swiftest part of the river.

The river beneath the raft suddenly swelled.

A malevolent dragon raised its head from beneath the surface, its two fins spread wide, and sharp teeth glinting in its blood-red mouth. It roared, lunging towards the bamboo raft.

Ning Changjiu remained motionless, thrusting a sword with his upright finger.

A streak of white light slashed downwards.

The roar turned into a shriek of agony. The evil dragon was instantly cut in two, its halves thrashing against the water like two whips. A mist of blood dispersed into the wind.

Siming remained with her eyes closed throughout, passionately playing her flute, its sound blending with the natural sounds of heaven and earth, gradually growing grand, as if the sound did not come from the flute itself, but from ten thousand ravines and a thousand mountains.

After a long time, the flute’s melody slowly ceased.

Siming casually tossed the flute into the water.

Ning Changjiu said, “This tune is worthy of being sung through the ages. To discard it like this is a bit regrettable.”

Siming replied with an air of detachment, “Playing and discarding the flute are merely due to the coming and going of interest. To have this beautiful night to remember is not regrettable.”

Ning Changjiu listened to her words, chuckled softly, but then used his finger-sword to carve a line on the raft.

Siming asked, “What are you doing?”

Ning Changjiu replied, “I find it regrettable, so I’m marking it. Next time we return here, we can find this bamboo flute again.”

Siming looked at the mark on the raft, smiled faintly, and said, “Playing the fool.”

Ning Changjiu asked, “You’ve traveled the human world for almost a year. What are your feelings about what you’ve seen and heard?”

Siming said, “It’s completely different from what I saw when I sat high on the divine throne.”

Ning Changjiu asked, “What did you see when you were on the divine throne?”

Siming said, “Nothing but dust.”

Ning Changjiu said, “It has always been so. This world is called the mortal realm by gods, and the human world by common folk.”

Siming looked thoughtful. “No matter what, one day I must return to my Divine Kingdom.”

Ning Changjiu nodded gently. “Everything depends on your decision.”

Siming looked at the sky. “When we meet again, we will likely be gazing at each other across the night sky.”

Ning Changjiu smiled faintly. He said softly, “Then I’ll be counting on Miss Si’s protection.”

“I will protect Jiajia and Xiaoling. As for you… you’ll have to look after yourself,” Siming’s words were as cold as ever.

She sat alone, watching the mountains and water flash past. They vanished in her sight in an instant; if she didn’t look closely, they were merely dark, oppressive shadows. But for some reason, Siming suddenly had a feeling that this world had accepted her.

She gently shook her head.

Ning Changjiu said, “Oh, right. If in the future you find your Divine Kingdom gone, you can come and find me.”

“What good would that do?” Siming asked.

Ning Changjiu said, “Don’t I also have a Divine Kingdom? Though it’s a bit dilapidated, it’s still a kingdom, after all. The position of God Official will always be open for you. How does that sound?”

“Who cares!” Siming replied coolly and indifferently.

She heard Ning Changjiu’s words clearly, but the implied meaning within them, she did not fully grasp.

The bamboo raft floated downstream.

The starry sky spun above them.

When Ning Changjiu looked back again, Siming was already resting on the raft, the night wind and water caressing her face, yet failing to wake her.

Sitting in the embrace of heaven and earth, lost in self-forgetfulness.

Ning Changjiu watched her tranquil, almost unreal beauty for a while. The peaks faded from view, leaving only the most beautiful pair. He watched for a long time, lost in thought for a long time.

With the starlight like water filling the sky, he sat alone at the bow of the boat all night.

Siming slowly awakened as the eastern sky turned white, the light boat having passed ten thousand mountains.

She stretched lazily, then looked at Ning Changjiu’s slightly tired eyes and said, “You worked hard.”

Ning Changjiu smiled softly.

The two disembarked from the bamboo raft, leaving it to drift with the current to distant places.

The sprawling mountains and river had passed. The world before them broadened and became bustling. The two did not rush their journey but tacitly entered several cities, wandering leisurely.

This time, Siming seemed to remember his hard work from the night’s journey. She didn’t speak coldly but instead chatted softly, like an old friend of many years.

Ning Changjiu walked beside her on the street, his hands clasped within his sleeves.

Siming looked at many curious human trinkets but did not buy any. She knew she would leave sooner or later, and these small or large attachments would eventually have to be abandoned. It was better not to acquire them in the first place.

It was almost noon.

Siming suddenly asked curiously, “Don’t you feel guilty spending all the money Lu Jiajia gave you?”

Ning Changjiu asked, “Why should I feel guilty?”

Siming sighed, feeling that he was even less human than she was.

She was about to retort again when they passed a mysterious small shop. She glanced inside and saw many fox tails hanging in the store. Siming’s expression immediately softened considerably. She softly called Ning Changjiu “Master” and quickly pulled him away from the street.

After they had eaten, they continued their journey.

“Your Sword Heart seems to have cleared a few more points,” Ning Changjiu observed.

After last night, Siming had gained new insights, and her cultivation realm had advanced further.

Siming said, “There’s still a long way to go to reach the peak. It’s nothing to boast about.”

Yet, though her words were cold, as if there was nothing to be proud of, the sword beneath her sped up, silently demonstrating her power to Ning Changjiu.

During the remaining journey of a million li, they did not encounter any substantial difficulties or dangers. Even if they occasionally did, they were merely bandits, mountain brigands, or minor apparitions, nothing out of the ordinary, and certainly less damaging than their own bickering.

And so, Ning Changjiu stood behind Siming, riding the sword through the air with her, watching the sunrise and sunset several times.

Soon, the majestic and towering Myriad Demon City would reveal its vast and mysterious face before them.