For several days, the snow continued to fall relentlessly. Though not heavy, it made long journeys impossible.
The old shepherd thus remained. He would wander around the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake daily, sometimes leaning against the wall to watch the snow cavalry gallop past in the distance, other times observing Mu Ya and Chen Ben practice their punches. Occasionally, his gaze would drift towards Lin Zhao and Wu Zhi, who seemed oblivious to his presence.
In fact, the old man had noticed many things and people that stirred his interest. For instance, Wu Zhi's ten Demonic Soul Swords were all exquisite, save for one nascent blade whose power was slightly weaker. If he could possess these nine swords, he would be akin to a Sword Immortal, even if not one himself. Then there was the Ju Que Sword on Wu Zhi’s back, another renowned blade in the world, perfect as a personal sword, a flying sword, or a spiritual artifact for cultivators.
Furthermore, a young girl in an apricot-yellow dress frequently came and went from the encampment. Her lodging seemed to be in the rear mountains. This girl was a spirit, an apricot spirit residing within the apricot grove. While apricot spirits were rare, any woman who became one was bound to possess noble character and was a highly sought-after companion for many cultivators.
Although this apricot spirit was not as exceptional as Tong Yu, she would still be a suitable cauldron if Tong Yu were unattainable, making her a second choice.
Then there was the ancient sword carried by Bai Yi, the master of the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake. Its aura was immense and unfathomable. To obtain it would be no small feat.
In short, there were too many treasures on this small Snow Domain Heavenly Lake, leaving Zhao Chu Qin somewhat overwhelmed. Yet, he believed he could remain true to his original intention, seeking only what he set out for. This trip, as long as he could take Tong Yu, everything else was secondary.
...
He had endured until almost midnight.
Lin Zhao was tired.
"Wu Zhi."
He sat on a bluestone, turned, and said to Wu Zhi, "Keep an eye on that old shepherd. Also, watch Tong Yu. I need to leave for a while to rest. Make sure nothing goes wrong."
"Ah?"
Wu Zhi blinked. "Will something happen?"
"Perhaps. I just suspect it, but I'm not certain."
He frowned. "Regardless, before I return, do not let the old shepherd leave. If necessary, use the Ju Que Umbrella Sword Formation to detain him. Just make sure he stays until I return."
"Yes, my lord!"
Wu Zhi asked no further questions, accustomed to obeying Lin Zhao's commands without hesitation.
...
Late at night, in the studio over a late-night meal.
Shrimp and crab congee, along with some siu mai and other delicacies.
As usual, Shen Xingchen and Chen Xue sat to Lin Zhao's right, ready to report on the day's work. On his left sat Luo Man and Mo Chenxue. Luo Man's affection for Lin Zhao was an open secret, but Lin Zhao believed it to be feigned. She was a mischievous and unpredictable person, and her declarations of love were merely playful banter. He was accustomed to it.
Mo Chenxue was more reserved. After her long tenure with the Scarlet Moon Knights, she had learned to act discreetly while performing exceptionally. Now, Mo Chenxue had fully adapted to the gameplay and rhythm of "The World." In every team activity, her effective healing consistently ranked first in the entire guild, and sometimes her output even made the charts. She firmly believed that as long as she did her best, the person she liked would eventually notice her.
She looked up, her lips pursed in annoyance. Her foolish brother’s gaze was entirely fixed on the siu mai.
"You're still level 98 today,"
Shen Xingchen said, her beautiful eyes fixed on him. "What's wrong? Can't level up anymore?"
"No, I haven't been out leveling."
Lin Zhao shook his head. "It seems there's a story quest in the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake that I need to keep an eye on, so I haven't had time to level up."
"It's fine,"
Chen Xue said. "The story quest in the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake will have compensatory rewards, so your leveling speed won't be too slow. Besides, level 98 is already quite high. Xingchen plays her heart out every day and is only level 99."
"Ooh~~~"
Lin Zhao couldn't help but laugh, looking at Shen Xingchen. "Are you going to be the first to reach level 100 in Tian Ji City?"
"We'll see,"
Shen Xingchen replied with a gentle smile, her dimples appearing. "If you don't live up to expectations, I'll have to reach level 100 first."
Lin Zhao pouted, momentarily speechless. He also wanted to reach level 100 as soon as possible, but he was tied up with the story quests. As the commander of the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake, there were things he had to dedicate himself to.
...
The next morning.
As soon as Lin Zhao logged in, he confirmed that the old shepherd and Tong Yu were both present and accounted for. He then began drawing talismans in the command tent, swiftly crafting Divine Speed Talismans, Immobilization Talismans, Sword Illumination Talismans, and so on. He felt a sense of satisfaction. His success rate in drawing talismans was approaching 100%, a level of proficiency that was beyond words. His third senior brother might even praise him if he saw it.
A hint of melancholy touched him as he stepped out of the command tent and looked at the sky. He wondered if his senior brother was watching him from the upper realm.
In the afternoon.
Liu Xing Shu arrived with a group of officials from the Great Merchant Dynasty.
"Young Hero Bai Yi!"
Liu Xing Shu cupped his fists and smiled. "I have good news for you: the teleportation array is nearing completion."
"Ah?!"
Lin Zhao was overjoyed. He cupped his fists. "Thank you, sirs!"
"You're welcome."
Liu Xing Shu smiled. "However, the construction period granted to us by the court has not yet expired, so we can still help build some more things for the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake. Once the teleportation array is complete, we will have to return to White Emperor City to report. If Young Hero Bai Yi wishes to build anything else, please tell us. The craftsmen are all still here and are eager to earn more money to support themselves."
"Is that so..."
Lin Zhao frowned. "Liu Xing Shu, I wish to build an academy in the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake. Do you think... it's feasible? Mr. Qin once had a bookstore here, but it was later razed by the demon race. My intention is to build an academy on the former site of Mr. Qin's bookstore, to provide education for the children of the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake in the future."
"Certainly!"
Liu Xing Shu's eyes lit up. "However, the construction of an academy might be more complex than the Mountain Peak Villa. In White Emperor City, there are two major academies, the Tian Feng Academy and the Bai Lu Academy. The total cost of building both academies exceeded 100 Jin Zi coins, and the process was quite intricate. The academy to be built in the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake doesn't need to be so lavish, but... 20 Jin Zi coins will certainly be needed."
"Twenty coins..."
Lin Zhao frowned, then made up his mind. "Yes!" Da Feng Novel Network
Wu Zhi had given him quite a bit of Jin Zi coins, so he still had plenty. Twenty Jin Zi coins were certainly available. Mr. Qin had felt that the town's schoolhouse was too small, and many children in the town couldn't attend school. Now that Lin Zhao was personally overseeing the reconstruction of the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake, an academy was naturally his priority. He would gladly spend 20 Jin Zi coins, or even 50.
He directly took out 20 Jin Zi coins and handed them to Liu Xing Shu, whom he trusted implicitly.
...
In the afternoon.
The heavy snow gradually lessened, leaving only a few small snowflakes. Lin Zhao glanced at the old shepherd's house in the distance. He didn't hurry to send him away. He wrapped a roasted chicken from the commander's desk and "resupplied" a few more flasks of "mellow wine" (10g per flask) from Old Fan. He then galloped to the mountainside to drink with Su Shan Jun and Old Sword Immortal Han.
"Third shopkeeper, just one chicken?"
Old Sword Immortal Han pulled off a chicken leg, took a bite, and washed it down with wine. "What about the dried five-spice beef?"
"Dream on,"
Lin Zhao laughed. "Do you know how much money was spent on the extensive construction in the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake? My meager savings are almost depleted. Three people per roasted chicken is about right. You still want five-spice beef? Why don't you, Old Sword Immortal Han, go work for half a year at the Great Wall of Fusu to earn money and treat me and Su Shan Jun to drinks?"
Su Shan Jun repeatedly agreed. "Exactly, Han Bu Yu, you eat and drink for free and still pick and choose. Who spoiled you with this bad habit?"
Lin Zhao burst into laughter.
Han Bu Yu didn't mind, simply eating heartily and drinking generously.
...
At Bai Yu Stream, on a newly built stone bridge.
The incredibly beautiful young girl, Tong Yu, continued to practice her sword form with precision. Her stance was straight, making her appear even taller. Though only nine years old, she had already blossomed into a striking young beauty. As Tong Yu practiced, the old shepherd stood by the bridge, hands clasped behind his back, watching the girl with a smile. "Practice on, don't mind me. I'm just watching the show."
"Greetings, Grandpa Zhao!"
These past few days, everyone knew the old shepherd's surname was Zhao, and he was a chatterbox, much like the gossipy women in the village. He had become the town crier of the Snow Domain Heavenly Lake, recounting tales of which cavalryman had a mistress in the countryside, or when Mu Ya had diarrhea yesterday, all with vivid detail as if he had witnessed it himself.
After training, the cavalrymen would gather around to listen to the old man's rambling stories.
Tong Yu, with her youthful nature, had heard some of these tales, hence she called him Grandpa Zhao.
"The snow has stopped~~~"
The old shepherd tilted his head back and looked at the sky, smiling. "I should take my flock home. I wonder when we'll meet again."
Tong Yu smiled. "It's okay. When I become a Sword Immortal in the future, I'll be able to fly on my sword, and I'll come to the mountains to find you, Grandpa Zhao, and continue listening to your interesting stories."
The old shepherd chuckled. "Good girl~~~ I have nothing much to give you. When I was warming myself by the fire this morning, I roasted some peanuts. Come, come, Grandpa is poor and doesn't have much wealth, this is just a small token of my affection."
Tong Yu pursed her lips. "No, Grandpa. You keep it for the road."
"No need, I have flatbread."
The old shepherd looked at the girl with loving eyes. "This is just a token of my affection, accept it, or Grandpa will be sad."
"Mm."
The girl obediently walked forward. As she reached out to take the peanuts, a small black bag appeared in the old man's palm. With a "swish," the girl felt dizzy and was instantly drawn into the small bag, without making a sound.
The Twin Dragon Seal concealed all traces of energy. It all happened too quickly, so much so that the entire Snow Domain Heavenly Lake remained unaware.
...
In the afternoon, the old man drove his flock down the mountain.
"Let's go, let's go."
He continuously greeted the people he passed.
He proceeded unimpeded until he reached the mountainside with his flock, where a young sword cultivator in pristine white armor blocked the mountain path ahead. His sword tip hung low, and he smiled slightly. "Old man, why leave without saying goodbye?"