Refining the Mountains and Rivers

The ferry’s journey was set. They had to spend many years managing it in order to remain safe through important territories.

This route of the Sky Sea Sect had been running for over a thousand years. The necessary relationships had been established and so although the route was long, there was not much danger.

Safety was the most important thing for any ferry. It was because of this that the Sky Sea Sect was able to earn so much in recent years.

Other than that, the ferries had a knack for business. They were also able to get things that normal cultivators would not be able to obtain.

For example, where Langya Area and Shanming Domain met, there was a luscious forest as well as the Breaking Heavens Mountain which had clouds and mist throughout the year. With ‘Breaking Heavens’ as its name, it was because the mountain terrain was treacherous and steep as it cut through the clouds, instilling fear in people’s hearts.

Another reason was because of the clouds; they had a strange effect that was able to isolate senses and reverse auras. When cultivators entered them, it was easy for them to get lost.

This Breaking Heavens Mountain was one of the few areas that the human clan left for the Demon Clan after they united the world. It was rumored that ancient people hid here, and that was why the area was covered in mist all the time.

Breaking Heavens Mountain was occupied and run by the Demon Clan for many, many years. Because of the special environment, it contained many precious treasures.

Many years ago, there were cultivators from the human clan that secretly trespassed on Breaking Heavens Mountain and tried to steal things in order to strike rich. There were people who succeeded, but the majority of them never made it off of the mountain.

As time passed, Breaking Heavens Mountain became a restricted area for the humans. This was also because the Qin Empire was keeping to one of their promises they had made back then when they established the empire. If not, who would be able to stop the army?

After all, the Demon Clan was no longer as powerful as they were.

Back to the point.

The ancestors of the Sky Sea Sect had a good relationship with one of the major demon clans of Breaking Heavens Mountain, though no one knew why. Ever since then, the ferries had gained the right to enter the Breaking Heavens Mountain Range.

Although the ancestors of the Sky Sea Sect were no longer around, their years of collaboration allowed this to continue.

Travelling through the Breaking Heavens Mountain Range was one of the most important parts of the ferry’s journey.

On the day that the ferry reached Breaking Heavens Mountain Range, the Sky Sea Sect had already informed everyone of the details on entering the mountain range. They emphasized the things that went against the laws of the Demon Clan heavily and very directly.

Simply put, if anyone created trouble, it would be their problem. The Sky Sea Sect would not ruin their relationship with the Demon Clan for anyone.

The atmosphere on the ferry was tense. Most of the people were excited. Going through the Breaking Heavens Mountain Range was one of the main reasons why most of them chose to take the Sky Sea Sect’s ferry.

As guests from the ferry, they would be able to interact with the Demon Clan and buy rare things from them.

Although the things were not cheap, it was considered extremely valuable when compared to the prices outside. If they were lucky, they might even be able to earn enough to pay for their ferry ticket!

Qin Yu was awoken by the sound of someone knocking on his door. He opened his eyes and headed to open the door.

Outside the door, Rourou’s voice was calm, “Get ready, this mountain is the best place to make a move.”

Feeling a chill in his heart, Qin Yu looked at the incredibly vast mountain range that was covered in mist, “What should I do?”

Rourou replied, “I don’t know.”

Qin Yu rubbed his face, “This means to just play it by ear and see what happens?”

Rourou nodded, “That’s right. You have to be careful. The Central Desolate is not like other places. There are many things that are unexpected.” She paused before continuing, “This time, I will not do anything. I will stay with Bull Bean to settle something troublesome.”

Qin Yu took a deep breath, “Understood.”

As the two of them spoke, the sky around them darkened. The ferry was like a huge fish silently swimming into the dense mist.

Sky Sea Sect elder Deng Haibo held an object from the sect in his hands. He stood at the bow of the ferry. The thing in his palm looked as if it was made from grinded bones. It was fine and porous. As the wind blew, there was a ‘hoo hoo’ sound. Like short syllables beings played.

Hooo –

Suddenly a strong gust of wind blew and the mist in front of them rolled like waves. Someone from the Demon Clan with wings flew towards the ferry.

Deng Haibo seemed to recognize the demon and smiled, greeting, “Flying Bird, my friend. Long time no see.”

The demon at the bow nodded, “It was about time for one of your ferries to arrive. Let’s go, the port is ready. However, something happened and you all may have to stay on the mountain for one more day and leave tomorrow.”

Deng Haibo smiled widely, “If possible, I would like to stay on the mountain for a year.”

The demon called Flying Bird could not help but roll his eyes, “If that happens, the sky will rise further.”

It seemed like the two had a good relationship.

First-time passengers of the ferry were looking at Deng Haibo and the demon talk happily. They felt relieved. After all, seeing was better than hearing.

The ferry continued on for about another hour. The dense mist disappeared and the sun appeared, shining warm and beautiful rays down.

A simple port appeared in front of the ferry. Further ahead, it was the demon city that was built deep into the mountain.

It occupied a huge area and there were signs of degradation along the city walls. Just looking at it was enough to know how long it had existed in this world.

Qin Yu narrowed his eyes as he looked at the city. He could sense a strange aura from it.

Thinking about it, he looked at Rourou and saw that there was a hint of seriousness on her face.

“Why?”

Rourou was thinking before she said, “In this demon city, a demon soul is about to be born…a demon soul is still a demon but it does not belong to the normal Demon Clan. Moreover, this is where demon energy is very concentrated. It takes many years for a demon soul to be born.”

She looked at Qin Yu, “Be careful. If anything happens to this demon soul, the Demon Clan in Breaking Heavens Mountain will definitely go crazy.”

Qin Yu’s face changed as he thought of the possible consequences. He hesitated before saying, “Since the incident might happen, can we prepare beforehand?”

Rourou shook her head, “No. The demon soul has extremely sharp senses. If I do something, trouble will immediately follow.”

The ferry stopped.

Flying Bird flew off after saying something to Deng Haibo. His mission was to use his aura to scare off other demons and safely guide the ferry to this place.

After all, most of the demon clans on Breaking Heaven Mountain had intelligence. However, some of them looked at humans like enemies. If they did not prepare beforehand, there might be attacks.

Deng Haibo personally repeated all the warnings that the ferry staff had said. He told everyone they were only allowed to move around in this port. If anyone stepped out of it, they would not have any guarantees for their safety and they could only hold themselves responsible.

Every time the ferry came, they would complete a deal with the demon clans on Breaking Heaven Mountain. It was good that the cultivators from the Sky Sea Sect were already familiar with this and had met with the demon in charge from the Demon Clan.

It was only after this that the ferry allowed cultivators to disembark. All the customers that got off the ferry had to take a stone from the ferry that indicated their identity. This allowed them to move around the port.

When they were given their stone, they were all warned. If they ever lost their stone, they had to quickly return or they might be in danger.

Bull Bean really wanted to get off the ferry and see Breaking Heaven Mountain. She had long since heard of its name. It was a pity that Rourou immediately rejected her.

According to her, Bull Dingtian asked for them to help ensure her journey was safe. They could not do something so risky.

Mentioning Bull Dingtian was actually not useful as Bull Bean had never been afraid. But as she looked at Rourou, she could not help but falter. Her mouth opened and closed but she could not argue. She could only sulk and return to her room.

When Shu Huan found out about this, she decided to stay on the ferry as well. According to her, though the relationship between the Sky Sea Sect and the demons from Breaking Heaven Mountain was good, there was a risk if she left the ferry. She might as well stay and try a few dishes from the Demon Clan.

With this, Bull Bean’s eyes lit up, “Dishes from the Demon Clan?” She hesitated, “Can those be eaten?”

Shu Huan nodded, “It is very nice. I have a chef in my house that had been captured by the Demon Clan before and learned how to cook their food. Though there is one dish that I can’t bring myself to like, most of it is delicious.”

“Where? Where can we eat it?” Bull Bean was swept away.

Shu Huan turned and a servant beside her spoke respectfully, “Miss, I have already talked to the ferry’s staff. They will help to purchase some and send it over.”

Qin Yu thought for a while and decided to leave the ferry to look around the dock. He would at least look at the terrain and understand the arrangements the Demon Clan made around the port.

Rourou’s warning must be taken seriously. If there was an incident, he had to be prepared.

The cultivator that handed him the stone said seriously, “You have to carry it properly. Even if demons ask for it, ignore them and quickly return to the ferry.”

Qin Yu nodded and felt the stone. He could sense that the stone contained a unique aura. The rest of it was normal. He then kept the stone and did not try to sense further in case he complicated it.

Looking up, Qin Yu looked at the surroundings. Mist filled the surroundings and the only gap was this port.

Looking further, it was the demon city. He could only see the part facing him as the rest was hidden by the mist.

The port was very simple. It was like a platform that was simply built from rocks that could allow Chengshan Crab to stand on.

Thinking of the crab, Qin Yu turned back. Amidst the huge shadow of the ferry, he could only see four of its long legs. It was stretched out comfortably. It seemed to be enjoying the intense demon energy as there was a gust of wind.

Did Chengshan Crab have something to do with the Sky Sea Sect’s ferry successfully entering the Breaking Heaven Mountain Range?

Qin Yu turned away and started walking randomly around the port. There were a few demon clans here. Some set up stores in stone buildings, while most just placed their goods on a beast’s skin on the ground.

There were numerous demon stalls of different sizes that were surrounded by cultivators. They were all cautiously negotiating prices.

Qin Yu met an old man with a goatee looking at a grass patch with a young demon. Other than the grass appearing greener than normal, nothing else looked special. Yet, the two were bickering intensely.

Eventually, the old man seemed to lose. He hesitated before gritting his teeth and taking out some immortal money and handing over the amount stated by the young demon.

Turning to leave, the old man smiled slightly when his back was facing the demon. He looked very satisfied. Sensing Qin Yu’s gaze, the old man glanced over and put on a neutral expression before walking away with a serious feeling.

Qin Yu knew that this man was feeling as if he had managed to earn and win over money from the young demon with his age as a benefit.

Sure enough, the older the ginger, the spicier it was. This saying was applicable across all clans, no matter their age. Not wanting to be a busybody, Qin Yu continued on his way and witnessed numerous exchanges.

What made him feel slightly reassured was the thought that demons at the port occasionally had conflicts with the humans and were slightly guarded, the animosity was not too strong.

While they were not able to represent the majority, it at least demonstrated the attitude of some.