Ch 38: The Malevolent Monster Just Wants To Farm

Nie Xiaoqian and Yan Chixia walked out together. Before saying anything, Nie Xiaoqian immediately noticed a gaze fixed intensely on her. She instinctively looked over and saw a frail-looking scholar staring at her in a daze, his eyes filled with a mix of infatuation and deep emotion.

She had seen such looks countless times before and didn’t give it a second thought. Shifting her focus back to the Kunlun disciples, she spoke calmly, “Under the command of the Lord of Black Mountain, Nie Xiaoqian has come to greet the esteemed guests of Kunlun on behalf of my master.”

The Kunlun disciples, unsure of what to make of the situation, looked questioningly at the energetic Yan Chixia. Qing Yangzi pulled his nephew closer and examined him, discovering that not only was Yan Chixia unharmed, but his spiritual energy was more refined, and he even seemed to have gained a bit of weight!

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Qing Yangzi asked again.

Yan Chixia, puzzled, responded, “Why wouldn’t I be? Black Mountain is very safe, and life here is quite comfortable.”

He scratched his head. “Didn’t I send a letter to the sect? Didn’t you receive it?”

Qing Yangzi muttered under his breath, “We weren’t worried until we read your letter!”

Lowering his voice, Qing Yangzi asked, “So you mean to say, everything you wrote in that letter is true?”

Yan Chixia, still puzzled, replied, “Of course it’s true.”

He glanced at Qing Yangzi, then at Xiao Xiangzi, and finally at the disciples behind them. Realizing what might have happened, he lowered his voice even more, “Uncle, did you misunderstand something?”

Qing Yangzi knocked on his head in frustration, “With a letter like that, how could we not misunderstand?”

Yan Chixia, feeling wronged, said, “How was I supposed to know that telling the truth would make no one believe me?”

Nie Xiaoqian stood aside, watching Yan Chixia mutter with his elders. Instead of feeling impatient, she felt a bit envious. She had no family left, but now, in Black Mountain, she had her master and all her sisters, and her days were comfortable and content.

Meanwhile, Ning Caichen had been in a daze since earlier. He had found Nie Xiaoqian! But she wasn’t the same as in his dreams, where she was always burdened with sorrow. The Nie Xiaoqian before him now had a serene and confident demeanor, clearly living well. Yet, the way she looked at him was so unfamiliar.

Ning Caichen was torn between happiness for her and a deep sense of loss.

“Hey, you, scholar.” A gentle voice brought Ning Caichen back to reality. He looked up in a hurry to find Nie Xiaoqian standing beside him, her eyes curious.

“Xiaoqian… Miss Xiaoqian,” he stammered, “My name is Ning Caichen.”

Nie Xiaoqian responded coolly, “Ning Caichen, you’ve been staring at me, sighing and contemplating. Do you know me?”

Ning Caichen nodded, then shook his head, and honestly replied, “I know you, and yet, I don’t.”

Nie Xiaoqian looked at him, perplexed. “What do you mean?”

Ning Caichen hesitated, just as Yan Chixia called out from a distance, “Miss Xiaoqian, my uncle and the others would like to visit Master Jiang!”

Nie Xiaoqian immediately forgot about Ning Caichen and said, “The Master would like to meet the Kunlun Daoists. Please, follow me.” With that, she gracefully walked away, leaving only a faint fragrance in the air.

Ning Caichen let out a wry smile and followed along.

As soon as they entered Black Mountain, Qing Yangzi and the others were stunned by the sight of the massive farmland. Despite having read the letter beforehand and receiving Yan Chixia’s confirmation, nothing could compare to seeing it with their own eyes.

Xiao Xiangzi was in awe for a while before finally remarking, “This Lord of Black Mountain… or rather, Master Jiang, is truly an extraordinary person.”

Yan Chixia nodded vigorously, “Absolutely! The Master is amazing! I never knew that demons could live like this.”

He then launched into a long string of praises. Qing Yangzi listened with a complicated expression, thinking, “Nephew, why do you look so proud? What does the greatness of the Black Mountain Lord have to do with you?”

Since they were visiting elders from a prestigious sect, Jiang Lin finally showed some formality and received Qing Yangzi and the others in the main hall.

Upon seeing Jiang Lin, Qing Yangzi was taken aback and then sighed, “Meeting you, Master Jiang, I realize how misunderstood you are by the outside world and the Daoist sects. When I leave Black Mountain, I will make sure to clear your name of any false accusations.”

Looking at the aura surrounding the Black Mountain Lord, it was evident that he was a demon cultivating on the righteous path. Qing Yangzi couldn’t fathom how all those negative rumors about Black Mountain had started.

Jiang Lin was indifferent to such things, saying, “Reputation is just an external matter. It’s not worth caring about.”

To him, living well, eating well, and enjoying life were far more important than anything else.

However, Qing Yangzi misunderstood his words, bowing with admiration, “I am ashamed that my state of mind cannot compare to yours, Master Jiang.”

Jiang Lin neither confirmed nor denied it and said, “The Daoists must be weary from your journey. Xiaoqian, please lead them to the guest rooms to rest.”

Qing Yangzi and the others, having been worried about Yan Chixia and traveling tirelessly, were indeed in need of rest. They bid farewell and left.

As they reached the hall’s entrance, Qing Yangzi felt a sudden gust of wind pass by. He paused and turned around, only to see that it wasn’t a gust of wind but a black-robed demon youth.

The youth had strikingly handsome features, but his aura was incredibly intense and imposing, nearly as powerful as that of Master Jiang.

Seeing Qing Yangzi turn back, the youth glanced at him, and in that moment, Qing Yangzi felt as if he were being watched by some ancient, ferocious beast. The hairs on his body stood on end, and the sword that was his life’s treasure nearly unsheathed itself automatically.

But the next moment, the youth turned away and, in a tone that suggested he was seeking praise, said to the Black Mountain Lord, “I’ve finished tilling all the fields on the east side!”

To which the gentle Black Mountain Lord responded with approval, “Well done. What would you like for lunch?”

The youth, a little embarrassed, muttered, “It’s not just about the food.”

Jiang Lin asked, “What?”

The youth grumbled, “Anything you make is fine.”

The fearsome youth, who had just moments ago seemed so intimidating, suddenly transformed into a normal, somewhat shy, young man when near the Black Mountain Lord.

Qing Yangzi quietly averted his gaze, clutching at his chest: “Tilling the fields?” This demon youth, who clearly had enough power to rule over an entire region, was actually hiding away in Black Mountain, tilling fields?

Indeed, Black Mountain was a strange place.

Later, after spending some time living in Black Mountain, Qing Yangzi realized he had been wrong: it wasn’t Black Mountain that was special—it was the Black Mountain Lord.

The current state of Black Mountain was entirely crafted by him. But that was a story for much later. At this moment, the people from Kunlun had just settled in at Black Mountain, unaware that they would form an inseparable bond with this place in the future.

Qing Yangzi rested for a day at Black Mountain and then called Yan Chixia over to inquire about many things in detail. After hearing that every demon here owned land, spent their free time farming, and many even had successful businesses in the towns below, he sighed, “Who would have thought, even demons these days are richer than me.”

He asked Yan Chixia when he planned to return to the sect.

Yan Chixia, puzzled, asked, “Why would I go back? The spiritual energy here is just as good as at the sect, and my cultivation progresses quickly. Plus, farming is quite fun, the sisters here are both beautiful and charming, the food is delicious, and the Master is incredibly knowledgeable—I really like it here.”

Qing Yangzi: ?

Yan Chixia continued, “I’m out here to travel and gain experience. Staying at Black Mountain has broadened my horizons significantly, and I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of demons and spirits. Plus, I can ask the Master for advice on many cultivation issues.”

He even suggested eagerly, “Uncle, since there isn’t much going on at the sect right now, why not let the younger disciples stay at Black Mountain for a while to broaden their experience? I guarantee there isn’t another place like Black Mountain in the entire world.”

Qing Yangzi, hearing this, thought it actually made some sense. However, he was still a bit uneasy about leaving young disciples in a demon’s lair, so he decided, “In that case, I will also stay here for a while.”

Yan Chixia thought this was a great idea, but then he remembered something and said, “But the Master mentioned that while Black Mountain provides food and lodging for guests, if someone wants to stay long-term, the land is ample, but they must find a way to cover their own living expenses.”

He proudly added, “Did you see my little wooden cabin, Uncle? I built it with my own hands.”

Such matters weren’t a big deal for Kunlun disciples.

Why do I say that?

Well, it’s because cultivators generally lack business acumen.

In simple terms, they’re poor.

Accustomed to poverty.

Kunlun might be a large and prestigious sect, with its disciples admired wherever they go, but who would guess that some of these seemingly ethereal Daoists can’t even afford to stay at an inn when traveling?

The hardships of Kunlun are known only to Kunlun disciples themselves.

When the girls of Black Mountain heard that the Kunlun Daoists were planning to stay for a while, they were delighted and welcomed them warmly, thinking, “These Daoists are strong and capable—now we have more help with the work!”

However, Ning Caichen became the only person among them who was looked down upon.

The reason was simple: although he was a man, he was still just an ordinary scholar from a well-off family.

Scholars, as they say, are often unaccustomed to manual labor and not as strong as A-yu.

The only thing he could boast of was his wealth of knowledge.

In the past, the girls might have appreciated a talented and handsome scholar like him.

But now?

The girls teased, “If you can’t even help with farming, what’s the use of having you around?”

Of course, it was just a joke. Since Ning Caichen had spent so many years studying and was also skilled in painting, Nie Xiaoqian arranged for him to help out at her calligraphy and painting shop.

Qing Yangzi, despite his rough and fiery exterior, was very perceptive and remained suspicious of Ning Caichen, keeping a close watch on him. After inquiring with Yan Chixia, who confirmed that he didn’t know this scholar, Qing Yangzi shared everything Ning Caichen had said with Jiang Lin.

When Qing Yangzi finished recounting Ning Caichen’s words, Jiang Lin was momentarily taken aback.

Qing Yangzi suspected that Ning Caichen had ulterior motives and believed that the scholar had fabricated everything, but Jiang Lin found the content oddly familiar. Wasn’t this the original plot that the two were supposed to experience?

Could it be that this Ning Caichen had been reborn? Or had he somehow been transported here?

Jiang Lin thanked Qing Yangzi and asked for Ning Caichen to be brought before him.

Ning Caichen felt a bit nervous. The person before him was the Lord of Black Mountain. In his dream, the Black Mountain Demon always appeared shrouded in darkness, ominous and terrifying, while the person in front of him seemed gentle and refined.

But no matter how gentle, this was still a demon king.

“Ning Caichen,” Jiang Lin looked at him intently, “You mentioned certain things to the Kunlun Daoists?”

Ning Caichen had a feeling that this was coming. When he had said those things, he knew that others would surely be suspicious.

He nodded, “Yes.”

Jiang Lin’s expression was unreadable. “You are just a mortal scholar. How could you know so much about Black Mountain and Lanruo Temple? And why would you make up such a story?”

Ning Caichen let out a bitter laugh, sensing that the Lord of Black Mountain would be difficult to deceive. He decided to tell the truth, “A while ago, I had a dream.”

“A dream?”

“Yes,” Ning Caichen then recounted the events of his dream to Jiang Lin.

As he spoke, Jiang Lin observed him closely with his spiritual sense, confirming that he wasn’t lying.

So, this wasn’t a case of reincarnation or transmigration—Ning Caichen had somehow dreamed of what was originally meant to happen?

Ning Caichen sighed, saying, “The details of the dream were too vivid, too real. I experienced firsthand the deep bond between myself and Xiaoqian in the dream.”

He touched his chest, his expression filled with lingering pain. “When she left, the heart-wrenching feeling here… it still feels so real.”

Jiang Lin asked, “Why did you deceive Qing Yangzi and not tell the truth?”

Ning Caichen looked a bit ashamed. “At the time, I didn’t know what Black Mountain was really like and was determined to ‘rescue’ Xiaoqian from what I thought was danger. I was afraid the Daoists wouldn’t take me along, so I made up the story. Besides, if I told them I was doing all this because of a dream, they would have just laughed at me.”

After hearing this, Jiang Lin asked, “So, what do you plan to do now?”

Ning Caichen remained silent for a moment before shaking his head sadly. “I don’t know.”

For the first time, he looked directly at the Lord of Black Mountain, his eyes filled with confusion. “Xiaoqian doesn’t know me at all, and she has no idea about that dream. She’s doing well here at Black Mountain. I’ve been thinking for the past few days that maybe the dream was just my wishful thinking. If I were to tell her, it might only disturb her peace.”

However, for Ning Caichen to completely let go, the deep emotions from the dream, especially since he had never experienced love before, made it difficult for him to simply move on. Thus, he remained torn and conflicted.

Jiang Lin turned his gaze toward someone behind Ning Caichen and asked, “Xiaoqian, what do you think?”

Startled, Ning Caichen quickly turned around to see a graceful figure walking into the room. Who else could it be but Nie Xiaoqian?

Jiang Lin, straightforward and to the point, said, “You’re underestimating the girls of Black Mountain. Mortals have short lives and don’t have the luxury of wasting time. Instead of agonizing over this by yourself, why not lay it all out and ask the other person how they feel?”

He apologized to Ning Caichen, “Forgive me for the urgency; I had Xiaoqian listen in without informing you beforehand. That was my fault.”

Ning Caichen was too nervous to care about that; his eyes were fixed on Nie Xiaoqian.

Nie Xiaoqian bowed slightly to Jiang Lin and asked, “Sir, may I speak with Ning Caichen alone?”

Jiang Lin nodded and waved them off. “Of course, it’s your business to handle. Do you really expect me to sort it out for you?”

This casual attitude touched Nie Xiaoqian, and a quick smile flashed across her lips as she turned to Ning Caichen. “Come with me.”

Ning Caichen followed her mechanically, his mind still reeling from the unexpected confrontation.

They reached a secluded spot, and Nie Xiaoqian stopped, turning to face him.

“When you were describing that dream, it made me feel very uneasy,” Nie Xiaoqian began, frowning slightly. “Perhaps that dream wasn’t just a dream after all.”

She reflected on her days at Lanruo Temple. “If that day, the tree elder hadn’t been pursued by her enemies and forced to seek refuge with sir, my fate might have indeed unfolded as you dreamed.”

Then, as if remembering something, she quickly shook her head. “But of course, the latter part doesn’t count! There’s no way sir could ever be a sinister, terrifying, and lustful demon. He simply…”

…has no interest in women.

All the girls at Black Mountain, after all, held some degree of admiration and respect for the sir. But sadly, despite his closeness and gentleness toward them, he never harbored any romantic feelings.

Shaking her head, Nie Xiaoqian pushed aside these irrelevant thoughts and focused on Ning Caichen.

She bowed deeply. “Regardless of what that dream really means, for you to venture alone into a dangerous place like Lanruo Temple to save someone because of a dream… I am deeply grateful.”

Though her words were polite, they left Ning Caichen feeling cold. He understood what Nie Xiaoqian was implying.

As expected, she continued, “But, Mr. Ning, a dream is just a dream. It’s completely different from reality.”

She had long forgotten her memories of being human. After becoming a ghost, she had lived in a daze until she met sir at Black Mountain, where she finally began to live with clarity.

She knew what kind of life she wanted.

She said, “The paths of humans and ghosts are different. Mr. Ning, you are a mortal with a lifespan of less than a century, while I still have a long existence ahead of me.”

If she truly loved Ning Caichen, she might consider returning to the human world or reincarnating, doing whatever it took to stay with him for a lifetime. But clearly, Ning Caichen didn’t hold that kind of importance to her—certainly not enough for her to give up the comfortable and peaceful life she had as a ghost.

She didn’t say this last part aloud, but Ning Caichen understood.

He remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh. “So be it.”

He gave Nie Xiaoqian a deep bow. “Then I, Ning Caichen, wish you a life of peace, happiness, and freedom from fear.”

Nie Xiaoqian smiled gently at him. “And I wish the same for you.”