Ch 39: The Malevolent Monster Just Wants To Farm

Ning Caichen left.

Before his departure, he came to bid farewell to Jiang Lin.

Jiang Lin asked him, “Shall I have someone escort you for a bit?”

Ning Caichen shook his head. “No need. When I came, my mind was preoccupied, and I missed out on the beautiful scenery along the way. This time, I’d like to take my time and enjoy the sights and customs of the various places on my journey back.”

Since that day when he and Xiaoqian had spoken openly, although he had been melancholy for a few days, he seemed to have let go of a heavy burden, and his demeanor had become much more composed and at ease.

Jiang Lin nodded. “That’s a good idea. For scholars like you, traveling to broaden your knowledge is always beneficial.”

He could see the strong literary aura surrounding Ning Caichen, indicating that this man was talented and had depth in his heart. His future was likely to be bright.

Ning Caichen hesitated for a moment before saying, “I won’t trouble Xiaoqian with a farewell.”

Since he had decided to let go, he would respect her wishes and not disturb her life any further.

Just like when he arrived, he left Black Mountain on a bright, sunny day, carrying a simple bag on his back.

xxx

When Qing Yangzi arrived, Huaiyin was using magic to water her medicinal field. Initially, she had been very resistant to this task, feeling that Jiang Lin was trying to humiliate her or break her spirit.

But later, after seeing Jiang Lin himself often working in the fields and realizing that all the other demons on Black Mountain, including the mysterious young master Zong, were often pulled by Jiang Lin to till the soil and pull weeds, Huaiyin finally understood: she had been overthinking things.

The Lord of Black Mountain had no ulterior motive.

He simply enjoyed farming.

If the Lord of Black Mountain could farm, why couldn’t she?

Once she grasped this, her resistance to farming diminished significantly. Especially when the first batch of crops sprouted, watching the seeds she planted grow into tender seedlings, bloom into beautiful flowers, and finally yield precious fruits, Huaiyin strangely felt a sense of accomplishment.

Farming didn’t seem so dull after all.

And later, when these medicinal herbs were taken by A-yu to be sold, exchanged for a large sum of silver, which then found its way into her own pocket…

Well, that felt pretty good.

However, just because it felt good didn’t mean she could tolerate being ridiculed—especially by a junior, a former defeated opponent.

“Tree Demon Elder?” Qing Yangzi stood at the edge of the field, looking at this almost unrecognizable former adversary. She was still surrounded by the karma of her past misdeeds, indicating she had committed many evil acts before. But Jiang Lin had assured him that Huaiyin was now under his protection, and he could guarantee she wouldn’t do evil again.

If someone sought revenge against her, Jiang Lin wouldn’t interfere. But if it was just the likes of Kunlun’s righteous sects aiming to punish evil, then he hoped they would give Huaiyin a chance to reform.

Qing Yangzi was more than willing. Slaying a demon was easy, but reforming one was much harder. If Jiang Lin was willing to take on this mess, why shouldn’t Kunlun cooperate?

That said, while he was willing, the mockery still had to continue.

Stroking his little beard, Qing Yangzi chuckled. “This medicinal field is thriving. Who would’ve thought the Tree Demon Elder had such a talent for farming?”

Huaiyin, now dressed in plain, practical clothes suited for work, had softened considerably due to her regular interactions with the medicinal fields. However, this calmness was merely superficial.

She lifted her eyelids and gave Qing Yangzi a cold, measured look, retorting, “I heard Kunlun has fallen on such hard times that even its fourth-generation elite disciples have come to Black Mountain to mooch off us?”

Broke.

It’s Kunlun’s fatal flaw.

Qing Yangzi’s face turned stern. “What do you mean by mooching? Kunlun disciples are here in Black Mountain to cultivate!”

Huaiyin’s lips curled. “Is that the kind of cultivation that involves daily farming, chopping wood, and delivering goods?”

Qing Yangzi gave her a deep, mysterious look. “If even the Tree Demon Elder can put down her blade and take up farming, what’s so strange about Kunlun disciples experiencing a different way of life?”

Huaiyin dropped her smile, no longer pretending to be friendly, and coldly said, “Qing Yangzi, how are you still not dead?”

Qing Yangzi chuckled. “I won’t be dying anytime soon, but with all the evil you’ve done in the past, it wouldn’t be surprising if one day you were struck down by lightning.”

Huaiyin glared at him with a sinister expression.

Qing Yangzi returned the glare without backing down.

“Sir, sir, Sister Huaiyin and that Kunlun Daoist are fighting!” Jiang Lin was painting when A-yu rushed in, flustered.

Painting had recently become Jiang Lin’s hobby. As a long-lived demon, he had initially been obsessed with cultivating his strength every day until he noticed that his progress was stalling. That was when he realized he had been too eager.

After that, he consciously started cultivating some hobbies to pass the time. Cooking had been one, and now painting was another.

He had studied painting before and had a solid foundation, and with Nie Xiaoqian, a master of traditional Chinese painting, as his teacher, his skills had advanced rapidly.

“There’s no rush.” Jiang Lin added the final stroke to his painting.

The painting depicted a spirited young man in black, with handsome features and a vibrant expression—who else could it be but Zong Yu?

A few days earlier, he had painted a portrait for Qingluo, who had been so delighted with it that she had carried it around like a treasure.

Somehow, Zong Yu had seen it and had pestered Jiang Lin to paint one for him as well.

Since he needed the practice anyway, Jiang Lin had agreed.

He studied the painting before him and shook his head. “It lacks a bit of the imposing aura.”

“Sir,” A-yue said with growing concern, “Sister Huaiyin and the Kunlun Daoist are really fighting!”

Jiang Lin chuckled. “Don’t worry. Have you forgotten who I am?”

As the essence of Black Mountain, nothing that happened on the mountain could escape his perception.

He had noticed the fight between the two long before and could tell that although it looked fierce, they were both holding back.

There was nothing to worry about.

Sure enough, after a tense bout, the two fighters broke off coldly and went their separate ways.

Nothing happened.

Eventually, scenes like this became a regular occurrence, happening every few days.

Later still, when the girls of Black Mountain saw Qing Yangzi and Huaiyin fighting, they each continued with their own tasks, not even bothering to give them a glance.

It was only the Kunlun disciples who still dutifully squatted nearby to watch—no longer out of concern for their uncle’s safety, but to observe and learn.

After spending some time at Black Mountain, Qing Yangzi wrote a letter to the head of his sect.

In the letter, he expressed that Black Mountain was a good place, full of spiritual energy, with plenty of land, and the demons who farmed there were kind-hearted. The produce they grew was also quite delicious.

The most important thing is, the demons here are all very wealthy.

The Kunlun disciples, by helping the demons with various tasks, are actually earning some money and are living more comfortably than before.

In the end, he stated that the disciples all liked it here and decided to stay for a longer period.

The Kunlun Sect Leader, after reading the letter: ???

What kind of place is Black Mountain?

The disciples go there and don’t come back.

The junior brothers and sisters go there, and they don’t come back either.

The Kunlun Sect Leader felt that something was seriously off.

He handed over his duties to the sect elders and decided to go investigate the situation himself.

And then…

The Kunlun Sect Leader finally met the legendary Black Mountain Lord, Jiang Lin.

The Kunlun Sect Leader and Jiang Lin hit it off right away and had a delightful conversation.

They got so carried away with their discussions that they ended up making a long-term, mutually beneficial deal between Kunlun and Black Mountain.

Black Mountain had abundant resources, fertile soil, and rich deposits of spiritual materials, but due to a severe shortage of manpower, it could only confine itself to the small Qing Shui County.

They had money but lacked the hands to make more.

Kunlun, on the other hand, had plenty of people but was poor, which perfectly complemented Black Mountain’s weaknesses.

The two sides immediately agreed to cooperate: Kunlun would send some of its disciples to be stationed at Black Mountain to help develop its business, in exchange for fifty percent of the profits.

When this decision was first made, A-yu was quite unhappy.

This little girl, now the head steward of Black Mountain, was very protective and felt that her master, Jiang Lin, was getting the short end of the stick.

Jiang Lin, listening to her grumbling, just smiled and patted her head, saying, “You don’t understand right now.”

A-yu, hearing this, naturally didn’t understand.

However, she had always admired Jiang Lin, so even though she didn’t fully agree, she wouldn’t oppose a decision he had made.

The ties between Black Mountain and Kunlun naturally grew closer.

In the third year, with Jiang Lin’s approval, Kunlun even established a small dojo at Black Mountain, and more disciples began to reside there long-term.

It was also in this year that the first marriage between Kunlun and Black Mountain occurred.

This was the reason Jiang Lin chose Kunlun—this sect was truly a part of the righteous path, steadfast yet not rigid, and they did not judge good or evil based on race.

Jiang Lin knew that he would eventually have to leave, and Huaiyin would leave with him.

Black Mountain was a treasure trove, and the girls were all beautiful and capable. However, when the Tree Demon Elder selected these girls, she had only considered their beauty, leaving them without the strength to protect this treasure.

Since they couldn’t protect it themselves, Jiang Lin wanted to find someone who could.

Kunlun was the partner Jiang Lin had in mind.

The girls of Black Mountain were still unaware of this, but Zong Yu, who had grasped certain truths, had figured it out.

One day, he cornered Jiang Lin and asked, “Are you… about to leave?”

Jiang Lin was taken aback.

He turned around, and for once, seriously and intently examined Zong Yu.

The person in front of him still had the appearance of a young man. When he first arrived, his features were marked by youthful innocence and impulsiveness, but at some point, that innocence had quietly transformed into steadiness.

Jiang Lin suddenly felt a sense of pride, as if the child he had been raising had finally grown up.

He smiled with satisfaction and said, “Xiao Zong has learned to think for himself.”

Zong Yu, dissatisfied, replied, “Everyone else sees me as a powerful demon, but you still treat me like a child.”

Jiang Lin chuckled, “I’ve practically watched you grow up, so it’s not unreasonable for me to say you’re still a child.”

Zong Yu opened his mouth to argue, but when he saw the amused look in Jiang Lin’s eyes, he swallowed his words and instead asked, “You still haven’t answered my question—are you planning to leave?”

Jiang Lin thought for a moment and said, “There’s no rush, but I am making preparations in advance.”

Zong Yu snorted, “You’re really considerate.”

Jiang Lin said, “They’re all good girls; they deserve to have someone looking out for them.”

Zong Yu then asked, “What about me? When you take Qingluo with you, have you made any plans for me?”

Jiang Lin stared at him in surprise, noticing that the young man seemed angry again, his beautiful phoenix eyes fixed on him.

Jiang Lin laughed and, following his instinct, reached out to ruffle Zong Yu’s hair.

“Why would you think I’d forget about you?”

Jiang Lin was genuinely puzzled. “The girls of Black Mountain are good girls, and Xiao Zong is a good kid too. Besides, we’ve been together even longer.”

“But,” he paused, looking a bit troubled, “you’re different from them.”

The girls of Black Mountain belong here—this is their home. It’s enough to settle them well in Black Mountain. But Zong Yu is different.

He came to Black Mountain because of Jiang Lin, but Black Mountain isn’t his home, and he doesn’t even belong to this world.

Jiang Lin felt a bit conflicted. “With your strength, you could live well anywhere. But I’m not sure what I should do to ensure the best for you.”

Zong Yu’s expression softened slightly, and he said directly, “Then just take me with you.”

Jiang Lin looked at him.

Zong Yu spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world: “You’re taking Qingluo anyway, so it wouldn’t hurt to bring me along too.”

At this moment, Zong Yu was clearly unaware that Jiang Lin also planned to take the Tree Demon Elder with him.

Jiang Lin had considered it, but…

“Qingluo’s situation is different from yours. I can ensure her safety, and I know that taking her with me won’t put her in any danger. But you…”

“I can ensure my own safety,” Zong Yu interrupted.

Jiang Lin hesitated.

Seeing this, Zong Yu quickly added, “If you don’t take me with you, I’ll end up starving again. And if I get too hungry and lose my senses, who knows what I might do.”

“And besides,” Zong Yu continued, “staying in one place for too long is boring. Traveling to different worlds with you sounds exciting and fun.”

Jiang Lin was still unsure.

Zong Yu decided to be more direct, “I’m just informing you. Even if you don’t agree, I’ll find a way to follow you. Do you really want me to wait another two thousand years?”

Jiang Lin sighed, feeling a bit of a headache coming on.

“At least Qingluo isn’t as troublesome as you,” he muttered.

“I can’t take you with me directly,” Jiang Lin explained. The system would extract his soul from this world, and the spirit plants he had contracted could follow him through the Jade Space.

“I know,” Zong Yu nodded. “I can find you on my own, but I’ll need a bit of help from you.”

“What kind of help?”

Zong Yu said, “Give me a strand of your divine soul.”

Originally, it would have required blood essence, but since this body wasn’t truly his, Zong Yu didn’t insist.

Jiang Lin didn’t say much and pulled out a strand of his divine soul, handing it to Zong Yu.

Zong Yu looked at the faintly glowing point suspended in his palm. Without a word, he also pulled out a strand of his own divine soul.

“What are you planning to do?” Jiang Lin asked curiously.

Zong Yu didn’t answer. Instead, he formed a strange hand seal, and the two strands of divine soul fused together in midair before splitting into two once more, each returning to their respective owners, merging into their foreheads.

Jiang Lin felt a jolt through his soul.

He suddenly sensed that there was now an unbreakable connection between himself and Zong Yu. He could vaguely perceive the other person’s thoughts and emotions.

This connection was different from a blood contract—there was no sense of absolute control over the contracted party. Yet, this bond seemed just as strong as a blood contract.

Jiang Lin couldn’t shake the faint feeling that something was amiss.

He asked Zong Yu, “What kind of technique is this?”

“I don’t know,” Zong Yu replied, shrugging with a clear conscience. “My mind is slowly receiving some inherited memories, but they’re scattered and fragmented. There are cultivation methods as well as all sorts of strange things. This contract just popped up suddenly.”

Jiang Lin’s vision darkened. “And you dared to use something related to divine souls without knowing what it is?”

Zong Yu confidently said, “Don’t worry. Although I don’t know what it is, I can feel that it won’t cause any harm.”

Jiang Lin was speechless.

He had just praised Zong Yu for maturing and becoming more steady. Now, it seemed that was just an illusion.

Frustrated, he gave Zong Yu a hard knock on the head.

But hitting him didn’t solve anything. Zong Yu claimed he didn’t know how to undo it either.

Jiang Lin observed for a while and, after confirming that the strange seal only strengthened the connection between them without causing any other peculiar effects, he finally relaxed a bit.

Time passed, and another year went by.

Huaiyin endured a thunder tribulation in Black Mountain. Just as Qing Yangzi had predicted, her past misdeeds led to an exceptionally fierce tribulation, leaving her original form charred and almost reduced to a blackened stump.

If not for the healing spring in the Jade Space, she might not have survived.

Even Qing Yangzi, who had always mocked her for being destined to be struck by lightning, fell silent this time, even sending over some soul-nourishing herbs.

Meanwhile, Ning Caichen sent word that he had achieved success in the imperial examinations, and his family had arranged a marriage for him with a gentle and well-educated young lady.

His letter was full of exuberance, the joy almost leaping off the page, clearly showing that he had moved past the events of his dream.

Jiang Lin showed the letter to Nie Xiaoqian, who smiled and said, “It’s a relief to see him find such happiness.”

At the beginning of the third year, Ning Caichen had a beautiful daughter. When she turned one month old, Nie Xiaoqian made a special trip to deliver a gift, returning to tell Jiang Lin how adorable the little girl was.

Several years later, when the outside world mentioned Black Mountain, it was impossible not to also mention Kunlun.

Similarly, when discussing Kunlun, Black Mountain always came up.

A legend even began circulating among the Daoist sects: Kunlun was so powerful that they managed to convert Black Mountain, turning all its demons to the path of goodness—a deed of immense merit.

Only a few who knew the truth felt a pang of bitterness: “Conversion? More like Kunlun struck it rich by partnering with Black Mountain.”

Now, Kunlun’s Daoists could afford meat and decent lodging!

What happened to our vow of poverty? You all secretly hitched your wagon to a big shot.

Why didn’t the Lord of Black Mountain take a liking to us?

Another few decades passed.

Ning Caichen, having reached the highest rank of an official, now enjoyed the company of his children and grandchildren. When he retired from his position and returned to his hometown, he made a point to visit Jiang Lin once again as he passed by Black Mountain.

He had become a slender and dignified old man, while Jiang Lin still looked as young and handsome as ever.

“Sir, you still look so young,” Ning Caichen remarked with a sigh. “I’ve become an old man nearing the end of my days.”

Jiang Lin smiled and said, “Humans and demons are different. As a mortal, you’ve already achieved great success in life, reaching heights that many people could never attain in their entire lives.”

Ning Caichen took a sip of tea and said softly, “Indeed, in both my family and official life, I’ve been fortunate and content. There’s nothing more I could ask for.”

They shared a cup of tea and played a game of chess.

Just before Ning Caichen was about to leave, a lady in white, carrying several scrolls of paintings, gracefully approached them.

Ning Caichen looked at her and suddenly froze.

Nie Xiaoqian did not recognize him, though she felt he seemed somewhat familiar. Seeing that he was a mortal, she looked at Jiang Lin with some confusion and asked, “Who is this?”

Ning Caichen gazed at her for a moment, then smiled gently. “Just an old passerby, stopping by to have a cup of tea with the master of the house.”

He smiled at Nie Xiaoqian, bowed to Jiang Lin, and then slowly departed.

Nie Xiaoqian watched his figure as he walked away, puzzled. “This person… I feel as if I’ve seen him somewhere before.”

Jiang Lin placed down the chess piece in his hand and said warmly, “Perhaps, at some point in the past, you did meet him.”

“Maybe,” Nie Xiaoqian murmured. But after just a brief encounter, she let it go and turned back to her paintings, heading towards the studio.

Time passes quickly for demons.

By the time Huaiyin had gradually recovered from her injuries, Chi Yangzi of Kunlun had passed away.

Qing Yangzi aged rapidly, now appearing like a true old man.

Yan Chixia became the head of Kunlun.

The system then appeared, reminding Jiang Lin that he could leave.

Jiang Lin held a grand banquet in Black Mountain, inviting the Daoists from Kunlun and some nearby demons.

He had always been low-key and rarely put on such an extravagant display. In fact, for many, it was their first time seeing the legendary Lord of Black Mountain.

It was the first time they truly saw Jiang Lin in person and the first time they understood the full extent of his power.

Many demons who had coveted Black Mountain quickly abandoned their plans after the banquet.

After the banquet, Jiang Lin had a long conversation with Yan Chixia.

In the middle of the night, Jiang Lin stood alone on the highest cliff of Black Mountain.

The mountain wind howled, making his robes flap wildly.

Zong Yu found him.

“Did you tell Yan Chixia?”

“I did,” Jiang Lin nodded. “I told him I would be going into seclusion for a few hundred years to pursue a higher realm. Huaiyin will also be traveling overseas to search for healing herbs. I asked him to take care of Black Mountain and its inhabitants.”

Zong Yu said, “Yan Chixia is a good person. Since he agreed, you can trust that he will take good care of the demons in Black Mountain.”

Jiang Lin nodded and said to Zong Yu, “Well, Xiaozong, let me say goodbye to you now.”

Zong Yu snorted and replied with full confidence, “Don’t worry, we’ll see each other again soon. Just remember to prepare a grand feast for me.”

Jiang Lin laughed, “Alright, I’ll be waiting for you with open arms.”

They exchanged smiles.

The next day, the demons of Black Mountain awoke to a message:

“The master has gone into seclusion, which may last a hundred years. Do not worry.”

A hundred years… The girls of Black Mountain felt a bit melancholy. After all, they had only spent a mere century with their master.

But even though the master was in seclusion, they knew they couldn’t slack off. They had to keep working hard and improving Black Mountain so that when their master returned, he wouldn’t be disappointed.

However, none of them expected that, for the first time, their master, who always kept his word, had deceived them.

These girls waited and waited until their demon bodies had aged, but they never saw their master return.

【End of the Black Mountain Arc】