Chapter 6

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Chapter 6: It’s a Treasure

“Sure!”

Jiang Yun unconsciously reached out for the talisman, but just as his fingers were about to touch it, he hesitated. His hand froze in midair.

His grandfather’s words echoed in his mind, and the talisman right in front of him felt heavier than it should.

Cultivating and becoming a true cultivator had always been his dream. Now, that dream was finally within reach. He should feel excited, eager to seize this chance without hesitation.

But reality hit him just as quickly. If he left to cultivate, it meant leaving Mang Mountain, Jiang Village, and most importantly, his family.

Cultivation wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight. Who knew how long it would take before he could return?

He was reluctant to leave behind every tree and bush in Jiang Village, everyone he loved, and most of all, his grey-haired grandpa.

The thought of leaving him behind made Jiang Yun’s chest tighten.

On top of that, there was Feng Wuji. In five years, he would return for revenge. If Jiang Yun left, would Feng Wuji turn his wrath on the village instead? Could he really walk away knowing that?

After a long silence, Jiang Yun slowly withdrew his hand, the movement was barely noticeable. He shook his head, “No, Grandpa. I don’t want to go.”

Jiang WanLi’s expression darkened. His voice, usually calm and gentle, rose sharply.

“You don’t have a choice! You must go!”

Jiang Yun was stunned. “Why?”

“You heard what Feng Wuji said. He won’t just let this go. And behind him is the Samsara Sect. If you stay in Jiang Village, in five years, when they return, we’ll still have to face them. Worse, they’ll take you away by force. Leaving isn’t just for your sake; it’s for ours too. You must leave!”

Jiang Yun clenched his fists. His mind was in turmoil.

“But what about you?” he asked after a long pause. “If I’m gone, won’t they take their anger out on the village? I can’t just abandon everyone. If it comes down to it… I’ll stay. If they want me, let them take me instead.”

Jiang WanLi smiled. “Don’t worry. As long as you’re not in Jiang village, they can’t really hurt us. Everyone in Mang Mountains has to follow its rules.”

Before Jiang Yun could respond, Jiang WanLi continued, “Do you not trust me? I wouldn’t risk the lives of hundreds of people in Jiang village, would I?”

Hearing this, Jiang Yun felt a bit more at ease. He knew that Jiang WanLi wasn’t just his grandpa but also the old village head who wouldn’t deceive him at the cost of the Jiang people’s lives.

But he still had doubts. “If I’m not here, you’ll really be safe?”

Jiang WanLi answered firmly, “Absolutely!”

After a moment of silence, Jiang Yun gritted his teeth and nodded. He finally reached out, took the talisman, and said, “Alright, I’ll leave then!”

Despite making his decision, his heart still ached with reluctance. Holding the talisman in his hand, he stood motionless, as if frozen in place.

Jiang WanLi saw through him at once. With a kind smile, he said, “Yun, don’t be too sad. Life is full of parting. But leaving doesn’t mean you can’t come back. If you reach a high cultivation level one day, you’ll be able to cover the five thousand kilometers and return whenever you want!”

He continued, “And if you become powerful enough, no one from Feng village or the Samsara Sect will dare to harm us. You’ll even be able to take Yuerou, Jiang Lei, and all the Jiang people out of the One Hundred Thousand Mang Mountains and show us a broader world!”

Jiang Yun was deeply moved. His eyes, which had been dull, now brightened. His youthful face showed determination as he nodded and said, “Don’t worry, grandpa. I’ll be back in five years. When I return, I’ll kill Feng Wuji. And I’ll take you out of here!”

Jiang WanLi laughed. “Alright! I’ll be waiting for that day!”

Once Jiang Yun had a goal, his reluctance faded. He turned his focus to the talisman.

Jiang WanLi, still speaking, said, “Yun, I’m a bit embarrassed. I don’t have much to give you except a few talismans. So…”

Before he could finish, Jiang Yun interrupted, “Grandpa, I don’t need anything. Besides, you always warned me that someone who carries treasures without the ability to protect them only invites trouble. No matter how valuable they are, if I can’t protect them, they’re just a burden.”

“Haha!” Jiang WanLi laughed heartily. “Good! You’re absolutely right!”

When his laughter subsided, Jiang WanLi asked, “So, when do you plan to leave?”

The thought of leaving weighed heavily on Jiang Yun’s heart. After a moment’s thought, he answered, “The day after tomorrow.”

“Okay. Go on with your day. I need to rest now.”

Jiang WanLi didn’t question why Jiang Yun had chosen to leave in two days. However, as he turned to leave, he noticed Jiang Yun still standing there, his lips moving slightly, as if he was hesitant to speak.

Sensing his thoughts, Jiang WanLi understood what was on his mind. He waved his hand and said, “I’ll tell you about your background the next time we meet.”

With that, Jiang WanLi went to a small bed and lay down without saying another word.

Jiang Yun took a deep breath. Grandpa was right. It was the question he had been too afraid to ask. Even though he had always thought of himself as one of the Jiang people, the question of who he truly was had always lingered in the back of his mind.

Carefully putting the talisman away, Jiang Yun glanced at his grandpa with gratitude before turning and leaving the room.

He stayed in Jiang Village for the rest of the day, helping the families with their tasks. He chopped wood, washed clothes, and even played with the little kids.

It wasn’t until midnight that he left the village quietly and alone. He returned just before the next midnight, carrying a large bundle wrapped in hide.

In his left hand, he held a Five-foot Rapid Beast that resembled a horse. His right forefinger was looped through a piece of red string, the other end tied to a bird with three-colored markings.

Like a ghost, Jiang Yun moved quietly through Jiang Village, passing the familiar houses.

Each time he passed, he left something behind and muttered softly.

“Brother Lei, you always wanted a Five-foot Rapid Beast as your mount. I’ve caught one for you!”

“Uncle Ming, the last time you went into the Mang Mountains, you lost your dagger. I got you a tiger-teeth dagger.”

However, Jiang Yun had no idea that Jiang WanLi and Jiang Mu were standing on a large tree trunk, far away, watching him in silence.

When Jiang Yun’s bundle was empty, only the bird with three-colored markings remained in his hand. He quietly entered Jiang Yuerou’s room.

“Hm? Who’s there?”

Jiang Yuerou suddenly woke up, but Jiang Yun quickly whispered, “Shh! It’s me!””

He walked toward her, still a little dazed, and showed her the bird with three-colored markings. “Look! I brought this for you!”

“Oh! A bird with three-colored markings!” Jiang Yuerou’s eyes widened with excitement. She quickly took the bird from him.

Looking at her happy face, Jiang Yun pinched her cheeks gently. “Alright, now go to sleep. You’ll have plenty of time to play with it tomorrow.”

Jiang Yuerou nodded, then leaned in slightly and spoke in a soft, almost mysterious voice. “Brother Yun, I have something for you too.”

Jiang Yun smiled. “What is it?”

She reached under her pillow, pulled something out, and placed it gently in his hand.

It was a small, triangular black stone, its surface cool against his skin.

“Brother Yun, this is definitely a treasure! Keep it safe and never let it go!”

Jiang Yun couldn’t help but laugh. He had no idea where Yuerou had found this stone, but he still nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll keep it safe.”

At the same time, he tucked the stone into the pocket near his chest, unaware of the soft light flickering across its surface.

Jiang Yuerou was still worried. “Don’t lose it! I don’t know what it is, but I know it’s a treasure!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. Now, get some sleep!”

Jiang Yun tied the bird with three-colored markings to the bedside and covered Yuerou with her quilt. He sat by her side, watching her quietly until she fell asleep. Only then did he get up and leave, making his way back to the house he had lived in for sixteen years.