Golden Finger 10

The cultivator tasked with escorting disciples to Yuanzhao City typically only ensures their safety. However, due to a recent battle and manpower shortage in Yuanzhao City, Elder Chen assigned Qin Ji this responsibility based on his successful military history in the Desolate Spirit Desert.

Disciples from the Guiyuan Sect, led by Qin Ji, are temporarily restricted from leaving Yuanzhao City. Safety is not a concern for Qin Ji, and he can complete this task in three to five days.

Qin Ji promptly agreed without hesitation, and Elder Chen mentioned, “Completing the task will earn you military merit.”

In Yuanzhao City, trades mostly involve bartering goods or exchanging military merits, which can be used for various rare treasures, celestial-level cultivation techniques, top-grade magical treasures, and elixirs. Many independent cultivators prefer Yuanzhao City for this reason.

While Qin Ji doesn't mind his living conditions, he decides to exchange military merits for a better residence to uplift Chen Xing's spirits.

Knowing Qin Ji's mission, Xiao Bao insists on accompanying him, unwilling to leave his young master's side.

Qin Ji leads a ten-person squad to escort a runic mage named Zheng. The mage is of advanced age and in the Golden Core stage. Qin Ji observes that without a breakthrough, his lifespan may be limited.

Surprisingly to Qin Ji, after leaving Yuanzhao City, Chen Xing seemed to be a lot livelier. She is in human form, seated upon Qin Ji's magical treasure, and holding Xiao Bao, who had reverted to his original form. They fly a bit low and at a moderate speed. Chen Xing doesn't seem to feel afraid, even dangling her legs outside.

In the Desolate Spirit Desert, the environment worsens, with desolation as far as the eye can see. As they approach the boundary, spiritual energy becomes turbulent, and even cultivators in vestments feel the heat.

Xiao Bao senses no heaven and earth treasures and if not being held by Chen Xing, would rather be inside the spiritual beast pouch.

Initially, Qin Ji thought Chen Xing felt low-spirited due to the harsh environment, but now, observing otherwise, he inquired, 

“Have you adapted to this?”

With one hand holding Xiao Bao and the other feeling the hot wind outside, Chen Xing replies, 

“I don't know, but Yuanzhao City made me feel oppressed and unhappy.”

In truth, it went beyond mere unhappiness. It stirred a complexity within her, birthing restlessness, sorrow, anger, and grief – as though she shared a silent empathy with Yuanzhao City. Chen Xing struggled to articulate this sentiment to Qin Ji, and so, she simply uttered, 

“The atmosphere there just isn't good.”

Considering the cultivators in Yuanzhao City, who faced war and conquered countless demons with no guarantee of returning from subsequent battles, it made sense for Chen Xing, with her temperament, to shy away from such an environment. Understanding this, Qin Ji opted not to delve deeper, thinking that after this mission, he would pursue similar tasks and bring Chen Xing along. This not only promised to earn them military merits but also aligned with Elder Xuan Yu's request to search for the Spirit-Slaying Grass.

Yuanzhao City is a distance from the boundary, and Qin Ji's destination is secluded and secure. Due to travel constraints in the Desolate Spirit Desert, they reach their destination by nightfall.

In contrast to the searing daytime temperatures, the night in the Desolate Spirit Desert feels chilly. Spiritual energy replenishment is slow, and practitioners refrain from using it excessively for warmth.

Qin Ji's companions, experienced in Yuanzhao City, tacitly prepare for the night: setting up formations, pitching tents, and starting a fire.

Arriving at the scene, Chen Xing felt a twinge of confusion as she observed the boundary's position. It wasn't until she caught the flicker of firelight that she turned to look, surprise etched on her face.

Meanwhile, Qin Ji had efficiently pitched the tents and began to explain, 

“The nights here are too cold; having something warm to drink will be more comforting.”

In the Desolate Spirit Desert, cultivators seek ways to feel alive unlike other places.

Chen Xing nodded, and Xiao Bao, now in human form, had already inquired about their tent for the night and organized inside.

The runic mage sat by the bonfire, wearing an additional thick cloak. His fair and delicate hands contrasted with his wrinkled face, giving an incongruous impression.

Everyone received hot soup and food. Chen Xing, not picky when outside, slowly drank her soup, holding it in her hands.

After setting up the watch rotation, those not on duty headed back to their tents to rest.

Before entering the tent, Chen Xing took another look at the boundary. When Qin Ji joined her, she communicated via telepathy, "Qin Ji, do you think this boundary was set up by the Dragon Clan before they departed?"

Having discussed matters of the Desolate Spirit Desert with Qin Ji prior to their arrival, Chen Xing was aware that this was where the Dragon Clan last appeared.

Qin Ji replied, "Yes." Chen Xing's expression became more peculiar as she continued, "Before the Dragon Clan ascended, they intervened to drive all the demons to another continent and established this boundary, right?" Towards the end, her tone carried a hint of guilt.

Puzzled, Qin Ji remarked, "Yes, and they also sealed the entrance of the foreign devil's domain." 

This clarified why Qin Ji felt intense anger upon discovering the near-complete devastation of the Guiyuan Sect caused by the invasion of the foreign devils. The established boundary would have prevented these intruders from silently infiltrating the Guiyuan Sect.

Chen Xing felt an inexplicable diffidence. In the realm of cultivation, the Dragon Clan held high reverence, their feats glorified for a millennium. Not only did the mythical beasts once linked with the Dragon Clan benefit, but even the spiritual beasts and present demon cultivators enjoyed elevated status due to their association. This led Chen Xing to ponder: How were the great deeds of the Dragon Clan preserved and passed down?

If it was revealed that the boundary wasn’t set up by the Dragon Clan, would they be considered the number one fraudsters in the cultivation world?

Chen Xing always found something odd. If the Dragon Clan was about to ascend and leave this small world, why would they bother meddling in such matters? The Dragon Clan had never been inclined to help others.

Believing that with a complete heritage, she would have learned sooner, Chen Xing, with her fragmented lineage and consciousness, only now comprehended the extent of this deception. Reflecting on this, she subtly glanced at Qin Ji, hesitated, and then extended a spiritual grass, stating, "Would you like to taste it? It has a great taste and is beneficial for the body.”

Stirred by memories from the book, Qin Ji remained oblivious to Chen Xing's expression. Drawn by the scent of the spiritual grass but reluctant to take advantage, he said, "No need, you can have it yourself."

Chen Xing nudged it towards him again, insisting, "Come on, have it. I have several more." She nearly disclosed the truth, possessing an abundance of this spiritual grass in her Mustard Seed Space.

Realizing that Chen Xing genuinely didn't mind, Qin Ji accepted it with gratitude. As Chen Xing watched expectantly, he consumed the spiritual grass. It dissolved rapidly, tasting sweet and delightful, as Chen Xing had described. Beyond its flavor, it nourished his meridians, undoubtedly advantageous for a swordsman.

A sigh of relief escaped Chen Xing. With Qin Ji having consumed her spiritual grass, there seemed to be no reason for him to be angered when he eventually uncovered the startling deception of the Dragon Clan!

Upon reflection, what connection did the actions of the Dragon Clan have with her, a dragon baby who had not yet hatched at that time? Chen Xing realized this and felt justified and self-assured.

Qin Ji noticed Chen Xing's unusual behavior and asked, 

"What's wrong with you?"

Perceiving a hint of guilt in Chen Xing's complexion, Qin Ji wondered if she had caused trouble again or damaged something of his.

Chen Xing swiftly responded, "Nothing, don't talk nonsense!" Confirming his suspicions, Qin Ji remained silent.

Avoiding Qin Ji's gaze, Chen Xing found that Xiao Bao had already arranged a place for her to rest and said, 

"Xingxing, you can rest now."

Recognizing Xiao Bao's considerate nature, Chen Xing promptly agreed and prepared to transform into a snake for her slumber.

However, Xiao Bao, with some doubt, asked, "Was this boundary really arranged by the Dragon Clan?" Chen Xing instinctively looked at Qin Ji.

Qin Ji, initially unaware, grew somewhat doubtful after observing Chen Xing's expression.

Innocently curious, Xiao Bao asked, "But in my heritage, it seems that the Dragon Clan isn't skilled in setting up boundaries, and their relationship with human cultivators isn't really…" 

Before finishing the sentence, Chen Xing covered his mouth and declared, "The Dragon Clan is naturally benevolent, they love to help and bring joy to others!”

Xiao Bao was puzzled. Nevertheless, as the young master was of the Dragon Clan, it must be true. Thus, the fault must be within his heritage. He must remember the young master's words and pass them on!

Believing that, as a dragon, displaying timidity was unwarranted, Chen Xing decided not to acknowledge any sense of hesitation. Tensing her neck, she maintained direct eye contact with Qin Ji, affirming,

"Yes, that's what it is."

Qin Ji spoke slowly, "I didn't say anything."

Firm in her belief that maintaining composure was key, Chen Xing confidently asserted,

"The Dragon Clan is truly great!"

However, Qin Ji concluded, "So, this boundary wasn't created by the Dragon Clan.”

Chen Xing: "…”

Observing her expression, Qin Ji continued, "The ones who banished the demon clan to another continent and sealed the entrance for the foreign devils were not the Dragon Clan either." 

Chen Xing: "…”

Confirming his suspicions, Qin Ji thought about another aspect, "So, in these years, the efforts of the runic mages went wrong. They conducted their research based on some records and treasures left by the Dragon Clan…" 

Chen Xing let go of the hand covering Xiao Bao’s mouth, thinking that this subordinate really knew how to spoil the atmosphere. If it weren't for his good cooking, she'd have sent Xiao Bao back to the Mustard Seed Space.

"Why would the Dragon Clan leave behind records and treasures?" 

Qin Ji explained, "After they ascended and left this small world, they left quite a few things behind."

"Impossible!" Chen Xing firmly stated, "We wouldn't leave our things behind; we'd surely take everything with us, not even a blade of grass would be left, let alone treasures!" 

Qin Ji frowned, looking at Chen Xing.

Locking eyes with Qin Ji, Chen Xing emphasized, "We treasure our belongings, and when ascending, we'd surely take everything with us." 

Qin Ji's gaze flickered, and he lowered his eyes, feeling uncertain.

Xiao Bao instinctively added, "But Xingxing, you were left behind." 

Chen Xing: "…”

Chen Xing had no argument against that.