Chapter 13: The Crimson Leaf Fruit

Heishui Mountain’s true name was Black Dragon Mountain—a place of some renown in the realm of mortal martial arts. Dense forests blanketed the land, shrouded year-round in mist and miasma. Even after a thousand years of exploration, the mighty cultivators of the Immortal Martial Empire had managed only to clear the outermost beasts from its fringes.

A journey of a hundred li was not far.

Xia Jiuxuan hired a beast-drawn carriage and, within half an hour, arrived at the very edge of what was once Black Dragon Mountain.

“There have been some changes here,” he murmured.

Though he was no longer the god he had once been, the memories etched deep into his divine soul would never fade. Thus, everything in this world was as familiar to him as his own breath: from a meandering river or an ancient tree to the smallest ant; from the hidden mineral veins and secret divine troves underground to the end of every possible path of cultivation; even the peerless powers secluded from the world and the undying races buried deep in shadow. All of it was his creation. No secret remained hidden from his gaze.

“I remember in the heart of Black Dragon Mountain, a black dragon was imprisoned long ago. Ten thousand years have passed since—I wonder if it still lives.”

That black dragon had once been defeated by a sword saint, who sealed it away in a subterranean cavern. In those days, Xia Jiuxuan had not needed to check deliberately; his divine consciousness embraced the entire world, each moment imprinting itself indelibly upon his spirit.

If dragon blood could be used to temper Xia Ranran’s body and open her meridians, it would be ideal. Even if the black dragon was long dead, it mattered little—there was still powerful beast blood to be found in the heart of Black Dragon Mountain, and Xia Jiuxuan knew how to obtain it.

“Second Father, where are we?”

Xia Ranran awoke, gazing in confusion at the unfamiliar surroundings and shrinking her little head into his arms.

“We’re deep in the mountains, where there are many wonderful things to see,” he replied.

Turning to look, Xia Ranran’s eyes widened as a massive, black, bone-winged bird soared overhead. Frightened, her lips puckered. “Second Father, you’re lying.”

He laughed. “Shall we head back, then? It’s a pity—the wild fruits here drip with honey, and you won’t be able to taste any of them.”

“No! I don’t want to go back.” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Second Father, this place looks so much fun.”

“Is that so? But there are fierce, fierce doggies inside. Aren’t you afraid?” he teased.

“I’m not scared. Second Father will protect me—hmph!”

“You little rascal, always thinking with your stomach.” He chuckled, and they continued on, arriving at a crucial mountain pass.

“Halt.”

Two masked men in black blocked the path of a group ahead of Xia Jiuxuan also seeking entry to Black Dragon Mountain.

“What do you want?” someone demanded.

“Toll. Fifty spirit crystals, and you pass unscathed.”

“Are you out of your mind, trying to rob me? Do you know who I—”

Crack!

A blade fell upon the man’s shoulder. He was at the seventh level of the innate realm, yet had no chance to react before the masked man’s attack. The crowd gasped in alarm at the ruthlessness.

At this moment, cradling Xia Ranran in his arms, Xia Jiuxuan stepped forward.

“Looking for death?” The two masked men raised their blades, murder in their posture as Xia Jiuxuan approached, expressionless.

“No misunderstanding, brothers,” Xia Jiuxuan said, producing sixty spirit crystals without hesitation. “All I have—please accept it.”

The masked men weighed the crystals in their hands. “You’re sensible enough. Going in?”

“Yes. I hope you’ll permit us through,” Xia Jiuxuan replied calmly.

“Get lost, then.”

With Xia Ranran in his arms, he passed the checkpoint unimpeded.

Once they were some distance away, Xia Ranran poked her head out. “Second Father, those people are so bad.”

“They are,” Xia Jiuxuan agreed.

“Then why didn’t you beat up the bad people and help those poor uncles?” Her eyes shone with innocent confusion.

“Second Father isn’t strong enough,” he replied.

He had recognized the two as palace-realm cultivators. He could have killed them if he tried, but what need was there? Why risk one’s life when a handful of spirit crystals could solve the problem? That kind of recklessness belonged to the young and foolish. Besides, who knew if still greater powers lurked behind these two?

“Ah?” Xia Ranran’s face fell. In her heart, Second Father was invincible, unafraid of anything. Now, her little heart nearly broke—tears brimmed in her eyes.

“Little one, when we come out in a few days, Second Father will be much, much stronger. Then I’ll make them pay back twice over. Do you believe in me?”

Her disappointment eased, Xia Ranran nodded obediently, her childish voice soft. “Second Father is the best. I believe in you.”

“One day you’ll be as strong as Second Father—unafraid of any bad person.”

“I will! When I grow up, I’ll protect you, so no bad people can bully you.”

He laughed heartily. “Good girl. Second Father hasn’t spoiled you for nothing. Come, let’s go find some delicious, sweet fruit.”

At the mention of food, Xia Ranran licked her lips, her mouth already watering.

…

After a long trek, Xia Jiuxuan reached the base of a cliff, and, following a narrow fissure, carefully squeezed his way inside.

Emerging from the labyrinthine crevice, his view suddenly opened up—he stood atop a sheer overhang. Upon the platform grew several lush plants, their branches heavy with crimson fruit.

“Wow!” Xia Ranran’s mouth watered as she flailed, eager to snatch the fragrant red fruit.

“Greedy little thing, no need to rush. All of these are yours—Second Father will pick them for you.”

The hundred-leaf vermilion fruit—each one worth more than gold and jewels! This fruit ripened once every thousand years and never fell to the ground. Growing in such a hidden place, only Xia Jiuxuan’s flawless memory allowed him to find it with certainty. Across the thousands of miles of the Heishui mountain range, there were only four places where this fruit grew. The other three were far too distant—only this spot was close by.

He plucked one and handed it to Xia Ranran, who devoured it at once. Sweet juice slid down her throat, a flavor that seemed to soak through to her very soul. Fragrant, sweet—the strange, wonderful taste left her beaming with delight.

“Did Second Father lie to you?”

“No, no! You’re so good to me. Second Father, can I have another one?”

She finished the first in a flash, her eyes fixed longingly on the remaining fruit.

“You can—but only if you meet my condition. Do that, and all of these will be yours.”

“Okay!” she agreed eagerly.

“Watch carefully and follow my lead. If you learn well, you can have every last one.”

With that, Xia Jiuxuan sat cross-legged, demonstrating a breathing and meditation technique.

Xia Ranran mimicked him, watching his every move with the utmost seriousness.

“No, not like that. Again—put your hands here…”

He patiently corrected her mistakes as he taught.

“Listen to Second Father’s breathing—follow along.”

Motivated by the promise of sweet fruit, Xia Ranran was unusually diligent. Before long, guided carefully by Xia Jiuxuan, she closed her eyes and slipped into a state of perfect focus.

“This little one is remarkably gifted—she has great potential,” he mused with satisfaction. Once she mastered this breathing technique and her meridians were opened and her body tempered, her cultivation speed would outstrip anyone in this world.