Watching the Mountain

Chapter 360: Chapter 199: Cultivation

”So, I’ve decided to go out and see if I can get lucky and find some Dust-Sealed Stones.”

”They are my last class of students. I want to send them into the future.”

”This...” Xu Ran was moved by Elder Xu’s words. This Elder Xu, just like Teacher Qing Xuan, was someone who cared deeply for his students.

Dust-Sealed Stones mostly appeared in places where Cultivators gathered, but they could also be found in remote corners, left for those fated to find them.

As for these scattered Dust-Sealed Stones, it was a case of finders keepers. The Sect wouldn’t ask any questions.

After the selection, most of those who failed to be chosen by the major powers would go out and search for themselves.

But for that very reason, searching for Dust-Sealed Stones outside at this time was far more dangerous than before. There was no order to speak of whatsoever.

It was no wonder Elder Xu was decked out in so much gear from head to toe. Without it, you really wouldn’t feel safe at all.

And yet, he still went out without a moment’s hesitation.

As Xu Ran was lost in thought, a flicker of understanding crossed Elder Xu’s eyes. After a moment’s contemplation, he suddenly pulled out a Jade Scroll, pressed it into Xu Ran’s hand, and said solemnly,

”This contains the information on those seven students I mentioned who practice the Hidden Mountain Spell. I’m heading out now, and I don’t know if I’ll find anything or what will happen. If... if I come back empty-handed, I will be dust-sealed upon my return and won’t see them again.”

”You, the Hidden Mountain Elder, created this Hidden Mountain Spell, after all. Since they practice your Cultivation Technique, they can be considered your disciples in a way. I’d like to ask a favor of you. Before you are dust-sealed, could you look after them and offer some guidance? At the very least, it would help their cultivation go more smoothly.”

Elder Xu’s expression was somber. He clearly had little confidence that he would find anything on this trip. He didn’t consider himself a particularly fortunate person; he just wanted to try for the sake of the students he cared about.

Xu Ran watched his reaction, then after a moment of silence, he nodded. ”I understand. I’ll keep an eye on them.”

Upon hearing this, Elder Xu solemnly cupped his fist. ”Thank you for your trouble.”

With that, he turned and left without a backward glance.

Xu Ran watched his retreating figure in silence. He silently wished him well, hoping that this teacher, so devoted to his students, would be successful.

Then, Elder Xu could proudly present what he’d found to his students and bask in their cheers and adoration.

*

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*

After the Sect selection for placements concluded, Yue Qingyu came to Xu Ran’s Cave Mansion to see him.

Xu Ran was somewhat surprised by Senior Sister Yue’s arrival. ’Senior Sister Yue should be quite busy at the moment.’

Although the selection was over, there were still many subsequent matters that she needed to arrange and coordinate.

”Junior Brother, I recall you saying that you walk the Path of Sentiment?” Yue Qingyu took a sip of the Spirit Tea Xu Ran had served her, placed the cup on the stone table, and then looked at him, asking softly.

Xu Ran was taken aback, not understanding why his Senior Sister would suddenly bring this up.

Though puzzled, he still nodded and answered without hesitation, ”That’s right.”

Yue Qingyu gave a slight nod. After a moment of silence, she said,

”After the Heaven and Earth Dao Concealment, the Laws will no longer be manifest. Junior Brother, you don’t need to be dust-sealed. Over such a vast expanse of time, you will surely want to continue cultivating. Therefore, the question of how to gain insights and practice your cultivation will become a problem you must face.”

Xu Ran nodded in agreement. He knew that cultivating after the Dao Concealment would be difficult, but he was unwilling to let all that time go to waste. He was determined to find a way to continue his practice.

Then it dawned on him. He looked at Yue Qingyu and asked, ”Do you have a way, Senior Sister?”

Yue Qingyu nodded with a faint smile. ”That’s exactly why I’ve come, Junior Brother. To help you with your cultivation.”