Chapter 216: Green Copper Relic Gu

第十七节：青铜舍利蛊

Translator: ChibiGeneral Editor: ChibiGeneral

The once lively Qing Mao mountain had turned into a world of ice and snow. Such a change had long attracted the attention and investigations of nearby forces. In these few months, news of Qing Mao mountain being destroyed had gradually spread far.

曾经生机勃勃的青茅山，如今成了冰天雪地。如此惊变，早就引起了附近周遭势力的关注和调查。这些个月来，青茅山覆灭的消息更已经渐渐传播到了远方。

“I don’t dare to recall, every time I think of it, it feels so painful.” Fang Yuan sat down, his face full of grief.

“不敢回想。一想起来，就是痛楚啊。”方源坐下来，满脸哀戚之色。

“Servants, bring the wine.” Seeing Fang Yuan unwilling to speak, Bai clan leader did not pursue the matter, but ordered her servants to bring two vats of wine.

“来人，上酒。”百家族长见方源不想说，也不追问，吩咐家奴送上两坛酒。

Bai Ning Bing was indifferent, she never drank wine, only water.

白凝冰无动于衷，她向来不喝酒，只喝水。

Fang Yuan opened the seal immediately, gulping and drinking a mouthful as his tears fell once again.

方源直接拍开封泥，直接咕咚喝了一口，又落下泪来。

Bai clan leader was stunned: “Junior, why are you crying again?”

百家族长吃惊：“贤侄，又何以落泪？”

“Your clan’s wine is intoxicating, but it makes me recall our green bamboo wine and of those days when I drank on Qing Mao mountain.” Fang Yuan wiped his tears as he said.

“喝了贵族的酒，醇香醉人，不禁就想起我族的青竹酒，曾经在青茅山上喝酒的日子。”方源一边抹着泪，一边道。

The clan elders’ sighs became even louder, and many started consoling Fang Yuan.

家老们的唏嘘声更大了，不少人安慰方源。

Fang Yuan’s encounter caused them to feel a sense of resonance. After all, Bai clan’s spirit spring was starting to dry out, and if they couldn’t find a new spirit spring, Gu Yue clan’s sorry state would be their Bai clan’s future.

方源的遭遇，让他们也产生了共鸣。毕竟百家的元泉已经有枯竭的迹象，若寻不到新的元泉，古月一族的惨状，就是他们百家的未来。

Bai clan leader consoled him once more, only then did Fang Yuan stop crying.

百家族长又好生劝慰了一番，这才将方源劝住，停住了眼泪。

“Who would not feel pain when their home is destroyed? I can understand junior’s feelings. But as long as people remain, there is hope. Junior, don’t grieve. I believe that in a few days, you will be reunited with your clansmen.” Bai Mo Xing probed.

“家园被毁，哪个能不痛心？贤侄的心情，我能体会。但只要有人在，就有希望。贤侄啊，不要悲伤，相信过不了几天，你就能和族人汇合了。”百陌行试探道。

Fang Yuan acted as if he was unaware, wiping his tears and answering casually: “Yeah, it should be in a few days.”

方源作懵懂未觉状，擦了把眼泪，随口应答道：“是啊，应该过不了几天吧。”

Hearing this reply, Bai Mo Xing and Bai clan leader glanced at each other.

听到这个回答，百陌行和百家族长不禁快速的对视一眼。

After the banquet, Bai clan leader called Bai Mo Xing and entered a secret discussion.

晚宴之后，百家族长召来百陌行，秘密商谈。

“Clan leader, the situation is bad. Gu Yue village was destroyed, why did these remaining people come to Bai Gu mountain? It is likely that they want to snatch this territory, should we strike first instead?” Bai Mo Xing was worried.

“族长，情况不妙啊。古月山寨被破，这些残众为什么要特意赶来白骨山？很有可能就是抢占这块地盘。我们要不要先下手为强呢？”百陌行一脸担忧地道。

“Hehehe.” Bai clan’s female leader laughed lightly instead.

“呵呵呵。”百家的女族长却轻笑起来。

Bai Mo Xing was bewildered: “Why is clan leader laughing?”

百陌行微愣：“族长何以发笑？”

The female clan leader squinted and explained: “Don’t be rash Elder Mo Xing, this situation has boon and bane. As long as we operate this well, we can save much effort.”

女族长眯起双眼，安抚道：“陌行家老稍安勿躁，此事有利有弊。只要运作得好，却能省下我们不少功夫呢。”

Bai Mo Xing started to ponder the clan leader’s words deeply.

被这一提醒，百陌行顿时若有所思起来。

That’s right!

没有错！

Bai clan’s spirit spring was running dry after so many years of usage. They needed to find a new spirit spring as soon as possible, and this time they were searching for a suitable spring on Bai Gu mountain under the cover of hunting.

百家的元泉，用了许多年，已经快要干涸枯竭了。需要尽快找到新的元泉，这一次行动，以狩猎为名，其实就是要在白骨山上寻找到合适的泉眼。

Bai clan’s main group had just arrived and could not find anything yet. But if Gu Yue clan’s remnants were coming to Bai Gu mountain, they had to know some intel.

百家队伍刚来不久，却还没有探查出什么东西。但古月残众长途跋涉，要来白骨山，必然是知晓了什么情报。

It could even be deduced that Gu Yue clan definitely held information on that spirit spring.

可以推测出来，古月家族必然掌握了关于元泉位置的情报。

Bai clan leader saw Bai Mo Xing’s expression change and continued: “Looks like you got it. Actually, any large mountain is a gathering of primeval essence, and thus a spirit spring will be there. But to find the spirit spring’s specific location, it is not easy and requires a lot of manpower and resources.”

百家族长看到百陌行的神情变化，继续道：“看来你也想到了。其实但凡名山大川，都是元气凝聚之地，总会存在元泉。但是要探查元泉的准确位置，却不简单。需要消耗大量的人力、物力。”

“There are Fang, Liao and Fan clan around our Bai clan, they are all strong clans with equal power. If the matter about our Bai clan’s spirit spring running dry gets out, they will take advantage of the situation and attack our weakness, thus we decided earlier that we have to secretly find the spirit spring’s location under the guise of a hunting competition. But by doing this, we are greatly restricted and have to expend even greater manpower and resources in searching for the spirit spring.”

“我们百家周围，有方家，有廖家，有范家。都是实力强悍的家族，一直以来相互制衡。我们百家元泉枯竭的事情，若是传出去，恐怕就会惹来他们的趁人之危，以及落井下石。所以我们之前商议，要秘密寻找元泉的位置，这一次也是打着‘狩猎’的幌子。然而这样一来，做起事情来束手束脚，探索元泉时消耗的人力、物力将更大。”

Bai clan leader was full of worries, but could not express her helplessness.

百家族长说到这里，欲言又止，忧心忡忡。

Bai Mo Xing continued: “Thus, clan leader wants to obtain information about the spirit spring from Gu Yue clan?”

百陌行接着道：“所以，族长你是想从古月家，直接得到有关元泉位置的消息？”

“That’s right.” Bai clan leader nodded, her eyes shining brightly: “Gu Yue clan’s leader and elders won’t be easy to deal with, but with those two youngsters in our control? This is a godsend opportunity!”

“正是如此。”百家族长点头，眼睛绽放着亮光，“古月家的族长、家老们肯定不好对付，但谁叫那两个少年落到我们手上呢？这可是天赐良机啊！”

Bai Mo Xing frowned: “But, I see that those two are not stupid. That lass is obviously one of those iron-willed stubborn type, while that young lad, although weak, was unfazed in dangerous situations, being calm at all encounters. The first time we met, even when he was surrounded by us, he did not show a hint of panic. It will not be easy if we want them to divulge information.”

百陌行皱起眉头：“不过，我看那两个少年也不笨。那个丫头一看就是心志坚定的死硬派，那个小子虽然修为薄弱了些，但是处变不惊，遇事沉静。第一次见面，被我们包围时，一丁点都没有慌乱。想要撬开他们的嘴，恐怕不是一件易事。”

Bai clan leader chuckled: “If he did not have such composure, how would he be a clan’s young master? These two young masters are very outstanding, but if they weren’t, I would be doubting their identities.”

百家族长嘿了一声：“若没有这等心志，怎么配当一族的少主？这两个少年，都很优秀。如果不优秀，那我可就要怀疑他们的身份了。”

Bai Mo Xing continued: “Thus, you have to think twice clan leader. If we interrogate them forcefully, they might not submit to us. With the traces they left behind, Gu Yue clan will be here soon. These are the type of desperate people with nothing to lose, except their lives.”

百陌行又道：“所以族长你要三思啊。若是严刑拷打，恐怕他们未必服软。他们沿途还留下了痕迹，古月残众很快就到。这些人可都是标准的走投无路的亡命之徒了。”

Bai clan leader waved her hand: “That is not a worry, clan elder, I have a plan.”

百家族长微微摆手：“这点家老不必担忧，我已有一计。”

“Oh? This old one shall listen.”

“哦？老朽愿闻其详。”

Bai clan leader said it softly while Bai Mo Xing’s old eyes kept on getting brighter.

百家族长细细说了，百陌行浑浊的老眼越听越亮。

After Bai clan leader finished, Bai Mo Xing could not help but praise: “This is a good plan! I saw that Gu Yue Fang Zheng is very attached to his clan, he even cried twice for his clan in the banquet. He is after all a youngster, clan leader, this plan that you came up with is like placing honey in front of a young bear or placing a carrot before a young rabbit. There will be no issues getting him hooked.”

百家族长说完，百陌行忍不住交口称赞：“此计大有可为！我观那古月方正，的确是心系家族，席间两次落泪，乃是性情中人。他到底是个年轻人，族长你布下这局，就如把蜂蜜摆在小熊罴的面前，把胡萝卜放在幼兔的鼻端。不愁他不上钩啊。”

……

———————————————————————-

Fang Yuan opened a corner of the tent’s cover.

方源撩开营帐的门帘一角。

It was night time already, but Bai clan’s temporary camp was well lit.

夜已经深了。但百家这处临时的营地，却灯火通明。

The tents were placed perfectly in order, with iron racks and torches at every certain distance, and patrolling gu master groups all night round.

营帐错落有致，每隔一段距离，都会有铁架火炬。时不时的还有巡逻的蛊师队伍。

“Young master Fang Zheng, what is the matter?” Fang Yuan had just opened the cover, and the two guards at the door immediately walked over.

“方正公子，有什么事情吗？”方源刚刚撩开营帐，门口的两个守卫立即走过来。

Fang Yuan burped out some wine: “I drank a lot of wine at the banquet, is there anywhere I can relieve myself?”

方源故意打了个酒嗝：“席间喝了许多酒，这里何处可以方便一下。”

“Young master, right this way. You are our esteemed guest, the clan leader has arranged a special spot for you, no further than thirty steps away.” One of the guards immediately said.

“公子，这边请。您是我族的贵客，族长已经特意安排了方便之地，不到三十步。”其中一位守卫立即说道。

“Give me a direction, I do not like anyone near me when i pee.” Fang Yuan rejected.

“你给我指个方向，我方便时不喜欢有人在附近。”方源摆手道。

“I do not dare to disobey young master, the wooden lavatory is right there.” The guard pointed towards it, bowed and left.

“不敢违背公子的命令，木屋就在那处。”守卫指了指，躬身退下。

Fang Yuan got to the wooden lavatory, and after peeing, he pretended to be drowsy and walked in an opposite direction. He was not even twenty steps out when a few patrolling Gu Masters came over: “Esteemed guest, that is the wrong direction, your tent is over there.”

方源去了木屋，撒了一泡尿后，装作醉眼朦胧的样子，故意走错方向。还不出二十步远，立即就有几个巡逻的蛊师走来：“贵客走错方向了，您的营帐在那边呢。”

“Is that so? I remembered it was there.” Fang Yuan burped.

“是这样吗？我怎么记得是在那边。”方源打了个酒嗝。

“Esteemed guest, this way please.” Bai clan gu masters smiled hypocritically, with a forceful tone.

“贵客这边请吧。”百家蛊师脸上浮显出虚伪的笑容，隐含着一种强硬。

Fang Yuan was brought back to the tent again.

方源被这些人重新带回营帐。

In the tent, the lights were turned on.

营帐中，点着灯。

There were two beds on eastern and western side in the tent. Bai Ning Bing was sitting on her bed and cultivating, using primeval essence to nurture her aperture.

东西两面，各设有两个床榻。白凝冰正盘坐在床榻上，进行修行，消耗真元冲刷空窍。

Hearing Fang Yuan enter, she opened her eyes, inquiring with her gaze.

听得方源进来的声响，她睁开双眼，以目光询问。

Fang Yuan glanced at her, before falling down on the bed: “Ning Bing, sleep early. You were exhausted these few days. Don’t worry, we will join up with our clansmen in few days.”

方源扫了她一眼，倒在床榻上：“凝冰，你也早点睡吧。这些天把你累坏了，过不了多久，就能和族人汇合了呢。”

His words slurred at the end, and eventually he closed his eyes, snoring, evidently falling asleep.

他越说越迷糊，说到最后，已经闭上双眼，只余鼻息，仿佛是已经睡着了。

Bai Ning Bing’s pupils shrunk. She knew Fang Yuan was acting, purposely saying that as a precaution against any surveillance type Gu worms. He had gone out earlier to pee, but returned so early which meant the area was tightly secured and it was impossible for them to escape quietly in dark.

白凝冰的瞳孔微微一缩。

她知道方源必是表演，故意这番说话，是为了防止有窃听监视的蛊虫。刚刚他出去方便，这么快就回来，也说明了这里防卫森严，要想夜里偷偷溜走，绝无可能。

She couldn’t help but be worried. Although she was at rank three peak stage, her Gu worms were not optimal, causing her battle strength to be insufficient.

思虑及此，她不禁暗暗担忧。

自己虽然是三转巅峰修为，但是蛊虫不佳，导致战力不足。

While in this camp, Bai clan leader was at rank four, and there are five to six clan elders, and a lot of rank two Gu masters.

在这营地中，百家族长是四转蛊师，还有五六位三转的家老，大量的二转蛊师。

” To be meat on somebody’s chopping board. ” That was the current situation. Although Bai clan was a righteous faction, people die for fortune and birds die for food, once the benefits exceeded the risk, they would definitely commit murder in secret.

“人为刀俎我为鱼肉”就是如今的情景。百家寨虽然是正道阵营，但人为财死鸟为食亡，一旦利益巨大，肯定会杀人灭口。

Bai Ning Bing knew the Gu worms in Fang Yuan’s possession were all extremely rare. Heavenly essence treasure lotus, blood skull Gu, once exposed, would definitely attract the greed of Bai clan Gu Masters.

白凝冰知道，方源手中的蛊虫几乎各个都是精品。尤其是天元宝莲、血颅蛊，一旦暴露，必定会引来百家蛊师的觊觎。

The reason they did not act yet was because Fang Yuan used the threat of the non existent Gu Yue clansmen to temporarily lie to them.

他们之所以现在没有直接动手，是因为方源扯了虎皮，利用不存在的古月族人，暂时诓骗了他们。

A few days later, when they do not see Gu Yue clansmen arrive, they would be suspicious. By then, Fang Yuan and her would be at a tight spot.

几天之后，他们不见古月族人的到来，必定会有所怀疑。到那时，方白二人走投无路，局面就相当危险了。

“How do I get out of this predicament?” Bai Ning Bing frowned, staring at Fang Yuan.

“该怎样破局呢？”白凝冰微微皱起眉头，看向对面的方源。

Fang Yuan had already turned around, his back facing her, and he seemed to have really slept from the sound of his relaxed breathing.

方源已经侧身躺过去，背对着她，听其呼吸声，平缓均匀，倒像是真的睡了。

“You sure take it easy!” Bai Ning Bing snorted, feeling anxious and helpless in her heart.

“你倒是沉得住气！”白凝冰冷哼一声，心中微恼，又无奈。

……

————————————————————–

The next day. It was a bright sunny day.

次日。

风和日丽，阳光明媚。

There were three loud drum beats which signified the Bai clan leader summoning the clansmen.

三声鼓响，百家族长召集族人。

“Our Bai clan annual hunting competition starts from today and will continue for the next seven days, it is time for you to display your strength. According to our rules, those who get a decent ranking will be heavily rewarded! Next, feel free to display all your bravery and strength.”

“我们百家一年一度的狩猎大比，从今日起连续七天，都是你们展现实力的时候。按照惯例，夺得名次的，都有重赏！接下来，尽情地展现你们的勇武吧。”

Bai clan leader waved her hand, and the village gates opened. The Gu Masters were eager to start the competition, rushing out impatiently.

百家族长一挥手，寨门打开，早已经跃跃欲试，蠢蠢欲动的蛊师们，顿时急不可耐地蜂拥而出。

Not long later, they entered the forest from their respective positions, vanishing into the wilderness.

不一会儿，就汇入到各处的山林当中去，不见了踪影。

The crowded camp had become more spacious and empty.

刚刚还拥挤的整个营地，顿时显得宽敞和空寂。

“Junior Fang Zheng, did you sleep well last night?” Bai clan leader turned around, asking Fang Yuan with a smile.

“方正贤侄，昨晚睡得可好？”百家族长回过头来，笑眯眯地对方源道。

Fang Yuan cupped his fist: “Thank you clan leader for the hospitality. Last night I fell asleep immediately after lying down, and it was morning already when I woke up.”

方源拱手行了一礼：“多谢族长款待。晚辈昨晚一躺下就睡着了，醒来时已经是天亮。”

“Hahaha.” Bai clan leader smiled, patting Fang Yuan’s shoulders, giving off a kind and affectionate feeling: “Does junior want to enter our clan’s hunting competition? Let us see the valor of a Gu Yue clansman!”

“哈哈哈。”百家族长笑了笑，拍拍方源的肩膀，一副亲切的架势，“贤侄可想参加我族的狩猎大比么？也让我们看看古月男儿的英姿！”

Fang Yuan showed a difficult expression, rejecting: “I am ashamed! Junior was heavily injured not too long ago, and my cultivation fell from rank three. Thankfully I was saved by the clan, but now I only have rank one middle stage cultivation.”

方源面露难色，推诿道：“惭愧！晚辈不久前受过重伤，修为从三转掉落，幸得族中救治，捡回来一命，但如今只有一转中阶。”

Even without Fang Yuan mentioning it, his rank one aura was clear to the eyes.

其实不用方源说，他身上的一转气息，早就一目了然。

“No worries junior. As our clan’s esteemed guest, you will definitely be well treated. How about this, as long as junior can hunt an adult black bear, this green copper relic Gu will be your reward.” Bai clan leader clapped her hand, and a Gu Master beside her opened his palm, as a finger-sized round ball shaped Gu emerged.

“这点贤侄不必担心。作为我族的贵客，自然有所优待。这样吧，只要贤侄能猎到一头成年黑熊，那么这只青铜舍利蛊，就是你的奖励了。”百家族长轻轻地拍拍手，身旁的一位蛊师献宝似的，掌心一摊，呈现出一只手指头大小，圆球状的蛊。

Fang Yuan laughed coldly in his heart, but showed an earnest expression: “Then this junior shall take up the invitation!”

方源看着这只蛊，心中冷笑，眼里却流露出热切的神情：“那晚辈就恭敬不如从命了。”

《蛊真人》中英文对照版 第十七节：青铜舍利蛊

《蛊真人》中英文对照版第十七节：青铜舍利蛊