Translator: CinderTL
The Old Clan Chief noticed his movements but paid him no mind, continuing to arrange the medicinal herbs in her hands.
The Seven-Headed Dog glanced at him before lowering its head and closing its eyes, feigning sleep.
Xu Sanyan exerted every last ounce of strength to finally reach the book, snatching it over. This small action completely drained his energy, his breathing growing ragged.
After calming his heaving chest, he opened the book. The first page contained the author's biography:
"I am Daoist Yunshan, whose life's sole pursuit has been wandering the world, observing heaven and earth like a mayfly. In my twilight years, I compiled this book for future generations to study."
Xu Sanyan continued reading:
"This compendium is divided into three sections. However, due to space constraints, I have only included the most essential content."
"Section One: Records of Observations. This section documents a fraction of my life's observations. The Southern Celestial Marsh and the Northernmost Abyss—marvels of nature that inspire awe."
"Section Two: Records of Medicinal Pills and Herbs. This section contains one ten-thousandth of my lifelong knowledge of medicinal pills. Descendants who study this section will gain a solid foundation in the art of medicinal pills, benefiting them throughout their lives."
At this point, Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow. You're really like a toad yawning—what a big mouth!
And what were these "Southern Celestial Marsh" and "Northernmost Abyss"? He'd never even heard of them. He suspected the author had fabricated the entire book, filling it with nothing but boastful claims.
Patiently, Xu Sanyan continued reading downward.
"Thirdly, the Beauty Compendium..."
Xu Sanyan's expression froze, and he instantly perked up. Who had just accused this author of being arrogant? And slandered them as vulgar? Next time, he would never judge so hastily without knowing the full picture.
Based on these few words alone, he was certain this person was a refined scholar, just like himself.
With an attitude of reverence and scholarly admiration, Xu Sanyan read on earnestly:
"Thirdly, the Beauty Compendium. The world is overflowing with beauties, and I yearn to gather them all into my embrace. The beauty of the Central Region lies in their dignified grace, the beauty of the Wilderness in their fiery passion, the beauty of the Southern Kingdom in their delicate figures, and the beauty of the Northern Pole in their cold exterior concealing a burning heart..."
Cold exterior concealing a burning heart...
Xu Sanyan silently wondered if the "cold exterior concealing a burning heart" described in the book meant the same thing as what he understood it to mean.
Was it referring to a personality trait, or...
A genuine sensation?
Xu Sanyan licked his lips and continued reading:
"The world is vast, and beauties are countless, far too many to record in a single volume. Having wandered the world for a thousand years and tasted every flavor, I find a few linger most vividly in my memory. If any junior disciples wish to follow in my footsteps, they may consult the map at the end for guidance."
Xu Sanyan felt a surge of solemn respect. This was a true senior!
After finishing his meal, he still remembered to leave some broth for his juniors—what a noble state of mind!
He deeply regretted his earlier slanderous remarks.
Filled with remorse, he carefully flipped through the pages. The first section showcased the world's wonders and scenic beauty, accompanied by illustrations. Daoist Yunshan's artistic skill was unparalleled; with just a few strokes, he brought the landscapes to life on paper, evoking a palpable sense of awe.
There was the Celestial River Water cascading down in a torrential rush, its vastness overwhelming. Then there was the Northernmost Abyss, its bottomless depths seemingly leading straight to the Nine Hells, each scene stirring the human heart.
Detailed descriptions accompanied the illustrations, Daoist Yunshan's writing as meticulous as his brushwork.
Xu Sanyan became completely absorbed, oblivious even to the Old Clan Chief standing beside him.
"Do such sights truly exist in the outside world?" the Old Clan Chief's voice startled him out of his reverie.
Xu Sanyan shook his head. "I don't know. I've never seen them myself. Maybe they do..."
If Daoist Yunshan hadn't witnessed these wonders firsthand, it would have been impossible to describe them with such vivid detail.
The Old Clan Chief nodded and turned back to arranging her pile of medicinal herbs.
Xu Sanyan continued flipping through the pages. After the landscapes came a section on medicinal herbs and pill refinement, content that held no interest for him, so he skipped it entirely.
[ Beauty Compendium! ]
As he opened the first page, his gaze immediately locked onto the painting, reluctant to look away.
The painting depicted a woman gazing up at the moon, its ethereal glow illuminating her slender neck like translucent jade. One finger lightly touched her rounded chin, a hint of playful charm peeking through her dignified demeanor, utterly captivating.
Though only her profile was visible, even this partial portrait revealed a beauty that rivaled Mo Xianxian's, each possessing their own unique allure.
Below the painting was Daoist Yunshan's description: this woman was a disciple of a sect in the Central Region, renowned throughout the land for her ravishing beauty. Her admirers were countless, like carp leaping over a river.
In the end, she was taken into the household of a peerless heavenly pride. Daoist Yunshan, unable to taste her fragrant lips, filled his writing with deep regret.
The second page featured a petite woman from the Southern Kingdom, sitting by a stream with her trousers rolled up, splashing water and wetting her clothes, yet laughing with unrestrained joy.
Southern Kingdom women were known for their delicate frames, often standing less than five feet tall even in adulthood, their figures exquisitely refined.
Her slender waist, barely a handful, her charmingly willful demeanor, her arms like short lotus roots, and her round, playful feet—every detail evoked tenderness and protective instincts.
To hold her in one's arms would be to cherish her with utmost care, afraid to even squeeze too tightly.
Xu Sanyan silently closed the book, inwardly marveling at Daoist Yunshan's elaborate schemes.
He glanced at the Old Clan Chief and tentatively began, "Clan Chief..."
"It's yours," she replied without turning her head.
Having studied the book for over two centuries, its contents had long since become ingrained in her being. Keeping it served no further purpose.
"Thank you," Xu Sanyan said, carefully storing the book. He resolved to follow in his senior's footsteps someday, to witness those magnificent landscapes that seemed to have captured the very essence of creation.
And...
To experience the exotic customs of distant lands.
Xu Sanyan lay quietly on his bed as the candles in the cave were repeatedly replaced throughout the night. The night passed quickly.
The Old Clan Chief remained awake all night, tinkering with her "treasures." Xu Sanyan also stayed awake, repeatedly taking out the book to study it.
The final page of the book contained a map marked with numerous locations, none of which Xu Sanyan had ever heard of.
Perhaps the passage of time had altered the landscape beyond recognition. Mountains had shifted, lakes and seas had changed course, and many places had been renamed or relocated entirely.
Even the existence of places mentioned in the book, such as the Southern Kingdom, the Northern Pole, and the Wildlands, was questionable.
Xu Sanyan wondered which era Daoist Yunshan had lived in. Was it during the time of the Yaotian Holy Sect? Or even earlier? Or perhaps during the vanished twenty thousand years?
Daoist Yunshan hadn't specified, and Xu Sanyan had no way to investigate further.
"Woof!"
The Seven-Headed Dog let out a low bark. The Old Clan Chief set down her work, straightened up, and rubbed her aching back. She took a piece of cured meat from the wall and began to build a fire to roast it.
The dog's bark seemed more like a reminder to the Old Clan Chief that it was mealtime.
Xu Sanyan turned to look outside the cave. A faint glimmer of light filtered through the entrance—day had already broken.
He tried to stand up. Though still a bit weak, he was mostly recovered and could walk normally without difficulty.
The Old Clan Chief turned and handed him a clay jar from the table. "Apply this all over your body before bed each night. You'll be fully healed in two days."
"Thank you, Clan Chief," Xu Sanyan said, accepting the jar.
(End of the Chapter)
---
📖Read (HB) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c358. [+2]
🔑Early Access at $5.
💥Translated (6) Series, (4.6K+) Chapters, (6.7M+) Words.