LAVW – Chapter 44 Spatial Turbulence

The next day, as the morning sun rose, Shi Qian absorbed the last faint trace of energy he could sense.

Once finished, he flicked his claw, and Long Ye tucked the golden bowl away before returning to the separate courtyard on the massive phoenix tree.

Perhaps because he had darkened his face, or because he had to attend the auction later that evening, some things were destined to be faced. Long Ye didn’t rush into the house this time but instead lingered outside, chatting with a senior sister from the Sword Sect. Seeing the sincerity in her urgency, he traded away dozens of pieces of Star Silver Ore.

After walking back to Wang Xingzhi’s residence as usual, Long Ye urged, “Brother Qian, hurry up and cultivate. Try to finish before we head out.”

Thanks to Shi Qian’s relentless effort, the spiritual energy layer above his head had thinned significantly.

In contrast, his cultivation had grown steadily more solid.

The more he cultivated, the more Shi Qian felt that his little grandmaster did care for him—just a little. This period of focused cultivation, laying a solid foundation, would greatly benefit his future progress.

It was just that the affection was buried too deep—almost impossible to detect.

Shi Qian nodded, “Squeak Squeak.”

Got it.

But whether it was because of the upcoming auction or the drama of watching a rich second-generation cultivator’s troubles unfold, Shi Qian failed to enter a meditative state twice in a row.

Hugging his tail, he stroked it twice, sensing an unusual restlessness in his heart today.

Glancing at the lingering spiritual energy layer, he decided to do what he often did before heading out—to calm his mind.

That thing was—taking a bath.

Shi Qian pulled out some Star Silver Ore powder, poured it into the golden bowl, and began an intense dust bath.

Instantly, a silver sandstorm swirled within the golden bowl. In the eye of the storm, Shi Qian felt like a mighty beast, brimming with strength.

No wonder those chinchillas loved to bathe.

Rolling and hopping through the Star Silver Ore powder, Shi Qian felt the fine grains seeping into the depths of his fur, an invigorating sensation washing over him.

Until he suddenly noticed—multiple strands of spiritual auras had locked onto him.

Shi Qian froze mid-motion, lifted his head, and saw a fully assembled group from the Sword Sect.

Shi Qian swore—this was the first time these Sword Sect disciples had gathered so neatly since he arrived.

So why did they have to show up now of all times?

Leading the group was Senior Brother Gou. Seemingly understanding the confusion and bewilderment in Shi Qian’s eyes, he explained, “We came to find Junior Brother to discuss something.”

“Squeak Squeak.” Shi Qian lifted a paw and pointed toward the meditation chamber, signaling that Wang Xingzhi was inside.

“We can’t disturb him, so we’ll wait.” Senior Brother Gou said, then turned his gaze back to the young spirit beast. “Brother Qian, carry on.”

He had always thought this little creature was clever.

Unexpectedly, it could also have moments of foolishness—how rare.

Shi Qian saw through his thoughts. Weren’t they just here to watch a show?

He flicked his tail twice before discreetly absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy.

With a crisp snap, the spiritual energy layer left behind by his little grandmaster shattered.

At the same time, Shi Qian, now dust-covered, suddenly leaped forward—diving straight at Senior Brother Gou. Behind him, silver powder scattered in the air, trailing like a transparent silver tail.

Senior Brother Gou couldn’t possibly fight back. He merely raised his hands in defense.

Shi Qian clung onto his arms, shaking his head wildly and flinging silver powder everywhere.

Senior Brother Gou attempted to use spiritual energy to shield himself, but his ever-considerate junior brothers and sisters wouldn’t allow it—they disrupted his hastily conjured barrier, forcing him to face the full force of the silver storm.

When Long Ye emerged, Senior Brother Gou had his back turned to the group, precisely tossing the dusty furball at him.

And he kindly reminded, “You might as well get rid of this spirit beast.”

Laughter erupted from the onlookers.

Long Ye caught Brother Qian firmly, inhaling the scent of Star Silver Ore. He asked in confusion, “What do you mean by that, Senior?”

Just as he asked, a handful of silver powder appeared in Shi Qian’s paw, and then—Senior Brother Gou turned around, revealing a completely silvered face.

Senior Brother Gou sighed, “I only wanted to watch him bathe, and yet he flung bath powder all over me.”

Shi Qian: “Squeak Squeak.”

Then next time, will you let me watch you bathe?

Long Ye couldn’t bring himself to say such a rogue remark, so he rephrased tactfully, “Bathing is a private matter—even spirit beasts know shame. Senior, you’re easygoing and stood too close, so of course Brother Qian chose you.”

“Forget it, forget it.” Senior Brother Gou waved a hand dismissively. “I’m going to wash my face. See you all outside later.”

With that, he turned and left.

The other disciples cursed internally: We got tricked again! That shameless Senior Brother!

They hadn’t gathered today just for a meeting—they had business with Wang Xingzhi.

Later, when the other disciples and sect elders arrived, they planned to go cause trouble for the demonic cultivators. However, someone had to stay behind at the auction site, and this bunch of troublemakers wanted to dump that responsibility on their junior brother so they could go have fun.

It was all Senior Brother Gou’s idea, but he had escaped first, leaving them to do the talking. How utterly shameless.

Since none of them could match his shamelessness, they figured they might as well take advantage of Wang Xingzhi’s absence and explained the situation to Long Ye instead before quickly vanishing.

After they left, Long Ye pulled out a comb, brushing the excess powder from Brother Qian’s fur. He casually remarked, “So, the Sword Sect’s people must be arriving soon.”

That day, after encountering the giant fish, Mo Sanchi was unable to keep You Fang under his illusory attack. Instead, he reported the situation to both the City Lord of Ten Thousand Beasts City and his own sect.

Recently, Ten Thousand Beasts City had been hosting a grand auction, mobilizing the entire city’s resources, which resulted in a shortage of manpower. They agreed to keep watch first and wait for reinforcements from the Sword Sect and other sects to arrive and sweep everything up in one go.

It seemed that the day when all forces would gather happened to coincide with the auction’s opening day.

Shi Qian nodded and rolled over, exposing his fluffy, snow-white belly. “Squeak Squeak.”

Yes, they all wanted to join in on the excitement and let Brother Wang watch the auction.

However, even if only Wang Xingzhi accompanied them, Shi Qian wasn’t worried about that second-generation cultivator causing trouble.

This was because Xu Rui had already purchased the spiritual medicine in advance and had been busy nursing Xu Miao’s health while frequently running between alchemists and herbalists. Moreover, the past two days of the auction had been exclusive to female cultivators, and she hadn’t even attended.

Speaking of that female cultivators’ special auction, Shi Qian thought it was quite the clever event.

They had actually targeted female cultivators’ wallets—excellent business insight. Rumor had it that all the auctioneers were male, which, according to Xu Rui’s insider information, made for quite a spectacle.

When Wang Xingzhi finally emerged, Long Ye relayed the expectations of his senior brother and sister.

Wang Xingzhi smiled apologetically. “I’m not going to the auction either. Just say I came out late and didn’t hear them!”

With that, Wang Xingzhi summoned his flying sword and sped toward his destination. After all, wherever he chose to keep watch, it wouldn’t be hard to find out.

Shi Qian was impressed. “Squeak Squeak.”

Had he planned ahead?

Long Ye nodded.

He knew Wang Xingzhi wasn’t stingy or poor, but life had taught him plenty of little tricks.

After shaking Shi Qian a few more times to make sure all the powder had fallen off, Long Ye said, “Let’s go to the auction and see if we can find any hidden treasures.”

“Squeak!”

Let’s go!

Shi Qian leaped onto his head.

A new day, another effort toward fulfilling his destiny as a treasure-hunting rat.

Just as they were about to leave, they spotted the last remaining person in the courtyard—Mo Sanchi.

Mo Sanchi’s gaze lingered on Long Ye’s face.

He looked even more alike now.

The suspicion that it was intentional grew.

Mo Sanchi stared for a few moments longer, unable to hold back. She raised her hand, sending a sharp burst of sword energy sweeping toward Long Ye.

Long Ye’s hairs stood on end, freezing him in place as a cascade of black powder slid off his face, revealing his original complexion.

Shi Qian, caught within the range of the attack, was also affected. The fine particles of Star Silver Ore dust embedded in his fur scattered, landing on Long Ye’s head.

A cool sensation spread across Long Ye’s face, neck, and head.

Mo Sanchi’s voice was cold. “In the future, stop playing these little tricks.”

Anger flared in Long Ye’s heart, but knowing the gap in strength, he forcibly suppressed it with reason, holding back his breath and saying nothing.

Still, some of his emotions inevitably showed on his face.

Shi Qian could already predict it—Long Ye had undoubtedly etched this grudge into his heart, planning his revenge for later.

Even Mo Sanchi found his expression familiar.

In past encounters, every time this guy showed such a look, it meant he was either enduring before striking or memorizing a target for future retaliation. A true bringer of doom.

“You still dare to think about attacking me? Do you have a death wish?”

Mo Sanchi stepped forward without hesitation, stopping right in front of Long Ye. She raised her head, her gaze locking onto the fluffy ball perched on his head, and finally voiced the thought that had consumed her for days.

“If you don’t want to live anymore, then dissolve your contract and give me your spirit beast.”

Long Ye laughed in exasperation and pressed a hand down on Shi Qian. “Can’t you people find your own spirit beasts? Why do you all love snatching other people’s? Is this how the dignified Sword Sect conducts itself?”

Shi Qian: ?

Wait, why are you holding me down?

Sure, I act like I adore pretty ladies, but it’s all for you! Brother Ye, you don’t have to guard against your own brother like this!

Shi Qian himself wasn’t even sure what to do.

After all, he was the only one who knew everything. He understood both of their actions and emotions.

The more the little ancestor doubted the memories she recalled, the more she believed Long Ye was up to no good—that he was deliberately approaching her with ill intent.

Because logically speaking, if someone had “fabricated” those memories, and Long Ye happened to fit so many aspects of Long Aotian, then he was the most likely suspect.

However, Mo Sanchi wasn’t attacking Long Ye outright because she couldn’t kill someone based on mere suspicion—that would go against her cultivation path, her “Dao.”

Besides, those memories were real. She truly had been “betrayed” by Long Aotian.

For a woman who had lost her child in the pursuit of protecting all beings, Shi Qian couldn’t help but feel some admiration for her.

As Mo Sanchi treated him with increasing kindness and care, Shi Qian couldn’t help but wonder—had she remembered losing her child?

After all, wasn’t he precisely a young cub?

But fate was cruelly ironic—this current Long Ye truly knew nothing.

Faced with Mo Sanchi’s relentless hostility, it was only natural that Long Ye felt frustrated. He was completely innocent.

I understand both of you, but there’s only one of me!

Shi Qian fidgeted, trying to mediate. “Squeak Squeak.”

Alright, alright, stop arguing. The auction is starting.

Long Ye swatted Shi Qian’s butt, while Mo Sanchi’s sword came to rest against Long Ye’s neck.

Perhaps the painful memories had been too vivid—Mo Sanchi couldn’t stop herself from repeatedly stepping in to protect the spirit beast cub. Her heart had softened beyond repair.

She had given serious thought to taking the cub, and she truly wanted him. That made her gaze exceptionally sharp.

The tension teetered on the edge of snapping.

Feeling utterly drained, Shi Qian instinctively grabbed a handful of Long Ye’s hair. “Squeak Squeak.”

We can’t win. Brother Ye, calm down.

Once he saw that Long Ye had settled down, Shi Qian coaxed again, “Squeak squeak.”

If we don’t go now, we’ll miss the start of the auction. Take me there, hurry!

Watching the fluffy little cub tugging at Long Ye’s hair and speaking only to him, acting so close and attached, Mo Sanchi silently withdrew her sword.

The cub wasn’t willing to go with her.

Unwilling to accept it, Mo Sanchi muttered, “What’s so good about this man?”

Then, glancing at the sun, she turned and left. The lingering pressure of her presence stirred up a fierce gust of wind.

Shi Qian patted Long Ye’s head. “Squeak Squeak.”

Don’t listen to her, Brother Ye. You’re the best—you even groom my fur for me.

Long Ye had already made up his mind; he wasn’t going to tolerate this nonsense any longer. “Today, since the Sword Sect and Ten Thousand Beasts City are busy causing trouble over there, we’ll take this chance to leave.”

With others drawing You Fang’s attention away, now was the perfect opportunity to make their escape.

Shi Qian nodded in agreement. “Squeak Squeak.”

Alright, let’s leave today!

Shi Qian felt that separating for now would be a good thing. The little ancestor needed to realize that Long Ye and Long Aotian were two completely different people. Only by treating Long Ye like a normal person could the tension between them ease.

If it weren’t for the fact that they had to cooperate in the end, Shi Qian wouldn’t have even bothered meddling in this mess.

After all, he had never studied anything about romance, and even his attempts at smoothing things over were clumsy at best.

But since this was the final arc, dragging things out a little longer shouldn’t be a problem. The future was still long.

Shi Qian stomped his little paws twice, shaking off distant worries and instead puffing up his chest to focus on the excitement nearby.

Long Ye, satisfied with Shi Qian’s agreement, decided to buy more supplies for him.

Besides food, spirit beasts also needed a lot of resources as they advanced in cultivation. From fur and flesh to muscles and bones, everything required nourishment, making it a significant expense. And right now, Shi Qian was at a crucial stage for building his foundation.

Long Ye had been thinking about this for days and had even prepared a shopping list.

However, just as he was pondering, he suddenly felt a cool sensation on his head. Frowning, he reached up and touched his hair.

As they drew closer to the auction house, they also moved slightly toward the Secret Realm Exhibition Hall.

Shi Qian, still some distance away, caught a whiff of the ominous scent coming from the exhibition hall. A chill ran down his spine, and he shuddered instinctively.

“Brother Qian, are you feeling cold too?” Long Ye picked him up and tucked him into the pocket on his chest. “Looks like the weather’s really cooling down.”

Shi Qian: “Squeak Squeak.”

No, the weather’s fine—it’s the Secret Realm Exhibition Hall that’s dangerous!

Hearing that, Long Ye touched his head again. “Then it must be because you’re shedding powder.”

“Squeak Squeak.”

You’re shedding powder too!

Shi Qian retorted while cautiously sniffing the air around the auction house. Once he confirmed there were no immediate danger signals, he finally relaxed and entered.

Before long, the auction officially began.

Shi Qian saw many burly men and handsome cultivators, their aesthetics perfectly matching the auctioned items. Among them, one particular young man caught his attention—a wild-looking guy with a bare upper body, a golden snake coiled around his arm, and an untamed gaze.

He was the best of the lot.

Long Ye soon realized that the little beast cub on his head had tastes surprisingly similar to many of the female cultivators present.

Whenever laughter rippled through the crowd, the ball of fluff on his head would start trembling with laughter as well.

Feeling a bit troubled, Long Ye wondered if he should start including good-looking men in his cautionary bedtime stories meant to instill a sense of vigilance in Shi Qian.

However, no one in the auction house had time for such mundane concerns for long.

Under the vast sky, the Secret Realm Exhibition Hall suddenly collapsed entirely, forming a massive, terrifying crater.

The spatial barrier supporting the secret realm shattered in an instant, causing the entire realm to disintegrate. Violent spatial turbulence surged downward, swallowing everything in its path.

At the very bottom lay the unknown beyond this universe—but for those caught in the chaos, survival was uncertain.

Around the collapsed exhibition hall, countless people were sucked into the spatial rift. Their bodies and souls were shredded instantly, leaving not a single survivor.

At the edge of the abyss, You Fang stepped out of a hidden cavern.

Today, he wore pristine white robes that fluttered in the fierce wind. In his hand, he clutched a black, clam-shaped treasure with an iron grip.

Smiling, he turned to his companion and said, “Let’s go to the auction house. There are plenty of good things there today.”

A few moments later, You Fang arrived above the auction house. He casually tossed the black clam downward, and as it expanded, it swallowed the entire auction house within it.

Shi Qian had just caught a whiff of an overwhelming warning scent nearby. Alarmed, he urgently alerted Long Ye.

“Squeak!”

Danger!

But in the very next instant, they were already trapped inside one of the rarest spatial artifacts in existence.

First came an unnatural trembling.

Then came the sound of structures collapsing, followed by panicked cries from the crowd. People shouted, demanding to know what was happening.

The auction house’s manager rushed to the front hall and peered outside—only to be met with utter darkness.

When he cast a light outward, it was immediately swallowed by the void. He barely had time to glimpse the writhing, grotesque mass of black, living flesh before he slammed the door shut.

Only the glow of spirit stone lamps remained, barely holding back the suffocating darkness.

Several powerful cultivators began investigating the situation, leaving no room for Long Ye to step in. He and Shi Qian were ushered into their seats.

Shi Qian, perched high, noticed a well-dressed male cultivator not far ahead. The man was crushing high-grade communication talismans one after another, his voice growing increasingly desperate.

“Father! Can you hear me?”

Ah, so they had a second-generation rich cultivator here.

At this moment, Shi Qian didn’t mind having more of these kinds of people around—because he was getting absolutely overwhelmed by the scent.

What kind of godforsaken place was this? Everything in here screamed of death! The overwhelming fragrance was suffocating!

Feeling lightheaded, Shi Qian slumped down and took a deep breath against Long Ye.

Mmm… star-silver stone scent.

Oh, that helped a little. His head wasn’t spinning as much now.

Might as well take another sniff.

Long Ye frowned. “Brother Qian, what are you doing?”

_{Okay, I was wrong about little ancestor. She’s pitiful and I hope she will have fulfilling life this time. And Brother Qian, why are you so cute? Doesn’t he look cute?}

_{What do you think this demon is planning now?}