Chapter Fifty-Four: The Ten-Thousand Great Mountains, Part Eleven

Zhang Daozhou’s reason for halting his attack was even simpler. At first, he truly intended to help Zhang Ning; his subsequent strikes had merely followed the flow of events. When Zhang Ning pressed close and he realized she was only a child, the education he had received all his life made it impossible for him to strike.

"Um, are you... are you alright?" Zhang Ning wanted to touch her nose, but remembered that this was an overused gesture for protagonists in web novels. She considered scratching her head instead, but felt that was Monkey King's trademark move, so she suddenly found herself at a loss for where to place her hands and feet. After all, she rarely saw boys cry, and this youth carried himself with a remarkable, outstanding air.

Flustered, Zhang Ning genuinely couldn't recall the origins of the cultivation technique this youth had used. The descriptions in books could never compare to seeing it firsthand, and the youth clearly hadn't exerted himself fully, making it even harder to discern. Besides, Zhang Ning’s mind was currently crammed with survival guides for the Ten-Thousand Mountains, courtesy of the system’s library function, plus all sorts of flora and fauna traits—she was having trouble sorting it all out.

Still, Zhang Ning remembered the basics of courtesy. Though not entirely in keeping with the customs of the Azure Realm, she nonetheless offered a word of concern.

The youth suddenly smiled, and with that smile, his entire presence became even more naturally amiable. In that instant, Zhang Ning understood why she hadn’t sensed his presence earlier—his temperament blended so seamlessly with nature that others might mistake him for mere plants or trees.

Zhang Daozhou looked at Zhang Ning’s awkwardness and felt a growing fondness. Although Zhang Ning hadn’t displayed any martial arts from which he could discern her roots, it was clear she was someone upon whom countless resources had been lavished.

Such people, of course, were familiar with the ways of the world, yet instead of keeping things simple, she had offered him genuine concern. That sincerity was unmistakably heartfelt—otherwise, it would never have escaped Zhang Daozhou’s notice.

So Zhang Daozhou also smiled sincerely and replied, "I’m fine. Would you like to sit, little brother?"

Zhang Ning was surprised, glanced around, and found that the only open space beside the Moon-Point Deep Pool had indeed been tidied quite neatly.

Had this youth been trapped here for some time? With his cultivation, was he unable to leave?

Thus, Zhang Ning sat down and began to converse with the youth.

Because of peculiar circumstances, whether sunlight or moonlight poured into the Moon-Point Deep Pool, the reflected light was always dim, as if a perpetual moon resided within the pool’s depths. The surface forever rippled, making the moonlight’s beauty incomparable.

Zhang Ning soon learned the youth’s reason for coming. He hadn’t been here long; he had just arrived, but was prepared for a prolonged stay. His uncle had perished in the Moon-Point Deep Pool, and his family instructed him to retrieve his uncle’s corpse by his own power. Unable to do so, he resolved to cultivate here until he reached the Martial Infant stage, then attempt to bring the remains out.

The logic of this explanation was so convoluted that Zhang Ning couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity. Zhang Daozhou made no attempt to conceal the truth: his family had set specific requirements, forbidding him from using magical artifacts or any external aid—even a rope counted as external assistance. In reality, he had been confined and restricted by his family.

The reason for the Martial Infant cultivation requirement was that only at that level did Zhang Daozhou feel confident he could carry his uncle’s remains out.

Zhang Ning could only sigh upon hearing this. How one gets along with one’s elders is truly a lifelong challenge—no one, not even those from another world, can avoid it.

"Wait, does the Moon-Point Deep Pool really restrain Daoist arts that much?" Zhang Ning blurted.

"Not entirely," the youth replied after a brief consideration, surprising Zhang Ning by answering honestly. "The fundamental method of my lineage is called the Day-Moon Contemplation Technique. We revere the sun and moon, so we are naturally at odds with the Moon-Point Deep Pool."

Zhang Ning was astonished by Zhang Daozhou’s candor. "You just say it outright? Isn’t that risky?"

Zhang Daozhou simply smiled and said nothing.

Zhang Ning gazed at Zhang Daozhou’s serene face, which seemed to bring tranquility to all who saw it. After a long silence, she broke into a smile and said, "So, Brother Zhang, it seems we’re family after all!"

Zhang Daozhou was not surprised by Zhang Ning’s whimsical remark. He nodded, "Indeed. I feel a strong affinity with you, little brother."

Zhang Ning replied, "Then all the more reason for me to help you, Brother Zhang!"

Zhang Daozhou paused at these words. "How do you plan to help? My family specifically forbade me from using magical artifacts or external assistance—even a rope counts as external. It’s a tough challenge. Do you have a solution?"

Zhang Ning nodded. "Yes, I have a way! And it relies solely on your own abilities."

This time, Zhang Daozhou was genuinely stunned. From Zhang Ning’s confident smile, he realized she spoke the truth, which only made it more unbelievable.

Zhang Ning warmed up and said, "Brother Zhang, let’s first bring out your uncle’s remains, then aim for a single, successful attempt."

Yes, Zhang Ning had decided to help Zhang Daozhou this time.

He felt a strong affinity with Zhang Daozhou, but there was another reason. For this one hour, Zhang Ning had escaped the pressures of livestreaming and simply sat here, talking calmly with Zhang Daozhou. It had cleansed his spirit, washed away years of accumulated dust, leaving him refreshed and clear-minded. Thus, he resolved to repay Zhang Daozhou in his own way.

Zhang Daozhou looked at Zhang Ning for a moment, his gaze gentle. "Thank you, little brother. I’ll leave it to you!"

He exhibited complete trust, showing not the slightest doubt despite the illogical nature of the situation. He simply said, "My uncle’s bones are still deep within. Please wait a moment, little brother."

"Alright!" Zhang Ning replied.