Chapter 77: Butchertown

In the northwestern region of the Shiyu Realm lay a renowned Butcher City. Every morning, a crowd of sturdy men would flock to the Butcher Street in the eastern part of the city, bringing with them the spoils of their hunts from the night before to trade.

Due to the harsh natural environment of this realm, both human cultivators and demon beasts possessed robust physiques. The spiritual grains that could fill one’s belly were scarce, and body cultivators, who consumed energy at an extraordinary rate, generally relied on meat as their primary sustenance. And where did this meat come from? It all depended on those cultivators at the bottom of society, who hunted and sold their catch.

The demon beasts of Shiyu Realm were notoriously difficult to deal with. They did not feed on spiritual herbs or fruits, but instead absorbed the essence of sun and moon, drawing all they needed from gold and earth. This endowed them with formidable combat abilities and defenses. The nobles, high and mighty, naturally disdained to battle demon beasts themselves, and thus, a range of professions centered on “meat” emerged in this realm.

Hunters, butchers, and chefs—each profession was an art in its own right.

To expend the least energy and capture the greatest number of beasts, hunters mastered all manner of ambushes and traps, making the most of natural conditions and leveraging strength against strength. Not only body cultivators, but many Dao cultivators living in Shiyu Realm also turned to this trade, earning spirit stones to support their cultivation.

Every demon beast had its own unique physical traits. To disassemble them quickly, extract the most tender and spirit-rich cut intact, and divide a massive carcass according to quality—all these were challenges in themselves. Not only did it test the butcher’s knowledge of demon beasts, but with years of diligent labor, their actions became ever more refined, leaving not a speck of waste.

Cooking meat without the aid of herbs or vegetables was another trial. Mastery over fire and water was an excellent form of training.

Lin Tai had just hunted three demon beasts the night before and tucked them into his spatial pouch, returning home with a light step. Skirting two mountains, he arrived at a roughly built stone house in a small alley on the city’s west side—his own home. Unlike usual, thin smoke was now curling from the chimney, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of food. He felt, deep in his heart, that the happiness he had long pursued was finally within reach.

He strode into the courtyard. A beautiful young woman was washing her hands and preparing soup. At the sound of his footsteps, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled radiantly at him. For a moment, he felt intoxicated by her smile, and his mind drifted back to that day…

When he had been escorted to that small mine, he was gravely wounded, barely clinging to life. During his recovery, regret weighed most heavily on his heart—regret for ever provoking her, regret for not being more cautious. The thought of the harm he had brought her was unbearable; realizing they had no future together, his heart twisted with pain, and he was even tempted by thoughts of death.

Fortunately, Hansu came to his rescue.

She used a puppet to replace him, quietly spiriting him away without alerting a soul. Asked if he had a place to hide, he thought of this spot.

Years ago, during a mission to Shiyu Realm, he had by chance befriended Zhu Lin, a forthright and honest man with whom he quickly formed a deep bond. Though they had not met for decades after that, they had kept in touch ever since. Moreover, with so few Dao cultivators in the Shiyu Realm, it might prove a good place to hide.

Sure enough, their long-standing friendship did not disappoint. Lin Tai confided everything, and Zhu Lin merely laughed heartily, patting him on the shoulder. “Just stay here. The conditions are rough, not as grand as your Luoxing Realm, but I can at least keep you safe.”

From then on, Lin Tai built a stone house beside Zhu Lin’s abode and settled down, learning the art of hunting from his friend.

Life was simple, but Lin Tai harbored a goal. He wanted to survive; he wanted to reach the Nascent Soul stage, ascend to Spirit Severing, and one day, stand openly at her side. He could not help but worry about Su Yunmo, but at least Lord Tu Zhan only intended to keep them apart, not harm his daughter in madness.

He still had time. He must work harder; only with strong cultivation would hope remain.

Thus, ten years passed day by day. Through countless life-and-death struggles, his cultivation advanced swiftly, yet his heart remained tethered to Su Yunmo, and he found no joy in his monotonous routine of hunting, trading, and training—until one day, as he was clumsily cooking in the yard, a young woman knocked on the wrong door.

“Excuse me, does Zhu Lin live here?”

The voice was familiar, though the tone was not. He turned abruptly, and there stood a disheveled young woman at the door. Her clothes were tattered, her face drawn, and she wore his robe. It was her—yet not quite her. Though bedraggled, she stood tall and proud; her beauty was undiminished, with a newfound resilience.

“Smack!” The young woman paused, then grabbed a rock and hurled it at his face.

“Bastard!” Her voice was a mix of anger and sorrow, loud enough that old Zhu next door poked his head over, his small eyes darting about with a lewd grin.

The young woman burst into tears and fled.

But all Lin Tai wanted to do was laugh.

He could no longer restrain himself; he dashed out after her. So, this day had finally come.

And it had arrived so much sooner than he’d dreamed…

Even their later quarrels—her anger, her tears, her unreasonable accusations—felt as sweet as honey, especially when she clung to him and wept.

He never asked how she knew Zhu Lin.

Nor did she explain how she came to find him.

Their hearts were filled with gratitude for Hansu and hope for the future.

She had changed. No longer was she spoiled or capricious, nor hesitant or indecisive. Now she was strong and decisive, content to share a simple life by his side, wishing only for quiet years together.

Su Yunmo watched her beloved return with his catch for the day and smiled, “The meat broth’s ready—it’ll be served soon.” Lin Tai grinned foolishly, obediently washed his hands, helped her serve the food, and together they played the part of an ordinary couple.

It was the warm, domestic scene she had yearned for all these years, yet her eyes brimmed with tears. All along…it had always been him.

Back then, without him, the proud Miss Su Yunmo would never have spared him a glance. Her gaze was fixed on Lord Yuheng, from Lingyin Peak to Linyun Peak, from a budding maiden to a mature and graceful Golden Core cultivator. She had never realized that someone was always watching her from the shadows, loving her.

How much had he suffered in his past life, watching the one he loved chase after another? What had he done for her, unnoticed? Only one person could answer that—Zhu Lin.

In her past life, after her parents fell, she went from a favored genius to a destitute cultivator. Though her junior brother occasionally forged tools to help her, it was never enough for a Golden Core cultivator’s needs. She worked hard to master artifact refining, but under the relentless pursuit of Lu Tanxian, she could not continue. Her junior brother said she could go to Shiyu Realm and seek out someone named Zhu Lin who would help her settle down.

After many twists and turns, she arrived in Shiyu Realm, found Zhu Lin in Butcher City, and lived in this very house. Yet the place was so different from Yaohua, and she did not stay long, her heart stifled by resentment, bent on revenge.

As soon as she returned, she was captured by the evil cultivators lured by Lu Tanxian, made into a furnace for their cultivation, and lost all her powers.

If only she had not left back then…

Would she have one day seen him step out from behind, standing before her?

Lin Tai, having set the table, sat grinning at the stone table, about to call Su Yunmo over when he suddenly realized she was looking at him with tear-filled eyes. His heart clenched; he quickly got up, took two steps to her side, and gently held her hand. “A Yun, what’s wrong? Tell me, please!”

Seeing his anxious face, Su Yunmo broke into a teary smile. “It’s nothing, just thinking of happy things. Come, let’s eat.” She moved gracefully to the table, lifted her head, and offered him a sweet smile. Lin Tai scratched his head in confusion but smiled as well. “Crying over happy things? What a girl you are.”

A rough voice came from behind the wall, “Heh, still calling yourself a girl at your age?”

The two glared simultaneously. “A Yun, I think we really should set up a formation.” “Brother Lin Tai, I have some money left—go buy a formation disk later.”

“Hey, hey, don’t be like that! I was wrong, alright?” Zhu Lin said, tossing over a jade talisman. “Oh, Lin Tai, you got a letter here.”

“Dear Senior Brother Lin Tai, I am currently traveling in Shiyu Realm and have brought you some things. Also, I received word from the sect that Senior Sister Su has gone missing and must discuss it with you. When would be a convenient time to visit?” As soon as the jade talisman touched his hand, Hansu’s sweet, clear voice rang out.

“Hansu is here?!” The two spoke in unison, overjoyed.

Though they lived in Shiyu Realm as if in a paradise apart from the world, they still cared deeply about affairs in Yaohua. How could they not long for news? Occasionally, some cultivators from Luoxing Realm would pass through, but the two dared not reveal their identities.

What effect had their disappearance had on Lingyin Peak? Would Lin Tai’s family be in danger? How heartbroken and disappointed was Lord Tu Zhan? Would he send people searching for them? These questions plagued them both. Without waiting to eat, Lin Tai hurried to send Hansu a reply.

Afterward, they simply sat in silence, knowing that whatever news Hansu brought, life would never again be as tranquil as before; perhaps they would be forced back onto the road of escape. Lin Tai, looking at Su Yunmo, felt a deep sense of guilt. He gripped her hand tightly, but said nothing.

The warmth of his rough hand brought far more comfort than she had imagined. Su Yunmo quickly gathered herself, smiled faintly, and said, “The soup is getting cold. Let’s eat.”

“Sister Yunmo! You really are here!” Just as Lin Tai was about to lean in for a kiss on her cheek, he sighed, hand on his forehead, lamenting Hansu’s speed. Su Yunmo blushed and mumbled, “We really do need to buy a formation disk.” She rose, walked briskly to the door, and, together with Lin Tai, bowed deeply to Hansu. “No words can express our gratitude. Seeing him safe is my greatest happiness. Hansu, thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”

Hansu, embarrassed, fiddled with her braid. “This is what I should do... But, how did you get here? Tell me!”

Su Yunmo and Lin Tai exchanged a smile, led her inside, and all three sat at the stone table. Su Yunmo ladled out a bowl of meat soup for Hansu. “Eat first. Shiyu Realm isn’t like other places—just eating fasting pills won’t do. You have to eat plenty of meat. As for the rest, we’ll talk in time.”

Watching their easy intimacy and warmth, Hansu felt that there could be no greater happiness in the world. Background, status, wealth, cultivation—none of it mattered, as long as there was love between them. No matter what environment, they could face it together, sweet as honey. She could not help but feel a tinge of envy. Would she ever have such a day?

Author’s Note: Perhaps my updates are too slow, or my story not captivating enough. Sometimes I feel a little discouraged. I’m deeply grateful to all the readers who still leave me comments—your encouragement is my greatest motivation. Special thanks to Rain After Courtyard Girl for your tip, which has greatly inspired me. No matter what, with your support, I’ll persist!