Dashing Student Chapter 1438 - 1437: Three Mountains Forbidden Land (2)

"Hmph, weren’t you about to leave? You might as well go now," Yun Ying said, her cheeks puffed out in a pout.

Chen Nan let out a helpless chuckle. "What are you talking about, Female Knight? You should give me a chance to repay your kindness."

"Hehe, with your lack of skills, what could I possibly need from you in return?" Yun Ying lifted her head proudly. Blessed with an excellent sect and the affection of her master and fellow disciples, she possessed few worries.

It was clear she felt no need for Chen Nan’s repayment.

"That can’t be right," Chen Nan knew that dealing with such an innocent girl required a gentle approach. He smiled and continued, "Even a hero needs friends, and I am willing to be one."

"By the way, Yun Ying, what is that place over there? Those three mountains appear so ethereal; could it be some sort of treasure land?"

He swiftly changed the subject, concerned that Yun Ying might dwell on the matter.

Fortunately, Yun Ying was rather pure-hearted and showed no signs of displeasure. She glanced in the direction Chen Nan indicated and explained, "Of course, those are the ’Three Mountains Forbidden Land’ of Moon River Valley, where our ancestors from past dynasties are said to have passed into immortality."

"So amazing? Does that mean I can’t even take a peek at the Immortal Mountains?" Chen Nan feigned disappointment.

Yun Ying shook her head. "Certainly not; even the sect leader cannot freely enter the forbidden land."

Chen Nan mused to himself, this presents a challenge. He glanced at the three great mountains, his eyes narrowing slightly.

The three mountains loomed directly before him. If his map was accurate, he would find the location of ’Taiyin’ within. However, Yun Ying’s words indicated that entry would not be a simple matter.

The fact that even the sect leader could not enter casually implied the existence of formidable restrictions surrounding the three mountains.

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Nan offered a subtle smile. If he remained within Moon River Valley, he could slowly seek an opportunity.

"Yun Ying, will Moon River Valley truly accept a Loose Cultivator like me?"

The Nascent Soul cultivator’s eyes suddenly brightened at this, instantly dispelling her previous unhappiness. She eagerly assured him, "Don’t worry, with me here, that’s absolutely no problem!"

"I’ll be counting on you then."

"It’s not troublesome at all; you’ll be our youngest junior brother," Yun Ying exclaimed with delight. "Finally, I’m not the youngest anymore!"

While Yun Ying was caught up in her excitement, Chen Nan seized the opportunity to learn a great deal, gradually grasping the situation within the Inner Sea.

A majority of the cultivators in the Inner Sea were actually oblivious to the existence of the Outer Sea. They believed their current surroundings represented the entirety of the world, with the Inner and Outer Seas similarly situated within the vastness of the Desperate Sea.

However, the Inner Sea had segmented the explored regions into various ’domains’. Each domain encompassed immense seas and an innumerable count of islands, much like how the Nine Provinces were demarcated by ’provinces’.

Chen Nan’s Moon River Valley was situated within the Star River Domain, precisely at its center.

It was presumed that this location was quite distant from the Inner Sea’s barrier, otherwise, Yun Ying would not have been unaware of its existence – the very barrier that separated the Inner and Outer Seas!

Chen Nan speculated that his arrival here was a consequence of a space rift, triggered by the disruption of the barrier, which had flung him far away.

After gaining a general understanding of the Inner Sea’s circumstances, Chen Nan realized it bore little resemblance to the treasure-filled Immortal Realm described by the Divine Calculator, being quite unlike the Outer Sea as well.

"Ah, since I am here, I might as well settle down," Chen Nan sighed inwardly. Having been unable to remain in the East Sea Area of the Outer Sea, whether with the Righteous Alliance or the Demon Sect, his only recourse was to venture elsewhere.

"Alright, today you shall accompany me to meet my master!"

Yun Ying grasped Chen Nan’s arm, preparing to depart.

Chen Nan gestured to himself, conspicuously covered in bandages, some of which were now stained red. He sighed, "You wish for me to meet your master looking like this? Shouldn’t I at least change my clothes?"

"True, hold on a moment." Yun Ying scrutinized Chen Nan from head to toe, then began searching her storage bag.

When she didn’t immediately find suitable attire for Chen Nan, her mind instinctively inferred that all his belongings, including his storage bag, must have been pilfered.

Little did she realize that Chen Nan had strategically placed his storage bag within the Immortal Palace Space, rendering it completely undiscoverable by anyone.

After a thorough search, Yun Ying sheepishly stuck out her tongue at Chen Nan. "I apologize, I don’t have any men’s clothes. But wait a moment; I will retrieve some for you shortly."

With that said, she gracefully ascended onto the back of a distant giant tiger. The tiger sprang into action, accelerating rapidly as it sped away.

Once she had departed, Chen Nan hastily retrieved his treasure map. He compared it to the distant ’Three Mountains’, finding their contours to be identical, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Directly snatching it is unlikely to succeed; Moon River Valley possesses Nascent Soul Realm powerhouses, so it's better to proceed cautiously and hope Taiyin is still there."

The treasure map had been gathering dust in the warehouse of Ten Thousand Treasures Island for many years. Even if Taiyin were present, the map might have already been claimed, and verifying this would require considerable time.

Not long after, Yun Ying made her return, presenting Chen Nan with a new set of gray robes. These garments, fashioned from simple cloth, featured vine patterns embroidered at the cuffs.

"These are the standard attire for outer disciples of Moon River Valley; I'm providing them to you in advance of your joining."

Chen Nan offered a nod and retreated to the cave to change. He emerged shortly after, appearing much cleaner though still bearing some weakness.

"I didn't expect you to look rather striking," Yun Ying remarked with a hint of surprise, then gestured behind her, "Quickly, climb aboard."

The colossal tiger cast a seemingly disdainful glance at Chen Nan, but he paid it no mind, gracefully mounting the beast's back, positioning himself behind Yun Ying.

The giant tiger's back was remarkably spacious, accommodating both of them comfortably without feeling crowded.

As mist swirled beneath the tiger's paws, it took a mighty leap, soaring into the heavens and swiftly departing into the distance.

From their vantage point in the air, Chen Nan obtained a clear view. They were situated above an island, vast and dotted with towns and villages. The distant 'Three Mountains' were discernible within a sprawling mountain range.

These imposing mountains occupied approximately one-tenth of the island's expanse, all falling under the dominion of Moon River Valley.

Chen Nan's place of recovery was located in the wilderness, just outside a village inhabited by mortals.

The giant tiger maintained a low altitude, covering significant ground with each stride. Although close enough for those on the ground to observe, the inhabitants remained unperturbed.

Perhaps Yun Ying frequently journeyed on the Flying Tiger, as no one displayed any astonishment.

"How are your injuries?" Yun Ying inquired, finding the moment uneventful as the tiger glided through the clouds.

"I am recovering," Chen Nan replied with a smile. Despite severe internal injuries, his external wounds had nearly healed, a testament to his potent recuperative abilities.

"Are you truly alright?" Yun Ying pressed, some skepticism in her voice. "When I discovered you, you were on the verge of death."

Chen Nan let out a helpless chuckle. "Rest assured, esteemed Knightess, I possess some knowledge of medical arts and am thus aware of my own condition."

"Are you a Medical Cultivator?" she asked, the mention surprising her. "Then, can you perform Alchemy?"

Given the intrinsic link between medicine and alchemy, Chen Nan affirmed with a nod, "Indeed, my alchemy skills are quite proficient."

Yun Ying's delight was evident. "That is excellent news! As a Medical Cultivator and an Alchemist, combined with my own standing, securing entry into Moon River Valley should be straightforward."

His curiosity piqued by the term 'Medical Cultivator', Chen Nan learned through his questions that the Inner Sea employed a more intricate system for categorizing cultivators.

Those who wielded magic were designated Magic Cultivators, practitioners of the Flying Sword were known as Sword Cultivators, experts in talismans were Talisman Cultivators, and those proficient in medical techniques were identified as Medical Cultivators...

Solely the titles of Alchemist and Array Master stood apart from this pattern.

This detailed occupational classification encouraged cultivators to specialize in a specific path and hone their expertise, though some did pursue multiple disciplines, albeit rarely.

Such profession-based distinctions facilitated cultivator development, offering clear directions for advancement, unlike the Outer Sea and Nine Provinces where everyone was broadly termed 'cultivators,' employing a mix of various methods.

In this regard, the cultivation system of the Outer Sea appeared more rudimentary, while the Inner Sea presented a more 'refined' approach.