Catching Ducks

Jiang Ning piloted his boat along the lake, sweeping the entire lake with his Spiritual Sense, including the surrounding shallows, yet he failed to find the wild duck with the red cord tied around its leg.

To keep the wild duck from flying away from the mountain lake and being caught and slaughtered, he had deliberately set up a Formation around Qingyu Lake.

It can only be on the mountain, Jiang Ning thought.

He guided the Spirit Boat toward the forests of Tiger Perch Mountain, continuously scanning with his Spiritual Sense along the way. At last, halfway up the mountain, he found the wild duck's trail.

Jiang Ning stopped the Spirit Boat beside a babbling stream, and his concealed figure appeared.

Though it was a bleak winter day, Tiger Perch Mountain showed none of winter's desolation. Instead, it felt like spring all year round.

Jiang Ning climbed the winding blue-stone steps. Fruit trees laden with green leaves and red fruit filled the orchards on both sides, while flowers bloomed freely wherever he passed. Birds, insects, and butterflies grew more numerous as well.

Amid such mountain woods, Jiang Ning's breathing and meditation became a little smoother.

Jiang Ning had had Shao Shuangshuang transport all the stone used for these blue-stone steps. He had carved and shaped it with his flying sword before embedding it into the mountain, which had taken quite a bit of effort.

Several months had now passed, and moss had grown over the steps. He continued upward until he reached Ting Yuan.

Jiang Ning crossed Ting Yuan and casually picked a few tea leaves and some spring water. Holding the teacup in his hand, he raised Spirit Fire in his palm. The tea instantly boiled, and its fragrance spread through the air.

He walked behind the courtyard and