https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-147-Don-t-Call-Me-for-the-Silver-Party-/12543983/
Chapter 146: Those Cranes We Pursued in Our Youth
Chapter 146: Those Cranes We Pursued in Our Youth
"I wonder if these spiritual cranes will be affected?" Lu Chen asked with concern from the side.
"There will definitely be an impact. Looking at their condition, there may even be more extreme cases like this," Xu Yi replied gravely, his eyes fixed on the remaining two hundred or so spiritual cranes.
Lu Chen followed his gaze. The cranes were confined within the fenced-off area, but their demeanor belied the apparent calm. Many of their eyes were bloodshot, and upon closer inspection, a hint of feral aggression could be discerned.
"It seems that these spiritual cranes are on the brink of rebellion due to Zhou Zhengqing's forceful breeding methods," Lu Chen mused. "It's only because they've been tamed that they haven't developed the consciousness to fight back and resist. Plus, with their essence blood sealed within the spirit beast plaque, their lives hang by a thread, at the mercy of the plaque's controlling cultivator."
"So, that crane just now would rather mutilate itself than dare to strike at Zhou Zhengqing. After all, self-mutilation only damages the body, but attacking a cultivator is an entirely different matter. It's almost impossible to escape with one's life in such a situation," Lu Chen added silently to himself as he observed the restless flock.
Not far away, Zhou Zhengqing, who had been brimming with pride just a while ago, now wore a look of panic, standing helplessly by.
Before long, cultivators skilled in healing arts arrived at the camp.
A beam of sacred white light descended onto the injured crane's abdomen, causing the gushing wound to slowly close. The crane let out a soft, mournful cry, its head still held high.
"Zhou Zhengqing, today's incident of the crane's self-mutilation is a clear sign that your breeding methods are inappropriate and too extreme," Xu Yi said sternly to his junior disciple brother. "From now on, I hope you will adopt a more gentle approach when dealing with these spiritual cranes. If something like this happens again, it will be difficult for both of us to resolve the situation."
Zhou Zhengqing's face darkened as he replied, "Yes, Xu Yi, I understand." He was still shaken by what had transpired and readily accepted Xu Yi's warning and reminder without objection, secretly resolving to change his ways immediately.
Xu Yi walked over to Lu Chen and, with a slightly eased expression, asked in a low voice, "Lu Chen, how are the hundred spiritual cranes under your care doing?"
"I've been adjusting their mental and physical state these past few days, and the results have been quite good so far," Lu Chen replied.
"That's good to hear. I look forward to seeing your achievements, Lu Chen," Xu Yi said, his tension easing somewhat.
Upon returning to his camp, Lu Chen was greeted by the flock of spiritual cranes, who slowly flew towards him, cooing softly. Their tone held a hint of familiarity.
Over the past few days, Lu Chen had allowed them to experience a long-forgotten sense of ease and freedom. They no longer had to laboriously carry cultivators daily, nor did they have to worry about going hungry. Instead, they enjoyed leisurely playtime, splashed in the water, and soared in the skies—a comfortable and pleasant change of pace.
Lu Chen smiled softly at the several little crane heads that gathered around him, reaching out to ruffle their snowy white feathers.
The cranes dodged his hand, tilting their heads and letting out displeased cries.
"Oh, so you're concerned about me messing up your hairstyle now? Has springtime come for you?" Lu Chen teased.
Lu Chen walked through the camp, greeting each of the cranes. Some were affectionate, others indifferent, and a few even playfully teased him in return.
"Dinner time, dinner time!"
After letting the cranes play to their heart's content, Lu Chen stood in the center of the camp and shouted.
As soon as he finished speaking, over a hundred cranes flew towards him.
On the ground were many delicacies prepared by Lu Chen: spirit clam and snail meat, as well as spirit fish and shrimp specially caught from the waters to improve the cranes' meals.
Everything he had done over the past few days had one purpose: to relax these cranes.
He wanted them to forget their duty of carrying cultivators, to stop worrying about working from sunrise to moonrise, and to return to their natural state, living in the most instinctual way.
An important part of this was their diet. In the past, the cranes mostly foraged for spirit plant roots and stems, and tender leaves in the water marshes. They often went to bed hungry after a hard day's work and rarely got to enjoy delicious meals.
Over the past few days, Lu Chen had been adjusting their diet based on their individual conditions, ensuring a balanced mix of meat and vegetables. He not only met their nutritional needs but also satisfied their appetites.
The results were evident. The hundred cranes' eyes sparkled with newfound vitality, and their feathers shimmered with a subtle aura, more lustrous and vibrant than before.
"After eating, we'll need some exercise to aid digestion!"
Lu Chen pointed to the azure sky, a smile playing on his lips as he said, "Forget all your worries and soar freely!"
"Ready... Go!"
At his command, the hundred cranes flapped their wings vigorously, shooting into the sky like arrows.
They let out crisp, joyful cries as they flew faster and higher, soon becoming mere white dots in the vast sky.
Bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, the cranes created a harmonious and natural scene.
"Those cranes we pursued in our youth..."
Lu Chen murmured softly as he watched the cranes frolic freely, unfettered and carefree.
After a while, the cranes returned to the camp one by one.
"Hey, weren't you lamenting about your youth? Looks like you really did catch up to it!"
The last two cranes landed together, their long necks entwined, their heads close as if exchanging sweet nothings.
Seeing Lu Chen, the pair reluctantly parted, their eyes filled with longing, as if connected by an invisible thread.
"With so many cranes now, they'll probably dive into the water plants tonight," Lu Chen remarked to himself.
He called over the male crane and carefully groomed its feathers.
"Tonight is an important moment in your crane life. I must spruce you up so you'll never forget this spring night."
"Styling your hair into the shape of a grand crane..."
Lu Chen hummed softly as he parted the feathers on the crane's head, creating a middle parting.
"It's like an old friend has arrived," he said with a smile as he looked at the crane's new hairstyle.
The crane shifted its body, escaping Lu Chen's grasp.
(End of Chapter)
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